Nooblius

The Duke of Adria watches the Coalition army marching west from Easworth Heights through Winburgh's front yard to return to Westmark. He scratches his head as he contemplates the coming course of war. A clump of hair falls out. This sign of ill health somehow stirs confidence in the duke, and he calls out to his courier; "I have taken auspices. Fetch the Bard, we shall seek audience with the Grand Covenant soon again." Markus looked back out the window and counts the banners of the coalition. Six remain. How many of them truly sought our people's destruction? His fingers shook in mild mania as he considered this. Surely not six. His smile widened, and he left his office to find Captain Radmir. Despite negative covenant covfefe, Markus Sarkozic remained with heart and hope.

The Duke of Adria wipes some sweat off his brow. He remarks aloud to his aides, "6 more to go! May GOD forever bless the Númenedain, most righteous of Canonists!"

The Duke of Adria scowled as he read these words. He would call out to his couriers, that they might lift his words across the roads. "I asked only for a home for my people, and was denied. They insisted that our culture was an accursed one, and that there can be no home for Midlanders unless we are to be evicted and spread across all nations in a Diaspora. This is a bold retelling, certainly, of the day's events. Let it be known the terms of peace listed as a 'Hope for New Dawn' remain, and that the war shall continue not for pride, but the envy of lesser nations seeking to remove the midlanders from any chance of home." The Duke of Adria with the help of a Planeswalker observes the similarity in the Piast Dynasty Crest and that of House Sarkozic.

Norli Starbreaker had long since retired, his time of service to Kin and Clan long done. But when the young Ulfar Starbreaker insulted him so flagrantly, and for little perceived reason; it awoke something that had long been dormant in Norli. This feeling was beyond even his own words, for the only apt description was an Irongrinder adage. Spite makes right.

A Hope for Dawn To the King Aleksandr and the fellow members of the Grand Covenant, I do not mean to deceive you. The change from Veletz to Adria is not in an attempt to pull a ‘swaperoo’ on the coalition, but to fundamentally begin a transformation in the substance of the midland realm. I understand that the dynamics of this would be not merely lost, but seemingly nonexistent to those outside the midlands. But the change was not in service to outlanders, but midlanders. I will take full accountability for the actions of the Captain-Generals. Not because I was complicit in them, for this I shall deny at least to a major extent. Many sources from across Aevos can attest to the role I played within the Captain-General’s council, which was of ‘Countersignaller’ and opposition. At every move I advocated reconciliation and mercy, if only the accused admitted a desire for peace. But nonetheless, I did choose to fight alongside him in the defense of his regime, and now stand at a position that inherits his authority. It is only proper that I inherit his debts, and withstanding wrongs not yet made right. That a summit is called gives me trust that there are intentions to see a path forward for peace, wellbeing, and reconciliation. This war was a lamentable tragedy, but in the pursuit to see its end, to see justice be doled responsibly, and to see a restoration of a nonviolent Canonist order, this recent letter ‘Should Dawn Come’ has been the strongest proof of good intentions. I observe a lack of defined terms, and while I would inquire about such absence of that which I believe is paramount to not only bring peace but wage war; I am prepared to offer terms of my own. In exchange for peace, I, Markus Sarkozic: I) Would surrender all lands save those of Windburgh and its surrounding properties, Aldersberg and its surrounding properties, the village of Oxenstead and its surrounding properties and the Euler Steppe, II) Would establish a tribunal staffed by members of the Mother Church, named at the behest of His Holiness, to help steward this country and reintegrate it into the fold of the Church, III) Would aid in finding and arresting all hitherto named excommunicants that have not sought justice with the Mother Church, IV) Would dissolve the Duchy of Adria and lay it to rest in abeyance, V) Would invite a Holy Inquisition to investigate all of my remaining properties for any signs of Ibleesian, necromantic, Azdrazi, or any other dark influences with full military backing, VI) Would surrender my eldest son, Tobiasz Maxim, as ward to whichever court so desires them to instruct them on high morality, VII) Would arrange the payment of reparations in the form of minae and whatever additional resources may be harvested on the land available, VIII) Would swear against taking arms in aggression against Canonists without the express permission of the Mother Church, IX) Would reconstruct the government of my new properties under the supervision of the Mother Church and a neutral commission of the Covenant. These terms are not meant to impose on the coalition, but simply a means to begin an honest dialogue. I have nothing to hide, and nothing to gain but the graces of GODANISTAN and peace in the midlands. His Grace, Markus Marie Sarkozic Duke of Adria, Count of Aldersberg

PROVISIONS OF DUCAL AUSTERITY THE AGENDA OF MARKUS SARKOZIC 8th day of Sigismund’s End of 1960 [Listen] “Observe the Adrian Effect; that the duma and its institutions bring prosperity to its every tract of land.” Random Adrian Alderman 4th Duma of the Sarkozic Restoration CREATION OF THE SIEGE TRIBUNAL The Duke of Adria hereby proclaims the creation of a SIEGE TRIBUNAL, a council of the best men of the Midlands to oversee its transition. The SIEGE TRIBUNAL shall commit itself to the formation of new civic institutions, budgetary soundness, defensive capability, upholding the dignity of the Midlands & its people, the de-escalation of conflict against, diplomatic reconciliation with and reparation to the Covenant to establish lasting peace. This tribunal shall endure for the course of the crisis and a supplementary two more years, or until the holding of a Duma to determine the nation’s fate, barring any external concession from negotiations. PERSONNEL OF THE TRIBUNAL Tribune of State Affairs [JoanOfArc] Tribune of the Duma [ radzig ] Aide to the Duke [ hemomancy ] Tribune of Civic Defense & Readiness [Tide1] Tribune of Budgetary Reconciliation & Urban Development [Rainalyn] Tribune of Rationing and Measures [moosehunter123] Siegemaster General [6xdestroyer] Tribune of Public Morale [Aces__1] Censor of the Midlands [levy_spearman] DIPLOMATIC CORPS OF THE TRIBUNAL Diplomat Sir Radmir Montalt [bingusVEVO] Diplomat Adelheid Klara [CherryBud] Diplomat Vasyl Otto Sarkozic [Laeonathan_] PONTIFICAL LEGATE - [ APPOINTMENT ] Brandt Cardinal Albarosa [MadOne2k] Frantzisko Cardinal Buron [Nescaffier] Rhosyn Cardinal Casica [Andrew_Tech] Another Delegate of Pontifical choosing. PROCLAMATION OF DIPLOMATIC POSITION The following is to be adopted as the official positioning of the Duchy of Adria and its SIEGE TRIBUNAL. ON REPARATION & RECONCILIATION It is the position of the SIEGE TRIBUNAL and his Grace, the Duke of Adria that further conflict for the justification of past wrongs may go on no longer whilst the Midlands bleeds its youth into saturated soil, and that a measure taken in the spirit of concession or reconciliation to cease the bloodletting within Canondom may be a measure well taken. Under their own will, the Duke of Adria, Markus Sarkozic and the SIEGE TRIBUNAL condemn and accept accountability for the following injustices: ✠ To the Kingdom of Haense; for the attack on Valdev during a time of peace, without even presenting terms of complaint. There was no chivalry in such action. ✠ To the Commonwealth of Petra; for the threatening of the Royal House of Petra to leave the Canonist League. A friend was treated as an enemy, and thus they righteously became one. ✠ To the Kingdom of Balian; for housing the Ferrymen during their raids upon Balian, and for the burning of a cultural artifact earned through hardship against the servants of Ruin. ✠ To his Holiness the Pontiff, Sixtus VI, and his Holy Church; for numerous attacks on clergy property, the capture of Cardinals, and failure to reconcile the excommunication. ✠ To the United Kingdom of Aaun, for the implied endorsement of the assassination of His Majesty Edmund I through the conducted raid upon Whitespire thereafter. ✠ To the Exilic Kingdom of Numendil; for the death of Cardinal Toni, and the insults done to Tar-Caraneth and her father-predecessor. ✠ To the Kingdom of Norland; for the threats of unreasonable escalation against the High Keeper when Norland was friend. A friend was treated as an enemy for no grand reason. ✠ To the Grand Kingdom of Urguan; that the dwarves have been forced to march all over Aevos. To rob dwarves of their time in the forge is an injustice against all descendents. The Duchy furthermore acknowledges the letting of blood for the purpose of justifying this unjustifiable conduct as misadventure wrongly based in pride. It also asserts that it is the right of nations who seek peace to defend themselves likewise against fruitless ventures of wrath in the spirit of domination all the same. Just acts of war done during war shall not be apologized for, though reparations offered. Unjust acts of war shall be properly paid for in full. ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW ORDER The Duchy holds, however, as custodian of the Midlands, that it is in the best interest of Canondom for its continued sovereign tenancy in this position, that the postwar order may be a lasting one. The SIEGE TRIBUNAL holds, as reasonable men would, that this order must be in cooperation and oversight with the Church to prevent villainy from taking root once more in Adrian soil. ON THE DIGNITY OF THE MIDLANDS The Duchy affirms, as well, that while concession is possible, these concessions may not infringe upon the dignity of the Midlands or its people and must remain measured in nature. The SIEGE TRIBUNAL furthermore warns those in the grasp of wrathful vigor that extreme acts often find extreme response, and when a great shock or displacement occurs on the high seas, the whirlpool drags all in proximity into the depths. The complete destruction of the Midlands shall only serve the interests of Ruin, that embittered men shall forever seek vengeance when there may be reconciliation among the just and unity against the unjust. It is understood such trust shall take time to develop. PERSONA NON GRATA The Duke of Adria declares the banishment of Vyllaenen of the Ferry for being a known evildoer. The Duke of Adria declares the impending banishment of all who do not provide immediate proof of their started reconciliation with the Holy Church among the excommunicated of Veletz. Saskia, Hendrik, and Johanes have documented their path to redemption. If proven to be false, such a path falls through, or otherwise problems arise they shall be banished. Valentin, Yvine, Hurin and Godric have not declared yet their interests of redemption. They shall be declared banished from the Midlands within two Saint’s Eves if they do not have a writ from a member of the Curia sent to the Duke of Adria attesting to their path of redemption. Gaspard van Aert, although having spoken intent to speak to the High Pontiff, has since entered self-exile. He shall maintain this exile until wrongs made right with both Church and Coalition, and his soul shall remain prayed for by the entirety of the Midlands.

The Duke of Adria read over the letter. He had a knee-jerk reaction, of course. How dare they question my intentions? Was having your world peace ruined by others so terrible a crime? But deep down, a special grace guided Markus' heart to know things are never so simple. He knew the shame and guilt that things had progressed to the point he told his own squire to abdicate. Markus knew his own inaction in the aftermath of Johanes' reign was to blame. And so he endeavored to take ownership, and he began to write a reply. Cassius von Draco, I remember you. How could I forget? There were not many sons of that house upon Aevos, yet one of the few walked in the door just as I was speaking of their crimes within Adria to the High Pontiff. The conversation you refer to with his holiness Sixtus V was perhaps one of the most important ones I have had in my life. The declaration I wrote afterwards was then also dubbed 'The Reconciliation of Adria'. You are right (for the most part, anyways). I take great shame in having allowed the diplomacy of the Midland Realm of which I was a founding member turn into what it has. I look back in hindsight, and think of the times I could have asserted myself to take command before aggression even happened. But it did happen, and when it did it quickly escalated. We were once again engulfed in a grand war, and this time with twice the enemies we had before. But am I a Hypocrite? I think not. I have not encouraged the wrongdoings within the midlands, but have instead made my mission their wholehearted rectifying. They are disavowed now as they were then, and anyone who has spoken to me throughout the war either within the midlands or abroad can attest to this. At every turn, I advocated restraint and reconciliation, and it did not fall on deaf ears. The pontiff has attested publicly to this before, that I had sworn myself to his aid several times. All who have witnessed my conduct whilst in captivity can attest that my only demand was that they must genuinely advocate for resolution (terms or not) and I would back their life to the hilt. I do not know looking back what would have been better to do, except that which I have now done. Perhaps it would just be better to go to exile. But if I believe if you genuinely look to the people of Veletz, you will not find a godless people but a zealous folk. Crimes have been committed, but they are not unpunished. Gustaf Otto, the one who burned the church in Petra, was ordered to turn himself into the Church but thereafter died during the Siege of Brasca. His debt has been assumed by Adria, and I shall see it made right. Those terrible acts of war that have occurred do not come in glee, but out of fear. A war is declared with the stated goal of our total death. There is no declaration to have the princes of the coalition preside over a tribunal; only demands of absolute death. What man shall accept this surrender? Would it truly be better to die than to make right your wrongs against the graces of GODANISTAN? Do we exalt Gustaf Otto the churchburner for dying during the siege? Or would it not have been better that he stand to face his crimes? I submit myself and my office to justice. I do not pretend to know what terms such shall mean. But I shall always refuse total death and destruction as a means of peace. That is no surrender, that is a slaughter. I shall never accept those who seek to exalt their own vices in the punishment of others'. This behavior shall not yield honor but instead bitterness that shall be used to cause the ruin of nations. My mind goes to warnings of Auspice, which speak of how Kings, Priests and Nobility are used as tools of evil. I am confident that should a peace summit be held, the right solution shall emerge from those gathered so long as they are allowed a tongue to speak. And it because of these things, not despite them, that Gaspard relinquished his regime to me. He knows that the current situation has not developed to the interests of the midlands, and he loves his people. He wants them to be united with Canondom, and to live flourishing lives. His aggression was a vice, and it shall be punished by the Holy Church (and the state too no doubt shall inherit punishments). But his love was a virtue, and it would be better for us all if that virtue would triumph. Markus Sarkozic

The Duke of Adria was tired beyond measure, but gave the slightest smile as comfort reached his ears. There were those who wanted peace. He hoped they would not be outnumbered.

"Yes" spoke the Duke of Adria, as he was writing his first writ of Banishment.

RECONCILIATION OF ADRIA It was from victory of the Holy League in the Schism Wars that Adria was born; a union between the triumphant Saint Emma Vladov of Woldzmir and the diplomat Paul Sarkozic of Eastcliff. Their holdings together made the first March of Adria, a culture baptized in loyalty to the Church and in war against its enemies. It has been a great tragedy that the midland realm borne of Adria has been one in great strife against the Church. The healing of such wounds therefore is the primary interest of the ruler of the Midlands, and thus the first decree of the new Midland realm is such; I. The midland realm shall be a defender of the Mother Church, and commit its arms to its defense and integrity. The midland realm shall therefore be committed to the cause of reconciliation for all reptentent excommunicated, and the opposition to all unrepentant wrongdoers. II. All who are Excommunicated and Anathema shall be mandated to find reconciliation with the mediation of the Duke of Adria, or face banishment. Gaspard van Aert, Hendrik van Aert, Valentin van Aert, Godric ap Easworth, Saskia van Aert, Johanes van Aert, Yvine Pavlichenko, and Hurin Nullivari-Ibarellan are to meet whatever penance required of them, if any, to any extent required. Rest in peace; Gustaf Otto van Aert and Sir Ethan Irons. Let all pray for the repose of their souls. III. The Ferrymen are included in this mandate, and shall be removed from the Midlands if they do not reconcile to the Mother Church and repent. IV. The attackers of the Petran Nunnery shall be turned in to the Cardinal Rhosyn to seek penance at her absolute direction. V. The Church shall be given insight into the provisional government overseeing the reconciliation and reconstruction of the Midlands. After reconstruction, the Church shall receive a councilor on whatever authoritative assembly emerges. VI. Canon Law shall be enshrined within the Midlands and be enforced by the Duke of Adria and his agents in the name of the Mother Church and Godanistan. VII. The Property Rights of the Mother Church shall be restored within the Midlands; gaining ownership of all churches and shrines. VIII. Any and all attacks, robberies, harassments et cetera on members of the church or church property are to cease immediately under threat of high punishment. With these actions and only with these actions; the midlands move into a stage of RECONCILIATION with the Mother Church, which furthermore advocates for a reasonable peace to fall upon the midland realm. IN NOMINE DEI, His Grace, Markus Marie Sarkozic Duke of Adria, Count of Aldersberg, Censor of the Midlands HIS HOLINESS, SIXTUS VI High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon

THE LEAGUE OF VELETZ ABOLISHED The path paved by sheer might has not led to flourishing and unity, but rather to a wounded Midlands and divided Canondom. The midlandfolk are a righteous lot who seek to raise the ideals of chivalry and hard-work, but instead are burdened with constant avoidable conflict that does not promote their interests. NO MORE. The sword has failed to provide for the midland realm. It is time for the pen. THEREOFRE with authority as the lord of the founding duchy and with popular support from the Court of Winburgh, the Duke of Adria declares following; I. The League of Veletz shall be dissolved forever from the midlands; let no man call himself Captain-General, or master of his titles. II. The Duke of Adria shall usurp control over the midlands and install a provisional government for the purpose of reconciling and reconstructing the midlands. III. The Covenant shall be made no longer an enemy of the midlands, and are called to attend a peace summit where wrongdoings shall be made right. IV. All evildoers, fairies, phantoms and lepers shall be banished to the leper-city. V. All ambitious and righteous men are invited to partake in the renewal of the midlands. PEACE IN OUR TIME His Grace, Markus Marie Sarkozic Duke of Adria, Count of Aldersberg, Censor of the Midlands

Norli had always been very supportive of younger dwarves, and found himself considering to support Ulfar despite the shade thrown on Jorvin. Yet when he read the condemnation of Khron'Hundmar, the old Rhun Prophet's heart was hardened and he schemed once more. But alas; it broke the elder's heart to ponder what cruel words he would speak!

The Duke of Adria was not keen on the Savoyard's interruption- certainly that it was the Baron of Rychwald's wife. He wondered if she saw herself as a de Rouen lady or a Kovachev bride first. But such scandal would not leave his lips, instead the good duke hummed along to the jolly tune wrung by Rowena of Caesterwick. "A true Adrian bard, niet doubt. Let this song join the ranks of those traditional tunes sung at dumas past- and let it be heard in dumas to come! For this wonderful lady has captured the very spirit of the duma, singing this song on the spot! Lyrics spurred by the energy within the air." He beamed with pride at the day's events, and cried out, "Godani, bless Rowena!"

"Brathmordakin! Don't shorthand the name of the Gods." cried a grumpy elder.

A RESTORED DUMA THE COMMITMENT OF ADRIA Ever since the Duke of Adria fell ill during the governance of Captain-General Germancius van Aert, the Duchy of Adria had been far from worthy of its prestige. Its borders remained still upon the boundaries of Aldersberg, its houses were compelled by Winburgh to leave Adria's DUMA, and with depleted numbers no DUMAs were held within Adria. But no more; this month a restored DUMA shall be held to unify the Adrian houses scattered about Veletz into a joint commitment, and to make plans for a High DUMA to further bolster the Adrian spirit. Through the establishment of civic institutions, social classes, and feudal obligations the honored lords shall endeavor to rejuvenate and preserve the Duchy of Adria. To this end, a Siege Tribunal shall be established and tribunes appointed by the DUMA to oversee this period of intense risk for the duchy and its community. By the graces of Godanistan, may the Duchy of Adria preserve. [OOC; today at 3:30 PM EST, Aldersberg.] FOR THE EAGLE AND CROW, Markus Marie Sarkozic Duke of Adria, Count of Aldersberg, Censor of the Midlands Further signatories followed;

if i gave u my love on a silver platter would you build a 10x10 build for me (new capital of adria)

Norli Starbreaker nominates Rhewen Frostbeard!

Norli Starbreaker frowns as he hears the news. He had been for a long while a teacher of Garedyn, then an enemy, then a supporter once more. They had a tumultuous relationship, and certainly many of Norli's orbiters whispered to the elder Starbreaker that Garedyn was a thief and enemy of the Gods. But Norli knew in his heart that just as many of the ambitious shrewd dwarves of the day, Garedyn had Urguan's glory held high in his heart. He placed a few trinkets from Khron'Hundmar on a shrine of Dungrimm, and asked that they may be put torward Yemekar's bid for the Green Soul. "The first forest dwarf king- Paragon Bjor shall greet this one warmly in the halls."

The Duke of Adria perks a brow. "The supposed Darkspawn within? Nordling, what?"

The following letter would be publicly available with ease within the Duchy of Adria or the Principality of Stassion, though any wanderer might spread rumors of what they had read. TO THE HOUSE OF STASSION Please, let those titles bound uniquely to the past House Sarkozic be destroyed for your own sake. To harbor them shall only invite hauntings of kvetching specters, or even worse aspiring realpolitik courtiers seeking to wear the legacy of the past like a coat made from a carcass’ skin. Particularly, the titles of Renzfeld, and Eastcliffe are requested to be put into abeyance. The former was abandoned by its own founders for Helena (and many may recount the infamy now associated with Lord Protector Adrian Leopold Orel, its founder), and the latter was the birthplace of Adria. Neither have any relevance to your realm nor culture, why do you write them in your titles? Please don't. xoxo Markus Marie PS: To be clear, Pompourelia is of no concern. It does not hold the uniquely historic ties of Renzfeld and Eastcliffe. However, I would advise you to let it fall into abeyance less the surprise appearance of the last descendant of Roswell appears, or anyone of particularly great merit. To specifically seek to sponsor a House Sarkozic with it beneath you would be an odd desire- why would you want to encourage the further dilution of an already much divided family? I imagine it is not one you hold. That would be weird.