Andustar

"Vale, Princess Frederica," John II poured a glass of merlot, raising it in her honour. "I wish you a deserved and blessed rest in the Skies above."

"It will undoubtedly be a grand occasion," John II stated, making certain to clear his schedule.

Confined to his study, John II trimmed over his daily paperwork, having returned from the basilica. He was momentarily granted reprieve by his wife, who delivered him an orange from the palace orchards. "Graza teu," he said warmly, gaze drifting towards the nearby window and the sound of childish laughter. "I wonder how far they tread this time?" The King smiled knowingly; he was once young himself and prone to sneaking out. Eventually, he departed from his study, approaching his dutiful sentries. "My children have left the palace grounds. Once you find them, observe from afar. Let them linger a little longer before bringing them home," he instructed, a duo of riders subsequently setting off along the shoreline. The Princes would not be young forever, and few things were more important than delighting in one's youth.

John II was delighted upon hearing the blessed news. He began contemplating an appropriate gift to mark the occasion.

T H E C E L E B R A T I O N O F N E W B E G I N N I N G S ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ 9th of Lothar’s Gift 142 B.A. ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ Dearest citizens of the Kingdom of Balian, In merely a few months, we shall witness the turn of this Saint Year unto the next. Such a grand occasion is not only a time to celebrate, but reflect upon all that we have achieved, overcome and endured in life. To express our gratitude for the lives we are blessed to possess. Thus, to mark this momentous occasion in our Kingdom’s long history, the Crown, in tandem with the right honourable House d’Arkent, hereby announces a Royal Tournament. Presiding over the tournament shall be His Majesty, John II, alongside the guests of honour, Caliope and Malcolm d’Arkent, in celebration of their Eighteenth Nameday. Subjects of the Canonist Realms and allies to our Kingdom are welcome to attend and participate in the day’s events. OOC: T H E J O U S T The Royal Tournament shall begin with jousting, a time-honoured sport of martial prowess and chivalry, in which nobles, knights and men-at-arms prove their worth on horseback. Riders will be divided per random selection into a contest of direct elimination, until at last one rider sits triumphant upon their steed. The Victor shall receive a prize total of 200 Minas. The Runner-up shall receive a complimentary prize of 100 Minas. To participate, please fill out the form listed below. | Joust Participation | Name: Nationality: Do you possess a horse? - (Yes/No) [IGN: (Insert)] T H E M E L E E Following the joust, the tournament shall proceed with the Melee, in which participants shall descend into the arena possessing blunt weapons and armour. Simulating the conditions of the battlefield, they will fight in a free-for-all contest of arms, aiming to incapacitate their opponents in a non-lethal manner. The event will conclude when all others yield and only one remains standing. The Victor shall receive a prize total of 200 Minas. The Runner-up shall receive a complimentary prize of 100 Minas. To participate, please fill out the form listed below. | Melee Participation | Name: Nationality: [IGN: (Insert)] Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, JOHN 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, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. THE HONOURABLE, Caliope Mariya d’Arkent. THE HONOURABLE, Malcolm Julius d’Arkent.

"They wish for a trial on their terms?" The King of Balian scoffed, his lips curling into a frown. "The arrogance. This trial shall take place per the laws of the land, not a so-called 'Candle Court'," he stated plainly.

@_yink_ [!] Another public missive was penned in response. Ariadne, I regret that it has come to this, but I do not regret the decision I must make. Your obligations as Princess-Royal did not end with the crimes of my father, nor do you possess them merely for my sake. The Kingdom of Balian is more than just the Crown and whoever wears it, dearest aunt. It is the culmination of a dream older than ourselves. Yet, what does this dream mean to you? You, who have refused to meet your obligations as Viscountess. Who has been granted reprieve for her neglect of paying taxes, long before my coronation. Who refuses to sit within the Segnoria, where one might speak on matters of governance and importance to the realm. If your beloved Kingdom and its people truly meant that much to you, you would not set them aside when we have, in your own words, fallen from the cliff of greatness. In truth, your decision has nothing to do with the Kingdom, but rather is the result of a deeply woven resentment that continues to weigh upon your mind. I offered you the chance to bury old grudges. To take your place amongst the Kingdom's peers, so I might heed your counsel in the days to come. How unfortunate this will not be the case. Yet, despite whatever friction lingers between us, I bid you well in whichever path you choose. Vale. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, JOHN 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, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

A D D R E S S E D T O T H E H O U S E O F N O V E L L E N - T U V I A ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ 15th of Horen’s Calling 142 B.A. ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ A year ago, the Noble Houses of the Kingdom of Balian were summoned to stand before the Throne of Unity, swearing oaths of fealty and service unto myself and the realm as a whole. They honoured our forefathers, who once swore unto John the Founder their commitment to uphold his vision for our civilisation, in the light of GOD. I now summon the Princess-Royal, Ariadne Casimira, per her obligations as a peer of the realm, to renew her oath of fealty, alongside her honoured pedigree. Should this command be refused, the Crown shall see fit to call into question the House of Novellen-Tuvia’s status within and loyalty to the Kingdom of Balian, in addition to stripping Princess Ariadne of her position at court as the Princess-Royal. You have a Saint Week. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, JOHN 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, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera.

His Royal Majesty, John II, found himself bearing a warm grin as word of the planned ceremony reached his ear. "At last, Harald and Yelena are to be wed. I'm delighted for both of them and have little doubt they'll be very happy together." The King then made arrangements for his household's attendance.

Upon receiving a copy of the translation, the King of Balian sat in deep contemplation. "The Balthalites of old were blinded by deception; now their cities lie in dust," he mused. It was a stark warning for all to bear, that one must heed warning and keep their arrogance in check. There were some places where mortal hands were not meant to hold dominion. "Cardinal Ivan has certainly outdone himself. I must commend his transcription."

"A congratulations are in order for His Majesty. I pray his coronation will be scheduled in due course," John of Balian said upon receiving news of Karl's progress. "He had a strong circle of advisors. I've little doubt he'll perform well."

"We scarcely knew each other. Few were our meetings, and none were too positive as far as I recall..." John lamented as he read the missive. Yet another monarch had passed in a short period. Yet another whom he sincerely wished he knew better. "All the same, the late Queen is due our respect."

T H E C O R O N A T I O N O F J O H N C A S I M I R B A U D O I N N O V E L L E N ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ 15th of Sigismund's End 138 B.A. ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ To the people of Balian, the dearest faithful of the Canonist realms and friends abroad. You are invited to witness the ushering of a new era for the Kingdom of Balian. Under the Pontifical seal of approval and by the grace of GOD, His Highness John Casimir Baudoin Novellen, Prince of Monterosa, shall be crowned King in a coronation officiated by Cardinal Ivan. Following the traditions laid down at the coronation of King John I ‘the Founder’, the ceremony will commence within the Cathedral of the Holy Supernals, after which the Prince and his entourage shall move unto the Palatio Arancione. He will be crowned there before the Throne of Unity to accept fealty from the Kingdom’s subjects. Upon the ceremony’s conclusion, the court will hear petitions from those in attendance. DATE & TIME Saturday, Dec. 7th 5pm EST | 10pm GMT THE CHURCH OF CANON His Holiness, Harrentzedek, High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon The College of Cardinals The Synod of Bishops THE REALMS OF CANONDOM His Royal Majesty, Karl IV, King of Hanseti-Ruska and His Royal pedigree Her Royal Majesty, Adalia I, Queen of the Petra and Her Royal pedigree Her Royal Highness, Frederica I, Princess in Reinmar and of Sutica and Her Royal pedigree His Royal Highness, Erwin I, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz and His Royal Pedigree Her Royal Highness, Xiomara I, Sovereign Princess of Hyspia and Her Royal pedigree His Royal Highness, Earoslav I, Sovereign of Ravenmire, and His Royal Pedigree Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of Númendil, and Her Royal Pedigree Subjects of the Pontifical States THE NOBLE HOUSES OF BALIAN His Grace, Sir Marcel Vuiller, Duke of Aquiliae, and his noble pedigree Her Grace, Viktoria vas Ruthern, Duchess of Reutov, and her noble pedigree The Right Honorable, Esfir d'Arkent, Lady-Regent of Salia, and her noble pedigree The Right Honorable, August Benedict Temesch, Count of San Adriano, and his noble pedigree The Most Honorable, Colette de Lyons, Viscountess of Enderoca, and her noble pedigree Her Royal Highness, Ariadne Casimira, Viscountess of Tuvia, and her noble pedigree The Honourable, Paloma Galbraith, Baroness of Cascanova, and her noble pedigree Signed, His Royal Highness, JOHN CASIMIR BAUDOIN NOVELLEN, Prince of Monterosa, Duke of Atrus Her Royal Highness, KATHRYN ATALIA NOVELLEN, Princess-Consort of Monterosa, Duchess of Atrus HIS EXCELLENCY, Justice of the High Court, Ledicort Alexander Vuiller

Having penned his signature to the document, John Casimir stepped before the dias, looking at the restored Throne of Unity. King John the First dreamt of a world in which the realms of men could live in harmony. He established a realm founded upon the principles of faith, autonomy and prosperity - a Kingdom in which one's mistakes are not forgotten but surmounted. "GOD above, is this truly my calling?" He asked aloud, "I pray you will grant me the same strength once possessed by my forebears. Tis' my duty to serve, and I shall carry their dream for so long as I draw breath." He who would be crowned the second of his name was determined to rise above the sins of the past. To usher light unto the Kingdom of Balian. "I swear this unto you!"

"Kathryn, let us ensure our schedules are clear," John Casimir said, conversing with his wife during a respite from their shared duties. "We shall mourn not merely the passing of a king, but a good man." @MapleSunflower

Whilst I don't necessarily dislike large maps, they can be very frustrating to navigate at times and often result in mutual roleplay hubs between communities (i.e. the Red Rose Tavern in Athera) becoming far more sparse. If they are to remain the norm going forward, I would appreciate the addition of a wider range of fast travel options. This has often been a controversial add-on that has frequently been subject to debate, but I do honestly consider it a necessity if you truly desire a vast sprawling landscape.

"I wish I had gotten to know you better, Marius..." John Casimir regretfully expressed. "You were a figure I considered a voice of reason and admiration. Rest easily; you earned your peace."

T H E A N N O U N C E M E N T O F A R O Y A L B I R T H ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ ISSUED BY Prince John Casimir Novellen and Princess Kathryn Atalia Novellen 15th of Lothar’s Gift 136 B.A. ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ By the grace of GOD almighty, it is with heartfelt joy that the Prince and Princess of Monterosa announce the birth of their firstborn child. Delivered safely by Her Highness, the infant boy has been gifted unto this world red-cheeked and healthy. He has since been named Lothar Casimir James Novellen @__Stal27, after the Patron Saint of our Holy Diocese. Arrangements shall be made for the newborn Prince’s baptism with due haste as we welcome him into the blessed light of the Church of the Canon. Furthermore, a reception shall be held within the Palatio Arancione this following Saint Day, inviting attendees to celebrate this momentous occasion. Signed, His Royal Highness, JOHN CASIMIR BAUDOIN NOVELLEN, Prince of Monterosa, Duke of Atrus Her Royal Highness, KATHRYN ATALIA NOVELLEN, Princess-Consort of Monterosa, Duchess of Atrus

Do you ever skip leg day?

I have two questions. 1). Do you actually enjoy Buckfast? 2). If you're Scotch drinker, what's your favourite kind? I'm a Talisker fan myself.

"They were graced with a son? I'm delighted for them," John Casimir declared happily, eager to arrange a gift for the couple.

"You were always kind to me, Aunt Ophelia. Few were as hospitable, and none bore a library as comprehensive as you..." John Casimir murmured upon receiving the news, the Temesch matriarch's passing provoking great sorrow. "Please, rest easy. May we meet again in due time."

There is an old saying throughout the realms of men: 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown.' One could be conditioned in all faculties of life to rule; John's family and mentors made no short expense ensuring that was the case. However, it was one thing to be prepared and another to bear the burden. "Your duty to the Kingdom must come before all else," he told himself, recalling a similarly worded lesson from his father. Long he had anticipated this day; even in the wake of uncertainty, the firstborn son always knew his life would be in service to his homeland. For so long as he walked this earth, so it would remain. And yet, another lesson came to mind. "Never forget who you are: A mortal man. Never lose touch with your heart." The hearts of men were easily led astray, their ambition and drive to act often compelling them to acts of foolishness. John understood that perhaps better than most, but his heart also saved him. For with every mistake comes a lesson, and humanity's greatest strength is its heartfelt capacity to rise above the sins of the past. Dark days lay upon the distant horizon. The Prince foresaw this much; he often dreamt of the coming fire and horrors beyond. At long last, it fell upon him to ascend the Throne of Unity and deliver hope amidst uncertainty. God was not obligated to light the path ahead; nevertheless, he who would be honoured as King prayed for a sign - for a path, however narrow - not to ease his burden but upon which he could lead his people unto paradise.

"It would appear I best make plans to attend," John Casimir noted, intent on ensuring his schedule was clear for the occasion.