Zaerie

THE PRINCE OF ABRANA Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 103 It is an unfortunate thing that Queens-Regnant are a relatively new phenomenon within humanity. Precedents for how to appropriately elevate our spouses are few and far between, and the first ever male consort of the Petra attempted to set the poorest precedent of all, that the husband of a Sovereign could lay claim to his wife’s titles. My grandmother, Renilde I, squashed this precedent through her victory in the Petran Civil War. She remarried to my grandfather some years later, Prince Marius, who never sought to claim such again but was not given any specific title beyond Prince-Consort. Today however, following my marriage to August Alcaeus Wittenbach, I have decided upon the proper titleage that I would like to give my spouse, a title that I hope to be carried on by the spouses of future Sovereigns of the Commonwealth. This is an honour that I would like to give to my husband, who I trust beyond any doubt will only cherish the opportunity to stand beside me and unconditionally support me in my role as Queen. Therefore, I hereby create for my husband the title of The Principality of Abrana, to be held titularly by the spouse of the Monarch of the Petra, whether male or female. This newly created title, having not been used before in any mention of history that I could find, holds no bearing on the succession or power of the Petran crown, and never shall. It shall not be hereditary, a title to be granted by the Monarch to their spouse until their reign is over. Alongside this, August shall also be granted his familial title of the Barony of Wittenbach as the only remaining son known to be living of the previous Baron. Upon August’s passing, the Barony of Wittenbach shall return to the Crown until a rightful heir to the Wittenbach title presents themselves. Without further ado, I presented to my people, the Petrans, His Highness, August Alcaeus, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, and the Prince-Consort of the Commonwealth of the Petra, the man that shall stand beside my throne until GOD tears us apart. Long may he support the Commonwealth and its interests, but never again shall a husband usurp his wife. 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

Catherine I of the Petra would don a smirk as she began to lay out her armor once again. She would flatten the map on the table of the plans of attacking from the Petran mountains. She narrowed her brows as she looked at the marker of Stassion on the map, "They took a man for a hand," "So I shall take a nation for a man." "For Ghorm."

THE UNION OF THE RIVER CROWN Penned by Renilde Helena on Atstana de Regne Petrère 103 LO UNTO THE PETRANS, Rejoice, for it is with great joy and honor that we announce the union of two souls destined for each other since the days of their youth. The Queen of the Petra, Catherine I, and the noble August von Wittenbach, dearest friends from the tender age of five, shall embark on the sacred journey of matrimony. Having stood side by side through the trials of life, their friendship has blossomed into a bond unbreakable by the passage of time. Now, as both have reached the age where the call of wedlock beckons, it is only fitting that the Queen bestows her hand in marriage upon the one soul she trusts above all others - her loyal and cherished confidant, August von Wittenbach. The royal union, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and shared experiences, promises to bring forth an era of prosperity and joy for the Commonwealth of the Petra. The people, in their wisdom, have long recognized the special bond between their Queen and August, and they stand united in celebration of this momentous occasion. The grand ceremony shall take place in the burnt Chapel of Saint Edmund, where the air will be filled with the sweet melodies of jubilation and the scent of flowers adorning the halls. The realm shall bear witness to the exchange of vows, sealed with the sacred rites that bind hearts and souls in eternal harmony. The entire Coalition is invited to partake in the festivities that shall follow, as the Queen and her chosen consort revel in the bond that has withstood the tests of time and hardship. Let the banners fly high, the mead flow freely, and the joyous laughter of the realm resonate through the city walls. May the union of Queen Catherine I and August von Wittenbach be a beacon of hope and inspiration, lighting the way for generations to come. Long live love, long friendship, and long live the Commonwealth. [2PM EST SUNDAY THE 7TH] “Together, we’ll protect all the dogs” We hereby invite our loyal allies; His Majesty, King John I of Aaun and the people of Aaun His Majesty, King Aleksandr II of Haense and the people of Haense Her Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and the people of Numendil Her Majesty, Sybile I of Balian and the people of Balian His Majesty, Grand King Garedyn of Urguan and the people of Urguan His Viceroyal Highness, Viceroy Cesar II of Hyspia and the people of Hyspia High Keeper Ellenore of Norland and the people of Norland And the people of our realm; His Grace, Aurel von Theonus, Margrave of Marignan His Right Honorable, Ponce Adiler, Count Consort of Maehr’nor His Excellency, Adrian Temesch, Viscount of Mies His Honorable, Konstantin von Augusten, Viscount of Azor Their Lordships, Atticus and Wilford Reinhold, Barons of Raonoir And the people of the Commonwealth O SAINTE RÈGNE PETRÉRE, 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 His Lordship, August Alcaeus von Wittenbach

Queen Catherine I, who had directed the majority of her people into the tunnels had shouted, "Come, Sigismund! You can make it too!" But she saw his intent in his eyes, the brave mans determination to make a stand to distract the raiders while she and her people got to safety. And she would not forget the name of the man this night or any other, as they slept underground where his battle cry was but an echo in their imaginations. Perhaps she had one more man to Knight, Sir Sigismund, The Defiant

Kirsa Temesch, "The Hat-Maker", smiled to herself as her sewing was appreciated. "I hope he likes the hat and puts it to good use. I'm proud of that thing." She'd bob her head as she hummed and thought of the day, and all the amazing sights she saw from the back of the horse on her way to Veletz.

Queen Catherine I would pen a public letter to Davide as seen below; "To Mister Davide, candidate of the Garmont Elections, A new lawbook and Constitution has been drafted and is set to be voted upon at the next Garmont Assembly. It is one larger code to aid in easier accessibility for the common Petran, though will be voted upon in three sections; The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Petra, The Civil Codex, and the Lex Pettres. Voted upon in three sections to allow the Garmont the best voice on the matters of its contents. This will be in the hands of the Garmont Assembly within the year, and properly redefine the place of the Knights, and the Garmont itself, and many more things in Petran society as much of our current systems and government isn't even in our very outdated Lawbook. I had intended for this to be shown to the Garmont three years ago, at my Coronation, but alas, war gets in the way. As for the Republic, we are working towards a new ideal of the Knightly Republic, where the knights table - once properly up and running again, will have a much larger say in the Petran government and the running of the Nation, even intending to eventually go as far as them selecting my own Chancellor should it progress that quickly under my reign. We have much to do, Mister Davide, and I am glad to see a Petran man interested in the betterment of our Commonwealth. I hope that some of this information puts your mind at rest knowing that many of the steps you expect us to take have already been put into motion and are nearly at the ready. Signed, Catherine I"

Catherine I points at the paper, "Hey look! It's my clothes!"

Queen Catherine I sat by the fire in the square of Vallagne, slowly sharpening her blade as she listened to the song that her new knight had written. Some battles were won, and others lost. The Petrans would remember it all, their sorrow and their glee, through the songs and poems of Sir Marius, "The Wordsmith".

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the BARONY of RAONÒIR – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 100 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, CATHERINE I, Our loyal subjects, Atticus and Wilford Reinhold, are hereby elevated to the position of Barons of Raonòir for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Raonòir have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. The two have continued to diligently work for the betterment and survival of the Commonwealth, thrusting themselves and their family into everything that they are capable of assisting in. They are Knights, they are scholars, they are mages, they are medics, they are Petrans. This family has grown since they were welcomed into Petra, and it continues to. We look forwards to the promising future of the two new Barons, and the family that they are building. With this elevation, Atticus and Wilford Reinhold, 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, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the COUNTY of MAEHR’NOR – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 100 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, CATHERINE I, Our loyal subject, Sir Xavier Adiler, is hereby elevated to the position of Count of Maehr'nor for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Maehr'nor have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. Throughout my entire reign Xavier, Ponce, and their kin worked for and with the Commonwealth and its best interests. Answering the calls of war, through both manpower and assisting in the gathering of supplies, the Adiler family has stepped up to aid the land that they call home, and it does not go unnoticed. It is with great hope that we look to the new County within the Commonwealth, so that they might build a home among themselves for other elves that believe that they too might call our river nation home. For peace, prosperity, safety and welcomeness. You have a home here, Adilers, for as long as you wish it. With this elevation, Sir Xavier Adiler, 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, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

– A NEW CHANCELLERY – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 100 Since before the abdication of Queen Renilde I, Lord Konstantin of Bingleburg has served as the loyal and hardworking chancellor of the Commonwealth. He has upheld his duties diligently as my Regent through my own short reign, and has been a staple of change and resilience through this unprecedented time of alteration within the Commonwealth. However, I must admit that I know that this was something that Konstantin never actually wished to do. Out of loyalty as my Fathers friend, out of duty as my Godfather, Konstantin allowed myself and the Commonwealth to hold years of his life. Now that the Regency has come to an end, and the majority of the Petra stabilized outside of the current war we have found ourselves thrust into, it is time to release Konstantin back to his own devices. He and myself have both agreed to pass on the Chancellery, and he may focus on his own ambitions. Therefore, I hereby announce the new Lady Chancellor, Thérèse von Theonus, who has stood as the Vice Chancellor for years. May the Commonwealth continue to thrive on the banks of the Petra, with a new Chancellor to help guide the people and the government. 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, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

— THE MEMOIRS OF QUEEN CATHERINE I OF THE PETRA — – BLOOD ON SMALL HANDS – These memoirs are a private record and are currently unpublished. 5-10 I wish that I could say that I had a long, fun, and care-free childhood. Nothing would be further from the truth. In reality, it always felt like my skirts were stained with blood as I walked a path of death and horror. If only I could say that if I had been larger, the pool of it wouldn’t have felt that deep, but that too would be lying. The list of those that have died around me or because of me is a long one. You would expect that a girl of less than ten would’ve been considered off-limits from the harsh realities of the world, but you would be disappointed. Perhaps it all happened to prepare me for the rest of my life, perhaps the world knew who I must become, and that I needed to be stronger than I was. Perhaps I needed to be shown the horrors of both the darkness, and of humanity itself so that I might make the correct choices to uphold the good that remained within it. I’m torn, still, if I should blame myself or not. Most would, and do, tell me that it’s not my fault, but how can you help but jump to the conclusion? Perhaps the reason I chose red for many of my cloaks and dresses was because I thought the invisible blood on my hands might blend in among the threads. After all, my Grandmother said it herself when I, a six year old, had the arsonist executed. “You have sinned, you must go to confession, you must repent.” How did I sin? I was later told that I hadn’t, that it had been justice not sin. What is the difference? Where is the line? Can an act be both justice and sin? When does the scale tip? Does justice outweigh sin or does sin outweigh all? I haven’t quite figured it out yet, but I’ve decided that I’ll just assume it’s better to repent for everything. Because if nothing else, at least I will never commit the sin of never apologizing to God for my actions. Men had captured him, Flint, the arsonist. Came to me to tell me of an attic of flesh and teeth. Me, a girl of six. No one else was around, you see. No one else could handle it. At first all he did was deny. No, he didn’t burn the town hall. No, that wasn’t human flesh in his attic, he knew nothing about it. No, he did not burn those two children alive. No, no, no- then who? But it had been him, for when I began to speak of finding people to run a trial, so that I didn’t have to do this- he forced it on me anyways. Suddenly, it’d be too much hassle, a trial, in front of all those people, perhaps lying in front of so many scared him, perhaps he couldn’t handle lying to an adult, only a child such as myself. It seemed mostly that he found it a waste of time. “I confess, I did it. I burnt the town hall, the dog within, the children within. I am guilty and I confess.” And suddenly, a much larger task was on my shoulders. It is one thing to beg adults to run a trial, to put the burden to someone older, to someone that could handle it. It was on me. They looked to me. And so I ordered his death. The execution was really a turning point for my life. I think that is when people around me began to notice what was happening - the burdens on tiny shoulders. My Uncle Alberic specifically noticed. The growing monster that stalked around the Commonwealth with the face of an innocent little girl; who maybe if allowed to continue on would’ve lost the understanding of the value of a descendants life. I was not allowed to turn into that monster, however. I owe that to Alberic. He began to visit far more regularly, pushing my Grandmother to allow me a childhood and to be taught more properly. Between him and Rhosyn, I became a person with sympathy and empathy and sometimes, far too much of both. Not that I’d have a normal childhood anyways, but at least I didn’t execute anyone else for six more years. Unfortunately, Alberic’s influence couldn’t solve the harshness of the world, only the harshness of myself. When the dead men grabbed me, my empathetic heart didn’t save me. Nowadays all I usually remember are chained wrists, a dark water filled cave, the Deadmen’s faces above me, and being chained to a tree set ablaze. They had grabbed me from the road outside of Marignan. A small girl grasping a wooden flute and a doll that I believed to be my mothers spirit looking over me. They stunk like death and rotting flesh, they reeked of despair, outrage, and a horrible fate coming. Surrounded, they chained my small, small wrists together, and I still wonder where they found shackles that size, and who makes items built to hold small, scared, and sniffling Princesses. The Theonus family had noticed, by then, that I had been surrounded, and the Dead men began to tug on the chains. Dragging me off down the road, towards the riverbank, still clutching my beloved doll and flute. They tossed me into a rowboat, and we drifted from below the star covered sky into a musky cave. From there, I was again hauled up onto a rock, where their leader and second taunted me while the others intercepted the Theonus’ rowboat fleet coming to my rescue. While they battled in the water, I was cut and cursed. A scar that still shows on my forehead stays with me from that night, though I no longer try to hide it. As the Theonus drew nearer and the Dead men’s chanting subsided, deprived of enough time to properly sacrifice me, the second in command seized my chains and my Petrine Knight doll- ripping the doll in two and wrapping the other end of the chain around one of the cave’s trees. I was secured to the spot, unable to move far from that anchor tree as he began to light it ablaze. They left, then, fleeing as all I was able to stare at was the growing flames that I was unable to run from despite the river that surrounded me, unable to reach it. Returning to Vallagne and being saved from that blaze and cavern is a blur. The curse is a separate memory, with its two long years of pain. A childhood of curses, prophecies, weights upon my shoulders and the ebb and flow of a river that cared not for my age. I suppose one day I should thank Deadmund for that lesson in resilience, it seems that I needed the practice for later. Thank you, Alberic, for helping me cure that curse. I suppose it was lucky that the next few years were mostly calm in comparison, if you can call attending diplomatic meetings and being told of my Grandmother being threatened by Veletz ‘calm’. It wasn’t a kidnapping or executions, so in comparison it was. It seemed that all of the harshness of my early youth prepared me for the harshness that would be my early reign, it was clear to even me then that my Grandmother, the mighty Queen Renilde I, ‘The Lioness’, was getting tired. It felt quite like I just simply was not growing fast enough for the tiredness seeping into her bones. A small girl racing to grow up so that she might be strong enough to uphold a battered and scattered people. I wouldn’t grow up fast enough, and it was impossible to wait longer. And so, we stopped waiting. So I became the ten year old Queen.

Queen Catherine I, having just finished her coronation before GOD in the burnt Church of Vallagne, would read the letter with a soft grin. "Aye, I think it would do us well to have guidance from within. I fear for too long we've gone unnoticed or left behind, abandoned and forgotten by many clergy or simply dismissed as a dysfunctional state." She would set the letter down with a bit more warmth in her heart, "Thank you, Your Grace, for speaking up for our Petran flock."

AND SO IT RAINED STONE “ONCE, THERE STOOD A KEEP OVERLOOKING THE RIVER PETRA.” The voice of Queen Catherine of the Petra rolled through the shattered halls of Brasca like a thunderclap. Loose bricks crumbled from gaping wounds in the castle walls, rent by the bombardment. Steel rang as Covenant halberds and spears drilled against burgundy-blazoned Veletzian shields. Soldiers screamed in victory, and despair. “BUILT BY A MAN DEDICATED TO HIS HOUSE, AND HIS COUNTRY. WHEN TRAGEDY STRUCK, AND THIS GREAT MAN WAS CALLED TO THE SKIES, HIS FAMILY FORGOT THE RIVER, AND ITS PEOPLE.” Boots thundered through the hallways, splashing through blood and mud. Ash and dust drifted through those halls, filming the rich red, gold, and white cloth of the Covenant banners and pennants. Between the Queen’s sentences, one of Brasca’s hoardings splintered apart and collapsed in a tide of jagged wood. “IT IS THAT BETRAYAL THAT HAS BROUGHT US HERE TODAY. TO SETTLE A DEBT, SPURRED BY THE LIES SOLD TO THEM OF A PROMISED LAND, FREE AND STRONG. THE DEBT OF A KEEP, BROKEN NOW LIKE THEIR BROKEN OATH.” As King Aleksandr brandished the blade Svetjlast, the order was given, and the vanguard pressed forward. An indistinguishable roar of commands and pride filled the lull in the Queen’s speech. The fletching of arrows whistled as the Veletzians loosed, and thunked into Covenant pavises and plates. “ON THIS DAY, WE CARVE THIS LESSON INTO VELETZ AND KRUGMAR WITH STEEL; THE LESSON OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY THINK WE WILL BE COWED BY THEIR THREATS.” Between arrows and javelins, the hero Vasili Vanrov danced unscathed. He broke away from the Covenant frontlines and the safety of the vanguard shields, and charged Brasca’s final gate. Veletz and Covenant alike thought him a madman, and so they watched with jaws agape as the gate groaned open, and Vanrov limped out. “NOW AND FOREVERMORE, WE WILL NOT BE COWED. WE WILL NOT BE CARRIED HELPLESS BY THE CURRENT OF THE RIVER, FOR WE ARE THE RIVER.” Like wind and wildfire, word of that day travelled. In Valdev, the tavern door was almost thrown off its hinges when a messenger threw it open, and proclaimed the victory at Brasca. “WE REFUSE TO BEND TO THEIR WILL. WE DENY THOSE WE SEEK TO CONTROL US. WE CONDEMN THOSE WHO HOST THE AGENTS OF AZDROMOTH.” In Vallagne, Regina von Theonus was one of many kneeling within the Church, her head bowed and her hands clasped in prayer. She whispered her thanks over and over again to the cross for the victory at Brasca, for that meant her husband would return from battle alive. “WE STAND HERE, TOGETHER, ATOP A GRIEVANCE SETTLED, AND A DEBT COLLECTED!” The vanguard surged. Led by Sigmar Baruch and Sigrun Stonehammer, the garrison broke into ribbons of red and steel. Faces painted with rage pressed the advantage as the lines fell apart, and the melee consumed the rubble-littered greathall of the keep. “WE STAND HERE, TOGETHER, WITH ANOTHER RIGHTEOUS VICTORY.” When the defenders abandoned the keep, and the cry of victory shook the stones still standing, the Petrine Knights named Atticus and Wilford threw their bloodied and bruised arms around each other, and embraced in sheer relief. “WE STAND HERE, TOGETHER, AS AUTHORS OF OUR OWN FATE!” Tankards were raised in the underhalls of Urguan. “WE STAND HERE!” The soldiers of Numendil clutched their blades, and dedicated their victory to Tonito. “TOGETHER!” Amidst the ash, the Keepers from Norland mumbled prayers as they held vigil over the burning dead. “VICTORIOUS!” The Yachstmen wiped their blades clean. “BRASCA! HAS! FALLEN!”

A DEBT PAID Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 99 As Covenant forces waited in the camp- the roar of trebuchets and cannons could be heard, bright streaks soaring through the smoke-laden sky. On that day, a debt was paid. The artillery of the Covenant ripped open the South side of the fort to allow the armies of the Covenant to flood into the Brascan grand hall. As the Veletzians and Orcs cowered in corners behind gates with a group taking the Covenant siege fort, the Covenant forces pushed onwards, a lone man sacrificing himself to the Veletzians ire to open the gate to allow the Covenant into the rest of the keep. In a final push, the forces of Petra, Balian, and Numendil pushed out the main entrance of the Keep, soon joined by the remaining forces of the Covenant, the army pushing out the remaining Veletzians, securing the win for the Covenant. May GOD accept the souls of those that died, despite their sins and anathema status, still those that fell had families and lives. May those that fell to take the fortress be blessed in the Seven Skies as fallen heroes, and rest forever in peace. The title of the Barony of Brasca is hereby reclaimed and returned to the Crown of the Petra, and the Petran grudge against the family of Brasca is now declared to be settled. May the family find peace within Aevos and rebuild their home and family with a lesson learned. A title comes with an oath and expectations of the family it has been granted to, and beware the company that you chose to keep. You had chosen wrong, may your future choices be more fruitful. Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Protector of Dogs, Maker of two Maps

– BEGINNING to REBUILD the KNIGHTLY REPUBLIC – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 99 Long has it been since Petra has been a true knightly republic, its institutions slowly fading away out of necessity and lack of upkeep. The Commonwealth has grown and changed with the tides or wars, decay, and change, and now it once again goes through another metamorphosis. It is by the will of the Queen, Catherine I, that upon the dissolution of the Regency, that the Commonwealth begins to work towards the rebuilding of a version of a Knightly Republic. Catherine intends to build a state of amalgamations between different versions of the past Commonwealth, and her own new visions. With such, the Round Table shall hereby be reformed now that more Knights of the Petrine Laurel have been made. They shall now become the founders of a new stone in the history of the Petran river, and the people that live on its banks. Therefore, to begin this rebuilding and change, four large changes shall be implemented. The Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel shall be split into two Chapters. The Chapter of Brooks, being knights of a more symbolic and stately nature - those that legislate, write, and create; and the Chapter of Rapids, the more commonly seen Knights of chivalry and quests, that raise their sword and charge into battle for the protection and honour of the Commonwealth. The Round Table shall be remade, being an advisory body to the Crown and the River Council, and above the Garmont Assembly. With this, Knights will no longer have an automatic seat on the Garmont. The Round Table shall have two main purposes, to advise the Crown on stately duties, and confirm treaties and other edicts that the Crown and River Council create, and to run the Sovereign Order as a Council with a voted-in Commander instead of one unquestionable leader. Seven of the highest knights shall be granted governorship over the different regions of the Crownland, to protect and represent. They shall be the communication point between the vassals that inhabit the area, and the River Council and guard. They shall be responsible for ensuring that darkspawn, monsters, and other threats from Iblees are purged from the land, or to gather groups to aid in their defeat. These Seven Governorships shall be as follows; The Seat of Val De Lagne, the Capital Region. This is to be held by the current Knight Commander. The Seat of Nortrebanc, the region around Hohkmat. This is to be held by a knight with connection to the Mages of Hohkmat. The Seat of the Mardonlands, the Eastern region around the river cave. The Seat of Mount Catrinne, the region surrounding the Memory tree and its mountain. The Seat of Solland, the area directly South of the Capital and Mount Catrinne. The Seat of Renilcia, the Southernmost region bordering the Capital of Numendil. The Seat of Seviel, the South-Eastern corner of the Petran claim, into the Birch forest. The Seat of Seviel and Renilcia are to remain in abeyance until the regions are properly settled by the crown of the Petra. Finally, the Knights of the Petrine Laurel shall be granted the right to try and condemn criminals should it be required. They must follow the caught-in-the-act laws that the officers of the City Watch are held to, where they can only bypass trial should the criminal have committed the crime without a doubt. Otherwise, a trial must be scheduled and held. Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Protector of Dogs, Maker of Maps Mayor Sir Aimo “The Eccentric, Tongue Taker” of Astor, Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel

MARCHING ORDERS: OPERATION OVERDRAFT IUDICIUM ACCEDIT Issued by the THE COVENANT on this 30th of Harren’s Folly MISSION TITLE: OPERATION OVERDRAFT OBJECTIVE: ANNEXATION OF BRASCA KEEP. MOBILISATION DATE: 15TH OF HOREN’S CALLING AIMED COMMENCEMENT DATE: 19TH OF TOBIAS’ BOUNTY PARTICULARS: All COVENANT forces are hereby to be marshalled on the MOBILISATION DATE, when they will embark from RALLY POINT - BREAKWATER and march NORTH towards MISSION OBJECTIVE - BRASCA KEEP. Upon reaching BRASCA KEEP on the COMMENCEMENT DATE, all COVENANT forces will assault BRASCA KEEP. COVENANT armies shall split into three forces. TASKFORCE “GAVEL”, under the command PATRIARCH JOSEF [“GAVEL-01”], will engage in heavy bombardment of BRASCA KEEP while TASKFORCE “MITHRIL”, under the command of KING ALEKSANDR [“MITHRIL-01”], secures all artillery from enemy attack. TASKFORCE “PALISADE”, under the command of PERCY DE LYONS [“PALISADE-01”] shall assume responsibility for all perimeter security. TASKFORCE “YACHT”, under the command of CAPTAIN BANJO [“YACHT-01”], shall [REDACTED]. PHASE-1 shall comprise of the artillery bombardment of BRASCA KEEP. Once sufficiently breached, PHASE-2 shall commence with an all-out frontal assault with all COVENANT forces. END OF BRIEF. WARCLAIM WARGOAL: COMPLETE ANNEXATION [Attacking Tile 22 from Tile 21] ATTACKERS: The Kingdom of Haense, The Kingdom of Balian, The Commonwealth of the Petra, The Viceroyalty of Hyspia, The Grand Kingdom of Urguan, the United Kingdom of Aaun, the Kingdom of Norland and the Kingdom of Numendil DEFENDERS: The League of Veletz and its Allies LOCATION/WARPATH: DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 2:30 PM EST

The regency of the Petran Crown shall come to an end upon the 16th birthday of Queen Catherine I. It is with this milestone that our young Queen shall come to rule in her own right and upon the 6th anniversary of the abdication of Renilde I, Catherine shall be coronated as the Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra under GOD by our High Pontiff Himself, Sixtus VI. With the current secular war with the Anathema, and the burning of the Abbey of St. Edmund, minor alterations have been made to the original plans of the coronation. The event however, will still take place upon the floors of the ruined Abbey, the young Queen insisting that the desecration must be righted, and the righteous must rise from the rubble. The Flame of Owyn shall burn bright among the ravagings of the War, in the heart of the new Queen, and the people of the Commonwealth. [Sunday, December 10th] My dear family, my Grandmother and Uncles, & The Regent that has stood with me through it all, Konstantin von Theonus, Lord of Bingleburg As well as: His Royal Majesty, Aleksandr II, King of Hanseti-Ruska, his family, peerage, and people His Royal Majesty, Adrian I, King of Balian, his family, peerage, and people His Royal Majesty, John, King of Aaun, his family, peerage, and people Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth of Numendil, her family, peerage, and people His Royal Majesty, Cyris I, King of the Shiredom of Dúnwen, his family, and people. His Grandness, Garedyn the Emerald, Grand King of Urguan, his family, peerage, and people His Highness, Cesar II, Viceroy of Hyspia, his family, peerage, and people. High Keeper, Ellenore Eiriksson, her family, and the people of Norland. All other allies of the Covenant. His Grace, Godric von Theonus, and his family, The Right Honourable, Adrian Temesch, and his family, The Right Honourable, Xavier Adiler, and his family, The Right Honourable, Konstantin von Augusten, and his family, Her Ladyship, Norra Terrin, and her family, Their Lordships, Wilford and Atticus Reinhold and their family, Master Fatebinder of Hohkmat, and the Mages and Citizens of Hohkmat The people of the Commonwealth of the Petra, and its allies All citizens of Veletz, Celia’nor, and the Iron Horde are hereby banned from attendance and shall be treated as bandits should their presence be noticed. Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire

– VELETZ BURNS CHURCHES – Issued and averred by Her Majesty in the year of our Lord 1952 Upon returning home from a diplomatic meeting, I walk into Vallagne to find the Chapel in ruins, the stone covered in soot. The white stones have been stained black with ash from their burnt, sinning souls and the fire that they bring. May this stand as an example of the honour of the Veletzians, the faith that they hold themselves to. Should they ever seek to regain themselves under the light of GOD, let it be remembered what they do to the Houses of GOD. The Abbey of St. Edmund shall be restored, let it be known. It will never be the same, may it be rebuilt in black stones to show the resilience of the Petrans and our faith that we uphold even through secular war. MAY YOUR SINS FOLLOW YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES, AND TO THE GRAVE THAT YOU SHALL SOON MEET. Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Protector of Dogs, Maker of Maps

Queen Catherine I stood on the large, painted map on the top of her castle. The little Queen paced back and forth as she eyed the lines drawn on the carefully painted map. She sneered at the markings that had been made - the plans. She strode out of the room and down the stairs confidently, each step of the girl more sure than the last. “You’ve killed our men, you’ve raided our cities, you’ve threatened my family, and now…” The crowned child’s lip turned into a smirk as she raised her arm in the square of Vallagne in a fist. “WE ARE COMING TO KILL YOU!”

– A MAN FOR A HAND? – Issued and averred by Her Majesty in the year of our Lord 1952 SINCE THE HOUSE OF STASSION HAS LARGE IMAGINATIONS, It appears that we must make both a declaration of what occurred within Vallagne, and a warning. Recently, the Commonwealth has come under threat of bandits from those outside of our lands. As such, our guards and Knights are watchful for those that they suspect of causing issues, especially within the city of Vallagne. Today, a man came to our gates dressed in Stassion colours and was allowed in by a member of our City Watch. This was fine, Stassion is the land of my Aunt and Uncle, they are partially my family, or so I thought. He was later seen in a bandit-like ensemble, an outfit that was recognized as the same as bandits from a Saints Day before accosting our citizens outside of Hohkmat. Naturally, he was questioned. Upon questioning, the man did not reveal much, nor was he caught in the act of banditing. Our knights would never intend to kill a man for no action, do not sully our name so with no evidence to support it. He was masked, and despite wearing exactly the same armour as known bandits who were witnessed by a member of my own Council, denied knowing anything of the bandits, a highly unbelievable claim with the same crest upon his chest. “The outfit is comfortable” he said, “The mask keeps the sun off of my face.” All excuses bandits have used before. With the complete nonsense of excuses, the Knight Captain of Petra, Ser Aimo, decided to break the man's hand as a warning and to remove him from the city of Vallagne as a precaution. Much less than our own laws say that they should have. Much less than you did to an innocent man who was not even present for this act. GHORM VON THEONUS WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THIS. GHORM VON THEONUS DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING OF THIS. GHORM VON THEONUS WAS NOT A MEMBER OF OUR GUARD. GHORM VON THEONUS WAS NOT A MEMBER OF MY GOVERNMENT. GHORM VON THEONUS WAS AN INNOCENT MAN. To the Government of Aaun, I remind you that the United Kingdom of Aaun and the Commonwealth of the Petra have a standing pact of Non-Aggression. I will not count this as an act of aggression against my nation - yet. I suggest that you deal with your vassal as the murderers that they have made themselves. Your own vassal tells of summoning a foreign leader instead of yourselves to speak of how my citizen should be dealt with, I do you a courtesy that they themselves did not even give you. Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows

THE RIVERRUN ACCORD Agreed upon on this 505ES | 1952 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 AUWN 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 ZWEIN 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 III | ARTIKEL DRES 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 VAUR 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 SIEG This treaty shall be in effect from the moment it is signed, and shall be in effect for 12 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, Lord Emissary of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Protector of Dogs, Maker of Two Maps, Queen of the Palace Tree His Excellency, Sir Konstantin von Theonus, Guardian of the Commonwealth, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Hero of Faubourg

Issued on 13th of Horen’s Calling, 83 BA Atstana de Regne Petrère 95 ARTICLE I The Kingdom of Balian and the Commonwealth of Petra, or henceforth ‘the signatories’, recognise each other’s sovereignty and the rule of their domains, and their respective monarchs. ARTICLE II 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. ARTICLE III The signatories pledge to themselves to a defensive alliance between their States, and shall not incite conflict between each other. They furthermore agree that an attack on one signatory shall be treated as an attack on both. ARTICLE IV The signatories agree to engage in military companionship, hosting joint trainings and expeditions along with mock scrimmages in order to bolster international engagement from either nation’s people. ARTICLE V The signatories agree to criminal extradition between each nation; should a citizen of either side commit a crime in the other nation, an agreement of transportation and extradition will be enforced in order to honor the agreement of full nonaggression. ARTICLE V This treaty shall be in effect for a period of ten years, after which the realms shall convene once again for renegotiation. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Pompourelia, Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Protector of Dogs, Maker of two Maps HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Elena Casimira Novellen-de Lyons, Countess of Rosemoor, Baroness of Enderoca, Amiratus of the Kingdom of Balian, Lady Seneschal of the Crown and Chief Minister of the Royal Duana. His Excellency, John Augustus Galbraith, Baron of Cascanova, Patriarch of Galbraith, Ward to the King, Royal Legate, Secretary of the Foreign Office. His Excellency, Sir Konstantin “the Dauntless” von Theonus, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Guardian of the Commonwealth, Hero of Faubourg

The Pact of Wee Stature and Great Friendship Issued at Year 156 of the Second Age Upon Queen Catherine I’s first visit to the Shiredom of Dúnwen, she has discovered a new way of life. With bare feet on grass, plows, sheep shearing and the weaving of wool, the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Shiredom of Dúnwen have decided to join in a pact of Friendship. [The entirety of this pact would be written in a blue crayon-like material] ARTICLE I: SOVEREIGNTY I. The Commonwealth of the Petra recognizes The Shiredom of Dúnwen, their sovereignty and autonomy. II. The Shiredom of Dúnwen recognizes Commonwealth of the Petra, their sovereignty and autonomy. ARTICLE II: TRADE I. Both signatories dedicate to each other an available tax-free shop or stall within their capital region for the duration of the pact. II. Both signatories agree to provide each other the best deal possible when trading in bulk goods between each other. III. Minas are not necessary to trade. ARTICLE III: NON-AGGRESSION I. No signatory shall be intentionally harmed by another. II. If a breach has been found, this shall be resolved diplomatically. ARTICLE IV: TERRITORIAL CLAIMS I. No signatory shall lay claim on territories another signatory has laid claim upon. II. The Signatories may agree to give up a territorial claim in favor of another member having it. ARTICLE V: INFRASTRUCTURE I. Both signatories agree to improve infrastructure between each realm II. This may be done in the form of establishing new roads, bridges and providing easier modes of transport between each other’s realms. III. Every infrastructure project will be discussed between signatories before execution. ARTICLE VI: DURATION I. Both signatories agree to uphold this pact till all find it necessary to part ways. II. This pact may only be dissolved if all signatories agree. III. If any articles are deemed broken and all diplomatic reasons to maintain the pact are abandoned, the pact will be invalidated. signed, Mimosa Applefoot, Sheriff of Dúnwen Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra

The Queens Pact, 156 SA Issued the 4th of Snow’s Maiden, 156 SA [Tunes] With the signing and promulgation of this document, the Kingdom of Númendil and the Commonwealth of Petra, henceforth referred to as ‘the signatories’, do agree on their honor to the terms laid forth hereafter. ARTICLE I: Non-Aggression The signatories agree in the absolute to a pact of non-aggression. There shall be no military conflict between either state, nor between their constituent vassals or noble Houses. Any breaches of this term shall be resolved through the appropriate diplomatic channels. ARTICLE II: Sovereignty The signatories mutually recognize the other as the sole sovereign over their respective lands, and all titles affiliated with their respective styling. ARTICLE III: Defensive Alliance The signatories shall, in the event of war, rise to each other’s defense. This term shall apply only to defensive conflicts. In the event that a signatory party is the aggressing party, however, participation may be discussed as a separate agreement. ARTICLE IV: Trade The signatories shall, pursuant to mutual benefit, commit to free trade, and shall permit merchants from either nation travel and trade free from tariff or harassment. Additionally, a stall shall be provided, waiving annual rents, in either signatory’s capital, and the signatories shall exchange fifty crates of fine Petran chocolate for an equal weight of Alkayaban grade silver. ARTICLE V: Duration This treaty shall remain in effect for the duration of the reigns of Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë and Her Majesty, Catherine I or a period of ten years, whichever should come to an end first. In such an event, this agreement will be open to renewal or renegotiation. SIGNED, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm Her Majesty, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Protector of Dogs, Maker of Two Maps, Queen of the Palace Tree His Excellency, Sir Konstantin von Theonus, Guardian of the Commonwealth, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Hero of Faubourg Witnessed, Ser Alwyn II of House Glennmaer, Royal Castellan of the White Court of the Númenaranyë, Templar of the Archangel Michael, and Knight of the Realm