Eryane

After seeing the gossip column spread, Empress Anastasia made way for her daughter Lorena’s imperial quarters. “My dear?” She called out for her from beyond the door, “You are not cursed. Merely, hmh, unfortunate on the matter of timing. . . Yet that does not hinder you now, does it? You are still strong, you are still a Novellen and your blood is that of the many great rulers of our empire.” Perhaps the column was not so wrong, yet as a mother seeing such said about her daughters left her unsettled.

"It took them long enough to win a battle!" remarked Empress Anastasia as some word began to spread of the occurrences.

From within the comforts of Arichsdorf, a young girl, Lyanna Wynflæd, picked at the flowers in the open fields. It was only when her mother spoke to her, and held her close, that she drew her attention away from the colorful petals. “Of course, mama!”

“What is it?” One servant inquired of another. There was a series of screams coming from the imperial quarters, ones of dread and pain - ones of mourning. “Her mind is lost, more and more each day. Can’t you tell?” the other commented. The loss of Princess Amelia had taken its toll, heavily so, upon Empress Anastasia. There was no replacing such a light, a life, a beacon.

“Well then!” Anastasia exclaimed, and heaved out a rather big sigh and finished her wineglass.

Anastasia I signed off on the imperial letter for her son's peerage and nodded once to her husband, content in seeing her children succeed. Although, she certainly could feel a few more of her dark hairs turning grey.@Nectorist

“A true warrior and knight of the empire is amongst us,” Empress Anastasia I remarked as the missive was given to her by a courier. She went on to pass it to her Vice-chancellor, Princess Catherine, as well. @AndrewTech

"No peace until victory," Empress Anastasia I echoed after the imperial court announcing their mobilization. "We have sought peace, but to no avail for the coalition dragged their feet again and again. Oren aut Mortem!"

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT, 1865 - 17th of Tobias Bounty, 1865 Our esteemed subjects, As Our Empire is in need of promoting competent statesmen, loyal subjects, and valiant warriors we do hereby make the following changes unto Our government. Her Imperial Highness, Princess Victoria Augusta of Oren, shall take the seat of Prefect-Castellan in Our prefecture. The Right Honorable, Baron of Ames, shall take the seat of Prefect-Magistrate in Our prefecture. It is Our innate command that these appointees carry out their duties with bold vigor and determination to improve Our Empire. Additionally, as their first appointment, His Eminence, Cardinal Albarosa, is named by agreement of the Prefects to the position of Diocesian Coadjutor in the prefectural cabinet. Other appointments to the prefectural cabinet are to be released by the Prefects and follow separately in the coming days. AD DEI GLORIAM, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, PHILIP III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, ANASTASIA I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

BROADER CITY OF PROVIDENCE 17th of Tobias's Bounty, 1865 PREAMBLE It is, on occasion, necessary to modify the political apparatuses which govern Our realm. The prefecture of New Providence is one such fledgling institution. Therefore, the following changes are to be made to the prefecture by imperial decree in order to enhance its ability to restore the integrity of the municipal government within the imperial capital. ARTICLE I. On the Leadership of the Prefectural Committee In order to promote functionality and centralization within the city government, the following is established as the reformed prefectural committee. This body shall now be led by two individuals as co-prefects, who shall be known as the Prefect-Castellan and the Prefect-Magistrate. Both individuals are charged with the responsibility of leading the municipal government of the imperial capital, taking charge of their own respective duties and responsibilities. Yet, these responsibilities may be interchangeable upon one prefect’s permission to the other; I.) The Prefect-Castellan of New Providence; i. The Prefect-Castellan is equally tasked with the organization, development, and running of the city government infrastructure to ensure its durability, capacity, and efficiency. ia. The Prefect-Castellan must organize and host a minimum of one meeting every year on a recurring day. ib. This meeting must be organized between both prefects, and can be hosted without the presence of the other if one is unable to attend or organize such. ii. The Prefect-Castellan shall manage and oversee the Office of the City Clerk. iii. The Prefect-Castellan is to oversee and conduct building projects within the City of New Providence iv. The Perfect-Castellan shall be afforded an advisory seat on the Council of State to better enhance communication between the municipal and national governments for the prefecture’s duration. II.) The Prefect-Magistrate of New Providence i. The Prefect-Magistrate is equally tasked with the organization, development, and running of the city government infrastructure to ensure its durability, capacity, and efficiency. ia. The Prefect-Magistrate must organize and host a minimum of one meeting every year on a recurring day. ib. This meeting must be organized between both prefects, and can be hosted without the presence of the other if one is unable to attend or organize such. ii. The Prefect-Magistrate shall host elections every four years for the seats of the Imperial Aldermen and oversee all municipal government elections. iii. The Prefect-Magistrate has been instructed with the enforcement of municipal laws, and tasked to work alongside the Imperial Office of Inquisition. iv. The Prefect-Magistrate is tasked with engaging the subjects of New Providence. ia. Such directly includes working alongside the imperial court and its council to provide events and other revelry for the city. v. The Perfect-Magistrate shall be afforded an advisory seat on the Council of State to better enhance communication between the municipal and national governments for the prefecture’s duration. ARTICLE II. On the Prefectural Cabinet Furthermore, all roles on the Prefectural Committee beyond the positions of Prefect-Castellan and Prefect-Magistrate shall be referred to solely as the “Prefectural Cabinet.” This is to take the place of previous positions such as (yet not limited to) the city council, the city assembly, etcetera. I.) The City Clerk i. The City Clerk shall administer the collection of taxes, or rents, and the sale of residences and other properties throughout the city including shops, outdoor stalls, and food sale shops. ii. The City Clerk is charged with the responsibility of distributing pay of 20 mina each year (with a 10% commission of each property sale) to the clerks under their guidance. iii. The City Clerk must maintain the municipal ledger or delegate it directly to one of the clerks beneath them. iv. The City Clerk may appraise houses and set prices accordingly. II.) The Diocesan Coadjutor i. The Diocesan Coadjutor shall be appointed to dictate matters of faith amongst the peoples of New Providence. ii. The Diocesan Coadjutor is tasked with organizing events and other community-engaging activities regarding religious matters to the community. III.) Imperial Aldermen; i. Two Imperial Aldermen, or Alderwomen, are to be appointed to the prefectural cabinet every four years through elections held by the Prefect-Magistrate. ii. One Aldermen position is solely to be held by a non-noble, while the other may be either of common or noble status. iii. Aldermen are charged with the following responsibilities; iiia. To represent the people by whom they were elected, iiib. To bring forth legislative ordinances pertaining to the governance of the municipality of New Providence, iiic. To hold portfolios of responsibility issued to them by mutual agreement of the Prefect-Castellan and the Prefect-Magistrate. IV.) Appointed Military Official; i. Upon the election of the Aldermen, the General of the Imperial State Army is to appoint the most qualified individual to the Prefectural Cabinet. ii. The elected official is charged with the responsibility of the enforcement of municipal law and ensuring the protection of the city of New Providence. V.) Representatives i. Representatives may be allowed to attend meetings of the Prefectural Committee at the invitation of either Prefect. ia. Recommended examples of this may be: the tavern owner, the imperial palace council, Ministry of Civil Affairs, etcetera. ii. Representatives shall be granted permission to participate and advise upon their invitation. This does not translate to a direct seat on the committee, however. AD DEI GLORIAM, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, PHILIP III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, ANASTASIA I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

A S T E R C A L I A T H E I M P E R I A L T E M P O R E 1866 - 1868 MONTH OF HARREN’S FOLLY A Waltz in Time In a night of revelry hosted at the behest of the Duke of Sunholdt, the House d’Arkent and all within their retinue present the historical ball known as ‘a waltz in time’, where attendees are requested to dress up in their most favored historical figure, or an ancestor of their family. In order to keep anonymity throughout the revelry, it is asked that attendees wear a mask and refrain from letting others know who they are going to the masquerade as. They are requested to only introduce themselves as the figure in which they are representing and to avoid revealing others they may be able to identify. Tuesday, 4th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF HOREN'S CALLING Palatial Badminton Competition Within the imperial palace of Aster Hall, Lady Anne Josephine of Sunholdt returns to her roots as the former Lady Revels of the Aster Court and invites all to participate in a badminton competition. This shall take place in the imperial gardens, and any and all are welcome to join. Wednesday, 6th of April - 8PM EST MONTH OF OWYN’S FLAME Debutante/Debut Etiquette Lesson As hosted by HIH The Countess Vanderfall, Governess of Aster Hall, and HE Lady Chamberlain, Odessa MacPherson, all debutantes and debuts are highly requested to come to the upper throne room to partake in lessons of etiquette. For presenting debutantes, this shall outline what each woman should do amidst her presentation before HIM The Empress. There will also be notable mentions of how to act at the “debut dinner” with Their Imperial Majesties and the imperial family. Thursday, 7th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH Vuillermoz Harvest Festival In the lands of Grenz, within the Viscounty of Vuillermoz, attendees may revel in a grand harvest festival and are encouraged to bring in their own harvests or traditional cuisines to share and exchange with others. Festivities will include pumpkin carving, nail the tail on the donkey, a treasure hunt, as well as dancing outdoors. At the end, one particular lady will be honored and crowned as the ‘Harvest Queen’ as according to the House of Vuiller. Friday, 8th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY Archifest It is to the honor of the House von Arichsdorf to invite the imperial subjects of the imperial realm to the first Arichsfest, where there shall be a flower dance and other traditional festivities. It is encouraged by Marchioness Laurentina for people to wear lederhosen. Saturday, 9th of April - 4PM EST MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY The Debut Dinner with Their Imperial Majesties A private dinner, hosted only for the bachelors and debutantes participants of Astercalia. They shall be required to uphold the most strict form of etiquette, and are encouraged to speak to leaders of the Aster Court as well as the Mistress of Etiquette on how to properly behave at the dinner with Emperor Philip III and Empress Anastasia I. Saturday, 9th of April - 8PM EST MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE Ceremony of Nobles All nobles are summoned to the imperial throne room by the Emperor and Empress for a private court known as the Ceremony of Nobles on the month of Sun’s Smile; wherein, nobles are asked to bring the full capacity of their household before the imperial crown. Nobles shall present their finest accomplishments of the past years as each noble household presents themselves before the dais in the most traditional clothing of their household– a representation of the family’s traditions, customs and formal attire. Displays of such traditions and customs are welcomed amidst the Ceremony of Nobles, although not required of the imperial peerage. PENDING, POSTPONED (FROM WARCLAIM) MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE Presentation of the Debutantes The Presentation of Debutantes is one of the most important moments within Astercalia. A decades long tradition entailing the showcase of the high standing ladies of the Empire. Each noble family presents their daughters before HIM The Empress and the Aster Council for commentary and approval of their behavior and etiquette. Please note that the age of debuting has now been adjusted to ages 18-26. Commoners may partake in the debuting of Astercalia, and it is opened to them so long as they are sponsored by a noble house or member of the imperial family. If any non-nobility are unable to acquire such, they are recommended to reach out to HRM Empress Anastasia I, HIH Princess Amelia, or HE Miss Odessa. Sunday, 10th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF HARREN’S FOLLEY Amadistus; the Amadean Ball As per what is to be tradition of Astercalia, Amadistus is to be hosted amidst the month of Sun’s Smile - one saint’s day following the debutante’s presentation. Peers, consorts, debutantes and bachelors shall be announced upon entrance to the ball at its beginning. It is recommended that all families, including their respective debutantes and bachelors, enter the ball together. Following the commencement of the first ball of this imperial tempore, a brief period of mingling shall begin before the official waltzes. During this time, lady debutantes must have a slip of paper known as a ‘name card’ on hand with 5 open slots, and debuting bachelors may approach varying ladies to ask for a dance. Going down the list, the ladies must then - if accepting the bachelor’s dance - proceed to waltz with those as listed on their card. To identify debutantes, it is encouraged for them to wear a flower in their hair. Other attendees will be lined up with women and men on each side, and step forth into a formal waltz whilst the debutantes and bachelors go through their name card lists for dances. Monday, 11th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF SIGISMUND’S END Debutante House Calls & Noble Feasts The noble families of the empire are thus given the entire month of Harren’s Folly to host house calls within their own respective lands or within the imperial palace itself (upon request to the Aster Council). It is asked that those who do host house calls do so with the entire family of the debutante present for when a bachelor is to attend, although such is at the behest and decision of each participating family. However, beyond the debuting portion that is Astercalia, it is furthermore encouraged for nobles to host feasts between one another upon invitation. This may be an additional part of house calls, where the debutante and bachelor meet together there, or a separate event. This day can also be for pairs wishing to receive imperial assent for their marriage. They must send letters in advance to Their Imperial Majesties to inform them of their intention to meet Tuesday, 12th of April - ALL DAY MONTH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH The Aldersberg Scavenger Hunt In the County of Aldersberg, all are welcomed to partake in a scavenger hunt as hosted by the Count Edward Clement and his betrothed, Lady Anne of Sunholdt. There shall be some small afterparty and gathering after the main event is concluded. Friday, 15th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH The Azorian Soirée The Duke and Duchess of Azor welcome the participants of Astercalia and all nobles to a large party within the Duchy of Azor. Only the finest of Azorian Merlot shall be served alongside various dishes of Outer Arentanian origin. Various tokens shall be distributed by the Duke and Duchess representing Outer Arentania as keepsakes for the night of revelry. MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY The Oltrement Hunt & Traditional Cooking At the behest of the Baronetcy of Munnel, both the Baronet and Baronetess shall host a dual-event; a hunt, for those who wish to partake, as well as traditional homemade cooking for any who wish to stay behind and not participate in the hunt. Saturday, 16th of April - 1PM EST MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY The Pompourelian Masquerade At the behest of the Barony of Pompourelia, within their lands, the Baron and Baroness Pompourelia invite all to their estate for a masquerade only in the colors of black, red, white, and gold. All must, as in accordance with a masquerade, wear a mask to be in attendance at the event. Carrion Black will be served, as noted particularly by Baron Joseph, and cuisines such as shashlik and medovik shall be available for those who are not dancing. Saturday, 16th of April - 4PM EST MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY Reutov Remembrance Revelry Within the County of Kositz, HG The Duke of Reutov requests all peers and their esteemed families, as well as any and all imperial subjects of the realm to join him and the House of Ruthern in their commencement party. This party shall showcase the Raev culture, with homemade cuisine and traditional drinks such as Carrion Black present. Furthermore, it is dually in honor of the late General Erik var Ruthern. Toasts shall be made in his honor, for any wishing to partake. Saturday, 16th of April - 6PM EST MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE The Ebonwood Hunt The Princeps of Ebonwood has deemed it most necessary to celebrate not only the House Melphaestaus but the growing population of imperial elves and residents within the Orenian lands of Ebonwood. This shall be done in the form of a hunt, led by HSH Princeps Minuvas Melphaestaus himself. Sunday, 17th of April - 3PM EST MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE Performance of "Anabel" Following the upcoming casting call for the new play "Anabel", there shall be a performance of the drama held in the New Providence Community Theater. This shall go over the events of Anabel of Curonia, a notable figure in the early 18th century as the Duchess of Cascadia and proclaimed Queen regnant of Curonia. Sunday, 17th of April - TBA MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE The Concluding Feast & Festivities The concluding festivities shall be separated into two parts; the first being a feast for only the peers and their esteemed family, and the second being an event hosted by the Ruby of the debutantes. What this second event shall be is entirely at the choice of the chosen debutante, and will be announced at a later date. Monday, 18th of April - 7PM EST SIGNED, HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Amelia Margaret of Renzfeld, Countess of Vanderfall, Mistress of Civil Affairs, Governess of Aster Hall HER EXCELLENCY, Miss Odessa MacPherson, Lady Chamberlain of the Aster Court

M Y S T I Q U E M A S Q U E R A D E T H E A R C A N I C B A L L To the imperial subjects of the empire and allies abroad, In honor of the newly founded Arcanic Court of the Empress, it is at the behest of the High Magus Valyris Wynasul and the Arcane Council to host the mystique masquerade. Attendees are requested to dress in extravagant, whimsical outfits with recommended colors of pinks and purples. Throughout the eve, there shall be showcases of magic from all various different fields as performed by the mages of the Arcanic Court. It is encouraged that attendees bring any enchanted items or jewelry, so long as they are not weapons or harmful to others. Additionally, there will be a best-dressed contest with a 100 mina prize. The evening will be hosted within Providence Park. T I M E T A B L E THE ENCHANTED DANCE The enchanted dance will begin the evening of mystique and mystery. Music which rings on from the beyond will fill the Aster Court under the starlight. There will be some time of enjoying dancing and merriment in which the Bizarre Bazaar will be open for those that wish to partake in food, drink, and games instead of participating in the dance. BIZARRE BAZAAR A bizarre bazaar will be held towards the end of the dancing in tandem with the merriment. Food and drinks will be served at various stations around Providence Park & festival grounds. There will also be several games throughout the vicinity where people may win prizes of varying sorts. ATTIRE CONTEST After the bazaar, there will be a brief attire contest which will be overseen by three anonymous judges. The prize of 100 mina will be awarded to the one decided to have the best outfit that fits within the theme of whimsical. ENTRANCED EXHIBITION The mages of the Arcanic Court will briefly host an exhibition showing off some of their talents and enchantments. The exhibition will be a chance to ask questions regarding the duties of the court and overall remove apprehensiveness regarding the mages. HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen. Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera Miss Valyris Wynasul, High Magus of the Arcanic Court of the Empress

On the Question of Valles 15th of Harren's Folly, 1864 Following the trial of Sir Erik Othaman, the Imperial Crown has debated heavily on how to press forth upon the topic of Valles. At the previous Adriatic court, a poll was taken from the peers of the realm upon their feelings of the matter and the voices spoken were almost unanimous in their endeavors. While Sir Erik Othaman has served the realm for decades, it is evident to the Imperial Crown that he is no longer in the capacity to do so any longer as the Count of Valles. This, as well as his conviction of striking the young Duchess of Cathalon, has henceforth caused the Imperial Crown to demote the County of Valles to the Viscounty of Valles and pass the title to his Great-Great Grandson, Nikolai Vladislav Othaman. May he serve his house well and restore the House of Othaman to glory. IN NOMINE DEI, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

Following the masquerade, Empress Anastasia I followed her brother and the High Prince further into the depths of Elvenesse, where they chatted away until the signatures were finally scribed upon the last discussion of the pact's contents. All of Caras y'Tennallar was familiar to her from her youth, when she was sent to study there and live amongst their people for some time as a mere girl in her early years - under the watch of that same High Prince Evar'tir Oranor. "How times have changed," she remarked to him earlier, upon first spotting him at the masquerade.

Upon looking out to the distance towards Haelun’or - far off from where she was in the imperial palace, Empress Anastasia I raises a glass. “To you, Sohaer Ayliana, and your people. May they find solace after years of strife.”

"We always discussed an empire more accepting of the Arcane arts, more open to the possibility of it being amidst Orenian citizenry," Anastasia I commented to her husband, Philip III. "Perhaps this shall see it to fruition with Lady Valyris and the other court mages." @Nectorist

"To many years of success and leal service, House Munnel," the Empress Anastasia I said as she was told of the extensive missive that had been released on the newly ennobled baronetcy family.

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENT TO THE CHANCELLERY 18th of Tobias' Bounty, 1864 Upon the resignation of His Imperial Excellency, Joseph d'Azor, it has thus been seen fit by the Imperial Crown to appoint the Vice Chancellor, Sir Henry Penton, to the position of Archchancellor. Since his youth, Joseph d'Azor has loyally served the empire from the appointment to his first governmental position as Chief of the War Arsenal to that of Archchancellor. It is with utmost honor that gratitude is expressed for the leal service contributed forth diligently by the Duke of Azor. Amidst the Aster Revolution, Joseph d'Azor was the first to stand behind the Imperial Crown in their quest towards a brighter future for the Holy Orenian Empire. Through the difficult period of the early years of the Petra War, the Duke of Azor filled the footsteps of his father admirably, standing stalwartly with the Imperial Crown. It is in hard times that strong men are forged, and the Duke of Azor proved to be one such man. Through his excellent service during the greatest war yet seen on Almaris, and his prior service before, the Duke of Azor is afforded the highest distinction and commendation from the Imperial Crown. AD DEI GLORIAM, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

AMENDMENT TO THE EDICT OF REFORM, 1864 - 12th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1864 INTRODUCTION Although designated in the initial Edict of Reform, 1854, that the Vice Chancellor shall head all meetings of the Imperial Diet as its chair, it has become clear that alternative methods of holding meetings of Our Diet are necessary. Therefore, it is best to allow a presiding officer, elected from among their peers in the Diet, to substitute for this initial requirement. THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE The President Pro Tempore of the Diet shall be an elected position from among the Imperial Senators and Grandees within the Imperial Diet. They shall serve as the presiding officer of the Diet in the absence of the Vice Chancellor. The Senators and Grandees may, at any point, once per Diet vote to change their President or Crown may change the President as it sees fit. IN NOMINE DEI, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera

Empress Anastasia heard the news from her husband, and with eagerness to meet this new leader of the world she informed her dearest sister-in-law the Countess Vanderfall about the two of them, along with other members of the Council of State, making a visit soon. @libertyybelle

A courier comes to the empress with a folded and sealed letter, to which they give with a bow and depart. If it hadn’t been for the opening few lines that brought attention to her eye when a nearby servant read it for her, she might have set it aside for another time. The servant brought forth a pen, parchment, and a small jar of ink when she beckoned for it to be brought to her side. With a few dips into the ink jar, she began to scribble down her response. Anastasia sent off the letter promptly, which would arrive to Miss Krüger by a finely dressed man of purple garb. He offered her a letter sealed with the sigil of the Imperial Crown that read the following; @FanglikeMiss Krüger, I am most thrilled to read of your talents, and to see that there is someone so interested in the beautiful craft of music. Not often do I see many who wish to perform, other than the minimal passing bards from time to time. I would like for you to play at tomorrow’s court -in a saint’s day, that is - and present your talents to us there amidst the ongoings of petitions. Meet me there sometime in advance, and we can be properly introduced. I look forward to our meeting, HIM Empress Anastasia I

EDICT OF ASTER 16th of Horen’s Calling, 1864 PREAMBLE It has become apparent to Us in these times of unrest and turmoil that, for the benefit of the security and integrity of Our realm, We must embark upon further enterprises so as to ensure Our continued sovereignty and economic development. Bearing this in mind, it is Our intention to empower a separate class of peer with special and unique privileges, so as to provide the necessary incentives for Our leal servants resident on the frontiers of the Empire to make further contributions to Our national interest. Therefore, this document proclaimed by Us enumerates the role, duties and privileges associated with the marcher lords of the Holy Orenian Empire. ARTICLE I. On marcher lords The term ‘marcher lord’ denotes a rank of peerage traditionally held in official seniority above the rank of ‘count’ and below the rank of ‘duke’. As with all ranks of peerage, the granting of this office remains the privilege of the Crown through the document of Imperial letters. The lands associated with Imperial letters for a march are required to be located on the frontier of the Empire, where a border is shared with a foreign state. As a special rank of peerage with unique responsibilities outside of the normal duties of a peer, the status of marcher lord shall be incompatible with any higher ranks of peerage within the Empire, with any marcher lords subsequently acquiring landed titleage of a higher seniority being required to relinquish their status as marcher lords. The name of a peerage at this rank shall always follow the conventions of ‘March of [LAND NAME]’, however, those marcher lords in the north of the Empire shall be styled as margrave, and those in the south of the Empire shall be styled as marquess. These stylings shall be of equivalent rank and shall both use the prefix of ‘The Most Honorable’. These stylings of peerage are precluded from being borne on an honorific basis, without the associated duties and responsibilities of a marcher lord. Henceforth, it is declared: I.) That in lieu of annual contributions in the form of Excise Tax, marcher lords shall be charged with a series of unique military and territorial contributions necessitated by their position on the frontier of the Empire, beyond that required by peers of other ranks. i. That marcher lords shall be required to maintain a substantial military force, and that these companies must maintain at least one thousand five-hundred men in their active service. ii. That the companies of marcher lords shall be subject to review by the Crown every two years. iii. That the status of a marcher lord shall be revoked if the requirement for the minimum number of men is insufficiently maintained after being reviewed twice by the Crown. II.) That marcher lords, as enumerated within this document, shall be given the privilege to uphold and maintain a settlement in the granted lands, where they are required to maintain a sizable population, and a level of economic and industrial productivity commensurate to this size. i. That this requirement may be reviewed in the form of a brief visit or event hosted by the marcher lord in honor of the Crown. This shall occur every four years and may coincide with review of the troops. III.) That marcher lords, as enumerated within this document, shall be given the privilege to fortify their territories in order to secure the frontiers of the Empire from foreign threats of all kinds. IV.) That marcher lords, as enumerated within this document, shall be given the privilege to create landed, untitled gentry vassals directly in the marcher lord’s service, for the purpose of providing services both military and economic to the march. These freeholds are to be associated with expectations, and failure to meet these standards will result in monetary penalties for the marcher lord. V.) That this edict shall also create the Imperial Security Committee, which shall be composed of the Crown, the heir apparent, ex officio the General of the Imperial State Army, ex officio all marcher lords as well as any other advisors of senior military significance as decided on an ad hoc basis by the Crown. VI.) That the role of the Imperial Security Committee is to directly advise the Crown in times of emergency or in war, or on any matters of high-level military or security significance. ARTICLE II. On baronetcies A baronet, or baronetess, is the holder of an honorary title, granted by the Crown, who may style themselves as ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’ and are recognized as low nobility below that of a baron or baroness. Henceforth, it is declared: I.) That a baronetcy is non-inheritable and is only held by whom the title was directly granted to by the Crown. II.) That baronets shall be subject to all responsibilities held by nobility as outlined in the Edict of Petra and otherwise stated by the Crown. III.) That baronets must purchase land from the Crown in order to hold it. i. That land is not granted, or a potential privilege, on basis of noble status for those holding a baronetcy. AD DEI GLORIAM, HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Philip III, Holy Orenian Emperor, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Anastasia I, Holy Orenian Empress, forever August, Queen of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duchess of Ves, Duchess of Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Adria, and Lorraine, Baroness of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders, Orenian Highlanders, and Farfolk, etcetera