MunaZaldrizoti

Mood FOREWORD This document, dated the 12th of the Amber Cold, 110 SA, was discovered within the princely palace of Rostampur following the death of Her Serene Highness, Princess Daria I of Ba’as. The ascension of her daughter, Princess Asria I, put into motion a great collection of old documentation and correspondence between Ba’as and its allies to serve as historical reference. This particular report was written by Sarson al Granpaloma, otherwise known as ‘The Great Pigeon’, an elven scribe in service to King Alexander I of Balian. The dossier was later delivered to Ba’as in the hands of Princess Lydia Novellen, as part of her vast personal collection of her father’s letters, following her marriage to Prince Ambros Rostampur in 124 SA. This historical document acts as a window into the initial planning of the union between the then-Prince Hadrian Casimir and the Rhenyari Princess Andromeda Rostampur, when the Novellen monarch sought insight into the political intrigues of that distant land. 12th of the Amber Cold, 110 SA As an intelligence officer in the court of Ba'as, I am tasked with documenting the complex political landscape that exists within the principality. Ba'as is a great power in the eastern continent of Rhen, with a rich cultural heritage of the Rhenyari. At its helm is Prince Balthazar, a legendary general and warrior of Basrid and Pertinaxi ancestry, who ruled for forty years before being forced into exile for three decades. He has since returned to his throne, wearing an enchanted set of armor that keeps him alive, and continues to campaign against the Rudran Empire. However, as a result of years of magical enhancements, Prince Balthazar is more armor than man, having lost much of his senses, and much of his soul. There are several factions vying for power in the court of Ba'as, each with their own ambitions and desires. The Rostampurs, descendants of Balthazar's eldest son, Rostam, are historically proud and powerful, but have been greatly diminished by war. They are led by Daria Rostampur, a young captain in Balthazar's army, and her two young daughters and young son, who serve as her heirs. The Lyraides, descendants of Balthazar's daughter Lyra, are known for exploring new islands and powering naval expeditions. However, in a bid for survival, the faction has bound itself to the Rostampurs, with Daria's husband Vasili serving as its leader. The Caspaides, descendants of Balthazar's son Caspian, are led by Lysander, a sixty year-old high priest who intends to push his daughter to the throne. The Parsipurs, descendants of Parsi Basrid, control the society of Barraman, responsible for all siegeworks and alchemical innovations in Ba'as. They are led by the geriatric, crabby, and altogether vindictive Iris Parsipur, a 90-year-old granddaughter of Balthazar. Finally, the Mahsadokhts, descendants of Mahsa Basrid, have staggering influence in court, with their leader, the fifty year old groomed and cunning Iskander Mahsadokt, an ice sorcerer, regarded as the master of the palace. He uses his ice sorcery to track and monitor court intrigue, glamoring mirrors and doors with wards and enchanted ice. The first vizier, Nicomedes Cirillo, is tasked with juggling the wills of these factions for stability, while his deputy vizier, Theophilius Saffar, seeks aid from outside realms, large and small. They are faced with balancing the court intrigue of these many factions while also ensuring Balthazar’s wars do not destroy the state. The inevitable crisis that will emerge once Balthazar succumbs to age and death looms large over the court of Ba'as, and it will be interesting to observe how these factions maneuver for power in the coming days. Sincerely, Sarson la Granpaloma ‘The Great Pigeon’, Principal Secretary of Balian

From within her acquired residence in Celia'nor, the eldest sister of that forsaken Drakon sat oblivious to the woes of her relation, or that they even shared blood at all. Instead, she awaited the word of one Ilaria Des'nox, to deliver unto her news that she had been most impatient to hear.

MC Name: MunaZaldrizoti Discord: munazaldrizotii Image: Description of Image: A Grand Maer campaign poster for Ioanna Dimensions: 1 map

A Promise of Wealth, Prosperity, and Pride 10th hag i Tov ag Yermey i 526 E.S. | 10th of the Sun’s Smile, 1973 To the citizens of New Valdev, For many years now, I have dedicated myself in service to those who have resided within the walls of Valdev. This place where I found a renewed sense of home, where I met my husband and birthed my children. Where lifelong friendships have been forged and made stronger by a shared love of our Crown and our country. I have seen patriots die gladly for their kingdom, soldiers rush to the defense of their kinsmen, and princes seek comradery from those they were born to shepherd. All this has come from within our Haeseni capital, this prized jewel of the North. But for all this praise, there is something lacking. The Crown is busy with the tireless work of ensuring the continued success of Hanseti-Ruska, the Brotherhood is pressing forward in their pursuit of these accursed darkspawn that seem to plague humanity. In the midst of it all, our city lacks a leader. One who might represent its citizens as a whole, to advocate for their rights and deliver the desired results. In my time since arriving in Haense, I have placed myself at the disposal of all those who call our city home, be it through the acquisition of housing or the pouring of a hearty pint. It has been a personal effort of mine to speak up where others might not, to voice issues and concerns that others might not desire to bring to the surface. This requires a lion’s courage, something I assuredly possess. Thus I, Ioanna d’Arkent-Kortrevich, do hereby declare my intent to run for the Office of Grand Maer. PLANS & PROJECTS ♦ The Haeseni Task Board - A great sign board within our city, that will promote the conducting of various errands on behalf of the city in return for payment and rewards. This would be done in the hope it would allow the less-fortunate of New Valdev a greater sum of coin, to be spent on necessities for themselves and their families. ♦ The Grand Maer’s Forum - With the hope to host such an event either within the tavern or another major thoroughfare, this public discussion would be hosted every other saint’s week. All citizens, noble and common, would be welcome to come and vocalize any concerns or hopes they might have for the future development of our city. ♦ Tournaments and Contests - In tandem with those bi-yearly forums, it would be my desire to host a variety of differing events ranging from Haeseni Chess to a bout of fisticuffs. Each would award its victor a sum of money and a unique prize, crafted by local merchants or smiths. ♦ Foreign Relations & Commerce - With my background in diplomacy, I have a great interest in the relationship between our capital and the capitals of our various allied nations. Under my tenure, I would seek out opportunities to promote both trade and communication between ourselves and these foreign lands, so we might build stronger ties with those we call friends. ♦ Vision for the Crownlands - The countryside surrounding the city have long sat in some neglect, in need of a similarly-diligent guiding hand. If elected, I will put a focus upon the village of Waltonburg and its surrounding environs, the farms and fields our people receive much of their nourishment from. No mill or barn shall sit unused, no bridge left derelict or pothole in the road unfilled. It is likewise my desire to see the great highways of our realm restored and extended, to promote safer travel between the capital and the lands of our King’s diligent vassals. All of this and more, I promise to the people of New Valdev and Hanseti-Ruska. The Lion’s share of rewards, reaped to the benefit of all those who work and toil on behalf of their beloved kingdom. With GOD as my witness, this city shall see a Grand Maer unlike any before. A lioness shaking her mane, ready to do her people proud. Her Ladyship, Ioanna d’Arkent-Kortrevich

Milena vas Ruthern stood amidst the crowds of refugees who had fled the Comet Lesanov, those folk oblivious to the great change that had so abruptly come upon her house. Despite those mixed emotions regarding her eldest sister and their relationship, she knew the heavy weight of their family's reputation had also landed upon the shoulders of herself and her siblings. If the whisperings of the ghosts didn't keep her awake in the nights to come, this added burden surely would. But as her mother wished, she would stand by Tatiyana's side.

Ioanna Kortrevich grins with excitement, her hopes for the city renewed with this royal edict. The Rhenyari would send off word to that skilled painter she had tasked with creating suitable campaign portraits, for that promised reinstatement and election of a Grand Maer. "It seems the time draws near, affendi. Basho!"

ELECTOR NAME: Princess Ioanna Rostampur ELECTOR HOUSE: Rostampur var Ba'as VOTE CAST: Da.

Milena vas Ruthern, having become deeply religious in those past few months, nodded firmly at her grandsire's words. These creatures were irredeemable, she thought, especially when so many of purer soul were far more bereft and in need of their sympathy. Alas, most would think her mad for saying so.

The King's cupbearer, Milena vas Ruthern, smirked at the ordered removal of those wretched Mechpriests. She kept in mind not to accept any catch sold by the fishermen of Waltonburg, incase they still carried the abominable toxins that alchemical waste surely produced.

Given names: Milena Anastasya vas Ruthern Age: 9 Citizenship: Hanseti-Ruska Relevant skills (if applicable): Natural leader, born with intelligence, has read every book and scroll within Castle Morteskvan. Letter of Recommendation: Prince Josef Stanimar & Tatiyana vas Ruthern ((OOC: Discord)): munazaldrizotii

@peachcooland I were literally talking about how the server needed more faerie-oriented magic and opportunity for the Fae to be explored as a potential culture/roleplay niche. This looks incredible!

Milena vas Ruthern paid no thought of fear to that Comet Lesanov, though was mindful to not be present in Valdev on the day of it's impending impact. To her, she thought it might be a relief at least, to see some of those lost spirits finally released from the brickwork and timber that trapped them within this mortal coil. Those were the naive wishes of the child she was, however. She knew in truth that they would only grow more distressed...and she would be forced to hear them.

Ioanna Kortrevich seemed keen on the prospect of promoting her wine company, showing the announcement of the Reinmaren harvest to her husband Ser Leonid. "Nothing better to benefit diplomacy than celebrating over a good drink, ai?"

Ioanna Kortrevich sat down to dinner with her husband and children, brows furrowing as Ser Leonid relayed the news to their family. It was a mixture of horror and intrigue that filled her mind. The utter-destruction of Valdev and the construction of a new capital in its place, with the potential for both grief and renewed life breathed into the heart of their kingdom. Thus, the Cometborn decided she would not fear the intricacies of fate. Instead, she would begin planning what she might offer to raise funds for those Haeseni architects.

Considering I use it every day, I am EXTREMELY biased for Castle Morteskvan. Was happy to help get this post out to the masses!

[!] A public missive is distributed across the city of Valdev, nailed to noticeboards and walls that might garner attention. BEWARE THE WOODLAND STRANGER! THE STEALER OF CHILDREN! To the citizens of Valdev, and the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, It is with heavy heart that I must address you all once again, as a concerned citizen of our fair northern city of Valdev. For it has come to my attention that we have now had three incidents of the attempted-kidnapping of our children by a mysterious man. This figure, who seemingly seeks to lure these youths into the Queenswood outside of our walls, uses the lies of lost kin, animals, and gifts of sweets in the hopes their innocent minds might be swayed. Fortunately, the future generation of our kingdom has inherited great wisdom, for none of yet to fall for his deceit. However, I bring this situation to the eyes of the Crown and Aulic Council. I beseech His Majesty, King Ivan VIII and his wife Queen Nataliya, to convene with the Lord Marshal and launch an investigation into these strange happenings. Though we mourn our late-King Aleksandr II, I pray we might resume the work of he and his storied queen, Amaya Milena, in our efforts to ensure no dark forces work towards our people's downfall. For if he continues in his attempts, I fear for the day he comes upon those princes and young princess who stand to one day inherit the throne of Barbanov, whilst they're enjoying a carefree day out in the crownlands of our realm. It is my belief that his first appearance was at the recent performance of the traveling Emberweave Circus, where a situation eerily similar to the one reported to me this saint's evening occurred. It was dismissed as merely an overreaction on the part of the children involved, though I fear that was a hastily-made conclusion. According to the words of one EILYS VAN LEUVEN, the young girl I spoke with, he has made two similar attempts to lure herself and her siblings into the wilderness. If information is sought, the family of VAN LEUVEN seems the wisest point of contact for any and all who would concern themselves with the plight of these besieged children. As of yet, I have gleaned no description of this stranger from the young dona. No child should be made to fear that they might be stolen from their homes, lost forever and left without their loved ones. MAY SAINT TOBIAS' COMET LIGHT YOUR PATH. Your ever-vigilant servant, Her Ladyship, Ioanna d'Arkent-Kortrevich

A Vintner Company Est. 521 E.S. “Courage & ferocity are just a drink away!” THE LION’S PRIDE is a newly-established wine-making company, founded by Lady Ioanna d’Arkent-Kortrevich and based within the Kingdom of Hanseti & Ruska. With the hope of introducing her native culture to her adoptive country, these bottled delights are directly sourced and imported from the exotic vineyards of Ba’as, the homeland of Lady Kortrevich. Each beverage is themed after ‘The Arcane Zodiac’, an ancient Rhenyari pantheon of figures, which are said to speak to the personalities of those born beneath their celestial constellations. The promise of a lion’s courage is ensured within every sip, to give any man or woman that extra push to seize the day! A selection of our initial fruit & mulled wines is listed below: ESA’S PASSION - A wine crafted especially to evoke the seaside, tropical essence of the Southern Rudran coasts in Ba’as. This concoction, brewed from passionfruit pulp and cane sugar, is very fruit-forward in flavor and makes for a fine celebratory beverage or dessert treat. Named in honor of Esa, called ‘The Lily’, a sign within the Arcane Zodiac of Ba’as. BARRAMAN’S HUMOR - A wine made with the intention of eliciting delight at its unique and smooth flavor, this particular recipe has been passed down within the generations of the princely House Rostampur for generations. Gifted to the citizens of Ba’as upon the restoration of Prince Balthazar Rostampur to the throne of Rhen, this mango-infused beverage is fermented to perfection and a true window into the exotic tastes of the Rhenyari homeland. Named in honor of Barraman, called ‘The Golem’, a sign within the Arcane Zodiac of Ba’as. KITRAN’S FLAME - In celebration of the unique union between the bloodlines of Rostampur and Kortrevich, this mulled wine brings together two cultures who share long, ancient histories. With grapes, apples, and oranges harvested from the lands of Princess Daria of Ba’as, combined with honey and spices sourced directly from the surrounding lands of Haense, this heated mixture of wine and cider is enough to ignite the taste buds of any who drink it. Named in honor of Kitran, called ‘The Steed’, a sign within the Arcane Zodiac of Ba’as. Pricing for these bottles shall be: 3 mina - A single bottle 100 mina - A case of 32 bottles 200 mina - A case of 64 bottles Cases may be assorted or all of a single variety at the request of the buyer. Cases may also be sold in any quantity greater than 2 at the request of an interested individual. The Lion’s Pride gives priority to taverns, peerages, and royal residences in regards to delivering cases sizing 32 bottles or more, with an offered 10% discount on higher amounts of product. Prices are negotiable depending on the circumstance. [!] The future production of any further wines and beverages will come as demand rises. All fruits used within these bottles are sourced directly from the Principality of Ba’as, with special approval from the House of Basrid-Rostampur.

Ioanna Kortrevich, once Ioanna of Ba'as, was met with surprise as that invitation to the Karovic Duma was delivered into her hands. For all her work to ensure her identity remained secret, it seemed GOD and fate had seen to it's revelation. Alongside it, a letter from her own grandmother Princess Daria Rostampur, and a golden-wrought circlet. A familial request to that far-flung grandchild, an order to represent the interests of their princely house. It seemed the Crown of Ba'as still sought to have a hand in determining the fate of their lineage. Her silvery gaze looked to her husband, Ser Leonid. "I must be a princess once more, it seems. GOD willing, this will not bring disaster."

Looking over the bedside of her wounded husband, Ioanna Kortrevich sat silently and brooded upon the memory of the Queen's lifeless form. This jubilant, kind-hearted woman brought low by a demon's blade. Atleast God himself had seemingly blessed her, with how those bright blossoms had seemingly sprouted from beneath her, watered by the blood she had shed in defense of her kingdom. Few would ever know how she had come to meet the Scyfling Queen, the White Flame of Valdev. As a young heiress with so much hope in her heart and a naive notion about the world. The Red Lady, she had dubbed her, and delivered a precious diamond to her as some childish form of diplomacy. To little Johanna Casimira, it had meant the world. To Ioanna, it was a past life that now sought to twist those memories into further grief and pain. She had lost an affendi--her dear friend and mentor. A look was given to her own Amaya, the fiery-haired toddler who sat and wondered why her mother had spent the last few evenings weeping. That feeling in the Basilica, the warmth she had felt pass through her body like a wave. That great flame that had burned within Queen Amaya...would now burn within her. "We shall tend to the flames of our great lady, my ven," She'd nod to her daughter, a sad smile afforded to the girl who bore the Colborn's name. "We will uphold her legacy."

Ioanna Kortrevich was in the midst of conducting a large crate of empty bottles from the precarious cliffs of Castle Morteskvan to Valdev, spying the announcement of a brewery on one of the city's sparse noticeboards. A sigh escaped her as she pressed on, arriving home to her husband, Leonid. "Hmmm...what to do now, dearest?" The Rhenyari posed the query to the Lord Marshal, and further queries about her own foray into alcohol production. Nonetheless, they would support their cousin's ambitions.