Nectorist

A return letter arrives not long after. "A lesser man would take your warning as an insult, for to choose a harlot as a wife and duchess would be to possess poor judgement of character. Fear not, my old friend, for Klara and I have known each other for a good time- far too long, some would say- and I believe her to be as fond of me as I am of her. This is to say that if I am stabbed to death in my sleep, it was most likely because I was snoring too loudly. I believe, on the morrow, we ought to spend the eve on the town. It ought to be a good night, and it will allow us to revel and merry with our dear companions before I am shackled by a ring with the strongest chain known to man. Best Regards, Johnny"

"A new era in fond relations with our good friends in the north," says Johanes, raising a glass to the treaty.

THE PACT OF GEESE AND BEETLES Issued by the Princess of Talar’nor and the Duke of Adria In the year 132 of the S.A. PREAMBLE: Having previously cooperated closely during Heinrik’s Rebellion, the Duchy of Adria and the Principality of Talar’nor have formed close relations both between their respective heads of state and among the common citizenry of their domains. In order to promote the continued flourishing of these cultural exchanges, the two states have agreed to enter into a formal alliance, both to protect the territories and claims of each other and cultivate the warm relations enjoyed by both. Additionally, to secure the newfound territorial acquisitions of the respective realms on Aevos, the two states see common cause in respecting and pledging to the defense of the other's home and hearth. SECTION I: Military Alliance The Duchy of Adria and The Principality of Talar’nor, hereby referred to as the signatories, sign a new defensive alliance between the two henceforth known as the Treaty of Geese and Beetles. I. The signatories agree to a defensive military alliance. II. The signatories agree that an attack by a third party against one of them is an attack against both of them. III. The signatories agree to consult together whenever the territorial integrity, political independence or security of the signatories is threatened in the opinion of either signatory. SECTION II: Duration The signatories of this treaty agree to be bound to the terms agreed upon for a duration of twenty years. Upon the expiration of this treaty, both signatories agree to discuss the renewal of said agreement for a further twenty years. SECTION III: Geese and Beetles The signatories of this treaty agree to share their respective collections of fighting beetles and racing geese, allowing the other full access to all information, specimens, resources, and other materials needed to compete in the sports of beetle fighting and geese racing. AY’PUERAN, Princess Veralya Wynasul, Princess of Talar’nor John II, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche, Defender of Dumacracy, First Citizen of Adria

I feel like a quear (why can we not type out this reclaimed word when using it in the appropriate context) man is in the perfect position to unite the messages of Men's Mental Health Month and Pride Month. You have done this masterfully.

"Mister, you just said the same name twice!" The young Recruit Guppy points out, extremely confused.

i had a crippling addiction to gambling before this modpack, it ruined my family, my life, my work, but after i obtained the autofisher within this modpack, i was able to devote my attention and resources to this and turn my life around

Philip Amadeus hastily begins to construct another beach house in the Skies. He awaits his beloved daughter's arrival at any moment now. Cat had lived a long life, one that veered on being a curse rather than a blessing, and for it she deserved mai-tais and surfboarding for the rest of her eternal life.

Johanes van Aert applauds for his elven compatriots.

Jared Dune consumes a large mouthful of these missives. He needed to recover after his most recent failure, his embarrassment. He had allowed his sweet little apple pie to elude his wiles! Not again, though, he promised himself. Women would come to accept in his glory, all thirty stone of it, or they would pay. All of them. As he reads over one of the missives, his large gut aching from the toxic, potent combination of parchment, ink, and that morning's breakfast of tarts and coffee, he grins widely at the words he reads. The people of Nor'Asath may be inferior to he, a human of pure stock, the very design of Horen himself, but they would reward him handsomely if he found and killed this rouge actor. With a horde of flies buzzing about him, no doubt drawn to the scent from his unwashed pits, he slowly trudges his way to Nor'Asath. Jared Dune's ascent to fame, luxury, and the status of Almaris's most desired man, was soon to begin.

[!] Father Blackwater writes back to Louis Owyn Haverlock. Dear Louis Haverlock, I thank you for the correction. I will immediately recall these erroneous copies and have corrected ones re-issued. Even us diligent students of history may be prone to making the simplest of errors. Best Regards, Father Blackwater

The Place of Capitals With the Reduction of New Vienne over the course of 1919-1921, the nearly unbroken line of over a century of continued urban settlement in the region was brought to a swift, inglorious end. As the site of the capitals of three nations, this tract of land, which I shall hereby designate the Place of Capitals, boasted incomparable value to all other lands within Almaris. Situated on the flat, fertile plains of the Upper Petra, with ease of access both to the River Petra and the Kahaen Sea, it is no question why the Place of Capitals has consistently been the dominant hub of commerce, trade, politics, and social life in all of Almaris. It has been a place of some of the fiercest battles, greatest events, and fondest (or most hated) memories of hundreds of thousands throughout its time. However, this period of dominance, already having sharply declined since the fall of King Frederick I of Oren, has now definitely come to an end. As the final stone of the city awaits its destruction, the Place of Capitals shall fall silent once again, just as it was when our forebears arrived upon Almaris in 1796. It is with a great reverence for the history of this great place that I, Father Blackwater, write of the four great cities of this place. Providence 1796-1849 While it cannot be said that Providence reached the heights enjoyed by the city of Helena under the reign of Peter III, its primacy upon Almaris was unmatched, which became a source of envy for the many that took to mocking it. A flourishing city, only during the reign of Philip II could it be said that Providence felt lifeless. Benefitting in great part due to the centralization programs of the Petrine Emperors, the capital of the Holy Orenian Empire became the home of culture, politics, and trade across the known world. If one were to walk down the city streets, they would hear the calls of paperboys selling the morning news, charged old men debating politics in the tavern, ISA patrols milling about, and the rush of inhabitants going about their day. Great buildings that scraped the sky loomed overhead, making the many denizens below seem like ants. Work was always said to be plenty, political activity ran high on both the local and national level, and the city was, undoubtedly, the most active and economically prosperous that Almaris has ever seen. In the west of the city, the great Augustine Palace dominated much of Providence. As the home of courtly life, it produced scandal, intrigue, but also culture and esteemed Imperial pride. It was the home of the Imperial family, but also the location of many feasts, courts, balls, and other lavish ceremonies commonly associated with the Petrine Era. It served as the seat of the great Novellen Dynasty, where proclamations and judgements were ruled down from the lofty thrones of the Emperors and Empress that sat atop them. One cannot define Providence by one or two iconic moments. Instead, it is a collection of memories and events that make its legacy an enduring one. One simply cannot tell the story of Almaris without first turning to Providence, that city which was once the center of it all. NOTABLE EVENTS: I) The Zannite Crash Some say it was an attack, others say it was an unfortunate mishap, but a sudden explosion in the Augustine Palace, caused by the Worshippers of Janus, sparked a sudden backlash against the religious order throughout the Empire. It also caused High Pontiff Owyn III to declare a crusade against the Zannites, which inadvertently led to his own deposition. II) Robert’s Folly The execution of Robert Foltest, Baron of Helvets, and the defeat of a rescue party from the rebellious Principality of Sedan outside the walls of Providence marked the definitive end of the Sedan Rebellion. III) The Leader’s Debate The great debate prior to the Election of 1800 between Franz Sarkozy, representing the Josephite Party, and George Kovachev, representing the Unionist Party. Between eight and nine thousand spectators eagerly watched the fiery exchange. New Providence 1849-1870 The Great Fire of Providence in 1848 gave Emperor Philip II ample opportunity to order a series of renovations to the City of Providence (indeed, it is whispered by many that he started the fires himself). With actual remodeling being overseen by Princess Imperial Josephine Augusta, New Providence was remodeled with the intent of finding more efficient use of the present space. Where Providence had been dominated by skyscrapers, office buildings, and the great Augustine Palace, New Providence would be more compact and intimate, allowing for a closer association between the noble and popular centers of the Empire. While only occasionally matching the success of its predecessor, New Providence did succeed in most of its design objectives. The rationalized city square created a busy city atmosphere that concentrated much of the economic activity in the center and allowed it to disperse outwards. Small shops, forges, restaurants, and the like flourished, but political activity, having long-declined since its heights under Joseph II, continued to struggle. An important consequence of the restructuring of the capital was the relation between the Aster Palace and the city proper, which created a strong cultural apparatus that rejuvenated the courtly prestige of the Novellens. As the court and the city occupied much of the same space, as opposed to the great distance of the Augustine Palace from Providence before it, much of the political and cultural activity in the palace spilled out onto the streets of New Providence. Although this did not spark some great blossoming as many had hoped, it did cement New Providence as the premier city on Almaris, just as its predecessor had been. NOTABLE EVENTS: I) The Aster Revolution Philip and Anastasia’s march on New Providence saw them take the city mere months after its complete reconstruction. This swift, nigh-bloodless rebellion brought about the end of Philip II and ushered in the reign of Emperor Philip III and Empress Anastasia. II) The Battle of New Providence Once again, the fate was decided by battle in Providence. This was the site of the bitter final fight between Emperor Peter IV and his rebellious younger brother, Prince Frederick Charles, which saw the latter triumph and complete his dissolution of the Holy Orenian Empire. III) The Execution of Prince Leopold of Sedan Perhaps the most famous execution to take place during the Petrine Era, Prince Leopold I of Sedan’s death at the hands of Philip III marked the beginning of a renewed Imperial offensive to retake the Lower Petra. Vienne 1870-1882 The planning of Vienne, named in honor of his wife, Vivienne of Savoy, is said to have been conducted by King Frederick I of Oren himself. Wishing to firmly disassociate himself from the Holy Orenian Empire, the newly-ascendent Frederick ordered a complete remodeling and reorganization of his capital. Mostly finished by 1870, Vienne proved an able capital for the short-lived Kingdom of Oren. Following the design of New Providence far more closely than old Providence, King Frederick designed a city that, while lesser still than the two that came before it, remained the pre-eminent hub on Almaris. Inspired by his time as Count of Mardon, King Frederick wished to recreate the clean, pristine atmosphere and strong artisan culture that he had grown accustomed to in Mardon (and that would later come to be a staple of the Commonwealth of the Petra). Hundreds of street-cleaners were hired as King Frederick meticulously strived to keep his city spotless. While a great expenditure to the royal treasury, it did make Vienne an attractive place to visit, and it was unmatched in its courts and markets. However, the competing Acre to the north of the capital drew far too many eyes. Wishing to escape the bustle of the city, hundreds flocked to the quiet, serene woods of the Upper Petra, depriving Vienne of many of its vaunted craftsmen and artisans. With the explosion of the wine industry in Mardon in 1876, further attention was given to the rural stretches of land outside the capital, and much economic activity was redirected elsewhere. It was in part due to this stiff competition on two fronts that Vienne began to suddenly decline. Despite its staunch support for King Frederick during the War of the Silver Isles and the Harvest Rebellion, Vienne simply did not have the power to keep his place on the throne, and with his downfall came the plundering and sacking of the city. It would lay desolate for years, intentionally abandoned by the Harvest Confederation. NOTABLE EVENTS: I) The Battle of Vienne The event that brought about the end of the Kingdom of Oren, and Novellen rule over the Heartlands. King Frederick I and his meager retinue was slain by the great host of Gustaf de Vilain’s Harvest Revolution. New Vienne 1905-1921 The last years of the restored Vienne, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Aaun, proved to be a peaceful, quiet end to the once-esteemed lands of the Upper Petra. Although the center of life and commerce was divided between Minitz and Adria, New Vienne was refitted to be the seat of the House of Alstion, which took to ruling over the Heartlands in the aftermath of the fall of the Harvest Confederation. However, the Armistice of 1918 following defeat in Heinrik’s Rebellion brought the short life of the Aaunish capital to a close. The peasants of the woods were allowed to pick apart the empty city for their own use, and soon it and many of the signs of urban life around it were wholly demolished. Father Blackwater, Bishop of Buron ((I don't know why this ^ is here. I'm not able to delete it for some reason))

On the Conduct of Adrian Warfare 15th of Sigismund's End, 1921 Lo unto the Adrians, Upon my ascension to the Ducal Throne, I sought at every endeavor to make peace with the states of the opposed Coalition. Having stated that their cause for formation was the anathema status of my predecessor, Heinrik I, I had reason to believe that these words would suggest the possibility of peace. I duly listened to my advisors that urged peace and caution be taken, and took every measure to demonstrate goodwill and a commitment to the cessation of hostilities with these states. However, my naive idealism was fatefully betrayed, as this coalition, wrought with enemies, blamed us Adrians at every turn for each woe that befell them. It was no longer a matter of religion, as they had so claimed, but a fear of the power of the Adrians as shown by their defeats at Rolly’s Hill and twice at Velec. Having discarded peace, undaunted by their repeated failures, the coalition seeks a resumption of war. Despite their slaughtering of Adrians on Holy Ground at Karosgrad, their betrayal of Heinrik I, and their failed march on Velec, I held my hand back from retaliation. Despite their continued baying for the blood of Adria, I spared their captured subjects from Reinmar and Minitz. Despite their capture of Miss Lorena Gant and order of execution, I did not respond in kind when Anatoliy Godunov wandered into my presence at Sheffield, and I instead treated him as according to his noble station. It was only now, owing to the disownment of his daughter, Mariya, the woman I had been pledged to wed, that I must draw the sword I have held by my side. Her recent captivity and sentencing of execution, the taboo of kinslaying not even a thought to the King of Haense, forces the hand of Adria to defend itself. THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT: I) The Duchy of Adria shall seek only unconditional white peace with the coalition states. Our aim is not at conquest, nor at retribution, but an end to this war they desire. II) Until an unconditional white peace is agreed to, there shall be no peace at all. III) All who have taken up arms against the Duchy of Adria are to be summarily executed. All executions shall be conducted swiftly by hanging or beheading, without the unnecessary brutality of torture. IV) Non-combatants shall be refrained from summary execution, and shall either be allowed to flee the scene of combat or will be safely taken into custody to be later released. Those afforded this protection include: Unarmed men, women, and children Members of the clergy The wounded, ill, elderly, and infirm. Individuals from neutral states visiting the location of attack Those who have taken refuge in a Church or other Holy Ground These protections shall be exempted should the individuals in question design to bring harm against an Adrian. V) All properties are subject to destruction and seizure, save those owned by the Church, which shall be protected as they are due. John II, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche, Defender of Dumacracy, First Citizen of Adria

The Veletzian Reforms As confirmed and accepted by the Duma in the Year 1920. Lo unto the Adrians, Although marked by steadfast, loyal governance over the course of the rise of Velec and the Second Duke’s War, the Council of Orel has now served its purpose. Having established ourselves as an independent polity, it is necessary and prudent that we reconfigure the instruments of government for the new era our great duchy is to enter. Under the guidance of his council and the Duma, His Grace, John II, proposed the following restructuring of the governing body of Adria to better-suit the needs of the realm. I) THE OFFICE OF THE DUKE OF ADRIA As stipulated by the Franciscan Articles: I. LANDS AND TITLES BEHOLDEN TO THE DUCAL CORONET The following titles are hereby tied to the Ducal Coronet of Adria in perpetuity. Duke of Adria Count of Velec (consisting of the town of Velec) Protector of the Aaunic South Defender of the Eastfleet Trade The following properties are hereby tied to the Ducal Coronet of Adria in perpetuity. The City of Velec and Little Raev The Castle of Emalinhrad Let no lawful claim be made to the preceding titles or properties be made without first claiming and holding the Duchy of Adria. Revised Articles: I. LANDS AND TITLES BEHOLDEN TO THE DUCAL CORONET The following titles are hereby tied to the Ducal Coronet of Adria in perpetuity. Duke of Adria Count of Velec (consisting of the town of Velec) Protector of the Aaunic South Defender of the Eastfleet Trade Defender of Dumacracy First Citizen of Adria The following properties are hereby tied to the Ducal Coronet of Adria in perpetuity. The City of Velec and Little Raev The Castle of Emalinhrad Let no lawful claim be made to the preceding titles or properties be made without first claiming and holding the Duchy of Adria. As stipulated by the Franciscan Articles: II. ELIGIBILITY FOR THE DUCAL CORONET The elected candidate for the Ducal Coronet must… be of the age of majority. be a faithful member of the Church of the Canon. be in good standing with the courts of the Duchy of Adria. be of an established noble lineage. claim descent through Exalted Sigismund. Revised Articles: II. ELIGIBILITY FOR THE DUCAL CORONET The elected candidate for the Ducal Coronet must… be of the age of electoral majority, defined as sixteen. be a faithful member of the Church of the Canon. be in good standing with the courts of the Duchy of Adria. be of an established noble lineage. have resided in the Duchy of Adria for the prior five years preceding the Ducal Election. claim descent through Exalted Sigismund. As stipulated by the Franciscan Articles: III. THE FRANCISCAN ARTICLES Upon the assumption of the Ducal Coronet, each Duke is required to sign the Franciscan Articles, named after the first Duke of Adria, Franz Vladov. These articles act as an agreement between the Duchy (i.e the electors) and the Duke. The Duke of Adria is to be chosen by the Ducal Electors in a just and fair election, and his children hold no right of inheritance to the Ducal Coronet of Adria. The Duke of Adria is required to convene a Duma, a meeting between lords sworn the duchy every two years. The Duke has no right to create new feudal or municipal taxes without the approval of the Duma. The Duke has no right to declare war or peace without the approval of the Duma. The Duke is required to provide for the standing ducal army. If the Duke was to transgress on the law or privileges of the nobility, the Articles authorize the nobility to refuse the Duke’s orders and act against him. Revised Articles: III. THE FRANCISCAN ARTICLES Upon the assumption of the Ducal Coronet, each Duke is required to sign the Franciscan Articles, named after the first Duke of Adria, Franz Vladov. These articles act as an agreement between the Duchy (i.e the electors) and the Duke. The Duke of Adria is to be chosen by the Ducal Electors in a just and fair election, and his children hold no right of inheritance to the Ducal Coronet of Adria. The Duke of Adria is required to convene a Duma, a meeting between lords sworn the duchy every two years. The Duke has no right to create new feudal or municipal taxes without the approval of the Duma. The Duke has no right to declare war or peace without the approval of the Duma. The Duke is required to provide for the standing ducal army. If the Duke was to transgress on the law or privileges of the nobility, the Articles authorize the nobility to refuse the Duke’s orders and act against him. In the event of a state of war, all laws regulating taxation are suspended until the official cessation of hostilities. II) THE GENERAL STAFF OF ADRIA The rigidity of the current Council of Orel is presently unsuitable to direct the economic and political activity at the direction of His Grace. Instead, a broader council, unrestricted by the confines of specific, defined positions, shall be made to advise the Duke on all matters of state and carry out the executive functions of the Ducal Office. It is in His Grace’s interests that his council be flexible enough to sufficiently address the potential challenges that the realm faces, while also well-staffed as to meet the administrative and bureaucratic demands of the state. Proposed Articles: IX. THE GENERAL STAFF The General Staff of Adria shall henceforth be defined as the executive advisory body to the Duke of Adria. Appointed by the Duke of Adria, the Prefects of the General Staff are, barring a few exceptions, without position, instead being delegated tasks according to need and merit. All members of the General Staff of Adria shall be referred to as Prefect. All Prefects of the General Staff are unilaterally appointed by the Duke of Adria. The General Staff of Adria shall generally be without specific position, save the two enumerated roles: Chancellor of the Adrians: The foremost councilor of the Duke of Adria and the designated regent of the Duchy of Adria. Tribune of the Greycloak Watch: The foremost military officer in the Duchy of Adria after the Duke of Adria and the commander of the Greycloaks. They shall retain the informal styling of ‘Marshal of Adria’. Presently, Caelan von Draco @VoxyNoir. All Prefects of the General Staff shall be afforded the full executive authority to perform the tasks assigned to them, and are answerable only to the Duke, the Chancellor of the Adrians, and the Duma. Prefects of the General Staff, save the Chancellor of the Adrians or the Tribune of the Greycloak Watch, may be subject to a review of conduct by the Duma if called to do so by a majority vote. III) THE DUMA As stipulated by the Franciscan Articles: VI. DEFINING THE DUMA The Duma shall henceforth be defined as the assembly of the estates within the Duchy of Adria. The Duma is tasked with carrying out judgment on matters pertaining to the Duchy and shall have the final say on matters pertaining to laws, wars, alliances, and treaties. The Duma is assembled upon the request of the Duke, and as due by the Franciscan Articles is required to be assembled once every two years. The estates and their representatives are henceforth defined as thus. From the Duchy, the Chancellor acts as the Duke’s representative and heads the Duma in the Duke’s name. From the nobility, two representatives from every demesne within the Duchy are called forth. From the burghers, four representatives from the City of Velec are called forth. The representatives from the estates must represent a majority of the population of Adria. In order for a motion to pass, it must have a clear majority. Revised Articles: VI. DEFINING THE DUMA The Duma shall henceforth be defined as the assembly of the estates within the Duchy of Adria. The Duma is tasked with carrying out judgment on matters pertaining to the Duchy and shall have the final say on matters pertaining to laws, wars, alliances, and treaties. The Duma is assembled upon the request of the Duke, and as due by the Franciscan Articles is required to be assembled once every two years. The estates and their representatives are henceforth defined as thus. From the Duchy, the Chancellor acts as the Duke’s representative and heads the Duma in the Duke’s name. From the nobility, two representatives from every demesne within the Duchy are called forth. From the burghers, four representatives from the City of Velec are called forth. The representatives from the estates must represent a majority of the population of Adria. The Duma shall be wholly popular and include all property-holding citizens of the Duchy of Adria. The Chancellor of the Adrians shall act as the Duke’s representative to the Duma and head the Duma in their name. All changes to the Franciscan Articles, or documents of reform necessitating change to the Franciscan Articles, must be passed and approved by the Duma. An Electoral Committee shall be established as part of the Duma, with the express purpose of electing a new Duke of Adria upon the death or abdication of the former. The Electoral Committee, in accordance with the Franciscan Articles, shall be comprised of: The Duchy of Blackvale - Presently, Valentin van Aert @Vermy The Duchy of Crestwatch - Presently, Reinolt von Draco @ItemVendor The County of Aldersberg - Presently, Markus Sarkozic @Nooblius The County of Varoche - Presently, Johanes van Aert @Nectorist The County of Emalyne - Presently, Suzana Sarkozic @amyselia The County of Gelre - Presently, Lucien de Rouen @subatomic The County of Susa - Presently, Justinian Basrid @JoanOfArc The Barony of Euler - Presently, Stefan Euler @Gaja The Barony of Harlingen - Presently, Manus de Ruyter @Capace The Primate of Adria - Presently, Unoccupied The House of Ivanovich-Montalt The House of Vilac The House of Valic New members of the Electoral Committee may only be added by the Duke of Adria, with a vote of confirmation by the Electoral Committee, or by majority vote of the Duma on the day of election. The mediation of disputed seats on the Electoral Committee is to be conducted by the Duma before or during the Ducal Election. Seats on the Electoral Committee may only be removed by the reigning Duke of Adria. In order for a motion to pass, it must have a clear majority. IV) THE CITIZEN’S COUNCIL OF VELEC Proposed Articles: X. THE CITIZEN’S COUNCIL The Citizen’s Council of Velec is to be established and maintained, its charge to facilitate the orderly governance of the City of Velec through close work and participation in the Duma. The Council and its members reflect the four pillars of Adrian society: The Army, the Church of the Canon, the Ducal Court, and the Duma. The Citizen’s Council of Velec will be comprised of the following members: The Tribune of the Greycloak Watch, as appointed by the Duke. Presently, Caelan von Draco @VoxyNoir The Primate of Adria, as appointed by the High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon. Presently, Unoccupied The Magistrate of Commerce, as appointed by the Castellan of the Ducal Court. Presently, Markus Sarkozic @Nooblius The Seneschal, as appointed by the Duma. Presently, Allessandra de Vend @Smol No member of the Citizen’s Council shall be guaranteed a seat on the General Staff save the Tribune of the Greycloak Watch V) THE DUCAL RETINUE The Ducal Retinue shall be those positions that, having a necessary place at the Duke’s side, yet not requiring a seat upon either the General Staff or within the Court of St. Emalyne, are utilized at the Duke’s personal discretion. When not under orders of the Duke, the Ducal Retinue falls under the jurisdiction of the Castellan of the Court of St. Emalyne. While not automatically afforded a seat upon the General Staff, there is no prohibition on a Prefect holding a position within the Ducal Retinue. I) The Ducal Inquisitor Tasked with rooting out the corrupting influences of dark magic from the realm. II) The Ducal Scribe Tasked with aiding the Duke in the drafting of legislation along with other important cultural and legal documents for the realm. III) The Magistrate of the Bank of Adria Tasked with governing the Bank of Adria and maintaining the finances of the realm. IV) The Ducal Surgeon Tasked with serving as the Duke’s personal surgeon and physician. V) Captain of the Ducal Guard Tasked with defending the Duke and the Ducal family while outside the realm. May be a member of the Greycloak Watch. VI) The Ducal Guard Four individuals, not including the Captain, tasked with defending the Duke and the Ducal family while outside the realm. May be members of the Greycloak Watch. VII) The Ducal Investigator Tasked with gathering intelligence pertinent to the realm. VIII) The Ducal Alchemist Tasked with performing alchemy and other such arts for the court. IX) The Ducal Judge Tasked with the conducting of justice and the interpretation of law in the stead of the Duke.

As the soft waves of the Kahaen Sea break against the study, fresh-cut beams of the new docks near Acre, Johanes and his aunt, Wilhelmina, (@Fie) sit atop their steeds and speak freely. Although she was only a month older than he, she was one of the few woman who he could tell his mind to. Perhaps it was the label of 'aunt' that made her wiser beyond her years, or just a product of her nature. Whatever the case, she was one of the few true confidants that the young duke could reasonably trust. He aimlessly rides about in circles, the rush of the scenery, from the soft, blue waters of the sea to the crisp, lush greens of the Acrean Forest, as vivid and unclear as the thoughts that swirled about in his head. That was always the case, though. It was difficult to pick one from the rest. "...And what good is a loving devotion to my friends and family? Duty could be enough to drive me. It would at least ensure that, should some tragedy befall them, I am not left in ruin. I do not want to be the man who threw away his people's future over his personal whims." Although his fury and madness quite frequently surfaced, vulnerability was something typically well-kept for the Duke of Adria. Now, though, as he waited to hear word of Princess Maryia's dinner with her father, his stomach turned. His nerves and fears, which he had thought were lost at Rolly's Field, began to sting him again. He had won his friend's hand in marriage on the back of words such as sensibility and pragmatism. It was all that he ought to have practiced. To blend the realm of personal and political, or to even practice the former, was to allow weakness to surface. Now, for the first time since he lay a butchered steer on the field of battle, he felt powerless, at the mercy of the turning of Fate. His aunt gave him a kindly look, one far beyond her years. "You cannot be a stiff mannequin, Johanes. You must be a man. A man does not abandon his humanity to pretend to turn towards his duty alone. That is weakness. That is fear. Fear of losing those who you hold dear is not something you can stifle or remove. You must embrace it and let it move you. Young Lorena's father put his duty above her own life. His soul shall be tainted by his willingness to take his own daughter's life. If I can do nothing else, I will ensure that you do not make such a choice." They spoke for longer about a great many things. Of life, of dreams, of the quality of the soil and the unsettling absence of bugs near some of the rotting tree stumps, but as they rode back to Adria, the Duke of Adria found himself reflecting on the words his aunt had told him. He was forgetting himself. Forgetting a great many things. He did not forget, though, that to be a man was not to turn from that which gave his life joy, but to run to it. He worried for Mariya's life, but he trusted that she would be safe in Sheffield, and her father would see reason in allowing her to come to Adria. It would be then that he would tell Mariya that he would profess himself to the cause of peace and seek only to build a good life for Adria, for his friends and family, and for the two of them. Mere days later, these hopes played in his mind as broken memories while he drove his dagger into the neck of a grinning Haeseni knight. Tears for the captured Mariya stained his cheeks.

"The Crusader Kings (three) and their ideals have been a disaster for the human race," says Johanes.

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE BARONY OF HARLINGEN Issued on the 13th of Sun’s Smile, 1921 . . . TO ADRIA’S MOST LOYAL SUBJECTS AND PEERS, 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 Manus de Ruyer the Barony of Harlingen, by lawful claim of descent left to abandon during the days of the Petrine Empire. Its associated titles, fee and privileges are to be held as the exclusive and perpetual right of the Baron of Harlingen and his lawful heirs. As any loyal vassal of Adria, the Baron receives the right to counsel his liege. In turn, we charge the Baron of Harlingen and his heirs with the upkeep of common and ecclesiastical properties, the maintenance of levies, and 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 Ruyter never fail in its duties to our Duchy. IN NOMINE ADRIAE, His Grace, John II van Aert, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE DUCHY OF CRESTWATCH Issued on the 13th of Sun’s Smile, 1921 . . . TO ADRIA’S MOST LOYAL SUBJECTS AND PEERS, 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 Sir Reinolt von Draco the Duchy of Crestwatch, 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 Duke of Crestwatch and his lawful heirs. As any loyal vassal of Adria, the Duke receives the right to counsel his liege, and is so entitled to a seat in the council of Adria. In turn, we charge the Duke of Crestwatch and his heirs with the upkeep of common and ecclesiastical properties, the maintenance of levies, and 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 Draco never fail in its duties to our Duchy. IN NOMINE ADRIAE, His Grace, John II van Aert, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche

If you had to sit next to an LoTC character on a four hour bus ride, who would be the best and worst for that?

Adolphus Gloriana looks on in glee as another scholar takes on the daunting task of state analysis and historical comparison. He shows it to his pupil, the Count of Susa. @JoanOfArc

It depends on how it's done. Groups like the MRA were fun because they'd just roll around and set things on fire, get into fights with people, etc, and generally function more as an event group than a real political force. Unfortunately, any insurgent group that legitimately and seriously threatens the RP status quo will be OOCly cracked down on to the point where any potential for good RP to come out of it will be negated by people's insistence on keeping their power. Even a non-threatening group like the MRA was met by OOC reprisal for what they did.

Johanes taps the girl's teacup with his own. However, in doing so he accidentally spills it on himself. As he cleans it up, he hands the young Gant a small baton that was clipped to his belt. ((@liz))

DUCAL LETTERS FOR THE COUNTY OF GELRE Issued on the 13th of Owyn’s Flame, 1920 TO ADRIA’S MOST LOYAL SUBJECTS AND PEERS, 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 Sir Lucien de Rouen the County of Gelre, 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 Count of Gelre and his lawful heirs. Furthermore, the House of Ashford de Rouen shall be allowed the vacated properties of the House of Lewes where they may establish their home and household. 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 the County of Gelre and his heirs with the upkeep of common and ecclesiastical properties, the maintenance of levies, and 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 Ashford de Rouen never fail in its duties to our Duchy. IN NOMINE ADRIAE, His Grace, John II, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche

A Letter of Gratitude 5th of Owyn's Flame, 1920 To Mister Ludrik Katzak, I must thank you for your prudence and diligence in aiding the investigative faculties of my realm. I am merely a boy, not yet having entered adulthood, whose worldly experience has been limited to the mundane. I know little of what an Azdromoth is, or what it all may entail, but it is well-known I have begun efforts to purge the dark elements from the Duchy of Adria. Nowhere has this effort been more concentrated than with the great, floating obelisk to the west of the Velec. I fear, though, that the expulsion and dismantling of such things are beyond mine own power. It is why, with great attitude, that I recognize your ingenuity. The Inquisition is bound to have far many more resources than I that may be employed in ridding Adria of these threats. It is in light of this that I formally invite the Inquisition, along with any specialists who would know of the designs of the realms beyond, to investigate what you have found. The Alchemist’s Guild, whose charter was issued during the reign of my predecessor, is hereby disbanded, and their building is to be closed until the proper ecclesiastical authorities can effectively investigate the threat. The owner of the building has also been added to the rolls of banishment. Furthermore, the resources of the Greycloaks shall be provided if needed, especially when dealing with the great obelisk to the west, which can be shown to any Inquisitor if they are unaware of the location. I humbly open my gates to the Church and Inquisition so that Adria may be properly examined and ridden of any remnants of the Azdrazi presence within the city. If access to a particular location is needed, I will be happy to provide. Your Humble Servant, His Grace, John II, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche @GoodGuyMatt @Balthasar

"We riding with the Bloody Fox," says Numerian.

Johanes likes court!