Balthasar

12th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1998 IST THE PASSING OF THE CROWN IN MY ROYAL WILL, Despite my boasts, I have always felt the maws of doubt lurking in the corners of my mind. For all the guidance I have received from my tutors and elders, I remain wearily aware of my shortcomings. The labors that entail kingship are ones I find increasingly formidable with each passing day, and I fear I do not possess the qualities necessary to lead our realm with the pride it deserves. With this letter, I announce my abdication and the accession of my younger brother and Lord of Alba, Mark Anthony Alstion, as King of Aaun. In spite of his juniority, he has shown remarkable strength, resolve and willpower where I could not. I solemnly do believe he will guide our people to a brighter, more ideal future under the gaze of God. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS, His Once-Royal Highness, Godwin II Alstion

12th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1998 IST THE RETURN OF THE KING TO HIS HOLINESS AND THE PEOPLES OF THE LOWLANDS, It has been many years since the institution of the Holy Regency. Pioneered as a means to foster peace among the then-warring nations of Canondom and afford me the opportunity to learn the art of governance, I took it upon myself to inform my conscience of the teachings of the Scrolls, embarking on a long, demure pilgrimage to elsewhere. Now, having come of age, I am now returned from my journey, and, as agreed upon by His Holiness, the Mother Church and my fellow Princes of Canondom, shall begin the restoration of my realm, its legacy and its lands. I would thus like to extend my tremendous gratitude to His Holiness ( @Fleeperpriest ) for all that he has done for my people and I during his reign as Lord-Regent, and look forward to his role in my forthcoming coronation. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS, His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, Godwin II Alstion, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet and Virdain, Protector of the Realm

Ok, this one is actually kinda funny

FULL NAME: Godwin Alstion AGE: Definitely 15 LOCATION OF ORDINARY RESIDENCE: Hand of Horen BEST MEANS OF CONTACT: Balthy

While rummaging through the various documents, records and miscellaneous items in his office in the Hand of Horen, Johannes von Alstreim would bring forth the papers which he took much if not all inspiration from, in the creation of the Aaunic Foreign Office: the old Imperial Foreign Offices. It was nothing he was ashamed of. Aaun had succeeded the Harvest Confederacy, which before that was the Kingdom of Oren and before that was the Holy Orenian Empire - Why reinvent something that already worked? It seemed their cousins in the south, the Kingdom of Balian, had nothing against doing the same and even admired them for it.

HIS APOSTOLIC MAJESTY’S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Known officially as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but often shortened to the Foreign Office. Is the department tasked with maintaining international relations, executing foreign policy and safeguarding the interests of Aaun. The Head of the Ministry is the Secretary of State for Foreign affairs, who occupies one of the Great Offices of Aaun. The title is more commonly known as High Commissioner, named so for the procurement of letters of credence for Crown Ambassadors. The Ministry employs a wide range of civil servants, diplomats and ambassadors. All of these civil servants work in tandem in a network of embassies and consulates. Founded on the fundamental diplomatic principles the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of His Apostolic Majesty, the King of Aaun assists in managing relations and foreign policy. Given its importance, it is a common career path for the aspiring statesman to rise through the ranks. THE DUTIES OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS The duty to ensure continuing good relations of the Apostolic Kingdom with amicable foreign nations on the continent. The duty to report on the relationships which the Apostolic Kingdom maintains with the states of the world. The duty to provide for the welfare of Aaunic subjects who should travel abroad, negotiating peacefully with foreign states for their continued safety, and making such incidents known to the Privy Council as should be known. The duty to inform the Crown and the Cabinet of the customs of their subjects so they may better administer them. The duty to organize meetings with foreign dignitaries, and to periodically travel to foreign lands in the Crown's name, acting as its favored ambassador and negotiator. The duty to negotiate and establish treaties on behalf of the Apostolic Kingdom, as the King’s peace may demand. The power to act as the Crown’s representative in all foreign holdings, governing their affairs in his name, and assuring the welfare of its subjects. THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS The 3rd Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Johannes von Alstreim apt. 11th of Sun’s Smile, 1956 The Foreign Secretary heads the entire Foreign office and its constituent departments, and thus holds complete authority over the Ministry. It is his duty to structure the Ministry of Foreign affairs in a manner that upholds its principles and fulfills its responsibilities. As the head of the Foreign office, the role of the Foreign Secretary is mainly managerial, focusing on the oversight of the Ministry and the delegation of responsibility to the various Crown Ambassadors and Envoys. The Foreign Secretary holds penultimate say on decisions pertaining to foreign policy, bar His Apostolic Majesty, and it is his responsibility that the Ministry maintains diplomatic relations that are in line with the Apostolic Crown. If no directive is given from the Apostolic Crown, then it is the Foreign Secretary’s prerogative to plan the direction of foreign policy for the benefit of the greater Union. The Men who have served as Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs: The First Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Johanes van Aert The Second Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Aleksander Jazlowiecki The Third Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Johannes von Alstreim THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, almost always shortened to Foreign Under-Secretary, is essentially the second in command of the Ministry. In case of the Foreign Secretary’s incapacitation, the Under-Secretary performs his duties until the Foreign Secretary returns or a suitable replacement is chosen. The Under-Secretary is usually selected from those already employed within the Foreign Office. The Foreign Under-Secretary manages the day-to-day affairs of the Foreign Office on behalf of the Foreign Secretary. He is also the head of the Diplomatic Service, placing him in charge of all of its personnel. He is additionally charged with ensuring that the Corps is well-educated on the matters of foreign culture and policy and the general education of the Corps. THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE The Apostolic Crown’s Diplomatic Service comprises all the diplomats and attachés employed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This service constitutes the majority of the personnel within the Foreign Office. These diplomats are frequently deployed as needed to various nations and offices throughout the lands to facilitate communication. Members of the Diplomatic Service are afforded specific benefits and privileges, which are respected by all civilized nations. For any nation to break these privileges bestowed unto diplomats is considered a hostile action. The privileges bestowed are these: Diplomatic Immunity The diplomat shall not be persecuted or prosecuted while on a diplomatic mission. The diplomat shall not be harmed while on a diplomatic mission. The diplomat shall not be detained while on a diplomatic mission. The host nation at any time can declare a member of the diplomatic staff a persona non grata and revoke their diplomatic immunity given a reasonable amount of time to remove themselves from the host nation. Actions not covered under diplomatic immunity are those outside of the diplomat’s official functions. The family members of those on a diplomatic mission shall enjoy the same protections. Right of Safe Passage Diplomats moving throughout foreign nations in which official diplomatic relations are established are to ensure the safe passage of all diplomatic persons. Dangers on the roads are to be dealt with in a timely manner by each host nation with established diplomatic relations, those being brigands, marauders, and wildlife. Inviolability of Premises The premises of a diplomatic mission, such as an embassy, are inviolable and must not be entered by the host country except by permission of the head of the diplomatic mission. Furthermore, the host country must protect the mission from intrusion or damage. The host country must never search the premises, nor seize its documents or property. Inviolability of Documents The archives and documents of a diplomatic mission are inviolable. The receiving country shall not seize or open such documents. The host country must permit and protect free communication between the diplomats of the mission and their home country without fear of the host nation’s Intelligence Services. DIPLOMATIC MISSION The cornerstone of modern diplomacy is the diplomatic mission, envisioned by the Orenian diplomat, Marcus de Rubrum. A diplomatic mission is defined as a congregation of state officials located within a state that is foreign to them, with official duties to represent their originating state. The missions have varying levels of importance, scope and duration. A diplomatic mission refers to the resident mission or the main office of a state’s diplomatic representatives to another country, usually an embassy. A mission is always headed by a diplomat who is granted a letter of credence by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. This letter grants the diplomat their official credentials to act on the behalf of the Apostolic Kingdom. The letters of credence must be shown to the ruler of the foreign power in order to formally begin the mission. DIPLOMATIC RANK Within the world of diplomacy, there exists a standardized system of professional and social ranks. The rank of a diplomat is determined upon the size and scope of the mission they are entrusted with. A diplomat not serving in any official capacity is not granted a diplomatic rank and is referred to as a diplomat. Crown Ambassador The Ambassadorial position is the most coveted and thus highest ranking of the diplomats charged with a diplomatic mission. An ambassador is granted a letter of credence and is treated as the personal representative of the Apostolic Crown and his government. An ambassador's diplomatic mission is defined as an embassy, which must be located within the host’s capital. Envoy The rank Envoy is short for Envoy extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, who also holds charge of a diplomatic mission, however, it is a mission of a smaller scale than that of an ambassador and may serve in a temporary or permanent posting, all dependent on the scope of the mission. The envoy holds plenipotentiary powers, that is, full authority to represent one’s government, an envoy does not represent the head of state. Attaché An attaché is a diplomat who assists the head of a mission in the fulfillment of the duties charged by the mission. Attaché’s make up the majority of the diplomatic corps, as it includes all the diplomats who are not granted a charge of their own. Their authority is passed down to them by the head of the diplomatic mission, when it is necessary for them to represent their home nation. JOINING THE FOREIGN OFFICE The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is always searching for patriotic civil servants to enroll in His Apostolic Majesty’s Diplomatic Service. The Ministry is searching for capable or aspiring statesmen, negotiators and scribes to serve. The Foreign Office requests that all candidates that present themselves be in good standing in the view of the Apostolic Magistrates and all foreign judiciaries. Travel is expected of all employees. Temporary residence may be required depending on one's posting. Diplomatic immunity and writs of passage are bestowed to all servants acting on behalf of the Foreign office. A formal education is desirable, but not required. Candidates with a legitimate education will receive benefits, but proof of this must be demonstrated. To apply to the Foreign Office, send a letter of inquiry to the Foreign Secretary, Johannes von Alstreim, to schedule an interview.

PACT OF THE SILVER SEA As agreed upon on the 6th of Owyn’s Flame, 1988 Between the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Most Serene State of Lurin ARTICLE I - SOVEREIGNTY The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Most Serene State of Lurin, or henceforth ‘the signatories’, recognise each other’s sovereignty over their territories, titles, and vassals, including any of the three that the signatories may come to possess in the duration of the pact provided that they were acquired in good faith. ARTICLE II - NON-AGGRESSION The signatories pledge to each other to adhere to principles of peace between each other. They shall not wage war upon one another, nor shall they raise arms against one another, or try to bring harm to the integrity of one another’s realms. This includes but is not limited to: supporting mercenaries and/or bandits in attacks against a signatory; making claims about a signatory with the intent to ruin the reputation of its culture, people, or leadership; and using the well-intentioned articles of this pact to disadvantage another signatory. ARTICLE III - DIPLOMATIC PROTECTIONS The signatories shall abide by and uphold the privileges of diplomats. The privileges being these; diplomatic immunity, right of safe passage, inviolability of premises and inviolability of documents. For the signatories to break any of these privileges bestowed unto diplomats, shall be considered hostile action. ARTICLE IV - TRADE AGREEMENT The signatories shall, pursuant to mutual benefit, commit to free trade, and shall permit merchants from either nation to travel and trade free from tariff or harassment. Additionally, a stall shall be provided, waiving annual rents, in either signatory’s capital. The signatories further pledge that, as long as this extant treaty is in effect, access (barring this article's abuse) to the Lurinite Iron Mine Network, will be granted to the Aaunic government; whilst access (barring this article's abuse) to the Aaunic Cattle Rearing Byre, will be granted to the Lurinite government. ARTICLE V - EXTRADITION The signatories pledge to assist each other with extradition requests and shall not support evident criminals with hiding or otherwise escaping from the authorities of the signatory they transgressed in. ARTICLE VI - DURATION This treaty shall be in effect for a period of twenty (20) years, after which the signatories may convene once again to discuss renewing the treaty. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, by the Grace of GOD, Apostolic King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, the Franklands Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain, Protector of the Realm His Highness, Johannes von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine etc. High Commissioner of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun GUNDANAT’VUKH, Silver Lubba of the Most Seren State of Lurin, Wargoth of Vukh

Johannes von Alstreim wiped the sweat from his brow. He and his House had participated greatly in the reseeding of nature in the valley, which were so aptly named the Franklands. As he looked down at his hands they were caked in dirt, how unfitting for the Prince of Merryweather, he thought... Later he would visit Calliopeburg and speak with the Salvian delegation

Envelopes, containing the Guild's response within, are stamped with the Sigil of Guildmaster von Alstreim and sent back by way of homing pigeons to the aspiring Adventurers. Apologies for delay. All applicants approved for further induction. Applicants are hereby summoned to the Guildhall for aforementioned interview.

Ser Manley refuses the troll’s temptations THE TROLL’S COURTSHIP Is a folk song of ancient Waldenian origins, it tells of a young and handsome knight, who meets a mountain troll who attempts to enchant him so they can be betrothed but he rightfully renounces the troll, citing that if she were not a spawn of Iblees, he would marry her and free her of her curse. It reminds the listener of the curses that were made upon the Descendant races and the dangers of half-races, the double-cursed. There exist various versions of the song, some more on the nose than others, implying that the troll is a pagan descendant, even in these texts the knight refuses to marry her, again because of her misguided faith. Early one morning before the sun did rise And the birds sang their sweet song The mountain troll proposed to the fair knight She had a deceitful tongue Ser Manley, Ser Manley, will you be betrothed to me? For that, I gladly offer you gifts Surely you can answer but yes or no If you wish to or not? To you, I will give the twelve great steeds That graze in a shady grove Never has a saddle been mounted on their backs Nor bridles in their mouths To you, I will give the twelve fine mills That stand between Powys and Langford The mill stones are made of the reddest brass And the wheels are silver-laden To you, I will give a gilded sword That jingles from fifteen gold rings And fight how you will On the battlefield, you will conquer To you, I will give a shirt so new The lustrous best to wear It is not sewn with needle or thread But crocheted of the whitest silk Such gifts I would surely accept If you were a Canonist woman But I know you are the worst mountain troll From the spawn of Necken and Iblees The mountain troll ran out the door She wailed and she shrieked so loudly "Had I gotten that handsome young man From my torment, I would be free now" Ser Manley, Ser Manley, will you be betrothed to me? For that, I gladly offer you gifts Surely you can answer but yes or no If you wish to or not? Translated into Common by,

MC Name: Vylkmir Discord: Balthy Image: Description of Image: A portrait of the von Alstreims in circa 1980 Dimensions: 2x2

Why are you czech?

✠ EIGHTH WALDENIC DIET Fourth Session, 8th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1979 ACTHE WALDENTAG Vierte Sitzung, 8. Gottfrieds Triumph, 1979 MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ VELEN MARIGNAN HOHENGARTEN MOTIONS ANTRÄGE KNIGHTING OF ANSELM BARCLAY Vote: Allow ANSELM BARCLAY to take the oath as a KNIGHT of the VANDORIAN ORDER and the ORDER OF THE BLACK EAGLE RENAMING THE ELECTORATE OF MARIGNAN TO THE ELECTORATE OF VOHENHEIM Vote: Change the name of the Electorate of MARIGNAN to the Electorate of VOHENHEIM ELECTION OF THE NEXT VANDALORE Vote: Election for the next LORD/LADY VANDALORE of the WALDENIC DIET. KNIGHTING OF ANSELM BARCLAY Having served as squire to RITTERKOMMANDANT SIEGMUND von REUSS, ANSELM BARCLAY has completed his final trials and petitions the Waldenic Diet to be knighted as a Knight of Vander. VOTE: ALLOW ANSELM BARCLAY TO TAKE THE OATH JA MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ VELEN MARIGNAN HOHENGARTEN Motion passed unanimously. ANSELM BARCLAY took the oath and is now SER ANSELM BARCLAY, a Vander Knight. RENAMING THE ELECTORATE OF MARIGNAN TO THE ELECTORATE OF VOHENHEIM The HOUSE von THEONUS petitions the Waldenic diet to have their Electorate from MARIGNAN to VOHENHEIM. VOTE: RENAME THE ELECTORATE OF MARIGNAN JA MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ VELEN MARIGNAN HOHENGARTEN Motion passed unanimously. The Electorate of MARIGNAN shall be known as the Electorate of VOHENHEIM, taking effect at the next session of the WALDENIC DIET. ELECTION OF THE NEXT VANDALORE The LORD VANDALORE JOHANNES von ALSTREIM announced his retirement from the position of LORD VANDALORE, calling for the immediately elections of a new LORD VANDALORE The Electorate of REINMAR-SUTICA nominated ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD. The Electorate of HOHENGARTEN nominated FRIEDRICH von AUGUSTEN. VOTE: THE NEXT VANDALORE ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ VELEN FRIEDRICH von AUGUSTEN MARIGNAN HOHENGARTEN ABSTAIN MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM The vote is 3-2 to ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, with 1 abstention. ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD is the LADY VANDALORE. VOTE: MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE EIGHT WALDENIC DIET JA MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ VELEN MARIGNAN HOHENGARTEN Issued and proclaimed in the name of the Waldenian People, Ausgestellt und verkündet im Namen des Waldenischen Volkes, LORD VANDALORE

The aged Prince of Merryweather had the missive read to him over supper. Abruptly a fist smashed on the table as he heard what was written about Aaun "What?!" he screamed "They killed the King, his advisors, my father! And all the cowards do is send a letter to apologize?" the Prince's supper was furiously cast aside. Supper was ruined.

PACT OF LA DORADA 8th of Sun’s Smile, 1978 ARTICLE I - SOVEREIGNTY The Heartlander Confederation and the Sovereignty of Hyspia, or henceforth ‘the signatories’, recognise each other’s sovereignty over their territories, titles, and vassals, including any of the three that the signatories may come to possess in the duration of the pact provided that they were acquired in good faith. ARTICLE II - NON-AGGRESSION The signatories pledge to each other to adhere to principles of peace between each other. They shall not wage war upon one another, nor shall they raise arms against one another, or try to bring harm to the integrity of one another’s realms. This includes but is not limited to: supporting mercenaries and/or bandits in attacks against a signatory; making claims about a signatory with the intent to ruin the reputation of its culture, people, or leadership; and using the well-intentioned articles of this pact to disadvantage another signatory. ARTICLE III - MUTUAL DEFENSE The signatories hereby pledge to assist each other in matters of national defense; an attack on either party by a third party shall be considered an attack against both. Any disputes between the signatories shall first be resolved through peaceful discussion among the leadership of both signatories. In the event that the territorial integrity of either nation is threatened in any manner by an external force, the two shall come together to discuss preemptive measures. ARTICLE IV - DIPLOMATIC PROTECTIONS The signatories shall abide by and uphold the privileges of diplomats. The privileges being these; diplomatic immunity, right of safe passage, inviolability of premises and inviolability of documents. For the signatories to break any of these privileges bestowed unto diplomats, shall be considered hostile action. ARTICLE V - TRADE AGREEMENT The signatories are to provide a free stall free of rent in their respective capitals for each signatory to promote economic growth and ties. Any tariffs that may have been imposed on the signatories beforehand are revoked, and the creation of new tariffs is forbidden for the duration of the pact. ARTICLE VI - EXTRADITION The signatories pledge to assist each other with extradition requests and shall not support evident criminals with hiding or otherwise escaping from the authorities of the signatory they transgressed in. ARTICLE VII - DURATION This treaty shall be in effect for a period of fifteen (15) years, after which the signatories may convene once again to discuss renewing the treaty. His Apostolic Majesty, JOHN I, by the Grace of GOD, Apostolic King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine, Baron of Blanchet, Protector of the Realm Her Royal Majesty, CATHERINE I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty His Highness, Johannes von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine etc. High Commissioner of the Heartlander Confederation HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, RAMONA I, Sovereign Princess of Hyspia, Duchess of Pacazu, Baroness of Arenisca and Del’mar, Lady of Ladorada, Lady of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Gran Maestress of El Orden de Francisco, Protector of the Hyspian People, Protector of the Farfolk, Matriarch of House de Pelear Rafael Arsenico de Pelear Infante of Hyspia, Baron of Evaristo, Diplomatic Ambassador of Hyspia