Gavin_

((Reserved))

The Reformed Privy Council of the Kingdom of Courland - 1609 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Privy Council of Courland include leading members of the realm, often vassals who own great fiefs. The council acts as advisors to the King, who offer their experience and wisdom to ensure that the governance of the nation remains as efficient as possible. The King wields the power to veto any decisions made by his council. Entailed below, are the members of the reformed Privy Council of Courland. Furthermore, one will find a brief description and summary of each of the Council positions and the tasks and duties expected to be upheld by each member. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Arch-Chancellor of the Cabinet, The Archchancellor of the realm is tasked with the overseeing and supervision of the other members of the Privy Council and Notaries. The Arch-Chancellor holds ultimate authority when the King is absent and maintains the power of Kingship in the aforementioned absence(s) until the King has returned to lead. He is to serve or name a regent if the King is incapacitated or not of age. The Arch-Chancellor is to follow a similar frame of policy pertaining to those previously established by the King. If, however, those policies are deemed unfit or in need reforming, the Arch-Chancellor maintains the rights to alter policy and to follow a new structure in regards to policy making. HIS HIGHNESS, Frederick Staunton-Baden The Lord Emissary of the Cabinet, The Lord Emissary is the chief diplomat of the realm. He is expected to maintain good relations with most nations, oversee individual diplomats and draft diplomatic agreements for the nation. HIS GRACE, Ostromir Ivanovich The Lord Marshal of the Cabinet, The Lord Marshal of the realm is tasked with maintaining and organising the Royal Army, in their home of Aleksandria. In times of war, the Marshal has supreme authority over any and all military orders and levies that owe their allegiance to the crown or to a vassal of the crown, his orders only being able to be overturned by the King, King-Regent or the Arch-Chancellor. HIS EXCELLENCY, Louis de Felsen The Lord Treasurer of the Cabinet, The Lord Treasurer of the realm is to manage the economic aspects of the Kingdom, including taxation, and the implementation of public spending and the maintaining of the Kingdom's treasury. HIS EXCELLENCY, Percius Mauntel His Majesty’s Privy Seal, The Privy Seal retains the personal Seal of the King. This Seal is printed on every official government document and acts as an authenticator. The Privy Seal is also tasked with the drafting of Edicts, Noble Peerage and Royal documents. HIS EXCELLENCY, Bishop Nikolas of Pontian The Grand Knight of the Cabinet, The Grand Knight is the head of the Golden Eagle, and is tasked with maintaining records of the current Knights of the realm and squires. He is to set an example of chivalrous attitudes. Furthermore, he is tasked with the recruitment and training of the Golden Eagle. HIS EXCELLENCY, Ser Elias de Castro The Lord Justiciar of the Cabinet, The Lord Justiciar of the Kingdom is tasked with drafting new legislation for the government. He is also tasked with the maintenance and enforcement of aforementioned legislation and issuing punishments to those who defy it. HIS GRACE, Abdes de Savin Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Joseph Alexander Staunton, King of Courland, Haense and Ruska, Duke of Eastbourne, Courland, Eruthos, the Heartlands, Frederica, Cascadia, Count of Aleksandria, Westmark, Beauclair, Sundholt, Wett and Eastmark, Lord of Mlt. St. Tobias, Baron of Vsenk, the Rightful Protector of the Heartlanders and Highlanders.

"Long live the King!" exclaims Frederick. "Long live Courland!"

"Tobias Staunton was a friend. He was a brother. He was my King." sighs Frederick Staunton-Baden. "He was a good father and a good husband, above all, he was a good man. He is with God now. Farewell, my brother." Frederick glances to Prince Joseph and utters the following. "Nephew, the reign of King Tobias I the Conqueror is over. Now you shall reign." he pauses, falling to one knee. "Long Live the King!"

"Let us not forget just exactly who issued both an ultimatum and a declaration of war. You thought you could best the Kingdom of Courland. You thought you could bully the Kingdom of Courland. You have failed in your attempts and now you try to play it off as if we are deserving of detest and blame? Pitiable." Remarks Frederick Staunton-Baden.

Die tbh

Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden smiles upon receiving the invitation.

Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden stands atop a platform located in the middle of Aleksandria. He stands, addressing several denizens of Courland, peasant and noble alike. His arms folded behind his back as he stands stoic, his eyes scan those who have gathered before him, he begins to sway back and forth slightly before speaking. "Citizens of Aleksandria, fellow countrymen. I address you today concerning the ultimatum issued by our Kingdom, the Kingdom of Courland to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Whilst many of you yearn for the blood of our enemies for the crimes and transgressions against our great Kingdom, we must be merciful when we can. Irrefutable wronged we have been, however, both Kingdoms are united by one thing - our humanity. Whilst we may hold differing values and opinions - enough blood has been shed. I ask you, the life of this Kingdom, to cease hostilities should they accept this gracious offer. Let us, if they are willing, move on from this travesty." he pauses for several moments, eyes narrowed and fixated upon the crowd. "If however, they decline this most generous offer, then by the wrath of GOD we shall destroy them. We shall avenge our fallen brethren and countrymen and deliver unto our enemy the righteous will of GOD. Go now and spread the word."

"For Meric.." Smiles Frederick Staunton-Baden as he glances upwards towards the heavens.

"Who is this jester?" chuckles Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden.

Prince Frederick paces back and forth from within the confines of Baden’s Hold, having read both King Marius’ ultimatum and King Tobias’ response, it was clear to him now that peace was not, and could never be an option. The Kingdom of Haense had shown quite clearly, it’s true colours to all denizens of Axios. “Meric, my dear nephew.” sighs Frederick. “May GOD above be my witness, you shall be avenged.” he exclaims to an empty keep shortly before falling to his knees as his head inclines. “To all those loyal to Staunton and Courland, to all those who have perished - in my lifetime and my father's lifetime, your legacies shall now be exalted. We must now relinquish plough and scythe and turn to sword and shield - our hands have been forced.” His being slowly rises, a more determined man stoically stands where he once knelt. “An eye for an eye, as they say - theirs is due for the plucking” he states with narrowed expression, moving throughout the keep to organise his stockpiles.

((Reserved))

Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden sighs, having ordered for his body to be sent back to Karlsburg. "If only the lad had of came peacefully to the Palace." he mutters. "I fear this won't be the last."

A Wedding In Courland Frederick Staunton ~ Amina Kharadeen The bells ring out in the capital city of Aleksandria, bunting flutters in the wind and the songs of birds and chants mixed with the heat of the south and the exotic wine prove a wonderful setting for a wedding. Noblemen and women converse with their retinues; commoners congregate in the centre of the city; Jesters show off their new tricks and guards enjoy a barrel of ale each. Missives would be sent out to commoners and nobles of the Kingdom of Courland. Invitations; Invitations would be sent to the following: His Majesty, Tobias Staunton and House Staunton. His Majesty, Arlen Kharadeen and House Kharadeen. His Grace, Abdes de Savin and House de Savin. His Grace, Philip Louis Marna and House Marna. Lord Ramsey and House Stafford. Lord Romanos and House Palaiologos. Lord Shayne and House Montoya. Ser Rotger Fournier. Greetings upon you (insert name), You are formally welcomed to attend the wedding of Prince Frederick Staunton and Emiress Amina Kharadeen which will be held in Aleksandria this Saints day (( 5pm EST, 10pm GMT Sunday 26th )). Fine wine and other necessities at any wedding will be provided by the Kingdom. Should you wish to attend, simply make your way to the church in Aleksandria. May the Creator bless your house as we hope for our matrimony to be blessed too. ~House Staunton

Meric Staunton would be dead.

10th of the Amber Cold, 1599 As a boy, he had always had a passion for aiding others. He was a kind and gentle being who had a hunger for making the world a better and less harsher place, one person at a time. As he grew older, those traits persisted, amplified by his experiences throughout life. At the age of 18, he was appointed as Lord Emissary - a position which enabled him to display and indeed utilise those core traits which made him who he was. He had a deep love for his family, as loyal of a son as could be. A genuine aura of happiness surrounded him, rarely was his character reduced to sadness. He liked to stroll about Aleksandria, conversing with anyone and everyone he encountered, no one was below him. He yearned for life and to conquer every obstacle that came his way. Sadly, the flame of his candle was to come to an untimely end. The tumultuous winds of the North did usher a gust that chilled even the warmest of hearths. A young and motivated man made his way to Karlsburg. A feeling of inevitability entombed the young man as he made his way to the keep, approaching each step with a certain hopefulness. A form of pride overtook him as he entered the throne room, he was going to be the one to bring an end to the years of suffering and death of both Eagle and Crow, yet this was not to be the case. The man left the keep with a sense of accomplishment and triumph, having had a successful dialogue with his cousin, the Northern King, yet unbeknownst to him, an assailant lay in waiting. The bolt found its mark, the young man fell to his knees, blood discharging from his back - grounded. The assassin was quick to finish the job, pieces of skull and a trail of blood lining the streets of the city. His body lay in the snow, having been dragged outside of the city, albeit blemished and reddened. His blue eyes becoming icy, glass-like. Meric Staunton-Hearth was dead.

Pact of Neutrality 13th of Malin's Welcome, 1599 We find ourselves in a time of great uncertainty, a time of great confusion and ambiguity yet amidst these trying times lies an unadulterated cache of opportunity. Thusly, The Kingdom of Courland and The Sultanate of Haria have convened to discuss the future of their relationship and how it will be shaped. The Sultanate of Haria wishes to remain a neutral entity in regards to the affairs of others. The Kingdom of Courland shall respect that wish and do in good faith, hereby announce a treaty of neutrality between the two nations. The Sultanate of Haria and The Kingdom of Courland shall not aggress upon one another. This pact hereby ensures neutrality between both respective nations. No nation shall transgress against the other and bring one another's honour, esteem and internal affairs into disrepute. House Bigge is banished from Haria. Should they enter Harian territory, they are at the mercy of Haria. Courland shall not interfere in their dealings. Haria shall not aggress against them outside of their lands. Should any form of martial, or civil aid between these two states be requested, further negotiations shall be initiated between both factions as to not contradict this fair treaty. The Sultanate of Haria shall not infringe upon the internal/external disputes involving that of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Courland. The Kingdom of Courland shall not infringe upon the internal/external disputes involving that of the Harian Sultanate sovereignty. If the pact is broken due to any sort of circumstance or event, the signatory’s have a 5 Saint/Khali day grace period to attempt to amend the issue at hand. If an agreeance can not be met, the defending state may retaliate by any means necessary. Should a crime be perpetrated by non-military personnel in either Nation, said victim state will have the authority to request an extradition. If a crime has been perpetrated by military personnel, diplomatic talks will open immediately to prevent a tear in the pact. Signatories- HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tobias Staunton, King of Courland, Duke of Eastbourne, Courland, Eruthos, the Heartlands, Frederica, Cascadia, Count of Riga, Aleksandria, Westmark, Beauclair, Sundholt, Wett and Eastmark, Lord of Mt. St. Tobias, Baron of Vsenk, the Rightful Protector of the Heartlanders. His Grace, Arlen Kharadeen, Sultan of Haria, Emir of al-Khaleed, Defender and Follower of al-Iiman Rashidun, Son of the First Caliph, Imperial Sultan of Aethermore, Barrowhaven, Farfolkia, Tyravik, Springs Grove, Mt. Sofia, Hibat Allah, Grand Amir of the Eternal Mubarizun. Protector of Khalestine and Sword of Allah. Prince Meric Staunton, Lord Emissary of Courland. Penned by the Lord Emissary.

Nope, he's 100% serious. God bless.

"Ave Courland!" sings Meric Staunton.

Ave Courland was too lit.

Braxus emits a euphoric sigh, reminiscing about the time he killed one of Artimec's children.

Missive "Ah yes, The Vigil. Was it not the Vigil who cleansed the Arbiters and saved Elsohaer? Was it not The Vigil who encouraged Haelun'or to abandon Oren and join The Rebellion? Was it not the Vigil who have been fighting to free Haelun'or from impurity? The Vigil are not the problem. Nor will they create a mob. The Vigil are what saved this State from completely buckling under the weight of impurity which you yourself along with the council has allowed to fester."

Another, magical missive presents itself. "I would argue that Democracy is a fundamental government structure that we, the pure, must adhere to and indeed implement. Of course, therein lies the problem. Haelun'or is no longer a venerated and blessed State of Mali'thill. It is now a haven and a den for impurity, be it those who wander with red eye, Frost Witches, or even those who are appointed to lead our people. If Haelun'or was a truly pure State, it would only make sense for the government structure to be Democratic. Assuming the citizenship are pure, they would only elect the purist of mali'aheral. Now however, what we have is a State where you are appointed based not on merit or purity, but rather who you know. This can no longer continue for if it does, those who are truly pure will have no other alternative but to cleanse the city of Impurity and Tyranny."

Several missives can be found around Haelun'or. "The Democratic Process that once made Haelun'or a bastion of Purity has since been dismantled. The addition of several unelected council members including Elsohaer is a grave offence to elmaehr'sae hiylun'ehya and the people of Haelun'or. Those of you whom call yourself pure, show it by calling for an election!"