Zaerie

Acolyte Millie frowned at the missive, "Maybe this sovereign does her homework, but she certainly never attended her lessons on empathy or proper diplomacy. Shaming someone for trying to seek peaceful resolution is not very pious. That letter doesn't even have anything incriminating in it." Slowly, the young acolytes brows furrowed, "Pride and wrath are sins, and this is a fine example of both."

If we are making raids even harder to defend (Tunnel systems being the only thing that gave Petra any hope during the Veletz war ngl) can we please nerf things like raid ladders? They reach far too high and encourage building walls ridiculously high.

WRITTEN AND WITNESSED BY With assistance in spelling and grammar by Father Davide To His Holiness, Today Cardinal Rhosyn has passed into the seven skies. As the peace of humanity settled across the realms of God, the sun shone down on one individual that fought for restitution with all her might. The Cardinal Rhosyn stood among her flock; both her beloved sheep and her beloved Petrans, and asked those present to join her on a simple walk through her diocese to return the sheep to their pasture. Father Davide, Artair von Theonus, Dame Rowena, and Millie of the Mines walked with the Cardinal towards the East, past the Monastery that Rhosyn spent years growing and cultivating, near to the Aldtree that the Cardinal had built and consecrated a holy shrine at, and through the lands that she had chosen as her home and her heart. It appeared that the land had chosen the Cardinal as well, as when she walked, the meadows reacted; flowers growing alongside her, rays of the sun shining down upon her, and the wild animals of the Commonwealth approaching her as the group went. With the events that would soon come to pass, it appeared almost as if God was telling the Cardinal that he stood with her, that she was not alone. Necromancers and forces of the dark surrounded the group, the Cardinal’s flock of sheep fleeing into the meadows. They were taken to a dark and elegant crypt surrounded by rotting corpses, decay, eerie chambers and forces of evil, if there was anywhere that God may not be able to reach, it was the crypt that they found themselves trapped in. The Cardinal was bound to an altar, with the rest bound as witnesses to the sacrificing of their beloved Rhosyn. The Cardinal chanted, her final sermon echoing through the halls. The words would not fall on deaf ears as her voice repelled the tendrils of darkness that threatened her life. She spoke of Juli’el, lessons of Iblees, the Waters of Gamesh, Owyn and the Son of Horen. For a time, they could not take her, for God and his teachings wrapped around her in a bright light. Darkness slowly seeped through her sermon, etching away at the Cardinals lifeforce. In a last breath of faith, the world rattled and blew the necromancers back. “What is going on? KILL HER!” They called over the Cardinal’s preaching, and their reinvigorated efforts began to chip past her will, the tendrils began to seep at her. Despite her dire state, the Cardinal paused her protective sermon to order the others to flee, to leave her behind where she would perish, allowing for the might that was once protecting her to protect her flock instead. With her orders, they ran. Though Millie turned towards the body of Rhosyn in an attempt to bring anything of the Cardinal with them to bury and lay to rest, and while the others made their way towards the door. The light grew ever brighter while the forces of the dark volleyed arrows at the fleeing survivors, until all was white. The white washed away to reveal the chapel within the Monastery of Saint Juli’el, where the survivors collapsed on the floor in safety. All that remained of Cardinal Rhosyn was a glowing rosary of beads, which made the girl that had tried to bring the Cardinal home feel safe and at peace as she walked towards the Holy See to declare her intent to take the cloth; for Rhosyn. Signed, Millie of the Mines

Queen Catherine I 1938 - 1979 Catherine had been born as a replacement. Her first breath caused her mothers last, and the weight of a river nation immediately settled onto the shoulders of a small, weak, ginger babe. Her life, her very existence seemed to echo that of a prophecy, a trade, a deal. For all around this royal child would both be death, and hope. The bringer of violence, blood, and suffering, would also reign in a new era of prosperity and dreams for the people of the Petra. For what did not burn would not rebuild. For those that did not suffer would not grow stronger. For what was not paid would not be received. The innocent young Princess would be neither innocent nor a Princess for long, the fire of resentment taking each in time. As she had been hunted for her blood by darkspawn, chained to a burning tree until she had been saved. As she had ordered an arsonist and a murderer be executed, having been denied the option of giving him a trial. As she had taken upon her shoulders her Crown at ten. As her childhood was ripped away from her, so had the peace. As violent neighbours began to threaten the sovereignty of her crown and nation, the child Queen was forced to declare war. She burnt the same hall that she had baked the Veletzians cake in, once upon a time. She besieged the same keep that housed a family that betrayed the Petra, once upon a time. She killed the same men that had sat within her halls, once upon a time. Catherine used to believe sometimes that God owed her an apology for the life that she lived. Then it seemed perhaps that she was an apology to the people of the Petra that he had abandoned for so long. Now, she doesn't fully believe that she had been her own person at all; she was simply a vessel, a means to an end. Now that she has fulfilled all that she was created to do, her last task was simple; die. Fate hadn’t been kind to the young princess that had dared to dream. Death had been her cold companion since she had still slept in her crib, violence a constant howling breeze through the windows of her home, fury the raging river that flowed around her city and land that she was never able to escape. She had never wanted to be hateful, but hope and patience had been beaten out of her young by the cruel truths of life and rulership. It had only been a handful of years after Catherine had begun, and finalised the uniting of Aaun and Petra that she had begun to fall ill. The cough started slowly, rattling her weakening bones until it started pulling up blood from her lungs. The once strong Queen, who fought in battles since she declared war at fourteen, became bedridden for years. “Darling, it’s alright.” Catherine smiled at her eldest daughter, “I’ve been fighting for too long, it had to catch up eventually.” Doctors and medics were able to slow the progression of her illness significantly, but nothing made it better. A mix of her sickness, past injuries, and years in smoke filled battlefields had made Catherine’s lungs weak and susceptible. Rowena held her mother's hand tight. "Then you can rest. You deserve a good rest, mom. I'll watch over Adalia. I'll watch over all of them, I promise." “I know you will, Darling.” Catherine squeezed her hand back, “I’ve always known you will, you’ve always looked out for them. You inherited strength from both your father and I, and courage I never thought I’d see displayed.” Rowena leaned down and kissed Catherine's forehead. "Thank you. I love you so much. You are the best mother and role model I could have ever asked for. I'm going to miss you, mom. More than I can tell you. But I know you're in pain, and I know I can't ask you to stay." Tears rolled down her face now as she looked down at her mother. "But- I want you to stay." Her voice cracked now as she couldn't stop the onslaught of tears. “I want to stay too, Darling.” Catherine offered a small, weak smile, wrapping her arm around Rowena gently. “I wish I could.” Despite her illness progressing significantly, the Petran Queen held onto her stubbornness. She wrapped herself in a quilt and made her way out to the gardens atop the Vallagne palace to write a letter to her eldest son. “Aurelius, I know that I’ve not had the ability to come visit you recently, and that your business is keeping you busy. Frankly, I’ve been a coward. In multiple ways, really, and I figure that I may as well outline and be honest with them. For one, I’ve not told you how much worse this has gotten. I fear that I won’t live to see any of my children achieve their dreams, but I want you to know from my own hand at least that I am, and always will be, so proud of you and the life you’ve chosen for yourself. I hope that you have found what you’re looking for, and I know that you will do well. You always have. No matter what you do, when, or where I am, I will always be proud and love you. Whether it be from my own place here in Vallagne, or aside your Grandparents when I am gone, know that I will always be there for you. Make the world your own, my son. Tame the wind, sail the rapids, and become who you wish to be. You can do it, you’ve always had it in you. Love, Mom” Eleanor had vowed to stay close to Catherine ever since she fell ill. Taking it upon herself personally to look after their mother. The two would sit in her room, wrapped in blankets and sipping tea, until a coughing fit would overtake Catherine and Eleanor would scurry off to fetch medicine, or one of the medics should it be too severe. Catherine would teach her daughter how to play cards, and show her different trinkets that she had acquired, explaining the stories behind all of them. Pointing out the windows in different directions, the tales of where Veletzian raiders had appeared from would be woven, and descriptions of the puffs of smoke that would appear over the horizon. The two stayed together for the majority of the later end of Catherine’s life, holed up and doing their best to just exist as comfortably as they could, for as long as Catherine still had. No moment wasted, for as long as they were still together, it would be cherished. Catherine shuffled over in her bed, making room for her smallest and youngest child, patting the spot next to her. “Come here, Alia, let's have a chat.” She lifted her sleeve to cough into it. As her mother coughed, the heiress’s expression twisted into concern. But nonetheless, she climbed onto her mother’s bed and sat next to the ailing Queen. “Is everything alright, Mama?” Adalia asked with a shake in her voice, watching her mother closely. "Of course, of course it is, my dear." Catherine would give a soft, but slightly warning look as if to say to not fret over her. "I just figured there's no time like the present to share some advice." She wrapped her arms around her youngest, pulling her close. "You know you can always ask others for help, right? Don't be like me, don't think you need to carry it all." “I try my best-“ The young girl started as she wrapped her arms around her mother in turn. “But it’s hard to ask for help sometimes. Sometimes… sometimes I think people will judge me for it.” When she spoke, it was clear Adalia was choosing her words carefully. A practice the young girl had grown used to. “What if there’s something no one can help with?” "Then you simply find someone to lean on. People's help isn't always about them having the answers either, Alia, sometimes it's about searching for the answers together." Catherine pursed her lips slightly in oddly fond thought, "and Dear, judgement doesn't matter, as long as you've tried your best. There are many out there that will sit in their reading nooks and judge you simply for existing, while they do nothing but whine." Catherine would begin to fuss with Adalia's ginger locks, taming loose ones behind her ears. "There is no shame in asking for help, only refusing it when you need it." Adalia’s eyes fell closed with a contented sigh as her mother began to attempt to fix her wild hair. “…I guess you’re right. I’d rather have people know I’m capable of wanting and needing help than assuming I can do it all myself and never offer.” She’d pause then in thought, opening her eyes the slightest bit. “Mama? Is it… terrifying?” "Every day. But the thing about monsters, Alia, is the more you face them, and the more you see them, the less scary they become." She returned her arm to being around Adalia, squeezing affectionately. "I didn't want you to be so young, like me. But things rarely go exactly to plan. You'll lean on your siblings, right? I didn't really get that, and they all love you and want to look out for you." The princess nodded then, giving her mother a squeeze in return as her eyes began to sting with tears. “I will. I promise. I’ll face any monster, and I’ll ask them for help. I’ll do it all for you, Mama. I promise.” And for the moment, she simply held on tight as if the Queen in her arms would simply slip away if she let go. “Everything I do is for you, and Papa, and the others. Even when- even when you’re…” She’d choke up for just a moment. “That won’t change. Ever.” "I know, you'll do wonderfully, Alia. I'll always be there for you, even when I'm not here." She kissed the top of Adalia's head. "Always." When Catherine heard the explosion from the throne room, she pushed the blankets off and stood. Flicking open a magic item, her night clothes were replaced with armour, and she stalked from the room towards the chaos below. “BRING ME YOUR QUEEN, I WISH TO SPEAK WITH HER!” She heard the assailants bellow as she slammed open the final door between herself and the brutes. When she passed through, the room was filled with smoke and her youngest daughter and heir, Adalia, was chained. “PUT DOWN MY DAUGHTER, AND MAYBE WE CAN ******* TALK!” She bellowed, stepping out into the room with fury into her eyes. The Queen of the Petra had known hatred and anger before, but nothing could compare to the rage of a mother whose child is threatened. “Send forth the Queen, Alone. My men shall let her pass, I seek only to speak with her. But know if you attack, your forces will be crushed and I shall turn this city into a wasteland.” The leader declared, the room holding their breath aside from a lone arrow that had been let loose. “I do not speak to bandits. Duel me, Fiend.” Catherine coughed into her hand in an attempt to muffle the effect her sickness has had on her. “Come forth then, Duel me.” he spoke again, “Oh and a reminder, in case anyone else tries to come through there.” Rowena, Catherine’s eldest daughter, was slammed against the cold stone wall, crumpling to the floor before being dragged back towards the Heartlander group. Catherine grabbed her husband's arm, “You get Rowena, I’ll get Alia.” She raised her voice again towards the leader, “The terms, first. To the death. If you lose, all of your men leave or surrender, immediately.” August nodded to Catherine as the two moved forwards together, him veering off towards Rowena. “Mama no!” Adalia cried from her place on the dais next to the leader, tears streaming down her cheeks. “To the death, I like the way you think. If I win, your crown is mine.” The chains holding Adalia tightened, the leader cackling as he drew his ashy falchion. “Maiores in septem coelum, custodi filiam meam tutum.” Catherine spoke a phrase in flexio, a black bladed sword materialising into her hand. “And Adalia goes free.” She stepped forth, preparing for her duel. “Would be a shame to let you have all the fun, now wouldn’t it?” The leader snapped his fingers as his soldiers charged past her, going to attack the gathered Heartlanders. Catherine narrowed her eyes to the leader as he ordered an assault on her people despite her challenge, “Then let's get this over with so your lackeys can get out of my nation.” A chain erupted forwards towards Catherine’s chest, “My nation, you mean.” “If you want it, come ******* get it.” She dodged to the right, tapping a spot on the hilt of her sword as it engulfed itself in fire. “Mama, please…” Adalia continued to weep from her spot trapped up on the dais, watching intently. The sounds of the battle in the main room of the palace barely reaching the two near the leader of the assault. The leader swung himself down, swinging towards Catherine as she ducked down, her blade reaching towards the back of his knees. The two grappled around each other, the leader beginning to push the ailing Queen against the benches of her throne room. Catherine, raising her sword between them, positioned her blade to sink into his abdomen as he pushed. “Push to your Queen, Heartlanders! Fight for her as she has fought for you before!” August, Catherine’s husband called, in a frantic hope to help his friend. Her sword would sink into the leader, blood beginning to spurt out and run down her hands. While she focused on her action, she missed as he had moved to drive his sword into her side where the Queen's blood ran out in turn, dripping out onto the carpet. “NO!” Adalia screamed. “To the Queen, Alteon!” Arathor urged his knight forth. “Forward brothers, to the Queen!” Captain Felix von Theonus ordered. The Heartlanders would slay the remaining men, while Catherine pulled her sword from the stomach of the Leader, thrusting it forwards towards his neck with a final roar of frustration. Catherine sunk to the ground, one hand grasping at her injured side while the other covered her mouth during a coughing fit that brought up more blood than ever before. “No, no… Mama, Please!” Adalia ran towards her mother from the dais as she was finally released by the chains. “It’s alright, Alia, I’m alright.” She began to cough again, attempting to soothe her daughter. “No, no no NO!” Rowena screamed, her broken and battered body fighting as she knelt next to her sister and mother. Aurelius ran over, joining his siblings and parents. She wrapped her arms around her eldest and youngest daughters, shuddering. “Mama, please no.” Adalia ignored Arathor trying to get the girls to move back and give Catherine space. Catherine wanted them closer. Rowena wrapped her arms around her sister more tightly. Frantzisko, the Chancellor of the Heartlands and Cardinal of the Canonist church approached quickly, “The rites, let us ensure safe passage to Paradise.” “You promised, mama, you promised.” Adalia wept desperately, hoping that a promise would somehow keep her mother with her. “It’s okay, it’s okay to let go. I’ll keep my promise.” Rowena whispered to Catherine, accepting the fate that she knew for months now was going to befall them. “I’ll always be with you. That dear, I promised.” Catherine attempted to soothe, trying to remind her youngest that she would always be with her. “Please, you can’t go,” Adalia spoke desperately. Catherine gave a nod to Frantzisko to give the rites “All must go - the rites are private. To be only with the Lord and the Queen, in the Holiness of final confession. If all here may respect it.” The Cardinal began to tell the crowd to leave, but was stopped by Catherine. “I hide nothing, they may hear.” She had felt alone too much already, she refused to die alone as well, a room full of people that loved her, that’s what she wanted now. Her husband knelt down, whispering to her. “It’ll be okay, Cat. As you were the Protector of Dogs, I shall protect all that you strived to build. Adalia shall attain her right, and these Heartlanders shall endure, your name etched into its legend.” “Very well,” The Cardinal said, continuing with the rites. “Everlasting lord, thy dust and dirt brought us to Creation, and brought us breath, and brought us tears that flow in the sight of ye. In this dust we find thy presence, and to it we return, to it we are guided to the Virtuous path of Paradise, to sweet ruining everlasting, to the embrace of eternal love." “I love you, mom.” Rowena, hugging her sister. “I love you, I love you, please… please don’t go.” Adalia begged one last time. Catherine reached up to her brow, pulling her crown from her head and placing it on top Adalia’s head. “I love you, my dear. Long live the Queen.” “Be baptised one final time, so rebirth finds you not on this earth yet, but in Heaven. May he lift up His face unto you, and give you peace.” A chorus of voices would echo throughout the battered hall. Long live the Queen. Fate be not kind, Time not forgiving. The first faces that greeted Catherine in the seven skies were echoes of memories and unfulfillable promises. Life is not owed, Death never ceasing. Ghosts of portraits In her halls and names of a promised heir on old, outdated documents. Waste not your childhood, For mine never stayed. Her parents were the first to welcome her to the skies, for her mother, Winifred, it was the first time she had ever met Catherine, for Adrian, her father, the first time seeing her past the age of four. Give up not your dreams, For mine never came. It was debatable if Catherine had truly lived at all, or if her life had ended alongside theirs and her fate was sealed. Waste not your downtime, For I could never rest. Perhaps she would be more alive in death than during her reign, as she was finally free of duty and expectation.

Atstana de Regne Petrère 123 By the authority vested in the Petran Crown and in light of recent discoveries, it is hereby declared: Prince Paul of the Petra, currently holding the titles of Prince of the Petra and Duke of Valfleur, is henceforth stripped of these titles. These titles are to be returned to the Sovereign of the Petra, Her Majesty Queen Catherine I, to be utilized at her discretion, including bestowing them upon her line as she deems fit. This decision is prompted by recent revelations regarding Prince Paul's conduct at a notable ball, where he was witnessed laying hands upon his daughter in a manner deemed unacceptable and reprehensible. Given the gravity of this behavior, particularly in light of Prince Paul's position as the headmaster of a prestigious private school within his domicile, it is evident that he is unsuitable to continue his responsibilities at Courteis Hale. Consequently, ownership of the estate of Courteis Hale in the Solland region of the Petran Province, along with custody of Prince Paul's children, shall be transferred to his mother, Queen-Emeritus Renilde Helena of the Petra, who shall assume responsibility for their welfare and upbringing henceforth. Finally, the individual formerly known as Prince Paul of the Petra shall be referred to as Paul Moere of the Petra. He is hereby stripped of all rights and privileges associated with his former titles, and is forbidden from wearing any regalia indicative of his former royal status or attending state events on behalf of the Royal House of the Petra. O Sainte Règne Petrére, Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Princess of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Duchess of Valfleur, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

"No. Absolutely not." Queen Catherine I said from whatever location she was currently holed up in. "Under no circumstances."

Issued and averred by Their Majesties THE INDEPENDENCE OF HOHKMAT With the establishment of the Heartlander Confederation. It is the wishes of both sovereigns that the city-state of Hohkmat be granted its exit from the newly established Confederation. And thus independence. This pact between the Heartlander Confederation and City-State of Hohkmat shall be considered in effect from the 5th of Harren’s Folly, 1972 to the 5th of Harren’s Folly, 1980 - Eight years. After which the two states may convene once more to discuss renewing the treaty. ARTICLE I - INDEPENDENCE OF HOHKMAT The City-State of Hohkmat shall be released from the Commonwealth of the Petra, assuming its own sovereignty and lands. The City-State of Hohkmat shall take with them the region of Nortrebanc as their sovereign lands [MEADOWS 2]. Should the City-State of Hohkmat move from the region of Nortrebanc, the region is to be immediately ceded to the Heartlander Confederation to reunite the Petran Meadowlands. ARTICLE II - SOVEREIGNTY The Heartlander Confederation and the City-State of Hohkmat, or henceforth ‘the signatories’, recognise each other’s sovereignty over their territories, titles, and vassals, including any of the three that the signatories may come to possess in the duration of the pact provided that they were acquired in good faith. ARTICLE III - NON-AGGRESSION The signatories pledge to each other to adhere to principles of peace between each other. They shall not wage war upon one another, nor shall they raise arms against one another, or try to bring harm to the integrity of one another’s realms. This includes but is not limited to: supporting mercenaries and/or bandits in attacks against a signatory; making claims about a signatory with the intent to ruin the reputation of its culture, people, or leadership; and using the well-intentioned articles of this pact to disadvantage another signatory. ARTICLE IV - MUTUAL DEFENSE The signatories hereby pledge to assist each other in matters of national defense; an attack on either party by a third party shall be considered an attack against both. Any disputes between the signatories shall first be resolved through peaceful discussion among the leadership of both signatories. In the event that the territorial integrity of either nation is threatened in any manner by an external force, the two shall come together to discuss preemptive measures. ARTICLE V - EXTRADITION The signatories pledge to assist each other with extradition requests and shall not support evident criminals with hiding or otherwise escaping from the authorities of the signatory they transgressed in. ARTICLE VI - CANONIST CHURCH The Heartlander Confederation recognizes the universal authority of the Church and the Canon Law. Should the City-State of Hohkmat come at odds with the One True Faith and the Holy Mother Church, the defensive alliance between the signatories shall be considered null and void. Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty His Apostolic Majesty, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Apostolic King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine, Baron of Blanchet, Protector of the Realm Grand-Magister, Fatebinder, Sorcerer-King, Hierophant of the Mysteries, Master of the Ziggurat of Hohkmat

Issued and averred by Her Royal Majesty AND TO UNITE THE HEARTLANDS The Heartlands, called in so many poems the hearth and home of the spirit of Man, has been from the earliest recorded histories more the home of war, besieged by hate and ancient grievances. Our nations have shared twin births and twin fates, alike in the grim realities of this world; born from the fiery collapse of the Novellen imperial reign, victimised by its own stupidity and foreign powers wishing to take from the bounties of what was once the crown jewels of an empire. We can permit it no longer. Herein we form for our shared peoples a new Confederation; to protect and uplift its people we shall forge our own legacy, away from that of foreign interlopers, would-be emperors, and the flames of war. Herein we form a new Heartlands. ARTICLE I - THE FORMATION OF THE Heartlander Confederation 1. The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Kingdom of the Petra hereby band together under one banner, that of the Heartlander Confederation. 2. King John I shall remain King of Aaun for the remainder of his Reign, and pass it solely to his son and Heir, Charles Reman Alstion, Lord of Alba. 3. Queen Catherine I shall remain Queen of the Petra for the remainder of her Reign, and pass it solely to her daughter and heir, Adalia Morgana Temesch of the Petra, Archduchess of Vallagne. 4. During the reigns of Charles Reman Alstion and Adalia Morgana Temesch of the Petra, the two lines shall be joined through marriage. This wedded pair, upon the deaths or abdications of their parents, shall rule together and pass the titles of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun, and the Kingdom of the Petra down their singular line, with the surname of Alstion. 5. Until the two lines converge through marriage, the two Monarchs shall rule over the Heartlander Confederation as one nation made up of two Provinces, the Province of Aaun and the Province of the Petra. ARTICLE II - THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 1. The two Councils shall merge into one National Government of the Heartlands. 2. The King of Aaun and the Queen of the Petra shall head the government together as one entity, with disputes to be settled by either the Chancellor, or the Garmont Assembly. 3. The Heartlandic Council shall be made up of; The Lord Chancellor The Vice Chancellor The Grand Speaker The Lord Marshal The Lady Chamberlain The Commissioner The Grand Treasurer The Court Chaplain The Royal Confessor 3. The Garmont Assembly shall be reformed and nationalised to the entirety of the Heartlander Confederation. ARTICLE III - THE PROVINCES 1. The Province of the Petra shall be made up of all lands of the Kingdom of the Petra. 2. The Province of Aaun shall be made up of all lands of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun. 3. The two Provinces shall be able to be governed by Provincial Governments to handle local matters such as stewardry, Mayorship, etc. ARTICLE IV - DIPLOMACY AND PACTS 1. The diplomacy of the Heartlander Confederation shall default to pacts previously signed by the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun. 2. All pacts signed solely by the Commonwealth of the Petra shall be considered immediately expired, or void. 3. All pacts going forward are to be signed off by both the King of Aaun and the Queen of the Petra. ARTICLE V - NOBILITY 1. The Nobility of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Commonwealth of the Petra shall both be transferred to the Heartlander Confederation. ARTICLE VI - HOHKMAT 1. The City-State of Hohkmat shall be released from the Commonwealth of the Petra and declared independent. ARTICLE VII - EXIT CLAUSE 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. 2. If the two nations split, the title of the Heartlander Confederation shall be dissolved and unclaimed by both parties. 3. Once the two lines merge, the Exit Clause is to be null, and any that attempt to take the thrones of Aaun, and the Petra without the blood of both Alstion and Temesch of the Petra shall be considered unrightful usurpers. Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Princess of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty His Apostolic Majesty, JOHN ALEXANDER, by the Grace of GOD, Apostolic King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine, Baron of Blanchet, Protector of the Realm

ELECTOR NAME: Catherine Arabella Novellen Temesch of the Petra ELECTOR HOUSE: Novellen of the Petra VOTE CAST: Da

THE QUEEN’S ADVENTURE: THE PETRA’S REGENCY Issued by Her Royal Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 116 I have been the Monarch of Petra since I was ten years old. Now, twenty-three years later, my youngest children the same age as I inherited at, I look out at the world and wonder who I might’ve been. Beheading a man at twelve, declaring war at fourteen, killing men in battle at sixteen, I fear the hatred that has slashed its way into my heart and head. Perhaps in another life I would’ve been an artist or a poet. A writer, a politician, or a seamstress. There was no room in my childhood, my adolescence or my young adulthood to question my position in life, the person who I had to become through circumstance and blood. Today however, I yearn to reclaim my soul, the ability to forgive, and the skill to be kind. I leave the rulership of the Commonwealth in the capable hands of Lords Wilford and Atticus Reinhold, my reliable and level headed Chancellor, and my kind-hearted and quick thinking Diplomat. During this Regency, I shall leave my crown behind and walk across Aevos as a woman who has lost her way, and simply wishes to find herself again. Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Avid British Columbian, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

EDICT OF RISING TIDES Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 112 One point of pride held within the Petra is its ability and willingness to adapt and change. Not all systems will work, and not all initiatives will reap the desired result. I do not fear this failure, I believe that we thrive from it. The separation between the Knights and the Military of Petra has failed. One dominates the other in the interest of Petrans minds, and now it is time to remedy and retry. Alongside this, the Chapter of Rapids and the Chapter of Brooks shall also be altered to better serve the Commonwealth, its interests, and to work alongside each other. THE FORMATION OF THE CHAPTER OF CURRENTS The Riverguard shall now fall under the Order of the Petrine Laurel as the Chapter of Currents. Officers of the Military being full Knights of the Petrine Laurel: Chapter of Currents, with Chapter Novitiate and Knight Aspirants as the “Squire” stage of the Chapter. These Aspirants and men at arms shall be the duty of all of the Knights of the Chapter of Currents to train, and shall not be assigned to one knight like in traditional Squirehood. The Chapter of Currents shall protect the Commonwealth. They shall be the swords protecting the common Petran, the shield from harm in our streets. They shall uphold the laws and peace of the Petra, and they shall stand together as one unit in defence of the Commonwealth. Hierarchy of the Chapter of Currents Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel Knight Captain Knight Sergeant/Knight of the Chapter of Currents Knight Aspirant/Man at Arms Recruit Rights and Benefits of the Chapter of Currents Knight Officers may be granted Monikers Knight Officers may use ‘Sir’ or “Dame’ in their name, and signature Knight Officers may hold a seat on the Round Table Knight Officers may have the right of judgement in clear-cut cases THE REFORMATION OF THE CHAPTER OF RAPIDS AND BROOKS The original intent of both Chapters was unfortunately muddied and twisted with the Veletzian war, causing the Chapter of Brooks - initially intended as an honorary scholarly knighthood - to become a lower version of the Chapter of Rapids. With peace upon us, it is time to remember how much scholars and intellectuals can contribute, and fix the Chapter of Brooks to appropriately appreciate this life path. The Chapter of Rapids The Chapter of Rapids shall reform as the elite force of Knights within the Commonwealth. They are tasked with the protection of the Royal family and the oversight of the Crownlands. They are the swords of the Monarch and the shield against the unknown. Hierarchy of the Chapter of Rapids Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel Seated Knight Knight Squire Rights and Benefits of the Chapter of Rapids Knights may be granted Monikers Knights may use ‘Sir’ or ‘Dame’ in their name, and signature Knights may select one squire at a time from exceptional Knight Aspirants from the Chapter of Currents Knights may hold a seat on the Round Table Seated Knights may hold host in a Knightly Tower in their Region The Chapter of Brooks The Chapter of Brooks shall reform as a honorary order within the Petrine Laurel to pay homage to those that spend their time contributing to the Commonwealth through quill and scholarly works. Those that have significantly assisted in cultural development, governmental work, legislation, arts, and other intellectual endeavours may be considered to be granted Knighthood under the Chapter of Brooks. Rights and Benefits of the Chapter of Brooks Knights may use ‘Sir’ and ‘Dame’ in their signatures on Written Works Knights may be asked to temporarily hold a seat on the Round Table Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty His Excellency, Sir Aimo “The Eccentric, Tongue Taker” of Astor, Seat of Val De Lange, Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel, Baron of Fir’Steinn His Highness, August Alcaeus of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, Knight Captain of the Order of Currents, Prince-Consort of the Petra

TROUT TREATY Agreed upon on this 519 | 111 Between the Dual Monarchy of Hanseti-Ruska and the Commonwealth of the Petra The Dual Monarchy of Hanseti-Ruska and The Commonwealth of the Petra, hereon referred to as “the signatories”, mutually recognise each others’ status as fully autonomous states. This includes the right to fully rule and govern their territories as they see fit and non-interference in internal affairs. ARTICLE I | ARTIKEL ZWIEN | ARTQUEL DEUS The signatories, wishing to promote free trade amongst one another and their people, shall allow the respective national Trading Companies of either signatory to own a tax-free stall within each other's Capitals. ARTICLE II | ARTIKEL DRES | ARTQUEL VEI The signatories, wishing to promote cultural growth between one another and their people, shall commit themselves to cultural exchanges between each other, including but not limited to the hosting of shared events. ARTICLE III | ARTIKEL VAUR | ARTQUEL QUAIER The signatories agree to a defensive alliance. In which any hostilities from a third party against any one of them will be viewed as an attack against the whole. The signatories agree to settle any dispute between them or in which they may be involved through diplomatic means in such a manner of this alliance and the laws of signatories are not endangered. The signatories agree to consult together whenever, in the opinion of either of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of the signatories is threatened. ARTICLE IV | ARTIKEL SIEG | ARTQUEL CINC The signatories pledge that, in the event of any conflict between them, that such matters shall be solved through diplomacy first and foremost. ARTICLE V | ARTIKEL ZEG | ARTQUEL SIS This treaty shall be in effect from the moment it is signed, and shall be in effect for 20 years. DAMAR LIFSTI VA EDLERVIKI, His Royal Majesty, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Siegrad, Werdenburg, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Werdenburg and Valdev, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Buck, Thurant and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. His Excellency, Viktor var Ruthern, ‘Daemonsteel’, Lord Emissary of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Morteskvan, Lord of Barrows, Patriarch of All-Ruthern and Protector of the South Her Ladyship, Ioanna d’Arkent-Kortrevich, Diplomat of Hanseti-Ruska Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty His Excellency, Rigoberto de la Cruz, Vice-Chancellor of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Mayor of Vallagne

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the BARONY of FIR’STEINN – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 111 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, CATHERINE I, Our loyal subject, Sir Aimo of Astor, is hereby elevated to the position of Baron of Fir’Steinn for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Fir’Steinn have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. Sir Aimo has worked diligently as the Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel, bringing the Knightly institution of the Commonwealth from death, to a thriving institution within Petra. When he, Sir Theoderic and Sir Konstantin were first knighted, each took it upon their own shoulders to bear the burden of revitalizing the Commonwealth in the way that best suited themselves. For Konstantin, he assisted me as Regent and Chancellor. For Theoderic, he set his sights on uplifting the treasury of the Commonwealth, helping to rebuild the availability of resources to Petra. Sir Aimo took it upon himself to revitalize the very institution that once set Petra apart from the other nations. With this elevation, Aimo of Astor, in representation of their family, shall take upon them the responsibilities and expectations of a Peer of the Commonwealth of the Petra. They and their family are to uphold and lift up the Commonwealth and their fellow citizens. To respect the sanctity of the laws of the Commonwealth, and be part of leading it into a bright and stable future. Her Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, Eagles Peak, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

A LIFE BEYOND Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 110 As the sovereign ruler of our great Commonwealth, it is with a heavy heart that I announce a significant change regarding one of our esteemed noble houses. After careful consideration and in recognition of their unwavering dedication to their family's well-being, I hereby release the Comital House of Adiler from their oaths to the Commonwealth. It is acknowledged that they seek opportunities that better serve their family as a whole - a decision that I am certain was not made lightly. In light of this decision, the title 'Barony of Eagles Peak,' which was graciously granted to House Adiler many decades ago, shall be rightfully reclaimed by the Crown and held under my noble authority. However, it is important to note that the additional title of ‘Count of Maehr'nor’, bestowed upon Xavier Adiler, the patriarch of House Adiler, shall remain in the possession of their esteemed family. This title will accompany the Adiler family wherever their noble path leads them next. Let it be known throughout the land that the Commonwealth acknowledges the contributions and service of House Adiler, and wishes them prosperity and success in their future endeavours. May their legacy endure, and may they find fulfilment and happiness in their new pursuits. Her Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, Eagles Peak and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty The Right Honorable, Azrael Adiler, Duke of Aher’asul, Heir-Apparent to the Principality of Maehr’nor, Laurir of Maehr’nor.

THE ELECTED CHANCELLOR Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 110 With the conclusion of the first ever Chancellor Elections of Petra, the Commonwealth gains a new head of its government as chosen by the people that they shall help lead. With 450 total votes cast, one of the candidates quickly took the lead and held it. The Results are: With 280 votes, Wilford Reinhold With 170 votes, Rigoberto de la Cruz It is with high hopes that we confirm the results of this election, making SIR WILFORD REINHOLD, VISCOUNT OF STORMONT, the new Chancellor of the Commonwealth. The new Chancellor has immediately offered the position of Vice Chancellor to his runner up, Rigoberto de la Cruz, who has accepted the position. May Wilford head the River Council well, and assist in leading the Petran people to a brighter future. A future chosen by them. Her Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty