Rudi

As if the torture of losing his youngest wasn't enough, Heinrik Karl laid awake in silence, next to him his beloved wife @Mady. Memories flashed before his eyes, where Petra gently had grasped his finger to greet him right after she was born. How proud he, was she carried the name of his chosen patron saint. Saint Emma. When she gifted him his cherished mug. When she asked him to marry the man she loved so much. The first time she announced her carrying a child herself. And when she smiled at him for a last time. The world would move on. It had to move on. But Heinrik Karl would not.

Holding his dear weeping wife @Madywithin his arms, Heinrik Karl, stared towards the door all night. Awaiting Saint Emma to guide him to heaven before his children, he did not know this was the first of the last remaining nights of his life, that were plagued by nightmares. Soon he'd join his youngest, the child of suprise.

Sucking in his grand belly to fit into his old armour, the old Koeng, Heinrik Karl, grimaced as he realised his armour needed to get expanded on his waist and fronz. Nonetheless the elder displayed a set of yellow teeth that shined like the greyhair that was sprouting on his neckbeard and side burns "At last, I get to see the battelfield along side my dwed friends." he expressed while patting his trusted warhammer Crow's Beak, in his hands.

Heinrik Karl stared at the redhead grandchild in disbelief.

While giving a last signature on a document, Heinrik Karl smeared the rest of the sunscreen on his face with a grimace "Can we leave already?!" he shouted towards his wife's office

EDICT OF ABDICATION OF 391ES Issued and Confirmed by His Majesty Koeng Heinrik II By Godani’s Grace on this 17th of Tov and Yermey of 391ES VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK For many long years, I have assumed the mantle of my father Koeng Josef in leading our free and independent Kongzem of Hanseti-Ruska in a world that shifts between slothful peace and turbulent uncertainty as quick as the weather. During this time, our realm has faced great trials, and relished in great triumphs. The burden of the Crown, its obligations, its responsibilities, has forever weighed heavy on my person, and as I have laboured to fulfil them to the best of my ability, it is time to allow some fresh wind to blow through the courts. It is the calling of the Crown, and Godani through whom it is bestowed, to lead His people to peace, prosperity and greatness, and to defend their persons, land, and pride, as best they can. Godani has sent me many signs to remind me that even, myself a mortal man, is not without flaw. Even though we all strive to become perfect it is a sin to assume that you are. But with old age, you are not just becoming wiser, but also more blind in the eye. Blind to the many changes that occur around you and the world beyond your borders. And more and more you tend to rely on your own achievements and history of resolving great trials, to resolve current issues. It is this masked pride that many monarchs tend to slip into, instead of following Godani holy call to pass the crown to the young and gifted to ensure the stability and success of the nation you have led and bled for for so long. It is no secret that the demands of the Crown have oftentimes led to the early deaths of those who wear it. I have outlived many of my predecessors, and now, as I grow old and blind, I do not want to fall into the aforementioned category of monarchs. Instead I will do as Godani commands and ease the way for the next generation, inseast of forcing Godani himself to tear me off the throne. A portrait of His Royal Majesty, Koeng a Tsar of Hanseti and Ruska, Heinrik II. , 391 ES My last decree and my last wish is to seek only to live out the remainder of my days in peace with my loving wife. In doing so, it would be to neglect my duties as Koeng to retain the Crown when the time has come to relinquish it. As such, following many months of prayer and contemplation, I have come to my final decree the following: The royal station of Koeng-Abdicant and Koenas-Abdicant (Naumariav: Koenenir, Koenasir) shall be established for those who abdicate the title of Koeng or Koenas; Upon myself, I bestow the County of Markev; Upon the execution of this Edict, I formally relinquish the titles of Koeng of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesburg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Nenzing, Torun, Turov, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venezia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera, to my son and heir, Sigismund Karl; Henceforth, I shall become his Majesty Koenenir Heinrik Karl, Count of Markev. To the people of Hanseti-Ruska, I thank you for your dutiful service, loyalty, and patience. However trying, these years of kingship have been the great pride of my life. I pray, hope, and know that your destinies rest secured in the hands of my beloved son. Krusae Zwy Kongzem. Long live Koeng Sigismund III. Long live Haense. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty HEINRIK II by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Turov, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. OOCS NOTICE

Heinrik Karl scanned over the contents of the letter. His cigar started to gleam as he inhaled deeply, before pushing his bulky form out of his chair. "Davai. On wards." he spoke to himself, not wanting to miss this opportunity.

VE HERZENZ EDYKT I 390 E.S. Issued and Confirmed by His Majesty Koeng Henrik II By Godani’s Grace on the 9th of Jula & Pov, 390 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, It has been a few years since the conclusion of the Noble Audit of 387 ES, made with the intent of investigating the situation and state of our nobility and the various Peers and their noble families that make up our Kingdom’s nobility. Over a decade has passed since the previous Lord’s Edict, which sought to reward The Haeseni Peers and their families during periods of growth and prosperity. As a continuation of such, this edict seeks to even out the ongoing titular status relative to the size of the Haeseni peerage. The Crown wishes for its Peers and noble families to be rewarded during periods of growth, but will adjust titles accordingly if no such growth is present. The Crown wishes to emphasize that these demotions are not to act as punishments, but merely seek to balance out the standing of all Haeseni Peerage. THE FOLLOWING CHANGES ARE MADE TO THE PEERAGES OF THE REALM: I. The Duchy of Reinmar is demoted to a County and granted to The Honourable Johann Barclay, thus becoming the County of Reinmar, the County of Kretzen to be inherited by his rightful Heir and held by The House of barclay. He shall thus be (Naumariav: Komit) The Honourable, Johann Barclay, the Count of Reinmar. II. The Viscounty of Sezwesk shall be returned from The Honourable Robert Ludovar to the Crown and absorbed into the rest of the titles held by the Crown.. Thus, The Honourable Robert Ludovar shall hence be (Naumariav: Bossir) The Honourable, Robert Ludovar, Baron of Otistadt. III. The Barony of Astfield shall be returned from The Honourable, Stefan II Vyronov to the Crown and absorbed into the rest of the titles held by the Crown. Stefan II Vyronov shall hence be (Naumariav: Firr) Mister Stefan II Vyronov. THE FOLLOWING CHANGES ARE MADE FOR INDIVIDUALS OF THE REALM: I. Katerina Ceciliya Barbanov-Bihar is to be removed of the line of succession and stripped of her titles as "Princess" of Hanseti and Ruska II. Nikoleta Barbara Barrow is officially to be officially recognized as the daughter of high highness Prince Franz Leopold and Natalia Elaine Kovachev, making her officially Lady Nikoleta Barbara Bihar-Kovachev. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Reza, Torun, Turov and Markev, Viscount of Grauspin and Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

“Was nie that hard, was it.” A particular bulky man commented from his office, while he leaned back in his chair to enjoy the taste of a hand rolled cigar, a personal gift from the Grand Queen of Urguan.

AN OPEN LETTER TO URGUAN: THE CONDEMNATION OF TREACHERY From His Majesty King Heinrik II and the Office of the Aulic Envoy On this 5th Gronna ag Droba of 389 ES To the Lord Regent and Dwed Council of Urguan, After hearing of the abdication of the Grand King, Levian’Tol Grandaxe, we of course felt sorry for our Urguani friends at the loss of such a great leader who exemplified the strength and honor of the Grand Kingdom itself, nevertheless we pray that the election will bring forth yet another leader befitting of the dwarves they shall lead. It was with great dismay that we heard the rumblings of treachery against the obsidian throne as the honorless attempt to take advantage of the confusion and disarray. It seems that a minor lord of a petty protectorate alongside a dwed clan attempts to undermine the will of GOD and the dwedfolk, this of course we shall never condone, especially when such actions are taken against those we hold in such high regard as friends. The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska formally condemns the Domain of Vortice in their attempt to break and disregard an honorbound agreement without attempting diplomatic correspondence, to secede and openly rebel from their Mother State, and to openly and outright disrespect their rightful liege through insurrection. The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska would also formally condemn the dwed clan that attempts to circumvent a rightful election and would declare open revolt against the Grand Kingdom for their own greed of power. Furthermore, the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska shall formally issue a Trade Embargo on goods to and from The Domain of Vortice alongside a Public Banishment of those from the Domain of Vortice and a Warning to all Haeseni who would dare venture into the rebellious territories of Vortice. We wish the best of luck to the Grand Kingdom of Urguan in their efforts to put down these treacheries and we offer our support in whatever they may need. May GOD grant you swift victory. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Reza, Torun, Turov and Markev, Viscount of Grauspin and Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Excellency, Andrik Jan Baruch, Aulic Envoy of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska

We are all just NPCs in a @yopplwasupxxxCK2 game.

A ROYAL BETROTHAL 3 8 9 ES TO THE KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA, It is with a joyous heart that the Crown can announce the official betrothal between His Serene Highness, Prinzen Sigismund Karl Barbanov and the Lady Emma Kortrevich of Jerovitz. This union between the houses of Barbanov-Bihar and Kortrevich represents the future of Hanseti-Ruska with many blessings to come to the nation. The date has been set for the 2nd of Gronna and Droba, 390 E.S., where the pair will be wed in the Basilica of St Henrik in the heart of Karosgrad for all to witness. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Reza, Torun, Turov and Markev, Viscount of Grauspin and Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

Lund I Elrend - A Personal Diary The Journey of a Koeng 13th of Tov and Yemmey 388 E.S. on Human Desires "Not like the travels to these lands had been akin to torture itself, but unlike my previous travels I was tasked to go alone and without my trusted mace. With my quest to reconquer the heart of my lover and prove my worth to her, to be the man she expects me to be, I have challenged myself. Decades prior I had shed my clothes and lifestyle in order to become the vessel that God had destined me to be after the taint of darkness had touched my heart and soul. But now I take on this quest again soley for someone else and not for my own sake. When I left Karosgrad behind myself, I left my privileges and robes behind as well. Only carrying a dagger that my father had gifted me when I was a mere boy, I pushed myself to new limits. My feet carried me through lands of swamp and sand before they touched the lands of fire for the first time. The warm ash wrapped about my toes, warming them and encouraged me to continue. My tainted lungs are filled with the ashes of vulcans, burning it away. What an irony. My hunger for the most useless things start to torture me. How badly do I crave the taste of wine, the smell of tobacco, the feeling of fine clothes.. But the thirteen poems, which I have kept repeating daily alongside my prayers to Saint Emma and Saint Owny, blessed be their names, keep me moving. They will help me to give me a purpose to be blessed with the gift of divine privilege. And for that reason I picked up some vulcan glass to help me to find myself and my true self in its reflection" 17th of Tov and Yemmey 388 E.S. on Finding Faith "As I reached the shore of pure blue, my feet had turned black from the daily walks. Sore and covered with cuts and bumps as the leather of my shoes had fallen off my feet, I prayed as I was able to wash my wounds in the shining blue water. The salt cleansed my wounds in exchange for pain, a small price. As Horen washed and traveled to the Grotto of Gamesh I found tranquility in watching the waves, kissing and cleaning my feet. I’ve been relying on the good faith of the people behind me, on the people who pray for me, on the people who pray with me. My love for God and its creation was reason enough to carry on multiple times but now that I am alone, exhausted with nothing but his creation around I feel like I’ve gotten closer to him. While I spent the entire night at the shores, before shedding myself and allowing myself to be carried by the waves to new shores, I recalled my prayers. Many times I was conflicted with the church itself. I remember when I was young, I was called to serve the Kongzem before clashing heads with a pontiff for the first time. I see myself again, older but not wiser, clashing heads with a pontiff again, this time facing another ruler. Even though I questioned my own faith many times, I have never lost it. With each wave that carried me further into the deep blue I felt to understand my faith more than ever before. Protected by divine will I understand that he, the protector of mankind, the father of mountains protects us. I hope that everyone will soon understand that the divine fire that was casted by his will is not just a speech to be preached, but a real thing that will rekindle your heart and make you understand our faith. I brought some sand from its shores to remind me of the many little aspects of faith that each little grain of sands represents." 27th of Tov and Yemmey 388 E.S. on Family "The waves brought me to new lands, to lands of rocky terrain with only a few moss covering the stones that built up to high mountains I was walking on. Ascending the pillars of the words to stand on the neck of it, I fell and tripped many times. Like Horens last son Joren who led his people into the mountains, I carefully maneuvered myself through the hard and unforgiving terrain. When the crowds blocked and halted my efforts I seeked shelter in one of the many caves. Once I was sitting and reflecting on my journey so far, I felt my feet once again. But my back and head hurt from the thin air, which made me want to lay and rest for some time. Covering myself head to toe with clay and rocks to keep my body warm, I rekindled myself knowing my family was waiting for me at home. My eldest child has just been wedded, my second will marry soon too. Their smiles keep on making me want to continue, but knowing they will wait for me no matter how long I have to take this. In comfort and sad tranquility I heard the water drops falling off the rocks to the pools that are surrounding me. I cannot fail to imagine their tears that they shed for me. Quietly fearing that one could hear me, I joined the sobbing of the cave that comforted me. Time passes on quickly in this cave but also seems to never go away. I see my eldest growing from a babe in my arms to a proud woman and soon to be mother. Like winter, time passes with the wink of an eye but also never seems to move on at all. Before I leave to ascend the pillar of the world once more, I store one of the gems that happened to lay next to my head. May its sturdiness remind me how merciless time moves forward and unlike a memory it cannot be repeated." 2th of Msitza and Dragund 388 E.S. on Love and Destiny "Was I overwhelmed with the sight that was laid before me as I reached the tip of the mountain? - No. The clouds I have climbed through blocked the way but allowed me to witness a sight I would never forget though. An ocean of clouds around me, caused me to believe I have been on a hill on a singular island in the ocean of endless clouds. My journey has led me here, to the tip of this mountain just to question: Why. Here I am, a man who had found its faith but went to rekindle the warmth of his lover's heart, but instead found himself. Was this trip for me or for someone else? I sit here with my elbows on my knees and watch the endless waves of clouds mixing into another. The sun warms my scalp, my wounded knees, my dirty hands, my messy beard. But is it really worth contemplating about it. Elven philosophers would argue that the journey is the way. Bullshit. There is a purpose for anything. Our lifes serve a reason. I am meant to be here. I am meant to be here and serve the great plan. I am meant to return home to warm my lover's heart. I am meant to bring safety, prosperity and wealth to humankind. Where death comes to reap us all eventually, we all serve the world and Gods plan to shape the world into its destined realm. Our minds are so fragile they serve the big plan. Love forging new love, and life creating new life. What would we be without death, beings without a purpose, lack of creativity, lack of passion. The ones who have surpassed the tests of time must make it their purpose that others may not reach it. It is their duty to protect the rest in order for them to fulfill the big plan, to bring us closer to the destined world. As I found my purpose, my desire and my will to bring love, share faith and live like I am destined to be, I picked up a feather. I sharpened it to serve as a quil to be able to write down my journey so I never forget what I have learned and achieved." Do not metagame the informations written above.

THE SURRENDER OF THE SOUTHERN SUTICAN ALLIANCE Issued and Confirmed by King Heinrik II 15th of Wzuvar and Byvca, 388ES VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK I ALMARIS On this 15th day of Wzuvar and Byvca of 388ES, his Majesty Heinrik II, King of Hanseti-Ruska, formally accepts the surrender of the Southern Sutican Alliance. After several short-lived weeks of harassing the Kongzem’s most pious ally of the Commonwealth of Sutica, intervention of Haeseni forces have led to the quick and total defeat of the rebels. In light the Kongzem’s crushing military might, the the Southern Sutican Alliance has rightfully surrendered to Haeseni mercy on the following terms: The Southern Sutican Alliance shall recognize the sovereignty of her Majesty Johanna I, and her descendants, over the Commonwealth of Sutica; The Southern Sutican Alliance shall disarm and cease all hostilities against the Commonwealth of Sutica; The Southern Sutican Alliance shall allow the Commonwealth of Sutica to occupy all rebel-held territory; The Southern Sutican Alliance shall be dissolved entirely; The Kongzem of Hanseti-Ruska will act as intermediary between the countersignatory of this Surrender and the Commonwealth of Sutica on all outstanding matters relating to the defeated rebellion; The countersignatory shall be placed under Haeseni custody; It pleases the Crown most greatly to accept the surrender of the ill-fated rebellion and to behold the most excellent performance of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl throughout this campaign. The Kongzem of Haense now eagerly looks forward to a period of southern peace, fostered through its cooperation with the Commonwealth of Sutica. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Reza, Torun, Turov and Markev, Viscount of Grauspin and Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. Aristogras of the disbanded-Southern Sutican Alliance

The Rhein Agreement Agreed on 11th of Tov and Yermey, 387 E.S. | 11th of Sun’s Smile, 1834 Between the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the The Commonwealth of Sutica ARTICLE I: SOVEREIGNTY The Dual Monarchy of Hanseti-Ruska and The Commonwealth of Sutica, hereon referred to as “the signatories”, continues to pledge to mutually recognize each other’s status as sovereign powers over their peoples, meaning: I. THAT the power of rule of each signatory in their respective territories be fully respected by the other. II. THAT the signatories agree to engage in diplomatic functions. III. THAT the signatories accept the authorities of the heads of state of each party, King Heinrik II of Haense, and Queen Johanna I of Sutica, as representative of the will of their peoples, and that the signatories accept no other position claiming such title instead. ARTICLE II: NON-AGGRESSION The signatories enumerated do mutually agree that any forces affiliated with their banner, nation, reigning bloodline, etc., shall not engage in military action against the other signatory. If such were to occur, the signatories shall endeavor to resolve the issue diplomatically. I. Signing parties formally enter a pact of non-aggression. The pact will last for a duration of ten years. After the expiration of this pact, a renewal may be negotiated. II. Signing parties refrain from participating in any conflicts that put them at odds with one another. III. Subjects of the Sutica are protected while in Haeseni territories, and subjects of the Kingdom of Haense are protected while in the territories of Sutica so long as they act within the laws of the respective realms. IV. Signing parties agree to extend their full military support to the other signatory in cases of domestic instability, rebellion, civil war, or other such crisis. ARTICLE III: LAND LEASE The Commonwealth of Sutica does lease the territory known as Rhein to the Kingdom of Haense, to be used as a grounds for military operations and military training. I. The territory known as Rhein shall be leased to the Kingdom of Haense, yet still remain under the Sutican Crown and Landgraf Ulrich von Alstreim. II. The Kingdom of Haense may utilise Rhein for purposes of military operations and military training. III. The Kingdom of Haense may commit itself to construction projects in the Rhein, with the approval of Sutican authorities. ARTICLE IV: MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE The signatories enumerated do mutually agree to train their militaries together when the chance is afforded to better vest themselves in the maintenance of good relations between the two aforementioned parties. ARTICLE V: DURATION The signatories enumerated do mutually agree that the pact is to last the period of ten years with the option of renewal or abrogation once the duration has expired. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty, Heinrik II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik, Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Reza, Torun, Turov and Markev, Viscount of Grauspin and Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, 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, Baroness of Brynrose, Sovereign Lady of New Ceru, Lady of Blackwater, Blood-Raven of Lorraine