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  1. [!] A pamphlet is plastered upon the walls of certain institutions of public and commercial correspondences. Others would be spread through couriers and birds to the Aevosian public. “And there was peace and holiness, for the priests had returned from long persecution and spoke the Word of GOD in temples and courts.” Gospel 6:48 PRINTED BY THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF EXALTED HOREN 5th of Horen’s Calling, 1970 Dear Reader, As the current carriage of our circumstances travels upon the fickle road of humanity’s future, the multiple divergent paths before us compels me to ask myself and my fellow faithful flock of GOD’s children about our intuitions of an ideal future. I believe we are at the crossroads once again. However, many of us have never been on these crossroads before. This uncertainty and anxiety can brew into a noxious chemical of fear and impulsive reactions to any word that contains the word “human unity.” Nevertheless, such fear is understandable and justly rationalized given the unfamiliarity or less intimate familiarity of our common past. Although records exist of humanity’s past accomplishments since the time of Exalted Horen, the records also contain our failures. We can speak of unity as much as we wish, but without acknowledging the past mistakes and failures of our collective identity and taking it in consideration with our past successes, I fear that a proper consensus of our shared future can never be reached. We must address this lack of communication with the common individual and, rather, converse with them and invite them to share their thoughts on the future of mankind. The Nenzing Proclamation provided a groundwork for the basic ideals which we have attempted to uphold since the progenesis of our civilization: life, liberty, and due process. Proclamation of Nenzing, Joseph I, et. al. (1715). Such a proclamation, seen as groundbreaking at that time, can also be argued as a codification of a bundle of rights already existing within the intricate natural rights of humankind ordained to us through the Scrolls of Virtue and Gospel. This bundle of rights can be seen as a sacred interest in fee simple which should be protected through any means necessary. The question becomes, were such rights properly protected in the most recent iteration of the Holy Orenian Empire? The verdict remains divided. Although it is true that prominent efforts were taken to protect the Rights of Man, the results and consequences of these efforts remain a controversial enigma as of now, especially towards the recent Eighth Holy Orenian Empire. Ser Simon Basrid’s statement famously titled The Tapestry of Man argues that the Novellen Empire did indeed protect and further Joseph Marna’s vision and further enhanced it to create a unified culture, a tapestry of sorts where each thread of mankind’s actions weaved the fabrics of the tapestry of man. The Tapestry of Man, Simon I Basrid (1749). But the chief opposing view tends to criticize the heavily bureaucratic system of the Eighth Empire which some believe was disastrous to faster human progress Dare to Question Aevosian Unification & Imperialism, Erik I Colborn (1967). However, many scholars also articulate a neutral point of view on the Eighth Empire: its earlier bureaucratic institutions provided for a more collected and united human civilization that championed the three principle ideas of life, liberty, and due process; but the further unnecessary expansion of the bureaucracy led to the empire’s stagnation and downfall. The Decline and Fall of the Holy Orenian Empire Volume XII - Epilogue, Justinian Nafis & Adolphis Gloriana (1911). The latter work provides a neutral, albeit less detailed analysis of the recent empire. If the monumental project of human unity is to be undertaken, it is in the best interest of mankind to follow a collective consensus to further human progress. The protection of the Rights of Man should be given priority. The protection of the Canon Faith and The Holy Mother Church should also be given its utmost priority. I am of the belief that for the betterment of humanity, unity is necessary. However, we need not take complete inspiration from the Eighth Empire. Perhaps we do not need to form an empire to achieve unity but rather a union or commonwealth is sufficient, but such a radical idea requires strong foundations and further debate. Nevertheless, it is better to look to and beyond the Eighth Empire, and utilize the successful systems of its predecessors such as the Fourth, Fifth or Sixth Empires, to create a more universal system of human reunification. Notwithstanding the current climate and regardless of my own beliefs I would like to listen to my fellow aevosians on your view of the current climate of mankind. I ask you, dear reader, to answer three questions: What does it mean to be human? What rights should be protected for the faithful flock of mankind? And lastly, if you dare to dream, how should we achieve unity and camaraderie amongst our fellow human brethren? It is justifiable to oppose an empire, for the arguments against one are well founded. However, if we are to achieve unity, a proper system and framework is required to further the virtue of mankind. We need not become unnecessarily centralized. However, fragmentation is not a solution. Thus, a middle ground is imperative. To achieve such, let us look into our past and utilize the tools mankind has gathered through its colorful history to further our future, and create a universal system that may perhaps respect the rights of mankind and cultural autonomy in synergetic resonance. In Your Humble Presence, Ivan var Ruthern of the County of Marsana, Member of the Society of Exalted Horen References: Joseph I, et. al., Proclamation of Nenzing (1715) Simon I Basrid, The Tapestry of Man (1749) Erik I Colborn, Dare to Question Aevosian Unification & Imperialism (1967) Justinian Nafis & Adolphis Gloriana, The Decline and Fall of the Holy Orenian Empire Volume XII - Epilogue (1911)
  2. Upon arrival, Draco was in need of great medical care barely escaping the Mori if not for his great-granddaughter Hilda aiding him along the way. He rested many moons and began gathering some strength back, taking laps around the square and sitting his old bones as he watched Hilda grow and lead a life with depth of her culture and country. After some days the tunnel was found leading into the untapped lands of Failor. They found the exit of the tunnel peered across the grasslands to the distant sands and with no time wasted could faintly see brigands engaged in combat further in the desert that seemed to only draw closer. Despite his old age his grand-daughter was able to help his slow legs transport across the sands. He found himself proud as he witnessed her display of martial prowess by defeating the Brigands that pursued them. Finally they could settle a refuge. The barren lands of Failor certainly were no place for an elder Norlander but Draco would not turn back for the life of him. They crafted ships and set down the stream between the Desert and Grasslands letting the wind & sails guide their path. Eventually, they find themselves settling in the camp refuge where they would protect as they recovered from the disasters of the Mori invasion. Draco finds himself with a bit of narcolepsy as he sleeps very commonly within his older age. During the awoken hours he would be found spending precious time with his great-granddaughter. They often share a tankard of an old family recipe of the non-alcoholic version of Norlandic Wine. In his spare time Draco guides himself to the relic of an ancient ash tree bark as he grasps carefully in his hands and whispers a prayer to the Patron Athelflaed. “Asheth guides my kinsman.”
  3. 14th of SUN’S SMILE, 1919 IST WRIT OF ABDICATION TO THE DUCHY OF ADRIA When I began my reign as Duke of Adria, I sought to restore the Lower Petra and the Heartlands that came with it, far removed from the downfall of the Kingdom of Oren, which lay in ruin. By the hands of the Adrians, we created for ourselves a thriving community in the Lower Petra situated around the city of Velec, a place that still remains vibrant to this day. By our hands we brought order to a lawless, desolate land that had seen neither lord nor leader wrestle it from the bandits and scourge that haunted it. By our hands, we won victory over the forces of Aaun, then again over the coalition when they marched on Velec. With profound contemplation, born of deep reflection and unwavering consideration for the welfare and prosperity of our beloved Adria. I take a solemn step with utmost reverence for the time-honored customs and responsibilities that accompany my noble station. I have been incredibly honored and privileged to serve my subjects with unwavering devotion, guided by the principles of duty, integrity, and benevolence. Their steadfast loyalty and unwavering support of my fellow citizens and the nobility have been a source of profound inspiration and gratitude. I entrust the future of our illustrious Duchy to the capable hands of whoever my elected successor may be, who shall carry forward the legacy of our noble heritage with honor and grace. I assure my fellow citizens and the people of Adria that my commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our land shall endure, despite my abdication from the Ducal throne. History will be the judge of my decisions, but as I pen my name to this document, I do it with pride in holding the same values I began with sixteen years ago. Therefore, when I rest tonight as Mister Heinrik Otto Sarkozic I will not regret what I see. Now, Having found victory through toil and sweat, then through battle, I seek it through peace and rest. Before I make leave of my offices and the power that they hold, however, I give my final decrees: I) Reinolt von Draco is hereby named Knight Paramount of the Duchy of Adria as well as granted the County of Maltes. II) Suzana Otta Sarkozic is granted the County of Emalyne, encompassing St. Emalyne Castle and afforded a seat on the Duma through it. III) The County of Varoche is hereby revoked through my prerogative, and the family Varoche is hereby barred from participation in the Duma. IV) A Ducal Writ of Pardons is extended to all citizens of the Duchy of Adria, disregarding their affiliation in the Second Dukes’ War. This pardon does not cover: IV) The electors for the Ducal Election are hereby named and confirmed: V) The Instrument of Abdication I, Heinrik I Otto var Nikolai Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Dowager of Aldersberg, and founder of Velec do declare my resolve to relinquish the mantle of my office and tender my abdication from all aforementioned titles. ___________________________________________________________________________ Mister, Heinrik Otto Sarkozic, Citizen of the Duchy of Adria
  4. The Tale of Two ‘Roches The mounted force of Adria stood at the border of Petra, awaiting the signal from Sir Joseph Helvets of Vasile. Through the young marshal’s network of spies, word had reached him that a meeting would be held between the traitor Sigismond Varoche and the Archduchess of Petra. With this information in hand, the knight quickly rallied a cadre of soldiers of Adria. Among them was the Duke himself, riding out donned in his armor. While the King of Aaun may have been content to lounge behind the white walls of his empty city, the Duke of Adria would ride with his men. For several minutes they waited, and waited, and waited. The order was finally given to dismount, and under moonlight they crept through the quiet, sleeping streets of Valfluer. The host went undetected as the comrades-in-arms made their way through the central keep of the city. There was no doubt, Sir Joseph had told them, that the ongoing discussions were to be held in the council chambers. A room that he happened to have the keys to. Darting their way up the spiraling towers of the castle, the men of Adria sprung their trap! Flooding into the council chambers, they surrounded the Archduchess, her council, and the two brothers: Sigismond and Charles Varoche. As quickly as they had entered, the Adrians were soon out of the keep, leaving the stunned Petrans there to wonder what had just occurred. Racing back to Velec, the Adrian party were greeted by cheers as they brought the two traitors back in chains. To an eager crowd, the two men were given their sentences. Sigismond Varoche, displaying some final gasp of honor, died with dignity, offering a prayer to the Lord and insults to the victors that surrounded him. The Aaunic army, after its stunning defeat when it tried to take Velec nearly a year before, was not to come for his rescue tonight. Final words were said, last letters were written, and the Duke of Adria, triumphant again, raised his blade and brought it down on Sigismond’s neck.
  5. SUMMONS TO THE ROYAL DIET OF AAUN Declared and published in the year of Our Lord, 1906 TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ITS NOBLE ESTATES, In accordance with Section II, Statute I, Clause IV “The Royal Diet may convene at its leisure, provided the Grand Peer or a representative thereof is present to chair the meeting, and fair notice has been given to all Noble Estates.” With the continued effect of the Great Charter of Aaun, it is necessary that national governance and representation are consistent. So in the prerogative afforded by our United Kingdom, I summon the Estate Nobility to the Parliament Building of New Vienne; whereas the proper functions of government may occur. WE SUMMON THE FOLLOWING ESTATES: His Highness, Prince Ottomar II von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather and Lord Vandalore of the Waldenian People His Grace, Duke Leon I Barclay, Duke of Minitz, High Chieftain of the Reinmaren and Protector of the Aaunic Heartlands The Right Honorable, Margrave Louis II de Rosius, Margrave of Haute-Epine and Protector of Arentania The Right Honorable, Guinevere I von Reuss, Margravine of Velen and Protector of the Aschenwald The Honorable, Cosima von Augusten, Viscountess of Hohengarten IN NOMINE DEI His Grace, Heinrik I Sarkozic, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Baron-Consort of Aldersberg, Protector of the Aaunic South, Keeper of the Swans
  6. The Adunians of Almaris +=+=+=+=+ An anthropological view of Adunians in the Modern Era Foreword by Tarwin Elendil The Seal of the Clahn of Elendil of Brolwic Foreword In the year 1642 of the First Age, the descendant races once again took to the seas as the Axios isles of Tahn, Asul, and Ceru were devastated and made uninhabitable by a cataclysmic storm of thanhic frost. Historians and scholars have named this world ending event the ‘Mordskov Upheaval’, due to speculation that the cause of this deep freeze originated from mysterious ongoings within the aforementioned city nestled in the Greyspine Mountains. Regardless, like realms prior and realms to come, Axios ceased to be viable for life to continue. Those fortunate enough to secure passage with a nation's navy or a sponsor's private vessel ultimately sailed east to settle the continent of Atlas. Others went westward. The colony of Halstaig, under Braehn Elendil an’Hiraeth ‘The Mongrel Knifefighter’, was established to resettle the war ravaged Westerlands as a home to the Adunian people and the remaining Westermen families after the Mordring’s retreat from Axios. When faced with another great migration, Lord Elendil believed that to follow the other races would lead to a continuation of the same devastating trends that lead them to Axios in the first place. Instead, he led his people across treacherous seas to the heavily-guarded coastlines of the continent of Aeldin. Knowing that the Aeldenic Empire refused all foreigners under pain of death, Braehn and his fleet sailed beyond Imperial waters and around the continent before finding sanctuary in the lands of Magna Banardia. It was here that the Free City of Brolwic was founded, a few miles inland on the northern side of the continent. Since its foundation in 1643, the Free City of Brolwic has experienced great successes and deep turmoil. Ancient Adunian institutions such as the Ildician Order of Knights and Pilgrims, and the Thane’s Council were remade, as well as new ones such as the deliberative body known as the Yen Drochsehrin, translating roughly to ‘the Worthy Men’. Art, culture, trade, and tradition prospered in this new Adunian home. Yet the Adunian people, by their nature and curse, cannot escape hardship for long. A fast-growing but also deeply long-lived populace with finite property, inheritance, and opportunity had left many Adunian children without many prospects beyond service. It was not long after the founding of Brolwic that relations resumed with the Holy Orenian Empire and the first ship of migrants sailed Atlas way. Many young Adunian men and women from all walks of life made the journey to the Empire in search of opportunity. The Adunians, by persevering in the face of ancient prejudices, became an influential minority in the Empire with a reputation as industrious and educated people, albeit somewhat duplicitous. A few notable figures in Adunian history rose to the highest levels of Imperial society as both civilians and newly created peers. Even political tensions within the Empire meant well for the Adunians, at least those who chose the winning sides: The liberal and populist-minded Josephite Party was dominated by Adunian leaders and bosses for decades, their grip on Orenian institutions holding firm right until the very end. The fall of the Holy Orenian Empire in 1868 IC and the collapse of human society ended this prolonged period of opportunity for this class of Adunians. Some would return to Brolwic, while others would travel across Almaris and integrate into newfound nations. Eventually, all contact between Brolwic and Adunian enclaves ceased as the state of humanity became even more tumultuous. In 1882 IC, by princely appointment, Mercator Elendil, sovereign of Brolwic, the Brolwic Free Company under Captain Garth Stahl-Elendil was sent to Almaris with the duty of locating and protecting those Adunians who remained in exile. Furthermore, Elendil had demanded that extensive research be done on the state of Almaris, and proper information of Adunian culture, customs and faith be made available to Almarisians, should the concept of Adunianess be lost to the descendant realms. I. What are Adunians? The Adunian people are the twice-cursed children of Harren and Sarai, and are a long-lived but sparsely-populated race of humans originating from the northern reaches of Aegis, with a unique culture woven deeply into the tapestry of history. Adunians, being distantly related to elves through their Mali’dunn predecessors, do fall to several of the same detriments as their related ancestors. Though falling under the curse of Horen and his children, stricken with a shortened lifespan, Adunians - though dilute - do take upon some of Malin’s curse. Not nearly as fertile as other humans, Adunians would struggle to produce offspring as much as their related kin. Though not afflicted to the extent of Malin with years between births and sterility a guarantee, Adunians still suffer from partial infertility as males and females. Though they are mixed blood, new Adunians would not be created by the breeding of elves and humans, given the Adunians have been existent nearly as long as the other descendant races and subraces. Any human-elven offspring, no matter how long the length of a family tree, would be free of Malin and Horen’s full curse. To state plainly, Adunians are humans, not half-elves and elven characteristics are a sign of more recent elven admixtures. An Adunian, unlike all other humans, may live around 200 years. However, there is a common range of the Adunian lifespan. As in, an Adunian will generally live between 150 to 180 years before dying. This is often attributed to lifestyle. A saying often attributed to King Lachlan Mor ‘the Macecatcher’ goes as follows: “No Adunian dies in their sleep.” Their longevity is primarily due to the Wildewynn ancestry of the Mali’dunn mixed with Harrenite blood - producing an increase in lifespan, and a slowing of their aging upon maturity. There are six eras of Adunian history: the Harrenite era, the Fai O’Thuaid era, the Al’Ildician era, the Ildon era, the Kingdom-in-diaspora era, and the Modern era. In the modern era, there are three main types of Adunians that can be found in Aeldin or Almaris: Brolwickers, Nivinese, and Cartrefans. II. Brolwickers: Garth Stahl-Elendil of Brolwic, Captain of the Brolwic Free Company The city-dwelling craftsmen, statesmen, and warriors of Brolwic are the most common Adunian to be found. Largely descended from the families of Old Halstaig, with some even tracing their lineage back to the Kingdom of Adunia or even the city of Ildon under Artorus the Great, these Adunians are born much taller than their Cartrefan counterparts. Darker hair and pale complexions are the most common by far, with the occasional dirty blondes and dark auburns. Their eye color ranges from grey, green, and blue eyes, with green and blue being dominant among the Brolwickers. The more urban of the Adunian groups, the Brolwickers are known for their masterfully crafted goods and sharp tongues to sell them. While Brolwickers are free men by law and by right, social mobility is low back home. Only the most distinguished or the children of Clahn chieftains become Ildician knights or are able to be seated in the Yen Drochsehrin. The best opportunity for the average Brolwicker is found with the Adunian Ranger Corps, the Brolwic Free Company, or one of the seven Brolwicker merchant guilds. The Adunian Ranger Corps is the standing military of Brolwic. Designed for speed and precision, the Adunian rangers operate in small units designed to execute mission objectives. It is often the most action and adventure a home oriented Brolwicker could find, due to the aforementioned exclusivity of the Ildician knights. The Brolwic Free Company exists as a specialized investigative company, often utilized in the tracking and confrontation of special assignments too complicated or bizarre for the rangers or knights. The Free Company exists as a private enterprise as well, often utilized by chieftains, merchants, and sometimes the lord himself. Currently, the main contract of the Company is held by the merchant guilds charging them with the guarding of vessels carrying goods to Almaris. A popular export that finds itself in the liquor cabinets of peers and burghers alike in Aeldin and Almaris is Valdemere scotch, a centuries-old single malt whiskey with a closely guarded recipe. Other exports are but not limited to: Caelliac tobacco products, Douglas arms and armor, Armas wool products and Cercial watches and timepieces. ‘Brolwic, 1867 IC’, by Drannan Viathas Brolwickers are most likely to be practitioners of New Adunian Canonism, otherwise known as Adunian Orthodoxy. Old Adunian is spoken in religious and ceremonial settings, while Common is used most other times amongst the Brolwickers. The Brolwicker accent is described as somewhat flattened, or backed, with long enunciation of vowel sounds that changes the ends of words. Consonant sounds are often pronounced harshly and rather distinctly. (Manchester English) Notable Brolwickers of the modern era are the following: Jonah Stahl-Elendil - Archchancellor of Oren, Josephite philosopher Anastasia O’Rourke - Countess of Halstaig, Magistrate of Providence and famed warrior Kheagan Armas - Vice Chancellor of Oren Frederick Armas - Esteemed statesman, Imperial Founding Father Calan Stahl-Elendil - Author, Poet Quentin Brae - Lord of Du Loc, Venture capitalist Eliza Brae - Diplomat, Stateswoman, Arcanist Edward Napier - anthropologist, Imperial Founding Father Padraig O’Rourke - Count of Halstaig, Politician, Mafioso Oisin O’Rourke - Count of Halstaig, proprietor of the Imperial State Navy Brolwickers can be found anywhere in Almaris and of course, in the Free City of Brolwic. The largest accumulation of Brolwickers in Almaris is Castle Stahl-Elendil in the Blackwald Valley beneath the Arentanian Alps. III. Nivinese Bowies: Unknown Nivinese Man The grey-eyed wagon riders of Nivinor, these Adunians are famous for their deeply poetic music, natural capabilities in field and forest, and their ridiculously large hunting knives. The Nivinese, also known as the Bowie’s, are an itinerant subgroup of Adunians that have held onto their unique cultural practices since their earliest days of Al’Ildic in the lands of Aegis. A quiet and solitary people, the Nivinese are most likely to travel alone or a small group of other families during the warmer months, and always in their painted horse drawn wagons. During the winter, these caravans will grow and make camp by ancestral shrines or specially chosen grounds near Brolwic or friendly villages. When in familiar company, the Nivinese speak almost exclusively in their own unique dialect of Adunian, with a notable musical quality to their accent. (Sutsilvan-Romansch) Nivinese children are expected to learn survival skills such Bow & knife mastery, long distance tracking, herbs, flora, & fauna. Like their Brolwicker counterparts, a Nivinese child matures at the age of seventeen. A week-long celebration begins leading up to this celebration of maturity, culminating in the gifting of the youths' very own Bowie knife. A large weapon, these knives are twelve-sixteen inches long, varying in blade style. Patterns, messages, and symbols are often carved into the handles by elders before the knife is gifted. “A Nivinese family” by Tirna Armas While their solitary and restless nature might be misunderstood as an aloof reservedness and distrust of the outside world, the Nivinese are not without heart or an appreciation for beauty and humanity. Their garments, much like their wagons, are often colorful and mixed and matched with their more rugged and drab traveling clothes. When it comes to Adunian art, it is the Nivinese with most appreciated creations. The Adunian lyric poetry tradition and musical styling known as “Chur'' is believed to have originated with the Nivinese. Popular Adunian songs known to have come from the Nivinese include: Ildon Road, Lady Of Ye Wild Moor, & Pulling On The Sun. “The Nivinese in Song” by Tirna Armas The Nivinese are seldom found in cities but off the highways and side roads of Almaris. They are identifiable by their painted wagons, their distinctive dress of colorful cloaks and garments over practical wear, their grey colored eyes(as most Nivinese are born with grey eyes), and once again…their comically large Bowie knives. A popular story of a Nivinese honor duel fought with said knives, amongst other things, is the Fight at Last Pine. (https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/124111-the-fight-at-last-pine-adunian-legend/) A Bowie’s Wagon, by Drannan Viathas IV. Cartrefans: John Marsyr, Shepherd of the Cartrefans It was the great shepherd John Marsyr who welcomed a number of Imperial Adunian refugees into his care following the collapse of Oren. In his holdfast of Cartref Mor, from where the term Cartrefan is derived, did these refugees find true safety for the first time in a long while. Today Cartref Mor lies abandoned, and the Cartrefans divided on the lines of good and evil: between a Necromancer cult and an order of Templar warriors. This ongoing conflict is of great importance to the Brolwic Free Company. Yet who are the Cartrefans? The Adunians of Cartref Mor are most peculiar and fewer of the three groups as they share a closer kindred to Elvenkind than to humanity. Because of this, they are identifiable by their more elf-like appearance: grey/white hair, shorter and sinewy builds, and grey or amber colored eyes. Depending on intensity of Elven lineage and some Cartrefans having little to no contact with the Brolwickers, these features vary from person to person. The Cartrefans are an excitable group known for their close bonds of kinship, which predisposes them to intense feelings of nationalism. Cartrefans have been implicated in several instances of social unrest and political uprisings in the recent decades, such as the most recent Norland rebellion. It is likely this is due to many Cartrefrans believing they were the only Adunians left in Almaris, without a home for their own. Most had never even heard of Brolwic, though John Marsyr is believed to have traveled to the city on a few occassions. The worship of ancestors and patrons is much stronger with the Cartrefans as well, for many lack any connection to the Canonist faith. Cartrefans are known for their oneness with nature, as well as a deep respect and connection to Adunian ancestors and the old ways of patron worship. Their dialect of Adunian is Elven influenced, with several loan words and alterations. Some believe that, due to their Elven connections, they possess a greater talent for the mystic and alchemical arts. “The Grey Magi” by Drannan Viathas Some notable Cartrefans of the modern era include: John Marsyr - Founder and leader of Cartref Mor Aurelion Marsyr - Necromancer Ser Uther the Templar - Templar Knight of Malchaedial V. Adunian Orthodoxy: New Adunian Canonism, or “Adunian Orthodoxy” as it is called colloquially, is the branch of Canonism as practiced by Brolwicker & Nivinese Adunians. Faithful Adunians believe that GOD, in his frustration and disappointment at the sins of humanity, removed his direct presence from the world he created for his children. It is only through willful perseverance, a calm and clear mind, and active pursuance of good works can mankind, especially Adunians, enter the Seven Skies. Somewhat ironically, followers of Adunian Orthodoxy have found common ground with followers of Owynism, likely due to the philosophical similarities. Patron worship and Saint worship are common practice in Adunian Orthodoxy, with patrons of Adunia’s ancient past such as Ryumel the Explorer or Braehn Eli’sehn being invoked often. Newer patrons hailing from a less ancient time are also revered, such as Artorus the Great or Gavin the Knight. It should be noted that Patrons are not Saints, for their great deeds and virtues are remembered for more matters of heart & mind and not a deeper spiritual health(though this is hotly debated), but are still deeply valued and respected. Currently there is a movement of faithful Adunians petitioning the High Pontiff to raise Braehn Elendil an’Hiraeth to sainthood due to his crossing of the broken bridge to lead the Adunians & Westermen in recolonizing the Westerlands of Tahn for the Holy Orenian Empire during the 1500’s. Should this movement prove successful, Braehn an’Hiraeth shall be canonized as the first Adunian Saint in Canonism. VI. Names & Families: Nothing matters more to an Adunian than their name. Clahn’s great and lesser are unique from one another, each with its own traditions, histories, and artifacts that indicate a colorful legacy. Below is a list of known Adunian Clahns, though there are likely to be more. Great Clahns: Elendil, Haryn, Varodyr Delmar, Douglas, Caellach Viathas, Valdemere, Culloch Annion, Wynsehn, Wallas Marsh, Nivin, Cercial Marsyr, Armas, Carthaig Lene, Loyola, Antiachys Lesser Clahns: Seregon, Mors, Ilyn Ilych, Varmir, Darmov Havath, Roke, Falcryn Eithelreach, Kaegh, Ilesca Brae, Napier, Radah Nurra, an’Leod, Stahl, Schote, Rourke VII.What Makes an Adunian?: The Adunian people are an ancient and storied race that has survived through centuries of diaspora & cultural catastrophe brought on by foreign genocidal fervor and, as some believe, their own hubris. Generations experienced great hardship, yet nothing could destroy the Children of Harren. The strength of Adunia comes from a place of hard learned humility and a faithful perseverance to do good works in the mortal world. An Adunian from any walk of life and background is made to understand their odd place in the world as a people often caught in the middle. From Aegis to Axios, from Aeldin to Almaris, the Adunian people have survived and endured, enjoying great triumphs along with great failures. They shall continue to do so until the final end.
  7. Easy Pickings Credit: Bogdan Sovea The sun sat high above the grain fields of the Commonwealth of Petra, the annual crop swaying briskly with the afternoon breeze. It was a fortunate day for the local farmers, going about their business and inspecting for blight. This year’s farmers market would be profitable for certain - at least, that may have been the general attitude were their eyes not trained upon the armed convoy that rotated through the acres. Swiftly, Arthur de Lyons directed his party to set up a perimeter, the Sons of Petra spreading out along the boundary where the woodland reached Valfleur. The Common citizenry dared not tread so close to the treeline; too many had been lost to the maw of those foul forests. “Refrain from lone ventures in the darkness else that beast will claim you,” or so folk had been saying for some months. Indeed, many of the supposed disappearances were not cold cases, for it was not long until an unlucky caravaner stumbled upon a set of mangled remains. Something savage lurked beneath the foliage, delighting in the death it brought upon the valley. And so Her Grace’s court made clear the appropriate course of action - they would have the head of the assailant! Bait was set and hours went by, the patience of the hunters wearing thin as they engaged in a long game of cat and mouse. The afternoon fell to sunset, and so they withdrew to re-evaluate their strategy. “Borok,” Arthur spied their orc companion, “it was not my intention to split us up, but it seems we have little choice in the matter.” Attracting their adversary in such a manner was crude, but if any could fair so well against such animalistic fury, surely it was the most imposing among their company. The rest of the patrol - Lev, Juliana and Adrian - took up their positions in the thicket once again, aurum-tipped spears at the ready for even the slightest disturbance. Dusk set in and the region was shrouded in a mix of gloom and silence. Save for the faint rustling of the occasional tree branch, life had all but fled the scene and the sense someone was watching fell upon the Sons. Borok, however, was not intimidated, the orc taking up a position deeper within the thicket, gambling that his feigned vulnerability would intrigue even the most sceptical opportunist. Sure enough, it worked! The outline of a creature draped in fur made itself apparent, creeping towards its perceived target. “There you are!” A gleaming point was flung through the undergrowth, pinning itself to the tree bark, leaving the now-prey little choice but to flee. The hunt was on! The first strike came from Adrian’s spear, followed closely by Borok on the right, who utilised his sheer mass to clear a path through the brambles. Next to engage from the centre were Arthur and Lev, the former letting loose an arrow which struck the beast square in the back, while the latter barrelled ahead in a rage. Finally, flanking to the left was the torchlit Juliana, her nimble frame just about keeping pace with the target, shedding light upon its trembling outline. The beast was wounded and worse still caught in a deadly pincer. The tables had turned; it was smart enough to realise this. “Gotcha *****!” Adrian swapped his spear for an agile sabre, cutting through the undergrowth with its eager edge. Lev too had struck ahead, breaking through the branches with his longsword in tow. Both thought they had cornered their prize, but it was not to be for this time it was they who had fallen victim to deception. The prey doubled back and pounced the pair in a gambit to shake off the pursuit. Both men were sent tumbling into the brambles, though at the price of a sabre grazing flesh. Still, the beast tore an opening in the formation, taking its opportunity to dart clear of the woodland and across the twilight-draped fields. The hunters looked on in frustration, peering after what seemed to be a wolf-like figure, shedding not even a limp from the injuries it had sustained. Yet they had left their mark and the beast would not soon forget such an insult, nor would it accept a challenge upon its territory. This would not be the final encounter between the two parties… Special thanks to @Sander for helping organise this event, and to all those who attended! @CanadaMatt @MapleSunflower @DrunkPapaBear @Gridlock
  8. The Prayer Thoughts Of An Aaunian Written and printed by Eleanore Wilhelmine von Wexler 2oth of Snow’s Maiden, 1895 The Dame of Artois by Heloise Therese; 1824 What would God think when seeing two lords like this? A Baron and a King fighting and accusing each other of unholy actions against the church and his very will? I implore my King and the Baron of Acre to stop these accusations. If there are any true actions which are unholy and suspicious; seek out the assistance of the church. As only the authority is the church and god himself; they may deem things unholy or something which is demonic and villainous. Being the enforcer, judge, and executioner. I implore both the King of Aaun and the Baron of Acre to simply focus upon their conflicts, which moves upon my next subject. I beg that both lords and lords under my liege the King recognize the innocents which shall be pulled onto this conflict. I ask that both sides pray to God for forgiveness. Even I shall do this; even when I will be pulled to fight fellow men of God for my King; I still fear the wrath of god for murdering a fellow man upon the bases to fight for land. Never was this a conflict of faith but a political one. I do not pray for the death of the Baron or anyone within Acre even when they are my enemies. As in the end we are all creations of God. Even when we express our passion for our faith; human greed still runs through our veins. The need to get power; to have fame and wealth is a known fact about our kind. Humanity passionate for our love of god and our own; forever corrupted by this eternal sin. So hear my prayer through these words. I pray for the souls of myself and fellow Aaunians fighting the Acreans. I pray for the souls of the Acreans fighting my fellow Aaunian men and women. As we shall all be murders in the end. Ending lives for the will of our lieges. My heart burns for Aaun, but more for the well being of my fellow humans. My heart weeps for the thought of ending another life so I may please my king and follow his will. I know this shall be the same thought of every person who is dragged to fight for their lieges. Even when blood shall be spilt upon the soil of the old regime; I hope for a day when both of our peoples shall be able to move on from this conflict and become unified through our faith. Even when the hound shall meet the dragon; both shall bleed and weep. For the passion of their hopes and dreams in this world. I pray for us all. GOD BLESS, Lady von Wexler Eleanore Wilhelmine von Wexler
  9. In my lifetime, I've been called so many names. Maria de Rosius Maria Othaman Maria Romstun No one really knew me as I was, not truly. Except one, a man that many recall with a disdain as they once did me. His name was Anton d’Amato-Orlov. A name many of you wouldn’t remember as all the ones who do are likely dead. One of many who lost to the cruelty of this world, who no one really remembers, but I remember. I’ll never forget him. The one good thing this world had to offer, beyond all of the drama, the heartache, the loss. He was a constant until he was nothing at all. Then there was Elodie de Rosius, a woman of elegance and grace, one I had never truly given the credit she was due. Never loved like she deserved, never anyone’s first option. Elodie held herself with poise, even in her worst of times. Even when she hated me beyond belief for the things I had done to her. I can’t blame her, I was an awful niece but I hope one day when I meet her again in the Seven Skies, she can forgive me for all of that. I’ll tell you the story of these two and many more. The people lost to time, beyond our reach. It’s all I can do for the people who never got the chance to tell their stories, like myself, as I will never be known by the newer generations, even the current. I am all but a forgotten artifact, so I will do everything within my power to grace those who read this with the knowledge of a time long past. Anton d’Amato-Orlov was a mysterious man, one I could never quite pin down. A man full of secrets, a prisoner to his own mind. He married a woman he would never love, for reasons I couldn’t bear myself to say even now. He loved her in a way that no one could ever really put a label on. A pure love, not romantic in nature. Truth be told, I don’t think there was anyone Anton could ever say he loved romantically, for all of his relationships were fleeting, just like his life. Though we were close in age, I’d never say I loved Anton either. I loved him, dearly, deeply, but it was never romantic in nature either. He had a way about him, a charming way. He could tell you everything you needed to hear as it was, no sweet talk, no butchering his words. He was honest but at the same time, a liar. He didn’t lie to me, no. He lied to himself and he spent all of his life lying to himself, until I don’t know whether he truly believed it or he had given up on finding the truth. He knew all of my secrets, but I can’t say I really knew him. I knew he had a deep resentment for his father, the man he tried so hard not to be like that he lost his real identity. His most notable contribution was his time spent in MoJ, a relic of a time long ago, though that was overshadowed by the day he spited the entire organization for his wife, Adeline. Adeline was killed by the hands of her own family, the d’Azors as Anton said, and I believed him. I’d have no reason not to believe him, when I saw the look in his eyes as he held Cillian O’Rourke hostage, I knew that loss of identity, that lack of closure. Everything in his life had finally got to him. There were times I’d tell myself that’s not the Anton I knew, but that’s exactly the Anton I knew. A chaotic soul fighting against the world that wanted to chew him up and spit him out. Elodie de Rosius was one of the many children of Maria Darkwood and Philip O’Rourke, overshadowed entirely by her brothers Valent and Otis de Rosius. A wonderful woman, who did everything she could to keep others happy. She raised me to the best of her abilities; despite the fact I was just her niece. She lived most of her life in the shadows of others, whether by her own volition or not, I’ll never know. She seemed content with that for the most part, as long as it made those around her happy. Elodie was by no means a simple woman, and I think she hid a lot of her feelings behind a mask of happiness so that no one else had to feel the pain she bore on her shoulders. I was 15 when I met Geoff Turgon, the man who Elodie was seeing at the time. He seemed kind, but he left her as soon as he got the chance for another woman. I would be remiss to say that Geoff wasn’t a friend, but that’s another story. Elodie was smitten with the man, wholeheartedly invested in a relationship that would never bear fruit. I tried my best to warn her that it wasn’t worth going after, but she did anyway and she was hurt by it. Geoff rejected her and instead, pursued a married woman, our cousin, Jane O’Rourke. I could say many things about Elodie, for one she had a wonderful taste in fashion and was a dear friend to anyone who was lucky enough to have her in their life. There was a time though, that Elodie thought she’d found someone she truly could love. That man was Jacker Gendik, the supposed widow of my aunt Josephine who had not died until several years AFTER they married. Jacker had a tendency to declare himself single before confirming the deaths he claimed occurred. Josephine was certainly not the first he had “confused” as dead, in fact there was another woman who he had failed to annul his marriage with named Faux Amati, someone I’m happy to have called friend in her time on Almaris. Elodie was never given that chance at true happiness until she met a woman who would later become her secret lover until the end of her life. Those of you who remain who still remember the name de Rosius, or are descended from it, never forget this woman. She was everything de Rosius should’ve been, loving, graceful, and most importantly, genuine. Otis de Rosius was the elder brother of Elodie, a strange enigma of a man but ambitious nevertheless. He spent his entire adult years working to make something of his family name and in the process, he brought about a legacy that lasts to this day. He was a politician plagued by his own regrets and the loss of those around him. Though at times, he seemed heartless. He loved my family in his own way, by giving us everything we could’ve ever hoped for and more. Though he was by no means affectionate, he cared in a way that was never readily apparent. He married young, to a woman named Claude de Frand, sister of the notorious Aimee Carrion. Claude and Otis had Hera Claude, Leone, and Leander though there was another I simply cannot remember. After the tragic passing of his first wife, he remarried to a woman named Louise Halcourt, a woman much younger than he, who had 4 children. Some of which made names for themselves and carry on the family name to this day. Sylvie Elara Ruthern nee de Rosius, Giselle Chloe, Louis Alphonse, and Lucien Sylvestre. I’d be remiss not to mention the downfall of Otis de Rosius as the man slowly spiraled into madness until dying in the rose bushes at his beloved Chateau de Rosius in Redenford. Charlotte Othaman is a name I didn’t think I'd ever speak again. The mistakes I made that lead up to her passing, I don’t think I could ever truly forgive myself for. I remember the day like it was yesterday, when young Charlotte returned home from her schooling on some Auvergnian continent I can hardly remember the name of. When the eldest of my children were but babes in their cradle, I say this as if Charlotte was never my child, but she was. The true eldest of Maria de Rosius’ spawn, many as there are. I was with my husband at the time, Darius Romstun, taking care of the infants. Every time I looked at her, I saw my ex-husband, Erik Tarcell and I truly couldn’t have felt worse. I would’ve never married that dreadful man if it weren’t for Charlotte, but I can no longer be mad at her for that. The only one I have to blame for any of this is myself. Charlotte was meeting the babes for the first time when she drew a knife from her dress, ready to attack them. I suppose she had inherited the madness of de Rosius that many of us suffered from. Instead of allowing them to die so defenseless, my husband was swift, cutting her arms from her body until there was nothing but spurts of blood in their wake. Truth be told, I should’ve been horrified, but I was suffering with an affliction. I was what they called a vampire, well and truly lost to bloodlust. Instead of performing my duties as a medic, I was overtaken by my hunger and devoured my one and only child. That day, Darius and I took her body to the Old Providence lake connected to the sewers and dumped her there with the rug she died upon. If I ever meet you again, Charlotte. I am deeply sorry for the pain I allowed Darius to inflict upon you, and I am even more sorry I took your life away at such a young age. You deserved better than a mother like me. Erik Tarcell Othaman was a man I could never really say I loved, perhaps I used him for validation or for some other unknown reason. Perhaps I wanted what others had, that feeling of love that I never really found except in friends and frenemies alike. To say his life was meaningless would certainly be a lie as he contributed almost nothing to society, the most fun I think I’d ever had with him was robbing people’s houses and the ISA barracks when I was a recruit for a short time. He was an overgrown child to say the least and perhaps this is one that’s best forgotten, along with the rest of the Othaman family of old. Vladrick Erik Ruthern was a man I couldn’t say I really knew well, but the parts that I did know of him, I liked. After my second husband declared me dead to him and remarried to a dear friend of mine, Faux Amati, (though it is still a question I ask myself if they ever even married at all), I met up with an old friend and the man who taught me how to kill a human being without batting an eye, Vladrick. At first, it was simple conversations before it turned into much more than that. Though I would never say our relationship resembled anything remotely affectionate, I reared twins, Viktoryia and Sigmar Barrow, who to this day I still do not know well enough to write much about here. Geoff Turgon is the only man I can ever say that I truly loved in the romantic sense, despite our fights. Elodie’s lover and eventual best friend. When Erik first disappeared, I went to him and what started as a fight became an affair. Geoff never returned those feelings for me, not truly. I wonder if to him I was little more than to pass time, but now I’ll never know. Geoff was a judge, the eventual husband of Jane O’Rourke, my cousin. He was a wonderful man who I despised since our first meeting, but little did I know that I was hiding my true feelings for him. Though I imagine none of you reading care, or know who he is. He was a wonderful man and it’s a shame you did not know him for he treated my aunt in her later years with all the friendship she could’ve ever wished for. Anne de Rosius, the woman I never really knew. I’ll never forget when she was courting Arthur Komenos and I decided to hide in the bushes to watch their interaction. Anne was a happy and kind woman and a wonderful Aunt. I truthfully wish I knew more so I could share her story, but what I do know is you would’ve been lucky to meet her. Elizavetta de Rosius is the most headstrong person I had ever met besides Anton and that’s what made the three of us such good friends. She made the mistake of falling for Anton despite her confusion about her sexuality. I suppose that’s one thing the both of them had in common, among many others. Her life was cut short due to suicide in the old elven town of Ando Alur, which I was a witness to on one of my visits there to begin writing my very first book under my alias Alice Thorn. Elizavetta had a heart of gold and cared deeply for the people she held close to her. Maria de Rosius, me. My achievements were many and yet all of them feel utterly useless now. Back then, being the Mayor of Providence was an accomplishment, mothering many children was an accomplishment, but all of it I grew to resent deeply. Every marriage, every child, every moment. And for all of the people of the past, lost to time. I remember you and I hope this will encourage the ones who read it to explore their family history, their pasts, and the lives that suffered to bring them to where they are today. I cannot go very far with this book as it is one of the last things I will ever write and I am getting weaker by the day, but if you have the time, please look into the families of old Oren, of Haense, everywhere you go. Do not let them be forgotten as I have been. Do not let their stories go untold. If you have the chance, continue where I left off and add your own lives, your own families. Let this be a reminder that not all who are gone are forgotten. For I will always remember, even now that I am almost gone.
  10. The Laws of The Grand Duchy of Balian The Grand Duchy of Balian’s Legal Code INTRODUCTION - General Provisions and Definition SECTION I - Criminal Law SECTION II - Court Procedure GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS Written by the first Magister of The Grand Duchy of Balian, The Grand Duchy of Balian (Balian): The country, the nation of which these laws apply. Constitutes both provinces or colonies. The Grand Duke (or Duchess): The head of state of the Grand Duchy of Balian. The Crown: The sovereign of the Grand Duchy of Balian., which controls the Brotherhood of Balian and the Balian Peerage and rules under the direction and advice of the Ducal Chamber . The Laws of The Grand Duchy of Balian: The lawbook of the Grand Duchy of Balian. Seneschal: The Seneschal is the chief minister of the Grand Duchy and is responsible for the proper maintenance and governance of the realm. He wields penultimate authority and is charged with preserving the coronet by all means possible, including in matters of succession. The Ducal Chamber: The various stately offices of the Grand Duchy of Balian, they are comprised of the Seneschal, the Legate, the Censor, the Magister, the Constable and the Procurator. Their roles are to complete the jobs set out for them in their titles, and to advice the Grand Duke on all matters deemed to be necessary by Their Grace. Balian Peerage: The lettered nobility of the Grand Duchy of Balian. The Magisterium: The Judicial branch of the Balian Government, composed of the Magister, Kritai and Tribonian Quaestors. Excerpt Upon the Rights of Man Humanity, created by God in the image of His Prophets, is bestowed upon through His Divine Power the guaranteed, inalienable rights of Man, held above all law and rule. Through the power of the Imperial Crown, they are enforced and protected immaculate and indefinite, only transgressed by committing a mortal sin. The Rights of Man include; ● THE RIGHT TO LIFE, so no man will ever be taken to the Skies so soon. ● THE RIGHT TO LIBERTY, so no man will ever be bonded by the shackles of slavery. ● THE RIGHT TO TRIAL, so no man will ever be wrongly accused when not charged by a trial of their peers. These rights are the backbone of human liberty and law, preventing the slip of chaos as seen in time immemorial, acting as a shield before the dark arrows of tyranny and selfish ambition. All sons of the First Prophet, no matter of blood, language, or culture, carry upon them these golden laurels of freedom, through right of birth and sapienic kinship. - Emperor Joseph I, 1718 SECTION I - Criminal Law BL.01.01 - On Assault A. When a person decides to violently attack another member of the public, causing no lasting injuries, and does not wield a weapon to inflict such damage. This may be punished with a 50-150 mina fine, depending on issues caused. B. When a person decides to violently attack another member of the public, causing lasting injuries, but not permanent and/or does wield a weapon to inflict damage. This may be punished with a 250-400 mina or the removal of a hand, depending on issues caused. C. When a person decides to violently attack another member of the public, causing permanent injuries,. This may be punished with a 750-1250 mina, 5-10 years of exile or removal of both hands depending on issues caused. BL.01.02 - On Manslaughter A. When a person unintentionally kills another person, be this in anger, by coincidence or otherwise. A lack of intent must be proven indefinitely, as judged by the Kritai. This may be punished with a 600-750 mina fine, decided by the discretion of a Kritai BL.01.03 - On Murder A. When a person intentionally kills another person, without the premediation of it. It would require proof or reasoning that there was no premeditation, which a Kritai would judge. This may be punished with a 1250-1800 mina fine, a 20 year to indefinite exile or removal of a limb. B. When a person intentionally kills another person, with premeditation of it. A Kritai will judge whether they believe it was premeditated or not. This may only be punished with death. BL.01.04 - On Mutilation A. When a person removes a body part short of a limb, organ or eye, or causes other permanent damage, with intention. This will be punished with the equivalent mutilation or a 300-500 mina fine. B. When a person removes a limb, organ or eye, causing permanent damage, with intention. This will be punished with a 1000-1750 mina fee, 10-30 year exile or equivalent mutilation, decided with the Kritai’s discretion. BL.01.05 - On Kidnapping A.When a person without legal reasoning, takes another person and confines them against their will. This will be punished with a 750-1000 mina fine, exile for 5-10 years, decided with the Kritai’s discretion BL.01.06 - On Defamation A. When a person would distribute false information about someone else, without the intent to damage their reputation. This will be punished with a 50-150 mina fine. B. When a person would distribute false information about someone else, with the intent to damage their reputation. This will be punished with a 500-750 mina fine. BL.01.07 - On Impersonation A.When a person assumes the identity of another person, without a reasonable excuse or a prior agreement between the two people. It will be punished with a 100-200 mina fee. B. When a person assumes the identity of a peer, soldier, government or public official, without a reasonable excuse or a prior agreement between the two people. It will be punished with a 400-500 mina fee. BL.01.08 - On Torture A.When a person inflicts injury on another while they have captured them. To do this within legal bounds, one must have the expressed permission of The Magister of The Grand Duchy of Balian. This may also be done when concerning an enemy of the state. This will be punished with a 650-750 mina punishment BL.01.09 - On Malpractice A.When a medical practitioner neglects the care of a person in need of medical care, be this refusal of treatment, failing to adhere to medical procedure or otherwise. This will be punished with temporary or permanent revoking of medical licence and a 300-1000 mina fine, dependant on the severity of the case. BL.01.10 - On Theft A.When a person steals the property of another, of the value of up to 400 mina. This will be punished with the returning of the property and a 200-350 mina fine or, if the return of the property is not possible, a 400-500 mina fine or 2-5 year exile. B. When a person steals the property of another, of the value of over 400 mina. This will be punished with the returning of the property and a 600-750 mina fine or, if the return of the property is not possible, a 800-1100 mina fine or 5-10 year exile. BL.01.11 - On Breaking and entering A.When a person makes their way into another person's property without expressed permission, this includes a search of a property without a search warrant. This will be punished with a 200-350 mina fine and temporary suspension from one's force, should it be necessary. BL.01.12 - On Forgery A.When a person intentionally fakes a legal document that they are aware they are legally not allowed to. This will result in barring from public office for 5-10 years and a 100-200 mina fine. BL.01.13 - On Vandalism A.When a person intentionally damages or defaces property that is not their own and is not a government building.. This will be punished with a 100-200 mina fine. B. When a person intentionally damages or defaces property that is not their own and is a government building.. This will be punished with a 500-600 mina fine and exile for 2-5 years. BL.01.14 - On Arson A.When a person intentionally utilises fire to damage or destroy a property that is not their own and is not a government building. This will be punished with a 400-500 mina fine. B. When a person intentionally utilises fire to damage or destroy a property that is not their own and is a government building.. This will be punished with a 1000-1200 mina fine and exile for 20 years up to indefinite. BL.01.15 - On Trespassing A. When a person refuses to leave a property they have been asked to leave, or goes to one in which they have been barred. This will be punished with a 200-300 mina fine. BL.01.16 - On Debt A.When a person fails to resolve a debt to another person, be it small, moderate or significant. This should be brought to The Magister or a Kritai by the victim, and they will render a verdict depending on the facts of the case. BL.01.17 - On Treason A.When a person intentionally commits acts that are intended to compromise the integrity of the state and its government through insurrectionist movements and attacks. This crime will only ever be punished with execution. BL.01.18 - On Sedition A.When a person intentionally distributes information or media, or speaks in a way that brings contempt against the state and its government, in a means to diminish its influence. This crime will only ever be punished with execution. BL.01.19 - On Contraband A.When a person possesses any illegal substances, materials or literature. This will be punished with the removal of such things and a 100-250 mina fine. B. When a person distributes or sells any illegal substances, materials or literature. This will be punished with the removal of such things and a 400-500 mina fine. C. When a person manufactures any illegal substances, materials or literature. This will be punished with the removal of such things and a 800-1200 mina fine. BL.01.20 - On Obstruction A.When a person obstructs or interferes with the arrest, investigation or prosecution of a criminal. This will be punished with a 200-300 mina fine. BL.01.21 - On Absconding A.When a person refuses to surrender themselves to arresting officers or does not turn up to an appointed court date when told to. Anyone who commits this, will be found guilty of the crime they committed. BL.01.22 - On Bribery A.When a person uses money, land or any form of a material gift to persuade a public official, army member, Kritai, Trobonian Quaestor, government official or anyone considered to have power, to conform to their influence. This will be punished with a 400-500 mina fine and barring from public office for 5 years. B. When a public official, army member, Kritai, Trobonian Quaestor, government official or anyone considered to have power, accepts money, land or any form of a material gift to conform to another person’s influence. This will be punished with immediate dismissal from office, barring from public office for 10 years and 750-1000 mina fine. BL.01.23 - On Extortion A.When a person obtains material goods, money, land, titles or influence, through the use of threat or force. This will be punished with a 400-500 mina fine. BL.01.24 - On Perjury A.When a person deliberately lies or withholds important information from an interrogating Tribonian Quaestor or officer of the Brotherhood of Balian throughout the course of any non-treason related crime. This will be punished with a 100-1000 mina fee, decided based on the crime that the interrogation concerned. B. When a person deliberately lies or withholds important information from an interrogating Tribonian Quaestor throughout the course of a treason related crime. This will be punished with a permanent exile or execution. BL.01.25 - On Embezzlement A.When a government official intentionally uses government money or materials for their own personal gains, outside of their office. This will be punished with dismissal from office, permanent barring for public office and a 1000-3000 mina fine depending on the severity of the crime. BL.01.26 - On Unauthorised Military Organisations A.When an individual is part of a private and unauthorised military organisation. This will be punished with a 400-450 mina fine. B.When an individual leads and/or founded a private and unauthorised military organisation. This will be punished with a 1000-1500 mina fine. BL.01.27 - On Duelling A.A duel may only occur as an honour duel between nobles, where they settle personal disputes in this manner. The Magister or Grand Druke must authorise such before it can take place. If this doesn’t occur it will be treated as any other crime. BL.01.28 - On Blasphemy A.When a person speaks in a sacrilegious manner about God or the teachings of the scriptures. This will be punished with a 400-500 mina fine and/or 1-2 years exile. BL.01.29 - On Heresy A.When a person intentionally teaches others about the teachings of a false deity. This will be punished with a 750-900 mina fine and/or a 5-10 year exile. BL.01.30 - On Devilry A.When a person preaches for, worships or partakes in rituals of devils and demons and other devilish faiths. This will be punished with a 1000-2000 mina fine, 20 years to indefinite exile or death. BL.01.31 - On Witchcraft A. When a person partakes in magery that would be considered evil and/or dark by any sane person. This will be punished with exile for 20 years to indefinite, execution or a 1000-1500 mina fine. BL.01.32 - On Fornication A.When an unmarried person fornicates with someone else. This will be punished with a 400-500 mina fine. BL.01.33 - On Adultery A.When a married person fornicates with someone other than their spouse. This will be punished with a 700-900 mina fine. BL.01.34 - On Consanguinity A.When a person fornicates or fosters a romantic relationship with someone closely related to them, such as parents, siblings, aunts, uncles etc. This will be punished with a 600-750 mina fine and exile for 2-5 years. BL.01.35 - On Miscegenation A.When a person fornicates with someone who is not the same race as themselves, such as a human and elf, or orc and dwarf. This will be punished with a 800-1000 mina fine and exile for 5-10 years. BL.01.36 - On Concealment of Identity A.When a person hides their face to a Brotherhood of Balian soldier or Tribonian Quaestor when they were asked to remove it. This will be punished with a 150-200 mina fine. BL.01.37 - On Vigilantism A.When a person, who is not part of the Brotherhood of Balian nor a Tribonian Quaestor attempts to apprehend a criminal or carry out their own justice. This will be punished with a 300-400 mina fine. BL.01.38 - On Disturbing the Peace A.When a person causes problems and an uproar that affects the common peace of the state. This will be punished with a 200-300 mina fine. BL.01.39 - On Harmed Sovereignty A.When a person commits any level of assault on the Grand Duke or any of their Ducal family. This will be considered treason and punished with only execution. BL.01.40 - On Conspiracy A.When a person works with someone else and plans to commit a crime. This will be punished the same way the crime that was conspired. BL.01.41 - On Incitement A.When a person encourages another or incites them into committing a crime. This will be punished the same way the crime that was incited. BL.01.42 - On Attempt A.When a person attempts, but fails to commit a crime. This will be punished the same way as the crime that was attempted. BL.01.43 - On The Draconic A.When a person is considered to be Azdrazi or in any other way draconic. This will be punished with immediate death, a trial is not required when it is obvious that a person is draconic. BL.01.44 - On Minors A.When a person is under the age of 12, they will not be prosecuted for any crime at all. B. A person under the age of 16 will not be able to consume alcohol, and those that procure them alcohol will receive a 100 mina fine. BL.01.45 - On Discrimination A.When a person uses another’s race as justification for violence, theft or anything else that may be seen as an attack on them. This will be punished with a 100-150 mina fine. B.When a person uses another’s religion as justification for violence, theft or anything else that may be seen as an attack on them. This will be punished with a 100-150 mina fine. C.When a person uses another’s gender as justification for violence, theft or anything else that may be seen as an attack on them. This will be punished with a 100-150 mina fine. D.When a person uses another’s sexuality as justification for violence, theft or anything else that may be seen as an attack on them. This will be punished with a 100-150 mina fine. BL.01.46 - On Religious Rights A.Any person in Balian may practice their own religion, however as stated in BL.01.28, they may not preach it to others. BL.01.47 - On Bee Protection A.When a person kills a bee with intent. This will be punished with a 50 mina fine. BL.01.48 - On Civil Offences A.When a person causes physical damage to another. The punishment for this will be decided in court, but may not exceed the cost of the damage caused. B. When a person causes financial damage to another. The punishment for this will be decided in court, but may not exceed the cost of the damage caused. C. When a person causes social damage to another’s reputation. The punishment for this will be decided in court, but may not exceed the cost of the damage caused. BL.01.49 - On Undead A.When a person is found not to be truly alive and having lived passed death. The punishment for this will be execution by removal of the head. SECTION II - Court Procedure BL.02.01 - On Summoning the Court I.The Tribonian Quaestor on the case, or claimant of a civil case, will send a letter to the Magister or make them aware of the case and their intent to pursue it legally. II. The Magister will review the letter and either approve or deny the case. III. If approved, the Magister will nominate a Kritai to oversee the trial and letters will be sent to all involved with the case at hand in order to summon them to court. BL.02.02 - On Trial upon Arrest I.Should it be deemed necessary, a recently arrested criminal may be immediately taken to court for a trial. II. This should be approved by The Magister or The Supreme Kritai before occurring, but if necessary, can be skipped over. III. Any available Kritai will oversee this case and any Tribonian Quaestor will prosecute, after being given the information. BL.02.02 - On Legal Procedure I.At the start of a trial, all shall rise for the Kritai before they take a seat, officially beginning court. II. The prosecution will make an opening statement summing up their side of the case within a paragraph, followed by the defendant also making an opening statement summing up their side of the case within a paragraph. III. The prosecution will then make 1-3 points, using evidence as a point of proof for their case. They should keep their points concise and to the point less they be cut off by the Kritai, should they believe it necessary. IV. The defence will then make their own 1-3 points, using their own evidence, or rebuttal any points made by the prosecution. They also should keep their points concise, less they be cut off by the Kritai. V. Both sides will then make their closing statements, which should again be paragraph sized, the prosecution first and then the defence. VI. The Judge will finally render a verdict after hearing both closing statements, and then the punishment will be carried out by the Brotherhood of Balian. VII. Objections are not to be allowed under any circumstances, as the Kritai will take into account anything they believe to be untoward. VIII. All trials should be documented for future reference by a scribe. BL.02.03 - On Fines I.A fine may be given out by a NCO of the Brotherhood of Balian or above, or a Kritai on the spot, as long as the crime committed warrants a fine of under 500 mina. II. All fines must be given to The Magister, who will subsequently hand the money over to The Procurator. III. If unable to pay the fine, a person will receive either an exile or physical punishment, as decided by a Kritai. BL.02.04 - On Physical punishment. I.A crime may be punished with a physical punishment e.g. removal of a hand. If this is decided upon, then said punishment will be carried out in a humane manner. II. The body part will be removed with a swift swing of a blade, it will then immediately be cauterised by fire, or any other medical procedure should a doctor be present to administer it. BL.02.05 - On Exiles. I.If a person is punished with exile, they will be given a Saint’s day to remove their belongings from the city before they are placed in exile. II. Following this a sketch should be made of the person. This sketch and their name will be posted in the gatehouse, for any guard to see should the person try to return. III. Should they return before their exile is over, they may be subject to further punishment, should it be a longer exile, fine or physical punishment. IV. Exile may be appealed, if this is the case, the person punished should send a letter to The Magister, who will then review the case and determine the course of action from there. V. A letter shall be sent to the exilee once their period of exile is over, notifying them that they are free to return should they please. BL.02.06 - On Death Sentences. I.Should a person be sentenced to death, their death will be dealt with in a humane manner. II. The punished may call for their last rites, as afforded to them by the canonist church, should they be a canonist. III. When it comes time for the criminal to be killed, their head should be placed on a block, for them to be beheaded. IV. Customarily, it is the Kritai who should swing the sword killing the criminal, however this can be wavered should a Kritai not be present. BL.02.07 - On Prisoners of War. I.Should an enemy be captured in war, their fate may be decided by The Magister, a Kritai or any officer of the Brotherhood of Balian, with a trial being overlooked due to the circumstances. II. Should there be a disagreement about how to handle this situation, the view of The Magister or Kritai will supersede the military officials. BL.02.08 - On Military Criminals. I.If a member of The Brotherhood of Balian commits an offence that is not a higher assault, mutilation, murder or treason, they will be afforded a court martial, which the captain will oversee. II. If a member of The Brotherhood of Balian commits an offence that is not a higher assault, mutilation, murder or treason, they will receive a Magisterium investigation and a subsequent trial. III. If a member of The Brotherhood of Balian is found to have abused their powers to fine lower crimes or pass judgement in war time situations, they will receive a Magisterium investigation and a subsequent trial, potentially resulting in dishonourable discharge or another punishment. BL.02.09 - On Peer Criminals. I.If a Peer commits an offence, once they have been investigated by the Magisterium, they will be trialled by The Magister or Grand Duke only. BL.02.10- On Trials of Treason. I.A trial concerning the act of treason will only ever be trialled by The Magister or Grand Duke. BL.02.11- On Defence. I.A defendant may call for their own lawyer to defend them in court should they want to. II. If the lawyer doesn’t arrive within 30 Saint’s minutes, the court will not allow for the defence to have a lawyer and the defendant must defend themselves. BL.02.11- On Repeated offenders. I.A criminal who has before been found guilty of a crime, will have their punishment increased. E.g a 400 mina fine would become a 600 mina fine. II. Should a criminal who commits low level crimes (Those who which receive punishments under 500 mina) repeat their offences, they will not be fined on the spot and subsequently be sent to trial. Signed, Lord Ledicort of House Vuiller, First Magister of Balian
  11. A southern landser would sing to himself, voice full of a longing sadness. The ever haunting pass, memories flashing before one’s eyes on the long trek north. “Green and blue I dress, Eagle on my chest, glory to… glory to…” The words would drift upon the wind, a lingering solemnity upon the echoes of his feelings. The man’s loyalty to a once friend, to ones people, crumbling with ever thump of the hoof. “They called for unity… for the faith… yet divide is the only thing shown in their eyes… From coronation to coronation… a year full of faults, a structure built upon a peoples dream… Shown through the swords laid bare upon the church, upon their so called faith… for no reason…” Bits and pieces of the man’s once polished armour trail the roadside, each representing a faithful memory, one that belongs to the past. OOC: Much love to the community I returned to lotc with, but even with all the love my character feels betrayed and faith broken. Thanks for all the fun, hopefully we don’t meet on the battlefield in the near future. Bruce of Savoy
  12. Join us by replying to this post with "I love you Steven."
  13. In patientia On Patience 10th of Snow’s Maiden, 1816 Patience is a virtue among the hardest to fully accept, yet it is of utmost importance that we do. Commonly, this is due to the hard trials we are put through by the Lord -- this can confuse some; why would He, who can do so much good, put us through trials where we suffer? It is to strengthen the faithful, to harden us in our faith. Although guidance can be necessary in order to achieve this strengthening, it is one’s own mind that has to be open in order for the strengthening to take place. As written in The Canticle of Patience within The Scroll of Virtue: “7 For I have given you the pains of the world, and I have given you their cure. 8 And you shall know the trials of this theater of virtue, and know that they shall strengthen you.” It may seem hard to keep one’s patience when we are put through the Holy trials, but it is necessary in order to remain true in faith and on the righteous path. The moment one loses their patience, one is set on a dark path towards wrath and envy. The sinful path is not for any faithful Canonist to take, as it brings you further from the Seven Skies. “9 So I am the Most High, and in pursuit of My Virtue, I bid my faithful this: You shall not raise a hand in wrath, nor in envy, nor in any kind of sin.” The Holy trials were instituted to remind us of our humanity, and to remind us of the salvation that awaits us in the Seven Skies where all pain and suffering is replaced by endless joy. God brought upon us all the struggles, but also all the remedies. It is up to us faithful to use our own faith in Him to tackle the struggles -- for the remedy is never far away. Persist in the trials you are set through by Him, and you shall find your faith and soul strengthened. Persist in your faith, and you shall find yourself in the Seven Skies where we all aspire to be. Written by Chaplain Casper
  14. THEME [CIRCA 1782] "I wish not to live life like the average person. So pitifully boring, that is.” THE BEGINNING Owynsburg Kaedrin, 1776. “Ivanna, look at all of this!” Exclaimed a fourteen year old Florenza d’Amato, fresh from the land of Illatians. The young freckled girl marvels at her surroundings, frolicking around the streets merrily. “Don’t you love it, Florenza?” comments a dark haired woman with a large hat and blue eyes. The young woman smiles at her cousin’s amazement, pulling her hat down on her head. “I do, I do.” The young girl nods, readjusting the grip on her bags. Her shiny complexion beamed towards her older cousin. Perfection, was her features. Unadulterated and untouched. Suddenly, from the corner of the girl’s eye she spotted another brunette approaching. “Violeta!!” “Hola, Florenza.” the young lady, no older than seventeen dips her head towards the girl, offering a brief, but tight hug. “Ivanna and I welcome you to Kaedrin - though , , ,” she trails off, lingering at the words that needed to be said. “You do must be careful, dear Cousin. We are in the middle of a war. I would highly advise you to not leave the walls- for now, at least.” “Yes, yes!” Ivanna cut in then, moving to guide her younger cousin towards the house, a hand on the back of her back. “Come, after you put your stuff away you can meet people like Wilhelmina . We will soon see the return of others, too, like Lorenzo and Giada and Vincenza and Stefano.” “I am happy that I came to visit!” comments the freckled Illatian, striding towards the residence. “Us three, we will be together forever.” she adds on soon after, smiling at the thought of the reunion. Together forever. In both death and life. THE FAMILY The Falcones were a quaint family. A loving husband and four lively children. Part I: The Doctor gently opens the door to her household, smiling as she spots her husband. “Salve, mio amore,” she greets sweetly, placing her clipboard onto the side table and shrugging off her white coat. Her husband smiles at her, offering a brief side hug. “Ciao,” he responds soon after. “ ‘ow’re you?” “I’m well, grazie.” she says with a smile, indeed feeling well. Things were getting better. They were doing better. “Ti amo, Gino. You know that?” she blurts out, clasping her hands together as she approaches the man. “I do, si. Ti amo anch’io.” he responds with a bright smile. At that, the woman beams. Things were indeed getting better. Part II: Florenza was sitting on the couch with an infant Augustina in her arms, reading a magazine. “Mama, Mama!” Exclaims a young Cosimo Antony, jumping around the foyer, a young look alike of herself standing right behind him in her little scouts uniform. “Yes, my loves?” she asks gently, offering a smile towards the twins as she carefully closes her magazine, moving it onto her lap, careful to not wake the sleeping baby in her arms. “There were these children, mama.” the young Lauretta started, hand neatly folded in front of herself, a small frown adorned on her visage. “They said Cosimo and I were dumb because of our names.” “Si, Si, that mama! They were very mean to us!” Cosimo shouts out, before stuffing a slice of cheese into his mouth. “Ah, mio amores don’t listen to them, si? You have beautiful heritage and names, si?” she says sweetly. “You aren’t’a dumb either. Besides, Cosimo, Laura, you don’t win life based off of heritage alone. You do so off of talent, hard work and dedication.” The children nod at their mother’s words. Cosimo pats his stomach once, looking towards his mother. “Mama, can you make pasta per favore?” he inquires softly, looking towards his sorella , as a silent sign to join in. Before Lauretta could get a word out, the woman nods. “Si, sure Cosimo. Hold Augustina Giovanna for me.” Life was good. Life is good. A small happy family they were THE FIGHTING Part I: “I can’t believe you!” the woman shouts, on the verge of tears. “How dare you! How dare you, how dare you, how dare you!!” she repeats in a loud shout, her hands balled up into tight fists. He scoffs loudly, angrily, practically fuming. "Flor," he says, stifling the urge to raise his voice to match her shouting. "I didn'- God. Stop it! Y'bein' insane, accusations." He paused, stepping forward. "Calm down!" “No! I won’t! I absolutely refuse when you abuse my trust like you do!” she shrieks, tugging on the ends of her dress, red hot fury taking over. Part II: She had ruined her best friend’s life. The now mute Jolynn looked towards her, uncomfortable and almost disgusted. “It’s not like she didn’t deserve it,” Florenza thought to herself. “You said I hide my face with copious amounts of makeup, and that my family hates me,” she murmurs towards the epiphyte, not daring to look her in the eye under her thick veil. She huffs, fiddling with her hands. Jolynn rolls her single organic eye, quickly scribbling something upon a piece of parchment. “Yes, well, I’m the one who woke up MUTE. Thanks for ruining my life, I guess,” read the scrap of parchment, the words written in messy handwriting. Part III: “You will Never EVER hurt me again. I refuse, I absolutely refuse!!” The good and the bad, that’s just life THE END Providence, Oren 1798. The air was heavy. The Illatian lay on her kitchen floor, staring towards her family, unable to produce coherent or meaningful words. Breathing gently as blood oozes out her throat, she soon realizes what the heavy weight on her chest was. Cosimo. Her little shallot- but out of his wheelchair? How peculiar. “Mama, Mama!” Cosimo shouts, moving his hands towards her own, squeezing them for dear life. He soon turns towards his father, her husband. “Papa! Papa! What happened! What happened?! Mama! What's happening ?!?!" Her husband only stares in pure shock, his eyes wide open and his mouth agape at what has happened. Why were they looking so sad? Oh. Of course, of course. Gently, she offers a squeeze of hands back towards her son. Soon after, the door was slammed open as her youngest daughter Augustina Giovanna rushed in with the Practitioner General. Unfortunately, too much time had passed to make meaningful progress. “I love you.” she rasped out towards her family with all the energy that was left. Right after, her form stilled and went limp. The trauma upon her body had taken its toll many minutes ago, and now it was many minutes too late. Her family had failed to find proper help. Her head lolled over to face her husband, eyes wide open as if she was a STATUE, as if she had unfinished business. DEAD. And so, the story of a doctor, an immigrant, a mother, and a friend comes to an end. The woman’s body lay on the cold surface of the kitchen’s tile floor, soon adjusting to the temperature of the floor. Nothing of life was left on the woman's features. Only an expression of extreme unrest, or, perhaps that was only a bad angle. Peace in death, and death with dignity RIP Doctor Florenza Falcone 1762-1798
  15. It’s 2017 now and I don’t have time to play the game that often, but I do have the time to write for LotC. My aim is to expand the universe and make existing lore more accessible to the general knowledge of the server. I like making connections between lore to create new lore and using that new lore to explain the LotC Universe in a way that makes sense to at least me. So pardon me as I now begin. I’ve never tried to implement lore before in all my years on the server and probably didn't even need to post this topic in this section. The following is probably already approved lore in some respects. It’s kind of scary to publish my work to be honest. I’m anxious I’ll be denied and the hours I’ve spent thinking about this game will actually be a 100% waste of time. I know I write pretty well at this point in life and I’ve always held these ideas in my head as I’ve played since 2011. Writing them down now is the only way I’ll feel like I haven’t just wasted my time coming to love this server and all the creativity it allows me to vent over the years. In-fact a lot of Lore added in recent times holds the same beliefs about this made up universe of LotC that I always have had. Encouraging and motivating me to write 18 pages and counting about additional lore to explain the questions I'm about to leave you with. Those pages all hinging on this lore-piece. References to existing lore used to create this post: https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Ancient_History https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Shamanism https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/114626-the-ancient-hansetians/ https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Asulon https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Soul_Puppetry https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/139713-the-planes-of-existence-world-lore https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/146219-world-lore-the-sunless-sanctum/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/151740-%E2%9C%93-gap-theory/ https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Haelun'or The aims of this lore-piece is to expand on existing widely-referenced lore taken from the Ancient Historical record of the User Availer and other Users with implemented lore. If approved, more World-lore will be expanded upon to explain even more details about what you’ll read as this lore-piece was intentionally written to leave questions. Questions that can and will be answered in more detail in successive posts. TL;DR Humans were cursed by Iblees to be short-lived. Humans were blessed by Aengul to “explore the Seven Skies” as a counter to the curse Aegis Humans for some reason rarely investigated what that meant Asulon Humans chose to figure it out instead Ancient Hansetians were successful. They indeed explored the Seven Skies However, the Ancient Hansetians and all their knowledge was buried before year 1300 Buried again, but under the sea in the year 1414 The Author hints at further expanding the LotC Universe using existing lore if approved. This lore makes possible: (Lost) Ancient Hansetian knowledge that allowed them to connect to the Seven Skies in their day. (Lost) Ancient Hansetian knowledge that allowed them to perform Life-Essence Magic in their day. The posting of more information building off these concepts for the benefit of the server. The creation of sophisticated story-arcs to be moderated by the Server Staff. IF APPROVED, THIS LORE WILL NOT ALLOW CURRENT HUMAN CHARACTERS TO USE THEIR BLESSING WITHOUT LEARNING HOW TO FIRST FROM ULTIMATE WIZARDS THAT ARE PROBABLY ALREADY DEAD. ACCESSING THE SKILL REQUIRES FURTHER LORE TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCOMPLISH. A FEAT THAT WOULD TAKE LIKE 10 YEARS OF A CHARACTER'S LIFE TO LEARN AT LEAST. The Aengul's Blessing to Humanity Without further pratting on, it is from the first Lore piece published to the Server I start with and quote: As soon as his words were uttered, the world grew suddenly dark. A great roar erupted from Iblees' mouth and in a blast of fire he was banished from the Mortal World. The robed figure stood before the four brothers. "There is nothing in my power that may undo what that evil did. There is one thing I may do however, and that is to bless you. "Malin, may your forests be a sanctuary of peace and your children long lived. "Urguan, may your descendants be hardy, strong hearted and strong of mind. "Krug, may your people show valour and honour where none exist. "And Horen, may your people one day explore the Seven Skies. "I can do no more, for all my power is spent. We will go back to our master now, I believe your children may see us once more but long in the future." And with that, the great host of Aenguls and Daemons disappeared into thin wisps in the air. The Aengul of Light is described by Availer’s account as a robed figure, some suspect this figure is in-fact Availer himself. Those of Aegis widely believed the Aengul to be Aeriel and those of Asulon unanimously believed it to be the Aengul Celestia. All three interpretations represented Light in each culture. Regardless of who the Aengul of Light was, one thing remains clear: Humanity’s blessing from the Aengul to “One day explore the Seven Skies” appears largely ignored and purposefully hidden from Humans by the Users of the day. There’s a lot of chatter about The Curses of Iblees in our implemented lore, but very little about The Blessings of Light. The Aengul’s blessing was a response to counterbalance the curse they received from the Daemon Iblees, “To age quickly and die early”, “Be sterile and lack children”, “Never be satisfied” and “Filled with Lust for War”. The curses are straight-forward and given wide evidence of being true among Users. There are few elves on the server. Dwarves have gone through more regime changes than all other Users. Orcs have gone to war so many times they are fewer than the elven Users. Finally, humans rise and fall like weeds in the grass and actually rival the dwarven regime's changes due to their short-lived personas. Yet, the blessings are less straight-forward. Most likely done on purpose to leave Users wondering what their racial blessing actually did for them to counter these curses. Humans in this vagueness began to worship the concept of the Creator’s Seven Skies and the Church was born. The other three races had less trouble understanding how their blessings worked as time went on. Elves lived for centuries. Dwarves have always stuck to their own direction and had the most loot. Orcs are usually always confident and stick to rigid honour codes and in the past won the wars they started. Yet Humans have remained ignorant of their true blessing and stopped looking for answers they couldn’t comprehend. In favour of just calling God and hanging up their intellectual towel instead. Pretty much abandoning anything that has to do with magic as means of explanation. Their folly, not mine. This doesn’t mean that all humans stayed ignorant of their blessing. Significant Human Users have utilized the blessing in modern history, but they are few and far between. Unlike the Ancient Hansetian (AH) people of Asulon who were widely able to discover a secret in days long gone: They could explore the Seven Skies and communicate with Souls to gain wisdom, clarity and knowledge by constructing powerful magic devices. To lend to the fact that spirit interaction is possible, look to Aegis. The Orcs had long figured out they could communicate with spirits. There’s evidence of this ability in Shamanistic practices whereby Shamans project their soul to communicate with other spirits of Apohet’s Realm. Yet, the blessing extends beyond mere realms and boasts of all Seven Skies. AH went beyond the Realms of Aemon like the Daemon Apohet’s Spirit Realm and explored the Seven Skies as they were permitted to by the Aengul of Light. How was this even possible? It was discovered in the ancient days of magic when there were no rules. When Hanseti was in its infancy in Asulon as a tribal civilization it was found that souls could be accessed and communicated with through ritual magic. Great advancements then went into the understanding of the Force of Soul in Asulon by these human pioneers. Breakthroughs allowed many of the most talented in Asulon the ability to comprehend Soul instead of blacking out the experiences. It’s even speculated that Larihei's High-Elves of Asulon were in on the Ancient Hansetian enlightenment to some degree. For the two civilizations have similarly aligning beliefs about the Universe and both reference Asulon as their Motherland (we'll expand on that in another post). The AH recalled their experiences as dream-like projections where their soul entered the Seven Skies through rituals, later augmented by magical and scientific devices. This started a spiritual awakening among AH and they began to search the Seven Skies for connections to different Realms and gained unprecedented information about the Universe’s secrets to further their ability and aims. The Ancient Hansetians visited the Immortal Planes and learned that Aemon did indeed operate in a hierarchy based on who had more access to Power and recorded such things. This hierarchy generated among the Seven Skies that the immortal beings existed in. With the most powerful Aemon existing on the First Sky most attached to the Creator's Origin and the least powerful Aemon on the furthest away strata in the Seventh Sky. Lesser Aemon were banding together for power on the lower tiers whereas major Aemon like the Aengul of Light had a majority of the 1st Sky alone to illustrate the difference of distance. It’s from this discovery that Ancient Hansetians and most likely Larihei's Elves were able to reach new conclusions about the nature of the universe. More than Availer or the Church could offer. With this, they formulated their own interpretation of the Origin of the Universe. The AH recording their knowledge in the since lost Omnichronicle. Yet, none could foresee that Hanseti would also discover a way to harvest life essence as well by exploring their blessing. Which ultimately led to their undoing in Asulon. The long forgotten Ancient Hansetians had indeed discovered a way to manipulate the soul beyond that of communication early in their tribal days. Becoming the first known Users of Life-Essence magic. A terrible and dark magical practice which still exists today in various forms such as Soul Puppetry (which cites its origin from a nameless tribe of Asulon. There were only three tribes known in Asulon; The Dervas, Subudai and Hansetians). Fortunately, the knowledge of Life-Essence manipulation is mostly lost. In-fact as is the knowledge needed to utilize Humanity's Blessing to the degree the Ancient Hansetians used it. Both understandings lost after the Great Collapse ended the First Age and most of life on Asulon. Thus putting communications between bound and unbound souls at an all-time low at the start of the Current Age. Even the Orc Shamans began to dwindle in their spiritual exploration after the Great Collapse. Perhaps after studying the information left behind by Ancient Hansetians and Larihei's elves, we’ll be provided with more answers regarding the Universe’s origins. Too bad their land was swallowed by the sea in the year 1414. If only there were recovered artifacts still out there… Concluding Notes Humanity’s blessing to one day explore the Seven Skies was vague, but the Ancient Hansetians of Asulon figured out how it could be done. Allowing them to discover Life-based magic and communicate with souls living in the the Seven Skies. Sadly however, this knowledge was lost to time after the Great Collapse ended most civilizations on both Aegis and Asulon. Only slight evidence still exists that shows the discoveries of the advanced Ancient Hansetians. Current Hansetians have no connection to the Ancient Hansetians except for artifacts recovered in Asulon. The two civilizations merely share the name and nothing else. Meaning that this lore-expansion is intended to be used as an introduction to write about a lost civilization, The Ancient Hanseti. I choose to write from this lore-perspective because Ancient Hanseti is a largely unknown civilization that’s been part of LOTC lore since September 2011. I’d like to simultaneously expand upon them. None of the information in this post can actually be used IG without proper development and expansion on the ideas presented. Since I rarely actually play the game, I have no intention on using this lore for IG gain. I enjoy writing and have been part of this server since the start. I’d like to just expand the LOTC universe now instead of play. This post is merely to point out clarifications on the existing lore and give me an approved backbone to publish 18 more pages of lore that hinge on Ancient Hansetians understanding how to use their blessing. Guilty Until Proven Innocent I’m stating this now only because I know how the server works and if I don’t say it now, I’ll never get a chance to at all: Perhaps I’m a ignorant-gubbins, but I tried to make this piece logical. I studied all the information I could find out there and fully referenced existing lore I could access to create this. Doing very little innovating except the use of Asulon's perspective as a means to connect the dots. I also wrote this in a way that disallows current Users from using the blessing even though they totally can, have and will (that's just LotC, son). I’d be surprised by the Lore-Team if they denied this lore because it's already been in server use for literal years by multiple races, but I would not be angry. I'd just wonder how you could deny that the blessing to “explore the Seven Skies” meant anything other than Humans being blessed to learn beyond the physical realm and explore the Seven Skies which are a wholesomely spiritual plane of existence according to Benbo’s Planes of Existence Lore which built off Availer's Creation Lore. Humanity has barely developed any ancient history by being told in the past they’re not good enough to communicate with spirits like the Orcs, Dwarves and Elves do (or they've just been lazy in developing anything public. Which is mostly likely the case). Leaving them to rely on secret lore-posts made in secret google docs that they'll cite when you proclaim Raevs were actually mutated Northerons or something equally hilarious (which they totally are). Yet, the LotC lore-setting has it posited that all records were erased before the year 1300 due to a Great Collapse of Civilization. Which would make communication with souls one of the only way characters could know of Ancient History beyond the accounts of the few like Availer. Beyond word-of-mouth story telling like the Orcs used to develop Shamanism IC. I’m willing to be given new information to change my mind on the matter and welcome a healthy discussion from anyone who wants to object to this lore. I ask that only chill members of the Lore Team deal with me because that's the level I want to stay on. I'm not trying to be your enemy, I want to be your friend. The world is more pleasant that way. Anyways, Thanks for reading. I hope to write to you again. EDIT: Wrote to you again. Here's follow-up lore:
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