ErikAzog

“Our people, no matter what, have to be defended from those who despise us.”

He knew it was over, his body had begun to fail him. Years of working with dangerous chemicals and in the presence of smog had taken their toll upon his body. His years in alchemy, in furthering his pursuit of knowledge have finally come to take him. He knew he couldn’t continue. Time runs out for all. And his time has arrived.

But he couldn’t help but reminisce on all that's happened in his thirty five year reign. From Almaris to Aevos, he led his people through the Mori crisis, through the uncertainty of the Canonist League war against Adria. Though he knew that it wasn’t over, despite what was agreed and whatever peace was made. 

But for the sake of his people he agreed, a peace, more a truce he would soon learn. But he had faith in his friend the Prince of Aaun, Henry Alstion. Faith in that peace can be achieved. He only wanted to believe that humanity can be at peace. But knew of the cruelties of the world and of the forked tongue that the Midlanders of Veletz held. 

Upon hearing of the kidnapping of his daughter, there were no other options. They had to fight or risk the destruction of their Kingdom and heritage. Always holding pride in his Novellen heritage, but seeing the reaction it elicited from his enemies. He knew he was right. He had to continue to hold true, to the heritage and legacy of Anne Augusta, his most venerable ancestor. A ruler he had in high praise, for like he, she only sought to do what was best for their people.

His final years were spent in the war he had spent his reign preparing for, the war against the enemy that sought the destruction of his Kingdom. What terrible enemies he thought. But saw how his people had rallied, enough was enough. Breakwater and Brasca were great victories, the Balianese people triumphant against the enemies that plagued them. 

But as these victories pushed them forward, he found himself no longer as fast as he was, he cursed his illness, brought by the projects so very much loved. His love of Alchemy, through it he was able to assist as many as he could. Now time was up. 

As it came to a close, he would be seen less among the people and be spotted standing at the beaches of Balian looking out into the sea, reminiscing about all that’s led up to this moment. But he couldn’t help but smile to see how far the Kingdoms had come. The will of the people was that they would fight until the end for Balians survival and with that he could be at peace with. Even if he would not see to the end with them all.

On 20th of Horens Calling, 1956. 

There’s nothing more morbid than writing your final words, but I write to all of you, those who came from to settle our Kingdom, those who have been here since the start and never lost faith. My appreciation for you all had never faltered, through my many flaws, I am glad you were all here. Through the good and bad. We all stood by each other at the Tuvmas tree, we settled the shores of the Ruby Coast and made a Kingdom for ourselves. Away from the troubles of the Midlands or so we hoped. 

Many say it’s a people's duty to serve the King, but I’ve only ever tried to serve you, the people. For what is a Kingdom without its people. Although now I know for certain we won’t be putting the star upon the tree together. I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family.

Born Hadrian Casimir, King Adrian of Balian would pass away the night of this letters publication. Surrounded by family and friends, he was reported clutching the hand of the Oracle of Balian hand as he finally rested.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

Reigned:
1921-1956

 

MARCHING ORDERS:
OPERATION ASHEN SKY

IUDICIUM ACCEDIT

Issued by the
THE GRAND COVENANT
on this 6th of The Sun’s Smile, 1954

MISSION TITLE: OPERATION ASHEN SKY

OBJECTIVE: ANNEXATION OF EASTERN VELETZ FRONTIER

MOBILISATION DATE: 8TH OF HOREN’S CALLING

COMMENCEMENT DATE: 21ST OF TOBIAS’ BOUNTY

PARTICULARS:

Following the withdrawal of CELIA’NOR from the enemy war effort, OPERATION STARLESS NIGHT is hereby rendered obsolete, allowing all COVENANT forces to proceed with OPERATION ASHEN SKY. On the MOBILISATION DATE, all COVENANT forces will embark from the staging grounds of BRASCA and proceed into VELETZ territory SOUTH-WEST of BRASCA on the COMMENCEMENT DATE.

OPERATION ASHEN SKY mandates the securing of the western theatre and anticipates full resistance by the remaining VELETZIAN forces on the field. KING ALEKSANDR shall assume command of the main COVENANT army (taskforce “MITHRIL”), composed of the central forces of HAENSE, URGUAN, AAUN, NUMENDIL, HYSPIA, and NORLAND, with the intent of overpowering all enemy resistance and forcing a route, with the left-wing comprised of PETRA and BALIAN (taskforce “PALISADE”) and the right-wing comprised of Covenant artillery squads (taskforce “NORTHERN THUNDER”) under HIGH KEEPER ELLENORE and PATRIARCH JOSEF. CAPTAIN BANJO shall command an elite reserve squadron in support (taskforce “YACHT”). 

END OF BRIEF. 
 

Balianese Intermission

Adrian and Lorenz happen upon each other, the quiet of the night, the trees of the midlands bristling at peace, almost as if no war was going on in this land. Upon seeing the figure, and recognizing him, Adrian lifted his hands "You don't have a paper you want me to sign do you?" he'd ask, then laughing at his joke afterwards, a grin on his face.

Years ago, they had met as young men, now decades later, They meet on the battlefield.

"Not this time," he replied solemnly. "Years ago, I cautioned you about this mistake, cousin." Lorenz answered, his voice tinged with exhaustion and distress.

"I know, I recall our talks in my Palatio's gardens." the Old man responded, "But we all knew this WAS inevitable. We just had to bid our time, until it was the right time." he'd state, "Look at how times have changed." he'd reminisce, "Look at how we've grown old. At least we can live to see the result of all that work come to fruition or an end." 

"Gathering a coalition of eight to restrain the beast that is Veletz doesn't exactly scream work has come to fruition," remarked Lorenz, who, like his cousin Adrian, was now entering his old age. He’d then change the topic, “How come you are not charging me with your blade right now?” 

The King paused, he hadn't an immediate answer for this question, he sat there for a moment, then shrugged, "Because when I announced myself, you didn't attack me. so I extend the same courtesy to you, cousin. After all..." he'd look over to the land, "There will be enough blood here soon enough, mine, yours.." he'd smile, "I value what little peace I can take in this time of war, wouldn't you agree?" he'd state, noticing his cousins state, "After all, this could be our last talk together. A battle is coming and we've survived this long. The least we can do at the end is talk."

"Balian could have been part of something greater than any current nation in Aevos. Though, I shall spare you today, and allow you to see the sun rise again, Adri. Farewell."

"Then fare thee well, Lorenz Gavaudin." he'd state finally, a bit bewildered by the man's actions, but welcomed them, "Pray to GOD for working with the Anethema." he'd then pause, as he departed, he remarked to himself quietly, "There may be so many Novellens in this day and age. but there are so few good ones." he'd mutter, “In a different world, we would have been the finest of friends.”

WARCLAIM

Wargoal:
COMPLETE ANNEXATION
[Attacking tile 15 from tile 22 for a field battle per 60th’s ruling]
 

Attackers:
The Kingdom of Haense, the Kingdom of Balian, the Commonwealth of Petra, the Viceroyalty of Hyspia, the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, the Kingdom of Norland, the United Kingdom of Aaun and the Kingdom of Numendil

DEFENDERS: 
The League of Veletz and its Allies

LOCATION/WARPATH: 

DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, 2:30 PM EST