BenevolentManacles

The Duke of Adria prays for his beloved and departed brother.

Prince Philip prays at the bedside of his beloved brother. This Haeseni tribulation does not even reach his ears.

Treaty of Yong Ping, 1837

Agreed on the 16th of Sun's Smile, 1837 / 16th of Sun's Smile, 24 of the Second Age

By the Holy Orenian Empire and the Jade State of Yong Ping

Article I - Recognition of Sovereignty

The Holy Orenian Empire and the Jade State of Yong Ping (henceforth ‘the signatories’) recognize each other’s Realms as independent lands ruled by their respective leaders, and will make no attempt to subvert those authorities governing them.

Article II - Territorial Boundaries

The territory to the south of Oltremont and the east of Yong Ping will be maintained as per the previous agreement signed in 1820, with the Holy Orenian Empire ruling over the easternmost half and the Jade State over the westernmost ((Tile 66A/66B)).  

The cost of developing and maintaining the aforementioned territory will continue to be split evenly between the governments of Yong Ping and the Holy Orenian Empire.

All other territorial recognitions and agreements made in the previous 1820 treaty are reaffirmed by the signatories.

Article III - Non Aggression

The Signatories will adhere to a pact of strict non-aggression, and will not incite conflict between the two parties. Neither signatory will provide military or economic aid to powers hostile to the other.

Article IV - Trade

Signatories will adhere to the following terms regarding trade:

Signatories will trade specialty goods free of tariff, including in cases of purchase, exchange, or bartering

Signatories will reserve the option to host a ferry in their docks to the other’s port.

The ferry’s cost will be split between both signatories equally, including the construction and upkeep costs.

Article V - Passage

The Signatories will allow free passage for civilians or refugees through their respective territories, under the law of both nations. The road to Yong Ping passing through Orenian territory will not be obstructed to such individuals. The Signatories will cooperate militarily to keep the region free of bandits.

Article VI - Violations

In the case wherein either signatory is found by the other to be in violation of this pact, all articles shall remain in effect for the next two years, while the signatories search for diplomatic resolutions according to the articles of this document.

Article VII - Duration

This treaty shall expire after twenty years. It may be renewed by mutual consent of both signatories.

Signed,

His Imperial Highness, Philip Augustus, Duke of Crestfall and Prince-Regent

On Behalf Of His Beloved Brother,

His Imperial Majesty, John VIII, by the grace of GOD Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Defender of the Faith, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Adria, Novellen and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

Signed,

Her Excellency, Elizabeth Brae-Wittenbach, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Signed,

Tianrui Ren, Patriarch and Zhu of Yong Ping

Signed,

Hirano Nanako, Matriarch and Chancellor of Yong Ping

Philip Augustus prepares to drink and pray with his newfound comrades.

Treaty of St. Catherine, 1837

Agreed on this 14th of Horen’s Calling, 1837

By the Holy Orenian Empire and Gaspard de Flieve

ARTICLE I - PREAMBLE

The imperial crown has recently heard a petition from Canonist refugees serving in the retinue of Gaspard de Flieve, who being dispossessed from their native land for reasons of faith, are owed our sympathy and benevolence as Fidei Defensor. Through this agreement, we ensure their freedom and continued safety in Almaris, and humbly invoke the protection of St. Catherine, patron of refugees.

ARTICLE II - SALE OF LAND

The Imperial Crown hereby approves the sale of a stretch of frontier land, its borders to be determined by the Surveyor-General, to Gaspard de Flieve for the price of ten thousand imperial marks. This sum is to be paid in installments at fair intervals determined by the Imperial Crown, with the particular goal of ensuring the continued welfare of the inhabitants of that land.

ARTICLE III - SOVEREIGNTY

The Imperial Crown grants full sovereignty and independence to Gaspard de Flieve as leader of his retinue, and permits them to occupy that land sold to them as neighbors of the Holy Orenian Empire.

ARTICLE IV - GOODWILL

In return for the Imperial Cown’s benevolence, Gaspard de Flieve commits himself and all levies at his disposal to the defense of the Holy Orenian Empire.

Signed,

HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Philip Augustus, Duke of Crestfall and Prince-Regent,

on behalf of his beloved brother, 

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, John VIII, by the grace of GOD Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Defender of the Faith, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Adria, Novellen and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

Signed,

Gaspard de Flieve, Count of Middelan

The Prince-Regent considers the outcome of the meeting. He then returns to his recent occupation, keeping his sickly brother from leaping out the window after an imagined Sutican monarch.

can we not please it seems like a huge pain in the ass for like basically no reward

TREATY OF PROVIDENCE, 1835

  Agreed on this 10th of Sun’s Smile, 1835

By the Holy Orenian Empire and the Commonwealth of Sutica

ARTICLE I - SOVEREIGNTY

The Holy Orenian Empire and the Commonwealth of Sutica (henceforth ‘the Signatories’) recognize each other’s Realms as independent lands ruled by their respective monarchs, and will make no attempt to subvert those authorities governing them.

ARTICLE II - NON-AGGRESSION

The Signatories will adhere to a pact of non-aggression, and will not incite conflict between them. Neither signatory will provide military or economic aid to powers hostile to the other signatory.

ARTICLE IV - ON MUTUAL DEFENSE

The Signatories shall maintain full commitment to defend each other in the case of extranational invasion or internal insurrection.

ARTICLE V - DURATION

This treaty will remain in effect for twenty years. It may be renewed by mutual consent of both Signatories. In the case where either signatory is found by the other to be in violation of this treaty, all articles will remain in effect, while the signatories search for diplomatic resolutions.

Signed, 

His Imperial Majesty, John VIII, by the grace of GOD Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Defender of the Faith, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Adria, Novellen and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Imperial Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera.

Her Royal Majesty, Johanna I, By the Grace of God, Queen of Sutica and Queen in Atheran Salvus, Princess of Merryweather, Countess of Sarissa, Sovereign Lady of New Ceru, Lady of Brynnrose and Blackwater.

Prince Philip would be seen recently in a red uniform, hopeful to do the good work of God.

Philip Augustus commits a prayer for the widow of his departed friend.

Philip considers this document, "Wisely observed, a relic in need of reestablishment."

THE ZEALOT

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The Duke of Crestfall, circa 1801

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As a young man, I was cursed with self-doubt, and self-pity. It was only through my dearly departed sister was my strength of faith created, and through Saint James II did it blossom into an undying desire to serve God in all things that I do. Only through their devotion have I achieved my closeness with the Lord, and to them I owe my very life.

I walk the streets of Providence, and I see a people born of a new era; a generation that shall succeed mine. They prosper, and their affection for each other and their country are permanent, even in their disagreements. But the politics of the party too often become the politics of faith. The Lord may not be debated, for He cannot be comprehended.

“For He is the Lord GOD incomparable, and who can truly understand Him?” (Owyn, 7:10)

I am your Prince, and your heir. I am an innate fragment of your lives, and your Empire. When I act, it is an avatar of our Empire. When I speak, the words are attributed to Orenia. This is no power, this is the charge of any Prince, we were born to it.

In my life, I have served the Lord in war, and in my private prayer, I have revered Him. Yet this is failure, to do this and nothing else. I must alter myself, and carry my charge. So I am bound to the Word of the Lord.

“So I am the Most High, and in pursuit of my Virtue, I bid my faithful this: You shall not desire the wealth of this world, nor the wealth of others, but the wealth of the spirit.” (Virtue 1:10)

When I act, it will be eternally in favor of the Lord. When I speak, from my lips shall spill Virtue, Spirit, Gospel, and Auspice. Where I find little faith, I shall foster it with every fiber of my being. Where the unrepentant heretic lives, I will use what is at my disposal to purify it. 

Where I see so no zealot, I shall make one. 

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The Lectors of Owyn are zealots, for they are unpolluted by politick. They are the marked fire of Owyn, emboldened by their love of God and hatred of heresy.

The Sisterhood of Saint Catherine are zealots, for they forsake the bounty of man for the bounty of God, and relish in their charity and holy bond to each other.

My daughters and sons are zealots, for I have made them so. They are virtuous among their peers, and seek to serve the Lord.

My grandson is a zealot, for he has bathed in his penance, and listened. He has struggled and frustrated, but found faith in my lessons, and the Scripture.

I see our people revel in reason and debate. They create statesmen, and great titans of the government. They pave the path to Providence, but I have not placed my hand on their shoulder. I have failed to turn them, and to show them that this road is not to prosperity alone, but to Paradise. 

The era of my sloth is at an end. Orenia cries and looks for God, and we zealots must reveal Him to her.

“The world is become Paradise,” (Sigismind, 2:49)

HIH The Duke of Crestfall

GOD AND THE PEER

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Saint James II in his most holy wisdom, was a student of Lord’s peace. Beneath his spectacled gaze, he contemplated the wonder of God in the world, and the Empire, and all men of faith. He oversaw, during his holy reign, this dismantling of feudal pride, and reconciled the peer with my country, born new. He loved peace, and so he sewed it. 

Whence the Atheran King of Sutica rendered great insult unto the Imperial family, he commanded their war end, for he knew that Princes of God could not reconcile themselves through a contest of pride.

Whence the Haeseni Monarch could not reconcile his power with his Imperial sovereign, Saint James II discovered for them their peace, for he knew that Princes of God must live in peace before they suffer from the iniquities of war.

He knew these things for he knew the Word of the Lord. He knew the Tapestry of Man, stained many times over with its own blood. For this wisdom, he was gifted the Grace of the Lord.

“I name you pontifex, for you are a builder of bridges.” (Godfrey, 6:61)

In the heart of we Children of God, we suffer from our innate pride. Our people grow in earth watered with the blood of our ancestors, and we forget. The Lord is our Divine teacher, who will show us only what is before our present eyes, and the stories of our promulgation. The Lord knows that we are mortal sinners and do not comprehend Him, so He commands us to know ourselves.

“The Lord said to him “Here is My Gospel, which is the history of your people.” (Godfrey 7:32)

The old arms of we Peers is contrived, and harkens to eras of nearly endless skirmish with one’s brother. It is the very practice of pride, that we would seek for that which does not do the good work of the Lord; a monument built to ourselves, and not for the Grace of God. Now, where once we revered ourselves, we were humbled before God and the Empire, His gift to us. The Peer is the administrator of memory, servant eternally to this charge.

“We are the heirs to Horen and have continued him by this empire.” (Godfrey, 6:43)

It shall be our irrevocable duty of the faithful to serve the word of the Lord, and so the duty is many times that for we scions of our Imperial history, which is the Gospel itself.  We who regress ourselves towards feudal pride understand little of God. This marked history is not to be emulated for glory, but to be ascended from in our purest peace with the Lord. 

“You will know him, for with peace he gathers the sons of Horen, where the sword has divided them.” (Godfrey, 7:52)

So now, it shall be everlasting, that our armies are pointed towards the foe who wrings its wrists and gnaws at our Faith. That we are one with God and country shall be the monument of our time, delivered unto us by the holiness of our Saints and the Divinity of God. Shall the Peer accept his mantle as the scion of the Gospel, we shall be undivided in permanence. The pagan will be rendered helpless before us. The heretic shall know no peace till he has seen his iniquity extinguished in holy fire. 

“Thus arrayed are the forces of God.” (Sigismund, 2:22)

HIH, The Duke of Crestfall

SAINT JAMES II OF KORVASSA AND THE ARGENTATE STAR

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In the twilight years of his holy life, Saint James II rendered unto the world Divine intercession in the form of summoning. A golden coin, holy and gifted by God through the Archangel Michael, was bestowed upon the Saint. Whence the Inferni horde held its last defense, Saint James II invited into the world the gift of God’s reverence for him. 

By the spirit of the Archangel, wielding the Sword of Horen, our own blades shone with the marked fire of Owyn in white hot steel.  We see the word of the Lord at work.

“The Lord saw the penance of Owyn, which was the death of the unrepentant. 20 And Owyn was made again as the light of his blade, and the great city was destroyed.” (Godfrey, 5:19)

Above us sang the banner of the Archangel, from which the lines of the iniquitous buckled, stricken with the fear of God. Above us sang a banner which bled courage into us by it’s aura of divine light. It had made us insurmountable. We were one with our love for the Lord, for He had favored we who witnessed the Intercession.

We worship the Lord in the aftermath of our witness to divinity. We hold tight to ourselves our symbols of holiness, the icons of our service to the Lord. The world alters, and the ideals of a new age encounter the nature of our faith in the Ministry bestowed upon us by Godfrey. We know that His word is true, for it was shown to us through this most Divine Intercession. We see the word of the Lord at work.

“Virtue was preserved only by keepers of ashen urns, paupers, and princes of piety, who were the champions of GOD.” (Godfrey, 5:26)

Praise be unto God, and pray for we aged few who were witness to God's miracle rendered unto our temporal existence, for we are sinners who earn not His grace. Yet He has provided for us His blessing, and shown us in His silence that His work is immaculate and eternal. We see the word of the Lord at work.

"Though man sinned as never before, even in the age of Horen, the Lord provides." (Godfrey, 5:47)

HIH, The Duke of Crestfall

"The Harrenites redeem their original sin through virtuous service, there is no doubt," the Duke of Crestfall comments to an unknown woman of mysterious origin. 

The Duke of Crestfall enjoys a golden kebab from the Augustine, reveling in the soldier's tale of victory.

Philip Augustus celebrates with the victors, serving pork in the Augustine, in honor of the pigs they had slaughtered for the Empire and her allies.

Nyseia of Felsen recalls a arcane pistol duel he witnessed in 1325, before such weapons disappeared from existence.

An Imperial elf sharpens his sword, eager for another ripe target, should the Talon's Portians dare assist the Nordlings in their invasion of his home.

i will miss you good times

Philip Augustus is in the field with his favored hawk when his ward, the young Simon Bastille, 

"You must consider, with all your heart, that the Grace of God has proven the Hyspian cause to be righteous, for they do not falter in their love of faith. Where I was once skeptical, I am convinced that they revere the Lord despite their pagan overlords of of the last years."

Philip Augustus reads through several books, first on the chronological place of half-orcs in Imperial history, and then a similar one on necromancers.

"Pagan lies convince these fools to break our defensive pact. So be it." Says Philip.

The Duke of Crestfall pats the Cardinal on the back for his brilliant speech after the execution,

"Well said, dear Cardinal."