Publius

Rather than meming about any of this I just wanna say this is is a good idea

[!] To set our scene, old colleagues converse over drinks at a tavern. Banter is abundant, with glasses and weaponry creating a chaotic din as they clatter during the chatter. Each consider themselves Adrian, though contradict each other with their definitions. Here, we listen: [!] "... What is so complicated about this? An Adrian is someone who lives in Adria - simple as." Said Myre, his brow lofting as he gestured to his company. Some smirked, others scowled. "You are not even a Crow, how would you understand the nature of Adria?" Dismissed Vladov, earning an approving grunt from Valic to his side. "Adria represents the endurance faith provides. Without its blades, where would be? Schismatics would have annihilated you all. True Adrians are good Canonists." Another round of cheers and moans erupted at that. Despite what had been said, none protested as a demon named Lithren served them drinks - perhaps more crow than them all, some may jest. "Close... Close my friend." Chiming in now, Sarkozy smiled as he waggled a finger at his kinsmen. "Think of the greed and treachery man is willing to commit against one another. We fought with the Savoyards, and when we made one King, they neglected their duties and punished us for holding them accountable! What an Adrian is, is virtuous." From the corner, Ault and Jewelbeard turned their heads, laughed, and peered over to the dread-headed necromancer speaking to the curious mage Alfius. None would have measured up to the man's definition of virtuous, all for their own reasons. "Virtuous, eh? I'd say... Industrious!" Suddenly, the bartender chimed in - Red as he was known, but others called him Mr. Roger. Seemingly, he was scoring well in a game of dice, Gradic holding his head as he dared to gamble against the house. "If not a bit lucky, heh! You know the old saying, always outnumbered, never outgunned. We have the best equipment, best drinks, best craftsmen, and not all of them are Canonists... But they are good Adrians." “Pshh, Raev is why, Ruska is why!” Boomed Ivanovich, slamming his hand down on the table. His might brought many to attention as he declared, “Where might makes right, the weak should fear the strong. Raevir blood is Carrion blood, blood of conquerors, of the slayers of fools and beasts. Raevir and Ruskans are Adrians, all else are simply their subjects.” Barbanov smirked somewhat, his eyes narrowed upon Ivanovich. Quickly, the tone of the room grew more hostile, Illatians, farfolk, and Auvergne now causing a ruckus. “Has the might of Adria not faltered many times? Ves burned, Brelus was butchered, and it was never the warriors that revived it.” Interjected Rutledge as Watanabe and Monteliano cheered her on. “I’m inclined to agree with Sarkozy, that endurance and faith is important to Adria… but endurance against persecution, and faith in its institutions. I’d argue Adria reached its height under Varoche - they were not even slightly Carrion, they were Pertinaxi!” Seemingly this was agreeable to some, but others dismissed such as naive - many rolling their eyes at the mention of Pertinax. "Institutions? Even the Duma was made into a fair and farce! What has endured is treachery, ambition, greed!" Boomed the rascal Ratispora, quickly instigating many arguments. "What was once whimsical fun has been made into nonsense!" “Was it not all of that? It was everything to many of us - why can’t it be all of that?” Chimed Bracchus meekly. Quickly, a fury sounded off around the room, Ostroborivich hollering at the meek fellow moments after, “Rich, coming from the Savoyard snake who was quickly caught!” More jeering followed, the fun chaos from earlier replaced with a simmering rage as each looked on to one another in frustration. Bracchus was drowned out, and in his place Ruyter then cried out, “I would consider myself Adrian before anything else, who here doesn't?” ______________________ Empty was this tavern in reality. Haunting it was the Spirit of Adria. There had been many great nights there, but it had long been left behind, for war, for family, others moved on as they simply could not make time to visit. An old painting of the tavern’s founders, some Coal Miners, could be seen hung there still. They smiled, each happy in each other’s company. Many who enjoyed their famous black stout might not even recall their names, but they left a fine establishment. It was simply a place for these friends to come together, once upon a time.

Olivier Laurene laments the loss of a great man in such trying times.

I couped Oren

coming back just to flex and rep farm, should have known

SIMPLE ASSERTIONS, 1850 Within every son and daughter of Horen exists a fundamental yearning to be both proud and free in their land. This yearning has been the spark of many fiery and bloody wars, and yet humankind has never faltered in its pursuit, such is its importance. The Principality of Savoy, whose name has rang hallowed through human history, has in recent months played an integral role in the fall of Emperor Philip II and the rise to power of Emperor Philip III and Empress Anastasya of Kositz to herald a new era for the Holy Orenian Empire, but since the conclusion of Philip III's ascension, the exact role of the Principality of Savoy has remained unclear. His Serene Highness does therefore declare the following. The Principality of Savoy is and shall be an independent and sovereign nation of Almaris. The Prince of Savoy shall wield absolute power within his domain, answerable only to GOD, and his government shall be the sole lawful administrator of his lands. No other army shall stand within the Principality save for the Esheveurd Brigade and levies raised lawfully by Savoyard vassals, none other shall tax and till the lands but for those appointed by his Serene Highness, and no landed vassals shall be named saved for the writ of the Prince. By the will of the Savoyard people and their Prince shall the diplomacy of the Principality be determined, for it is only the sovereign Prince who shall name his allies, and his enemies. Furthermore, Olivier Renault holds no position in Savoy, and thus, does not represent us in Oren's court. These assertions of Savoy being Oren's vassal hold no weight; there are no terms, no deal struck, no representation by any Savoyard in any official capacity. Such critical matters ought to be brought to San Luciano's court, and not just reverberating in the Aster Hall. The Prince of Savoy represents more than just himself, and thus, it will be in conference with the Lords of Savoy that these matters are settled. Simply, we do not intend to be led by our nose by foreign agents or emigres. We will make good on our pacts with all nations; let not the ambiguity of my father's claims and assertions be seen contradicting any of our own. Signed, HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Olivier II, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano

Olivier Laurene supports his wife, not recalling the occasion he had signed the earlier troublesome missive on Sutica - after a good scolding in front of his children, he made sure not to stick his nose in such business. ”I love my wife,” Was the only comment the local journalists could get out of him.

DECLARATION OF REGENCY 10th of Owyn's Flame, 1850 As I embark on this journey between myself and GOD, a journey of unknown perils and spiritual reckoning. I must turn my gaze to that of the temporal realm one more time to ensure the safety and sanctity of my people. The realm is filled with dangers beyond that of myself and others, a time of both war and peace, which is why I must leave the Principality of Savoy within the hands of my most entrusted whilst I take this journey. From now until the time I return, or even if I should not, I formally declare Valentino Gradic as Lord Regent of Savoy to head a regency council. Councilors who have had the best wishes of the Savoyards at heart since its reemergence with my father. It is in Valentino Gradic and the Council that I trust the care of the betterment of Savoy and it’s decisions here on out until my return. The regency council will consist of the following; Lord Regent Valentino Gradic Serene Princess-Consort Catherine de Savoie Lady Exchequer Vasileia Basrid Baron Sainte-Blandine Marshal Edmond de Rouen Duke Lucien de Bar Master of the Hunt Malcolm Douglass Grand Knight Ulrich von Alstreim Count Ernst Barclay IN NOMINE DEI, HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Olivier Laurene Ashford de Savoie, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano

Olivier Laurene offered solemn acceptance of the news from an attendant. Many had known since the madness of his coronation of his long outbursts and frustrations, bold declarations and proud internal dialogues that had made themselves aloud. From his vassals and councillors advice did he acquiesce to reason, his internal turmoil and perceived slights thrown back at him time and again as proud, as seeing himself above God. Though perhaps he would have protested the demand before, he could not look the reality of the situation with the same resolve and declare his righteousness. Proud was he still though. Easy enough to admit - a lot easier to admit than his folly. So much so, that he pleaded his wife not allow the children to see him in such disgrace; perhaps a point was missed in that. He began his own missive, gloom pervading in his presence, sometimes bellowing in frustration as he came to terms with what must be done.

Olivier II feels vindicated after growing up underneath the threat of clerical meddling in the affairs of Savoy.

Olivier II stood with the recently enthroned Pontiff, wroth with the meddling Everard VI.

Looking over the missive between preparations for his coronation, Olivier Laurene enjoyed the hopeful words of the young Duke. Soon though, his mind wandered off onto the matters of the day, keen to reconstruct his own Principality.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY HIS SERENE HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF SAVOY, 12TH OF THE AMBER COLD, 1849 _________________________________________________________________________________ TO ALL OUR LOVING AND FAITHFUL SUBJECTS OF WHAT DEGREE AND RANK SOEVER, It pleases the Savoyard Crown to recognize Our leal subject, Lucien of House de Bar, as a great servant to the Principality, and a protector of the Princely House. As such, the Savoyard Crown, with the authority vested upon Us by God and Our people, elevate Lucien de Bar to Count of Niseep, to hold and pass onto his legitimate heirs. We further grant him the Aurum Province as governor in acknowledgment of his proud heraldry. He is trusted with keeping law and order within his holdings, upholding the rule of the ruling dynasts, serving the Savoyard Crown dutifully, and to raise his sword in defense of the Principality. IN NOMINE DEI, HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Olivier Laurene Ashford de Savoie, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano

The Aurum Province Act TO ALL OUR LOVING AND FAITHFUL SUBJECTS OF WHAT DEGREE AND RANK SOEVER, It pleases the Savoyard Crown to recognize Our leal subject, LUCIEN ROBERT FERDINAND REMUS GUY of House ASHFORD DE BAR, as a great servant to the Principality, and a protector of the Princely House. For his and the affiliated dunewalker peoples’ successes in expanding the Principality’s borders into the deserts of our southerly continent once thought uninhabitable, and their unwavering loyalty to the Crown in bestowing these lands to Our Country as a new Province of Savoy, the Lord in question and the newly settled Province of Niseep shall be irrevocably entrusted with the following Rights and Responsibilities with immediate effect: 1. For the Lord of Niseep to act as reagent over the Province of Niseep in its entirety, ensured the power to govern in the Crown’s name without unreasonable disruption or challenge to their rule until their death or abdication. A. Where the Lord of Niseep is defined as one LUCIEN ROBERT FERDINAND REMUS GUY of House ASHFORD DE BAR and his legitimate heirs thereafter according to the precedent of Renatian Succession. B. Where the Lord of Niseep will be recognised according to the above portion (I.a of The Aurum Province Act) irrespective of what noble rank or title might later be affiliated with the lands of Niseep. IE any later named ‘Count of Niseep’ would not be afforded the powers invested in the Lord of Niseep unless also the legitimate heir of LUCIEN ROBERT FERDINAND REMUS GUY of House ASHFORD DE BAR or the man himself. C. That the territorial borders of the Province of Niseep are recognised as all sanded flats, dunes and ravines and the patches of grassland between that are found southward and westward of the main highway of Savoy, it’s most northeasterly reach terminated in the Sutican Hills once named ‘Eastcliffe’. D. That the Lord of Niseep retains the power to veto any attempted resettlement, border alteration or other enfeoffment within the Province of Niseep made by the higher powers of the realm. 2. To maintain its own regional authority through semi-autonomous ruling bodies. A. Including the creation of necessary provincial civil authorities and their respective delegations. B. Including the creation of its own local laws and legislature superseding the wider laws and legislature of the Principality of Savoy. C. Including the enforcement of its own local laws superseding the wider policing authorities of the Principality of Savoy. 3. To oversee, administrate and maintain its own financial affairs. A. Including the taxation of goods, property and people within the borders of Niseep. B. Including the regulation of trade, imports and exports within the borders of Niseep. 4. To practice, observe and explore total freedom of religion. A. Including deviation from the Canonist norms of the wider faithful of Principality of Savoy. 5. To levy, recruit and maintain its own military units. A. Where the bulk of Niseep’s forces shall be made up of any levy to which the Lord of Niseep is entitled, acting as an extension of the Savoyard Military and recognizing the Lord of Niseep as commander in chief second only to the Prince of Savoy. B. Where additional levies clerical, personal or legislative in nature may also be formed as the Lord of Niseep sees fit. IN NOMINE DEI, HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Olivier Laurene Ashford de Savoie, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano

From his desk, Olivier Laurene inspected the missive and happiness grew in his heart. Quickly, he would have an attendant scribe these words to be sent to the Hound and Stag of Daeland; "Let us make good on your word - come to San Luciano, and let us secure the destiny of your people."

I’ve been inquiring how to join this syndicate, can you remind me?

Full Name: Emil-Dardot de Falstaff Race: Human Name of the song: To be decided... Mood of the song (melancholic, lively, etc.): Lively!

Emil-Dardot recalled the sermon mentioned, witnessing it in Freimark. He remembered the reverend having to pause for several minutes at a time due to coughing fits to insist against violence, and for peace - it felt contrived then, and more so now with the encyclical. Was it not a time to celebrate? Tension only seemed to arise from the peace that was brokered. "You know," He would say to Jean @Jentos in San Luciano, "I am sure their fears would be assuaged if they came to our city more often. Any cause for alarm has been addressed by the government. They ought to let our Bishop come back to the city, I reckon their fears are being fueled by murmurs in Providence, rather than actions in town. Least though, the Pontiff recognizes the need for clergy services, perhaps that means we can expect more soon, if not the allowance of more folk here to assume habits and cloth." At that though, he continued to serve in the tavern. In time, it seemed a less relevant topic as Jean soon left, and everything was as it had been for quite awhile - peaceful.