Olox_

Heinrich II looked proudly at his firstborn son from the Skies, a smile curled up at the late Prince's face as the Principality endured the times of strife and managed to keep its position within the Godwinite Realm...

T H E B E A C O N S O F W H I T E S P I R E TO OUR ALLIES ABROAD, The Legions of Darkness are marching to sprawl over the River Constance. We will meet them on the field, and we will meet them at Enswerp. As a pagan host readies itself to put a fire to Canondom, we of Godwin’s folk remain resolute, and we shall make our stand here to live or to die. For a century, and even longer against the ancestors of the grandfathers of these invaders, our people have made the same choice: resistance. They claim a mandate over the Heartlands and will ride to subjugate all in their paths. They will not stop at Aaun. They will not stop at Petra. They will not stop at Balian. They will not stop at Haense. Where their gaze is now set upon the hamlet of Enswerp which they intend to sack, and the woods and reliquaries of holy Calliopeburg which they seek to desecrate, homesteads and chantries of Mankind across Aevos shall soon meet the same fiery fate. They may call their realm a different name, they may don different uniforms, pretend to swear fealty to other monarchs. But make no mistake - they return as the League of Veletz. Their purpose is dominion. Though they are lesser sires of lesser men, and but a sliver of the tyrant’s blood now remains in their veins, their goal remains what it had always been - the final and everlasting restoration of Aurelian’s Pertinaxi empire, with House van Aert at its helm and Mankind grovelling at their feet. It would be foolhardy to claim that we have never erred, that we have never regretted, that we have never made a mistake. But Veletz lies about our brother James. We did not slay him. We have acted in grief, we have acted in revenge, we have acted as a human. But we have never acted wantonly, or with bloodlust, as the Host of Veletz does. Their concern for his fate is merely an act, a pretence for this invasion which we have already seen through. Now is the time that we must act. There is one chance to halt the advance of Veletz, and that is now, at Enswerp. At Enswerp the record of our Kingdom shall be made. The mettle of Canondom shall be known. We have raised a mighty fire on the Hand of Horen. We have ordered the beacons of the Langkette Mountains to be lit: AAUN CALLS FOR YOUR AID. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS Charles II, King of Aaun

"Do you smell it, Ser Jan?" The King of Aaun, Charles II, inquired "The smell of invasion? Rally the banners, rally the Nauzicans. In the spirit of Haverlock we shall prevail or die in this war." @PecenyRohlik

Grant of Land for the F O R T I F I E D C H A N T R Y O F C A L L I O P E B U R G Issued and Confirmed in the name of the King in the year 1989 It has pleased Our Royal Crown to establish in trust the domain and territory of the Eastern Franklands beneath the Langkette, within the borders of the Sacred Woods of the Calliwald and the walls of Calliopeburg, as the Fortified Chantry. We hereby raise Our trusty and well-beloved Cousin Katharina von Alstreim to the title of P R O P R I E T R E S S OF C A L L I O P E B U R G. And for Us, Our heirs and successors, We do grant the said title Proprietress of Calliopeburg unto her and her appointed heirs of the House of Alstreim, should they be affirmed by Our Royal Crown, that they may exercise and enjoy together with all privileges due and of right belonging to the said degree. And further We by these Presents grant constitute and invest her and her heirs with these privileges: I. To protect, limit and restrict all access to her sacred domain in full, including the Sacred Woods of the Calliwald, and levy blockades and fines upon its roads as required for its protection, so long as the rights of Our Crown and her leal Enforcers to traverse this area remain undisturbed, and may be exercised at will; II. To enforce within her domain all precepts and obligations of the Sacred Waldenic Law as seen fit, so long as the primacy and jurisdiction of Our Royal Law is exercised; III. To manage the affairs of the Iron Mine at Calliopeburg as required for the betterment of her domain, so long as Our access to its resources remains guaranteed; IV. To retain the rights to all honours and accolades of knighthood earned within the Salvian Syndicate and outside our purview, and to maintain a knightly circle so long as its precepts and oaths of service do not constitute acts contrary to the interests of Our Crown, or any acts of treason. And further We by these Presents levy upon her and her heirs with these obligations and requirements: I. To render the Oratory and its reliquary of Saint Calliope available for access, maintenance and inspection to the Holy Mother Church and Our Royal House at all times; II. To perform all necessary acts for said maintenance at her own cost when required; III. To never repurpose, demolish, or restrict in any way the monastery at Calliopeburg, and that it should always remain available to the patronage of a monastic order; IV. To facilitate without needless intercession the diplomatic relations between the Salvian Syndicate and the Crown of Aaun, respecting the diplomatic primacy of Our Crown and Our sole right to conduct diplomatic agreements with the Legation at Calliopeburg; V. To render the payment of the annual tax to the Crown of Aaun which shall equal a sum of SEVENTY-FIVE GOLDEN MINA and SIXTY-FOUR Iron Ingots. In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at the Hand of Horen the twenty-second of Tobias’ Bounty in the tenth year of Our Reign. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In the City of Whitespire, Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun On the 22nd of Tobias’ Bounty, 1989. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, 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

Charles Alstion, cousin to the late Prince, let out a heavy sigh upon hearing the news "Your legacy lives on, good Alfred. Death slowly takes every and each one of us. I have learned much of discipline during my visits to Reinmar in the years of my youth, long before the crown was put on my head. Those days were better, and many good people were still alive back then..." The King of Aaun recollected before going to light a candle to mourn his relative's passing

Charles II nodded firmly "Many doubted you, but you still prove to all of us that there was no better choice. Continue to serve our fatherland well, Lord Rosius. Tandem Triumphans." The King said to himself once he was done reading

Charles II sat in his office when the missive stating Lord Philip's abdication was brought to him "The man always knew what was his duty. May he enjoy his retirement after all he has lived through." The Alstion King concluded before penning an order to update the records regarding the Halcourt Barony

THE ROYAL COUNCIL OF AAUN Regnum et Officium Committed to Sovereignty, Justice and the People TO OUR RESTORED REALM OF AAUN, In the pursuit of our destiny, choices are everything. There was, in the end, but a singular path to achieving the continuity of the Heartlands Confederacy. But it was not one of peace. It was not one of justice. It was not one where We believed that the Rule of Law and the liberty of all our people, Petran and Aaunish alike, could be guaranteed to be in receipt of their due liberty. Indeed, our choice was simple. It was to accede to Adrian Temesch’s demand to surrender our power and additionally that of Her Majesty Queen Adalia, or it was a bitter and bloody revolution. Our father, our cousin before him, our grand-sire before him, and our great-grand-sire before him had all, by their many choices, planted the seeds of Aaun’s prosperity. All of them, in their own ways, were within touching distance of upending the status quo and challenging the international order. Our father came closest. We, too, had this opportunity. This singular path to success in that regard. But not all change is positive, not all routes to success could maintain our principles. So, instead, we have made a choice. That choice is to now reap the fruits of our predecessor’s labours. As we reach the time of Harvest, so too shall we maintain serene continuity. In doing so, I believe that we safeguard our peoples, consolidate what we have to this date achieved, and reap the rewards of the path of peace. Those braying for extremism will not find it here; those wishing for war shall not get it from us. Know ye that We of Our special Grace, Royal Right, and by mere motion, by these Presents do constitute a Privy Council to serve Us, Our Heirs and Successors, and the People of Aaun. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Wife Hedwig [@ibiou] Queen of Aaun the Office and place of the Royal Chamberlain together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority to lead Our Household and run Our Royal Paradisian Court; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Carolus of Carrenhall. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Brother John Alstion-Enswerp [@Sebbysc] Count of Enswerp the Office and place of the Royal Constable together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority over Our Royal Road and to oversee the construction of infrastructure; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Daniel of Al’Khazar. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Cousin Johannes von Alstreim [@Balthasar] Prince of Merryweather the Office and place of the High Commissioner together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority subject to Us to constitute and nominate Ambassadors and other subordinate officers in Our Office, to conduct Our diplomacy, to upkeep Our present Treaties, and safeguard Our interests abroad; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Charles of Petrus. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Louis-Caspian Dieuxmont de Rosius [@rep2k] Baron of Rosius the Office and place of the Royal Chancellor together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority subject to Us to lead Our government and to advise Us always candidly for the greatest profit of Our Realm; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Wilfriche of Hanseti. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Emilio Varoche [@Enlightenment] Count of Ves the Office and place of the Royal Vice-Chancellor together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority to deputise the Chancellor in all things; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Adrian of Leuvaarden. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved George Halcourt [@ImDrippedJr] the Office and place of the Grand Knight together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority as master of the chivalric code and registry, as well as the head of Our Household Knightly Circle; and also that for their tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Edmond of Lachsin. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Cousin Johanna von Alstreim [@cherrybud] the Office and place of the Royal Treasurer together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority to raise taxes levies and duties, to record the revenues of the Royal Accounts, and also to oversee the maintenance of housing on Our Royal Estate; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Tobas of Sarkoz. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Jean Talraen de Rennes [@LithiumSedai] Cardinal St. Godwin the Office and place of Court Chaplain together with other such duties as signified by Us to upkeep virtue and punish vice and also to tend to the health of Our soul and that of Our beloved family; and also that for the tenure of the said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Pius of Sutica. By these Presents We do appoint Our trusty and well-beloved Tiber av Marna [@seannie] Esquire the Office and place of the Royal Archmarshal together with other such duties as signified by Us with power and authority to run Our Household Guard, oversee Our Royal Armoury at the Bastion, and to make use of Crown-land for such defences as are necessary for the protection of the Realm; and also that for the tenure of their said Office they shall hold the Signet of St. Thomas of Gaekrin. By these Presents they shall have hold exercise and enjoy together with all privileges profits advantages due and of right belonging to said Offices during Our pleasure so long as they shall well behave themselves therein subject to the provisions in the said Acts to the Office belonging. In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent at the Hand of Horen on the tenth of Tobias’ Bounty in the ninth year of Our Reign. VINCIT REGNAT IMPERAT ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In the City of Whitespire, Apsotolic Kingdom of Aaun On the 10th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1988.

Big ups on the google docs pasting and the new theme - really like it personally, good job guys!

Charles II smiles as he reads the document "Great achievement of the Aaunic Courts. I hope we can see more of it in the near future." The King said before focusing on responding to many letters piling on his desk

Charles II sits in his chair, tired but happy that a consensus has finally been reached

Letters Patent for the M A R C H O F G R O D N O Issued and Confirmed in the name of the King in the year 1987 Know ye that We, of Our Special Grace, and Royal Right by this the great seal of the Realm given to Us by special commission of King James, and with good counsel, We have created you again Our trusty and well beloved Jan Aleksander Jazlowiecki to the title of M A R G R A V E O F G R O D N O. And for Us, Our heirs and successors, do give and grant unto him the dignity and honour of the M A R G R A V E O F G R O D N O; investing him with the said March by girding him with a Sword, having his name and certain items of heraldry etched upon its forte, and putting a Coronet on his head, and giving into his hand a Black Rod, to have and to hold the said dignity of his March unto him and his heirs. And We do also will by these Presents that for Us, Our heirs and successors, constitute and declare the bounds of the March aforesaid shall be the whole of the Styrian Hill, where the once magnificent Castle Apracz stood. And We do also will by these Presents that for Us, Our heirs and successors, grant that he and his successors possess the right from time to time and forever to collect routine taxes on Our behalf, in a manner and method of his and his successors choosing; And further We will and by these Presents constitute and direct that for Us, Our heirs and successors, We tax them at the annual value of hundred-ninety-five marks by receipt of the Receiver-General. And We do also will by these Presents that for Us, Our heirs and successors, grant that he and his successors possess the right to raise militia and to use them for the apprehension of divers felons, fugitives, outlaws and strays and further for protection from Our enemies present and future. And We do also will by these Presents that for Us, Our heirs and successors, grant that he and his successors possess the exclusive right of the mines within the said territory. In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at the Hand of Horen the first of Sigismund’s End in the eigth year of Our Reign. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In the City of Whitespire, Apsotolic Kingdom of Aaun On the 1st of Sigismund’s End, 1987. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, 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

V O I C E O F T H E P E O P L E Law is the underlying basis of society. No man or woman is above it. The fundamental rights of mankind exist on the premise of the Rule of Law, and all civilised people will have nothing to shelter them if that is surrendered to despotism and tyranny. The dream that is our Heartlands exists on the principles of liberty, freedom, and justice. These things have always been our highest concern, and it is with this in mind that We did commission an inquiry into the state of Article VII, otherwise known as the ‘Exit Clause’ under the constitution— From Olivier Dieuxmont, former High Emissary of Aaun “ 1. Should the two nations and peoples be unable to peacefully merge by the time of the grand-heir’s marriage, the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Commonwealth of the Petra can split into two entities once more. ” I. Condition The condition must be either fulfilled or unmet by a specified point in time. Article VII, Clause 1, establishes the condition as a peaceful merge. II. Deadline Assessment The clause explicitly sets ‘by the time of the grand-heir’s marriage’ as the deadline for assessing whether the condition has been met. This phrase means that the assessment must occur shortly before, at, or after the specified time. III. Exit Clause The subsequent action, namely the split between Aaun and Petra, is contingent upon the condition being unmet by the specified deadline. The constitution does not permit the split to occur immediately after the promulgation of the constitution, nor at any arbitrary time before the deadline at which the condition may be assessed. IV. Timeline The thrust of the law implies that before the grand-heir’s marriage the focus of the Confederation is on attempting a peaceful merger. Consequently, the clause does not allow for a split before the deadline as the condition for the exit clause to be activated cannot be definitively assessed until that point. V. Example (a) Person A tells Person B to arrive at a certain place ‘by the time of’ a meeting. Arrival is expected at or shortly before the scheduled meeting, not days, months, or years beforehand. (b) Person A prepares food for Person B ‘by the time of’ a shared event. If Person A prepared the food a month before the shared event it would be rendered unsuitable for Person B to consume. (c) A landlord organises an inspection of a property a tenant has been living in ‘by the time of’ the tenancy’s end date. The inspection is held shortly before, at the time of, or following the tenancy end date. The inspection is not held three months before the tenancy end date. VI. The Natural Meaning It is crucial that the language used in the constitution is interpreted using its natural meaning. Clear terms, used commonly in our lives, should not be subject to unnecessary alteration. Conditions tied to a specific deadline are intended to ensure that both parties have until that deadline to fulfil their obligations. Article VII of the constitution was written and agreed on in good faith by His late Majesty King John and Her late Majesty Queen Catherine. It was then, and is now, the primary mechanism through which a harmonious split may be achieved. The wording of the constitution ensures that premature action cannot be taken and that both Provinces have a reasonable period to comply with the remainder of the constitution. I remain, Majesty, Your Humble Servant, Olivier Dieuxmont de Rosius This report having been delivered to Our desk, We instructed the Lord Chancellor to create a Bill to give the people a fair means by which they may bring about lawful constitutional change. The Garmont Assembly today failed to bring this Bill to law, divided evenly, leaving the promise of Our last missive to change the way by which the Heartlands are governed unfulfilled. We had hoped with this Bill that if the Garmont passes a Bill to alter the constitution then such a proposal shall go automatically to the people for their approval in a referendum. Similarly, if the Garmont were to have passed a Bill which Our Lord Chancellor deems to be of significant national importance, then he is authorised to call a referendum for the approval of the people. We are aware of a call, from some quarters, that our Heartlands should be abolished. Before Our order for the cessation of hostilities many were willing to resort to violence to achieve such ends. However, the Heartlands remains unbowed to threats of partisan insurrectionism. We hold it to be self-evident that government exists only upon the consent of the governed. That it can only be the Right of the People to bring into being a government or to abolish it. The people of the Heartlands have the right to disagree, but they must do so agreeably. Violence, or threats of violence, demean us. Article VII of the constitution does not allow an early split between the Provinces before the time of the grand-heir’s marriage. His Majesty’s son, the Lord of Alba, is not yet ten years old. Her Majesty is as yet unmarried. That provision having not been met, secession is not lawful. Should those minority of voices who desire the abolition of the Heartlands believe in the righteousness of their conviction and the popularity of their cause then the Lords should think again on the Lord Chancellor’s Bill and allow the people their say. The power to change must rest in the hands of the people, not in the hands of the aristocracy alone. Government must serve the people and ensure that the rule of law is respected. That is the country we can be; that is the change we choose. That is the future we will fight for. VOX POPULI VINCIT REGNAT IMPERAT TANDEM TRIUMPHANS ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; On the 11th of Sun’s Smile, 1987. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of the Franklands, Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain, Protector of the Realm

Ludwig of Merryweather, faithful servant of the Alstreims, penned the lenghty list below according to Prince Johannes' instructions as well as what he could find in many old books located within the library of Ulrichsburg... ✠ Sir Jan Sigmar, Lord of Alstreim ✠ Imperial Dragon Knight of Alstreim, Renatus and Waldenia, Lord of Alstreim and Blackwater; Black Ferrum Cross, awarded by Emperor Aurelius ✠ Siege of Helena, 1716 ✠ Succumbed to wounds sustained in the final charge of the Imperial Dragon Knights at Helena ✠ Died 1717 ✠ Saint-King Ottomar of Salvus and Merryweather ✠ Prince of Merryweather; posthumously affirmed as Perpetual King in Atheran Salvus and Prince of Lagos ✠ Landing at Sutica-in-Arcas, 1790 ✠ Perished in a confrontation between his Salvian retinue and a pagan mob at the Sutican docks following his landing ✠ Died 1790 ✠ Venerable Queen Johanna of Sutica ✠ Queen of Sutica and Queen in Atheran Salvus, Princess of Merryweather, Countess of Sarissa, Baroness of Brynnrose, Sovereign Lady of New Ceru, Lady of Blackwater ✠ Battle of the Rhine, 1834 ✠ Succumbed to wounds sustained in the Battle of the Rhine between the Canonist-Sutican forces and pagan rebels ✠ Died 1835 ✠ Venerable Sir Ulrich Lothar, Prince of Merryweather ✠ Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim, Elected Margrave of Vanderfell and Ninth Vandalore, Grand Knight of Savoy; Black Ferrum Cross, inherited from King Corwin I of Sutica; Ferrum Cross, posthumously awarded by the Ninth Waldenic Diet ✠ Siege of Haverlock, 1860 ✠ Perished in a last stand of the Alstionite Nauzican Brigade against the forces of the excommunicated Emperor of Oren, Philip III ✠ Died 1860 ✠ Heinrich I Franz, Prince of Merryweather ✠ Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim, Baron of Corwinsburg ✠ Acrean Rebellion, 1896 ✠ Succumbed to wounds sustained fighting Acre-aligned bandits in the Landgraviate of Alstreim ✠ Died 1896

A D R E A M O F U N I T Y The people of our nation know that our Heartlands have always been more than product of two countries. It was, and has always been, the result of an ancient dream that mingles in our blood. A dream we see at night, the gentle light that wakes us in the morning, a reflection of ourselves. That dream has always guided my decisions and my resolve. That dream is the dream of all of us. It is a dream of a world united by cause and determination to succeed in the face of the most unfavourable odds. It is the dream of freedom of thought, of liberty from tyranny, of duty over chaos. It is the unashamed victory of love over hate. Tolerance over division. Self-sacrifice over self-service. It is a dream that makes us larger than the binary choice of Aaun or Petra. But dreams are by their very nature idyllic. Though we may wish it, we cannot always be the idyllic version of ourselves. The version that our Lord God sees in us. We, too, have erred at times. We have sometimes thought without waiting, acted without conviction, worried without reason. We, too, have been tempted by conflict over understanding. Had we been destined for ambition, avarice, and animosity alone then there would have been no occasion to variate us with love, understanding, and affection — we would have been far more well suited to hate had God fashioned us so. However, we are far more complex than that. The bitter truth is that we do not know the contents of another person's soul. As a consequence, we rationalise the behaviour of our peers by reducing them to their most simple determination. We are not simply of Whitespire or Vallagne, of Hohengarten or Ves, of Petra or of Aaun. Our dream is far more comprehensive. Far less reductionist. Our Heartlands will endure in whatever political scenario is to come. It will endure, quite simply, because it is the land within our hearts. The dream within our soul. We will fight for compromise over extremism, unity over division. We are compelled to by the Will of our Lord God. It is why we now issue the following proclamations: I. We call for peace and an immediate cessation of hostilities towards one another. Our abilities are endless, our potential infinite, only if we do it together. II. We summon the Garmont Assembly to convene in order to come to a resolution on the future of our nation. III. We expressly forbid verbal or physical abuse towards members of the clergy, the Order of Saint Jude, and the Order of the White Comet. Any who breach this command shall be arrested and delivered to the Holy Mother Church for judgement. IV. We order that the Knights of the White Tower, the Radiant Guard of Númenost, the Rangers of the Númenaranyë, and any other such soldier or agent under the pay, protection, service, or association of the Crown or Lords of Númendil immediately stand down from Our land and return to their homes. We thank them for their service to Canondom, and express Our appreciation for their willingness to protect innocents. We regret the absence of information which may have led to intervention and offer Our sincere apologies for any offence given to them while in the course of their presumed duties. We ask the Holy Mother Church to confirm to Us privately, in writing, the withdrawal of any and all foreign forces in what is, ultimately, a matter of internal concern alone. We thank them for their continued work in delivering essential rites to Our people and for routinely comforting them in distressing circumstances. However, We respectfully and humbly ask that their role be limited to matters of the soul rather than of secular affairs. V. We retain the right to act in a manner and at a time of Our choosing if consensus is not reached and our call for peace is not adhered to. Those that attempt to break Our peace do so as Our enemies. VI. We accept, in full, the desire of many that Our Realm be governed in a manner which promotes the most effective conduct of business and the elimination of corruption. We call for a public consultation over the best future means of governing. The Heartlands are an idea stronger than one individual, more powerful than a single family, and more important than self service. It may only be run for, and with the consent of, the People. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; On the 10th of Owyn’s Flame, 1987. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of the Franklands, Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain, Protector of the Realm

Charles II released a sigh as the news reached him "May God guide them in his eternal garden. They were harsh but good people." The monarch commented, saddened by the abrupt passing of the King and Queen

The Aaunic King offered a firm nod "Great day for cousin Jan and Warsovia. I'll visit him soon to congratulate him and Catherine personally!" Charles II said to his wife, Hedwig of Warsovia @ibiou

Charles II offered his wife a reassuring pat on the back "Rest now, you have done a splendidly on this document, and I am sure John will do well as your successor in the Court." The King said with a soft smile

TO OUR RESTORED REALM, It has been almost twenty years since Our Royal Father, King John of Aaun, released the noble Household of Barclay from their oaths to the Kingdom of Aaun. It was to nobody’s surprise that without them, wardens of the Franklands, the region fell into poverty, architecture became overgrown with moss and nature took over what was once the capital of the Grand Principality of Minitz. As a young boy, We helped the last settlers pack up their belongings so that they could set off with their Liege lords in search of a new home in the frozen tundras of the north-west. When Our esteemed father passed away, We made it Our ambition to transform the former Grand Principality into a region that the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the entire Confederation could be proud of. After years of hard work - demolition, planting, digging - We are proud to present the results of Our work. On this 9th day of Godfrey’s Triumph, in the year of our Lord 1984 we proclaim the creation of the DUCHY OF THE FRANKLANDS, to encompass the whole province of the Franklands - from the northern peninsula to the forests surrounding the ruins of Stran. The title is to be held by the monarchs of House of Alstion, and governed by them for eternity. The Duchy of the Franklands Depiction of the Halmet of Enswerp For many years had the title of Enswerp been in the hands of Our royal ancestors, and now in Ours. However, Enswerp managed to develop a separate identity through the last few decades. From a name which was listed beneath the royal seal, it became the farming centre of the Godwinite Realm and a model for a modern peasant society. Ever since Our investiture, Our brother John was appointed the governor of the Hamlet and its surroundings. It was his hard work that led Enswerp to its current position, and it would be a deed most cruel to take back something for what He has worked all his life. Depiction of Cliffhaven, the seat of the Count of Enswerp Therefore, We name Our Royal Brother, JOHN VALENTINUS ALSTION, the Count of Enswerp, and establish that he, his wife and descendants shall from now on form the House of ALSTION-ENSWERP. As long as Our brother lives, he and his wife shall remain the Prince and Princess and retain all rights of the Royal Household of Alstion. Upon his death the comital title of Enswerp shall return to the Crown and the current King of Aaun is to elect another Count from the ranks of the House of Alstion-Enswerp, to steward the lands of the Hamlet. Furthermore this decision alters the law of succession, making John and his descendants the last in the line of succession in an event that no other Alstion is eligible to sit the Paradisian Throne. The House of Alstion-Enswerp Depiction of Calliopeburg On the ruins of the Princely Castle of Minitz, now proudly stands the Fortified Chantry of Calliopeburg. A mighty and fortified chantry located in the easternmost part of the Franklands. This sacred object was erected by the Apostolic Crown to thank Saint Calliope for blessing the Royal Household of Alstion with a long awaited heir. This magnificent marble object is not only for the faithful but also for those of Waldenian blood to converge on neutral grounds in times of strife. The fortress is also home to several institutions and organisations. One of them is the Legation of the Salvian Syndicate from Atheran Salvus, who attend the sessions of Waldenic Diet, whenever one’s happening. Another is Alstreim Ventures & Steel, trading company of the Princely House of Alstreim, established in the year of our Lord 1656. Depiction of the Hall of Gnomes The Gnomes of Oblazekos have a deep history with the Franklands and that of the Heartlandic Confederation. The presence of the Gnomes in this valley cannot be understated. Their leader, Lembic Urbran, has sought a harmonious relationship with the residence of the Franklands along with developing a close friendship with Our Royal Father. As of recently, the Gnomes have been bestowed the estate of Gnomeregan to establish the Aevosian Gnome Society. This hub of whimsical culture will be the foreground of the Gnomish-kind and will allow for their peoples to grow within the prosperity of the Franklands. Depiction of the Ruins of Stran Stran, once a renowned Duchy and the seat of the mighty House Ivanovich, was left in desolation after the murder and kinslaying of Duke Janos Matyas, which was followed by the great fire that consumed most of the architecture. The title now stands dissolved on the authority of King John of Aaun, and the ruins stand as a testament of what can become of a family betrayed from within. As of now, no attempts have been made to revitalize the land or repair it to its previous state. Nature has begun to take hold of its structures, of its courtyards, and of its keep. In due time, all will return to GOD’s perfect design, that of which he has willed. However, local legends say that all those who died in the great fire of Stran now haunt the ruins and the surrounding forest - unable to find rest in the afterlife. ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In the Hand of Horen, Province of Aaun On the 9th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1984. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of the Franklands, Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain, Protector of the Realm His Royal Highness, JOHN VALENTINUS, Count of Enswerp, Warden of Saint Daniel’s Crossing, the Lord Chamberlain of the Paradisian Court

Charles II nodded slowly as he read the declaration "May this fertile land serve you and your fellow gnomes for decades to come, good Lembic. Tis the least I could do for your friendship, ever since I was but a boy running through the fields of Enswerp, covered in mud." The King spoke softly as he signed the land grant of Gnomeregan

LAND GRANT OF: GNOMEREGAN It has pleased Our Royal and Apostolic Crown to offer Our loyal subject, LEMBIC URBRAN, the right to own land and property under lease, located in NORTHERN FRANKLANDS, under these terms and conditions We have set: I. The agreement shall subsist from Horen’s Calling 1984 until Horen’s Calling 1994, and pay tax to the Crown in the form of SEVENTY AND FIVE MINAE. II. In case the esteemed Lembic Urbran wishes to remain in service to the Apostolic Crown, and the Confederacy it shall be extended after Horen’s Calling 1994. III. The occupier shall use the said ground solely for the purposes of cultural, environmental, and moral education and/or other purposes for the benefit of the Aevosian Gnomish Society. IV. The occupier shall only employ those appropriate for the supervision of the gnomish cultural heritage. V. The occupier has the right to erect the HALL OF GNOMES, headquarters of the AGS. VI. The occupier has no right to expand the Hall of Gnomes without prior consultation with the leaseholder and is forbidden from expanding beneath the land granted by this document. VII. The occupier shall free and relieve the Crown Estate of all liabilities for any accidents or damage caused through or by, the occupier’s use and occupation of the ground. Supervision and safety for the above area will be the occupier’s responsibility in all matters relating to the application and use. VIII. The occupier will ensure that any and all rubble and/or ruin is left unaltered throughout the period of the agreement. IX. His Majesty the King wishes that the occupier ensures all trees are fully protected. This condition applies at all times. No existing plants, shrubbery or trees will be removed without prior approvals from the leaseholder. X. All maintenance liabilities within and on the boundaries of the lease will be the responsibility of the occupier and must be of a high standard complying with the surroundings. XI. The occupier may use the land and its surroundings in such a way to supplement their income and ensure the proper maintenance of the site, but may not exploit the land in an unreasonable way for profit. XII. The occupier may use the site to sell trinkets or other small objects, foods and/or drinks but the number of stalls/shops shall not exceed three. XIII. The leaseholder shall reserve the right to terminate this agreement in the event of recurring hooliganism on the site, tax evading or other nuisances during the period of the agreement. The leaseholder must give 1 year’s notice for the termination of the agreement through this clause. ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In the Hand of Horen, Province of Aaun On the 2nd of Horen’s Calling, 1984. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain, Protector of the Realm Her Excellency, ADELHEID OF MERRYWEATHER, Baroness-Consort of Artois, Lady of Montresor, Grand Treasurer of the Heartlander Confederation His Smallness, LEMBIC URBRAN, Founder of the Aevosian Gnome Society, Adherent of Fargrum the Wanderer, Proud Oblazeki Gnome, and Student of Elder Wisecap, 1st Hypernaut Captain Doctor-Professor and Patriarch of the House of Aob; Xob Wobson

Charles II smiled upon hearing the news "He is young, but the youth will carry the torch once we die. I must pen a letter to cousin Louis and congratulate him on this splendid occasion." The Aaunic King said quietly to his wife, Hedwig of Warsovia, before picking up a piece of parchment and a quill... @ibiou

Charles II scratched his head, unsure whether or not he should attend.

Charles II folded the Queen's response in half and put it back on the top of his desk "Her Majesty speaks with sense. Why would we respond to Lurinite requests of a diplomatic meeting if our state was getting ready for a military conflict with them? Words are empty, until they are supported by deeds and I am sure that the Legionnaires are far from our eastern border." The King of Aaun commented before releasing a sigh

Charles II is now a proud father of THREE!