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The Syndic Appointment of 90 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 90 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Portoregne, In keeping with the Edict of Communus Civis, the Citizens Commune serves to represent the wider Balianese populace and its agenda. Its presiding officer, the Syndic of the Commune, is an elected official intended to administrate the Citizens Commune and act as conduit between the Crown and those citizens unrepresented elsewhere within the government. The Censor’s Office congratulates one auspicious candidate for their appointment to national office: Syndic of the Commune, Segnor Gregorius Roa The Syndic term shall expire on the first day of 98 B.A. ((Wednesday, February 21st)). Her Majesty wishes the prospective syndic bonaventure in their task of nurturing the Kingdom of Balian to its highest potential. Signed, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Viscountess of Pompourelia, Eflen, and Anatis, Baroness of Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Goza, and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus, and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Syndic Election Registration of 89 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 89 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Balian, In keeping with the laws and traditions of Balian, it is our distinct privilege to host another election of the syndic to the Citizens Commune. Fulfilling a crucial role in maintaining and improving the lives of those living within the Kingdom of Balian, the role and expectations of the syndic are outlined in the Edict of Communus Civis. For those qualified and motivated, fill out the below form to put forth your candidacy in the upcoming election. Registration shall close for the election to be held on the final month of the new year ((Wednesday, December 27th)), to last for half a month. Candidates are encouraged to inform the populace of their candidacy through the use of flyers, posters, and verbal outreach. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown REGISTRATION FORM Full Name: Age: Address of Residence: ((IGN: )) ((Discord: ))

The ballot boxes are now closed, all valid votes have been counted. The censor's office wishes to congratulate Asya C. Carmesia on her election to the office of Syndic. This coming Syndic term shall begin on the first day of 82 B.A. ((11/1/2023)) and end on the last day of 90 B.A. ((12/27/2023)). Signed, HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Syndic Election of 81 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 81 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Balian, In keeping with the laws and traditions of Balian, it is our distinct privilege to host the first election of the Syndic of the Citizens Commune. Fulfilling a crucial role in maintaining and improving the lives of those living within the Kingdom of Balian, the role and expectations of the Syndic are outlined in the Edict of Communus Civis. Elections shall be held starting upon this date, to last for a month ((until the end of Sunday, October 29th)). Candidates are encouraged to inform the populace of their candidacy through the use of flyers, posters, and verbal outreach. Participation in this election is restricted to verifiable citizens of the Kingdom of Balian, all other responses will be voided and not contribute towards a candidate’s total. The following are listed candidates for the position of Syndic of the Citizens Commune: Asya C. Carmesìa Godric H. Vuiller Johan S. Vuiller Ballots can be found at polling stations positioned around Portoregne, such as the one here. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Syndic Election Registration of 81 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 81 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Balian, In keeping with the laws and traditions of Balian, it is our distinct privilege to host another election of four concios and the syndic to the Citizens Commune. Fulfilling a crucial role in maintaining and improving the lives of those living within the Kingdom of Balian, the role and expectations of the syndic are outlined in the Edict of Communus Civis. For those qualified and motivated, fill out the below form to put forth your candidacy in the upcoming election. Registration shall close for the election to be held on the fourth month of the year ((Saturday, October 28th)), to last for a month ((until the end of Sunday, October 29th)). Candidates are encouraged to inform the populace of their candidacy through the use of flyers, posters, and verbal outreach. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown REGISTRATION FORM Full Name: Age: Address of Residence: ((IGN: )) ((Discord: ))

ROYAL CENSUS - 74 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 74 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Balian, With the commencement of the first Citizens Commune, the Kingdom of Balian finds it necessary to verify the identity of participants within the Commune. To reap the benefits of civic engagement, it is asked that each citizen of Balian register themself with the Royal Census. Forms will be available at departmental offices across the Kingdom, requesting basic information such as name and address. It is expected that future civic activities such as elections and departmental recruitment, as well as the Citizens Commune, will require census registration. ((Fill the census out here.)) Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Syndic Appointment of 73 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 73 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Balian, In keeping with the Edict of Communus Civis, the Supreme Assembly has been abolished. In its place, the Citizens Commune shall serve to represent the wider Balianese populace and its agenda henceforth. Its presiding officer, the Syndic of the Commune, is an elected official intended to administrate the Citizens Commune and act as conduit between the Crown and those citizens unrepresented elsewhere within the government. As a novel institution, the Citizens Commune requires a firm guiding hand in its infancy, and thus the first Syndic of the Commune shall be crown-appointed, with elections to resume at the end of the Syndic’s first term. The Censor’s Office congratulates one auspicious candidate for their appointment to national office: Syndic of the Commune, Segnora Chen Tsune The upcoming Syndic term shall begin on the first day of 74 B.A. ((Wednesday, September 6th)) ((Wednesday, August 9th)) and expire on the final day of 82 B.A. ((Wednesday, November 1st)). His Majesty wishes the prospective syndic bonaventure in their task of nurturing the Kingdom of Balian to its highest potential. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Municipal Election of 69 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 69 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Portoregne, In keeping with the Royal Charter of Portoregne, the Censor’s Office has completed registration for the Municipal Election of 69 B.A. Four registered candidates contend for four openings within the Concio, along with, guaranteeing each of them placement as one of the four highest-placing candidates in the election. Similarly, a singular candidate has registered for the sole office of Syndic.The Censor’s Office congratulates each of the following candidates for their election and appointment to municipal office: Syndic de Portoregne, Segnora Grimhildr Falkenrath-Chen Concio de Portoregne, Don Demetrius var Ruthern Concio de Portoregne, Segnor Charles Pincerna Concio de Portoregne, Segnor Ozdes Akinci Concio de Portoregne, Segnor Horacio Napier The upcoming concio term shall begin on the first day of 70 B.A. ((Wednesday, August 9th)) and end on the final day of 74 B.A. ((Wednesday, September 6th)). The upcoming syndic term shall begin on the first day of 70 B.A. ((Wednesday, August 9th)) and end on the final day of 78 B.A. ((Wednesday, October 4th)). His Majesty wishes each prospective concio and the syndic bonaventure in their task of nurturing the city of Portoregne to its highest potential. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Municipal Registration of 69 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 69 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Portoregne, In keeping with the laws and traditions of Portoregne, it is our distinct privilege to host another election of four concios and the syndic to the City Assembly. Fulfilling a crucial role in maintaining and improving the lives of those living within the Balianese capital city, the role and expectations of the concios and the syndic were made apparent in the Royal Charter of Portoregne. If you intend to participate in this election, ensure your qualifications match those below: SYNDIC - Must be sixteen summers old. - Must be a citizen of Portoregne. - Must not hold a peerage. - Must not lie first in the line of succession to a peerage. - Must not exceed the term limits outlined in the Royal Charter of Portoregne. CONCIO - Must be fourteen summers old. - Must be a citizen of Portoregne. - Must not exceed the term limits outlined in the Royal Charter of Portoregne. For those qualified and motivated, fill out the below form to put forth your candidacy in the upcoming election. Registration shall close for the election to be held on the fourth month of the year ((Saturday, August 5th)), to last for a month ((until the end of Sunday, August 9th)). Candidates are encouraged to inform the populace of their candidacy through the use of flyers, posters, and verbal outreach. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown REGISTRATION FORM Position Sought: Full Name: Age: Address of Residence: ((IGN: )) ((Discord: ))

TOMASÍ THE BALIANESE ART OF CARTOMANCY by Belyn Gris (An Akritian tomasí reader practices palmistry outside Dour Watch, c. 1520.) HISTORY Cartomancy, the practice of divination through decks of cards, originated from Akritian folk beliefs during the Age of Silence. It is said that the early Akritians etched the names of their heroes into slivers of bark, laying them atop a pyre for trained wisefolk to ascertain their ancestral whims from the ashen haze. Persistent exposure to these vapors would cause the seers to develop reddened eyes, wrinkled skin, and a hacking cough that would often precede their arrival to the holy pyres. After missionaries from the Temple of Faith (later reformed into the Church of the Canon) successfully converted the rulers of Akritos in the eighth century, they returned to the mainland bearing stories of inflamed etchings spilling the secrets of the future into a gout of smoke. While local clergymen were quick to extinguish these tall tales of pyromancy, the Akritians and their Rhenyari progeny would continue to spread their ancestral etchings from port to port all across the fledgeling kingdoms of man, their strips of bark developing into parchment trimmings and later common playing cards. The tomasí deck in particular, its name derived from the Flexio tomasia (wisdom), was first published in the late fifteenth century to educate illiterate Orenian commoners on the Canon. Featuring prominent figures from the Holy Scrolls on their faces, the tomasí cards would familiarize its users with canonist doctrine, even when drunk over a dealing table. However, the Rhenyari diaspora took mere years to adapt the tomasí to its own whims, its canonist imagery bolstering the credibility of their cartomantic practice. The deck found itself stowed away in many a rural soothsayer’s pockets, materializing along road-side inns and the recesses of noble courts as a method of materializing the immaterial future. This practice continued, waxing and waning in popularity over the rise and fall of empires, until its resurfacing among the Balianese following their independence from Oren. Now, occultists and opportunists alike find use of the tomasí convenient due to its durability, flexibility, and connection to man’s eldest beliefs. STRUCTURE The tomasí deck is constructed from sixty-four cards - twenty-four fachas (faces) and forty contras (counters). The fachas each depict a figure from the Gospel or Auspice, carrying associations in alignment with their canonical roles. The appearance of a facha accompanies significant weight within a tarot reading, denoting pivotal concepts, events or individuals within the life of the subject. Meanwhile, the contras are characterized by suit (laurels, swords, scepters, and globes) as well as value (ranging from one to ten). The combination of these suits and values grant each contra a unique interpretation, typically associated with the minor influences on a person’s life. While lacking the prognostic heft of the fachas, the contras nonetheless serve a vital role in the comprehensive reading of tomasí. METHODOLOGY (A meeting of mind and heart, c. 1750.) Styles of tomasí reading vary by class, locality, and situation; an experienced divinist familiarizes themself with multiple styles applicable to the widest variety of audiences. A few common styles are listed below. ALS ROLLOS The Scrolls The most widespread style of tomasí reading, als rollos is a four-card draw structured after the Holy Canon. The first card, corresponding to the Scroll of Virtue, signifies a strength of the subject, while the second card (Spirit) laments a shortcoming. The Gospel card draws a critical connection from the subject’s past. Lastly, Auspice speaks to a likely event in the future. AL PONT The Bridge Al pont is a three-card draw seeking the unification of two disparate entities. The innate flexibility of this style bolsters its popularity among novice fortune tellers. Popular themes include self-problem-solution, past-present-future, and partner-partner-relationship. LAS ESCEGNAS The Scenes Las Escegnas illustrate the current prediction of a subject, comprising six cards relating to the six core interrogative aspects - who, what, when, where, why, and how. The resulting spread takes the shape of the cross, with its first draw (who) pointed towards the subject. LAS FACHAS PUGNAS The Dueling Faces For complex problems unable to be addressed by any other method, las fachas pugnas is a comprehensive style that makes use of the entire tomasí deck. After a series of shuffles, all sixty-four cards are laid out upon the table in the pattern of a tourney bracket. These pairs of cards duel each other by florin-flipping, dice-rolling, or the drawing of lots, with winning cards moving forward to duel other victors until only four cards remain. These select finalists are themselves dueled to create a ranking from one to four, which is then interpreted collectively by a group of divinists. Due to its drawn-out nature and the opacity of the final interpretation, las fachas pugnas finds sparse use among the kingdoms of man, only appearing in the royal courts prior to decisions of great significance. FACHAS I. NATIVITAS PROVENANCE Dawn - Novelty - Birth II. AL CÍNIC THE DENIER IBLEES Obsession - Temptation - Addiction III. AL MALI THE ELF MALIN Freedom - Sanctuary - Nature IV. AL DUERO THE DWARF URGUAN Order - Willpower - Stubbornness V. AL URUQUE THE ORC KRUG Strength - Honor - Vengeance VI. AL VER THE SON EXALTED HOREN I Duty - Virtue - Leadership VII. AL TABERNÀCUL THE TABERNACLE SAINT JULIA OF PARADISUS Friendship - Family - Love VIII. ALS TORRES THE TOWERS AEMON & DAEMON Secrecy - Vulnerability - Retreat IX. AL CAMPION THE CHAMPION EXALTED OWYN I Passion - Spirit - Purity X. LA SIRENA THE SIREN ADELHEID, WIFE OF OWYN Guile - Patience - Longevity XI. LA DANZELLA THE MAIDEN SAINT TARA OF PARADISUS Innocence - Temperance - Hope XII. AL MAGUS THE MAGE Strength - Diligence - Power XIII. SILENCE SILENCE Disconnection - Uncertainty - Consequence XIV. AL EMPERADOR THE EMPEROR EXALTED GODFREY I Stability - Gospel - Control XV. LAS MUSAS THE MUSES ELIZABETH & ATRIANA & ROSALIND, WIVES OF GODFREY Simplicity - Humility - Decentralization XVI. LA BAGNA THE HORN Purpose - Fidelity - Ascension XVII. AL PONTIFEX THE PONTIFF HIGH PONTIFF JAMES I Unity - Faith - Peace XVIII. AL VIDENT THE SOOTHSAYER EXALTED SIGISMUND I Prophecy - Auspice - Wisdom XIX. LA PATRONA THE PATRON HELAINE, WIFE OF SIGISMUND Patronage - Charity - Service XX. LA SOMBRA THE SHADOW THE SHADOW OF GOD Instability - Transformation - Revolution XXI. AL DRACÓN NERO THE BLACK WYRM VARGENGOTZ Wrath - Pride - Avarice XXII. AL DRACÓN BIANC THE WHITE WYRM ISHTAR Doubt - Sloth - Gluttony XXIII. PUGNA STRIFE Chaos - Conflict - Suffering XXIV. PARADÍS PARADISE Dusk - Conclusion - Death CONTRAS The four suits of the contras align themselves with the prophets, their Scrolls, and their domains. It comes as no surprise that Horen’s laurels concern the soul and the appearance of a Godfreyan scepter portents matters of the material realm. In conjunction, the accompanying number on a contra denotes an estate of GOD’s kingdom and its position within the social hierarchy. All cards numbering three, for example, relate to the blacksmith, or the estate of tradespeople more generally. In conjunction with each other, the suit and number of a card determine its elemental nature and the specific manifestation of that element. The Five of Globes remarks upon the intellectual aspect of the scribe - attention to detail and a yearning for truth dominate the scribe’s mind. Ergo, upon appearance during a tarot reading, the Five of Globes may symbolize an intelligent individual, a missing detail, or the pursuit of objective truth, depending on its position within the reading. SUITS ALORÉS (Laurels) - Horen, virtue, the soul, spiritual truth. SPATAS (Swords) - Owyn, spirit, the heart, emotional truth. CEPTRES (Scepters) - Godfrey, gospel, the body, material truth. GLOBAS (Globes) - Sigismund, auspice, the mind, intellectual truth. NUMBERS ONE - the peasant. TWO - the footman. THREE - the blacksmith. FOUR - the yeoman. FIVE - the scribe. SIX - the burgher. SEVEN - the priest. EIGHT - the knight. NINE - the lady. TEN - the lord. ONE ONE OF LAURELS Persistence - Fatigue - Stress ONE OF SWORDS Fulfillment - Contentment - Happiness ONE OF SCEPTERS Success - Harvest - Leisure ONE OF GLOBES Failure - Despair - Fear TWO TWO OF LAURELS Security - Defense - Difficulty TWO OF SWORDS Grief - Loss - Disappointment TWO OF SCEPTERS Collaboration - Combination - Goals TWO OF GLOBES Imprisonment - Restriction - Paralysis THREE THREE OF LAURELS Competition - Conflict - Tension THREE OF SWORDS Community - Friendship - Celebration THREE OF SCEPTERS Talent - Expertise - Craftsmanship THREE OF GLOBES Argument - Hostility - Ego FOUR FOUR OF LAURELS Responsibility - Obligation - Burnout FOUR OF SWORDS Choice - Indecision - Fantasy FOUR OF SCEPTERS Routine - Labor - Habit FOUR OF GLOBES Stalemate - Denial - Concealment FIVE FIVE OF LAURELS Creativity - Exploration - Freedom FIVE OF SWORDS Memory - Nostalgia - Sentimentality FIVE OF SCEPTERS Isolation - Adversity - Alienation FIVE OF GLOBES Intellect - Truth - Attention SIX SIX OF LAURELS Risk - Planning - Progress SIX OF SWORDS Apathy - Boredom - Disconnection SIX OF SCEPTERS Wealth - Prosperity - Materialism SIX OF GLOBES Deceit - Cunning - Strategy SEVEN SEVEN OF LAURELS Virtue - Purpose - Calling SEVEN OF SWORDS Release - Transition - Journey SEVEN OF SCEPTERS Generosity - Support - Gratitude SEVEN OF GLOBES Peace - Sanctuary - Rejuvenation EIGHT EIGHT OF LAURELS Decisiveness - Courage - Movement EIGHT OF SWORDS Passion - Attraction - Connection EIGHT OF SCEPTERS Strength - Sense - Vision EIGHT OF GLOBES Imprisonment - Restriction - Paralysis NINE NINE OF LAURELS Family - Home - Unity NINE OF SWORDS Love - Compassion - Attunement NINE OF SCEPTERS Tradition - Ancestry - Legacy NINE OF GLOBES Sorrow - Heartbreak - Trauma TEN TEN OF LAURELS Spirit - Inspiration - Discovery TEN OF SWORDS Intuition - Awakening - Incitement TEN OF SCEPTERS Opportunity - Manifestation - Independence TEN OF GLOBES Clarity - Innovation - Invention

The Concio Election of 65 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 65 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Portoregne, In keeping with the Royal Charter of Portoregne, the Censor’s Office has completed registration for the Concio Election of 65 B.A. Four registered candidates contend for four openings within the Concio, guaranteeing each of them placement as one of the four highest-placing candidates in the election. The Censor’s Office congratulates each of the following candidates for their election and appointment to municipal office: Concio de Portoregne, Don Demetrius var Ruthern Concio de Portoregne, Segnora Chen Tsune Concio de Portoregne, Segnor Charles Pincerna Concio de Portoregne, Segnora Malkyne Delague The upcoming concio term shall begin on the first day of 66 B.A. ((Wednesday, July 12th)) and end on the final day of 70 B.A. ((Wednesday, August 9th)). His Majesty wishes each prospective concio bonaventure in their task of nurturing the city of Portoregne to its highest potential. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown

The Concio Registration of 65 B.A. In the Year of Our Lord 65 B.A. __________________________________________________________________________________ To the citizens of Portoregne, In keeping with the laws and traditions of Portoregne, it is our distinct privilege to host the first election of four concios to the City Assembly. Fulfilling a crucial role in maintaining and improving the lives of those living within the Balianese capital city, the role and expectations of the concios were made apparent in the Royal Charter of Portoregne. If you find yourself wanting to participate in this election, ensure your qualifications match those below: - Must be fourteen summers old. - Must be a citizen of Portoregne. - Must not exceed the term limits outlined in the Royal Charter of Portoregne. For those qualified and motivated, fill out the below form to put forth your candidacy in the upcoming election. Registration shall close for the election to be held on the fourth month of the year ((Saturday, July 8th)), to last for a month ((until the end of Sunday, July 9th)). Candidates are encouraged to inform the populace of their candidacy through the use of flyers, posters, and verbal outreach. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, 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, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS EXCELLENCY, Belyn Gris, Censor of the Crown REGISTRATION FORM Full Name: Age: Address of Residence: ((IGN: )) ((Discord: ))

P O N T I F I C U M H I S T O R I A “B O O K O F T H E P O N T I F I C A T E” A U T H O R E D B Y J . J . D E S A R K O Z Y I N C O N J U N C T I O N W I T H T H E I M P E R I A L A S S O C I A T I O N THE EARLY CHURCH I. & II. High Priests St. Evaristus I and St. Clement I PAPAS EVARISTUS PRIMUS ET CLEMENS PRIMUS The first heads of the Holy Faith appointed by the successor of Horen, Owyn I. III. High Priest Sixtus I PAPA XYSTUS PRIMUS IV. High Priest Alexander I PAPA ALEXANDER PRIMUS V. High Priest Pontian I PAPA PONTIANUS PRIMUS VI. High Priest Stephen I PAPA STEPHANUS PRIMUS VII. High Priest Paul I PAPA PAULUS PRIMUS VIII. High Priest Paul II PAPA PAULUS SECUNDUS IX. High Priest Sixtus II PAPA XYSTUS SECUNDUS X. High Priest Liberius I PAPA LIBERIUS PRIMUS It was under Liberius I when the great Priestly See of Pontian I was ravaged, the archives of the Faith lost, and the Priesthood destroyed. Whilst the majority of mankind still heralded the faith of Horen I, there was no singular Head of Faith until the High Priest Marcus; instead , the Church’s dogma was governed by various clerical circles who acted as peers. What little is known about the Church prior the Sack of Pontia was due to texts saved in his escape. XI. High Priest Marcus I PAPA MARCUS PRIMUS The first and last leader of the Faith under the line of Horen, he was appointed in the reign of St. Daniel whom sought to restore the Priesthood after centuries of decentralized clergy. He proved able and competent in swaying the various religious circles to submit to his authority. XII. High Priest Bernard I PAPA BERNARDUS PRIMUS The first non-human leader of faith and the first recorded leader of the Faith under the usurper Perea and Sheffield dynasties, before which the Church was held in high regard by the line of Horen. Bernard was of halfling origin and relatively mild-mannered. XIII. High Priest St. Everard I PAPA EVERARDUS PRIMUS The progenitor of House Hightower, Everard I was the last High Priest of a unified Oren. He died a martyr, attempting to prevent the non-believer Sheffield king from abolishing the Church entirely. After his reign the kingdom splintered, causing the Church to be absorbed into the Phoenix Kingdom of Renatus and lose a great deal of power and influence. The First Interregnum The First Interregnum was caused by the split of Oren into Hanseti, Renatus and Salvus. THE RENATIAN PONTIFICATE XIV. Prince-Archbishop James I PAPA IACOMES PRIMUS [James Hightower] The first of the Renatian Pontificate, James I was the son of Everard I and was appointed to the position of Leader of the Faith by the Lord Regent Reynard Lycian. His carnal desires and greed was well-noted by peers, as he often wasted away church funds on courtesans and masquerades. XV. High Pontiff Pius I ‘the Bloody’ PAPA PIUS PRIMUS CRUENTUS [Gideon Silverblade] The second of the Renatian Pontificate, Pius I was a high elf born of the noble House Silverblade under the name of Gideon. Instated by the newly-crowned Godfrey of Horen. Famed for his lechery and libertinism, Pius was known to have impregnated several noble ladies and was notably violent and bloody in his behaviour. XVI. High Pontiff Bl. Adeodatus I 'the Simple' PAPA ADEODATUS PRIMUS GRACILIS [Boiendl Silverblade] Adeodatus was also of House Silverblade, born Boiendl Silverblade. Having been significantly less problematic than his two predecessors, Adeodatus’ reign was stagnant however peaceful. He was a pious and charitable mystic, who spent much of his church tithes tending to the poor and sick. However, he is infamous among tavern-folk for the wild-stories of his reign; a famous fresco of the era depicts him running about in his undergarments through the streets, his speech was cluttered with abrupt and offensive shouting, and his attempts to regulate and legalize prostitution in Oren stirred deep controversy among reactionaries and conservatives. This eccentric nature prove to be his downfall, as many of the clergy demanded the more disciplined and orthodox Lucien to take upon the papal laurels, and soon enough, the simple Adeodatus I resigned from his post. Despite his outbursts and oddities, he was recognized for his piety upon his passing and later beatified, for his goodwill and simple nature. XVII. High Pontiff St. Lucien I 'the Good' PAPA LUCIUS PRIMUS BONUS [Velwyn Ashford] The fourth and final of the Renatian Pontificate, Lucien I was Velwyn Ashford, a member of the Order of the White Rose who was a prominent reactionary and human supremacist. A pious High Pontiff who believed wholeheartedly in fulfilling God’s work, Lucien’s reign was uneventful however during it the Church’s good reputation was restored and various significant theologians were fostered under his tutelage. GODDARD’S DYNASTY XVIII. High Pontiff Owyn I PAPA OVENIUS PRIMUS [r. 1435-1444] [1378-1444] [Goddard Carrion] The controversial successor of Lucien I upon his exile, Owyn was one of the more notable heads of the Faith. Throughout Owyn's long and tumultuous reign, he acquired large tracts of land and political power for the Church not seen since the days of High Priest of Pontia. In modern times as then, he was reputed by many as corrupt and ambitious, and is more notable for his achievements in secular policy than in the faith. However, to others, he was acclaimed for his contributions to the Siegmundic prophecy. The Second Interregnum The Second Interregnum was caused by the abolition of the Pontifical throne by Owyn I, a deeply heretical move which was immediately resisted by clergy. XIX. Blessed High Ecclesiarch Radomir I PAPA RADOSLAUS PRIMUS [r. 1444-1448] [14??-1456] [Francis-Joseph Carrion] The only head of the Faith and the Church being called High Ecclesiarch due to his extraordinary nature of ruling as a King and High Pontiff during varying periods of his lifetime. Born as Franz Joseph Carrion, Radomir is an extreme reformist who aimed to mold the Church into a tool of both power and precision so it might spread the word of God by the sword and the cross. However, his reforms had led to radical bills such as the Bull of Dibley, and as a Pontiff is condemned for attempting to make the Pontificate hereditary. He soon realized his folly and amended his bills, but later resigned due to frustration of his abilities. Over a decade later he inherited the Orenian throne as King Francis, before being butchered in the Franciscan Massacre. XX. High Pontiff Lucien II 'the Unready' PAPA LUCIUS SECUNDUS IMPARATUS [r. 1448-1451] [141?-1451] [Signus Cross] High Pontiff Lucien II reigned as High Pontiff after Radomir. He was the first High Pontiff elected by the Ecclesiastical Synod, the college of Bishops convened to choose a successor to Radomir in the wake of his leave. Lucien II was a Lucienist that sought to expand the Church's presence in Oren. He oversaw the establishment of the Order of St. Lucien and the assimilation of the Teutonic Order into the Church, as well as reviving a tradition of regular mass and fasting in the significant cities. However, during his reign his neglect to manage his subordinates led to his lack of political sway and, according to some, his death as he was assassinated through poison. XXI. High Pontiff Regulus I PAPA REGULUS PRIMUS [r. 1451-1457] [1399-1457] [Castus II Winter] A relic of Godfrey's era, the imperial traditionalist Regulus was unanimously chosen by the Ecclesiastical Synod to take control of the Faith after the death of Lucien II. During his reign, many doctrines were established and clarified, yet his issues in unifying the various sects, and later openly tolerating and patronizing Darfeyist and Rovinist plots had led to the brutal Franciscian Massacre and a sharp decline in moral authority. His station was brought under heavy scrutiny after its lead role in overthrowing the Carrion dynasty and replacing it with the Chivay dynasty. Regulus retired and abdicated his title shortly after Emperor Peter I's coronation. THE DARFEY ERA XXII. High Pontiff Bl. Pius II PAPA PIUS SECUNDUS [r. 1457-1457] [1418-1457] [Michael John Mary of Longueville] “Pro Deo Et Patria” Pius II is known for being the shortest-lived head of Faith, his reign lasting a paltry six months. While of outstanding learning and particular renown, this staunch member of the Rovinist-Lucienist fellowship soon found himself deposed in favor for the notorious John of Darfey himself. He was hunted down and killed by his former colleagues after trying to resist his deposition, known for little else other than being a pawn in their political machinations. XXIII. High Pontiff Paul III 'the Wicked' PAPA PAULUS TERTIUS MALUS [r. 1457-1460] [14??-14??] [John Jrent] There are few held in such high contempt in the Church histories as the figure "John of Darfey", a bastard of low cunning and malevolent intent. Little is known about the Jrent's early clerical career, but his rise to prominence began under Radomir I where he found himself appointed as the Bishop of Corazon. From thenceforth, John of Darfey utilized political connections to severe and poison the human state, fostering deep sectarian issue and dissent which culminated in the Franciscan Massacre. However, growing resentment against his political dogma and abuse of clerical authority led to his deposition by the Chivay government. The Third Interregnum The Third Interregnum was caused by the abolition of the Church at the hands of Robert Chivay and the institution of the Reformed Communion, a caesaropapist tradition presided by High Patriarch Thomas I, which greatly curbed the rights of the clergy. Church activity waned until the Vibian Coup, and the Canonist Church was restored by the will of Thomas I. THE KEEPERS OF THE REFORMATION XXIV. High Pontiff St. Daniel I 'the Reader' PAPA DANIEL PRIMUS LECTORES [r. 1471-1512] [1441-1512] [Siguine Otovic Barrow] The longest reigning High Pontiff in recorded history, Daniel I began his pontificate as little more than an adolescent and ended it a withered man. He witnessed three wars and the fall and return of a unified humanity; the Schism War, arguably the most significant of the three, revolved around the distrust faced against him due to his Carrion blood. However, despite the war and strife surrounding humanity, Daniel was a notable pacifist of weak constitution, choosing to the quill for his battles over blade. He earned the church lands and kept its sovereignty and neutrality throughout the period’s crises, establishing the Church’s presence as one significant yet apolitical; a mediator in disputes and center of higher learning. Prior Pontiffs largely relied on an inconsistent oral tradition to reference and minister faith, but under the reign of Daniel, liturgy, holy scrolls, dogma and histories were chronicled for posterity, enabling the priesthood a far greater understanding of faith and tradition than ever before. He is characterized for his passion for scholarship and academia, evoking a new literary tradition among the clergy, earning him the moniker ‘the Reader.’ XXV. High Pontiff Bl. Sixtus III ‘the Lewd’ PAPA XYSTUS TERTIUS IMPUDICUS [r. 1512-1518] [148?-1518] [Theodosius Yurison] Having ascended to the position of High Pontiff following a controversial election, Sixtus III sought to further progress conversion of the Elven subjects of the Kingdom of Oren and to make more efficient the Church, who's attendance has seen better days. He did indeed make great strides in conversion, founding a mission in Malinor with the help of Abbot Radovid of Blaviken. Unfortunately, before all his goals were accomplished, he was assassinated by an unknown man, becoming a martyr for the faith. XXVI. High Pontiff Bl. Daniel II 'the Old' PAPA DANIEL SECUNDUS VETUS [r. 1518-1525] [1434-1525] [Cordal Winter] The only man to have ever been crowned as the leader of the faith twice, Daniel II (the past High Patriarch Thomas I) sought to finish his late predecessor's work, though he failed in that regard. He was successful in other areas however, commissioning a crusade upon the Lesser Tarchary and with the help of his Pentarchy, founded what was to be Luciensport. Daniel II furthermore spearheaded efforts to end the Owynist Cults cropping up within Kaedrin. He died in his sleep, of old age and mild renown. XXVII. High Pontiff Bl. Everard II 'the Wise' PAPA EVERARDUS SECUNDUS SOPHES [r. 1525-1537] [1489-1537] [Edmond Sarkozic] The second Pontiff to be unanimously chosen by a papal conclave, Everard II attempted to reassert papal influence, and justly govern the church entrusted to him by GOD’s faithful. He did so with efficiency and under his reign papal influence expanded greatly. Everard confirmed Papal Dominance with the crowning of John Horen I as Holy Orenian Empire, following the untimely assassination of Guy de Bar. With the arrival of the Cordobonese Exiles, the creation of the Inquisition, and the establishment of the Patriarchy of Laurelin, Everard's reign was one of expansion. He was killed by clerical dissenters within the Garden of Adricho. He was slain beside Adrian of Kaedrin. With his death, he left behind a legacy of expansion and strength. XXVIII. High Pontiff Bl. Lucien III PAPA LUCIUS TERTIUS [r. 1537-1546] [1519-1546] [Ferdinand Maurice Paul Eric Ximena Asturias Bolivar] The first Pontiff to appear from the stock of Cordobonese exiles, Lucien made some reforms towards bringing a less slothful church which worked to some degree of effectiveness. He controversially made enemies in the realm of Oren, but supported their war against the Dwarves, and Dunamis. One of Lucien's only acts of note was his conversion of Lord Protector Nafis Yar. Lucien III died in his bed after being beaten in battle by a horde of Orcs. LOOSE FOOTING XXIX. High Pontiff Tobias I PAPA TOBIAS PRIMUS [r. 1546-1552] [1514-1552] [Oliver II Blackwell-Greymane] One of the last of the line of Blackwell, once lordly vassals of the House Winter. A man with a kind heart who loved GOD and sought to do good in His name, Tobias I struggled largely with disagreements with his own Synod, among whom Charles Francis Horen was his primary malcontent. Among the declaration of Lorraine as a Holy Land and the Annulment of King John of Vandoria’s coronation, Tobias attempted to exert his will in unprecedented ways, which led to his support both from nobility and clergy to nearly disintegrate entirely. He passed away from illness, the last years of his reign extremely stagnant. XXX. High Pontiff Daniel III ‘the Mad’ PAPA DANIEL TERTIUS DELIRUS [r. 1551-1562] [1526-157?] [Charles Francis Horen] The son of Emperor John I, Daniel III ascended to the pontifical throne namely for his ties with the Empire and secular powers. Controversial and disliked amongst the orthodox clergy, Daniel III is marked in his policies in restricting the rights of the Church in the Empire’s favor, as well as attempting to place the Church under the Empire’s control near the end of his reign. Through a vote of the Cardinals, Daniel III was ripped of his vicaral vestments and sent to exile in Aeldin. XXXI. High Pontiff Theodosius I PAPA THEODOSIUS PRIMUS [r. 1562-1567] [1543-1567] [George Nikovich] The High Pontiff Theodosius I was told to be a man of Raevir birth. A decent priest, when compared to those before. His reign being of a low caliber due mostly to inexperience. A classical man of the Crow, he cared little for his role, continuing the stagnation seen by his predecessors. He, with pressure from his own Synod, revoked the revelations of Daniel III. His reign ended suddenly however with his death, noted as strange due to his younger stature. THE SIXTAN LEGACY XXXII. High Pontiff St. Sixtus IV ‘the Scholar’ PAPA XYSTUS QUARTUS PHILOLOGUS [r. 1567-1577] [1518-1598] [Benegar Gotthold] A man of the holy book, Sixtus IV’s reign is marked by reforms in clerical mass and ceremony, as well as his patronage to theological studies. He is remembered for his initiatives in institutional reforms, a circulation of the first modern Canonist Catechism, and the renewal of the mass with the publication of the Missa Sixtina in 1574. However despite his holy nature, Sixtus IV disliked the secular responsibilities and abdicated after ten years on the Pontifical Throne, instead retiring for the rest of his days in a monastery. He was canonized a saint in 1671. XXXIII. High Pontiff Lucien IV PAPA LUCIUS QUARTUS [r. 1577-1578] [154?-1578] [John of Luca] Lucien IV, known specifically for being the second shortest reigning Pontiff in history. During his year-long reign he was noted as being ignorant of many basic clerical principles, and for his radically brutal Flamenist ideals, committing many to the flame for abstract reasonings. He was then slain within his own estate by a lone Dwarf. XXXIV. High Pontiff Everard III PAPA EVERARDUS TERTIUS [r. 1578-1585] [15??-1585] [Bernard Baruch] Everard III’s reign was characterized by its stagnancy. Very little happened beneath the Pontiff’s watch, save the renewal of Metz, and the expected duties of one in such a respected office. This neglect however reared its head during the eve of the Pontiff’s death, the Immaculate Throne taken by the Raev Exarch, Yaroslav of Vsenk. XXXV. High Pontiff Theodosius II ‘the Boorish’ PAPA THEODOSIUS SECUNDUS RUSTICUS [r. 1585-1588] [15??-1588] [Iaroslaus Vasilev] Theodosius II, before known as Yaroslav of Vsenk, was noted for his wicked election and his eventual demise. His Pontificate, certainly an improvement on the last, also ignored older clergymen and propped up the less experienced, causing dissolution. His lackluster performance in politics was also plain, excommunicating the Emperor which ultimately lead to his deposition. XXXVI. High Pontiff Adrian I PAPA ADRIANUS PRIMUS [r. 1588-1598] [15??-1598] [Lothar Sarkozic] High Pontiff Adrian I, originally named Lothar Sarkozic, saw the task in restoring orthodoxy and integrity in the Canonist Church as a result of the political and ecclesial fracture of his predecessor. A man of simplicity and doctrinal sobriety, Adrian pursued to resume the traditions of the Church. His Pontificate sought a return to normalcy, a theme that would be overshadowed by the ensuing Coalition War and the schism brought upon by the so-called Lotharic Communion. THE WOEFUL DECADE XXXVII. High Pontiff Bl. Daniel IV PAPA DANIEL QUARTUS [r. 1598-1603] [15??-16??] [William Nicholas Frable] “Canonist and Proud” A product of the institutional church, Daniel IV rose to the pontificate as the presumed heir to the Immaculate Throne from his previous post as Vice Chancellor. His reign saw the continual schismatic efforts of the True Faith, an amended Lotharic Communion and an emphasis a call to revitalize the primacy of the Canonist Church through a number of counter-reform documents and the imposition of the title Fidei Defensor to the King of Hanseti-Ruska, Marius I. XXXVIII. High Pontiff Bl. Owyn II ‘the Unfortunate’ PAPA OVENIUS SECUNDUS IMPROSPERUS [r. 1604-1606] [156?-1606] [Rory Othaman] Taking the name in honor of Exalted Owyn, Rory Othaman was elected and tasked with mitigating the stigma of divided humanity in lieu of the rising political tensions between the Kingdom of Courland and their schismatic church, the Kingdom of the Westerlands and the Owynistic sect, and the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Church of the Canon. Despite his intentions for a reunification, Owyn II was assassinated by Courlanders in his attempts to sue for peace in the city of Aleksandria. XXXIX. High Pontiff Lucien V PAPA LUCIUS QUINTUS [r. 1606-1610] [15??-16??] [Alexander Gray] An elderly man deeply enthralled in spearheading the cause of reunification, Lucien V continued the efforts of his predecessor, most notably in the formation of the Canonist League to counter schismatic entities. He quickly supported the return and the restoration of the House of Horen. His Pontificate saw the end of the divide in faith among the Kingdom of the Westerlands in which the Canonist Church was recognized once more. THE BLESSED TIMES XL. High Pontiff Bl. Clement II PAPA CLEMENS SECUNDUS [r. 1610-1622] [1585-1622] [Sebastian Sarkozic] “Deus Persto” Elected in a decade that saw the reformation of the Holy Orenian Empire, Clement II ascended the Immaculate Throne having mended the schism that had wracked the Canonist Church in the two preceding decades, his reign saw reforms that reunited the polarization within the clergy and dogma. XLI. High Pontiff Bl. Everard IV ‘the Diligent’ PAPA EVERARDUS QUARTUS SEDULUS [r. 1622-1643] [1555-1643] [Joseph Baldemar] “Miserando Atque Eligendo” At sixty-seven, Josef Baldemar was elected to the mantle of the Holy Canonist Church following the full reunification of the Church from two decades of schism. Among his first priorities was to combat the Xionist cult who saw steady increases in proselytization. Coupled with feuds with the Daelish and Norlandic pagans, Everard IV reinstituted the Order of Saint Lucien to restore Canonist primacy. During his Pontificate, reports of persistent blasphemy and clerical endangerment from the Kingdom of Santegia were reported, and following news of impending apostasy by their king, the High Pontiff declared a crusade. Following the fall of Emperor John VI, the High Pontiff was placed as Imperial Regent. To prevent continued war, Everard recognized the Kingdom of Renatus and the Kingdom of Marna and dissolved the Holy Orenian Empire, consecrating a tripartite humanity. To stabilize human discord, Everard IV declared the Peace and Truce of God in his encyclical Pax Dei et Treuga Dei. XLII. High Pontiff Clement III PAPA CLEMENS TERTIUS [r. 1643-1648] [1603-1662] [Jack Amador] “Fide Et Ordo” Having served in the capacity of Vice Chancellor and groomed closely under the tutelage of his predecessor, Clement III was the ‘heir-apparent’ to the Exalted Throne. His reign saw the tensions between the tripartite social order which began to deteriorate with growing anxieties of a Renatian hegemony and the discontent of the Haensetian kingdom. He is most notably remembered for his efforts in forging diplomatic ties with the Apostolic See of the Exalted and the Dominion of Malin as well as his leniency toward the Rashidun faith. His Pontificate casted a period of tolerance and dialogue with great emphasis on ecumenical relationships as well as moderation within his contemporary political realm. Amidst mounting secular pressure, he abdicated the Pontificate after six years. XLIII. High Pontiff Bl. Jude I ‘the Hammer’ PAPA IUDAES PRIMUS MALLEUS [r. 1649-1672] [1616-1672] [Elphias Stem] “Sunt Etiamnum Fidelium” As an astute clergyman and Archbishop of Jorenus, Elphias of Metz ascended quickly and was elected High Pontiff Jude, the first of his namesake. His task was defined by his ability to repair the credibility and image of the Church as a result of its perceived recession. He is dubbed as being one of the most prolific authors to hold the Pontificate and is noted for his steadfast institutional reform. Beginning with the abolition of priestly appointments to diocese, the High Pontiff instituted direct appointment of priests to bishops as well as introduced a census for the presbyterate. Jude also codified a renewed liturgical rite, a common Credo for the Church, and declared the Year of the Faithful and the Jubilee of Priests to celebrate the vitality of the Church’s mission. In addition, he is responsible for the certification of the Order of Saint Everard, the Order of the Exalted Throne, the Sisters of Saint Julia, who at their peak was among the largest orders in history, and Chantry. All of which aforementioned demonstrated a performative work for his vocational talent. Among his other contributions is his consolidation of relics recovered during his Pontificate. He is noted for his strong orthodoxy especially on his objection to lay investiture and promoting priestly authority and on his heavy enforcement with the Order of Saint Lucien. He also promoted ecumenical dialogue with the Rashidun faith in the recognition of a concordat of good will. XLIV. High Pontiff Bl. Siegmund I PAPA SIGISMUNDUS PRIMUS [r. 1672-1693/1720] [1625-1725] [George Vankovich Radovic] “Velykyy Plan Jest Wypaczony Przez Povstannya” A staunch champion of orthodoxy in the vein of his predecessor, Siegmund I’s policies reaffirmed a variety of traditional values from priestly marriage to sacred textiles, and protected the practice of the then-unpopular Ruskan Rite. His reactionary crusade against Reiter incursions into Canonist domains at the behest of the Dominion of Malin struggled on for several years before fizzling out into a de facto white peace. During the late 1680s through early 1690s, however, His Holiness neglected the administrative and judicial aspects of his position to focus on his grand theological works, The Books of Siegmund I. This came to a head during the investigation of Imperial Prince Cassius Horen, who was suspected by the Synod of massacring a troupe of monastics during a missionary excursion to the Princedom of Rhosenyr. Despite a lack of physical evidence and eyewitness testimony to place him in Rhosenyr at the time, Siegmund excommunicated him nonetheless. This tactless move enraged both Emperor Aurelius I and the Electoral Synod, who both attempted to depose him in 1693. After declaring his deposition contrary to the laws of the church, Siegmund declared the Heartland Schism against his detractors and fled into the wilderness with the contents of the Church’s reliquary, not to be seen again for twenty-five years. THE SCHISM PONTIFICATE XLV. High Pontiff Bl. Daniel V PAPA DANIEL QUINTUS [r. 1693-1702] [166?-1702] [Elwood of Carolustadt] “Unitatis In Nostra Aetate” Following the deposition of High Pontiff Siegmund I, the Electoral Synod nominated their Vice Chancellor, Elwood of Carolustadt, to take up the mantle of the pontificate in such tumultuous times. A paragon of Epulonism, Daniel V’s reign was marked by his close interactions with his flock of laity. While initially labelled an Aurelian puppet by several Highland factions, Daniel managed to win over the majority of the Imperium through a combination of his tranquil, diplomatic demeanor, and a benevolent open-door policy. This, however, would be his downfall, as Daniel was assassinated in his own See by a heathen feigning desire for baptism. XLVI. High Pontiff Bl. Pontian II ‘the Silent’ PAPA PONTIANUS SECUNDUS TACITUS [r. 1702-1714] [1656-1724] [Theodoric Andrew Bracchus] “Ex Umbra In Solem” Archbishop Theodoric of Markev, Lord Keeper of the Imperial Privy Seal and Professor of Theology at the Imperial Theodosian Academy, was the clear candidate to succeed Daniel V, if only due to his peers’ inexperience in ecclesiastical office. Pontian II spent the majority of his pontificate within the walls of the Holy See, poring over ancient theological documents and upkeeping the church’s several estates within Reza. While this resulted in a well-populated diaconate, a lean yet effective priesthood, and the grandest ecclesiastical library since the See of Pontian I, Pontian II’s introspection came at the cost of his public presence. During his reign, several Pertinaxi atrocities, including the Burning of Ves, proceeded unimpeded by the church, and alchemical and arcane abominations roamed the streets of the Empire of Man. Just as he was beginning to address this grievous issues via the establishment of the Order of Saint Rudolph, Pontian resigned out of wariness, unable to bear the burden of the Immaculate Throne any longer. XLVII. High Pontiff Everard V ‘the Josephite’ PAPA EVERARDUS QUINTUS JOSEPHUS [r. 1714-1720] [1678-1720] [Thomas Wick] “Deus Caritas Est” An ambitious, young Hanseti friar, Father Thomas Wick won his election unanimously by promising an end to the moral decay rampant among the streets of the Empire of Man. While this appeared to be a promising start, Everard’s agenda soon dispersed to ashes as he became embroiled in the War of Two Emperors. In his fervor to promote the cause of his preferred candidate, Joseph I, Everard not only excommunicated Emperor Godfrey II, but the entire Pertinaxi lineage. As the Josephite legions began to crumble under pressure by Renatian forces, the middling Wick soon found himself at odds with the return of the deposed High Pontiff Siegmund I, forcing the Heartland Schism to the forefront of ecclesiastical thought. During the Council of Ves, both Siegmund I and Everard V agreed to resign their claims to the High Pontificate, and assist in the election of a new pontiff. THE REKINDLING XLVIII. High Pontiff Bl. Daniel VI ‘the Holy’ PAPA DANIEL SEXTUS SANCTUS [r. 1720-1737] [1686-1737] [Guy Haas] “Unitatis In Nostra Aetate” When Father Haas called together the Council of Ves, his only expectation was that a resolution between the Siegmundic and Everardian churches be formed, for the sake of ecclesiastical unity in a new era. However, due to his prized non-partisanship during the proceedings, Guy found himself unanimously elected High Pontiff during an impromptu election. During his seventeen-year reign, Daniel VI enacted reforms unprecedented since the days of High Pontiff St. Sixtus IV. A catechism, a marriage registry, and a book of saints were all republished during his tenure, as well as a comprehensive tome of ecclesiastical law to clarify dicey intricacies of church procedure for generations to come. In addition, a flock of eager students and courtiers found their place at the Holy See, where His Holiness offered generous lodgings to all who wished to study the canon and become members of the clergy. This golden era of ecclesiastical scholarship and community presence would eventually come to an end, however, with Daniel VI lying bedridden with gout for several years before his eventual passage to the Seven Skies. XLIX. High Pontiff John I PAPA IOANNES PRIMUS [r. 1737-1744] [1679-1744] [Ernst of Curonia] “Deus Super Omnia” An aged relic of the Heartlander Schism, Ernst of Curonia was selected to succeed Daniel VI due to his unparalleled forty years of experience as a member of the clergy. Despite his distinguished tenure, however, John I soon struggled with the administrative duties of his position. The few binding edicts that he issued were dismissed by contemporary scholars due to their outdated ideas and basic record-keeping errors. The stress that accompanied these public gaffes, combined with that brought on by the ongoing war between the Holy Orenian Empire and the Alliance of Independent States, likely contributed to John’s death in 1745. L. High Pontiff Pontian III PAPA PONTIANUS TERTIUS [r. 1745-1752] [1683-1752] [Ide Haraccus] Pontian III formerly reigned as Serene Prince of Ves, and was the primary author of the Codex Iuris Canonici Danielus Pontifex, the church’s current compendium of law. Grappling with substantive issues such as lay coronation and radical laity, Pontian attempted in vain to increase ecclesiastical authority within the secular realms of humanity. It was during his construction of a new monastery in Helena that His Holiness was assassinated by an unknown figure. LI. High Pontiff James II PAPA IACOMES SECUNDUS [r. 1753-] [1712-] [Godric Virosi] “Veritas Dei Vincit” A talented theologian and scribe prior to his ascension, High Pontiff James II is most notable for his role in the human expedition to Athera, leading up to the recovering of the lost verses of Auspice, and the subsequent publishing of the Holy Canon.

((MC NAME: xboxersz Discord: Cash4Gold#1763)) Name: Yusuf Karakulak Age: 18 Race: Human Reason For Joining: To further my studies in natural philosophy in a formal, academic environment. Affiliation: N/A

MC Username: xboxersz Discord: Cash4Gold#1763 Which Category you wish to work on: Tech-Power Why you wish to work on that Category: I’ve completed coursework in the foundations and history of science/technology, and have a brief history of work experience that includes the maintenance of considerably large machines. It’s a field that I have a vested interest in, and I’d enjoy the opportunity to examine how the IRL development of technology interacts with arcane, alchemical, and mundane aspects of the server lore, along with overarching server themes. What you want to see from that Category: I’d like to establish the limits of LoTC technology in a manner that opens it up organically for even further development and discussion later on in the server’s arc. The problem with setting static limits to technological progress is that some players will immediately begin to charge towards that limit to reach it as soon as possible. Once such a static limit is reached, players and characters will lack room to grow, and then stagnate and lose interest. I’d like to see a dynamic techlock with milestones that can be reached over time with research and development by player groups. As time goes by, a wider breadth of devices should be available for development by players, instead of simply them hitting a static ceiling within a few months.