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— THE 1974 GARMONT ASSEMBLY — From the Heartlandic Council to the People Issued and averred by the office of The Garmont Assembly has long stood as the Commonwealth of the Petra’s greatest institution of legislature, where peers and elected officials of the realm can gather to fairly discuss our governing councils, our documents of law, and our plans for the future of the nation. It is where representatives may present projects for national funding, suggest changes to the Kingdom’s codex, and pass edicts for the betterment of the people. The Assembly is where the bridge is drawn between the government, the esteemed peers, and the people they all serve. With the founding of the Heartlander Confederacy, the Garmont Assembly has now been adapted and expanded to represent the entirety of the dual Provinces. This is the first stage where we will begin to unite our ideals in earnest and begin to forge a path forward together, not for the needs of the individual, but for the Heartlands as a whole. All are encouraged to sit in observation of this congregation of law, which shall be held within the Hand of Horen. It is planned that the first session of the new Garmont shall cover the basic structure of the legislative process, with several edicts planned which will demonstrate how bills are processed through the Assembly, and that will kickstart multiple new projects that the Heartlands will undertake in unity. Elections for the public representative seats will open several Saint’s Days after the conclusion of the first assembly. Any who may be interested in holding a seat on the Assembly are welcomed to sit in on this session in order to become more familiar with it. His Excellency, Sir Atticus Reinhold “The Lightkeeper”, Grand Speaker of the Heartlands, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids

— THE HEARTLANDS CENSUS OF 1973 — From the Heartlandic Council to the People Issued and averred by the office of With the founding of the unified Heartlands, the Provinces of Aaun and the Petra are to be brought together under the same banner, to share their strength and their willpower. The peoples of both these Provinces are diverse and unique, with varying cultures, interests, strengths, and origins. It is the desire of the Heartlandic Council to preserve these differences while working unitedly, to value its people so that it may reflect their best interests. For these purposes, the office of the Grand Speaker has chosen to issue a resident census to the people of the Heartlands. The demographics collected by it will assist the Council in making critical decisions that shape the future of our growing, changing nation. All citizens of the Provinces of Aaun and the Petra are requested to submit a copy of the census to the Grand Speaker’s office. Any questions regarding the census may be forwarded to the Grand Speaker. His Excellency, Sir Atticus Reinhold “The Lightkeeper”, Grand Speaker of the Heartlands, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids

FULL NAME: Weylin von Theonus AGE: 28 (or thereabouts) RACE: Human PRIOR EXPERIENCE, IF APPLICABLE: Child soldiery, houseguard, minotaur slaying, darkspawn slashing, etcetera METHOD OF CONTACT: _hom_

Atticus Reinhold lets out a grin as he sees the fruits of his labor come to pass. "A better future for us both- I believe it full heartedly." He then prepares himself for how much he will have to utter the words "No, It's just one singular nation", in the next coming years. Oh how the conspiracy theorists do love to get excitable.

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the BARONY of FELDKIRCH – Issued and averred by The Lord Regents, Atstana de Regne Petrère 118 Ever since Katrin Erika Stafyr and her family have arrived within the Commonwealth, they have been leal and loyal subjects of the Crown. The house of Stafyr has shown great dedication to doing their part in crafting a strong future for the nation, and for its people. It is for this diligent work that in agreement with Her Majesty Catherine I, Katrin Stafyr is to be elevated to the position of Baroness of Feldkirch. The family of Stafyr has a long and storied history, and a strong identity along with it. It is the greatest hope of the Crown that with this elevation, they will continue to carve a place for themself within the Commonwealth, and that their ambitions as a family will be fostered. With this elevation, Katrin Stafyr, in representation of her family, shall take upon them the responsibilities and expectations of a Peer of the Commonwealth of the Petra. Her and her family are to uphold and lift up the Commonwealth and their fellow citizens. To respect the sanctity of the laws of the Commonwealth, and be part of leading it into a bright and stable future. His Excellency, Wilford Anton Reinhold “The Protector”, Lord Regent of Petra, Chancellor of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, High Steward of the Petra, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids His Excellency, Atticus Abraham Reinhold, Lord Regent of Petra, Head Diplomat of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, Court Mage of the River Court of the Commonwealth, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids

LIFTING ANCHOR Issued and averred by The Lord Regents, Atstana de Regne Petrère 117 The Martiel branch of Temesch has existed as part of the fabric of Petra’s cloth for many, many years. It and its forefathers have worked closely alongside the royal branch of Temesch, shaping the future of the Commonwealth, creating the place it is today. They have dedicated years of service to the Crown of St. Emma that will never be forgotten, and that will always be treasured in the hearts of its people. It is only fitting that, after these years of dedication, that Temesch et Martiel be allowed to turn inward and focus on their internal affairs. After discussion with the Regency and communication with Catherine I, it has been decided that Temesch et Martiel will be released from their vows to the Commonwealth in order to pursue their personal ambitions. The titles ‘Barony of Resmore’ and ‘Viscounty of Mies’ shall be returned to the crown from which they were granted, in light of this decision. However, the title of County of Martiel, gifted to Adrian Godfrey Temesch et Martiel, shall remain in the possession of the family for their future endeavors. The Commonwealth extends its greatest blessings to the family of Temesch et Martiel, and wishes luck and prosperity for their future journeys. Goodwill between the lines of Temesch will always remain, and the friendships made between the people of the Commonwealth and the family of Temesch et Martiel will never waver. His Excellency, Wilford Anton Reinhold “The Protector”, Lord Regent of Petra, Chancellor of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, High Steward of the Petra, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids His Excellency, Atticus Abraham Reinhold, Lord Regent of Petra, Head Diplomat of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, Court Mage of the River Court of the Commonwealth, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids

THE VALLAGNE CITY CAMP-OUT ❊ PENNED BY ❊ ❊ ON ATSTANA DE REGNE PETRÈRE 117 ❊ On some evenings, many can be found gathering around Vallagne’s fire pit to laugh and converse late into the night. This central location has become close to the hearts of the people, a source of life and merriment, a center of community. It is in the spirit of such occasions that the Courts of the Petra invite all citizens and friends to a city camp-out, an evening festival where bedrolls will be set around the fire and laughter provided in abundance. Eerie stories will be encouraged, and games will be held that encourage the attendees to know each other better. A drinking contest will be hosted, catered by the Fairweather Pub. The winner earns a drink of their choice named after them, to be added to the menu. All are welcome to enjoy the festivities, learn their neighbors better, and create new bonds. Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows will be granted to all attendees. [OOC: Thursday the 18th, 6:00pm EST] HER EXCELLENCY, Dame Marisol “The Selfless” Paloma Solís Grand Chamberlaine, Mistress of the Robes, Curator of Jewels of the River Court of the Commonwealth, Head Physician of the Vallagne Medical Society, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Founder of Rosa Dorada, and Protector of the Sun HIS EXCELLENCY, Sir Atticus Abraham Reinhold Lord Regent of Petra, Head Diplomat of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Viscount of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, Court Mage of River Court of the Commonwealth, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Chapter of Rapids

Weylin Arthur von Theonus and Yvaine Sonja de Ravenselle, circa SA 167 Throughout their entire lives, the fates of Yvaine de Ravenselle and Weylin von Theonus have been intertwined, storied in the stars. As young children, they were each other’s first and closest friends. The only confidants of their age, in a world that was quickly changing. When they were severed by a war, that friendship never waned- Even as they grew slowly into young adulthood, split from each other by miles and battlefields, letters and thoughts of one another kept them close. Years later, fate and choice alike allowed them to reunite, and the friendship of children blossomed into a truest love. Today, the household of Weylin & Yvaine wishes to invite all to a starlit wedding beneath the Commonwealth’s sacred tree of memory. In the temple at the foot of the tree, these souls will be forever bound under the light of God, swearing the devotion they have already held for decades past. After the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Fairweather Pub in the Vallagne square, where all will be invited to partake in drinks, food, and revelry to celebrate the couple’s union. Formal Invitations His Grace, Aurel von Theonus, and the entirety of the House of Theonus @Tremerus The Royal House of the Petra @Zaerie @tilly The Right Honorable, Adrian Godfrey Temesch, and his esteemed kin @Kai The Honorable, Friedrich von Augusten, and his esteemed kin @DuhPuhWuh His Lordship, Marius Lovetts, and his esteemed kin @tcs_tonsils_ His Lordship, Aimo of Astor, and his esteemed kin @ColdestPepsi Personal Invitations The Household of Artel, Eloise, and Sabine von Theonus, and whoever they'd like to bring. @Destructokeith Lady Magister Laurissa Thriceblood, and her esteemed kin @ScoutTheWitch Lord Orion Tsecsar, and his esteemed kin @Lapidary Amelie Auclair, and whoever she’d like to bring along @Apricette [OOC: Saturday the 13th at 1:00pm, EST]

Beside the bank of the River Petra, within the towering spires of the city of Hohkmat, a new source of entertainment has arrived for the weary mage, the lucky alchemist, and the adventuring traveler. A place of wonder that sits glittering, on the bounds of the possible. A place where the tables are always open, the machines brimming with arcane prizes, and the drinks flow almost miraculously. If one holds mina in their pocket, and wishes to see it multiply- They need only place their coin within the Magic Hat. HOW TO PLAY SLOT MACHINES 1. Buy a TMH Slot Ticket. 2. Throw the ticket into the first slot machine, with the book illustrated above its face. 3. The machine will chime and spit out a prize! 4. The prize might even be a token for the next tier slot machine, matching the illustration on the next machine, which contains better prizes. ROULETTE There are twenty-six slots the ball on the wheel can fall into once it's done spinning. The croupier/dealer will spin the wheel, and what it lands on determines who wins, depending on how they bet. Bets odds are: ❖ #- Number: 12 to 1 ❖ R/B + Number: 25 to 1 ❖ Red/Black: 1 to 1 ❖ Even/Odd: 1 to 1 ❖ Spring (1-3): 3 to 1 ❖ Summer (4-6): 3 to 1 ❖ Fall (7-9): 3 to 1 ❖ Winter(10-12): 3 to 1 ❖ R/B + Season: 7 to 1 The player can bet on any of these or any number except the Unlucky 13s. For those who wish not to try their hand at the machines, and rather to play against their fellows- The Magic Hat sponsors several games of strategy and chance, though guests are encouraged to bring their own. Dealers and Bankers can be requested from the house for all of the below. CHO-HAN BLACKJACK BALUT / “DICE POKER” In honor of the Magic Hat’s grand opening, a formal gala will be held inside the casino for all to explore its amenities. All drinks will be provided free of charge by the house, and attendants will be available to assist with running games for large groups. All who purchase at least one slot ticket during the course of their visit, and present it to one of the staff, will be entered into a 100 mina prize raffle to be announced at the end of the night. Formal dress is not required, but highly encouraged. Those who wish may enter into a ‘best dressed’ competition, where their formalwear will be assessed by a small panel of judges. The criteria for judging are elegance, quality, and mystery. First place in this contest will be awarded a 100 mina prize, second place will be awarded a 50 mina prize. [OOC: SATURDAY THE 6TH, 4:00 PM EST]

i love being transgender, it makes me who i am :) ty for this beautiful post delta

Atticus' heart drops to a pit in his stomach, as his eyes scan the missive left at his door- He can feel a lump forming in his throat, tilting his head upward to try and blink the wave of emotion away. It had been years, decades, since he and the Queen had chance to speak. He had always made plans to visit- Put off, again and again, by another crisis, by another workload- Vague plans to finally, finally thank her. He remembers a lost, vacant young man, and the last person he expected to believe in his potential. Her words had stuck with him, through thirty years of finding what he was looking for. The knight-mage had never once forgotten. Now, as always, he offered too little too late. It's easy to curse his past self, who thought he still had all the time in the world. It's easy to curse himself now, for only moving when the clock began ticking. The hour is already late when he begins to pack a bag, of simple necessities and a change of warm clothes. A few hours of sleep, and Valdev in the morning. He'll have to apologize profusely, for being so late.

Atticus Reinhold lets out a heavy sigh, and sits down to pen a letter. "To Mr. Volkov, Though I understand your concerns regarding the motivations behind this bill, I wished to clarify a factual error in your findings. You seem to be implying that this bill exists for the sole sake of the Stormont Viscounty, as we would have no other method of inheritance. This is untrue, as the validity of adoptive heirs for both married and unmarried peers- So long as they are adopted below the age of fourteen- Has been ratified in the Catherinian lawbook for over a decade. As my partner and myself have also already shared our title for fifteen years, the Reinhold Edict makes no functional difference to our validity or behaviors as a Viscounty, nor to our succession. It is named after us, purely, out of a very kind sentiment by Her Majesty. In truth, we will probably be affected the least by this edict. Many of the dignities it allows, we were already afforded by the nature of our peerage. The people this edict will affect the most are the commonfolk and gentry of Petra, who choose to enter a civil union, and will benefit from the state's recognition of their partnership in things such as legal inheritance of their partner's assets after death. This is what the "inheritance law" actually means, in the context of the Reinhold Edict. It does not speak well on your character, in my view, that you would seek to argue against these simple dignities being permitted- Dignities that have been approved by the High Pontiff, in an act of extreme kindness. Petra is a Canonist nation, and I will forever be a devoted Canonist myself. But those who choose to live differently than the majority are still our people. To our community, we have a duty to provide them with the basic rights, dignities, and recognition that all descendantkind is deserving of. I hope you discover the worth in undertaking that duty. I take no issue with your desire to duel in the Lord of Azor's place over this matter. I did not personally approve of the Knight-Captain's actions during the assembly. However, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Catherinian code before making accusations against the motivations of our Queen. Sincerely, Atticus Reinhold."

After the assembly had concluded, after the adrenaline was gone- What Atticus was left with was a quiet, lingering shock as he sits at his kitchen table, clutching his copy of the bill and reading it over again, and again, and again. There’s no going back from this, after all. No slinking back into hiding, no more attempts to lie. There’s a terror, to that. He can’t remember the last time he wasn’t, at least in some part, hiding. Running and hiding may as well be the Lucien traditional pastime. He remembers how his father hid from them daily, in his workshop- He remembers how Angelina ran when she was young, though he holds no ire against her for it, no matter how the years apart had stung. He had run, too. He could not make himself a hypocrite, when he’d spent so many years of his life with his head low, and his feet quick. When he first came to Petra, it was with the nervous stumbling of someone grasping for a lifeline in the dark. He found that, eventually, where he least expected. He found it in who he least expected. What he still hesitates to admit, even now- Is that he almost ran then, too. It was terrifying, to allow love with risk. Even when his heart made clear what it wanted, he fought to stifle it. It was too much, too brave for him, the eternal coward. He would hesitate when their hands linked in the street, and quietly pull away. Compromising with his own fear, by only allowing himself words of love in the quietest of places. That hurt too, like a knife in his chest. It hurt far more than just himself. Atticus’ own fear had always been far more ruthless to him than any other person could be. The people, in reality, were kind. It took time, decades of time, for him to outgrow a terror of being known. For him to brave even simple affections, and to raise his voice above a whisper. To realize that, with the hesitance of someone miles from home, he was safe here. A circle of people gather around him, laughing and cheering at the sight of his engagement ring, and ask for invitations. An old woman with graying, orange hair and a wit of gold sits at his dining table, and tells him his love is pure. A young woman, with the same hair of fire, hands him a missive that will shake the world. She tells him that she was inspired- And he feels terror slowly replaced with an elated, creeping hope. They lose, of course. They were always going to lose. But in losing, people begin to talk. For every spat against the ground, he hears ten more that speak of his affliction as if it were something to honor. Deserving, in the minds of so many more than he thought, of decencies he’d never even considered for himself. Recognition, for one. Up until the last moment, he still doesn’t believe it possible- But he feels lighter. It’s impossible, to entirely banish a terror so deep-rooted in your soul you’ve never felt what it’s like to live without it. For so long, he had stepped around it by speaking a million comfortable lies. They can be padded, and changed, and made to suit whoever hears them. The truth is far more stark, and unchanging. He can only give one version of the truth, terrifying and brazen, and yet- He finds Wilford, in his study. They sit quietly for some time, just looking over the words. There was no returning to mistruth, after this. Not because of the edict alone- But because doing so would be to dash the efforts, of the young Queen who was willing to take on the world to allow them that simple dignity. It’s not about marriage. It’s about truth. Someday, he’ll feel he’s done enough to repay her- Maybe when he’s far older and grayer than he even is now. The little Queen, the war Queen, who lived a life of pains unknown, and would still risk herself infinitely for her people. If nothing else, he will dedicate the rest of his life to enforcing her legacy. A kingdom both stronger, and kinder, than any he has ever known. The only one that has ever wanted the truth from him. He would endure any terror, to show her she did not risk it all for nothing. Atticus takes Wilford’s hand in his own, as tears threaten to prick at his eyes. He can’t help but laugh, quietly, at the lightness in the chest- At the strange, and alien lack of fear. “We did it.”

Penned by the Office of TO THE SORCERERS OF HOHKMAT AND THE HUNGRY OF AEVOS, you are cordially invited to a contest unlike any other- Not a contest of magical MIGHT, but a contest of magical PRECISION. A competition that will separate the teacher from the learner, the master from the layman, the archmage from the aspirant. The truest magical contest ever beheld: A test of culinary power. Housemages, bards, sorcerers, and ambitious chefs of no magical origin are invited to test their skill in front of a panel of judges, consisting of Hohkmat’s Viziers and leaders. One may form a team of no more than four people, or compete solo. There are no limits on the dish one may craft to impress the judges, other than that it must be a savory creation suitable for lunch or dinner. Creativity is encouraged, and any advantage may be used. Dishes will be judged on the criteria of taste, appearance, and uniqueness. Though the competitors will be cooking for the judges, food and drink from Hohkmat’s own Vortex Tavern will be provided to spectators, ensuring no one will go hungry. The winning dish will be immortalized upon the Vortex Tavern’s menu forevermore, and the winning competitor or team will be awarded a unique magical artifact fit for a master chef. The contest will take place within a Saint’s Year, inside the Encanter’s Way II Event Hall in Hohkmat. Bring ambition, and an appetite.