Imperium

Grand Duke John signed with a smile

John Casimir Grand Duke of Balian signs the treaty with a smile, "My dear nephew has finally gotten some sense of humility."

John Casimir claps, "HE'S DONE IT!"

John marks on his calendar to attend

ON WARTIME, POLITICAL STRIFE, AND MISCONCEPTIONS Issued by the KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA and the THE GRAND DUCHY OF BALIAN On this 13th of Joma ag Umund, 433 E.S.┃16th of Sigismund’s End, in the Year of our Lord 13 B.A. The Canonist Princes of Haense and Balian answered to the call of God and to that of the Holy Mother Church to join in a meeting alongside the King of Oren. During the meeting conversations had occurred of the cause of war, of the wrongdoings of the U.S.S.A, and why the Princes of Canonism have raised blade to arise towards the threats that the realm will face. Within the conclusion of the joint conference between the three nations and his Holiness, a missive was released that the Canonist nations of the Eastern Alamris Treaty Organization shall lay down their blades and avoid conflict. This is far from the truth. The King of Haense, Karl III, and His Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke, John I, have agreed that to avoid conflict and bloodshed against Holy Men and that of faithful citizens. Faithful citizens are those who wish nothing to do with the conflict at hand. Faithful citizens are ones that shall wish to remain in the Churches of the realm during the conflict that shall determine the future of our realm. In clarification to the people of Haense, to the people of Balian, and to that of the realm. We stand united as the Eastern Alamiris Treaty Organization against those that wish to disturb the peace, to force their will by false word & politics, and above all that wish to speak for the peoples in which our Monarchs represent. Karl III and John I have both stood together as Princes of Canonism to attempt to prevent bloodshed – but not to place the blades of our good people down against such threats that shall remain. The promise shall be kept – The Kingdom of Haense and the Grand Duchy of Balian shall not kill members of the church nor citizens that leave battle – for they are faithful to Canonism above all else, as per the promises made in their meeting. However, we shall not place our blades down against those who demand and threaten our cause, for it is just. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, John I, by the grace of GOD, Grand Duke of Balian, Viscount of Eflen, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera.

John walks through the southern mountains on his pilgrimage, “Finally Peace”

Grand Duke John Casimir smiles, “Finally.”

Many Rutherns from the seven skies watch the events unfold, the likes of Erik of Reutov, Rhys I of Vidaus, Tuvya, and many more. They looked with vigor to see what the new Ruthern lord would do.

Pact of the Southern Winds 9th of Malin's Welcome, 78 SA | 9th of Owyn’s Flame, in the Year of our Lord, 7 Balian's Age. | 1874 ARTICLE I - SOVEREIGNTY The Grand Duchy of Balian, The Clandom of Daeland-Vistulia, The Hyspian Diaspora, The Duchy of Redclyf, The Freeport of Akueli and The Rashidun Sheikhdom, recognize each other's claims to sovereignty as independent lands and as ruled by their respective monarchs. They recognize all expandition to territory as elaborated on in this treaty. ARTICLE II - NON-AGGRESSION PACT The Signatories shall agree to a pact of Non-Aggression, therein agreeing not to commit any hostile or aggressive acts towards all nations. This includes the former Savoyard territories that now lay uninhabited or dormant; as requested by the Church of the Canon. ARTICLE III - SETTLEMENT The Signatories shall agree to the barring of new settlements in the south without the permission of all the treaty members. ARTICLE IV - PASSAGE The Signatories will allow free passage for civilians and refugees through their respective territories, under the law of all nations. ARTICLE V: DECLARATION OF FRIENDSHIP The Signatories recognize their people’s ongoing friendship and promise to act in good faith when acting on the geopolitical stage. ARTICLE VI - PILGRIMS The Signatories will allow free passage for pilgrims of all faiths, bearing them no harm on their trip to and from. ARTICLE VII - SETTLEMENT OF HYSPIA The Signatories agree that the people of Hyspia shall be allowed to settle their former lands within the township of Niseep. ARTICLE VIII - DURATION This treaty will remain in effect for twenty-four years. It may be renewed by mutual consent of all Signatories. In the case of violation of this treaty by either party, all articles will remain in effect, while the signatories search for diplomatic resolutions, unless terminated by vote of each nation’s signature parties. Signed, His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera His Excellency, Sir Jarad Munnel, Baron of Abretta, Legate for the Grand Duchy of Balian Vojvodz of Daeland-Vistulian Clandom, Vodz Casimir Kovaceski, Piast of Vistulia Llewelyn Ap Fawr, Reig of Daeland-Vistulia, Lord of the Isles, Uniter of the Tribal Highlanders, and Chieftain of the clans His Honorable and Mighty Principal Keyholder Of the Freeport of Akeuli, Lord Cagliostro, Keeper of Things, by the will of the Trade Prince His Grace, Friedrich I, Duke of Redclyf, Lord-Protector of Almar Cesar Monet-De Pelear, Leader of the Hyspian Diaspora Frisket Monet, Matriarch of Monet Grand Imam Sheikh ‘Abu Bakr’ Naric Ibn Idris Ibn Zarkan Ibn Ibraheem Ibn Bashar ibn Abbas Ibn Abdullah Ibn Auda ‘Al-Mahdi’ Ibn Fakhri Ibn Arlen Ibn ‘Al-Caliph’ Faiz Kharadeen, Sheikh and Founder of the Rashidun Sheikhdom and the Village of Saqr. Sheikh of the Banu Samid, And unifyer of fishermen.

Southern Peace Summit 11th of Sigismund’s End In the Year of Our Lord, 6 B.A. “For I have blessed you with My miracle of creation, and you shall draw nearer to My throne by your labors” The Scroll of Virtue, 6;4 Following the Southern Summit of 77, the Clandom of Daeland-Vistulia, Freeport of Akueli, and Redclyf all agreed at the request of the Grand Duchy of Balian to hold a Peace Summit within the City of Atrus. The collapse of the Principality of Savoy, and the subsequent intensified colonization of Southern Almaris, fear and uncertainty has gripped many of the land’s populace - thus necessitating the need for a Peace Summit. Our goal is to best foster and facilitate diplomatic dialogues regarding the growing issues in southern Almaris. The subjects presented by the Grand Duchy of Balian at the Peace Summit will be; Confirming the borders of the Savoyardic Successors Discussing the State of Canonism in Southern Almaris Establish relations with Hyspians. Elaborating on the State of the Southern Almaris Relations It is requested that the invitees be prepared with their own presentations. Hereby invite the national polities of southern almaris, Clandom of Daeland-Vistulia Hyspians Diaspora The Duchy of Redclyf Freeport of Akueli The Rashidun Sheikhdom The Holy Mother Church of the Canon [Grand Duchy of Balian May 26th at 4 pm est] AD GLORIAM DEI, His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

ON THE MATTER OF THE HYSPIANS ISSUED BY THE CROWN OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF BALIAN 11th of Lothar’s Gift, 6 B.A. It has been brought to the attention of the Crown that His Imperial Highness’ words during the Southern Almaris Summit of 77 have been interpreted falsely inadvertently. The Crown does henceforth make it known that the Grand Duchy of Balian accommodate no hostile intentions towards members of the Hyspian Diaspora, nor their attempts to colonise southern Almaris. We fully understand their plight, as We ourselves had been driven from our own homeland and sent astray. The Grand Duchy of Balian from the very beginning have advocated for a peaceful settlement to avoid any bloodshed. We shall not support any genocide against fellow canonists, it is our hope that through this coming summit we will reach an agreement which all in the south can support. We do once again invite the representatives of the Hypians Diaspora and the other Leaders of the South to Atrus, Our Capital, to further elaborate on the issues of concern. In the coming Saint Days another missive will follow detailing the summit with the time and information concerning it. AD GLORIAM DEI, His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

The Pact of the South 10th of The Deep Cold, 76 SA | 18th of Horen's Calling, in the Year of our Lord, 4 Balian's Age. | 1872 ARTICLE I - SOVEREIGNTY The Grand Duchy of Balian and The Clans of Deland-Vistulia (henceforth ‘the Signatories’) recognize each other’s Realms as independent lands ruled by their respective monarchs and will make no attempt to subvert those authorities governing them. ARTICLE II - NON-AGGRESSION The Signatories will adhere to a pact of non-aggression, and will not incite conflict between them. Neither signatory will provide military or economic aid to powers hostile to the other. ARTICLE III - DEFENSE The Signatories shall be expected to carry out military endeavors for each respective nation should either nation be aggressed upon by a foreign power. This pact shall serve to defend the Signatories interests in the southern continent. Failure to do so would result in the entirety of the treaty being declared null. ARTICLE VI - PASSAGE The Signatories will allow free passage for civilians and refugees through their respective territories, under the law of both nations. Docking rights are granted to both states. ARTICLE V - TRADE The Signatories will equally receive a free market stall free of rent in their capitals. Specialty goods between either nation will be free of tariffs. ARTICLE VI - DURATION This treaty will remain in effect for Twenty years. It may be renewed by mutual consent of both Signatories. In the case where either signatory is found by the other to be in violation of this treaty, all articles will remain in effect, while the signatories search for diplomatic resolutions. His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera His Excellency, Jarad Munnel, The Legate of Balian, Baron of Abretta Llewelyn Ap Fawr, Reig of Daeland-Vistulia, Lord of the Isles, Reig of all Highlander Tribes, Chieftain of the Daelish Clans, Chief of the Ap Fawr clan Piast of Vistulia, Casimir Kovaceski, Vojvodz of Daeland, Vodz of Kovaceski Clan

Grand Duke John of Balian sits in his apartments as a doctor tends to his wound, "We shall see what else these fools can throw at us."

THE AZDRAZI THREAT 15th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 4th B.A. A Statement from the Ducal Chamber “So finally Iblees’ guise is uncovered, and his chains tear at the ground. Scroll of Auspice,1;39” We have heard reports of an Azdrazi threat within our lands. Having tried to gather more information about them before taking an action that would result in the endangerment of our people and the noble flock. But for too long have we sat idle without taking direct action. The heathens of Azdramoth having become so comfortable that they don’t hide their lizard skin, walking around in the daylight. With the publishing of their bounty against one of our own Peers, Baron Vladimir of Brucca we do hereby declare that all Azdrazi are to be killed on sight within the lands of Balian. They are to be expelled from our lands to never return. Anyone who suspects a member of the population to be a herald or Azdrazi shall bring their names to a member of the Ducal Chamber and Father Drasus Olivier Vuiller. The Ducal Chamber is in agreement and partnership with the Holy Canonist Faith. We shall deal with the Azdrazi Demons, working to eliminate them fully from our halls and flock. AD GLORIAM DEI, His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus and Monterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

The Ducal Coronation 7th of Godfrey’s Triumph 4 B.A. “My labor is the virtuous labor, and all the strength of the Virtue shall serve the righteous laborer” (Virtues 4:9) May the righteous and just followers of God gather with Us for the Ducal coronation of His Imperial Highness John I, Grand Duke of Balian. The ceremony and coronation shall take place within the Cathedral of La Sorella In the City of Atrus. His Holiness, Tylos II, shall perform the holy sacrament and place a Coronet of Lothar upon the Grand Duke’s head. Following the coronation we invite all friends of the Grand Duchy to a feast within the Palazza di Monterosa to celebrate the crowning of John I. Special Invitations His Royal Majesty, Sigismund III, King of Hanseti-Ruska and his royal pedigree @Xarkly His Royal Majesty, Bakir Ireheart, Grand King of Urguan and his royal pedigree @Elite Snipes His Royal Majesty, Ragnvald Ruric, King of Norland and his royal pedigree Zhu of The Jade State of Yong Ping, Chen Wenping His Serene Highness, the Sovereign Prince of Sedan, Frederick I @HogoBojo [FRIDAY, MAY 6th, 2022 AT 5PM EST] Signed, His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

Grand Duke John signs the treaty with a smile

Valkskej i ve Petravezk Peace of the Persistent Agreed on this 19th day of Joma and Umund of 423 E.S. |10th of Horen's Calling, in the Year of our Lord, 3 Balian's age. Between the Kongzem of Hanseti-Ruska and the Grand Duchy of Balian I The signatories swear mutual recognition of their sovereignty and titles in perpetuity. II The signatories swear non-aggression with each other, that their subjects shall be duly protected in the lands of the other, and that this shall apply to guilds or mercenaries under the employ of either nation. III The signatories will agree that citizens from either nation will be safe and protected within either nation's lands, unless a law-breaking conflict were to arise. IV The signatories shall adhere to principles of free trade between one another, and that the two shall accommodate the creation of one stall operated by the government of the other signatory within their lands. V The signatories will agree to not take up arms against one another for the duration of this pact and should issues arise, they will be solved through diplomatic means. VI The signatories will agree to host tax-free stalls in each respective nation in order to promote the bonds of economic ties between one another. VII The signatories mutually agree that this peace shall hold for no less than 15 years. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty SIGISMUND III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Imperial Highness, John I, by the Grace of God, Grand Duke of Balian, Lord of Ponterosa and Atrus, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

Grand Duke John raises a glass of wine to the King of Norland across the long table as he signed

His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian signs the treaty, "To new Friends and to peace in our time!"

“The Defenders of Balian, I shall trust them with me life. Ave Balian!” The Grand Duke of Balian goes to inspect the brotherhood.

THE CHAMBER OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF BALIAN 8th of Lothar’s Gift, 2 B.A. THE CHAMBER OF THE GRAND DUCHY Seneschal - Leopold Alstion @cruzazul The Seneschal is the chief minister of the Grand Duchy and is responsible for the proper maintenance and governance of the realm. He wields penultimate authority and is charged with preserving the coronet by all means possible, including in matters of succession. Legate - Jarad Munnel @JoshBright The Legate is the chief diplomat of the Grand Duchy. They are charged with fostering goodwill and relations among fellow nations alongside the foreign negotiation of treaties. Censor - Peter Augustus d’Arkent @CharmingCavalier The Censor is charged with the construction of public works, the administration of censuses, and the drafting of decrees. They are simultaneously responsible for all public documents, including the issue and sealing of letters, writsm acts, and edicts. Magister - Ledicort Vuiller @HIGH_FIRE The Magister is responsible for the control of the Duke’s justice. They are to deliberate and administer cases within the borders of the Grand Duchy. Constable - Viktor Darkwood @DarkWrath94 The Constable is foremost among the soldiery of the Grand Duchy. A chief military advisor and commander who is sworn to protect the realm from incursions and insurrections in both times of war and peace. Procurator - Constantine Malenos @Da_Emperors The Procurator manages the finances of the Grand Duchy. It is their duty to see the coffers filled, taxes collected, and issue payment for the realm’s debts. AD GLORIAM DEI, His Imperial Highness, John I, Grand Duke of Balian, by the grace of GOD, Lord of Atrus and Ponterosa, and Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

"now who are these fine young men?" Asked a very old John. "They some kind of Hustlers?"

ON A FOUNDATION OF FAITH 1st of Balian’s Gift, 1 B.A. The Imperialist forces were beaten back at the Saint Ari’s Day Massacre. Emperor Peter IV, His Empress, and many peers were among those slaughtered. With his forces smashed, they fled from the city and in the panic, most flung themselves onto the hulking ships at the dock at Henry’s Wharf. They made their way out to sea with minimal direction, escaping from the horrors that had plagued their live’s over the past two decades of constant strife and war. In the clear night sky the wayward star of Saint Lothar seemed to glisten much brighter than the others - in the storm-swept sea, the constellation was their sole beacon of hope, a guide to God’s will. Yet, as the voyage had reached its halfway point, the weather began to take a turn for the worst. In the panic of the escape the crew had abruptly packed vessels that were not prepared for the mammoth waves approaching in the horizon. God’s tribulations had begun shepherding these Orenians according to His will. Many of the hulls burst, drowning hundreds of unfortunate souls. Still, those washed ashore saw dunes accompanied by barren wastes of skeletal remains - an untamed land not for the weak-willed. Whispering winds swept over the dunes of the south, and in the valleys nestled between steep overhangs rested a fatigued assembly - marooned on a bleak coast with supplies of fresh water and bread dwindling. A wandering band of knights, clad in dirtied armour, rode alongside the common folk with their wagons piled tall with their former livelihoods. It had been seven weeks since the crumbling of a once glorious Holy Orenian Empire. The diaspora of nobles, knights, and commoners looked for a new place to call their home. And it was on the seventh day of the seventh week, God showed His sign; a Cross of pure light shone above a plateau. This was God’s land, and He had shown His judgement - this lost tribe of Oren had been guided here. As if to christen such a revelation, a well of water erupted from around those gathered, providing many with earthly nourishment that was desperately needed. It was then that Prince John Casimir addressed the gathered mass, weary from the march and having expended all their supplies. Upon a raised rock, with nothing but God’s land around him, he proclaimed the formation of the Kingdom of Balian in homage to Saint Lothar of Balian. For it was he who had blessed them with this land, a respite among the troubled deserts. But it was God who had shown them the error of their ways and delivered them unto a new foundation, a foundation of faith. And now, from the maw of the Abyss to the windswept plains of St. Lothar, the Exodus had found their home. A new Kingdom of God would be erected here - the Kingdom of their Patron - The Kingdom of Balian.

“The Empire shall never falter, Victory or death!” John Casimir marks down another supporter for the true Emperor.