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Nobelissimos: The August Heroes of Balian “Above all other affairs of state rests the duty to propagate the spirit of the nation. A great army, a flourishing court, and a strong arm of law are all essential, but we look only to our ancestors in the Empire to see where that may not be enough. Without national spirit, the age of heroes is lost, and communities become undone to greed, ambition, and personal interest. One way to hone national spirit is by honoring those among us who have made significant contributions to our traditions, who have selflessly lived their lives to enrich our people and our way of life. In Balian, we will call these individuals Nobelissimos, or most noble, and they serve as shining examples of the honor, virtue, kinship, and ingenuity that define our culture. Through the creation of the Nobelissimo state honor, the Kingdom of Balian not only celebrates the deeds of these individuals, but also imbues the youth of our realm with the values and ideals that have made our traditions great. The Nobelissimos will inspire future generations to strive for greatness, to put the needs of our people before their own, and to always defend our culture with honor and integrity. It is with great pride and humility that We declare these individuals as Nobelissimos. Their names will be forever etched in the annals of our history, and their deeds will be remembered for all time. We urge each and every one of you to take the time to learn about these heroes, to tell their stories to your children and grandchildren, and to live by the examples they have set. Together, We will ensure that our culture endures and thrives for many centuries to come." King Alexander on the Nobelissimos, 111 S.A., delivered at court. By bringing together the Petrine institution of Generalissimo with the eastern institution of the ‘state hagiography’, the Crown of Balian has created the state honor of Nobelissimo, or most noble, to consecrate those who have cultivated incalculable influence towards the Balianese identity. As the state believes that the Balianese culture emerged as an off-shoot of the Petrine one, these heroes should not chronologically predate the Eighth Empire, and instead should be modern heroes who have lived towards the values that the Balianese aspire towards. There are three ranks that make up the state honor. It begins with the title of patricos, or patricians in the Balianese language, which is granted to those who have lived virtuous and exceptional lives worth emulating, and are often tied to one particular concept. They are given a title in Balianese, most often the trade that gave them such renown i.e. “She is loved in this country like the Magissa.” Then there are the nobelissimos, or most noble - they are the heroes that predate Balian whose contributions to state culture have left consequential legacies in the Kingdom’s society. To be named nobelissimo is to be named without peer in a particular facet, and one is given a sobriquet that corresponds to what they are known for. For example, High Pontiff St. James II is regarded as Al Vetraissimo, or the most exceptional glazier, - the way he lived, there shall never be a glazier as grand. Another example is Anne Augusta, or La Rubinissima - the way she lived, there shall never be a ruby as grand. These sobriquets can be used to refer to these figures in popular conversation i.e. “She commands like the Toroblancissimo reborn.” “His stories have the Vetraissimo’s touch.” Finally, there are the Balianissimos, or the most Balian. They are the nobelissimos that actually lived in the Kingdom of Balian and directly contributed to Balian’s identity, rather than indirectly. Thus, they are distinguished even further. At the onset of this new honor, only one figure of history has earned the title of Balianissimo, and that is John I, Balian’s founder, who wields the sobriquet Protobalianissimo, or roughly translated, the most exceptional Balianese above other exceptional Balianese. This state honor has been given to eleven figures directly by the King in the year 111 SA, however, a formal procedure by which a representative body of the people can raise a hero to such titles is expected to be organized every ten to twenty-five years, beginning with either Balian’s 50th anniversary, or its 75th. The Balianissimos John I ‘The Founder’, First King of Balian: THE PROTOBALIANISSIMO There should be little question as to whether Balian's Gian al Gran, or John I, deserves the great state honor of Nobelissimo. He is the prototype of the Balianese identity. When faced with the ruin of the Holy Orenian Empire at the end of the Brother’s War, it was he with the foresight to envision a new society free from the trappings of the old regime. John navigated multiple crises, from the initial Petrine exodus from the northern continent into the Terra del Sur to various armed conflicts such as the Harvest War, the EATO War, and the Ruffian’s War. He also oversaw the initial construction of the oasis of Atrus upon the Monterosa and settled its many nobles. As Balian’s first duke and king, the country would never have come to prominence without his personal investment and leadership. He is styled Protobalianissimo, or the most exceptional Balianese over other exceptional Balianese, for his role in founding the nation. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/212446-a-righteous-coronet/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/215741-completed-nation-kingdom-of-balian/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/215796-the-faithful-prosper/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/216566-to-answer-a-call/ The Nobelissimos Bl. Anne Augusta: THE RUBINISSIMA Anne I, Holy Orenian Empress, also known as Anne the Good, has earned a special regard in Balianese society as one of its great heroes and ancestors. While all Balianese would acknowledge their Petrine roots emerge from Peter III’s reign, Anne’s war against the Inferni in the sands of Korvassa, as well as her nation’s exodus from Arcas to Almaris ring closer with the spirit of Balian, which also suffered darkspawn calamity at the hands of the undead dragon Cloudbreaker, as well as a similar exodus from the heartlands to the dunes of the southern continent. Anne is seen as a national hero who managed to weather the greatest of crises to build Providence, both literally as in the city, and figuratively as in a model society. For many of Balian’s founders, her reign was one where they entered their adulthood and began their professional journey in the empire. Thus, even over generations, there is a special fondness for Empress Anne. Her personal character as a monarch of great contemplation and resolve is one that speaks to the values of Balianese society as well, with her portrait and namesake found all throughout Balianese culture. She is styled La Rubinissima, or the most exceptional ruby, for her role in maintaining imperial dignity while weathering the great political and military conflicts of her time. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/191118-the-imperial-mark/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/194089-the-empires-inquisition/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/195023-the-imperial-coronation/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/195262-edict-of-separation/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/195965-on-matters-of-inferi-an-open-invitation/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/197456-anne/ Alren DeNurem: THE TOROBLANCISSIMO The 4th Generalissimo of the Holy Orenian Empire, Alren DeNurem is regarded as a military commander and strategist that is unparalleled, and the chief influence of all Balianese military operations. He emerged among the officer corps during the Holy Orenian Empire’s formative war, the Rubern War, and delivered key military reforms to turn the Imperial State Army from a vision into the largest army of its time. In his personal life, Alren was a noted military engineer, pioneering the return of cannons into imperial warfare. Alren’s penchant for military logistics and drill cannot be understated, building a new cadre of imperial patriots through his command. He remained Oren’s top military mind beyond his victory in the Rubern War, weathering Oren through the controversial Merryweather War and emerging as a forefront leader in the war against the Inferi. Many of the founding members of Balian were proud products of the ISA system that he cultivated, and much of Balian’s logistics and pool of resources come from the institutions he built within the army. Every Balianese commander can only hope to emulate his successes. He is styled as Al Torocblancissimo, or the most exceptional white bull, for the sobriquet he earned under the reign of Peter III as the White Bull of the Empire. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/188616-isa-1st-regiment-fieldguide/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/194744-the-ministry-of-war-1783/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/192030-isa-service-medals/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/194437-general-alren-denurem-the-white-bull/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/194377-victory-in-defeat/ Elizabeth Anne: THE SCIACALISSIMA The title of Princess Imperial had meant little until the time of Elizabeth Anne, who transformed the position into one of great influence through her progressive endeavors. Born as the eldest child of Anne Augusta, some in Balianese society even reflect that she may have made for a greater monarch than her more military minded brother John VII, and certainly the dotard Philip III. Her career spans from serving in the ISA as a Lieutenant in the Imperial Medical Corps, a stint as Chancellor of the Imperial State University, and a landmark tenure as the first woman Imperial Grandee in the House of Lords. She also organized the innovative Social Season, strengthening imperial ties and sentiments by bringing nobility from all across the empire to the capital for merry-making and introductions. Above all her successes though is her resilience in proposing the Rosemoor Bill, a piece of legislation that would have eliminated male-preference inheritance for peers and instead afford equal inheritance for both genders. While defeated and later censured from the House of Lords for her efforts, the proposed policy ended up so popular that Philip III was forced to adopt it anyway. Given that Rosemoor Succession is now Balianese crown policy and the Social Season endures in Balian as the Symposia, she is seen as a pioneer in national service and a model for all Balianese to aspire toward. She is styled as La Sciacalissima, or the most exceptional jackalope, after the venerable pet jackalope Atticus she kept. The animal mirrored the regal and dignified nature she brought to her various offices, and came to be known later in Balianese society as her personal motif. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/199586-the-social-season/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/201446-the-nature-of-the-title-of-princess-imperial/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/197196-the-imperial-university-of-providence/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/194124-comprehensive-guide-to-field-medicine/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/203578-the-rosemoor-convention/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/204301-providence-a-reflection-of-the-past/ Jahan Basrid: THE SUSISSIMO Of all the imperial heroes that the Balianese pay homage to, there is not a more influential storyteller than that of the great governor of Peter III’s palace, Jahan Basrid. While his formal role in imperial society was that of chief diplomat as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, informally, Jahan Basrid regaled the legends of old Rhen to many of the noble youths of the imperial palaces, raising multiple monarchs such as John VII under his tutelage. The premises of these stories later served as a founding principle for King John the Founder’s vision for a new society, one that looked east and south for new inspiration on a civil society. Without Jahan’s tales, the Akritian and Rhenyari influence that colors Balian would not be found. The tales of heroes like Akritara, Magara, and Radagha, or the inspirations for the Balianese fusta, all were delivered west through the Sage of Susa’s will. He is styled as Al Sussissimo, or the most exceptional Susan, after the title he held as a peer, the Count of Susa. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/192566-the-novellen-palace/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/187995-the-imperial-office-of-foreign-affairs/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/193544-once-a-soldier-always-a-gunner/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/205439-the-high-culture-of-the-rhenyar/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/204988-the-arcane-zodiac/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/198566-the-final-story/ High Pontiff St. James II: THE VETRAISSIMO The Church of the Canon owes a great deal to the efforts of St. James, so much so that he is often called the modern St. Daniel. After decades of religious indifference and controversy, the 18th century High Pontiff ushered in a new age of contemporary faith, bringing the Church into harmony with a modernizing empire. His greatest work was the adaptation of the entire Holy Scrolls into the common tongue, completing the work begun by his predecessors some three centuries prior. In doing so, he initiated a resurgence of Canonist literacy which has not yet abated. His renown in Balian is in large part owed to this; he was personal catechist to the ancestor of many Balianese, and every copy of the Holy Scrolls includes both his name and personal commentaries on the translation. Beyond even these accomplishments, St. James is responsible for the Church’s contemporary character and its relationship with the faithful. His revisions of the canon law resolved key issues of ecclesiastical authority that had plagued humanity in centuries past, establishing a framework for permanent harmony between crown and laurel. He canonized an unprecedented number of saints, and is today responsible for fully 1/6th of saints in the modern calendar. The Pontiff’s contemporaries considered his moral character to be unimpeachable and possibly otherworldly; he had encountered numerous saintly apparitions and called down the physical intercession of the Archangel Michael. At the height of his 49 year reign, St. James' reputation was so great that he commanded even Emperor Peter III himself, bringing an end to the Sutican War and uniting all Canondom in a crusade against the Inferi. He is styled as Al Vetraissimo, or the most exceptional glazier, after the humble profession he practiced before entering the priesthood. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/189659-the-holy-scrolls/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/192506-epochs-of-the-empire-volume-i-the-prophetic-era/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/197696-codex-iurius-canonici-danielus-pontifex-second-edition/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/195249-the-age-of-reason/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/193846-transcript-of-the-imperial-quadricentennial-mass/ The Patricos Mariano Saturnino Ferraz: THE LINGUISTA Mariano Saturnino Ferrza maintains the status of Patrico as the founder of the Royal Balianese Academy, an influential institution that spurs much cultural development in Balian, as well as codifying the Balianese language for public consumption. He is styled as Al Linguista, or the linguist, for his academic and linguistic pursuits. Important Works Yuliya Styrne: THE DRAMMATURGA The greatest playwright in Canonist history, the crippled Yuliya Styrne rose far beyond her station to rivet imperial society with a catalog that spans almost fifty years of work. Balianese society holds a deep affinity towards the arts, and to recite Yuliya’s works is considered a sign of great virtue and intelligence within the country. She is styled as La Drammaturga, or the playwright, for her prolific body of work and good character. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/193198-the-collected-works-of-bianca-la-fleur/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/199208-1809-providence-open-badminton-tourney-registration-open/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/197197-course-syllabus-writing-for-the-stage/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/200177-%E2%9C%A9-rising-stars-of-providence-%E2%9C%A9-winners/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/200204-pk-%F0%9D%90%9F%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%A5-%F0%9D%90%9C%F0%9D%90%AE%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7/ Joseph Adler: THE CONSULIER A hero of Peter III’s Holy Orenian Empire, Joseph Adler emerged as the founder of the Imperial State Constables, as well as its first influential Solicitor-General. The Consulier is given full honors for spearheading the legal reforms in the Empire that serve as the foundation of Balianese law today. He is styled as Al Consulier, or the lawman, for his service as captain of the imperial Constables and chief lawman of the empire. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/191197-the-imperial-constabulary/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190649-the-crown-v-othaman-and-alimar/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/200509-renewed-request-for-judicial-review-article-i-of-the-non-partisan-courts-act-1768/ Alpha Carrington: THE MAGISSA The daring half elf daughter of the great merchant Green Carrington, Alexandra Carrington, otherwise known as Alpha, is renowned as one of the great workhorses of the Carrington mercantile empire as well as a powerful mage. Her travels and exploits are made into myth in Balianese society, as she forged powerful trade companies and spread arcane knowledge wherever she went. She is styled as La Magissa, or the mage, for her service as a wandering wizard that empowered the fortunes of many of Balian’s ancestors. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/192525-the-honorable-company-of-vintners-brewers-innholders/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/189875-the-brave-and-noble-sir-humphrey-the-musical/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/189565-the-carrington-gambling-house/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/188761-mayoral-proclamation-resignation/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/196363-carrington-co-the-end/ Ivan var Ruthern: THE MARTIER Ivan Ruthern is seen as a great martyr of the Brother’s War, having sacrificed himself to save a generation of noble children when expected to turn them over to royalist forces. His sacrifice ensured many youth, namely the entire Vuiller line, to continue a new life in Balian, over facing imprisonment and death at the hands of Frederick’s men. He is styled as Al Martier, or the martyr, for his personal sacrifice. Important Works https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/211774-pk-by-bones-and-barrows/