Inkthorn

On the 12th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1892. . . By the UNITY OF MIND of the GOVERNMENT in PETRA, serving always CHIVALRY, LIBERTY and JUSTICE, we the PEOPLE do present these updated ROUND TABLE ARTICLES, delivered at MOUNT GARMONT CONCERNING VARIOUS AMENDMENTS to the laws of the COMMONWEALTH, those laws now being known as the ROUND TABLE ARTICLES TABLE OF CONTENTS; I. THE PREAMBLE II. THE ROUND TABLE III. THE REGENT I. THE PREAMBLE We have made our home in the Petra river valley. Down the river flows the lifeblood of the Commonwealth. Yet the river, like us, is not immutable: the tide ebbs and flows; the salmon spawn and are harvested; the flotsam, the flora, the fauna, all change with time. So too must our Commonwealth progress. We hitherto abolish the Senate and the Chancellery. Thus, in their place, we do announce these changes to the laws of the Commonwealth, which shall be known as the ROUND TABLE ARTICLES. The Articles enshrine in law a number of our values: anti-Whig sentiment, ensuring sleepy manor lords never lord over our lands; the centrality of chivalry, creating the KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE as our central governing institution; and most critically, it brings us closer in praxis to our brethren across the Harvest Confederation. They shall deliberate on matters of state to ensure good governance in our lands. Keeping to our values, much of the government will be elected. Once elected, from among them they shall choose the sitting GRANDMASTER of our Order, who shall be our representative here and abroad. II. THE ROUND TABLE THE ROUND TABLE COMMAND THE GRANDMASTER Leader of the Commonwealth government Ser Bernard of Brasca THE VICE MASTER Second in command of the Commonwealth Dame Irene of Mardon THE ROUND TABLE OFFICERS THE COMMANDER Military, special operations, law enforcement Ser Pavel of Ivanovich THE PROXY Foreign relations, squiring, scribework Vacant THE QUEST GIVER Knightly quests, squiring, order business Dame Catherine of Furnestock THE TREASURER Taxes, stewards, properties Ser Cliement of Brasca THE PROCURATOR Law, justice, constitution Ser Charles of Temesch III. THE REGENT Section I - The Regent The Regent of the Commonwealth is the impartial protector of liberty who keeps our lands in order. The Regent, per the Constitution, is elected by the Old Regime. The Regent is tasked with handling elections and lawful conduct under this new system. Section II - The Elected Officers Any KNIGHT OF THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF THE PETRINE LAUREL can run for a position upon the ROUND TABLE. The Regent of the Commonwealth shall post candidacies, allowing knights to register to run. Then, all citizens may vote to determine who wins a seat upon the Round. From among the KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE, the Elected Offices of the Round shall be filled. The elected offices are the Proxy, the Treasurer, the Scrivener, and the Procurator. Section III - The Appointed Officers The Grandmaster may appoint the Vicemaster and the Commander. Due to the sensitive nature of these roles, they must be able to work in concert directly with the Grandmaster. As with the roles hitherto mentioned, these too must consist of KNIGHTS OF THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF THE PETRINE LAUREL. Section IV -- The Grandmaster The Round Table Officers choose a knight of the realm to serve as Grandmaster. The Grandmaster serves as head of government. THE KNIGHTS OF PETRA WILL THRIVE EVERMORE HIS EXCELLENCY, Sir Bernard of Brasca Grandmaster of the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel; Overseer of the Knightly Circles of Saint Emma, the Star, and the Eagle; Commander in Chief of the Republic; and Protector of Liberty, Justice and Chivalry HIS EXCELLENCY, Paul Temesch et Moere Regent of the Commonwealth & Count of Temesch et Moere

Bernard nods subtly. "This is just the beginning, dear friend." He reaches into his satchel, taking out a notebook and looking to those gathered. "What should our next legislation focus on?" @MCVDK @bickando@tilly

Bernard of Brasca clasps his hands together, smiling. "Petra thrives, " he notes, turning to his friend, Senator Temesch. "And our amendments passed, too." @MCVDK

Ser Bernard enjoys a cup of ale at the Petran Patriot, chatting with his friend Ser Charles. "Thank you for your help on this critical project, Senator Temesch." @MCVDK

Proposal of Amendments & Addendum to the Petrine Constitution to be formally named upon passage, the EDICT of TEMESCH from ON HIGH in accordance with the PETRINE CONSTITUTION, we the SENATE do disclose for review this CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT to the PEOPLE of the PETRINE COMMONWEALTH, wherefrom the PEOPLES shall have ONE WEEK to debate and discuss its CONTENTS CONCERNING AMENDMENTS and AN ADDENDUM to the PETRINE CONSTITUTION and THE STATUTES of the PETRINE COMMONWEALTH 1st Amendment to the Petrine Constitution or the Dual Powers Act; which shall stand within an Article of the second Book of the Lex Pettres. IN SUMMARY: Adding a Vice Chancellor and a Knight Commander to the Highest Council, so that the Chancellor may have an additional layer of administrative leadership. 2nd Amendment to the Petrine Constitution or the Senate-in-Council Act; which shall stand within an Article of the second Book of the Lex Pettres. IN SUMMARY: Defining the Councilors of the Senate, called the Senate-in-Council, and noting that the Chancellor is a non-voting member of the Senate. 3rd Amendment to the Petrine Constitution or the Consistency-in-Appearance Act; which shall stand as an Article of the second Book of the Lex Pettres. IN SUMMARY: Allowing the Procurator to freely correct the legal codex to ensure legibility and consistency. 4th Amendment to the Petrine Constitution or the Petran Central Repository Act; which shall stand within a Chapter of the second Book of the Lex Pettres. IN SUMMARY: Giving clear honorifics to the various officers of state. For example, the Regent of the Commonwealth shall be addressed as His Most High Excellency (HMHE). 5th Amendment to the Petrine Constitution or the Senate Rules of Procedure Act; which shall stand within a Chapter of the second Book of the Lex Pettres. IN SUMMARY: Giving clear rules to establish how many seats are up for election each Senate term, and how vacancies are filled. 1st Addendum to the Petrine Constitution or the Uniformity-in-Language Statute; which shall stand as an Order of Directive to the Office of the Procurator. IN SUMMARY: Correcting some language to ensure consistent nomenclature and up-to-date terminology. Written jointly by the Senate Offices of… ✞ FOR THE REPUBLIC ✞ HIS EXCELLENCY the SCRIVENER, SER BERNARD L. HALCOURT Senator of the River Petra, Scrivener of the Commonwealth, & Knight in the Circle of the Star, Councilor in the Highest Council, Servant of the Order of the Petrine Laurel ✠ A COUNTRY SHOULD BE BUILT ON THE BASIS OF LAW ✠ HIS EXCELLENCY the PROCURATOR, SER CHARLES J. TEMESCH ET MOERE Senator of the River Petra, Procurator of the Commonwealth, & Knight of the Circle of the Eagle, Councilor in the Highest Council, Servant of the Order of the Petrine Laurel

Name: Ser Bernard Luc Halcourt Age: 19 Do you presently hold a Commonwealth peerage?: No. Are you currently an oathed knight in the Order of the Petrine Laurel?: Yes. Are you in good legal standing within the lands of the Commonwealth?: Yes.

B. L. Halcourt happily sips a bottle of finely-aged wine at the holdfast of the House of Halcourt d'Artois, relaxing with his comrades after a day of hearty debate and the completion of his homeland's Constitution. He is particularly happy that his design proposal for the flag of the Petra was accepted, and has now become the official standard of the Republic. He looks to his cousin, the Baron Arnaud Godwin Halcourt d'Artois. Wistfully, he murmurs, "We did good. So many brilliant minds, a trillion different paths, and we managed to chart a course for the people of the Petra -- a course toward unity." @KaiserJacobII

RP Name: Victor Simon Vasile MC Name: Lyonharted Voted: Yes

Victor smiles the Sun's Smile. "Yaromir of Bihar will be remembered in the same breath as John of Darfey."

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Victor Simon, Jr. watches the boys in red, head bowed. "These young lads are the future of our Empire."

The emotionless bureaucrat nods to his cousin the Baroness. "Of course. We will muster all our kinsmen and defend the Empire. Our swords are raised that we might retire peaceably to enjoy our lives amidst family and love."

Victor clasps his hands together. "I am excited to see what the youth has to offer -- and how they can keep the Empire thriving."

RR

Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. bows his head, watching as Evangeline is proclaimed Baroness at the Imperial Court session. "The House of Halcourt persists, as always. To quote our founder, Philip Halcourt: princeps in omnibvs. We are first in all things." He has a portrait made of the event, to hang in the under-construction family manor.

the MINISTRY of INTELLIGENCE as organized during the 2ND AZOR CHANCELLERY Throughout the history of the Empire, we Orenians have faced enumerable threats, internal and external. These threats materialize in the form of radical dissidents sponsored by foreign governments; anti-Imperial activities across the realms of the world such as the ongoing dwarven conflict; and, most critically, targeted campaigns whose intent is to sow dissent and instability. The Ministry of Intelligence, then, is tasked by the Crown with a simple set of tasks. Chief among these is counterterrorism, ensuring that no unforeseen threats act against the Empire. Beyond this, the Ministry is obviously tasked with the gathering of intelligence pertinent to the ongoing operations of the Council of State. Particular matters of concern are raised and appropriate investigations are pursued relevant to current affairs. Finally, the Ministry is the public relations arm of the government, tasked with engaging in direct discourse with the Orenian populace in order to ensure they are abreast of current developments. Section I — Staff the MINISTER of INTELLIGENCE Victor Clement Frederick Beau Halcourt de Artois, Jr. the DEPUTY MINISTER of INTELLIGENCE Cato Perea, esq. Section II — Offices The Office of the Minister [OTM] The Minister's office coordinates the activities of the Ministry at large. The Minister engages with the Council of State to set goals, coordinate missions, and determine the activities of the Ministry. The Deputy Minister is the direct supervisor of all Ministry agents, reporting up to the Minister. These two are the only public-facing actors. Others maintain total anonymity. The Office of Public Relations [OPR] This office is tasked with the publication of missives, press release, and other functional information on behalf of the Council of State. Ultimately, their mission is simple: Keep the people of the Empire abreast of current developments, make the stances of the government clear, and counter any misinformation campaigns. The Office of Counterterrorism [OCT] This office ensures that anti-Imperial activities are nipped in the bud. In general, they engage in classified action whose intent is to gather intelligence and preliminary data that serves the goals of the Empire. Ultimately, this is the most important function of the Ministry of Intelligence. Its agents are the secretive Nauzican Gentleman. Further information on the reformation of the Nauzica will be published in the near future. They are similar in nature to the now defunct Eyes, as organized under past MOI directives. Section III — Recruitment Current Vacancies Deputy Minister of Intelligence [HIRED] Director of State Relations [URGENT] Director of Counterterrorism [URGENT] State Relations Agents (Communications Professionals) Counterterrorism Agents (The Nauzican Gentleman) Job Application Fill out this form and mail it to our office for review. [Reply to this thread.] An example of how to fill out this form is below for your convenience. AS AUTHORIZED BY Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. MINISTER of INTELLIGENCE HOLY ORENIAN EMPIRE

"The Empire persists, " commented Victor Simon from his family's townhouse in Providence. "It always does, and it always will."

Victor Simon claps. "And now we rebuild. The Empire persists evermore."

Invitations to the First Pledge Class, 1844 the IMPERIAL SOCIETY of SAINT ADRIAN of LEUVARDEEN as organized by the MINISTRY of CIVIL AFFAIRS Introduction The Society of Saint Adrian, chartered in 1840 by the Imperial Crown but following in the tradition of maintaining an imperial company of scholars dedicated to scholastic excellence and national service which has existed forever, has reviewed applicants for the 1840-1844 application period. All applicants have personalized letters attached to this public document recognizing their service and inviting them to join this esteemed Society. It is important to distinguish the titles in use here. Upon applying to the Society, one becomes an Applicant. Upon acceptance into the society, one becomes a Pledge. They must formally accept their invitation. At the next meeting of the Society, they will take an oath and be formally, ritually initiated into the Society, at which time they become an Initiate. It is at this point that they can begin their journey in the membership of the Society. Pledges We the Society of Saint Adrian do see fit to invite these Applicants into a Pledge Class. This Pledge Class will be known as the Founders, or as the 1st Philippine Pledge Class, owing to their status as the 1st Pledge Class to be initiated during the reign of His Imperial Majesty the Holy Orenian Emperor, Philip III. With that being said, these are the Founders. Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. - Advisor to the Saint Adrian Society @Lyonharted Francis Cardinal Albarosa @KaiserJacobII John Napier @Hanrahan Joseph d'Azor @Taketheshot Henry Penton @CharmingCavalier Philip Michael Pruvia @Valecius Casper Cardinal Providentia @Viggen92 Faizah Rutledge @ApplePieKathy Sir Charles Galbraith @sergisala Sir Keaghen Armas @SortedJarhead Minuvas Melphestaus @Minuvas Matyas Jahan Basrid @MCVDK Jean yr Kastafir'ei @Jentos Anne Caroline Novellen @Fie Geoff Turgeon @DelaneyG Thucydides Melphestaus @Salvius Titus Louis Halcourt @Sprinkles Henrik Komnenos @KamikazeReaper Elizabeth Brae-Wittenbach @AndrewTech Philippa Antoinette d'Azor @Azie Olivier Alexandre Halcourt @DevoutChorale_ Sir Erik Othaman @grnappa A number of applicants received either in private correspondence or in public application have been denied. Those with a proven history of civil service, military service, or other national service which was exemplary and elsewise demonstrates their expertise have been accepted as Pledges. Pledges must follow through the Pledge Process to become Initiaties, or they will be dropped from membership and stricken from the record. Pledges: please monitor your postal box for correspondence from the Society. We have dedicated our lives in service to the Empire. Now, we must dedicate our minds to Her betterment. The Crown and Government have issues of great urgency which require our attention. We will convene as the body of pre-eminent scholars and thought leaders to this end. Please monitor your postal box for correspondence regarding upcoming meetings, activities, and obligations. IN LIBRIS LIBERTAS ✠ Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. 1st ADVISOR of the ST. ADRIAN SOCIETY MINISTRY of CIVIL AFFAIRS

Posters are hung all around the Empire. O Imperial Patriots, Applications for the Saint Adrian Society remain open. Some of this first batch of applicants will be welcomed into the first pledge class soon. Please apply as soon as possible if you have interest in being in the founding class. Your obedient servant, Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. Advisor to the Saint Adrian Society

A courier hand delivers a letter to each applicant. @KaiserJacobII @Hanrahan @Taketheshot @CharmingCavalier @Valecius @Viggen92 @ApplePieKathy @DarkWrath94 @sergisala @SortedJarhead @Minuvas @MCVDK @Jentos @Fie @DelaneyG @Salvius @Sprinkles @KamikazeReaper @AndrewTech Dearest applicant, Thank you. We have investigated your credentials and find them satisfactory. One further requirement for admission must be met. Please attach a letter of recommendation from a superior or from another who can speak on your expertise with authority. In the event that you do not have one or do not possess support from a superior, an endorsement from a Representative or Grandee in the Imperial Diet will suffice. These should be at least a few sentences and demonstrate that the endorser knows you well enough to vouch for your character. In the event that you secure your letter of endorsement, you will advance to the next stage of recruitment. Based on investigations I am conducting into each of you, 15 of the 19 initial applicants will be selected for admission into the Saint Adrian Society. Those 15 applicants will meet posthaste for the initiation ceremony and from there the good conduct and daily business of the Society shall commence, particularly a legal meeting to draft, revise, and finalize the Charter of our good Society. I am ecstatic at your interest and eager to work with each of you for the betterment of Our Empire. The best among you, based on credentials and endorsement, will be selected. You may submit multiple letters of endorsement if you see fit. May Saint Adrian offer us the expertise to succeed in this endeavor and may Providence lead us ever onward toward Enlightenment. Thank you, Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. Advisor to the Saint Adrian Society [@ someone who can write a forum reply recommending your character.]

Charter of the St. Adrian Society, 1840 the IMPERIAL SOCIETY of SAINT ADRIAN of LEUVARDEEN as organized by the MINISTRY of CIVIL AFFAIRS Pictured - The Old Imperial Association's 1821 Convention Preamble Throughout the history of the Empire, the Crown has at various times commissioned various creatures and instruments of the State whose task is to advise His Imperial Majesty's Government. These bodies have taken various names, functions, and styles. In Johannesburg, an advisory Imperial Diet, precursor to our modern legislature without any of its power, filled this role. In Helena, the Imperial Everardine College met to offer its sage advice. More recently, the Crown has authorized the Imperial Association, which has met a few times to fulfill this role. These institutions have proved insufficient. Therefore, in order to serve the Empire and provide good advice and counsel to our Government, the Ministry of Civil Affairs dissolves the Imperial Association. In its place, we charter the Saint Adrian Society, which will fulfill the legal requirements for an imperial scholarly association. This Society will hold conventions of scholars, experts, and other advisors who will submit summary findings in accordance with a convention agenda crafted in conjunction with Crown and Government. Further, it will support, advance, and promote scholarship and academic excellence among the Imperial citizenry. Chapter I — Governance SECTION I. THE SOCIETY ADVISOR Subsection a. There shall be an Advisor of the Imperial Society of Saint Adrian. Subsection b. The Advisor is a neutral organizer of conferences, elections, and other activities. Subsection c. The primary goal of the Advisor is to ensure the Society remains stable and active. SECTION II. THE SOCIETY PRIOR Subsection a. There shall be a Prior of the Imperial Society of Saint Adrian. Subsection b. The Prior is elected per Chapter II by Society members in order to lead, coordinate, and supervise its activities. Subsection c. The Prior is the chief executive officer of the Society and works with the Advisor to achieve its goals. Subection d. The Prior may, with written approval of the Advisor, create, amend, and delete ad hoc officer positions. For example, the Prior could create a secretary, a treasurer, or other officer position as they see fit. Subsection e. The Prior may select Society members to appoint to these ad hoc officer positions. SECTION III. THE SOCIETY VICE PRIOR Subsection a. There shall be a Vice Prior of the Imperial Society of Saint Adrian. Subsection b. The Vice Prior is elected per Chapter II by Society members in order to assist in governance of the Society. Subection c. The primary function of the Vice Prior is to coordinate event planning activities. See Chapter III. SECTION IV. THE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP Subsection a. The Advisor will review applications to the Society and grant them on a temporary basis until a time in which the founding members can create a comprehensive membership policy that meets the goals of this Society. Subsection b. The Council of State, Imperial Judges, and members of the Imperial Diet will have honorary membership in the Imperial Society. Chapter II — Elections SECTION I. CANDIDACY DECLARATION Subsection a. Members may submit in writing their intent to run for the Priorship of the Society when an election is declared. Subsection b. Five signatures evidencing support from other members for their candidacy will enter their name onto the ballot. SECTION II. OFFICER ELECTION Subsection a. The Prior of the Society shall be elected by a plurality of votes. Subsection b. For a vote to be valid, the Advisor must verify all current members have submitted their votes. Subsection c. The person to receive the second most votes in a given election will serve as Vice Prior. Chapter III — Activities SECTION I. THE SOCIETY CONVOCATION Subsection a. On a quadrennial basis [every 4 real-life weeks], the Society shall host a Convocation. Subsection b. This will be a meeting of its members who will engage in Society meetings. Subsection c. The Council of State shall, at their discretion, submit agenda items to the Advisor. Subsection d. The Society will review these agenda items and submit summary suggestions, expert counsel, and other documents or thoughts as pertinent and relevant in order to facilitate its function as an advisory body of scholars and experts. Subsection e. This shall be a public event, but order will be maintained in order for the functions of the Convocation to not be disrupted. Addendum I — Forms SECTION I. MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION Any Imperial citizen may submit this form [reply to this forum post] to be considered for Society membership. An example of how to fill out this form is below for your convenience. THIS CHARTER IS A DRAFT & WILL BE AMENDED, FINALIZED, SIGNED, AND RATIFIED AT THE 1ST CONVOCATION. AS AUTHORIZED BY Victor Simon Halcourt, Jr. 1st ADVISOR of the ST. ADRIAN SOCIETY MINISTRY of CIVIL AFFAIRS

Much love.