Enlightenment

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE REGENT OF ADRIA 14th OF TOBIAS’ BOUNTY, 1916 AST AN OFFER OF SERENITY For years I stood by Heinrik Sarkozic’s side, as he appealed for support to restore the Duchy of Adria. First to His Holiness, Pontian IV, then his Sarkozic cousin, Viscount Franz of Sapron in Balian and finally the King of Aaun, Charles I. All this time we supported him, spoke on his behalf and obeyed. When the Duke achieved what he set out to do, the man changed, his goals became worrying and his many decisions seriously disturbed even his closest allies such as myself. I spoke to Heinrik; his councillors spoke to him, and we all addressed our concerns about the direction Adria was going in. Yes, things were looking good today and tomorrow, but a few months or a year from now, we feared for the future of Adria, that another foreign force would come and destroy years of hard work. Over and over again diplomacy has been attempted, but the duke would not listen to his own friends and leaders. While open rebellion was never something I wanted, it is necessary to do what is right! We offer the Adrians under the crazed anathema Heinrik peace and clemency. No Adrian will be harmed, but the Duke and the corruption he has brought to the Duchy must be excised from Adria with immediacy. When Heinrik is removed the regency will summon the noble electors so a new duke may be elected by the noble Adrian houses; of Sarkozic, Varoche, Ivanovich, Euler, Aldersberg, and Basrid; as stipulated by the Franciscan Articles. We swear this upon the relics of Saint Emma of Woldzmir, that Adria will remain Adria and always be a home for the Adrians! THE AGENDA OF THE REGENCY † Arrest Heinrik Sarkozic and place him on trial for his many crimes against the Kingdom and the Canonist Faith. † Summon the Adrian nobility to a ducal election to elect a new Duke of Adria. † Restore the dumacratic functions of the Grand Duma and the Ducal Council. † Reinvigorate life into the jewel of Adria, the Free City of Velec, with increased rights and privileges. THE BRANCH OF PEACE † Those who wish to denounce the Anathema, Henry de Sarkozy, and preserve the sanctity of the Duchy of Adria shall be granted amnesty, without prosecution. † Titled Adrian nobility shall maintain their status and titles within the Duchy if they support the Regent of Adria or remain neutral in this conflict, demonstrations of loyalty will most likely result in increased duma privileges. † Those members of the House of Sarkozic who swear allegiance to the Regent of Adria or remain neutral, shall not be harmed nor will their noble status be altered. † The civilians of Adria will not be harmed in any way, for they are innocent in the Anathema’s crimes, lest they openly swear allegiance to his evil designs. † Those who enter the side of the Anathema as allied combatants, shall be considered enemies of Adria and Canondom, and therefore valid targets of war. To my beloved Adria, His Excellency, Sigismond Varoche, Regent, and Chancellor of Adria, Count of Varoche, and Lover of Dumacracy Her Excellency, Cressida Marie of Aldersberg, Countess of Aldersberg and Chamberlain of Aaun His Excellency, Charles Varoche, City Clerk of Velec His Excellency, William Leydon, 1st Alderman of Velec His Lordship, Mithius Dalma, 3rd Alderman of Velec and Master of the Merchant’s Guild

Sigismond looked upon the ban with tired eyes, his hand furiously writing with his trusty quill.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE VAROCHE CHANCELLERY 13th OF OWYN’S FLAME, 1916 AST HEINRIK’S FOLLY FOREWORD The Adrian people have gone through great lengths to see the Duchy of Adria restored to its former status. First in 1896, where Heinrik var Sarkozic was first elected duke, but certain dominions disagreed and stated that the election was false and ‘unfair’ stating there was too little time for other claimants to appear. So, the people of Adria relented for now and waited patiently for many years, until in 1903, when the fourth Dumapalooza was hosted and Heinrik was elected Duke a second time. The leader of Adria was welcomed back home to Veletzia with thunderous applause and Adria began in earnest. A new city was constructed, businesses began to flourish, people moved into the city and made an honest living in the Dumacracy. These things are impossible to achieve alone and at the Duke's side was the Council of Orel, people with the authority of the Duke, who made these things possible. Thirteen years have passed and it is the belief of the Council of Orel and more that the Duke’s health has been steadily declining. A man who started out strong has been eroded by time and now his every decision has become controversial. Throughout Duke Heinrik’s reign, more and more evidence of his misconduct has made its way to the surface and has been building up; Some of which would make any good Canonist weep! THE EIGHT CRIMES OF HEINRIK SARKOZIC 1. CONSORTING WITH KNOWN AZDRAZI It is known amongst the duke’s own council, that Heinrik I does the bidding of his Azdrazi overlords, going as far as to dine and house them in Veletzia! His ungrace, even tricked the Holy Father, Pontian IV into meeting with these vile creatures, under the pretense that it would only be the two Men in the meeting - It is spoken amidst the servants that Heinrik utters a prayer to Azdromoth before sleep! 2. FRATERNIZING WITH HERETICAL ELEMENTS In recent times, there has been an influx of various new peoples to Adria. Many of whom are harmless and very much compatible with the Adrian and Aaunic way of life. A specific group of people being the Renatians. A race of warmongers. It was these peoples who centuries ago burned the Golden City of Ves and ensured the destruction of Adria up until these very last few decades. And now they seek the destruction of the hand that gave us land to reform our bejeweled Duchy upon, the Glorious and benevolent Kingdom of Aaun. 3. ADULTERY Word amongst the honest burghers of Velec is that the duke had violated the sacred vows of matrimony to his wife, Austina of Aldersberg. These cannot only be rumors, for we know that His Holiness had also heard of this, via letter from a concerned burgher. The names of these unfortunate women must for their own sake remain secret, for it would dismantle their sense of pride and respect - Their innocence can never be recovered. 4. KINSLAYING Not long after the construction of Castle St. Emalyne ended, a member of his family disappeared. Ratibor Sarkozic was his name, I would call him a good friend, a strong friend. He was far stronger than Heinrik ever was. At first it was jealousy that came from Heinrik, and then fear, and then hatred. The young Heinrik took matters into his own hands and one day pushed Ratibor from the window of the tallest tower St. Emalyne had to offer. The defenestration of Ratibor resulted in his untimely death and kinslaying, an act of evil and jealousy. 5. VIOLATION OF THE FRANCISCAN ARTICLES When Heinrik ascended the ducal throne, he signed the Franciscan Articles as all Adrian dukes must abide by. The Duke of Adria rules with consent from the people and the Adrian nobility who are stewards of Dumacracy. Heinrik’s reign has been marked with oversteps against both his council and the people of Velec. He acts without thinking of his people's wishes, it is beyond a doubt. His definition of the Ducal Duma does not follow what is outlined within the articles in the slightest, being a populist body, when in truth it is meant to consist of representatives from the many estates of Adrian life, common, patrician, and noble. Heinrik Sarkozic also came up with an imaginary power utterly in violation of the franciscan articles, that he had the right to veto any law the duma passed- this was a bold faced lie from Heinrik and a complete power grab from the tyrant fraud. 6. VIOLATION OF THE GRADIC RIGHTS Upon ascending to the ducal throne, Heinrik agreed to implement the popular gradic rights, these rights grant the city of Velec special privileges, applying to the entire population of the city. The duke has time and time again infringed upon these privileges and enforced his own will upon the city. For example, once attempting to appoint a member of the citizenry, one which he favored much, into the city council, however the excellent lawyers of the city challenged the duke and after hours of debating against the calm legal team he surrendered his ruling - This was not the first incident and certainly not the last, we only hope that this shall suffice and satisfy your curiosities. 7. OATHBREAKER During his own crowning, the duke made certain vows to God, in the presence of His own Vicar, the High Pontiff Pontian IV. He made vows to devote himself to his liege; the same liege Heinrik was willing to go against. To protect his people with faith and fidelity; this duke has no faith, he has consorted with the vilest of heretics and creatures to further his worldly goals, the latter needs no explanation. To restrain himself, keep sobriety; Heinrik I, has never been a man of restraint, often lashing out against his vassals for his very own failures and insecurities, finally we know that the duke is appalled by the thought of women, but in fact is in love with the drink! After these vows he made further vows on the relics of the hallowed Adrians of past, on the Sword of Victor of Owynswood he swore to lead from example, by failing to put on the gloves of Saint Catherine, he never acknowledged the necessity of mercy and generosity and finally he broke his oath of modesty to Saint Adrian of Leuvaarden. 8. THREATENING OF ADRIAN NOBILITY There are few noble families, but without a doubt they are influential and rich and with their own goals and interests, but when these interests do not line up with Heinrik’s he will not hesitate to threaten and use violence to make certain that they will not move out of line. We remember well a horror story often told without the presence of the duke, that once a minor noble wished to marry into a family which had fallen out of the duke’s favor, was threatened with not only his own death, but the death of all that he held dear - This was no mere joke amongst the nobility, but a reminder of the duke’s ruthlessness. RESOLUTION This decision was not easy to come to my fellow Adrians, we all once believed in Heinrik. I considered him a friend to myself and my family, I considered him a compatriot. But with these insurmountable crimes, after consultation with the Council of Orel and the noble peers of Adria, we have deemed that he is incapable of conducting the duties of Duke and the duties of a proper Canonist and Adrian. We have presented his many crimes, but let this not be the only evidence to why Heinrik var Sarkozic must be relieved of his ducal office. The Fransiscan articles clearly state that the duke must be a faithful member of the Church of the Canon, which Heinrik is no more, by the will of the High Pontiff himself, for his various unvirtuous crimes. Secondly he is no longer in good standing with the courts of the Adrian Duchy having revealed his debaucherous nature. Therefore he is declared incapable and ineligible to be the holder of the Ducal Coronet, Heinrik Sarkozic is no longer Duke of Adria nor holder of any titles tied to the Ducal Coronet of Adria. As Chancellor of Adria, I with the authority invested in me; Count Sigismond of Varoche, will lead Adria as regent until a new Duke of Adria can be elected in an election under the watchful eye of the Council of Orel and the Adrian people, who Heinrik has so grievously betrayed. To my beloved Adria, His Excellency, Sigismond Varoche, Regent and Chancellor of Adria, Count of Varoche, and Lover of Dumacracy His Royal Majesty, Charles I Alstion, Prince of Alstion, King of the United Kingdom of Aaun, Duke of Corazon, Protector of the Realm, Honorary Lieutenant of Snowy Field’s Watch. Her Excellency, Cressida Marie of Aldersberg, Countess of Aldersberg and Chamberlain of Aaun His Excellency, Charles Varoche, City Clerk of Velec His Excellency, William Leydon, 1st Alderman of Velec Her Excellency, Lorina Varoche, 2nd Alderwoman of Velec His Lordship, Mithius Dalma, 3rd Alderman of Velec and Master of the Merchant’s Guild

Sigismond Varoche smiled the sun's smile, "Many thanks, your Holiness, you support the righteous beyond all else!"

I LOVE ADRIA

Sigismond frowned at the news, shaking his head in sadness, "You will be missed, your Grace, I had hoped you would recover but... you are in a better place now."

Remember the caravan system from atlas? yeah please bring that back, we need caravan rp again and it's a good way to get mina.

Shit man, forgor that cannolis use to be a craftable item, better times.

Very simple solution to this. Ignore them.

Sigismond smiled the sun's smile, "Thank the Creator for the Duchess's return to healthiness, truly a blessing to our great duchy!"

"It's about time," Sigismond said, a stupid grin upon his visage as his head bobbed up and down.

Sigismond Varoche patted off the dirt on his pants, "Damn spiders, should just collapse the cave."

FREE CITY OF VELETZIA 15th of Horen’s Calling, 1912 ELECTORAL PROCEDURES OF VELETZIA FOREWORD From an outside perspective, the traditions of Adrian elections might seem rather strange and ***** to foreign eyes. But to a proper Adrian these traditions are essential to upholding our great and free dumacracy. For centuries off and on our elections have remained fair and certainly entertaining to the people. In preparation of the upcoming municipal elections, this document will outline the fixed procedures that govern such governmental functions, for elections both in the present and in the future. ELECTION OF THE MAER The Maer heads the municipal government of Velec, there are a number of ceremonial items attached to their office which are used both ceremoniously and conventionally. First beginning with the mayoral stool. An important item, used first by Maer Stefan shortly after his election as the Provisional Maer of Velec to conduct his business. To symbolize the passing of power from one Maer to another, the stool is passed down, oftentimes this is a peaceful process but at times a new Maer might just need to battle for their stool- for in truth what is a Maer without their stool? Nothing! The people gather to elect the Maer by popular vote as well of course. APPOINTMENT OF THE CITY CLERK The city clerk’s position is appointed by the Maer of Velec and there are few prerequisites to serve. Their duty is to oversee the numerous stewards of the municipality, to ensure they are properly dispensing and selling homes, to ensure they are properly evicting the homes of those whom are not Adrians, and to ensure the minae they acquire through sales of property are properly divvied up between themselves and the municipal government. ELECTION OF THE ALDERMEN The Aldernmen are elected from amongst the general populace of Velec, with three of them being chosen. Potential candidates may present themselves to the populace, giving speeches, throwing minae and gifts to the people, etcetera. The people will then be allowed to vote for three all at once, the one with the most votes shall be known as the First Aldermen, the one with the second most shall be known as the Second Aldermen, and the third most shall be known as the Third Aldermen. These three will form a council alongside the Maer and the City Clerk to ensure the citizenry’s interests are properly followed. Each of them is given an ancient brick from the Golden City of Ves. CONFIRMATION OF THE CITY CLERK After the election of the Aldermen, the council shall affirm the Maer’s appointment of the City Clerk. To signify their confirmation, the City Clerk shall run three laps around the city, to know their domain of operation, and they shall be given the gloves of the clerk (said to have been worn by Alfred Myre) by the Maer to begin their work with haste. PROCEDURES OF IMPEACHMENT Should an elected or appointed official of the city be found to be corrupt, in contempt, or plainly disliked by the municipal citizenry there are methods to remove them from office. First, a citizen may gather a number of other concerned citizens generally around at the very minimum of 10 to defenestrate. In the most strictest of emergencies the Duke of Adria is also able to sack an official, though this is used most sparingly and must be overseen by the Ducal Duma to ensure there is proper reason and true concern for such. Written and Affirmed by his Excellency, Sigismond Varoche, Chancellor of Adria, Count of Varoche, and Lover of Dumacracy Reviewed and Confirmed by the Honourable, Stefan Euler, Maer of Veletzia, and Baron of Eulersberg

DUCAL CHARTER FOR THE FREE CITY OF VELEC 9th of Owyn’s Flame, 1911 AST "The Foreign Ferrum Act will bring prosperity to Ves, my fellow-a council members” Mayor Demetrio Montelliano after the crisis of foreign merchants within fair Ves’s City Council, 1706 Our fair Duchy has always had a proper government for its city; the great city of Belvitzia and the Golden City of Ves had the greatest forms of democratic government of the time and in many cases still trump most municipal bodies to this day. The lack of such must be rectified and so a government shall be formed around the Maer of Velec as granted by the ancient Gradic Rights THE GRADIC RIGHTS, c.1557 Hitherto the populace of this town shall be referred to as any legal landholder within municipal authority. Hitherto does the populace of this town have the right to waive feudal privilege and govern itself. Hence the town has the right to choose a leader from amongst its own. Hence the town has the right to produce and publish laws and rights regarding itself. Hitherto does the populace of this town have an exemption from serfdom. Hitherto does the populace of this town have the right to freedom of travel. Hitherto does the populace of this town have the right to collect tax, tolls, and impose fees. Hitherto does the populace of this town have the right to freedom of trade. Hitherto does the populace of this town have the right to a trial by judge. Hitherto does the populace of this town have the right to petition it’s lord. THE MAER OF VELEC The Maer is the elected executive chief of the municipal government. He is tasked with the smooth running of the city’s various institutions and administrations, primarily that of taxation and the regulation of the Adrian guilds. As the position is elected, the Maer only serves for a term of 6 years but may be reelected should the people see fit. THE CITY CLERK The City Clerk is the administrator of the stewardry and of property within the City of Velec. Considered the head steward, their authority is only rivaled by that of the Maer. The position of Clerk is also appointed by the Maer. Furthermore the City Clerk shall also be confirmed by the municipal council. THE ALDERMEN The Aldermen are citizens from the town to represent the population within the municipal government. Their primary purpose is to sit upon the municipal council alongside the Maer and the City Clerk to ensure they are honest and fair in their ruling of the ducal capital. Three shall be selected and elected from amongst the town’s population. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL The city’s council shall consist of these positioned citizens of Velec. Its primary purpose is to oversee the acts and municipal laws, and bylaws created by the Maer and City Clerk. In time the council may be expanded, however it’s limited in its capacity for the foreseeable future of Velec. Written and Proposed by his Excellency, Sigismond Varoche, Chancellor of Adria, Count of Varoche Debated upon and affirmed by the Ducal Adrian Duma of 1911

Sigismond the Roach smiled the sun's smile, "Peace in our time! God bless Humanity."

Sigismond smiled wide at the news, most proud of his eldest daughter.

all the way on the very tip of adria, slightly slanted to renatus

Sigismond Varoche grinned, sharing a hearty laugh with Anna at the title she and the duchess chose!

Ser Steiner von Richthofen, a petran knight dubbed so by Archduke Paul of the Petra himself frowned at this evil usurpation from the man's rightful heir and successor, "Fools."

reminds me of that old plugin people used to change their character models- but better! way better

Charles the Bald makes a great point, stay making tiktoks media team, now!

Sigismond Varoche shook his head, "Atilan the Doofus!"

Sigismond Varoche cackled, "You ******* heretics, YOU WILL BURN IN HELL!" the Roach violently shook his head, "You would demand secular investure? You demand the defrauding of the church from true righteous holymen? Shame on you, this is beyond evil."

"Shit, this is based!"

"Duma! Duma! Duma!" Chancellor Varoche chanted from his dark tower.