MunaZaldrizoti

Ioanna settled beside the humble hearth within her home, fingers curled around a cup of warmed cocoa. For all the screaming, jeering, and pointless back-and-forth that had occurred, she had at least enjoyed the bard's tune. It was a shame the lyrical remedy had been employed at such an inopportune moment by the Duke, during such a crucial meeting of intended peace. The Rhenyari decided instead to hope the bard might find employers who better made use of her talents.

A CUSTODIAN FOR VALDEV - 513 E.S. - [!] This public missive was published throughout Valdev, pinned to any noticeboards and displayed in various major thoroughfares. To the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska and The Aulic Council, My name is Ioanna of Ba'as, a humble tavernkeep and part-time steward within your city of Valdev. I publish this missive not to offer criticism of your administrative capabilities or tireless devotion to the people of this kingdom, but merely to make light of a situation that could prove far more beneficial to the citizens of your capital if remedied sooner rather than later. In the two saint's years since my arrival in your city, I have been approached several times in regards to housing and keys that grant entry to the city itself. Whilst the former is part of my duty as steward, I have had to rely on those in the upper echelons of the kingdom's administration for the latter in the event I am asked to do so. Alongside this, I have noticed that many of the homes and shops that are left abandoned by their previous tenants are often left in a dire state of disrepair and disarray. There are locations within Valdev, likewise, that might be repurposed for the use of the public, but are left forgotten or hidden away behind walls the common people cannot access. The visibility of the Crown is certainly not lacking, as I am often greeted by the sight of our King and Queen-consort almost every saint's day. But it has become clear to me that the city lacks a central figure around which its administration can revolve. The delegation of duties passed between the various lesser roles of the Aulic Council are a great tangle of confusion that seem to allow certain important areas of maintenance to be left unattended for lengthy periods at a time. And despite their evident-love for their people, I don't believe the King, the Queen, or even their councilors should be made to shepherd that which could be consolidated within a much smaller, much more efficient system. This is why I beseech the Crown of Haense to consider the reinstatement of the Grand Maer, which in centuries past has acted as the main representative for both the people of the capital and its day-to-day administration. With this important custodian returned to the fold of governing Valdev, I feel you will see vast improvements in many areas that while great, could rise to be even better. And if of course I have been missing the inter-workings of the city's administrative efforts, I would gladly admit fault in my assumptions and have more patience with the efforts of the Crown's representatives and servants. I hope you will see the value in my suggestion, as this capital has already provided me with much comfort and many more affendi that I hold dear. I pray it shall further thrive in the years to come! May Saint Tobias guide your path, IOANNA OF BA'AS

Ioanna recalled paying witness to the headless corpse of the Marian knight being delivered to the gates of Valdev. A woman not native to this turbulent land, it painted a clear picture of just how dire this conflict between the different kingdoms and factions had truly become.

Wooo! Excited for the Pantheon Project posts to start rolling out, some of my favorite lore on the server!

FULL NAME: Ioanna of Ba'as AGE: 38 PRIOR EXPERIENCE: (if any) Years of sea-faring, with previous combat training. METHOD OF CONTACT: (munazaldrizotii/MunaZaldrizoti)

A swaddled newborn, the littlest niece of the bride, scowled. Festivities and merriment made her grumpy.

- Established 64 B.A - “St. Tobias of Sarkoz, Patron Saint of Merchants, Comets, Wealth, and Charity. Represented by a silver comet.” - High Pontiff Pontian IV. LEGENDA SANCTORUM, 40 B.A. INTRODUCTION The legacy of any leader is one woven at an early age. The choices they make, the actions they take, the things which they support shall all be remembered generations from now and long after their own expiration. On the eve of her eleventh name-day, the Princess of Monterosa, Johanna Casimira, has decided to begin work on that first section of her lifetime tapestry. Thus, she forms THE COMPANY OF THE COMET, a collective of individuals including herself and peers of her age that promotes friendship & comradery alongside adventuring, discovery, and exploration beyond the walls of Portoregne. No ruin shall be left unexplored, no creature left unknown. The world itself awaits them, with all of its history and treasures. All youths, aged 5 - 12 years, may apply for membership in this order. Being a citizen of the Kingdom of Balian is also not required. THE CODE OF THE COMPANY To begin any such exploration company, one must establish a general list of rules by which its members must conduct themselves. Our CODE OF THE COMPANY is herein listed: I. Be kind and generous, in attitude and with sharing knowledge respectively. II. Always seek adventure, wherever you might find it. III. NEVER commit any act of violence against a fellow Company member. ACTIVITIES The Company of the Comet will pursue a vast array of objectives, including: I. Uncovering existing ruins and native sites across the lands of Aevos. II. Seeking out rumored creatures and previously-undocumented beings for study. III. Taking part in excursions and adventures involving both the mundane & the magical. IV. Visiting foreign nations, learning about their cultures and cultures in order to grow bonds. JOIN THE COMPANY TODAY! [!] A parchment is attached below, bearing the necessary sign-up requirements.

The Princess of Monterosa prepares for the revelry, pleased her father's efforts to sow peace had come to fruition!

The docks of Portoregne came alive that sunny afternoon of 63 BA, with the sound of sails unfurling and heavy footfalls upon the deck of the Armada’s largest ship. The vessel, considered the flagship of the Royal Fleet, had yet to be named and its maiden voyage was to prove quite the momentous occasion. For in the saint’s days previous, the Princess of Monterosa had urged the Lord Admiral, Dante DeNurem, to take up a substantial bounty for the benefit of the kingdom’s coffers. It seemed simple enough, to slay a troublesome siren who had seemingly been blocking trade between the southern ports of Aevos. But the underlying reason that compelled the Balianese to partake in this quest was their young princess’ desire for adventure, to seek out this creature which had slowly become part of her people’s folklore. They departed in the early morning, as the sun began to rise over the horizon. A crew of fifteen had prepared themselves for the bounty hunt that included King Adrian himself, his heir Johanna, the Princess Royal, and his sister-in-law Princess Regina Rostampur. The Lord Admiral was in attendance as well, with a contingent of Armada recruits and lieutenants. Rounding off the adventuring party were nobles of the realm, members of Houses de Lyons and Kervallen alongside the King’s own cousin, Lord Albert Novellen of the Petra. Sitting lazily upon the deck, a final but unofficial member of the maritime crew, was the Crown Princess’ loyal companion, the panda Tobias. It took only a few hours for the ship, helmed by King Adrian, to reach the source of all this region’s sailing woes. A deteriorated shipwreck lay in wait for them, seemingly resting upon the ocean floor. How long it had been sunken, none could say or know. Smaller boats were deployed to inspect the wreckage, yielding the name ‘The Catherine’, painted upon the hull in faded lettering. For all those who paid witness, it was an eerie sign, almost a reminder that even this grand boat had been torn asunder by some powerful force. As they made their return with their findings, the women on the Balianese ship began to hear a faint melody, whispering to them upon the breeze. The song bid them return home, that their troubles with the sea were a pittance compared to the comfort of Portoregne and their seaside kingdom. A jolt would rouse them from this temporary doubt, a fish clung onto the deck. In its puckered lips was borne a slimy stone, plucked up by Princess Johanna. Upon its smoothed surfaced was carved letters, legible by any who could read: ‘L E A V E . P L E A S E.’ The crew had seemingly found the siren’s lair, but unwisely sent out their lesser boats once more to confront the Siren herself. Led by the Princess Royal and Regina Rostampur, they came upon that wreckage once more. The sea life around them began to stir, watching them like birds of carrion might look upon a fresh corpse. And then, that song came again, loud in the ears of the two Princesses and the King’s daughter, who had slipped onto one of those dinghies as well. Whilst the Princess of Monterosa seemed not overcome by the siren’s call, her elder aunts began to change. “Pushhimpushhimpushhim” Growing angry, they turned their frustrations upon their accompanying guards, who they blamed for this pointless voyage. Princess Elena let out a huff, lunging towards Recruit Legends, who had been sent as Princess Johanna’s protector. The pair tumbled into the sea as further members of their party arrived. Alas, the trap had been laid and set, ready to ensnare the Balianese company within its watery grasp. A muscled shark began to ram itself into one of their boats, whilst a beaked squid clamored upon the dingy of Sir Albert to entangle both him and the Crown Princess, whom he had taken over protecting. Jellyfish and minnow engulfed their miniscule armada, rocking them in an effort to cast them down into the depths below. Though they struggled to fend off this onslaught, the party was able to finally perceive what was truly going on. It was too late before the crew realized that Princess Elena had lost her struggle, now sinking half-conscious towards the rotted hull of the shipwreck. King Adrian, the Lord Admiral, and her husband Lord Robyn de Lyons swiftly dove down to rescue her. Watching her father vanish into the darkness of the sea, the Crown Princess cried out in fear for him. Princess Elena caught sight of their otherworldly opponent, but she felt oddly calm. The siren’s song called to her, beckoning her deeper and closer. Outstretched was the princess’ hand, the mermaid offering a tempting kiss. BUT THEN, the Admiral did leap upon that creature, seeing her himself with vision unclouded. She was indeed half-woman, half fish. Her skin was scaled and blueish in tone, eyes large and glowing. Her hair were tentacles, like that of an octopus, and her nails were sharp like jagged teeth. It was, indeed, the Siren of the Shoals. Their undersea battle ensued, but the creature’s prowess in her own environment overwhelmed even the brave Captain DeNurem. Opening her maw wide, she launched her torrential song at him, sending him astray and sinking towards the ocean floor. The King swam after her, seeking to end this battle and claim his prize. From above, Princess Johanna dove down too, a blade grasped in her hand. Her training with Sir Albert had emboldened her and she sought to defend her father…but the Siren had other intentions for the child. The Admiral previously had wounded her, ichor billowing out into the waters from an open wound in her scaly chest. It’s golden eyes set upon the heir, pressing a crying song into her mind. “Savemesavemesavemesaveme” Johanna’s grey gaze glazed over, entranced by this creature of myth and legend. As her aunt Regina swam to entangle the Siren herself, the Princess sent a sluggish kick towards the Rhenyari woman, knocking her away. But it was too late. King Adrian surged towards the wicked sea creature, sword thrusting outward. As the Siren of the Shoals turned her head, preparing another screeching melody, that blade did pierce through her open maw and into her throat. Haste was made in pulling the Princess Royal and Lord Admiral to the surface, the King himself dragging up the limp corpse of the deadly siren. Clinging to the wreckage, the Balianese had only moments to dwell on what had just occurred. With much effort and exhaustion did the party cobble those dinghies together and sail back to the main vessel. It was dusk by the time the ship sailed back into the port of Portoregne, each sailor brooding upon the ordeal. But their bounty had been completed, now all there was left to do was collect that reward and all it entailed. Before departing the galleon, the Princess Royal spoke up in a weary tone. “Frate…I think we have a name for your ship.” 'THE SIREN’S KISS'

Johanna Casimira, the newborn baby's eldest sibling, peeked into the royal cradle to inspect her little brother. A bright grin spread across her visage, pleased to have yet another future playing companion!

The Crown Princess of Balian, Johanna Casimira, gave Don Albert two-thumbs up, endorsing The Hungry Hippo as her favorite business (after her aunt's shop, of course)!

THE RALLY OF ROSEMOOR WOE TO THOSE WHO SEEK TO PROWL OUR FIELDS! The Piata de Regne was alive in the afternoon sun, bustling with citizens and merchants at their trade. Members of the Royal Balianese Armada went about their daily patrols and even the King himself, Adrian I, was partaking in conversation with the city’s Syndic regarding the continued growth of the seaside port city. BUT THEN, on the elongated bridge leading into the city, a young lady was caught up by a band of ruffians, intent upon kidnapping her and doing her immeasurable harm. Quick and almost unseen, they made off with the innocent as the people of Balian rallied to give chase. Led by the King and the Lord Admiral, Dante DeNurem, a party of Balianese citizens charged down the main kingsroad, ready to meet these dastardly foes barefisted. And as fate would have it, those same bandits had happened upon the King’s own brother, Prince Alexios Michael, and were preparing to take him into their vile custody. The party of rescuers came upon them just outside the estate of House Vuiller, preparing themselves for an impending scuffle. ROAR! Out of the shrubbery, unknown to all others, the Crown Princess of Balian did bound towards the bandits unafraid and mounted upon a gargantuan Balianese panda. Her fist was raised high, prepared to defend her uncle herself. “TOBIAS! BASHO!” She cried, steering that black-and-white beast towards their would-be foes. And it seemed Princess Johanna’s valor was enough to instill fear in the hearts of those brigands, for they abandoned the lady and Prince both, fleeing upon their horses with not even a token of their attempted kidnapping. Swiftly, the injured woman was carried back to Portoregne in the arms of King Adrian, attended to within the clinic. The others were left to celebrate and take pride, especially the young Johanna ‘Cometborn’. BALIAN BRINGS THE HEAT! ROSEMOOR'S REST REMAINS AT PEACE!

The spirited Johanna Casimira presented the bounty's parchment to her father, eyes wide with excitement. "Pater! We should go help them find the sirena!" Even if he said no, the youth already plotted on how she might venture off to see this creature for herself. Thus, she ensured it was shown to various others who might be more inclined to go with her.

Uprooting the Lily Her eyes were cast out over the sea, beyond the docks she presently stood upon, and wondered what would await her beyond that horizon line. A year ago, she had been seeking marriage. Now, she sought something greater. The youngest child of King Alexander wished to cement her own identity and legacy, to free herself from the constant demon that was her desire to serve instead of serving herself. The death of the Haeseni king, Georg, had come as the final shock. It was the moment she realized that her father was gone. A memory of his deathbed had crossed her mind, the friendship between the two men being something that had begun to thaw her inherently-frigid heart. She had no dear friends of her own, aside from the magical Huabei. But how could she have ever had time for friendship or love, when she had so much to prove? Apt in its timing, the news of Queen Andromeda’s journey to her distant homeland had likewise brought word of an opportunity. Keen on a continued relationship between the Kingdom of Balian and the Principality of Ba’as, Vizier Theophilus Saffar sent along a request with that ship that was meant to carry the Queen-consort on her trip. It was the desire of the ruling Prince, Balthazar Rostampur, to host a representative of Balian within his lands in the hopes that a greater proximity could be formed between the two nations. Perhaps sensing her growing unrest, the King brought this offer to his sister himself. At first, she hadn’t ever considered a life abroad. Aside from their escape from Almaris to Aevos, Lydia had never ventured long outside of the Balianese crownlands. But, like a blessing, it seemed to be the opportunity she had been seeking these long years since her father had drawn his last breath. So, in the months following Andromeda’s own departure, a second ship was prepared to carry the Princess across the sea, where the promise of a new position and a palatial villa were promised. Servants of her own and a vast citrus orchard to remind her of home. In Balian, her standing had slowly rendered her irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. In Ba’as, she might find renewed purpose. Boarding the vessel, her mind went back to her father and his promises of her greatness. She hoped, with this new venture, she might finally fulfill that destiny. The Lily of Balian was uprooting, to be settled in a place she might better thrive. [!] A letter, sealed with wax, is delivered by court courier to the Duana Hall.

Lydia, preparing for her departure from Portoregne, swelled with pride at the news of her father's lifetime effort being recognized by the most-holy Pontiff.

THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SYNDIC 9th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 62 BA | 1929 With the Balianese people finally settled upon Aevos, the citizens of Portoregne require an inspired leader to represent them and their desires for the present & future. Thus, it is the wish of Her Royal Highness, Princess Lydia Antheia, to formally step down as Interim-Syndic and appoint a worthy successor. Upon the recommendation of the Lord Amiratus, Gaius var Ruthern, the Crown and Office of the Censor does hereby appoint Grimhildr Falkenrath-Chen ( @__WaterFox__ ) to the position of 1st Syndic of Portoregne. The Crown wishes her well in her duties and hopes she shall do great things for our newfound capital. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Princess Lydia Antheia, Countess of Caluzzo, Censor of the Crown

In the midst of preparing her various trunks and parcels for her journey to Ba'as, Lydia hears word of the King's passing from her brother. It had been just a year previous she had gifted the northern monarch with that sentimental token, a pearl from the Balianese sea. She prayed he had kept it with him, a piece of her own affection that had begun with the friendship had between the Barbanov and her late-father. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere, Princess Johanna Casimira's conversation with her guardian, Earnest, yields news of potential children her age she might try to befriend. The Rutherns, of course, and the two eldest d'Arkent boys. She eagerly imagined what their future adventures together might hold!

The seagulls squalled overhead as a mingling of sailors, merchants, and fishermen milled along the docks and stone wharf of Portoregne. That human city, the southernmost port to be founded on this new continent of Aevos, already seemed to attract those seeking to fill their pockets with more coin. Along that wharf, a figure strode at steady pacing, tall and shrouded in worn verdant robes. The boots that fell upon the pavement were scuffed and spotted, a loosened belt jingling as they moved. That form did slow to a halt, stiffened and reluctant, as they came upon a table. "Got somethin' to trade there?" An aged haggler spoke sharply at them. "No..." A voice from beneath the hood would reply, though the tone was weary and unsure. Aenora Araaloq had been one of the last to flee those accursed ruins of Savoy, watching that adopted homeland of Almaris be overrun by blood and darkness. But what were either of those vile things to one such as her? Now, months later and after weeks at sea, she was worn and starved and alone. The mali'fenn drew in a breath, a palm falling to that final possession she owned. A rapier, hilt unpolished and blade somewhat dulled, crafted by her father for her protection. But for all the good sentiment behind that gift, she could only recall the crossbow bolt she had fired at her cursed mother's heart. The memory of her deciding to separate from her kin and take up with a maddened prince. How foolish she felt for so many years thereafter, left abandoned and discarded as a result of her unbridled hubris. The elfess cleared her throat, "Ti...actually. I do have something..." A few moments later, that belt and the blade that hung limply from it were laid upon the haggler's table, exchanged for a handful of minted coins. That informal exchange was swept away quickly, amidst the throng crowding that seaside thoroughfare, her story unimportant and left unspoken. As she made the trek towards the looming city gates, she felt the knot forming in her stomach. For now she realized, with that last act, her father was truly dead...the last of the Araaloq, left with nothing but memories and ghosts.

The young Johanna Casimira pesters her father and mother following the announcement, questioning them both on which fruit represents her best!