pkdon

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; By the Lord’s will, I have been returned to good health - thus, the Imperial Regency is over. It appears that in my absence, some have forgotten their place. The unsanctioned violence within my borders shall end immediately. Any vassal who draws a blade without my explicit decree does not wage war, they pledge themselves to treason. All parties involved shall be summoned before me. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO

The bedridden Emperor sheds a tear.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; A sickness has taken root in Rittersburg and afflicted many of its inhabitants - it is with great regret that I announce myself amongst them. Though I remain steadfast in spirit, I must, for a time, withdraw from the full exercise of Imperial duty to see to my recovery and the restoration of my strength. Therefore, by this writ, I establish a temporary Regency over the Imperial Crown. My Archchancellor, Ezra de Senna ( @FireAGN ), and my Justiciar, Joan Mariana Horen ( fat@trinn), are hereby entrusted as Co-Regents to govern the Empire in my stead until such time as I return to good health. They shall exercise the authority of the Crown in all necessary matters, ensuring the faithful execution of my will throughout the realm. Let all subjects of the Empire recognize their authority accordingly and render them due obedience. The Imperial Regency shall take full effect upon the promulgation of this missive. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO

Issued and averred by the office of the LORD PRAETOR ☩ LORD PRAETOR The Lord Praetor is the head of internal warfare within the Imperium. His task is to maintain stability within the imperium by resolving disputes and settling grudges. ☩ -VASSAL WARS: All vassals partaking in inter-vassal warfare should go to the Lord Praetor for any grievances or petitions on matters of warfare, to then be brought to the attention of the Emperor if it is deemed worth his time. Furthermore, it is expected of the vassals in question to bring their grudges before the Landsraad, so they might be settled without further need of involvement from the Lord Praetor ✷ Just Cause Conflict within the imperium is not allowed unless the cause is just, and this impartial basis is only for the Emperor to decide. This will take into account the balance of probability and whether a war, in earnest, requires battle. Usually, it is for the Emperor to attempt to stop any wars amongst his vassals, but if no other resolution has been identified besides war, then it may be allowed. Wars may occur for numerous reasons, including honor-bound conflict, ancestral history, family scorn, conflict abetted by soldiers, or conflict due to nobility's disrespect. There are endless causes for war. ✷ War Goals A war goal is the primary aim of the war. Usually, this is discussed by the Emperor himself, and in the end, it will be for the Emperor to decide. At the same time, it is the Emperor's role to offer a better goal. At the conclusion of the war, it is for the Emperor to ensure that the winning side has been met with the terms of agreement, and should the vassal not agree with the specified terms upon their loss, this is considered a direct act of treason against the Emperor himself and will be met by force and punishment. A war goal can be as simple as a written apology from the losing side, the execution of a perpetrator, or other terms decided on by the Emperor. ✷ Imperial Permission War requires the Emperor’s seal and signature, and without it, vassals are unable to partake. The direct medium in order to partake in a war must be deemed acceptable by the Emperor himself. If the conflict is between the vassals of other crown vassals, it is for the crown vassal to attempt to mediate. If the crown vassal is unable to mediate the conflict between his own vassals, or with the vassals of another crown vassal, both crown vassals must speak directly to the Emperor, who will then allow and send out an excerpt of war commitments. The word of the Emperor is final on matters of war, and this cannot be appealed. In addition, subvassals must first attain full permission from their liege lord before approaching the Lord-Praetor. ✷ War Alliances The imperium will never allow or justify external alliances or mercenary support in vassal disputes. An extremely quick growth of levymen in a vassal pre-war, will be investigated by the Emperor to exclude any foul play. ✷ War Impost In the Holy Imperium, the role of the Emperor is to be the highest temporal authority, with a landmass as vast as the whole continent; his duties are bound up with numerous issues. The matter of war is a concern of vanity and is never a good ordeal, and so, it is for the warring party to offer (as a gift of courtesy) the Emperor a donation worth the war goal. It is for the vassal to offer and tread carefully, as the value of the Emperor’s time could be taken as an insult. The war impost will be discussed by the Lord Praetor and the Emperor, and set on a case-by-case basis. On top of this, vassals must pay a fee of 10-mina per war-eligible combatant, multiplying each tile their path passes through on their way to the targeted vassal. ✷ On Foul Magic If any party is found to consort with foul magic, and evidence is brought forward to support such a claim, the Emperor may seek a punishment befitting of the crime. OOC: If a party is caught hacking, the war may be conceded in the opposing vassal’s favour. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Corn van Aert, Lord Praetor.

Issued and averred by the office of the LORD MARSHAL FORMATION OF THE GUARD ♜ On the Imperial Host of Man Upholding safety and stability throughout the empire, the Reiksguard has consistently proven its worth whilst undergoing constant change, driven by the various ambitions of past Lord Marshals. Whether the conquest of foreign land, the keeping of law throughout the realm, or the everlasting fight against darker, more sinister forces. The military, no matter its structure, has remained a stable force through times of great adversity and constant warfare. With the Empire now at peace however, the former Imperium Militarum shall now, both by name as well as structure, return to the name of Reiksguard, with newly thought-out reforms regarding hierarchy and mobility throughout the ranks. Offering both free housing to its members as well as pay, armor, and weaponry, the Reiksguard is to reach its goal of stability and prosperity. THE VALOR SYSTEM The Valor System is the measure by which the Imperial Guard judges service, loyalty, and activity within its ranks. It is both reward and burden: Valor is earned through duty and sacrifice, yet may be lost through failure, neglect, or disobedience. It also wanes with time, ensuring that only those who remain active in service may hold standing within the Guard. ✷ Gaining Valor: Valor is earned through acts of service to the Empire, both in war and in duty: ✠ Attending a Warclaim (+30 Valor) ✠ Mining Run with an Officer (+20 Valor) ✠ Recruiting a new soldier (+20 Valor) ✠ Attending a Raid (+20 Valor) ✠ CRP/PVP Training (+15 Valor) ✠ Attending Military Event (+15 Valor) ✠ Attending Guard Address (+10 Valor) ✠ Patrol with an Officer (+10 Valor) ✠ Manning Rittersberg Gates (+5 Valor/Hour) [Max 2 Hours/Day] ✠ Depositing Resources: ✠ 64 Netherite (+3 Valor) ✠ 64 Gold (+2 Valor) ✠ 64 Iron (+2 Valor) ✠ 64 Copper (+2 Valor) ✠ 64 Leather (+2 Valor) ✠ 64 Meat (+1 Valor) ✠ 64 Coal (+1 Valor) ✠ 64 Redstone (+1 Valor) ✠ 64 Lapis (+1 Valor) ✠ 64 Diamonds (+1 Valor) ✷ Losing Valor: Valor may be stripped away through misconduct, neglect, or failure in duty: ✠ Assault (-50 Valor) ✠ Insubordination (-30 Valor) ✠ Yearly Valor Decay (-5 Valor per Week, will not decay past threshold of achieved rank) ON THE RANKS OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD The army is built upon a foundation of clear order and noble purpose, each rank a step along the ladder of honor and service. ♟ Rekrut: A new member of the Imperial Guard, untested and unproven. Rekruts must earn Valor through service and complete formal training under an officer. Advancement beyond this rank requires completing 15 Valor. Upon reaching such standing, a Rekrut must swear an oath of fealty to the Emperor of Man, with an Adjudant or above present. ♟ Gardesoldaat: The backbone of the Imperial Guard. Having completed their training and sworn their oath, these soldiers stand ready to serve in all duties required of them, forming the steadfast core of the Guard. Advancement beyond this rank requires completing 100 Valor. ♟ Vaandrig: Among the most distinguished of the enlisted ranks, Vaandrigs bear the banners of the Empire. Drawn from a tradition of excellence hailing from the Legion of Burgundy, they possess an exceptional record of service and inspire all who serve beside them. Advancement beyond this rank requires completing 225 Valor. ♟ Korporaal: Seasoned soldiers proven across multiple battles. Reliable and experienced, Korporaals are veterans of past conflicts, many of whom serve the duration of their tenure in this rank, though some aspire to rise further. This is the highest honor an enlisted member may attain. In order to be promoted even further to the rank of Sergeant, one needs to reach 350 Valor and the approval of High Command. ♟ Sergeant: Though yet counted among the enlisted, Sergeants are elevated for their leadership, ambition, and initiative. They maintain discipline within the ranks and, in the absence of commissioned officers, assume direct command. For many, this station marks the first step toward a higher office. Advancement beyond this rank requires a recommendation from senior command. ON THE JUNIOR OFFICERS OF THE ARMY The command of the army is borne by officers, whose authority groweth with experience and merit, and who guide the host with both might and mind. ♞ Adjudant: The most junior of commissioned officers, chosen from the Sergeants for their courage, discipline, and leadership. Adjudanten are expected to lead men, host training exercises, and command smaller operations such as skirmishes and expeditions. ♞ Luitenant: Charged with executing the will of the High Command, Luitenants oversee operations and guide the Adjudanten beneath them. This rank is granted only to those Adjudanten who have shown consistent excellence, loyalty, and obedience. ♞ Dragon Knight: Champions appointed directly by the Emperor of Man. Though not subject to the Imperial Guard, they stand equal to a Luitenant in times of need and may assume command in crisis. They embody chivalric virtue and are charged with protecting their charge. ON THE SENIOR OFFICERS OF COMMAND The senior command of the army is raised by the militant leadership, who will take over the general, larger-scale day-to-day running, and wartime efforts, most of whom are in direct contact with higher government bodies such as the Privy Council to prepare for decisions that require summoning the royal host. ♝ Kapitein: Senior officers entrusted with oversight of operations, discipline, and the enforcement of imperial law. They ensure that all actions of the Guard remain lawful and honorable, and serve directly beneath the Lord Marshal. ♝ Grand Knight: A senior figure tasked with safeguarding the imperial family and mediating disputes between the Guard and the Dragon Knights. In times of necessity, they may assume command in joint operations where no Kapitein is present. ON THE MASTER ROLES ♜ Quartermaster: A steward of war and keeper of the host’s lifeblood, the Quartermaster serves not with sword, but with scale and scroll. By the hand of the Quartermaster, provisions are weighed, arms distributed. Though often behind the line, this wisdom sustains the march as surely as steel wins the field. ♜ Master of Musters: Warden of the ranks, the Master of Musters oversees all matters of recruitment. Keeping the lifeblood of the Guard sustained, ensuring a steady levy of men to fill the lines. As well, the master furnishes the Master Scribe and Quartermaster with names and records, that no sword be uncounted, nor contract unsigned. MEDALS AND AWARDS ✷ Oak Crown A metallic, golden crown of oaken leaves and two sprigs, connected behind the head. They resemble a crown of laurels. Awarded to those few who could be solely credited with saving the Empire, the Reiksguard, or winning a war. The highest battlefield honor a soldier may obtain. ✷ Wings of Pertinax Awarded to he who has shown the greatest sword skill in the army. This badge is composed of a winged helm overlaying a purple shield. Often given to tourney winners. ✷ St. Arpad’s Mace An ornate, flanged mace with inlays of gold. It is to be worn at the hip during ceremonies while doubling as a weapon should the need arise. Awarded after ten years of distinguished service. ✷ Mark of Carolus Awarded to those who can be credited with the first kill of any major battle. The badge depicts a burgundy shield with a dog standing on its hind legs. ✷ Hadrian’s Coin Awarded to those who succeeded in their first battlefield conquest. The silver coin depicts Hadrian the Conqueror facing right on the obverse, with “Alea iacta est” below the head. The reverse depicts The Conqueror's coat of arms: a dragon beneath three skulls. ✷ Title of Conquest Awarded to those who are persistent in success during wartime. Per the emperor's wishes and the marshal’s observations, a third name is officially bestowed upon you to be respected by all. Ten years of service is a prerequisite for this award. ON THE SUPREME COMMAND The highest military authority across the realm, hosting a seat in the privy council and undertaking the core roles of both a governor, a councillor, and a military leader. ︎ Lord Marshal of The Empire of Man (Reiksmarshal): The supreme commander of the Imperial Guard, appointed by the Emperor of Man. Holding ultimate authority over all matters of the Guard, the Lord Marshal governs its actions, commands its armies, and sits upon the Imperial Privy bearing the Black Staff of St. Charles of Petrus. OOC: To join the Army, you can join this Discord: https://discord.gg/DzrRfBxSNd. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Willem van Aert, Lord Marshal of the Imperial Guard, Prince of Blackvale, Duke of Veletz, Lord of Westmark, Patriarch-Dynast of the Pertinaxi.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN In a world conquered, benevolence must prevail… You have grown colder since you first became a knight, Lothar. Do not lose yourself. - His Imperial Majesty, Hadrian I •• ━━━━━•• ✠ ••━━━━━ •• ✠ FOREWORD ✠ The Imperial Order of the Red Dragon acts as the main knight-order of the Holy Imperium, acting directly under the Crownlands and for the Emperor himself. Although acquiescence of other knightly orders exist out of the imperial purview, the Imperial Order of the Red Dragon, a namesake after Godfrey the Great, the Red Dragon of Horen, acts as the supreme knightly order, as they act on behalf of His Imperial Majesty. At the apex of Imperial Knighthood stands the Grand Knight of the Imperium. They are the highest figure of authority in Knighthood, second only to the Emperor. They are to ensure both the Knights of Burgundy and the Knights of Gudour are operational and fulfilling their duties to the expected degree. I ✠ THE CODE OF CHIVALRY ✠ II ✠ THE KNIGHTS OF BURGUNDY ✠ For nearly a century, the Dragon Knights have served as the Emperor’s iron fist, the finest instruments of war dedicated to subjugating all who oppose the Imperial destiny. The conquered world heralds a new age that demands new men, not for subjugation but to shepherd. The Knights of Burgundy are born again of this mandate, serving as a shield for the denizens of the Imperium. The Knights of Burgundy have served at every stage of the Empire’s ascension, from Duke to King to Emperor of Man to, at last, Imperator Mundi. Their purpose is to preserve His Imperial Majesty’s peace by protecting the common man, upholding chivalric tradition, and cleansing the realm of blight and beast. Burgundian Knights uphold the sanctity of the realm, whether defending towns assailed by brigands or the vile Maleficar who seek to sow corruption. Knights of Burgundy are expected to endeavour to undertake both quests of their own, and quests for the order at large, seeking to uproot and displace any blight or beast that seeks to encroach on the continent. To pursue the greater threats that seek to unsettle the peace of the realm. The Knightly Order and the Military are two distinct institutions, though they cooperate in many operations. A Burgundian Knight holds no inherent officer rank within the Imperial military by virtue of title alone. Instead, they are equivalent to the highest enlisted rank and no higher, unless they choose to progress through the military’s ranks of their own accord. KNIGHTLY PRIVILEGES ☩ A KNIGHT IS CONSIDERED A PART OF THE IMPERIAL GENTRY. ☩ A KNIGHT MAY STYLE HIMSELF AS ‘SIR’, OR ‘DAME’. ☩ A KNIGHT MAY BEAR THEIR OWN COAT OF ARMS. ☩ A KNIGHT MAY BEAR ARMS AT THE IMPERIAL COURT. ☩ A KNIGHT MAY TAKE THEIR OWN SQUIRES. ☩ A KNIGHT MAY DEMAND A TRIAL BY COMBAT. POSITIONS OF THE ORDER III ✠ THE PATH ✠ From the lowly page to the questing Errant, the path of Burgundy tests the limits of one’s spirit. The journey is a slow ascent, weeding those of weak will and refining those worthy few to the Knights they shall become. THE SQUIRE Between the ages of eight and twelve, youths may be taken on as pages. During this time, one can expect to learn the virtues of knighthood and the manner in which they must hold themselves. Pages attend to menial tasks, such as the maintenance of their knight’s armour, weaponry and the grooming of their steed. Towards the end of their pagehood, the knight shall assess if the page can receive an education in arms, and thus determine their readiness for squirehood. Pagehood is not a required prerequisite for squirehood, as squires are any prospective youths who catch the attention of a serving knight. Squires are taken on in the early teenage years; their service as a squire is often expected to last until the man's early adulthood. The duties of the page continue into squirehood, though are now adjoined by a true martial education and greater responsibility to bear. Squires shall be tested on their virtues to prove their worth, as both man and knight. Should their knight deem the squire worthy, they shall thus be elevated to Errant. Though trials remain at the Knights discretion, certain themes must be met along a squire's journey. A squire must prove themself to embody each of the key knightly virtues, be this through a trial set for the clear purpose of proving that, or proving it through a feat achieved as a squire. Whilst Knights are a primarily martial force, it remains important for a Knight to have quick wit, an intelligent mind. They must separate themself from the common barbarian, therefore it is imperative that the Knight ensures the squire receives a true, varied education, for not all squires are expected to be from a noble background, and therefore not receive it within their own home. Squires are encouraged to record and detail their accomplishments in a journal, such that it could be presented to other Knights to take note of their feats, and eventually the Chronicler, should they receive their Knighthood. THE ERRANT An errant stands at the precipice of true knighthood, a seasoned older man or squire who has mastered the foundational duties and is now being made for heavier burdens. Serving directly underneath the guiding hand of a sworn knight of the order, they are in a period of preparation, training to master the martial arts and the strict intricacies of chivalrous behavior. It is under their mentor's watchful eye that the errant prepares to embark upon their defining quest, a profound trial of character where they must prove their unwavering honor, courage, and loyalty before their place within the ranks of the knights. No single errant quest is alike. A mentor knows their squires and chooses a trial crafted uniquely for both character and spirit. It is a personal journey to overcome their own individual weaknesses, proving they are ready in their own way. IV ✠ THE CEREMONY ✠ After an Errant completes his quest, a ceremony must be thrown to celebrate the dubbing of a new Burgundian Knight. This ceremony must be attended by three knights, one of which must be the grand knight. Additionally, the Emperor may independently knight someone, or attend the meeting in place of the Grand Knight. The Knight, whom the Errant once squired beneath, leads the oath, whilst the Grand Knight or the Emperor places a blade against the Errant's shoulder. As the oath is read, the blade passes over the Errant's head onto the other shoulder, dubbing him a knight of the order. Upon conclusion of the oath, the Errant is deemed a Knight of the Order and may be afforded a moniker should they prove deserving of one, often earned by great feats. THE OATH “How must you live?” “I shall live by my honour, for the glory of the Empire. I shall honour Our Lord and His Church.” “How must you act?” “I shall safeguard the helpless and uphold the weak. I shall keep faith and act righteously, even if none bear witness.” “How must you serve?” “I shall serve my Emperor with valour and conviction. No quest shall be left without end, no foe cowered from.” “Who must you serve?” “The Emperor, and his Empire.” “Rise, Sir/Dame, Knight of Burgundy.” At the oath’s conclusion, the knight is presented with their golden spurs, as well as an aurum dagger and cloth of burgundy. They must draw blood from their palm and dress the wound in the cloth, heralding their induction. Cold and calculating, like a Dragon shall you rise. Borne upon wings of dread, to herald my name with your very presence. By design, shall each of you pass through the fires of Gudour, to be tempered by loyalty alone. You shall act in my stead, and you shall be my shadow. You shall be warriors without peer, and none may claim otherwise. You shall be idolized as paragons of authority and be feared as you are respected. For broad is my Empire, and it shall forever live within the safety of the shadow of the Black Dragon. - His Imperial Majesty, Tiberias I •• ━━━━━•• ✠ ••━━━━━ •• To become a Dragon Knight is to sacrifice. ✠ DUTY AND TENURE ✠ Admission to the ranks of Gudour is the highest honor a knight can achieve. As such, there are only ever at most seven Dragon Knights serving at any one time, excluding the Grand Knight. The duty of the Dragon Knight is to enact the Emperor’s Will and to safeguard him and the Imperial Family from all who seek to harm them. They are expected to wear the black Lodenland plate at all times and to keep their faces concealed by their helms. Unlike the Knights of Burgundy, no modifications may be made to the armor. A Dragon Knight serves their term for seven summers, lest they dishonor their station. At the end of this period, their positions are open to challenge by the Knights of Burgundy, and a trial shall ensue. This entails a test of might and honor to determine who is most worthy of their position. If a Dragon Knight remains unchallenged, he may serve another term unless dismissed by the Grand Knight or the Emperor, in which case he shall be returned to his former chapter. ✠ THE CRUCIBLE✠ Every two terms, positions for the ranks of Gudour, at most two spots, may be challenged for by the knightly orders of the realm. Each vassal may put forward a champion to undergo the Crucible. In tandem, the Dragon Knights shall trial amongst themselves to determine the two least fit for their station - these two shall also undergo the Crucible. The Crucible is a trial of the utmost rigor, intending to unearth the finest of warriors amidst the Imperium. The proceedings shall be held by the Grand Knight, who shall assess carefully the worthiness of each candidate to be elevated to Dragon Knight and present their findings to the Emperor. Each iteration holds different trials, but never diverge in the way of adversity. ✠ THE RITE OF PASSAGE ✠ The ritual to induct a Dragon Knight descends from their patron, Gudour, though its details are guarded. These few are knighted by the Emperor himself. Upon its conclusion, they are granted their armor and cloak, and their names are inscribed in the Tome of Gudour. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Sir Lothar d’Amaury, Grand Knight of the Order of the Red Dragon, Duke of Lorraine.

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; . . . that in the wake of mourning, following the passing of Ledicort Alexander de Senna, who served the Crown faithfully as Archchancellor since the very inception of the Kingdom of Burgundy, we do now provide for the continuity of Imperial governance. By this writ, we hereby appoint Ezra Helenus de Senna to the office of Imperial Archchancellor, effective upon promulgation, to succeed his late father and assume the dignity and burden of that eminent charge. The Imperial Archchancellor shall stand as the Crown’s chief advisor and Grand Minister, presiding over the Privy Council and ensuring the orderly conduct of Imperial governance in accordance with the Crown’s will. He shall counsel the Crown in the appointment and dismissal of its ministers, and oversee the administration of the Imperial Chancellery. He shall act as the Crown’s representative in the Emperor’s absence, and, if necessity demands, assume regency to safeguard the stability of the realm. Current Imperial Archchancellor His Imperial Excellency, Ezra Helenus de Senna, Count of Edessa @FireAGN AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO

Issued and averred by the office of the IMPERIAL CROWN ✠ HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN; The Maleficarum rot encroaches evermore into our Holy Imperium, seeking to unleash the machinations of their horrid abyss upon our people. Reikenor and its ungodly thralls have grown bolder in their attempts to taint our divine mandate - reports have reached my office of an assault soon upon Ildon. This blight has been allowed to fester in the shadows unchecked for far too long. I shall not mince words, nor waste time. The Empire shall pursue the total, unforgiving eradication of all Maleficar from our continent. To the Mother Church, our forces are wholly pledged: the Black Church and Black Sepulchre shall cease to exist, alongside its tainted filth. To all Maleficar. Cower in darkness all you want. Flee to the very ends of the world. It matters not, the fires shall find you regardless. Our Father of Flame demands a heavy tithe and it shall be paid. To Ildon, you do not stand alone. We march. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A “Für Gott und Kaiser,” HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Marcus I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Sanctus Imperator Mundi, Emperor of Azuras and of all Mankind, Forever August, King of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duke of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Count of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baron of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Patriarch of House Horen, Dynast of All Dragonsblood, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. NON DVCOR, DVCO HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Valentiná of Asturias, By the Grace of GOD, Sancta Imperatrix Mundi, Empress of Azuras and of all Mankind, forever August, Queen of Burgundy, Oren, Renatus, Marna, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, Seventis, Santegia, Mardon, Vandoria and the Westerlands, Duchess of the Crownlands, Avar, Cascadia, Aenus, Erochland, Grense, Helena, Istria, Kingston, Krajia, Middelan, Reutov and Sunholdt, Countess of Ager, Cantal, Carolustadt, Felsen and Rittersberg, Baroness of Dragonspeak and Senntisten, Defender of the Faith, Protector of All Men, Heartlanders, etcetera. DOMINVS VOLVIT, SIC FACTVM EST HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Sir Lothar d’Amaury, Grand Knight of the Order of the Red Dragon, Duke of Lorraine HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Willem van Aert, Lord-Marshal of the Imperial Guard, Prince of Blackvale, Duke of Veletz, Lord of Westmark, Patriarch-Dynast of the Pertinaxi

——— ✠ ——— The tolling of bronze bells washed over the quiet streets of Rittersburg. They had a distinct melancholy to them, disturbing even, heralding the end of an era. Within the dim confines of the imperial solar, the Crown Prince, now Emperor, stood before the cold hearth. Atop the oak table sat a letter, bearing the draconic wax seal of his sire and a heavy gravity to it. His father was dead. Marcus’s lone hand bounded his hairline, that similarly lone eye staring vacantly to the unburnt logs. There was a time, in the innocent years of his boyhood, when he had loved the man known as Hadrian. But as a youth, he found himself desperate to fashion himself a merciful counterweight to his father’s brutality. With such desperation, the love he once bore for his father soon soured to a bitter, suffocating resentment. For years, he had been terrified of the blood that flowed in his own veins - he would do anything to distance himself from his father’s likeness. Yet, as time passed, those idealistic views were stripped bare by the harsh throes of reality, and its place, understanding had taken root. His father was a profoundly conflicted man, bearing a weight few, if any, could comprehend. Whatever dark deeds that were done, were so in the name of the Empire’s destiny. No regard could be paid to the fragile virtues of descendantkind. Necessary. The hearth was lit, and the letter penned by his father would soon find itself engulfed by the flames, its purple wax trickling across the firewood. Marcus looked to the empty, pinned sleeve of his tunic, and then upon the map of the continent, no, the Empire. In that sweltering silence, as his gaze lingered evermore, he felt a hand resting upon his shoulder. A tired voice echoed in the shadowed corridors of the palace. “This is all for you, my son.” The voice faded into the crackling embers. The now sovereign turned, yet there was no-one there. A faint smile ghosted across his lips. The disdain so fiercely harboured for the old emperor in his youth soon felt hollow, dissolved to the ash of the hearth. A lowly whisper was returned to the cold, empty room. “Rest now, father.”

but my empire of azuras

An aging, weary knight settled himself in the halls of Zwarsteen, uncorking a fresh bottle of the famed Lodenland drink. Two empty glasses were set out, one in front of him, the other at the opposite end of the table. The drink was poured in both, a hefty sum as was practice between the two scions of Blackvale. Sir Carolus raised his glass high and tapped it to the side of his head, downing it whole. His eyes, sapped of their youth, looked out despondently to the still full glass afar. "The fat bastard left without me."

——— ✠ ——— The heavy air of the goldleaf valley was fraught with the scent of sulfur and pulverised stone, entwined by the raucous jeers of the soldiery who had grown restless as they awaited orders. The Crown Prince stood amidst the entrenched siege lines, his jaw stroked contemplatively as that sole eye looked out over the dwarven hold of Kal’Baraz. For many of the legionnaires that scrambled around him, he stood as a beacon. A man of honour, ever ready to breach the capital right besides those of lesser blood. Yet beneath the steel of his cuirass, Marcus felt only the profound weight of imperial destiny. There was a grim necessity to this slaughter that the prince understood all too well - a method to the madness. The deafening roar of artillery fire was not a sound of ruin, but the brutal engine of progress. For mankind to reach its potential, untethered by the woes of stagnancy and infighting, humanity had to lord over all. It was a bloody transaction, yet one he had accepted nonetheless. CRASH. A sudden blast shattered his distraction. A dwarven cannonball tore through the earth mere yards away, reducing a pikeman to a mess of shattered plate and ichor. The prince did not hesitate, forsaking the safety of the command trench as he rushed to the wounded man’s aid. Out stretched his hands, reaching for those of his fallen comrade. He never heard the heavy thrum of that ballista string - the dwarves were famed for their engineering, after all. The ferrum-tipped bolt pierced his shoulder with a sickening, ungodly crunch. The impact lifted the Imperial from his feet, tearing through the Lodenland plate and bone with an utter indifference. His lone eye was forced heavensward, the grey skies made greyer by the billows of smoke that ascended. The chaos of the siege faded to a hum, and the choking grey dissolved to absolute darkness. ——— ✠ ——— At times, he held lucidity in the dark, yet few they were. Most often, the prince was a captive to his own past. That putrid stench of war had lifted, so too had the burdens of duty. It was Marcus’ eighteenth nameday, spent in the tonic air of the southern vales. Not merely a reckless, drunken night, but a stolen season. There, in the tavern, she stood. That lowborn girl held about her a gentle mannerism as she swept through from table to table, collecting the tankards unladen of their contents in honour of the prince. It was alien to him, compared to that cold formality of the capital. Her smile bore an unwavering warmth that cut- no, unravelled the man’s isolation. Over those few weeks spent wandering the sun-kissed fields, an unsettingly quiet peace had taken hold of him. He stared to her eyes of amber, as she did to his of verdant; yet she had not seen a prince, nor the crown would weigh upon his head - his privilege of dragonsblood meant naught. She saw only a man. And in her humble company, to that he was willingly reduced. ——— ✠ ——— The prince however, could not be granted so great a freedom. His destiny resided not in some stray hamlet, but at the heart of the Empire. He was soon recalled to the walls of Rittersburg, where he was then betrothed to Princess Valentina by his father - and the memory of Veronika was suffocated by the crown once more. Inevitably, the circumstances of time brought the consequence of that night to his door. Those summer fields hardened to the cold stone walls of his imperial solar. The boy, Friedel, sat before him, a ragged petitioner with the mud of his long trek still caked upon his boots. You are my son. The words had tasted like ash within the Heir’s mouth. The youth stood before him, a living breathing monument to a selfish sin. Every look that verdant hue mustered upon the boy’s face was a mirror of his own hypocrisy. The gentle woman of the fields to the unforgiving frontier. The sacred union with his wife, his dearest childhood friend, built upon a foundation of quiet deceit. A dual failure of the honour and virtue that he purported to uphold, and he the sole architect. ——— ✠ ——— The vision shifted once more, and once more the Prince was swept away by his black steed to the southern vales. He rode hard to those hinterlands, desperate to find the sickly woman before the illness would take her. The heir had promised that bastard boy that he would visit, a meagre redemption in the face of his transgression - but the modest farmstead offered no reunion. He found only a cold hearth, and a still, pale blue body, with none to weep for her. There Marcus stood, in the stifling silence, drowning in the echoes of his own sins. I failed you. I will not fail him. That whispered vow hung fragile in the cold air, offering no warmth to the desolate room. He sank to his knees, clattering harshly against the timber floorboards beneath. A trembling hand, masked by his leather glove, reached out to smooth a stray lock of light hair from her frozen cheek. It was a final mercy, yet thoroughly useless. He lingered there in the gloom, a broken man paying a bitter penance to a ghost of his youth, till at last the cobbled walls of the farmstead dissolved to darkness. ——— ✠ ——— The prince woke to a wretched, hollow agony. The heavy canvas of a medical tent fluttered in the ash-choked wind. A grim-faced chirurgeon hovered nearby, eyes narrowed in a mix of pity and dread. Marcus tried to push himself upwards, yet the left side of his body possessed a disturbing, weightless quality to it. He looked down. Where once there was an arm, only a heavily bandaged stump remained. A silence descended upon the tent. His lonely eye traced that blood-soaked linen, and in the shadows echoed the whispers of his father. To become Emperor, one must give a part of themselves, my son. A rite of passage, honoured by time. The prince dared not refuse. To satisfy that grim requirement, he had severed his own index finger, an agonising surgery of which his father’s dagger was the instrument. A willing sacrifice - proof of his devotion. He looked again to the absentee arm. That was no voluntary tithe. Was it not enough? Was it divine retribution? Did the Father of Flame look upon him as a fraud? It must be, he thought. But was the Lord done with him - had his tithe been paid? How much more would he have to give - how much more was even left? His woes were agonising, and amidst them he had settled upon a truth. The Prince must atone.