Imperium

Kristoff var Ruthern smiles as he read the missive from his Northern kin, "By Bones and Barrows, do not yield!"

An armored corpse moves through the lands of Aveos, lost in grief and pain. It has long forgotten why. The echoes of the past he had long left behind rang through his corrupted mind—a great war, two emperors, he had given his life... no, he had been betrayed! His name, he had a name. He could still see a crown, crested with a blue jewel above all the rest, a crown. . . he once wore. "Marius. . ." That was his name. And Kingdom. . . he once ruled seemed like a fading light; he couldn't see it anymore. But it was only a memory now.

Kristoff tapped his cane upon the stones of Portoregne as he returned to his home once more. ”As long as I stand there’s one old Ruthern who’s willing to fight for Balian.”

The exiled Kristoff grumbles as he read about ongoing events. “Haense let Aaun fall without even raising a finger, they allowed King Alexandros to be humiliated before a godless pontiff. They raised no protest when the Church placed a regency over Balian, and forced King John to crawl back to his own throne. Only when they face the same fate they act. When the Holy Church has been polluted and corrupted from within, and marches against the Princes of Canondom with a host of pagans. Let them pray that it is not too late to save our beloved church.” Kristoff glances toward a stack of old papers. A lifetime ago he had dreamed of another covenant. ”Let them recall the chaos that followed when at the end of the Veletz war, and may they learn that only through unity can Humanity break this cycle.” Kristoff let out a sigh, reaching for his trusted cane. Rising from his desk he limped toward his bed in the cramped chamber. “God protect King John, and Balian. And I have hope for this King Joren, better late than never, eh Haense?”

Kristoff var Ruthern tapped his cane in agreement, "His Majesty is wise to seek GOD's grace in this hour."

ROYAL APPOINTMENT, DOMUS MINISTRI In the year of our Lord, 124. B.A Esteemed Citizens and Dignitaries, For years the Segnor Solebron Dekach, worked as the Domus Minstri for our beloved Kingdom. During which we saw an advancement of Balian’s internal growth. Yet due to a lack of time and wishing to travel, he has stepped down to her position in the Duana. As such we have sought to conduct interviews with several candidates, posing difficult questions to find a suitable replacement for the position of Domus Minstri. It is with these interviews that the Royal Duana of Balian has aided the Crown to decide upon the Domus Minstri: Segnor Wernher Vourkehardt. We look forward to seeing the hard work and steadfast loyalty he shall provide. AD GLORIAM DEI, His Royal Majesty, Alexander II, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Count of Pompourelia and Kositz, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Keeper of of St Lothars Hold, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera

Kristoff var Ruthern ensures that each soldier is to avoid marching on any flowers or fields for the halflings, "Whatever you walk over replant!"

Kristoff var Ruthern stepped out of the summit shaking his head, "After days of debate they still refuse the most generous of terms. Let them know what comes next they brought on themselves."

Kristoff var Ruthern paced around his office as he read the missive, "Peace has been shattered." The Amiratus of Balian let out a heavy sigh as he put on his coat to make the walk from Ledicort's hall to the Palace, to meet with the King.

The Search for a Domus Minstri The office of the Amiratus 122 B.A. Following the voluntary stepping down of His Excellency Don Solebron Dekach, the office of the Domus Minstri once again finds itself vacant, in need of a capable leader to guide our internal endeavours. In light of this, under the Reutov Administration and by the gracious decree of the Crown, an opportunity arises for the esteemed citizens of Balian to apply for the esteemed position of Domus Minstri within the Royal Duana. To apply, send a letter to the Amiratus, Kristoff. You must meet the following requirements: -Must be eighteen Summers old. -Must be a Balian citizen. -Must have financial prowess. IN NOMINE DEI, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander II, By the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Count of Pompourelia and Kositz, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Keeper of of St Lothars Hold, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera HIS ROYAL EXCELLENCY, Kristoff var Ruthern, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lord Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana

Kristoff var Ruthern scans the training yard of the regiment, watching the promising young recruits with pride.

Somewhere in in a dark cave, a being who had long forgotten his name lifted his head as the whispers of a new King reach his ear. In a raspy voice filled with regret, and anger he mutters, "Marius . . ." They cling to the cave walls, pulling themselves up, broken chains hung from his wrist. Long had he rested here, years, decades, but no longer.

Royal Appointment for Magister In the year of our Lord, 119. B.A Esteemed Citizens and Dignitaries, Due to Aldrik Keening's resignation, they had to step away from the role of Magister of Balian. In their place they nominated Vice-Magister Alaric var Ruthern. It is with this recommendation and the Crown's own review that it has decided to appoint Alaric var Ruthern. We look forward to seeing the hard work and steadfast loyalty he shall provide. AD GLORIAM DEI, IS ROYAL MAJESTY, Alexander II, By the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Count of Pompourelia and Kositz, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Keeper of of St Lothars Hold, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Lavanya of Cresonia, Queen-Consort of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess-Consort of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess-Consort of Pompourelia and Kositz, Vicountess-Consort of Eflen and Anatis, Baroness-Consort of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Protector of the Heartlands and the South, etcetera

Kristoff var Ruthern glanced over the letter, "hmm, we shall move that up on our list then. The Segnoria shall meet once more!"

Kristoff var Ruthern smiles as he reviewed the events, “This is going to be a wonderful time, may it bring us all closer!”

Kristoff reads the discovered entries in his office, "Oh my this offers an interest source of our earliest days, new light on forgotten time."

Royal Appointment for Magister In the year of our Lord, 115. B.A Esteemed Citizens and Dignitaries, Due to Dame Gwenyth taking the role of Constable, they had to step away from the role of Magister of Balian. Long as it remained vacant, but now shall be filled. As such we have sought to find a suitable replacement for the position of Magister. It is with these candidates that the Crown decided upon Aldrik Keening. We look forward to seeing the hard work and steadfast loyalty he shall provide. Such shall be affirmed by the first Senate of Balian upon their next convening. AD GLORIAM DEI, His Royal Majesty, Alexander II, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Count of Pompourelia, Kositz and Barçevina, Viscount of Renduzzo, Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, St. Lothar's Hold, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

Kristoff fires the diplomat who had miswritten the Dwarven King’s name. “Idiot,” Kristoff pens a letter of apology to the Grand King himself.

The Queen’s Royal Funeral 3rd of Sun’s Smile of 112 B.A With the Passing of Her Royal Majesty Queen Sybille I of Balian, the heir apparent, His Highness Alexandros Casimir shall ascend to the throne of Balian. King Alexandros the Second of his name declares a three-day mourning period for all residents of the realm after the late Queen’s passing. A Funeral shall be held on Horen’s Calling of 113 B.A. Friends of the Queen and realm, who displayed unwavering faith and stood by her side throughout the length of her reign, are duly invited: TO THE REALMS OF CANONDOM His Holiness, Caius, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. @MadOne His Royal Majesty Ivan VIII, Dual King of Haense and Ruska, and his noble pedigree @indiana105 Her Royal Majesty Nataliya Leopoldina, Dual Queen of Haense and Ruska, and her noble pedigree @kaylacita His Apostolic Majesty John I, King of Aaun, and his noble pedigree @Ramon Her Royal Majesty Adalia I, Queen of Petra, and her noble pedigree @mothsthetic His Royal Highness Alfred I, Prince of Reinmar, and his noble pedigree @Gandhi His Royal Highness Leon I, Prince of Reinmar, and his noble pedigree @BuilderBagel Her Royal Majesty Tar-Caraneth Aryantë, Queen of Númendil, and her noble pedigree @AstriaS Her Royal Highness Ramona de Pelear, Sovereign Princess of Hyspia, and her noble pedigree @_mady07 His Grace Ser Sterling Blaxton-Whitewood, Duke of Barbantine, and his noble pedigree @_RoyalCrafter_ HONOURED ALLIES AND FRIENDS His Grace Calathân an Naedwylm, Sohaer of Haelun'or, and his advisors. @MCVDK His Grandees, Thurgrim Silverbraid, Grand King of Urguan, and the noble Clan Elders. @CharlestheDwarf Her Royal Highness Idril Sylvaeri, Princess of Amathine., and her noble pedigree. @JJosey Ellenore av Eiriksdóttir, High Keeper of Norland, and her noble pedigree @Elennanore Her Royal Majesty Reine Medea Amaranta Viola De Astrea, Queen of Vikela, and her noble pedigree @JTMedea Her Royal Majesty, Lenora Jusmia, Sovereign of Vortice, and her noble pedigree. @Bethinwonderland Signed, His Royal Majesty, Alexandros II, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Prince of Providence, Duke of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Count of Pompourelia and Kositz, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Keeper of of St Lothars Hold, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera

Kristoff var Ruthern sat in his office in silence. For the first time during his tenure as Amiratus he didn’t know what to do, “May her Majesty find peace, which we seek to achieve in this world.”

"Balian would never allow such acts of violence, we shall not stand idle!" Kristoff stated aloud as he signed the missive.

Senatus Eventus, 109 B.A. 12th of Lothar's Gift, 109 B.A. After an intense and closely contested election, it pleases the Crown of Balian to announce the final standings of the Senate Election race. With a voter turnout of 96% the candidates have garnered the following Percentages of the votes cast in the Ballot box: - Baldric Vourkehardt 11.4% = Elected - Hilda Brawn 15.9% = Elected - Ivan var Ruthern 11.4% = Elected - Marcel Vuiller 9.1% = Unelected - Paul Temesch 13.6% = Elected - Ravn Vuiller 11.4% = Elected - Viktor Gotwa 13.6% = Elected - Wernher Vourkehardt 13.6% = Elected Due to the large number of ties and tight competition between the candidates as well as the high turnout of the voters in the electoral season, which was unexpected. The Crown of Balian has opted to increase the seats within the Senate chamber itself to seven seats, in order to better represent the citizens of Balian. All of which shall be filled by those aforementioned as ‘Elected’. The newly elected senators shall arrange a date later this saint’s week to meet in Ledicort’s hall and elect the first speaker, who shall oversee the senate for the duration of the session. Signed, His Royal Excellency, Kristoff var Ruthern, Amiratus of Balian, Lord Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana

Kristoff var Ruthern enjoys reading through the history of her majesty’s family, “My ancestors followed John into that desert, and we shall stand by you now and always.”

EDICT OF SENATUS CIVIS A Decree from the Crown 13th of Owyn’s Flame, 108 B.A. PREAMBLE The Legislative powers of Balian shall be henceforth entrusted to the Balianese Senate. The Senate shall be elected by the people of Balian, to serve as their lawful representatives and advise the Crown. Article I - The Senate The Crown shall entrust the Senate with legislative powers to serve as the representatives of the balianesee citizens. Five senators shall make up the Balianese senate, and be charged with: Upon a new session, the Senate shall elect a speaker from among their members. To be elected speaker, a senator must nominated by another senator and receive a majority of votes. -If the Senate fails to elect a speaker within 2 saint weeks, the Crown reserves the right to select a speaker from among the presently elected senators. -The speaker may be removed from office if a senator puts forward a motion for removal, and it receives a majority of votes. The power to draft, propose, and vote on legislation. Once passed, the bill must be presented to the Crown by the speaker to be signed into law. -The Senate may propose alterations to the Royal Codex. -The Crown may refuse to sign a bill, and send it back to the Senate for further review. -The Crown has the right to veto any legislation, or motion passed by the Senate if deemed necessary. -The Crown shall enact the veto no later 2 saint weeks of the Senate’s vote. Vote on the appointment of Duana officials by the Crown. Once an appointment has been made, the official may be called to represent themselves at a meeting of the Senate. The Senate will interview the candidate, before motioning for a vote. -For an appointment to be approved by the Senate, it must receive a majority of votes. -The Senate must hold the vote within 2 saint weeks of the appointment, or it takes effect without the approval. -If a candidate is denied, they must submit the reasons why to the Crown. -If the Senate isn’t in session when an appointment is made, it does not require the Senate's approval. It may be called for review if deemed necessary during the next session. Call for a vote of no confidence against any Duana official. If passed, the Senate must list the reasons for the vote, and the speaker shall present the case against the official to the Crown for review. -If the Crown finds the case to be credible, the impeached official will be removed from office. Article II- Speaker of the Senate The speaker of the Senate shall be charged with leading the Senate during the session, elected from among the sitting senators. They shall preside over the senate, organizing when to meet, and the agenda for each meeting. The speaker is entrusted with the following powers: -Shall act as the chief representative and voice of the Senate to the Crown. -The right to request an audience with the Duana and the Crown. -The right to preside over and call the Senate into a meeting, setting forward the agenda for each meeting. -To call for a vote on bills. -If the speaker is presented with a bill and refuses to allow a vote. A senator can motion for a vote if the motion is approved by a majority vote. Article III- Senate and the Crown The Senate will advise the Crown for the benefit of the Balianese people, and the Crown shall: -By Divine Right from GOD, all powers flow through the Crown. The Crown may approve or veto any legislation, motion, proposals, or petitions brought forth to them. -The Crown will give a reason for any veto. -Give a response to each bill, within a span of 2 Saint’s Week. -Add or remove the senate seats as deemed necessary between sessions. -Call or dismiss the Senate as necessary. -The Senate will operate in 8-saint week terms, unless a decree is made by the Crown, -The Crown will not allow the Senate to remain out of session for longer than 4-saint weeks, unless decreed otherwise. -The Crown may extend a Senate session as needed. Article IV- Senate and the Segnoria The Senate and Segnoria shall serve as the two advisory bodies of the Crown, and adhere to: -Segnoria’s powers outlined by the Crown in the Segnoria of Balian; are revised to remove any legislative power. -The Segnoria may still pass advisory motions to the crown. -The Segnoria may pass a bill to the Senate for a vote. If passed in the Senate it can move to the Crown for approval. -The Crown may call for a National Commune, summoning both the Senate and Segnoria to act as direct advisory bodies in times of crisis. Article V - Elections The Senate is elected by the citizens of Balian, and must adhere to: An election commissioner shall be appointed by the Crown to oversee the senatorial elections. -The Commissioner must conduct the elections fairly and without bias. Elections happen when a new Senate is called into session by the Crown. -Unless decreed otherwise by the Crown, each session shall last 8-saint weeks. -In between each session, 2 saint weeks shall be allowed for the elections to take place. -Elections shall begin with a call for candidates, allowing at least 72 saint hours for candidates to announce they are running. -A period of at least 1 saint week shall follow to allow candidates to campaign, debate, and appeal to voters. -Voting shall be open for at least 24 saint hours but may be extended by the crown. -The top candidates with the most votes shall be elected to the Senate. A special election would be called if a Senator resigns or is removed during a session; -Will be overseen by the Commissioner with the process condensed into a single saints week. Candidates running for office must meet the following requirements; -Be at least 16 years of age. -Have residences at an address in Balian. -Be in good standing with the laws of the Kingdom. -Must follow the Canonist faith. -Be a Citizen of Balian -Filled out the Census -Must not be a sitting Duana member -Can not be a current Peer of the Crown. Voters in the election must meet the following requirements; -Be at least 16 years of age. -Have residence at an address in Balian. -Be in good standing with the laws of the Kingdom. -Be a Citizen of Balian. -Filled out the Census Signed, Her Royal Majesty, Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Princess of Providence, Duchess of Helena, Reutov, Sunholdt and Lorraine, Countess of Pompourelia and Kositz, Viscountess of Eflen and Anatis, Baroness of Renzfeld, Brucca, Valens, Malenos, Montcoure and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera

Kristoff var Ruthern enjoyed reading this mornings newspaper with his morning glass of wine, "Wonderful."