Beamon4

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.

Adria down for Option 3

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

Heinrik Sarkozic will be there

THE DUCHY OF ADRIA | PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNANCE ”I don’t want the truth, I want something I can tell the Duma!” Duke Paul I Varoche panic after the ejection of Maria Ivanovich, 1721 A DISH OF SQUAB With Tuvmas celebrations coming to a close, and august relatives departing the Ducal Court, His Grace, Duke Heinrik and his wise counsel sets to work on his much-mentioned yet seldom-discussed Provisional Government. In a compromise between the popular interests and his own self-interest, he resolves that the Duchy is to be overseen by a number of different advisors, both elected and appointed from its populace. The convention of the Duke’s vijeće begins the day prior. The Court Columbarian’s catchpole knocks a fat white fledgling from its cote. It is taken en cage down along the winding steps through the storeroom and into the scullery, where the Chef gorges it on a mix of honey and groats. His maid meanwhile milks the last drops of spiced Roach Red from a sleeve. She offers the sack of chaff and corns to the awaiting Chef, who rifles through his drawer for the bird-funnel… THE DIGNITARIES To proudly proclaim THE DUCAL COUNCIL I. THE CHANCELLOR | SIGISMOND VAROCHE @Enlightenment The eldest son of the alcoholic Stefan Varoche and his Bracchi wife, it was early in his life that he set off for the distant shores of Almaris first finding himself as a ward amongst his distant Montelliano cousins within Haense for a number of years before he left to live in Sedan for a short while, until a fateful meeting with the future duke in a Minitzer tavern, where the scheme to revive Adria was first hatched. The voice and right hand of the Duke, head of the Ducal Council and his Grace’s most honorable government. The chancellor represents the Duke in the great Ducal Duma and serves as his head diplomat for domestic and foreign affairs. Halfway between a functionary and a judge, the Chancellor shall supervise and preside over appellate and civil courts within the Duchy of Adria, maintain records, and employ advocates of the court to enforce civil judgments. II. THE KNIGHT PARAMOUNT | SER ARDASHIR OF CHALDEES @Quantumatics Born the inheritor of the revered Banu Sayatin, the desert warrior monks of the lands of Chaldees, the Mihyaari led an exodus out of the region in resistance to the oppressive and unjust rule of its then leadership. His adoption of Canonism alongside a preservation of his ancient warrior tradition afforded him employ slaying beasts along the Almarian roads. When coming upon the trails just beyond the lands of Adria, he found the Duke Sarkozic and his local envoy assailed by an amassment of wretched vodnik that had emerged from the nearby river. Sparing them the premature fate they would have otherwise endured by virtue of his skill in combat, the Duke offered him the glory of knighthood in gratitude for saving his life. With the novel title, Ardashir was directed to the development of a new knightly order which would bear its duty to Adria, and its purpose multifold in the preservation of the Canonist flock against the many darkspawn that have come to plague their lands. His reputation now hangs proudly across the Kingdom of Aum, renewing an age of folk heroes and gallantry that bear their roots within the traditions of yore. III. THE MARSHAL| SER JOSEPH VASILE @Nectorist The child of a Petran noble, Joseph Vasile grew up in a life of relative ease and comfort, receiving a basic education and martial training as a squire of the Duke of Petra. Growing frustrated with the stratified society of his birth, he struck out in 1907 for greater fortunes abroad, and found himself in the employ of the rising Duke Heinrik. As Marshal, Vasile intends to hammer Petran discipline into the rabble of Adrian levies and armigers. The Marshal is the highest military office one can achieve within the Duchy of Adria, and is appointed directly by the Duke. The marshal oversees, supervises, and commands the bannermen of His Grace the Duke. It is his charge to keep men boarded, fed, trained, and marching in lockstep with the will of the council. IV. THE PRIMATE | ERIK FATHER RENZFELD @Laeonathan A hopeful star in the Church of the Canon, Father Erik of Renzfeld descends from the powerful Euler Merchant family. The newly inducted priest, Erik, started his path by conducting a coronation jointly with the High Pontiff, quickly gaining his Holiness's favor, Father Erik passed favorably through his Examination. Now set upon bringing faith and moral righteousness to the Duchy, Father Erik ascends to the position of Primate. As Primate of Adria, Father Renzfeld serves as the Duke’s spiritual advisor and clerical representative. Questions of the Faith in Adria are delegated unto him, and his wise counsel and advocacy are essential to steer the Duke’s good governance. V. THE MAGISTRATE | UNOCCUPIED As Magistrate of Adria, Zmeu employs his very particular talents in upholding the Duke’s peace, the Duma’s peace, and the rule of law. He is charged with presiding over the criminal courts in Adria, and to employ bailiffs to execute the decisions of the courts. VI. THE EXECUTIONER | JAN ÁRPÁD IVANOVIĆ @Optimus420 At sixteen years of age, Jan Ivanovich has witnessed more than many kings and prelates thricefold his senior. At seven, his opportunistic father Sveneld threatened the realms of Man with turmoil by attempting the assassination of a foreign minister at a peace summit. Slain after the failed attempt, Sveneld’s loyalists kidnapped his son Jan Arpad and fled into the vast and lawless steppe of Central Almaris. Living a existence, young Jan developed a ruthless disposition and an utter determination to see his vision of a Raevir society fulfilled. As the Ducal Executioner, Jan Ivanovich primary responsibility is the enforcement of death sentences for those found guilty of high crimes against the Duchy of Adria. Furthermore he is tasked with aiding the Magistrate & Marshal of Adria in any form of investigations of criminals and bringing them to justice. @monkeypoacher and thank you for being an integral writer for this post, being overall a great guy, and one of the biggest helps to the restoral of the Adrian Dream. Godspeed and we'll always be friends

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE COUNTY OF ALDERSBERG 16th of the The Amber Cold, 1909 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 Austina Prudence Sarkozic the County of Aldersberg, by lawful claim of descent and in recognition of extraordinary merit. Its associated titles, fee and privileges are to be held as the exclusive and perpetual right of the Countess of Aldersberg and her lawful heirs. As any loyal vassal of Adria, the Countess receives the right to counsel her liege, and is so entitled to a seat in the Ducal Duma. In turn, we charge the Countess of Aldersberg and hher heirs with the upkeep of common and ecclesiastical properties, the maintenance of levies, the enforcement of laws. Her rights, liberty, and property are under the aegis of the Duchy of Adria - and in turn, he is obliged to raise her sword in defense of our sovereignty. May this decision bring glory and prosperity to Adria, and may the House of Aldersberg never fail in its duties to our Duchy. IN NOMINE ADRIAE His Grace, Heinrik I Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count-Consort of Aldersberg, Protector of the South, Keeper of the Swans

“May the children of the Commonwealth not suffer the tragic fate of their Heartlander forefathers….empty tables and orphaned” Heinrik Sarkozic muttered as he ordered two caravans of food, clothing, and various tools to be sent to the Chapel of St. Emma posthaste.

Sounds based dude, excited to see this used more on LOTC.