TheCrowChronicles

It was a busy day at the Crow Chronicles; journalists would run in and out as they frantically followed the recent developments in the war. The missive would find its way into the hands of a singular journalist who read it, and upon reading the signature at the bottom brought it to his editor for inspection. “Hey boss, who is this guy?” “Never heard of him, just toss it with the rest of them.”

The Crow Chronicles, Vol. 5 The past few years have been very eventful, filled with intrigue, war, emperors and kings, and we’ve got it all for you here on the number one trusted news source in Arcas: the Crow Chronicles. IMPERIAL CORONATION OF 1715 [!] Joseph I, Holy Orenian Emperor is crowned by Pontiff Everard V, 1715 What started off as a normal day would end as one filled with Imperial pomp and glory as the Holy Orenian Empire was reformed under its new emperor, Joseph I. The man himself arrived unannounced in Reza in the early hours of the morning, but word quickly spread throughout the empire of the appearance of the Marnantine heir. The first to arrive were the northern lords of Haense, many of whom remembered the prosperity of the Fifth Empire and desired to return to those days. Then came the men of Leuven, heartlanders who had only recently re-established themselves under the protection of Haense, wishing to see the Johannian with their own eyes. Following them were the Villachians, who came to Reza seeking a just and fair ruler who would avenge the burning of Ves under the Pertinaxi dynasty. Last came the elves of the Elven Union, elves who hoped to see a peaceful ruler who would end the years of war between the sons of Horen and Malin. The square of the city was filled to the brim with people by mid-day, yet no one complained. All were gathered to witness history, to witness the coronation of the true ruler of mankind. And so it was, that Joseph I, Holy Orenian Emperor was crowned by High Pontiff Everard V to high cheer and praise from his loyal people. BATTLE OF UPPER RODENBOURG [!] An artist’s rendition of the Battle of Upper Rodenbourg, c. 1715 What seemed like a calm peaceful road would soon be littered with the bodies of Renatian soldiers. Only moments before, Joseph I had been crowned as Emperor of the Seventh Holy Orenian Empire, and the leaders of the Empire of Renatus decided to retaliate with force. Men were rallied, battle lines were drawn, and generals drew up quick plans as the battle drew nearer. It started with a headlong charge by the outnumbered Renatians before the Orenians could form their ranks, but the Orenian numbers prevailed in the end. The brawl was messy and chaotic; men rolled in the muddy ground as they stabbed and slashed at each other. The elven cavalry came in from the side and flanked the Renatian host, ending the main fight and sending them into a rout. When it was all said and done, 1400 Orenians and elves lay dead against 5900 Renatians, many of whom drowned in the River Leuven upon their final rout. The message sent was clear: the Holy Orenian Empire would punish the Pertenaxi for their many grievances against humanity. AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE ROYAL DUMA OF HAENSE 14th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1715 To His Majesty the King, my fellow peers, citizens of the North, fellow Man, Our nation is now within the cause for the welfare of humanity. Nothing can deny that these times challenge us to be ever more faithful to the common creed of justice, peace, and sovereignty. I pledge my role in the cause for these ideals, to legislate in the interests of our citizens and our allies. I am fervently compelling my fellow lords in the Duma to reflect with me on the nature of our kingdom and for those whom we are responsible for assisting and protecting. The priority that lays ahead of us is one that puts us above the factious demands of petty politics, for we have been sent to govern in this chamber with the highest standards in securing a lasting order. I believe that the present course we are taking in support of the Marnantine Regime is the right one, and in no circumstances do I doubt this. Our legislation must embrace an outward look of social change, political cooperation, and military solidarity. The role of the Duma has been forever changed by these events. We must be the custodians of the Rule of Law, just governance, and the caretakers of this legacy so that what we have set forth under GOD, let no man put asunder.

The Crow Chronicles, Vol. 4 Well readers, it’s been a very hectic year and there’s plenty to report. From the creation of political parties here in our glorious Empire to warfare and bloodshed in the Elven dominions! We’ve got it all here at the Crow Chronicles, your number one trusted source for domestic and international news. THE DUMA OF 1711 [!] Members of the National Duma of Hanseti-Ruska, c. 1711 The members of the Duma of Haense convened again to debate and discuss other potential laws to better our Kingdom and the lives of those in it. Before all debate however, Speaker Georg introduced the newst member of the Duma, Representative Banquo of the newly founded County of Leuven. Once introductions were made, a law was proposed by Lord Grimm which would set aside land outside the city of Reza for purely agricultural purposes. The hope was that this would attract farmers and other workers to the city and increase business. During the debate however, Alderman Bracchus proposed an amendment to the bill that would create a quota on production within these farmlands. Representative Banquo argued that forcing farmers to sell would disrupt the market and interrupt its natural growth, which would only cause harm to the farmers and working class. Seeing no end in sight to the debate, both Bracchus and Banquo agreed to postpone a vote on the amendment until the following Duma and instead move on to a vote for the main bill itself which passed with unanimous approval. The next bill proposed was a controversial one, brought forth by Alderman Bracchus. In the wake of the Sack of Ves, the Alderman proposed that the crown show its solidarity with the Adrian people. Debate erupted almost immediately, and was not halted until the Queen introduced a witness, the former Marshal of Adria, who testified to the chaos of the sack and the hardships that the refugees were facing. After the Marshal’s testimony, Representative Banquo introduced an amendment offering reparations to the Adrian people instead of just solidarity. This was met with great disapproval, especially from Lords Grimm, Ludovar, Preussens, and Ruthern who all cited the supremacy of Crown action. Speaker Georg ended the debate on the amendment and brought it to a vote, failing 7-6 after the Lord Speaker broke a tie. Debate on the main bill itself was ended shortly thereafter, and failed with 3 ayes and 9 nays. The Duma was adjourned, but certain members of the Duma were not happy with how it ended, namely Lord Ruthern and Representative Banquo. What started off as a fist fight turned quickly into a duel between Lord Ruthern and another member from Leuven, which resulted in a victory for the unknown duelist from Leuven. It is believed that Lord Ruthern has since recovered from his injuries, but the Chronicles has yet to determine whether anyone will be punished for starting the brawl. SANOISTS ORGANIZE FIRST CONVENTION [!] An artist’s rendition of the first Sanoist convention, 1711 On the 8th of Harren’s Folley, the Sanoist Republican Party announced their formal establishment as a force “advocating for legislative republicanism, executive monarchism, theocratic unification, vassal’s rights, and expanded social programs,” according to the party’s founder, Fabius Bracchus. They’ve issued a public statement, claiming to have garnered four out of thirteen seats in the Haense Duma in their first week. These members include Alderman Fabius Bracchus, Maer Butch, Konstantin Ruthern, and Henrik Amador, with claims of more members contemplating membership. In addition, their paramilitary wing, the Blue Berets, is said to have participants from half of their registered members. The Sanoists will be hosting their first convention in four Saint’s days, to nominate and confirm the leaders of their party. A self-acclaimed value of the Sanoist Party is their belief in republican representation, and as such, they’ve opted to democratically elect all their leaders. The positions include party chair, who runs political operations, the ambassador, who assures all members of the party are represented and rules are abided by, and the commander, who organizes the Blue Beret faction. Sanoist factions have always faltered in the past, and as such, many political thinkers are skeptical as to the viability of this new party. AN ELVEN WAR [!] Imperial Council of War, c. 1711 Tensions between the Empire and the Elves have been growing for some time, following the formation of the Elven Union, but finally came to a head when Imperial forces burned and sacked the Principality of Alderyn. The true reason for this attack is unknown to many, but Imperial sources report that it was in response to the formation of the EU and growing hostilities between the two nations. Despite the devastating nature of the attack, the members of the EU have taken it in stride and remain resolved in their effort to, as they say “deter any unprovoked attacks by the Empire”. Only a few days after Alderyn burned, the leaders of the former agreed to merge with the Principality of Aegrothond to form the High Principality of Elvenesse. How the Empire plans to respond is yet to be seen, though both sides seem to be preparing for a long war.

The Crow Chronicles, Vol. 3 While there are plenty of other news to report on in our periodical, this edition of the Crow Chronicles will focus primarily on the events leading up to and following the sack of the city of Ves. At this time, the Crow Chronicles offers its thoughts and prayers to those displaced by the violence, and hope that their suffering may soon come to an end. THE ADRIAN DISPLACEMENT [!] An artist’s rendition of the Trial of Prince Yuriy, c. 1710 A few short days after citizens in the city of Ves reported seeing Prince Yuriy leading a raid against the townsfolk, the accused Prince was brought to trial before Emperor Antonius in the Imperial City of Helena. Many notable figures within the Empire were present, including the good King Marius II of Haense, and the King Wilhelm of Curonia. Before the assembled lords, Prince Yuriy declared his innocence and accused some of the gathered Adrian lords of being undead and supporting Norlandic raiders against the Empire. It was at this moment that the trial shifted towards these new allegations, and all the gathered Adrians were ordered to present themselves before the Emperor. Suddenly, the Adrians found themselves entrapped within the throne room, with Imperial crossbowmen loading their weapons. Despite King Marius’ pleas to spare the lives of his Adrian subjects, the Emperor sentenced them to death as punishment for their alleged treason. Many of the Adrians attempted to escape, but their horses were in the back of the city and they were cut down in the process. The Emperor then ordered his soldiers to march on the city of Ves, to the shock of Marius and the other present Haeseni lords. In order to avoid a civil war, and most likely to keep his own kingdom from burning, King Marius then made the decision not to protest the attack on Ves. The decision came as a shock to many, including the King’s family, and will arguably be considered one of the defining moments of Marius’ reign. [!] The Sacking of Ves, c. 1710 The Imperial army descended upon Ves, indiscriminately slaughtering any that they came across on their path, and setting alight all the stalls and houses within. Surprisingly however, sources tell us that there was very minimal looting taking place with most of the soldiers focused on reducing the city to rubble. Even more surprisingly, the soldiers simply returned to Helena after causing what they felt was enough destruction. Only a handful of Haeseni soldiers remained to watch over the city and guard it before imperial architects could begin properly dismantling it. The Adrian Duma, following what they perceived as King Marius’ betrayal of his own subjects, was quick to plan a revolt. The small Haeseni force that had been garrisoned outside the city to facilitate the evacuation of the city’s population was killed during the night and the Duma has, for the most part, retaken control over the destroyed city. Whether they will stay and fight is yet to be seen, though the Chronicles have received word that preparations have begun for a final assault and destruction of the city. We’ve yet to see any timeline for these events though, and expect them to occur within the coming months or years. A SHAKE UP IN THE DUMA Sources have reported to us that, with much thought and reflection, Lord Speaker Morris tendered his resignation to His Majesty King Marius II after nearly three years of leadership in chairing the Royal Duma of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. With his departure, His Majesty has appointed his cousin, Prince Georg of the House of Alimar, currently its representative to the top post of the Haense legislature. A general conservative, he has worked to fight for tax cuts and most notably had his Royal Education Scholarship bill passed. Now, he vows to serve as a fair Speaker, chairing debate and building coalitions across the Haense Peerage to find common ground and consensus on the important issues facing the times. He assumes the chair in the next Duma Session. THE ELVEN MOBILIZATION This story continues to develop, but following a botched negotiation between delegates of the Silver State of Haelun’or and the Principality of Alderyn, tensions have risen in both nations. Our sources report leaders on both sides pressing and preparing for war, hoping that their nation might be the one to finally answer the question of elven unification. At this moment, neither state has yet to make any formal declaration or attack, and experts don’t expect there to be one for months yet. Our paper will continue to report on this situation in future papers.

All of the information we print is gathered from local sources and witnesses (who have their own biases), and as a result may not be completely accurate! We encourage our readers to check our facts and submit corrections if we have made a mistake.

The Crow Chronicles, Vol. 2 Welcome back to our loyal readers; this week we’ve got a couple of good stories ready for you. As always, our paper will bring you local news and politics from both the Kingdom of Haense and the Duchy of Adria. We’ve also recently taken on a reporter who will focus on matters of the Church, so be sure to keep an eye out for that in our future volumes! This paper is also brought to you by our royal sponsor, King Marius II of Hanseti-Ruska, and by our business sponsor, the Alimar Arts and Attire co. For all your clothing and armor needs, the Alimar Arts and Attire company is the best in the business! Contact Prince Josef Alimar (@JuliusAakerlund) or Prince Godfric Alimar (@NJBB) with any requests. THE DUMA OF 1709 By Larry Gambino the Third [!] First National Duma of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, c. 1709 Members of the National Duma of Hanseti-Ruska gathered in the palace of Prikaz for their first meeting since the re-establishment of the body. The gathering started rather late, after Lord Speaker Morris arrived late from foot traffic on the road from Ves to Reza. Almost immediately following the opening of the session by the Lord Speaker, Lord Georg Stanimar proposed the Marian Tax Reform Act of 1709 in an effort to cut domestic tax rates by 5 minas, from 25 minas per tax slip to 20 minas. Following a massive debate and line of questioning from Lords Preussens, Ludovar, and Alderman Bracchus, the motion was brought to a vote and passed with 8 ayes and 4 nays. The next item on the agenda was a controversial one; then-Palatine Konstantin Ruthern proposed crossbow control and the seizure of all civilian crossbows. The initial bill was met with immense opposition, with a majority of the body disagreeing with the seizure clause. Lord Georg Stanimar then proposed a controversial amendment to the bill, one that arguably sealed its fate, proposing crossbow confiscations at every guarded gate checkpoint and entrance to the city. Promptly following a short debate, the amendment was brought to a vote and was rejected by a vote of 4 ayes and 7 nays (Lord Amador abstained from voting and has not commented on his reasons for doing so). The bill in its entirety was then brought to a vote where it suffered a similar fate as the amendment before, being rejected by a vote of 4 ayes to 8 nays. Towards the close of the session, Alderman Fabius Bracchus raised the issue of a National Job Registry, with the intent of increasing citizen employment within the Kingdom. However, before the motion could be brought to the floor for debate, the Lord Speaker adjourned the session and the members dispersed from the Prikaz. The body is expected to meet again sometime in the next coming months, and it is expected that King Marius will veto the tax reform passed in the previous session. A NOBLE BRAWL [!] An artist’s rendition of the brawl, c. 1710. What started off a simple game of ‘Don’t Get Angry’ turned quickly into violence yesterday as members of House Alimar and House Grimm threw fists at each other. One witness says that it started off innocent, with Prince Kazimar Alimar and Isaak Grimm playing ‘Don’t Get Angry’ to pass the time. It was then that Ser Dominic Grimm joined his son and began to insult Prince Kazimar’s father and mother, Prince Josef Alimar and Princess Aleksandra Alimar. A brick was thrown at the Grimm child’s head, grazing his face and drawing blood. Witnesses are not sure who threw the brick, but some say that it was Kazimar himself that did the deed. Princes Godfric, Otto, and Georg Alimar all rushed to join their nephew, with the former two throwing insults at Ser Dominic. Ser Henrik Ludovar attempted to deescalate the situation, but to no avail. Ser Dominic threw a punch at Prince Godfric, and the situation only devolved from there. It wasn’t until yet another brick was thrown at Ser Dominic that both sides agreed to end the fight and disperse to their respective manors. No one was arrested, no charges were pressed, and for now it looks like that will be the end of things. Whether King Marius will punish anyone involved is yet to be seen, though we expect that this will not be the case as both Alimar and Grimm ended the dispute amicably. NEW DISCIPLINARY OFFICER HIRED; SEEN ‘DISCIPLINING’ THE LOCAL GUARD [!] Adria welcomes its new disciplinary officer, Guuruk’Steel-Skull. It came as a surprise approximately three saint’s days ago, when a green orc waltzed into Adria. He was hired as a disciplinary officer to whip the recruits into shape; however, it seems though Guuruk has disciplined some of the local guards to the point where it might be abuse. He ordered them to run ‘suicides’ and other things which lessen the chance that the community will fully welcome him. He has also ordered guards to do inhumane amounts of pushups and jumping jacks. Skepticism arose among members of the guard when it was made known that the empire previously wanted Guuruk for trying to touch and kidnap a little boy. It's become known by few that Guuruk was also a slaver. It seems that more than one orc has been joining the guard force against the soldiers’ will. Guuruk has hired another orc, a red one straight from Krugmar. More suspicions arose when it became known among the guards that Guuruk took hostile arms against famous Dragon Knight Ser Darius Ault. While Guuruk is a good fighter and probably means well, he has much to do to gain the trust of the guard. As a last note, Guuruk was seen wearing the same clothes as the infamous criminal Edward Marks, this only decreases the chance that Guuruk would be accepted into society. PRAYERS ANSWERED; SCHOOL RETURNED TO SEMI-NORMAL GLORY [!] The Basarabian Institute of Philosophy and Liberal Arts, 1710. Citizens are thrilled at the answer to their prayers when they saw the old school restored. Construction is underway to restore the rest of the damage that occurred upon its fair campus grounds. The academy is set to reopen soon, and is eagerly looking for more teachers! If you’re interested in teaching, this job is currently voluntary until the school shows itself worthy of pay by the city. Teachers may earn their keep by charging for lessons or selling textbooks. Both children and parents are excited to get back into learning, and can’t wait! If you would like to teach at the Basarabian Institute, please contact one of its managers, or stop by Adria and take a look for yourself!

The Crow Chronicles, Vol. 1 After a long hiatus and a messy legal battle involving a gnomish competitor, we’re proud to say we’re back and better than ever! This edition of the paper is sponsored by Alimar Arts and Attire. Send a bird to Prince Josef Alimar (@JuliusAakerlund) if you’re interested in having custom tailored clothes, armor, or banners! We’ve got great stories for you, including an opinion piece from a member of our Kingdom’s Duma. Included also are stories from the city of Ves, recently sworn under the Kingdom after our fair King Marius’ election as Duke of Adria. We at the Chronicles would also like to congratulate Lord and Lady Amador on their wedding! A FRESH FACE IN THE DUMA By Georg Stanimar Georg Stanimar has been appointed by his family, the House of Alimar, to His Majesty’s Royal Duma in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. He wrote an opinion piece and offered his platform for the kingdom: “Fellow citizens of Reza, My name is Georg Stanimar! As a representative in the Duma, I wanted to share my thoughts on the state of our city and of our kingdom. I think everyone would agree with me that the stop priorities that we face in everyday life is a safe neighborhood, access to a job, the ability to travel safely, and an economy that supports the individual raise a family. All of us share this vision no doubt, as this vision carries throughout Haeseni values. Certainly, I believe that we should all be caretakers of this vision, for ourselves and for our future. King Marius II talked about a Highlander Spirit, a strengthening of our national will. That’s why I’m here to share with you my platform to bring us closer to getting there: Alleviate the burden of homeownership by passing a common property tax decrease to ensure that more people can afford and maintain their residence Vigorously support Haeseni businesses and shops by passing tariffs on imported goods and shops Introducing crossbow control and safety laws to protect our children and civilians from violence in our streets Promoting free trade with our Adrian friends to ensure a viable and proper working relationship To prohibit the taxation of our Holy Church as a reflection of our values that GOD is above all temporal authority Introduce royal scholarship to encourage the arts: Haeseni writers and artisans to spread the diffusion of Highlander culture As we move forward with a vision for the future, it is important to remember how we got here and what we can improve so that our children and our people in all will prosper under the bounty and grace of our great Kingdom and the Empire of Man.” CRISIS AT THE BORDERLANDS After reports of encroachment by House Suffolk, a Curonian vassal, who had constructed forts that crossed Haeseni lands, slight tensions rose between the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Kingdom of Curon. Reinvigorating centuries old disputes between the two, this move sparked a crisis of sovereignty. The party in question, the House of Suffolk, had remained adamant in staying in their current position even as Haeseni officials deemed it was an occupation of their lands. As news reached the King in Curon, he reportedly sided with his vassals, embroiling a dispute among the two Imperial Vassals. To avoid further dispute, the Haeseni and Curonian courtiers traversed to the Imperial Capital to seek arbitration from His Imperial Majesty. Through negotiation, concession, and compromise, the Imperial Diet was successful in mandating a proper and fair outcome. The Suffolk edifice was to be moved farther east, to which the King of Curon obliged. However, uncertainty is still plagued due to the unfavorable topographic landscape of the new proposed relocation. TOWNSPEOPLE RIOT IN ADRIA, IMPERIALS INTERVENE [!] An artist’s rendition of the riots. The unique townspeople of Ves broke out into a riot when the now-banished outlaw, Edward Marks, publically bound and flogged the town’s beloved captain. Captain Matthias Rutledge suffered a mild concussion, a swollen kidney, along with other multiple injuries. Citizens dragged Edward Marks to court, the captain attending, in which the whole situation is explained to Judge Alfius Ephyne. A simple verdict was almost reached before a half-orc named Groka, thought to be one of Mark’s hired assassins, attempted an assassination on the judge’s life. The captain threw himself in front of the sword to save the judge, and the court breaks out into chaos. Both the judge and the captain are rushed out for treatment. Marks fled the room, and Imperial soldiers arrived shortly after. Beckoned with a bird sent by Edward Morris, the Imperials stood against the local guard and indirectly allowed Edward Marks to escape the town altogether. Groka spent the next saint’s hour attempting to pick off citizens from the rooftops of the town square before he was slain and cut down by the brave Demetrio d’Montelliano y Kavietsby. Shortly afterward, Demetrio declared that the city forever banished Edward Marks. It is unlikely Marks will ever be accepted back into Ves by its people. The collective of the townspeople blame the Imperial soldiers for letting Marks escape arrest and arraignment. REIVER COMMITS SUICIDE AFTER BEING CORNERED [!] A masked and unmasked rendition of the dead Reiver sketched out. It all started when a captain on the rooftops spotted a fair-skinned Reiver. Nearby men were rallied, cornering him with crossbows, and then chased the Reiver across the rooftops. He was eventually shot down by a local elf, Nedric, and then subdued by Darius Ault, who arrived earlier to investigate another Reiver sighting. The Reiver was bound and patted down, and prepared for questioning. It was a short victory, as the Reiver signed a death note and rolled himself off the steep rooftop, dying upon impact with the ground. With the Reiver's mask removed and the head taken by Theo Amatis, the body was disposed of after the local artist sketched a rendition of the unmasked, dead Reiver. None of the men were critically injured, though some sustained injuries inflicted by the Reiver and his cunning skills. The dead Reiver has not yet been identified by any of the locals, and was taken for further identification. A name has yet to pop up. SCHOOL ACCIDENTALLY DESTROYED; HEADMASTER EXECUTED [!] A sketch of the school before and after the accidental renovation. A few saint’s days ago, a man named Kuvira Percy appeared in Adria, this man was permitted a building so that he may open a place called the Armatage Institute to study diseases and conduct experimentation; however, there was a miscommunication. Many citizens woke up in shock as their beloved Basarabian Institute of Philosophy and Liberal Arts was turned into a hideous, and unwelcoming environment. Many complaints arose, and the city council mandated that the school must be returned to its original glory. Those in charge of the school are vigorously praying for the sky gods to help fix the property. Prayers have yet to receive an answer. Many of the children taught in its homely environment miss reading the variety of books in its upstairs public library, while some of the medical students have deemed the stairs inside a safety hazard. [!] Another sketch of the interior before the changes took place. Kuvira, the man in charge of the renovation, got into multiple fights in which he threatened his opponents with a needle that contained what was deemed to be a deadly virus. Nearby acolyte, a man named Godric, investigated Kuvira and found him to be under the influence of possession. In the end, Kuvira received execution after Kuvira assaulting the holy-man as well.