Kingdom of Balian

As per His Majesty's last court, the petition to open up testing of the Royal Balianese Academy has been heard and accepted by King Alexander I, and with that this decree is made; Participation is essential in any nation to further its goals. Citizens of a nation are expected and encouraged to participate in the political and social ecosystem that their nation encompasses. The Kingdom of Balian has and always will provide a medium for its Balianese citizens to participate in the administrative affairs of the nation. The Royal Duana will begin a temporary testing program to gauge the interests and abilities of the Kingdom’s subjects. This examination will be a medium for the Balianese subjects of numerous backgrounds and stature to prove their aptitude in the administrative system of the Kingdom’s government. Two Saints days of preparation will be given to those who hold interest. The exams will be held over a period of three Saints days. Once that time comes to an end, the individuals will receive their results privately through couriers. One of the staff of the Royal Balianese Academy may be approached to schedule a time for testing and we wish those prospective students the best of luck in that of their studies and future tests within our esteemed Academy. Signed, Her Excellency, Johanne Alstromeria Vuiller, Lady Procurator of the Kingdom of Balian. His Excellency, Gaius Rosius var Ruthern, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Balian His Excellency, Kasimir Sarkozic, Lord Censor of the Kingdom of Balian.

ROYAL LETTERS FOR THE VISCOUNTY OF SAPRON 36. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Royal Throne to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Kingdom of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest in Franz Sarkozic as the Viscounty of Sapron. As peer of the Kingdom of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Royal Throne for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defence when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this Viscounty of Sapron will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca, Malenos and Ciavola, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and Protector of the South, etcetera

ROYAL LETTERS FOR THE COUNTY OF RENDUZZO 36. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Royal Throne to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Kingdom of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest in Drako Darkwood as the County of Renduzzo. As peer of the Kingdom of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Royal Throne for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defence when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this County of Renduzzo will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca, Malenos and Ciavola, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and Protector of the South, etcetera.

[Mood] ___ The following document has been declassified by the Office of the Principal Secretary of Balian on the 19th of the Amber Cold, 110 SA. An internal report from the Principal Secretary Sarson Halgrim, it describes a renovatio, or series of government reforms and initiatives to tackle growth in literacy, commerce, and culture. Five reforms are recommended, with some having been completed by the time of the declassification. It is believed to have been proposed in the year 1903, at a chamber meeting held by Seneschal Ledicort Vuiller. ___ THE RENOVATIO The Alexandrine Reforms, or the Renovatio, are a series of ongoing changes that should be implemented, or are planned to be implemented in the Kingdom of Balian under the reign of King Alexander I and his Vuiller Chamber. These reforms will be designed to modernize and improve the governance of the kingdom, and are inspired by the eastern administrations of Rhen along with the Petrine administration of the fallen Holy Oren Empire. They include… ESTABLISHING THE FIRST COMMUNE One of the most significant reforms will be the formation of the First Commune of Atrus, a robust city government that is designed to better serve the needs of the people living in the capital city. The Commune will be made up of elected officials who are responsible for managing the city's affairs and ensuring that the citizens have access to the services and resources they need for a better life. THE WILDFLOWER CAMPAIGN A second reform is the Wildflower Campaign, an essential effort to rebuild Atrus and make it a more livable and desirable place to live. The campaign focuses on improving the infrastructure of the city, including the roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as on beautification efforts, such as the planting of wildflowers and the creation of public parks and gardens. A proposed gift by the druids along with Guillmero Rutledge’s architectural efforts make up the bulk of our progress of the campaign to better our lands in the oasis. BUILDING A ROYAL DIWAN Another important reform is the formation of the Royal Diwan, a new administrative government that is made up of several key ministers, each responsible for a specific area of governance. Diwans are charged with overseeing the administration of justice, preserving national security, managing the kingdom's relations with other nations, and overseeing the collection and distribution of the kingdom's wealth, among other responsibilities. A BALIANESE LEGEND OF ERRANTRY A fourth proposed reform is the creation of the Balianese Legend of Errantry, an updated catalogue of quests for adventurers and aspiring chevaliers to pursue. This legend is designed to foster a sense of honor and chivalry among the people of Balian, and to encourage young people to pursue a life of service and bravery. THE CATALOGUS BARONUM A fifth proposed reform was the creation of the Catalogus Baronum, a public documented list of peers and vassals and their holdings in the realm of Balian. ___ Further reforms should be prescribed under the following principles. THREE PILLARS OF THE RENOVATIO Literacy The government should empower nobles and commoners alike to document their estates or businesses, cultural practices, and ongoing affairs. Commerce Initiatives must be implemented among the municipalities to encourage new businesses and immigration. Culture We must spearhead the recovery of Lothar Stones, along with identifying and strengthening the Balianese identity through robust documentation and cultural celebration. Sarson Halgrim, Principal Secretary of the Kingdom of Balian, Emissary of Almaris

The Pact of the Moonlit Maehr 18th of the Amber Cold, 110 SA The Kingdom of Balian and The Principality of Nor’Asath, hereinafter known as ‘The Signatories’; seek to form a pact of non aggression, respect and cooperation with one another. This pact shall officialize diplomatic relations between The Signatories. I. Sovereignty The Signatories hereby recognize each other’s sovereignty and their right to their held lands, as well as their apparent ability to expand these lands. II. Non-Aggression The Signatories hereby pledge to make no acts of aggression upon each other’s lands and to retain a mutual peace between the two sovereign entities. The Signatories hereby pledge to protect visitors from either sovereign nation, to their respective sovereign territory. Visitors from respective sovereign nations shall be treated fairly under the law of the respective sovereign nation. III. Trade The Signatories hereby agree to trade goods and services with one another by granting each other a stall or cart in the other’s nation, free of rent or charge, to promote economic growth. IV. Darkspawn The Signatories hereby pledge to share any information on darkspawn they may have, in doing so, they may both rid their lands of Darkspawn and mages. The Signatories hereby pledge to form an alliance against the impending darkspawn invasion in the southern lands of Almaris by the undead dragon known as Cloudbreaker. V. Extradition The Signatories hereby pledge to extradite those who have been proven to be darkspawn or dark mages at each other’s request. In doing so they hope to cleanse further the World of the dark beings that plague it. VI. Duration This pact between The Signatories shall last for a duration of 10 years, and upon its expiry, it may be revisited to be reinstated or renegotiated de novo. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Count of Monteres, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca and Valens, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Ledicort Vuiller, Lord Seneschal of the Kingdom of Balian Gaius Rosius var Ruthern, Attaché to the Lord Seneschal of the Kingdom of Balian Netseth Loa’chil Primarch of Nor’asath, Primarch of the Mali’ker Qudlia Jusmia, Porobmôg of Nor'asath, Primarch of Maehr Halerir Acria Jusmia, Of Clan Jusmia, Vindicator of the Silan’siol, Maehrnite of the Maehr Clergy

THE NOBLE CITY OF ATRUS ‘Things Held in Common’ [Mood] “They say Atrus is the wildflower of the south, watered by the piety of its late King John Casimir. Its petals bloom outward, inviting all to a place of refuge.” Shalasannan Doxos, adventurer, reflecting on his time in the capital of Balian. The cosmopolitan city of Atrus is known for its unique blend of Petrine, Rhenyari, and old Balianite influences. Its streets are lined with white-washed buildings adorned with colorful mosaics and intricate carvings, while the bustling markets offer a diverse array of goods from all corners of the southern continent. Given its location in the desert, Atrus boasts a Mediterranean-like climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city is surrounded by heavy dunes that are also home to a variety of exotic flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for hunters and adventurers. It is a place where old traditions and new ideas come together to cultivate a hardy and innovative society. The Senate of Balian, a once proud institution made up of many former imperial bureaucrats, governed the city in the time of King John Casimir. However, over time, the Senate had grown stagnant and out of touch with the needs and concerns of the people. Seeing an opportunity to empower his people and revitalize his city, King Alexander chartered the First Commune of Atrus, a people's organization that would give the lazzari, or commons of Atrus, a political unit to band together and administer the desert city. The First Commune of Atrus introduces the historic Gradic Rights to the people of Atrus, as well as empowering them to name among them a First Syndic and Vice-Syndic to lead their city. They are afforded the power to self-legislate through the Supreme Assembly of the Lazzari, and it is the King’s hope that these reforms lead to a more agile and dynamic city administration powered by the collective knowledge and expertise of its people. The motto of the First Commune is ‘Things Held in Common’ - a reminder that the wildflower of the south, Atrus, is a gift shared among its people. THE RIGHTS OF OUR ATRUS The Lazzari of Atrus Enjoy The Kings Game The Commune of Atrus is granted privileges under the Gradic Rights which outline their autonomy and freedom from serfdom. The Gradic Rights were given to the Imperial Free City of Felsen during the reign of John II, Holy Orenian Emperor which allowed for greater autonomy to the city through a series of municipal rights. These rights came from a series of laws which gave privileges to the burghers, exemption from serfdom, and the ability for self-governance and self-defense. The Gradic Rights, c.1557 Hitherto the populace of this city shall be referred to as any legal landholder and their immediate family within municipal authority. Hitherto does the populace of this city have the right to waive feudal privilege and govern itself. Hence the city has the right to choose a leader from amongst its own. Hence the city has the right to produce and publish laws and rights regarding itself. Hitherto does the populace of this city have an exemption from serfdom. Hitherto does the populace of this city have the right to freedom of travel. Hitherto does the populace of this city have the right to collect tax, tolls, and impose fees. Hitherto does the populace of this city have the right to freedom of trade. Hitherto does the populace of this city have the right to a trial by judge. Hitherto does the populace of this city have the right to petition its lord. THE GOVERNMENT OF OUR ATRUS THE FIRST SYNDIC OF ATRUS The First Syndic of Atrus serves as the head of the municipal government. They are elected by popular vote by the citizenry every four years, and are expected to appoint a Vice-Syndic to help manage their affairs, as well as up to three commissioners to tackle specific municipal challenges such as construction, event organization, the management of press and publication, or more. THE SUPREME ASSEMBLY OF THE LAZZARI The Supreme Assembly of the Lazzari acts as the collective representation for the citizenry of Atrus. There are six seats within the assembly filled by citizens of the city. The seats are chosen by lottery vote, headed by the Procurator’s office once every four years. The assembly functions as the legislative body of the city and is charged with the creation and amendment of law and judicial statutes. It is named after the lazzari, or commons, in the modern Balian tongue, and one who fills one of the seats of the Supreme Assembly may be addressed as Concio. The commune is unique from other city governments in that while concios are the only ones that can propose a legislation to be voted on, the actual voting is done by all citizens of Atrus. In that way, while the concios guide and moderate discussion, all peoples of Atrus are enfranchised to vote on the bills that will affect them. A citizen of Atrus, is defined as someone who has lived in the city for more than two weeks, and has paid rent on a property in that time or served in one of its state institutions for that time. THE CITY CLERK OF ATRUS The City Clerk of the City of Atrus is appointed by the Procurator’s office and serves indefinitely until sacked by said office. They are the chief financial comptroller of the city, ensuring that royal dues are received to the Crown and chamber, and serve as the Crown’s representative in the city’s administration. If a City Clerk has proven inept, inactive, or otherwise corrupt, the Supreme Assembly can make a motion for impeachment on a two-thirds majority. JOINING ATRUS If the spirit of the concios and lazzari speak to you, then know that Atrus, the precious wildflower of the South, is open to all who seek honor, refuge, and peace. The city gates remain manned by Balian’s own military company, with a thriving and stable royal administration eager to welcome immigrants. Those interested in specific developments within the Commune should reach out to the Procurator’s Office, currently manned by Johanne Vuiller (@tadabug2000) for more information, or leave a reply expressing interest at the bottom of this notice. At the moment, Atrus is seeking an interim Syndic to be appointed by the Crown to lead the first four weeks of government - after that, elections will commence as the commune’s political foundation is established. The first Assembly will also be appointed by the crown, with the first lottery being held two weeks into government. Those who would consider being part of the founding city government should reach out to the existing City Commission of Johanne Vuiller (@tadabug2000), Sarson of Helena (@Cracker), or Gaius Ruthern (@WaveLincoln) for an interview. The city is also experiencing a robust reconstruction project headed by the reputed architect Guillermo Rutledge. Previews of the illustrious build can be found below. [Credit to @VonAulusfor build and @Greenerfor screenshots] For newcomers and veterans alike seeking a fresh opportunity, being part of the groundwork of the First Commune is an excellent opportunity to leave your mark on a realm ascendant. Join us today! [Consider checking out our discord as well to get involved! https://discord.gg/UVnE9uYt8G Announcements involving the interview process to become a concio, along with event and municipal updates can be found above.]

A missive from the royal chamber of Balian is sent to the Curia on the 22nd of the Amber Cold, 109 SA, penned by the Office of the Principal Secretary. "To His Holiness, Your encyclical letter is received well in our country. The Cardinal Teodosio has been a force in revitalizing civilian life in our capital city of Atrus through his sermons and religious festivities. For some time, we have been deliberating raising him to our royal chamber given his ample talent but we instead cautioned, respecting your dictates. Now, in good conscience, we can begin the motion to raise him to the royal office of Agent-General of the Clergy. He may now officially help our government strengthen its ties with the faith and will possess the royal prerogative in instilling piety in our country. We hope this news brings joy to your Curia, as your missive has brought joy in ours. His Excellency, The Principal Secretary of Balian"

[Mood] The following document has been declassified by the Office of the Principal Secretary of Balian on the 22nd of the Amber Cold, 109 SA. A missive from a deputy minister of the Principality of Ba’as, it laments the condition of our state and proposes several administrative reforms to the Balianese government, while also inviting the kingdom into Ba’as’ sphere of influence via a marriage and military pact. It is believed to have arrived in the court of Balian in the year 1902, and has been declassified roughly three years later. __ __ To the Chief Minister of the Kingdom of Balian, It is with great concern that I, the Second Vizier of the ever-lustrous Principality of Ba'as, must address the state of your realm. It is my hope that this letter and the agent that arrives with it will serve as a guide for your reform, for the betterment of your people and for the good of the distant lands of Almaris. These lands are near to our heart even if they have fallen into a state of squalor, as they are where the father of our glorious prince Balthazar, Simon Basrid, once ended his legend. As a civilized and advanced society, it is our duty to assist those who are less fortunate. However, we have noted the continued lack of progress among the successor states of Almaris as unacceptable and as an item in our diplomatic catalog that must be addressed. It is clear that Balian is struggling with low literacy rates, a lack of a firm cultural identity, and a weak central government with a poor and paralyzed decision-making process. Your attempts to ape the Akritian cultures of the east without basis are misguided and will only lead to further stagnation. Myself and even our magnanimous Prince Balthazar believe that Balian possesses a unique potential among all the successor human states. Your kingdom is located away from the constant feuding of other primitive kingdoms, and holds the opportunity to embrace a new identity that combines the best of Petrine, Rhenyari, and old Balthalite cultures. I implore you to strengthen your central government and establish a strong cabinet to improve decision-making. Embrace the rich cultural heritage of your own Petrine ancestors. Explore the lands that your people have settled to rediscover the lost civilization of the Balthalites and their champion, St. Lothar the Bannerlord. Strengthen your ties with Ba'as so that you may receive more Rhenyari influence and guidance to understand the Akritian ways. The principality of Ba'as is also willing to offer further assistance beyond our advisors lending their aid in administrative reform. We seek a pact with Balian, and are willing to offer one of our princesses to wed the crown prince of Balian. Her dowry will be a priceless marble tablet we have recovered in your continent, an ancient Stone of Lothar that depicts his civilization. In return for the hand of one of our illustrious princesses, we ask that the kingdom of Balian aid us in our fight against the Rudran Samraaj by offering five carracks worth of men to besiege the island fortress of Manglagowda, where wicked Rudran sorcerers cast arcane storms to harass our supply lines. One of our former spymasters, the elf known as Shalasannan Doxos, courier of this letter and appointed Emissary to the lands of Almaris, is here to serve you in your efforts to reform and negotiate any terms of our pact. I urge you to take this letter to heart and begin the work of reclaiming your kingdom's unique identity and potential. The Principality of Ba'as stands ready to assist you in any way we can. Sincerely, Theophilus Saffar, Second Vizier of the ever-lustrous Principality of Ba'as and Servant of the Silver Comet