BenevolentManacles

The Vice Chancellor sighs, slinking out the door to attend to matters diplomatic. Or to drink more.

Reeking of liquor, but too far for anyone to smell, John speaks. “Honorable Senator May, let us not recuse a man for lacking the funds to provide for the infrastructure and military status of vassals whom have thus far been unreceptive to the idea of paying any form of taxation to the institution it requests such assistance from. Surely, if you wish to extend the generosity of the imperial treasury, you yourself have a plan to increase it’s size to suit such a large burden?” The Vice Chancellor offers a whimsical grin, as though to dismiss the idea altogether, “Or perhaps the Mister de Leumont can provide us a method by which we may ascertain this growth of imperial funding and it’s distribution?”

The Vice Chancellor listens as the attendees speak, nodding a few times at each contribution. With no more words in the chamber, he bangs his gavel as a sign that he is calling a division. “Well, I think that’s long enough,” he states pensively. “We’ll now have a division on the confirmation of Veikko Harjalainen, Senator from Helena and Solicitor-General-designate, as Solicitor-General, entitled to sit upon the Council of State and with all of the privileges therein. I would also like to briefly welcome the Duke of Helena’s appointment for the seat formerly held by our emperor, Senator Desmond Sola.” After he calls the tally for a vote, a clerk tallies the ayes and the nos for confirmation. When the senators have finished casting their final votes, the same secretary brings John a roll of parchment which he squints in reading. In the process, he knocks a drop of the contents of his goblet onto the register, revealing that it is not water but whisky. “Ahem. Armas, Helvets, Rutledge, Sola, Harjalainen and Bowers in favour, May and Corbish against. The motion carries.” The Vice Chancellor bangs his gavel once more, “Honorable senators, you may know that my work as Vice Chancellor, regrettably for you all, extends beyond this chamber. With the accession of a new emperor to the throne, this work has increased ten-fold. Within the Edict of Establishment is retained a provision to elect a president pro tempore, or temporary president, from among the senators to serve as the presiding officer of this body in these very cases. As I cannot devote my full attention to my duties as presiding officer, I would like to nominate Frederick Armas, Senator from Kaedrin, for this role. To move promptly, I will now call a division.” The aging drunkard takes a sip of the liquor in his cup, gesturing for the clerk to first arrange a division for votes and then to get him some more whisky. When the senators have finished, John de Balain reads the names in favour of the proposal. “Order, order in the chamber. Armas, Helvets, Rutledge, May, Corbish, Sola, Harjalainen and Bowers in favour. The motion carries unanimously. Frederick Armas, Senator from Kaedrin, so long as he remains a senator, shall now serve as president pro tempore of the Senate until such time as he resigns, loses the confidence of the chamber, or the office of the Vice Chancellor returns to preside over it more actively.” With those forbearing words, the Vice Chancellor calls up the Senator from Kaedrin to the presiding officer’s desk to exchange the gavel and resume the session as president pro tempore.

John recalls his tumultuous relationship with Adrian. Watching the man whom he had grown to care for like a brother die in a pool of his blood had upset the aging knight. He retreated from the room before hearing these final words, surely to be found in some garden with some drink, and very alone.

John sighs upon the poem, squinting his eyes half pensively, and half in frustration. He recalls his father’s love for poetry. The now aging knight buries his face in his hands.

The Vice Chancellor nods his head in appreciation as the Senators speak on the bill proposed. “If that will be all, we shall tally the vote,” he lets out a deep breath, reclining in his chair before addressing the Senators one at a time. The Vice Chancellor calls each senator one at a time, attaining ‘ayes’ from Senators Armas, Rutledge, Sigismundic, May, and Corbish. Upon attaining Senator Corbish’s assent, the Vice Chancellor raises his hand to stop the proceedings. "The vote passes with simple majority. Thus the bill is enacted into law. This particular law’s involvement in the regulation of the Council of State is revolutionary, make no mistake. I can not name a time in the history of the Empire that an electoral body has been empowered by the Crown to regulate its own councillors. Do not take this role lightly.” John de Balain lets out a long sigh, scratching his beard as he continues his address. “We require appointments for the Chairs of these committees. For the promulgation of these committees, I will take it upon myself as the President of the Senate to appoint these chairs, should they choose to accept. My choices are as follows; Frederick Armas for the Chairman of the Committee on Civil Affairs. Terrence May for the Chairman of the Committee on Justice. Antony Sigismundic for the Chairman of the Committee on Treasury. Now that we have confirmed the nature of our committees and their chairs, we have Cabinet confirmations to make. The first of which is our dear Senator Veikko, whom I now invite to the floor. Should any Senator have questions for my friend Veikko, speak now. Once we have inquired on the candidate’s qualifications and whatsoever else we wish, we will take a vote on whether he should be confirmed as the Solicitor-General of the Imperium.” John finishes his long speech, clearing his throat as it had grown sore from over-talking. He takes a sip from a mug on a mahogany table beside his chair, presumably water, but certainly not.

From the Dais, John lets his classic silly grin spread across his face as he peruses the copy of the bill. He nods his head before raising his eyes to the Senate and speaking. “The Senator May has proposed his bill. Any senator may comment or propose amendment now. Once all such comments or propositions are made, or if none are made, I will call a vote to order.” With this, he returns to his seat, observing the process.

John sighs, for he really wanted the summer dress.

First Session of the Imperial Senate, 1736-1738 The scene within Varoche hall. The brisk air of Helena subsides as the new members of the Imperial Senate file into Varoche Hall one at a time, moving to either side of the hall to sit with their respective colleagues. On the Dais, the Vice Chancellor stands, arms crossed, observing as the guards at the doors admit the senators one at a time. Once they are settled into their seats, John de Balain uncrosses his arms, taking the few short steps to the floor from the dais to address the congregation. “I call to order the first session of the Imperial Senate. In the name of GOD and the Empire, you have taken upon yourselves the heavy burden of civil service, governance and legislation. It is here we will propose, debate, discuss, present, and assent to the laws of the Holy Orenian Empire within the restrictions placed upon us by the Crown and the Edicts of Establishment and Election.” The Vice Chancellor snaps his finger aggressively, a pensive grin on his face as he awaits a clerk from the corner of the dais whom scurries to his side, handing him a small leather booklet. He bobs his head in appreciation for the clerk before prying open the booklet slowly, a single document within the binding. He reads from the paper, raising his voice to an unnatural boom for all to hear. “ Your names and offices are as follows; The Senators from Helena; Veikko Harjalainen - Term expires in 1738 Antony Sigismundic - Term expires in 1740 The Senators from Haense; Siegmund Corbish - Term expires in 1738 Terrence May - Term expires in 1740 The Senators from Kaedrin; Frederick Armas - Term expires in 1738 Othodoric Helvets - Term Expires in 1740 The Senators from Curon; Charles Bower - Term expires in 1738 Matthias Rutledge - Term expires in 1740 John closes the booklet, handing it back to the clerk who scurries back to their note-taking corner. The Vice Chancellor then ascends the dais once more. “As the presiding officer of the Senate, I retain the right to call order to the Senate, speak first on legislative proposals, and be the first to make such proposals. I will say only this; I know many of you, hopefully drank with some, not that I’d recall that. If not, expect an invitation. This aside, I am pleased to have the opportunity to make this Diet an instrument by which we do the good will of GOD and propagate our human fraternity. I have no other such proposals or commentary to make, and so, the floor is open to the Senate for the first Senator who wishes to propose a Bill or Writ to be made into law.” With this, the Vice Chancellor takes his seat on the dais, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair and observing the Senators with interest and expectation. ((This is a forum roleplay post. Only players with characters in the senate are present in the room and able to reply.))

The King of Curon would receive a letter by courier, a wax seal marked with a simple fiddle. Pierce, You sent me a letter some time ago, hoping that you might ascertain some semblance of response from me. How silly of you to think an indulgent wastrel as myself to make the time to upkeep the relationships to which I commit myself. I relished in my retirement for some time recently. The Lord Protector seemed to be doing well in areas of progress my dear late Alexander failed terribly. I do miss Alexander, too. Few things have hurt greater than standing over the boy I had grown to love like a son, sickly and weak, pale in face and purple of lip. For all his faults, I could never tear myself from my eternal affection for him. Though of course, those times my bottles run dry are close to the same sort of agony. I’m sure at times you, my dear friend, feel the same. But yes, retirement. A farce, of course, for how could I ever stand idly by where I see so many cracks in the hull? My mind swarms with my past errors, and the errors of Empires past. I hear the voices of my critics, and the critics of my sovereigns, and all the while I plot in my head on how to plug every hole I can with these swollen, bruised digits at the ends of my hands. It is a taxing thing, to have such an active mind. I can only hope that you are not plagued by such things, Pierce, or your wife would berate you for drinking till the early morning, as Vespira so often does. With the Lord Protector, the city was being built. The army was being built. This is where we failed before, most supremely, and in not fulfilling this most ultimate of charges, Alexander’s Empire, and my task was a resounding, disunited and chaotic failure. Yet even with the Lord Protector’s successes, my mind was screaming at me. Fix this, fix that. And then the woodkin killed my Mars, and I lost myself to those voices again. I am worried, Pierce. I have thrown myself into the fray once again, but I do not know if it is right. I put myself here once before, and I failed. It will be taxing, and this time it may actually kill me, yet I can not stop myself. I feel selfish, stealing myself away from my wife and children again to perform some grandiose task I feel charged with by GOD. Yet perhaps the best thing I can do for them is give them a safe place to live, with friends and a good home, before I drink with Alexander in the Seven Skies. Speaking of nearly dying, I went to visit Morsgrad, and alongside the Duke we slew a boar the size of three bears! I will take you there sometime to join with us. Tell me of your Kingdom if you reply. I tire of writing so much about myself, yet I know not what else to write; it is what I know best. Always the best, John

Sir John grits his teeth, furious the elves who murdered the cats had managed to survive long enough to do so much damage.

John sips quietly from his glass of wine, turning this missive in his hand. He bobs his head as he examines the piece point by point, snapping the fingers of his free hand. A gentle sigh comes from the other side of the room as his young son, Alexander, brings him his quill to pen a response; “Duke Godric, I loathe to think you are so oppositional to my personage that we should both say the same thing in two different ways, yet mine is cowardly by lack of harshness. You speak with great ferocity, and conviction, a conviction I relish and respect. Yet, you mistake me if you think I call you to do anything for my sake. I speak my belief, which is that to be vehement and wanton in the giving of offense and destruction of people is not an example of strength, but rather a weakness of reason and largely a lazy effort to galvanize people through hatred. Why bother ourselves with the effort of hating such minuscule ants as those who oppose us? I invite you to treat with me sometime, I relish the opportunity to drink with a man so harsh of tone and ideal. They are often the finest of drunks.” Ser John de Balain

Conviction From left to right, Adrian de Sarkozic, Leonard de Ruyter, and John de Balain, planning the defense of Orenia, circa 1775 My friend, Mars, is dead. Sent, alone with sword in sheathe, to the elves of Irrinor to speak on matters of diplomacy in good faith. In fear, the elves betrayed the goodness in their own hearts, and cut short the life of an Imperial diplomat, and a good man loved by his family and friends. Yet I do not hate them, nor blame them for their own iniquity. For how can we be the deliverers of justice and judgement when clouded by a bloody rage of vindication? To my brothers and sisters humanity, as we grieve together in the wake of this heinous crime, we must remain steadfast and true to our purpose. Some among us will be too enraged to contain themselves, or remain calm. Some among us will call to eradicate the elven offenders to the last man, woman and child. We of the Imperium are an instrument; a machine meant to protect humanity and propagate its’ prosperity. The vile spitting of petty insults is beneath us. The pursuance of genocide is a cruel overreaction to this misbehavior. Instead, we will teach the meaning of justice to the mali’ame government, as a wise man should to the silly child with poor manners. To the nations that would throw their aid to the mali’ame who murdered my friend, I ask you this: Why do you fight? If you sent an ambassador to us and we killed him in cold blood, how would you respond? You have found yourself alongside a people whom performed and condoned the murder of my peaceful friend. You will rue this day, not by virtue of selfish, childish revenge, but rather our conviction to protect our people, and ensure that justice is done. To the elves of Irr’inor, you have but one option. Surrender the group that killed my friend, so that we may deliver the justice GOD delivers upon those who murder peaceful men in cold blood, as you are so clearly are incapable of doing. We fear no war. Only GOD. Continue your senseless march, refuse our demands, and we will teach you to fear both. His Excellency, Ser John de Balain, Baron of Selm, Vice Chancellor of the Holy Orenian Empire

A young Rhenyar writes a simple response to the other lonely islander, Balthazar, Take heed, the folk of Ves, and all of Arcas, have shown themselves to be naught but ignorant barbara... They lack understanding and appreciation for the tides and the stars, and adhere to no code but self-pity, arrogance and a lust for conflict. I will come meet you in Ves, and teach you what I can. My uncle, Simon, and I have plans to establish a campground from which to gather other such wayward effendi as yourself. I’ll have a flute, and a red cloak. Shokran, Bann. Adio, Cyril Basrid

Ser John signs the papers and drinks retirement wine.

In Defense of the Crownlands By order of the Lord Regent, and in keeping with the intention of the Crown to further the capacity of the Crownlands to mount its own defense and create a bastion of peace and strength for the Imperium, we do so declare; The Adrian military and its auxiliaries shall be incorporated entirely into the Imperial Order of the Lion. The officers of the Adrian military and its auxillaries shall be assimilated into the ranks of the Imperial Order of the Lion. Sir Leonard de Ruyter shall be named Commandant of the Imperial Order of the Lion. No vassal within the crownlands may commit to its own fief a levy beholden only to itself. No soldiers besides those within the Imperial Order of the Lion may operate in defense of the Crownlands or its direct vassals, except when otherwise permitted by the crown. Sir John de Balain Lord Regent of the Holy Orenian Empire

ON REGENCY AND REFORM Beloved subjects of the Empire; It is no mystery to us all that His Imperial Majesty has been absent from court and in the discussion of matters of state for many years. Let it be known that the illness that had gripped his mind and bound him to bed has put him there once more, and thus he is incapacitated to rule the Empire as it stands now. Thus, I, the Archchancellor, once again am the automated Regent of the Empire, as described in the Imperium’s legal codexes. Our Imperial Capital and its military do not function in any practical capacity. I tire of this endless scraping of the barrel, shaking trees and hoping fruit falls. Instead, I shall tear up a tree by its roots and plant it where it belongs. Adrian, Son of Sarkoz, Duke of Adria, shall henceforth be known as the Governor-General of the Crownlands. He shall be ordered by the Imperial Crown to uproot his people, his soldiers, and his diligence and plant them firmly within the Capital, as a loyal subject of His Imperial Majesty, and become an instrument by which Helena and the Crownlands become the symbol of Imperium that they were always meant to be. GOD save the Emperor.

Imperial Order of the Lion “A Golden Tempest” Founded on the 6th of Owyn’s Light, 1730 Upon the fall of Lorraine at the hands of the combined military might of the Empire, the men of the Crownlands found themselves united in force, but not in order. With the disbandment of the Nauzica and the Imperial Hussars, these soldiers flocked to the Capital to find a place in the newfound military might of the Crownlands. Holy soldiers, zealous in their service to GOD and Emperor. A barracks became a sanctum to those disenfranchised by the conflicts of old, veterans of the wars come and gone. They would dub it “Alex’s Church.” It is here in the barracks of old Helena, a most decrepit structure, the Emperor enoffed his grand will into this hall of lost legends. These men prayed together, sparred in the courtyard, drank and told tales of their past triumphs. Soon, this place would be a bastion of faith and holy light despite its decrepid state. Yet a sign came to them in the form of a gift from the Emperor, who knew of their plight. From the vaults of Johannes, the statue of the Blessed Stefan Himmel, turned to stone by a basilisk in the Iron Crusade, holding in his hand the Lion’s Spear. A beacon to all those willing to rise up and serve for the good of the Crown, and God. With such a powerful artifact in place, many from across the Crownlands made the pilgrimage to the noble city of Helena. It was a sign to all those that wished to serve. To all those that sought out a purpose in this war-torn era. Peace was finally at the withholding of the children of destiny, they must only reach out and touch it. The Imperial Order of the Lion is the military organization responsible for the protection of the Emperor, his family, the Imperial Court, and the Grand City of Helena. Unlike modern military forces, the Order of the Lion is built to fulfill the role of a retinue, professional police force, and intelligence operation, and does so as a private entity largely responsible for its own internal governance. The Imperial Order of the Lion is the military organization responsible for the protection of the Emperor, his family, the Imperial Court, and the Grand City of Helena. Unlike modern military forces, the Order of the Lion is built to fulfill the role of a retinue, professional police force, and intelligence operation, peacekeepers of the whole of the Empire. They serve as the Empire’s vanguard against both internal and external strife. The Order is split between three hierarchical degrees, with each higher degree bestowing more responsibility unto an orderly brother. Those seeking entrance in the Imperial Order of the Lion should seek out the Grand Commandant, Andrew Owyn de Balain, and study all available public information. Applicants with strong physical traits and mental fortitude will thrive. Those who are not devout Canonists or otherwise adhere to the tenets of the Canon are doomed to fail. The secrets involving induction into the Imperial Order are considered state secrets. To reveal them is considered within the charge of treason. This includes it’s Tenets, Oath, and other ceremonies of initiation. THE FIRST CHARGE Men of the First Charge are tasked with the security of the crownlands and police action within the Capital and its surroundings. They act at the behest of the Ministers of the Crown, and are otherwise tasked with fulfilling arrest warrants issued by the Solicitor-General within the Crownlands. A man of the first charge must; Show level headed demeanor and judgement Refrain from the wanton giving of offense Be of sound mind and strength THE SECOND CHARGE Men of the Second Charge are granted the additional task of the security of the Palace, and to operate as rangers and spearhead offensive and patrol operations. They are given a horse and tasked with its upkeep and care. These men are tasked with fulfilling arrest warrants issued by the Solicitor-General throughout the Empire. All commissioned officers of the Imperial Order must ascend to the Second Charge before their promotion can be officiated. The Second Charge are marked with a purple sash signifying their added duties. Be proficient on horseback Be proficient in swordplay Be proficient in archery Show proficient grasp of small unit tactics THE THIRD CHARGE The Third Charge, designated the Knights of St. Edmond are the foremost Imperial warriors. They are charged with the protection of the Empire and the Imperial family, as well as the security of any retinue encompassing them. When the Emperor is present, the Knights of St. Edmond retain absolute jurisdiction over all men of the Imperial Order. They must meet all the requirements of the First and Second Charge to a level of mastery. The Knights of St. Edmond are given a silver ring to signify their status. The commander of the Knights of St. Edmond is gifted a golden ring. Besides being divided into multiple charges, the First and Second charge are beholden to a system of ranks much like any other military force. Should a non-commissioned officer be of the First Charge, they shall still wield authority over those ranked beneath them within the Second Charge, should a higher ranking officer not be present. All men of the Order are paid for their services dependent on rank, exempting the Unoathed. The Third Charge is exempt from this command structure except in the case that they are participating in battle with the whole of the Order. They do not have direct authority over the other Charges, except in the case of the Emperor’s presence, exempting the Commandant. UNOATHED “Remaining ever vigilant are the flock of God, for there will always be those to champion his banner, fresh uncut men to wage his wars…” The Unoathed is new to the Golden Tempest and thus has virtually no say in anything that occurs within the organization’s operating. They serve at the pleasure of all members of the Order, in all things without exception. They belong to no Charge. INITIATE “Those who live long enjoy the spoils of life, God rewards his most devout. To hone one's strength and further surpass the inherent barriers set, that is to truly ascend my embrace.” The Initiate is a newly oathed member of the Imperial Order. They are tasked to protect the denizens of the Crownlands and Empire, and uphold the virtues of the Order. Once initiated, an orderman must be released from his oath, and his mark of initiation purged from his body if he seeks to serve elsewhere. MAN-AT-ARMS “A weary storm berates the faithful of the Empire, seeking to wrend them from the light of grace. We dispatch you now, having proven your worth, to do my will. Strike true and never falter.” The Man-At-Arms is a trusted man of the Order. He has exhibited competence in dealing with matters of justice, combat and the keeping of discipline. Despite not being an officer himself, he is expected to assist the First Halberd in setting an example of what an Orderman should strive to be. FIRST HALBERD “To survive under the most weathering of conflict is truly a reflection of one’s inner will. The will of fury, rage and righteous retribution are distributed only by my most powerful of followers. My warriors.” To have finally been admitted acceptance into the Order is to become a servant of not just the Emperor, but God himself. The First Halberd has proven himself worthy of respect and authority, and is the only officer that may also be a part of the First Charge. A First Halberd is tasked with basic training, recruitment and the instillment of discipline among the rank and file. LIEUTENANT “To stand unbroken, unshattered, unrouted in the face of sure defeat. To hold your brothers in the rank, and rally all to face the chaos that dare tread upon my flock. Hold the wall tall, for you shephard these holy swords.” The Lieutenant of the Order have proven themselves to be a champion of God and the Emperor’s wrath and mercy. To be unwavering and decisive, infallible yet without hubris. The Lieutenant commands the Imperial Order answering to none but the Commandant. COMMANDANT “Command my flock, show them the path to salvation through the way of justice. You are the blade that shall guide my enemies onward to their well-deserved grave. Tread heavy and hard, you deserve all the glory you take for yourself, so long as it is in my name.” The Commandant has been knighted upon the Emperor’s bequest and sent to command the First and Second Charge. He is the supreme commander of these charges, and serves at the pleasure of the Imperial Crown. Just as with the commander of the Knights of St. Edmond, he is gifted with a golden ring to signify his status. At times, an Orderman, or even any soldier of the Empire, may exhibit exceptional performance in the line of duty. To go above and beyond what is required of them, or otherwise exhibit mastery of their Charge and its tenets. When determined to have done so, they may be bestowed honorifics befitting their accomplishments. These honorics come in the form of medals, with each symbol imprinted into them. The Iron Cross In honor of the Iron Crusade which faced down the bloody hordes of the frontier in the times of the Orenian King, Guy de Bar. The Cross is bestowed upon those who exhibit exceptional prowess in the destruction of heathenous enemies. The Lion’s Spear In honor of the weapon wielded by Stefan Himmel in the Iron Crusade. The Lion’s Spear is awarded to those who sacrifice their own well being for the good of Order and Empire, be it life or limb. The Sword of Fire In honor of the weapon wielded by Owyn to extinguish the Harrenite plague. The Sword of Fire is awarded to those who exhibit decisiveness in the face of impossible odds when their officer or fellow ordermen are not present, or fail to show the same level of pragmatism in moments of crisis. The Imperial Medal of Valor The highest honor an Orderman can achieve. Awarded for going far above and beyond the call of duty, and delivering the name to the annals of time and the hall of legends. ((Contact TangoIsPointless#3468, Malgonious#9566, or Pancakehz#5413)) ((Big thanks to Malgonious and Niccum for helping write.))

A missive to the realm. The Butchered Dog, Leufroy “I’m not a man, I’m a weapon in human form. Just unsheathe me, and point me at the enemy,” – Prince Otto Tuvyic to Imperial Commanders before the final push into the Lotharingian fort. It is the weakest of men who abuse the good will of others. Leufroy knelt before the Emperor and swore fealty, pledging his sword, and was gifted with a Ducal title without a moment’s notice. He was granted the office of Marshal, which he deserved not, out of the Emperor’s good will, faith and trust. Yet the man failed to understand that the world does not bend to the will of arrogant children. Instead, he threw himself at the Empire’s authority, expecting no resistance. He was thrown to the ground. His men, whom he cared for not at all but to wreak havoc in his name, should not be blamed for the negligence and ineptitude that their so-called Duke imposed on them. When his farce was exposed and he was commanded to come to trial, he lay silent, seething in his revenge. Surely he thought he would destroy the men who called his bluff, and bring chaos to the Empire where he once pledged to serve and make peace. His men retreated to the roads along with the Kaedreni defectors, becoming mere bandits where once they could have been men of honor and regard for humanity. Yet this is what they were destined to be, when they had a master who refused to tame them out of his own purposeful disregard for peaceful discourse. The men of Adria, under Duke Adrian, skirmished with the Lotharingians outside their castle for months, stalwart in their defense of their land and tenacity for imperial justice. They drove the Lotharingians from their keep with ease. And so they came to hide in Guise, where they hid from the imperial patrols that so adeptly kept them from the roads which they had taken to harassing. They built a stone hut from which they screamed their insults, never once Leufroy showing his face. Surely out of shame. Yet great men had the will to expunge these men from the land. Otto Tuvyic led the charge, followed by Adrians, Haensemen, Kaedreni, Crownlanders, Vintasians, Curonians, the men of Rubern, and others. Through Otto’s adept personal swordplay, unrivaled skill as a commander in tactics and strategy, and assistance from men of the Empire, the ex-Lotharingians were put to their knees. With Isaac Renault’s construction of the siege camp, the final blow was dealt within the month. They surrendered their armory, butchered their own horses, abandoned their leaders, and left. Whatever resistance remains, if any does, is a farce not worthy of anyone’s time but small patrols. The fort, now called Tuvya’s Rest, in honor of the Rosebud. Let it be known, the Empire and Otto Tuvyic, the Butcher of Lorraine, put down the dog Leufroy and his feeble insurrection.

The Trial of Lorraine Issued and Confirmed by his Imperial Excellency, the Imperial Regent, John de Balain, 12th Sun’s Smile, 1729 The men of Lorraine have been shown to sew chaos throughout the realm and between its vassals. Thus, they are ordered to disband, and any still wearing their banner arrested. The Duke Leufroy is called to trial before a tribunal of the Imperial Court and its leal vassals for the following charges; Treason Subversion of Imperial authority Fermenting a tyranny Inciting violence This trial shall be held by a jury of the three Kings of the Empire His Majesty, King Adrian I of Kaedrin His Majesty, King Andrew III of Haense His Majesty, King Peter I of Curon The verdict shall be rendered by a majority vote of these Kings, and the sentence delivered by the Imperial Crown. Should the Duke fail to attend, his verdict and sentence shall be rendered in his absence. IN NOMINE DEI His Imperial Majesty, Alexander II, Holy Orenian Emperor, Prince of Helena, Duke of Roden SIGNED His Majesty, Andrik, King of Hanseti-Ruska His Majesty, Adrian, King of Kaedrin His Majesty, Pierce, King of Curon His Excellency, John de Balain, Imperial Archchancellor

THE TREATY OF TEMESCH Proclaimed and enacted upon the 15th of Horen’s Calling (Snow’s Maiden), in the year of our Lord, 1729. A treaty for the relinquishment of the County of Temesch from the Holy Orenian Empire, and a pact of most earnest and brotherly love between the Imperials and the Alderfolk, and terms of military and political cooperation, etcetera. ARTICLE I: The Holy Orenian Empire agrees to cede the County of Temesch, consisting of the ancestral lands of the Alderfolk once known as Alderyn, as well as any associated claim therein, to the Principality of Gladewynn. ARTICLE II:The Holy Orenian Empire recognizes the Principality of Gladewynn as an independent protectorate; with the Emperor as their suzerain. ARTICLE III: The Holy Orenian Empire and the Principality of Gladewynn agree to a full military alliance, for all purposes defensive and offensive, as brothers-in-arms in the eternal struggle. ARTICLE IV: The Holy Orenian Empire recognizes the Prince of Gladewynn as sovereign of the Alders. ARTICLE V: The Principality of Gladewynn recognizes the Holy Orenian Emperor as sovereign of humanity. ARTICLE VI: The Principality of Gladewynn, in addition to the aforementioned full military alliance, will permit the Holy Orenian Emperor to recruit voluntary auxiliary regiments from among the Alderfolk in times of necessity. ARTICLE VII: The Holy Orenian Empire will be forbidden from quartering Imperial troops in the Principality of Gladewynn, by virtue of its status as an independent state. ARTICLE VIII: The Holy Orenian Emperor, Alexander II, does declare the Prince of Gladewynn to be his loyal and trusted friend, and to be loved by him, thus rendering all who would conspire to cause him harm or hindrance liable to incur his royal and Imperial wrath. This treaty shall remain in effect throughout the reign of Alexander II, Holy Orenian Emperor, and throughout the reign of his legitimate successors according to the correct systems of primogeniture succession. In the case wherein one signatory or nation is found to be in violation of this pact, all articles shall remain in effect, so long as sincere diplomatic efforts are taken by the offending party to rectify the situation. IN NOMINE DEI His Imperial Majesty, Alexander II, Holy Orenian Emperor, Prince of Helena and Duke of Roden His Highness, Kairn Ithelanen, Prince of Gladewynn

Edict of Reprobate The Blackhill Bandits accosting a stagecoach on the Imperial Highway This past year, the Imperial Crownlands and vassals of the Empire have been harassed and attacked by bandits hailing from the group known as ‘Blackhill’. These men are godless, whose purpose is to wreak havoc on the generous and godly men of Lorraine and Kaedrin, and otherwise any Orenian who crosses their path. The Blackhill Bandits are henceforth considered enemies of the state, till such a time they prostrate themselves before the Empire to be tried for their various crimes. Harboring or association with these bandits shall be considered an act of treason, and those who do so shall suffer the same fate as the bandits themselves. Any sightings of these bandits must be immediately reported to the Imperial Crown, or specifically the Imperial Fieldmarshal, His Grace, Leufroy of Lorraine. Any retinue that encounters these bandits is tasked with their extermination post-haste. If they are found to be harbored within an Imperial Vassal, they must ascertain warrant from Imperial Crown, namely the Lord Justiciar, Imperial Executor, or Imperial Archchancellor. This is to ensure such discoveries are investigated and found to be factual before the potential infringement of a leal vassal’s sovereignty without reason. ((On an OOC note, vassals or groups that alt as bandits will not be tolerated. Avoiding RP consequences by alting and using the castle or fort of your Oren character as a base to attack other vassals is ridiculous.)) IN NOMINE DE His Imperial Majesty, Alexander II, Prince of Helen, Duke of Roden

Writer’s Block The Imperial Palace was a quiet place at night, except for in the office of the Archchancellor. It was well known to the courtiers and officers of the court and the privy that his office was to be undisturbed entirely when the clock struck midnight, for with disruption he found it seldom possible to set his mind into motion. Yet this evening, he had grown restless. The room was covered with the eccentricities of the man without order. On the one side there were paintings; things he had sent for from across the Empire and beyond, depicting the nymphs of the old worlds, dancing in the forests of Malinor, enticing a humble knight to betray his vows. A ghostly mistress bathes herself under the cascading waterfalls of the mountains, lit only by a blue crescent. The images were strewn about in a reckless mess, barely any properly hung, with some damaged and torn by mistreatment or lack of care in the shipping of them. On the other side, there was nothing but drink. Barrels stacked on barrels, overturned and leaking, half empty and half full. Despite his best efforts, John had failed to even finish the dozens of bottles that he’d scattered across the shelves, though not for lack of trying. Most remained with what they had left only by virtue of his boredom with the flavor. Square in the center sat a desk crafted of rosewood and capped with mahogany, which one might catch the scent of if the liquor was not too overwhelming. Behind the desk, a man with a quail feather quill grasped tightly in his fist as he stared at the page before him. His unkempt form had been made straight by his most recent marriage. His hair had been cut short, but not so short as to not allow the light curls of his head to cascade just over his forehead when he cared not to brush them back. His beard was cleanly treated and fit the form of his face in place of the bellowing beards he’d had of old. With an exclamation of profanities, he threw the quill across the room with little care. The tip found itself lodged into the breast of one of the nymphs in the foremost piece and stuck there, destroying yet another thing he had demanded with his mind in some comical, lecherous place. In the only organized crook of the room, abreast to the large walnut door, adorned with elegant details of the ocean waves on the fringes, a slender figure stirs from her reading. She looks up towards the man, nudging the ebon locks from her face with a jut of her head, squinting at him skeptically. She closes the book over her thumb, and offers the sly sort of smile he’d come to expect. “Dawdling again?” John sighs, running his fingers through his beard slowly as if he had not heard her, lost in thought. He gazes down at the desk, entranced in his procrastination. The woman respired quietly, setting her book on the nearby shelf. She pushes herself from her chair, wandering over to him with a purposeful gait before resting both her hands on the opposite side of the desk and leaning over it to view what her husband was examining so closely. Much to her humor, the paper was blank. She tapped the parchment with her index finger twice, silently prodding him for explanation. “Treaty,” he mumbles, wading himself out of the depths of his imagination. “You know I hate these sorts of things.” He takes the paper in hand, raising it to his face and turning it over, as if something would appear on the other side by sheer will. “I always assumed you liked treaties,” she remarks, leaning back from her station over his desk. He laughs some at his wife’s comment, glancing up at her, pushing the parchment away. It cascades slowly to the ground, landing gently to blanket one of the empty bottles that had rolled behind him. The stench of him is enough to make her reel her head back. “No wonder you can’t write anything of substance- you’re drunk more than half the time.” “Come now, I’m not so bad. It’s not any more than a quarter!” He quips in response, grinning at her. He leans back in his chair, contemplating the woman for a moment. Many say she had inherited the stygian locks of her mother, and her father’s sad, silvery eyes. She was too young for him, many courtiers had whispered, but he cared little what the nobility of the court felt. She had stolen him, distracted him even from drink, even from his first wife and the children he had by her, whom had been lost at sea for nearly a decade. She removed her hands from the desk and took her stride to his wake. She placed her hands on his shoulders, seemingly for comfort at first, but instead gave him a strong push to steady his chair’s lean, the feet of the chair slamming on the floorboards with a weighty thud. He let out a rich laugh at her show of force, and she released him. She plucked the quill from it’s place on the nymph’s chest, and returns to him, taking his hand on hers and sliding it carefully between his fingers. She kneels slowly, lifting the parchment from the bottle it had grown to comfort, resting it before her husband and flatting it out with a quick motion of her hands. “You’ve got work to do,” she commands, leaning forward plant a tender kiss on his cheek. She took off from his flank, traipsing back to her place in the corner, resuming her seat in the dusty velvet armchair. She pries the book from the shelf next to her and sighs in frustration, realizing she had lost her place. The fluttering of pages in the background provides John a reprise from the silence that had accompanied his previous foray into scrivening. He lets out a long sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. “That’s right,” he declares confidently, dipping his quill in his glass inkwell and putting it to paper.

The Vira’ker Accord Issued and confirmed the 15th of Harren’s Folly, 1727 ______________________________________________________ Since the noble Prince Vaelor of Vira’ker first stepped into the halls of the Imperial Palace, he has offered nothing but friendship and alignment towards the common goal of world peace. He has operated in accordance with the de facto alliance forged between him and the Imperial Crown, and has earned trust thereof. Therefore, we see fit to forge this alliance in accordance with all legalities, and bring our mutual affection for the peace we both seek to fruition. ______________________________________________________ ARTICLE I. The Holy Orenian Empire and the Sable Principality of Vira’ker shall rally to eachother’s defense in the face of external or internal threats to their sovereignties. ARTICLE II. The Holy Orenian Empire recognizes the Sable Principality of Vira’ker to be the rightful sovereigns of the mali’ker, or Dark Elven people. ARTICLE III. The Sable Principality of Vira’ker recognizes the Holy Orenian Empire and Alexander II as the rightful sovereigns of all mankind. ARTICLE IV. The Holy Orenian Empire and the Sable Principality of Vira’ker commit to military cooperation in all operations pertaining to the security of world peace and the destruction of those who would seek to dismantle it. ARTICLE V. The Holy Orenian Empire and the Sable Principality of Vira’ker commit to open trade and travel throughout their respective nations. IN NOMINE DEI His Highness, Vaelor Syllar, Prince of the Sable Principality of Vira’ker His Imperial Majest, Alexander II, Prince of Helen, Duke of Roden

Ser John nods, proud of the progress.