Zaerie

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the BARONY of HRENTHORNE – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 104 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, CATHERINE I, Our loyal subject, Marius Lovetts, is hereby elevated to the position of Baron of Hrenthorne for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Hrenthorne have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. Lord Marius has worked as both a Knight and a scribe for the Commonwealth for some time, assisting in the culture and literature of the Petra. He and his family are hereby afforded the chance and promotion to a Barony, where it is hoped that he and his family continue to prove their dedication to the Commonwealth and its arts. With this elevation, Marius Lovetts, 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 His Highness, August Alcaeus of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, Prince-Consort of the Petra

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the VISCOUNTY of STORMONT – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 104 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, CATHERINE I, Our loyal subjects, Wilford and Atticus Reinhold, are hereby elevated to the position of Viscounts of Stormont for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Stormont have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. These two men have continuously worked to better the Commonwealth in every way that they are able to assist in. From both joining the ranks of the Petrine Laurel, attending and assisting with the continued war efforts, and bettering relations between Petra and the Hohkmati, the house of Reinhold is a stellar example of what a true Petran is. With this elevation, Wilford and Atticus 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 His Highness, August Alcaeus of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, Prince-Consort of the Petra

– LETTERS PATENT – – for the COUNTY of MARTIEL – Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 104 BY THE ORDER OF HER MAJESTY, CATHERINE I, Our loyal subject, Adrian Temesch, is hereby elevated to the position of Count of Martiel for their and their families continued service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. Those of Martiel have worked diligently for the Commonwealth, and are hereby recognized for their efforts. This last Saint's day, Lord Adrian saved Queen Catherine I from an attempted assassination by a Veletzian knight, putting his own life in mortal danger in an attempt to save the life of the Queen. For this, and the continued work of Lord Adrian and his family, it is seen fit to reward them with this promotion. With this elevation, Adrian Temesch, 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 His Highness, August Alcaeus of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, Prince-Consort of the Petra

The Year of the Deputies Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 103 With the success of the current River Council and the streamlined efficiency that the current council works alongside each other, it has been decided that it would be in the best interest to give a test to both our systems and our council’s possible heirs. Most of the current council has held their positions since before the end of the regency, and with that, comes the issue of beginning to train successors. How do you tell when a successor is fully ready? How do we test this before fully handing off the responsibility of their station to the risk? We must be sure for the stability and efficiency of our council and Commonwealth that the deputies are ready to take up their station, and for this year, there shall be a test. Each deputy of a councillor that has held their station for some time shall take over as much of the position as can reasonably be handed off for the next year. Over this time, we ask that for your troubles, instead of going to the River Councillor, you go to their named deputy that shall be listed below. Each shall take on both the base responsibility of the full station, as well as a task given to them by their superior. THE TREASURY SIR THEODERIC VON THEONUS shall temporarily hand off to WREN SARLEN Wren has been tasked with collecting and documenting the taxation of the realm. THE STEWARDRY SIR ARTEL VON THEONUS shall temporarily hand off to SIR WILFORD REINHOLD Sir Wilford has been tasked with holding a hiring campaign for more Stewards for the Capital. THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY VISCOUNT ADRIAN TEMESCH shall temporarily hand off to SIR ATTICUS REINHOLD Sir Atticus has been tasked with planning and holding a session of the Garmont Assembly. The Deputies year shall extend from [14th of january] to [21st of january] 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

"I still don't regret it," Catherine would say as Renilde stroked the wounded Queens hair while the two rested on the ground. "The hope I had for why he was here." He had come with the intent of killing her. "I can't let myself regret that optimism." She said weakly, her front dripping in her own blood. From the stab wound inflicted upon her, from the gashes across her cheek from where she had been gripped to prevent her from screaming. "The last time, he came to urge for peace, this time... I cannot blame him for why he came this time." (Massively fun interaction Alan, I had a great time!)

The Rivers Royal Gifts Issued and averred by Her Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère 104 With the war looming overhead, canon and trebuchet fire streaking through the sky, the recently married Queen fought nonetheless. The war had been on her doorstep now, the Covenant attacking the traitors of Stassion from her own home soil. The Petrans stood at the edge of their territory, looking out at a keep that they used to rule. And now they would turn it to ash. She had refused to step back, to stay home despite her state- though her own Mothers fate did not escape her thoughts. Princess Winifred, Catherine I’s mother, had died for Catherine and her twin, Marcus. Catherine could only hope that it wouldn’t be repeated during war. As the Petrans returned to Vallagne, victorious, Catherine Knighted her squires and then felt the consequences of her actions. Too early, did the Queen go into labour, and the fear she felt was far stronger than during any of the battles she had faced thus far. The Queen and Prince of Abrana are pleased to announce the birth of their first two children, a girl and a boy both small but healthy. They wish to make clear that the succession of the Commonwealth is selective, and that neither child is to be named heir at the moment - the Archduchy of Vallagne shall remain as Prince Marcus Antonius, the Queen’s brother. The royal family is happy to introduce to the citizens of the Petra, and those of the Covenant; Her Highness, Princess Rowena Ivanna, Countess of Clermont @carebear His Highness, Prince Aurelius Arnaud, Count of the Phoenixspire @Kaii 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 Highness, August Alcaeus of the Petra, Prince of Abrana, Baron of Wittenbach, Prince-Consort of the Petra

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