Imperium

King John of Balian makes his way through a list of nobles making notes on their translated names, "A new age for culture and language shall be born in Balian."

To Answer a Call In a recent call to arms declared by his Holiness, Pontian IV, the Kingdom of Balian does see it fit to join the rest of Canondom in this most pious undertaking- to remove the spawn of Iblees from the Mortal realm. Since its inception as a state, Balian has been overt in its attempts to throw off the cloak and shadow of its predecessors, spreading the word of GOD and acting against anything that would call Canonism into question. We stood against the Azdrazi threat, pagans, and now the time has come for the people of Balian to answer the call of the High Pontiff and the Mother Church once more. The Kingdom of Balian will pledge her forces to the crusade against Serheim, in its entirety, in order to disrupt the threat against the Human states that it poses and remove it from GOD’s realm. We stand united with our Canonist brethren in wiping out all spawn of the great Deceiver. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, John I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, and Protector of the Heartlanders etcetera

ROYAL LETTERS FOR THE VISCOUNTY OF SALIA 22. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Crown to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Kingdom of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest Peter d'Arkent as the Viscounty of Salia. As peer of the Kingdom of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Crown for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defense when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this Viscounty of Salia will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, John I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, and Protector of the Heartlanders etcetera

ROYAL LETTERS FOR THE BARONY OF CIAVOLA 21. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Crown to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Kingdom of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest Biornus Mösu as the Baron of Ciavola. As peer of the Kingdom of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Crown for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defence when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this Barony of Ciavola will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, John I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, and Protector of the Heartlanders etcetera

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE COUNTY OF AQUILAE 21. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Ducal Throne to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Grand Duchy of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest Rev Vuiller as the Count of Aquilae. As peer of the Grand Duchy of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Ducal Throne for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defence when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this County of Aquilae will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Grand Duke of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera.

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE VISCOUNTY OF MARSANA 21. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Ducal Throne to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Grand Duchy of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest Viktor var Ruthern as the Viscount of Marsana. As peer of the Grand Duchy of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Ducal Throne for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defence when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this Viscounty of Marsana will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Grand Duke of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera.

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE VISCOUNTY OF RENDUZZO 21. B.A TO OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS, It pleases the Ducal Throne to bequeath upon its loyal subject with an officiation of their leal tenure in fealty to the Grand Duchy of Balian. It is by the grace of God and the counsel of Our court that we do invest Drako Darkwood as the Viscount of Renduzzo. As peer of the Grand Duchy of Balian, they shall hold in trust Our Ducal Throne for the duration of their service. They are compelled to maintain the law of Our realm, to peacefully abide Our rule, and to rise in Our defence when necessary. We do establish that the succession of this Viscounty of Renduzzo will be hereditary; upon their death, this title shall be inherited by their successor unless otherwise promulgated by Our command. AD GLORIAM DEI, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Grand Duke of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera.

The Coronation of John I 5th of Horen’s Calling 21 B.A It pleases the Crown of Balian to announce that it is with the undying work of our people and governance, that John I will soon be recognised as a King in his own right, and the Grand Duchy, The Kingdom of Balian What was once a diaspora of displaced Orenian Loyalists, following one of the last true Novellens to a new home, has grown to become a nation led by a wise King with very loyal subjects, a true home for any who may seek it. Despite upheaval from their own home, wars and any other obstacles, the people of Balian have pulled through with a dedication unparalleled and it is with their collective efforts that they will now find themselves the citizens of a Grand Duchy no more, and instead the citizens of a Kingdom. Upon the coronation day of John Casimir Novellen, the people of Balian and it’s allies will gather in celebration. The festivities begin with a jousting competition in the Balian Arena in which the Champion will be rewarded with . Then in the Basilica La Sorella, the coronation will take place, the denizens of Alamris gathering in order to watch it occur. To finish the celebrations, a feast will take place in the streets of Atrus. Special invitations are sent out to the following people —- To the citizens of the Grand Duchy of Balian To the Eastern Almaris Treaty Organisation members —- The King of Hanseti-Ruska, Karl III, and his esteemed Pedigree @GMRO The King of Norland, Odin Freysson, and his esteemed Pedigree @ichigomaster98 The Grand King of Urguan, Bakir Ireheart, and his esteemed Pedigree @Elite Snipes To the Prince of Sedan, Frederick I, and his esteemed Pedigree @HogoBojo To the Baroness-consort of Acre, Aloisia of Rivia, and her esteemed Pedigree @Fie To the Count of Temesch, Paul Temesch, and his esteemed Pedigree @bickando —- The esteemed citizens of the Rashidun Sheikhdom The esteemed citizens of the Kingdom of Haense The esteemed citizens of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan The esteemed citizens of the Hyspian Diaspora The esteemed citizens of the Princedom of Sedan The esteemed citizens of the Harvest Confederacy All citizens of the Southern Realm that come in peace to celebrate Signed, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Grand Duke of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera.

Rhys var Ruthern, the founder of the Brotherhood so many hundreds of years ago smiles from the seven skies, "Let them never falter!"

Nation Settlement PRO MC Name: Ave_Imperium Nation Name: The Kingdom of Balian What is the history of your settlement since its founding and what has transpired for it to ascend to the status of a fully-fledged, multi-playergroup nation?(1000 words minimum): The Brothers War and the Second Exodus On the death of Philip III, the Holy Orenian Empire was cast into civil war, pitting brother against brother and family against family. Deep divisions in the country manifested as loyalists rallied around Emperor Peter IV and Mardonese rebels supported the invalid claim of his brother Frederick Fratricida, who was third in line to the throne. Known as the Brother’s War, it began with high hopes. The loyalists anticipated a swift end to the conflict and assembled in the Duchy of Reutov to celebrate St. Ari’s Day with Peter IV and his new bride, Lucia of Azor. However, a rebel ambush devastated the festival, resulting in the deaths of many leading figures in Peter IV’s court. The remnants of the loyalist forces–joined by those who had remained at home for the holiday–rallied outside New Providence to rescue their emperor. They unsuccessfully tried to breach the city and were repelled. As they fled onto boats at Henry’s Wharf, the fratricidal Frederick beheaded his brother, Peter IV. The would-be king likewise had his harlot shoot Lucia of Azor through the head. She was with child, but the heir died in her womb that day. Balianites commemorate the solemn anniversary each year as Heir’s Day, honoring the child who should have been their emperor. Oren’s loyal men and women were now without a home and fled the country on a cobbled fleet of fishing boats and a handful of imperial galleys. They had been at war for twenty years, feeding their children into an imperial war machine that bore only defeat and ruin. Savoyards had broken their standards and now claimed their homeland for their own. And so they sailed, not knowing where they would go – except to safety, for they were guided by the Wayward Star of Saint Lothar. The constellation was their sole source of hope through the daunting journey over storm-swept seas: a sign of God’s goodwill for these war-weary people. Through God’s tribulations, they were shepherded south. The few lucky survivors of the Crash at Portolibre (known as Freeport to the Northerners) hobbled along the dunes with what scant supplies they could gather. They encountered many obstacles as they wandered through the desert and between steep cliff sides, but none so consequential as water. Once-proud men and women, noble and commoner alike, were set to sprinting at even the rumor of a muddy puddle, so great was their thirst. And what a unique sight was this hodgepodge of exiles! Knights in their mail walked alongside sunburned bureaucrats, and thirsty merchants kept company with stout noblemen, their heavy furs thrown off at the first ray of the desert sun. The sands muted the tribe’s once vibrant dyes. But on the seventh day of the seventh week of this journey, God showed His sign unto the people of Balian. A cross of pure light shone above a plateau. The lost tribe of Oren had wiped away the sins of their kin, but not without plenty of loss. And so Prince John Casimir ascended the slopes and prayed upon the Rock of Revelation. Through the haze of the desert, the star of Saint Lothar blazed with a purple tinge, water spouted from the sides of the mountain, and grass grew on the barren land beneath the weary traveler’s feet. Many were said to have heard voices gust through the air proclaiming glory to God on high. Prince John turned unto his people and proclaimed the Grand Duchy of Balian in honor of the homeland of Saint Lothar. The Second Exodus had found their home, a land given to them by God. Among the south’s windswept desert valleys, a land of faith was established, and a city was erected in God’s name. This was a people founded on faith and one that would long endure. - - - - - - The Time of Short Peace and Growing Prosperity Through hard labor under a foreign sun, the Balianite people built a lasting settlement called Atrus and a staircase of red stone known as the Ponterosa. Though once a remote imperial diaspora (despite incursions by disgruntled Orenians), their population grew steadily. Hardships had cast off old divisions, and the native population intermarried with even the noblest of houses, shifting the language and culture of the once-stuffy northerners. New customs emerged, such as the Syndesi Feriae, Honey Clubs for children, exotic tea ceremonies, exceptional dyeing processes unmatched throughout the world, and a unique architectural style previously unseen in Almaris. Even their calendar changed: the new Lotharian calendar marked its epoch at the moment of God’s miracle to the exiles, counting the years since the Balian Annum (B.A.) As their settlement grew and their culture complexified, the Grand Duchy regained some of the civic heritage of the old empire, but was marked with a practical simplicity only the desert can bring. The Ducal Chamber established new offices with more diverse responsibilities, adopting unique titles used by the native people. Although the Grand Duchy eschewed the Old Empire’s top-heavy bureaucracy, they maintained the imperial tradition of the monarch keeping council with his subjects–an elected senate of nobles and commoners now sits in Atrus, advising the Grand Duke. In it, even the lowest of men can express and change the outlook of the Duchy; something sorely missed in the era of their imperial predecessors. Grand Duke John I used these scant few years of plenty to build up his band of refugees, and his nation flourished. Yet, as the Scroll of Gospel says, all men suffer the sins of their fathers. This new peace did not last long, and soon Almaris was engulfed in the War of the Silver Isles due to Frederick Fratricida’s blundering. The deft diplomacy of the Grand Duchy secured their position in the coalition that would ultimately bring the usurper his justice. Just four years later, the Harvest Revolution overthrew the kinslayer and destroyed the false state that had replaced the Empire. Victory had been secured, the Duchy’s roads under the watchful eye of the Brotherhood once more, and the people thrived. The Balianite culture is a diverse melange that can only be born in the daily struggle for life in the desert. Aside from the Balianite people, the most significant part of this pastiche is the Rhenyari and Qalasheen natives, whose culture, language, dress, and traditions were the first encountered by the imperial exiles. New diasporas from former imperial lands have followed, magnifying the Grand Duchy’s population and diversity. Walking in the streets of Atrus, one might encounter a sweating Haeseni merchant divesting himself of his furs as he speaks to a Rhenyari woman with a painted face, both under the gaze of a Balianite nobleman with tanned skin and golden hair, his raiment the most vibrant of shades. How has your settlement expanded into a core LotC staple, warranting nation rights?: In the age of discord, we like to keep everything in-game. For example, our election for the Balian senate was entirely done in RP. Citizens came to a station in-game to receive their voting registrations, then casted them in ballot boxes and live updates on the results were given over time to encourage feverish campaigning and further role-play. It isn't just a Google form anymore, and we try to make sure that most of our work gets people on the server, into the city, and role-playing with one another! Like it should be. Balian also is a core staple in human history as it resulted from the Brother's War. The Orenian community was split, with the Imperial diaspora moving south and forming the Grand Duchy of Balian. Our community members are highly dedicated to expanding Balian's culture, dress, and language so that we become as recognizable as possible. To be able to have humans quickly identify a person as Balianite from hearing how they talk or seeing what they wear is a goal we strive for. It creates unique characters and role-play found nowhere else but here in the desert, we call home! What are your plans once getting Nation Status and the remainder of your tile?: We have plans to further develop our culture to try and encourage the growth of a new niche hub for roleplay within the realm of Almaris. We intend on making this a long-lasting project that will be able to demonstrate a notable historical schism for future players. We wish to develop the surrounding lands to make it feel more alive- as well as construct more culture posts and encourage abundant and contributing RP. We currently have a few cultural posts that are ready to go, such as our language alteration that was posted recently. Thanks to the help of people like CharmingCavalier- we have developed a language that merges multiple unique languages- such as Romanian, Sicilian, Neapolitan, Italian (Illatian), Catalan, Spanish, Greek, and Latin (Flexio). Not only does this tie in historical human languages to better imbed Balianite culture, but it is a wholly unique way for our players to identify and be identified as Balianite, just by how they speak. What niche does your nation capture that does not exist among the current ones?: Balian was not brought about through OOC means. We did not form because someone had a grand idea to create it and began mass recruiting over discord. It was brought about because of the history we all lived through. The Brother’s War made two opposing factions- the Loyalists and the Usurpers- and the Second Exodus fled to the South and founded Balian with the loss of the war. Additionally, Balian is the only southern location that is Canonist and, more recently, is competing with the Orenian Remnants regarding activity. Balian is very welcoming to new players, keeping much of the nation’s inner workings in roleplay. It provides new players with the opportunity to really develop their characters IRP and to really become a part of the group. As discussed above, the culture we are developing is unique. Although heartlanders have struggled to create a cultural identity that is complex, codified, or not a scam copy of a real-world culture with some Google-translated phrases stuffed in (Illatian, Augverne, etc.), the Balianite culture is freed of these limitations. Our setting is distinctively unlike those of the lush fields of the north, our city is built in a style unseen elsewhere, and our language and clothes make us stand out as Balianites, not generic humans. Do you feel confident that your settlement has grown to the point that it can survive the departure of its existing leadership? Is your player-group able to incorporate new players into the existing roleplay community that founded your settlement?: Our player base was created from a group of people who believed that Peter IV was the true heir of the Holy Orenian Empire. Out of that belief sprung a very active player base of people who have evolved into a self-sustaining group. Ave_Imperium has led Balian very well but has also been innovative in incorporating his IRP heir, Shmeepicus, in much of the roleplay, as well as within OOC. This has made the player base very comfortable with the thought of Shmeepicus taking over. We believe this alone will help immensely when the time comes for Ave to depart as the Grand Duke. Likewise, the government has undergone several transitions that have not caused any damage to the community or its progress toward creating the best roleplay possible. Our player base has been excellent about incorporating new players into the existing roleplay community. We try to keep everything IRP, including Council meetings and the likes since roleplay is what this server is all about. We believe that fact alone can appeal to new players who have yet to get a feel for what the server is like and about. Rather than have them enter into an OOC-based clique, Balian allows for natural RP and a means for new players to feel like they are being included in the settlement’s/nation’s project. New and current players can also get involved in the governance of Balian through the Senate. With seven seats for the commoners and nobles to share, anyone can rise through the community and run for office. It is no longer restricted to old-headed and/or inactive nobles. The Senate isn’t just an advisory body for the Monarch but also actual legislative power. Expanding the government and leadership to not just a single monarch or their office but those elected by the players. It is something we think makes us exceptionally unique.

A letter arrived personally to the Rex of the Orcs, upon opening it read; "To harbor the likes of bandits, and villainy is shameful. Should the Jindle Family bandit Balian's roads, or threaten any of my citizens I shall hold the Horde responsible. I pray for peace between Balian and the Horde, and if you are truly invested in such a cause then I suggest you keep this band of ravenous rabbits in their cage." -Grand Duke John of Balian

Grand Duke John of Balian prepares himself for the events today! He puts on his best robes

Grand Duke John of Balian smiles for his grand nephew, "All grown up!"

SUMMONS TO THE 1st BALIAN SENATE The Summons for the 1st Balian Senate. Following the election of three senators belonging to the Nobility Faction and of four senators belonging to the Commoner Faction to the Senate of Balian in accordance with The Righteous Mantle Edict (9, B.A.), It has been decreed that the first Balian Senate shall commence in the year of Our Lord 19 of Balian’s Age. ARTICLE I: The Nobility Faction of the 1st Balian Senate His Imperial Highness hereby summons the following three senators to comprise the Nobility Faction of the first Balian Senate, until such time as the session’s dissolution: Her Ladyship, Orelia Darkwood. The Rt. Hon. The Baron of Castelorena. The Rt. Hon. The Baroness of Valens. Those members summoned to comprise the Nobility Faction of the Senate of Balian shall be entitled to bear the style of Right Honorable Senators for the duration of the 1st Balian Senate upon taking their oaths of office. ARTICLE II: The Commoner Faction of the 1st Balian Senate His Imperial Highness hereby summons the following four senators to comprise the Commoner Faction of the first Balian Senate, until such time as the session’s dissolution: RASHUL, Ardad. OF ENDOR, Emir. WALLAS, Adam. MARSHAL, Apollyon. Those members summoned to comprise the Commoner Faction of the Senate of Balian shall be entitled to bear the style of Right Honorable Senators for the duration of the 1st Balian Senate upon taking their oaths of office. ARTICLE III: Oath of Office Those members summoned to the first Balian Senate shall be required to recite the ancient Nauzican Oath of Allegiance to the Crown before the presiding officer of the Senate during its first sitting in order to formally obtain the status of Senator of Balian. ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED, HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Grand Duke of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Baron of Brucca, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera.

1st Balian Senate Elections Status: Voting is Now Open! Voters Guide In order to vote head over to the Palace in Balian, and place your Voter Card into the ballot box of the Candidate you wish to represent you. The Seven Candidates with the highest percentage of the votes shall be elected to the Senate. Remember, you can only vote for a member of your Faction! I.e Commoners only vote for Commoners. (Check your Voter Card for your faction.) You only get one vote. Polls are Open for 24 Saint hours. No Voter Cards will be made during the election, you must have registered prior. If you have any questions contact Cicero Lulianus Cato or Yelena Lorena! Candidates Commoners: Ardad Rashul Phoenix Marshall Emir of Endor Adam Wallas Apollyon Marshal Cassio Bishop Nobles: Lucius Galbraith Viktor Ruthern Chloe de Rosius Orelia Darkwood Live Updates: Commoner Election Noble Election ((OOC TIMES))