Beamon4

14th of SUN’S SMILE, 1919 IST WRIT OF ABDICATION TO THE DUCHY OF ADRIA When I began my reign as Duke of Adria, I sought to restore the Lower Petra and the Heartlands that came with it, far removed from the downfall of the Kingdom of Oren, which lay in ruin. By the hands of the Adrians, we created for ourselves a thriving community in the Lower Petra situated around the city of Velec, a place that still remains vibrant to this day. By our hands we brought order to a lawless, desolate land that had seen neither lord nor leader wrestle it from the bandits and scourge that haunted it. By our hands, we won victory over the forces of Aaun, then again over the coalition when they marched on Velec. With profound contemplation, born of deep reflection and unwavering consideration for the welfare and prosperity of our beloved Adria. I take a solemn step with utmost reverence for the time-honored customs and responsibilities that accompany my noble station. I have been incredibly honored and privileged to serve my subjects with unwavering devotion, guided by the principles of duty, integrity, and benevolence. Their steadfast loyalty and unwavering support of my fellow citizens and the nobility have been a source of profound inspiration and gratitude. I entrust the future of our illustrious Duchy to the capable hands of whoever my elected successor may be, who shall carry forward the legacy of our noble heritage with honor and grace. I assure my fellow citizens and the people of Adria that my commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our land shall endure, despite my abdication from the Ducal throne. History will be the judge of my decisions, but as I pen my name to this document, I do it with pride in holding the same values I began with sixteen years ago. Therefore, when I rest tonight as Mister Heinrik Otto Sarkozic I will not regret what I see. Now, Having found victory through toil and sweat, then through battle, I seek it through peace and rest. Before I make leave of my offices and the power that they hold, however, I give my final decrees: I) Reinolt von Draco is hereby named Knight Paramount of the Duchy of Adria as well as granted the County of Maltes. II) Suzana Otta Sarkozic is granted the County of Emalyne, encompassing St. Emalyne Castle and afforded a seat on the Duma through it. III) The County of Varoche is hereby revoked through my prerogative, and the family Varoche is hereby barred from participation in the Duma. IV) A Ducal Writ of Pardons is extended to all citizens of the Duchy of Adria, disregarding their affiliation in the Second Dukes’ War. This pardon does not cover: IV) The electors for the Ducal Election are hereby named and confirmed: V) The Instrument of Abdication I, Heinrik I Otto var Nikolai Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Dowager of Aldersberg, and founder of Velec do declare my resolve to relinquish the mantle of my office and tender my abdication from all aforementioned titles. ___________________________________________________________________________ Mister, Heinrik Otto Sarkozic, Citizen of the Duchy of Adria

A sleepy Heinrik brought himself out of bed with a grunt; accompanied by a residual amount of back pain he proceeded downstairs to fix himself a meal of Salted Crackers and Salami, all of which tasted delicious. After a few seconds of reading the news, he remarked nonchalantly “Markus will do well.” Before returning to his chambers and beginning to snore heavily.

The Greatest Days in Adrian History LO unto the Adrians, Guide my hand, dear Muse, for the excitement of the great humor that possesses me may cause my unfiltered words to slip freely from my mind onto the parchment upon which I write! Tonight I speak of the most daring story that shall grace the history of our nation for a thousand generations- a tale of daring escape, dastardly betrayal, and the triumph of the few over the many! The day began in a church and ended in a church. One in Haense and one in Adria. One of near-defeat and one of clear victory. It was by the Pontiff’s promise of protection that our fearless Duke, good Heinrik Sarkozic, humbly ventured to the halls of the Basilica of Karosgrad, where the trial was to be held for his supposed sins. Although a mockery was made of all who hold justice and piety dear, for the presiding court cared not for the veracity of the trials, nor the Pontiff’s own consorting with the Azdrazi, all who were present knew from the start that the verdict would be rendered guilty. What came as a surprise was the Pontiff’s sentence: death for all. Never had such a thing been levied, especially not on holy ground, yet holiness was no concern for Pontian the Puppet, who bayed for the blood of Adrian women and children within the halls of his church. Thus, a plan was hatched among the crafty few of Adria. The hearty men of Adria, though numbering few, resolved to hold off the great tides of Haeseni, Aaunites, and Balianites when the call was made to kill their Duke of Adria. Though they believed they would all fall, they had a hope that their sacrifice would allow their dear Heinrik to escape to Adria and rally his host. As the tide of bloodthirsty berserkers surged forth, the brave few of Adria stepped up and drove forth. The coalition mass bent, giving enough time for the Duke, donned only in rags as he felt was fitting, to burst out the door. Hopping atop a steed prepared by a friendly city dweller, the Duke rode ahead of the chasing army, laughing and singing as he triumphantly vaulted over the walls and off to safety. As he made his great escape, the rest of the Adrians were quickly surrounded. With their valiant stand having fulfilled its purpose, and needing no reason to fight, they promptly surrendered en-masse. Sir Joseph Vasile and the von Draco family were the principal captives, and they were promptly brought to the dank, fetid cells underneath the city. For days they languished, yet over by Adria, battle had commenced… Neither the Duke nor the Coalition had idled in the days following his escape. Sounding the bells upon his return, good Heinrik rallied his forces, and the people of Velec once again took to the streets. Manning the barricades they had taken to over a year ago, the five-thousand defenders of Adria, missing their Marshal and the fierce von Dracos, sat waiting to meet the seven-thousand five-hundred assembled of Haense, Balian, and Aaun. The two armies met within the streets of the great city, and battle ensued once again for the fate of Velec. For days, the two armies bitterly fought, with soldiers from all armies battling street to street, home to home. However, despite their numbers, the civic pride and ferocity of the Adrians won the day. Routed and broken, the army of the coalition was driven from the city. They fled to their three corners of Almaris, tails between their legs, while our proud Duke stood triumphant once again. When faced honestly, might against might, and not a devilish ruse, the people of Adria would always prevail! However, my tale is not yet ended, for we must return to the fates of our prisoners in Karosgrad, not yet hearing of their comrades’ victory back home. As the brutish guards banged at the cell doors, eagerly awaiting the Adrians’ coming execution, a second great scheme was concocted among Sir Joseph, the von Dracos, and many of the friendly guards that lingered about. False chains were put on the prisoners while they were whisked out and put atop horses rode by friendly faces. Before the Haeseni guards, led by the King of Balian himself, could stop the entourage, the reins were whipped and the prisoners were rode away! Not a single one was slain or left to be captive, for all were broken out that eve. And this concludes my story of the greatest days in the history of our fair country. Two daring escapes! A holy man’s betrayal! A great triumph over the armies of three nations! It is a tale that no minstrel nor poet can concoct, and thus it is left to me to write this cautionary tale to those who wish to test the might of a united Adria, or venture to out-wit the people whose minds are clearer than a smooth crystal and sharper than a razor’s edge. It began in a church, and with God’s help ended in a church.

r

A frantic Heinrik ordered numerous patrols to find the missing Crow, days past to months and hope began to fade with it. Nonetheless a glint in Heinrik’s eye assured him that his son survived on somewhere.

I think one using logs from months or years ago when they were originally dealt with is heavily 'no bueno' but Ill address this since it regards me. Never was I intending to harass players or vehemently disregard someone AS A HUMAN being. The words I use I regret sincerely and it was stated out of passion for an annoyance regarding a 'rp political situation'. That doesn't make me vile, a terrible human being or a bad faith actor. It meant I said an insensitive comment, that wasn't even serious but out of anger. I don't appreciate you insinuating that or trying to pull an "GOTCHA MOMENT"

The Battle of Rolly’s Hill Battered, bruised, but never broken, the people of Adria took to the fields of the Lower Petra awaiting the long-promised battle. Victory would come on their terms now, just as it had over a year ago as the king of Aaun’s army stormed their fair Velec, but were driven out by the defenders atop the barricades. Having hidden for the following months since that defeat, the armies of Aaun fearfully awaited the day when they would be told to march out. That day finally came. Despite their boasts of a great army, only five-thousand took the field of battle for Aaun. An even number flocked to the banner of the Duke of Adria, who gallantly walked out with the infantry, ready to win the day or die trying. His trusty Greycloaks and militiamen of Velec, led by Sir Joseph Vasile, stood proudly at his side as they advanced north. Leonid Vilac and Valentin van Aert made up the left and right flank, respectively, where they and their heavy infantry promised to hold the line and never bend nor break. As the Aaunic army emerged from Minitz, they positioned themselves against the River Reden, catching their backs against its banks. A fatal flaw, for they would now have nowhere to flee to. As Darius of Myrine, leading the Duke’s vanguard, screamed for the archers to assume their positions, a great duel of arrows began. Back and forth, the two armies fired. However, the Adrian ranks were spread out, while the Aaunic host was bunched together. Beset by projectiles and losing men by the minute, the order was given to charge into the weakest part of the extended Adrian line. It was a trap. Within moments, hundreds of soldiers dropped their bows and drew their swords, surging forth to meet the Aaunic charge. Believing a thin section of the Adrian line to be breakable, the Aaunic army tried to charge through and run them down, but what they failed to see was that it was held by the men of Blackvale, who held firm and gave enough time for the rest of the Adrian host to arrive and surrounded the mass of the Aaunics. The battle lasted mere minutes. Surrounded and cut off from Minitz and Vienne, the Aaunic soldiers were quickly cut down by the more experienced, determined troops of Adria. The king of Aaun and his principal lords were able to make a breakout and flee back to Minitz across the bridge, which was then destroyed, but that was the only mercy that God showed them that day. The Adrian host, tired from battle and blocked from pursuing, returned home victorious. The spark of liberation had grown into a great bonfire and the tyrants had been swept up in its fervor. AVE ADRIA

“The continued publication of the Aaunic press must be affirmed” Heinrik said with a stern nod as he read it from a campfire near the burning ruins of Fort Felder

The Duke’s Peace Offer Please stop writing missives of how you’re going to fight. Just come out and do it, this is getting boring. Heinrik Sarkozic

The Tale of Two ‘Roches The mounted force of Adria stood at the border of Petra, awaiting the signal from Sir Joseph Helvets of Vasile. Through the young marshal’s network of spies, word had reached him that a meeting would be held between the traitor Sigismond Varoche and the Archduchess of Petra. With this information in hand, the knight quickly rallied a cadre of soldiers of Adria. Among them was the Duke himself, riding out donned in his armor. While the King of Aaun may have been content to lounge behind the white walls of his empty city, the Duke of Adria would ride with his men. For several minutes they waited, and waited, and waited. The order was finally given to dismount, and under moonlight they crept through the quiet, sleeping streets of Valfluer. The host went undetected as the comrades-in-arms made their way through the central keep of the city. There was no doubt, Sir Joseph had told them, that the ongoing discussions were to be held in the council chambers. A room that he happened to have the keys to. Darting their way up the spiraling towers of the castle, the men of Adria sprung their trap! Flooding into the council chambers, they surrounded the Archduchess, her council, and the two brothers: Sigismond and Charles Varoche. As quickly as they had entered, the Adrians were soon out of the keep, leaving the stunned Petrans there to wonder what had just occurred. Racing back to Velec, the Adrian party were greeted by cheers as they brought the two traitors back in chains. To an eager crowd, the two men were given their sentences. Sigismond Varoche, displaying some final gasp of honor, died with dignity, offering a prayer to the Lord and insults to the victors that surrounded him. The Aaunic army, after its stunning defeat when it tried to take Velec nearly a year before, was not to come for his rescue tonight. Final words were said, last letters were written, and the Duke of Adria, triumphant again, raised his blade and brought it down on Sigismond’s neck.

Before the letter was to be sent in the morning, amid the night, Heinrik found himself in Viktor's room; by candlelight, he read the letter pausing every so often to glimpse the young crow who now bore a near identical complexion to himself. "I....I wish this were different, Viktor; I wish I could return the peace of your former life," He muttered softly, and though he dreamed he could sit in the confines of the room with his son and let the fire pass them by, he laid back down the letter and returned to the duties of his now so incoherent world.

The Adrian Declaration of Independence Copies of the missive would be pinned to notice boards around Almaris. To the good Canonists of the world and the people of Adria, The imperialist ambitions of the Aaunic Crown have set within their heads a maddened frenzy. Seeing enemies in all shadows, they have laid their cruel eyes upon us, the good, fair people of Adria, those who have held the southern border while the King of Aaun has sat without an army. Those who have brought trade and life to the kingdom while the streets of the capital remain empty. Those who have invigorated a spirit of Dumacracy and popular government while the central crown seeks to lord over the vassals that keep it afloat. We say no more. Adria has no designs to support the ambitions of the Aaunic King. We simply wish to keep to our own lives, tend to our own crops, and allow our own city to prosper. We wish to leave the world alone and have the world leave us alone, but it is the King of Aaun that wishes to use our blood and toil to expand his realm. He and his council have hardly laid eyes on our prosperous city of Velec, yet from it they desire the plunder that we had already given the kingdom as a whole. With this document, we formally secede from the Kingdom of Aaun so that we may be allowed to rule ourselves, with our customs and traditions unmolested by a Crown that does not care for Adria and its people. We will govern ourselves so that we may be allowed to continue our peaceful growth and prosperity. We have already bested them once in battle as they attempted to storm our city. Another time, as we marched upon the walls of Minitz, they cowered and hid. Our enemy fears us because they have no love or loyalty from their own. Unlike the Alstions, who sought at every turn to use the Sinners’ War as a springboard to launch their ambitions for the Imperial Crown of Philip III, we seek no empire. Unlike the Alstions, who provoked conflict with Haense on numerous occasions, especially during the reign of King Karl III, we have no quarrel with the northmen. Unlike the Alstions, who covet our wealth and strength because of their lack of it, we now build our future with our own hands. Unlike the Alstions, who attempted to plot with rogue agents within Adria to turn the city of Velec over to them, we stand with the people of Adria in defense of our livelihoods. Let it be known that we seek no war with the kingdom and simply request that we be released peacefully from our oaths of vassalage. However, should the King of Aaun desire to march on Adria and burn it, then we will make to the walls of his capital and unseat him. Those who join our ranks will be justly rewarded, while those who remain neutral will go unharmed by our armies. Come what must, We shall see the storm through

"What is an airman?" Heinrik Sarkozic stated being in an utter state of confused

Unban my man, he’s a good guy!

Heinrik Sarkozic sat alone, confined within his chambers after witnessing the unfortunate passing of his wife. A dim candle light casted a solemn glow across the room as the reality slowly set onto Heinrik. No longer shall Austina approach him in the morning with her radiant eyes and shine her sparkling smile towards him. "I thank you for everything..." A low mutter escaped the man's quivering lips after he signed the lorraine.

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE COUNTY OF SUSA 8th of Sigismund's End, 1913 TO THE DUCHY OF ADRIA, It is the responsibility of the Ducal Coronet to reward its faithful subjects with titles befitting their rank, station, and abilities. As such, we confer unto Justinian Basrid the County of Susa, by lawful claim of descent. Its associated titles, fee and privileges are to be held as the exclusive and perpetual right of Count Basrid and his lawful heirs. As any loyal vassal of Adria, the Count receives the right to counsel his liege, and is so entitled to a seat in the Ducal Duma. In turn, we charge Count Basrid and his heirs with the upkeep of common and ecclesiastical properties, the maintenance of levies, the enforcement of laws. His rights, liberty, and property are under the aegis of the Duchy of Adria - and in turn, he is obliged to raise his sword in defense of our sovereignty. May this decision bring glory and prosperity to Adria, and may the House of Basrid never fail in its duties to our Duchy. IN NOMINE ADRIAE His Grace, Heinrik I Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Caron-Consort of Aldersberg, Protector of the South, Keeper of the Swans

Heinrik Sarkozic shuffled into his seat within the chambers set aside for Deputies of the Realm. He swept back another large lock of grey hair from his vision, a vain attempt not to be reminded of his fading pitched hair. With the twiddling of his thumbs, he waited patiently for the Grand Peer to begin the meeting.

Declared and published in the year of Our Lord, 1912 SUMMONS TO THE ROYAL DIET OF AAUN TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITS NOBLE ESTATES, In accordance with Section II, Statute I, Clause IV “The Royal Diet may convene at its leisure, provided the Grand Peer or a representative thereof is present to chair the meeting, and fair notice has been given to all Noble Estates.” With the continued effect of the Great Charter of Aaun, it is necessary that national governance and representation are consistent. So in the prerogative afforded by our United Kingdom, I summon the Estate Nobility to the Parliament Building of New Vienne; whereas the proper functions of government may occur. WE SUMMON THE FOLLOWING ESTATES: His Royal Highness, Prince James Leopold Alstion, Heir-Apparent to the United Kingdom of Aaun, Lord of Alba @LithiumSedai His Highness, Prince Ottomar II von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstriem, Margrave of Vanderfell, Baron of Cornwinsburg, and Lord Vanderlore @Ramon His Grace, Brandt I Barclay, Herzog von Minitz KRE, GMSTSR, Duke of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Borëwald and Brandthof, Lord of Durres, Harvest Lord, and Protector of the Aaunic Heartlands @MadOne The Most Honorable, Margrave Louis II August, Margrave of Haute-Epine, Count of Beaufoy, and Arentaniebourg, Baron of Rosius, Lord of Monte Louis, Commandant of the Rose Guard, and Protector of Arentania @rep2k The Most Honorable, Guinevere I von Reuss, Margravine of Velen, Countess of Cantal, Baroness of Mons Velena, and Protector of the Aschenwald @Marshi The Honorable, Cosima von Augusten, Countess of Hohengarten @Frank_Dog IN NOMINE DEI His Grace, Heinrik I Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count-Consort of Aldersberg, Protector of the Aaunic South, Keeper of the Swans

SUMMONS TO GRAND DUMA OF ADRIA | 1913 6th day of Harren’s Folly of 1912 TO THE DUCHY OF ADRIA The dumacratic values of Adria are considered sacred and the bedrock upon which our Adria was founded. Since the times of Duke Franz I Vladov, Adria has distinguished itself for its progressive values and integrative vision of a Duchy established not on the despotism of hitherto Savoyard or Horenic polities but instead on that of compromise and unity through differentiating ideas. As Duke of Adria, it behooves me to recognize the people's will and give them ample capacity to advise on the governance of Adria. Thus I summon the Grand Duma of Adria so that we continue to forge our shared vision of prosperity and stability. Heinrik Otto var Nikolai Sarkozic THE DUMA IS SUMMONED UNDER THIS ITINERARY 5PM EST SUNDAY 2/26/23 IN NOMINE ADRIAE His Grace, Heinrik I Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count-Consort of Aldersberg, Protector of the Aaunic South, Keeper of the Swans

"LETS GOOOO" Heinrik says in utter delight.

A CALL TO SMITHS OF THE REALMS 21 of Harren's Folly, 1911 In all four corners of the known world, there are posters speedily hung by lads in frayed burlap pants and tabards that bear a midnight eagle on quartered fields of red and black. As you approach the tattered parchment, you realize it beseeches the most skilled tradesmen, specifically smiths, to the Adrian lands of Velec. With closer inspection, you read the following: (Friday, February 17th @ 5:00 PM EST) @CharmingCavalierThanks for the amazing graphic and post!

See you around buster