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VE MARIAN KURSAIN FIRST BLOOD IN AILMERE EA SZALMAR TER MZIDER “I Shall Not Falter” HEROS ARE NOT BORN, THEY ARE FORGED IN WAR. Men have all but forgotten the terrors and horrors of the North, lurking and stalking the North, waiting for their time to strike. Meanwhile our strength has dwindled in our long peace, deceived by our sense of invincibility. We were wrong. It was an ordinary day as the northern breeze chilled soldiers marching into Ailmere, led by Knight Paramount Ser Belisar var Ruthern. In his escort he was accompanied by Ser Nikolas, Ser Rickard, Yuri, Prince John Casimir, Rosalyn Leuven, Felicie, Sigismund, Demos, Dima Kovachev, Ragnar, Asif, Karl, Wrotek, Sigmar var Ruthern, and Magnus. They journeyed north past Vidaus, reaching Camp Tatiyana where they warmed by the fire, sharing war stories of the past. The youth listened in awe, unaware they’d soon earn stories of their own. They traveled along Lake Georg’s coast, until they reached an abandoned keep on the mountainside. An advanced scouting party surveyed the keep, while groups led by Ser Rickard and Yuri flanked the ghost town. Declared empty, the group soon encountered their foes, who approached under the guise of friendship, promising no ill-will to Yuri and his men. They advanced slowly, drawing weapons, and Ser Belisar and his party formed a line to face them. Ser Rickard led a flanking force of Ser Nikolas, Wrotek, and Prince John Casimir. At the command, Yuri charged first, hacking down a darkspawn, and the battle erupted. The enemy’s rear guard sent crossbow bolts as the brave Brotherhood soldiers advanced. The page, Rosalyn Leuven, was thrown off her horse, and as Yuri’s men pressed deeper, a towering Pale Knight faced down the Knight Paramount and his company. Demos charged first at the Eidolon, but he was knocked unconscious in a devastating blow. Ser Belisar swung his polehammer at the Pale Knight’s shield, splintering it, whilst Karl Othaman and Felicie stabbed the abomination. Magnus let loose a few arrows from his steed, hitting a few of the mystics, as he weaved through the battle. The Pale Knight continued his onslaught, bashing the Knight Paramount back to near death and knocking Karl Othaman unconscious As chaos ensued, Ser Rickard’s forces, joined by Cardinal Villorik, faced another Pale Knight atop of the mountain. Yuri, Felicie, and Rosalyn fought a cloaked figure, while Prince John and Wrotek dueled a darkspawn on the mountainside. The Heartlander Prince prevailed against his foe, driving his sword through the neck of the enemy. The old veteran, Wrotek, aided Sigismund who rode down the darkspawn on horseback. Ser Rickard and Cardinal Villorik after a long battle against the Pale knight destroyed it, casting it flying down the mountainside. As the battle closed, Ser Belisar stood alone against the Pale Knight. With his last strength, he splintered the knight’s shield but was nearly slain until Magnus leapt atop the Eidolon with his horse. Blood stained the white winter snow that day. The first Haeseni blood shed that day in the Ailmere campaign, a battle fought and won. It is noted that Ser Nikolas ‘Longstrider’ never drew his sword that day, nor participated in the battle. He merely ran from corner-to-corner, a tale to be told for the ages. Sigmar var Ruthern was also nowhere to be found, it is assumed that he cowered in the walls of the abandoned keep at the sight of the Pale Knight whom his younger brother faced. He only returned when his brother, Ser Belisar, was gravely wounded. This marks the first battle of the War in the North. All able-bodied fighters must join the Brotherhood. If you cannot fight, smith and craft the weapons we’ll need for the war to come. We shall not falter. WE COME AS CROWS, Ser Belisar var Ruthern, Knight Paramount of the Marian Order

A missive is spread about ISSUED ON 19th of The Amber Cold, 203 S.A. BY THE ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ Dearest reader, I would like to start this missive by stating once more, that we, the people of Vortice do not wish for bloodshed. We want peace and to be left alone to be under our own rule. It is not a large ask by any stretch of the imagination. To get to the real meat of this missive, we wish to break down the flyer this is a direct retort to. For the Vikelan people you so love to bring up are no more, you, those of The Rexdom of Lurak hunted them to extinction. Even after you removed them from their lands and told those within our failed peace meeting that you wouldn’t hunt them down after the war in 184 S.A. You implored us to take them in as a matter of fact, stating that no harm would come to those who did so, only to turn around and in 197 S.A. send out a missive demanding the Halflings remove a new vassal leader for his past ties to The Queendom or face war. They did as you asked and regardless of the circumstances that led up to this, you still went through and declared war against them. You claim they have nowhere to go but North; even after their dissolution, they had not once come to us. Not after the fall of the Halflings, the disbanding of Silasia, and the coup of Lurin. You dare to use the name which was claimed countless times that only one “Vikelan” remained. Setting themselves for their own self-exile from the lands of Aevos. ARTICLE I: A Right to Arms We would like to know what you deem as “soldiers of Vortice” for the only organized force of individuals that could be considered something akin to soldiers are the militiamen of the Talon’s Militia. Unlike the majority of nations, our culture within Vortice can be simplified to everyone pitching in when it comes to a combat encounter. Most of, if not all, our citizenry are able-bodied men and women as we have a bustling harbor that requires the vigilance of hard-working Vorticians to work and maintain. What does this mean for the universal Right to Self-Defense? The capacity to defend oneself is paramount within the world we live in as a result of the inevitability of Darkspawn attacks. Any nation or Descendant on Aevos can attest to the importance of being able to protect themselves in the event of encountering any vile creature. ARTICLE II: The Pursuit of Belief This term of surrender is hypocritical coming from a leader whose nation has not subjected its own citizenry to a complete religious conversion to Canonism. With the Shaman Lodge not being disbanded, nor any prosecutions towards Lurak’s own Shaman population, it goes to show you merely guise your allegiances to the Canonist Church for the sake of causing Chaos and Bloodshed. The Canonist Church also stands against the Cursed Children, whom we also protect. Raguel’s comments on a friendly approach to Cursed Children cannot be the official stance of the Church as he is not the High Pontiff, and thus, cannot make official decrees on the Church’s behalf. Additionally, although it is a relatively small population within Vortice, the Domain is home to a minor demographic of Canonist believers. ARTICLE III: Clarification Who are you to demand our whole population to move into our “main sector province” and demand a yearly tax? If the citizenry wishes to move away what are they to do in this situation? We also don’t have enough houses in Talon’s Roost to house everyone within our vassals. Additionally, Vortice has questions about this specific Article: - What specifically is a “jizyah?” If this is a common term for Canonists to know, shouldn’t we be able to speak with one of our Canonist citizens and ask what this term means? If not, then it is obvious that your governments and the Canonist Church wish to hide behind either legalistic language or outright gibberish. - What Vortician customs would be considered “agreeable” by the Canonist Church? ARTICLE IV: Compensation or Extortion What is this “Holy Mount” that you speak of? For the last almost seventy-three years that Descendants have settled this continent, the Canonist Church has never referred to any territory within the Unified Domain of Vortice as a “holy site.” Four High Pontiffs have preceded Ro’eh Tzon and none out of those previous four Pontiffs have mentioned any public interest in our land. What specifically has interested this current Pontiff in our lands when his predecessors have not affixed their gaze toward Vortice? Why is Vortice to provide supplies not only for the construction of this “Holy Mount,” but for Lurak’s army as well? Is the Khanate unable to acquire enough supplies for its own military? Why is the Khanate unable to properly supply its army without outside aid? Where is the Rexkhan and his council dedicating and investing all of their nation’s resources? If the Luraki Government is unable to answer these questions about their problems regarding basic inventory and proper investment of supplies, then the government should likely consider a change in the leadership of the nation to combat the misuse and misappropriation of supplies and funds. All this said, we aren’t done yet. To His Royal Highness Antonius, I, Lenora Jusmia, write personally. You had told me that we would have another meeting before anything was decided and to be sent out. That you would have two missives drafted, one for peace and one for war. Plans changed, yet the decent thing to do is to try and contact me about it instead of hiding behind the Pontiff saying you were doing his bidding, only informing me months later. I write this publicly due to my lack of trust in your words behind closed doors. You wrote me back finally saying no one wishes the war to end more than you, however, if this were the case we’d be past this point. I can not trust anything upon words spoken, written, or shared. I wished to get the details on the peace missive ironed out. I’d also like to mention that we have tried to have meetings with the Church and its people numerous times over the past two decades if not longer. We’d get responses and times set up to meet only for no one to show up. The group overall have proven to us time and time again that you aren’t trustworthy and this “Final Act” is nothing but declaring to the world at large that you aren’t able to pay or equip your own people. I wanted to get this done privately and behind closed doors so the eyes of the world were not on either side, but no longer, the ball is in your courts. What say you? ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ The 10th Sovereign of the Depths, Monarch of the United Domain of Vortice, Lenora Jusmia Monarch-Consort of Vortice, Gusiam Jusmia Prince of Vortice, Champion of the Spirit Brimztra, Bastian Jusmia Primary Minister of the vassal of Driftwood Hollow, Norido Vunnu Lord Privateer of Cormath, Vicnan Hawkins-Gylldene ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ Spoiler:

THE FINAL ACT Formed with Faith, Honor, and Blood in 1998. A MESSAGE TO VORTICE “Where does the blood of VIKEL flee if not to the North? And upon their tails- the Wolf of Lurak.” The demands laid before you are of the coalition of Honest States, Cannonist Leaders, and the Vicar of God. Refusal to agree to these demands will result in death and destruction. Heed them well citizens of the Monkey Mountains, lest your disgraceful lives be given to forfeit. DENY the demands and the Holy March will continue. ARTICLE I: THE SURRENDER OF ARMS All soldiers of Vortice will lay down their weapons, any soldiers caught disobeying orders will be in violation of the article and therefore slain. ARTICLE II: SUBJUGATION TO GOD Vortice will be abolished as a sovereign nation, their people’s individual determination being left in the hands of the Holy Church of Canon to administer as regents; a governorship will be placed upon the land from which the Vorticians will subscribe. ARTICLE III: PAYMENT OF JIZYAH Vorticians will be relocated into their main sector province, their vast lands which lay mostly uninhabited will no longer be ruled by petty Lordlings as they will be forced to centralize. Under this management they will pay a yearly tax to the Holy See, a tithe “Jizyah” to continue mostly uninterred with customs deemed agreeable. ARTICLE IV: CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOLY MOUNT The Vorticians will deliver regular supplies to the Holy See and the army of Lurak to construct shrines upon the most Holy Mount. EXTREME HILLS 4 EXTREME WARCLAIM! EXTREME!

[!] A missive is spread through the east and west… ISSUED ON 20th of The First Seed, 201 S.A. BY THE ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ After consulting with those within the Vortician council, we have come to the decision that Vortice shall adhere to the offered surrender terms the Church has provided, and be excused from the coalition of Edel. Vortice wishes to expend her energy into housing those who wish to remain out of conflict, as we have in the past. In terms of Repentance, Vortice will put in all its efforts into the eradication of the forces of darkspawn that are within the lands of Lurin and any that dare to trespass to our Domain. Not only this, but Vortice will also aid in any efforts to eradicate darkspawn that the Church may suspect or find, scattered throughout the lands of Aevos, whether it be fighting or aiding in the healing of those injured in battle. At the time of this missive, The Unified Domain of Vortice shall be, and always have been, putting her full force into removing miscreants and ne’er-do-wells that dare to cause any further issues and conundrums within the Domain. As our focus remains on the enemies of the descendants, darkspawn will be our primary target and we will be putting forth everything we can offer to eradicate this plague, and thus, our realm shall become isolated from external affairs for a short time to prepare and focus to ensure none are within our Domain, or threaten the lives of those who wish to visit. We wish to return to our state of peace, one where we are in no strife or conflict. ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆ The 10th Sovereign of the Depths, Monarch of the United Domain of Vortice, Lenora Jusmia Monarch-Consort of Vortice, Gusiam Jusmia Department Head of Internal and Foreign Affairs, Aerith Maelstorm ⋆˙˳ ───────────────⊱༺⠀𓊝⠀༻⊰─────────────── ˳˙⋆

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KRIEGSMACHT ISSUED BY THE FÜRST VON MINITZ In the year of our Lord, 1994 SÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, GATHER HEED, my brethren in Horen, and hear the words of a Chieftain among you, Leon of Reinmar. Listen well, Listen well, Gaspardlings of Ravenmire and of Grense, relatives in the Heartland and you, Lords of the Raev in the north, Adunic and Balianite lords in the South and East, Hirdmen warriors, the cloistered monks of the monastery, and the robed priests of the Church who clutch upon their rosaries in piety, and the High Priest who stewards the realm, for these are words of weight and import. Lo! The High Pontiff, keeper of the Canonist faith has declared war onto the wizard outlander of Hohkmat. His words, heavy as the iron of our swords, demand that we, the faithful and the true, rise against their sorcery. And so I, Leon of Reinmar, sworn protector of the mountains and the rivers, do hearken onto his call with a heart both heavy and fierce. Yet, with a heart heavy with both duty and contemplation, I address you, my kin. My grandfather, High Pontiff Caius I, did once extend a hand of peace to these magi. He saw within them a path to redemption, and we are the bloodline of that decision. We have honored their place among the land, guided by priestly wisdom and grace. Now, to reverse that stance and march against them feels as if we turn our backs on the legacy of our forebears. But duty binds us tighter than the fiercest legacy. Though honor binds me to heed the Pontiff's call, there lies within my soul that shadow of doubt and hesitation. The Hohkmati, whose paths my forebears once sought to heal, now face the wrath of our mighty host. Moreover, among the Pontiff’s decrees, we have seen the yielding of lands unto the Gaspardling, those who have been our adversaries for many a year. My father and his father before him did clash with these foes, and the blood of our tribes mingled upon the fields of strife. Now, I hold the sword of my ancestors, and am prepared to see if the Gaspardlings' valor is worthy of our gaze as we fight side to side, now as brothers in Man. In this, I shall not prevaricate. In the name of honor, I must look upon them with the eye of justice and see if their valor matches their renown. Thus, with a heart heavy and torn, I declare a Kriegsmacht – a summoning of spears for all tribesmen of Reinmar. Let the banners be unfurled and the call to arms be sounded. Let worthy men put on their warmasks and caps. Let the seax be forged into a sword. Let the scythe be made a spear. To the Hohkmati, know this: though my grandfather's favor once shielded you, my allegiance now lies with the Pontiff's call. We bear no quarrel beyond this decree, as our grandfather’s treaties and fair dealings remain etched in our history. Yet, our loyalty and duty compel us to rise and join this holy cause. May the Lord judge us all with fairness. Thus, my oath compels me to honor the sacred duty given unto me, even as I hold to the wisdom of forgiveness. We are bound by honor to heed the call of the Pontiff, for our loyalty to the Canonist Church and our shared blood of Horen demand it. To our allies, the kin of Haense under my cousin Marius and the steadfast folk of the north, heed this summons and join us in our march. In this age of strife, let us march as one, let our unity be our shield and our resolve be our blade. So let it be known, from the rising sun to the setting moon, that the tribes of Reinmar answer the call. We stand resolute, we stand as one, and we march with the fire of our ancestors burning bright within us. So let it be written, so let it be done. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Leon Anton Barclay, GMSTSR, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Hussen and Borienwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald

(You must be part of 'The Battle of the Abyss' Eventline to have access to this report) From the Depths THE KOYO-KUNI SEA-Scouting mission The Kralthor Hunting Grounds Log 1 Date:1st of Malins welcome, 197 of the Second Age. Location: Kralthor Hunting Grounds Writer: Tatsu Toji The shogunate of Koyo-Kuni dispatched to scout the area to find clues regarding the location of a hunting camp of Kral’Thor because they have been poaching large sea creatures that could be used as mounts by the kh’at’or. As we arrived at the location, we discovered a shipwreck. The scout informed us that Kral’Thor tend to hide in shipwrecks and lay down in ambushes for their enemies. We devised a plan to lure them out using one of us as bait while the others hid, but the plan failed, as we were, in turn, ambushed on the path toward the ship by a multiple of the crab shuul. They came up from the sand and attacked. Luckily, we overpowered them and even managed to capture two of them. They sit in the dungeon, waiting to be questioned. As we ventured in, we discovered a few things, one being that the shipwreck contained a lot of bait, most likely to be used to lure fantastic beasts to be hunted. And secondly, we heard a great creature by the ship moving, but we were unsure of what it could be. It could be anything from a captured beast to a shuul weapon waiting to be used. Notes worth mentioning: Golems can detect hidden shuul when underground, and mounts can sense the danger of some kind (based on one incident). Also, the waters are very murky; I would not recommend exploring without Googles of Lucid Water, which is alchemy-based. When it came to our combative opponent, it presented itself as a minor challenge, primarily due to us Vastly outnumbering them in the ambush. Still, we left it with few scrapes and minor wounds, nothing that would prove fatal. It may be primarily due to luck, other factors, or simply assuming our opponents are weak, but I recommend considering the former. Hence, we don't underestimate our opponents, as they have scales strong enough to resist metals, except for MIthruill (Argentum), which cuts through cleanly. Their claws and legs can easily penetrate our armor and gear, so it is essential to remain alert when fighting them. But they tend to hide in ambushes, so when you feel something wrong, don't hesitate to strike at the ground before they do. Toji wipes the swet from his face as he had almost forgotten to send in the Scout report "Yara Yara... that was a close one"

A brief discourse upon Statecraft and the conflicts shared against peoples -------------------------------------------------- [Chapter I: States & Struggle] The collection and arrangement of peoples, such as is common across the foundations of every civilization, tends to occur with a relative unanimity; for only by the suspension of individual prerogatives can the collective come together in approach to a common goal. And how can a functioning state be formed otherwise? Where something must be built, a state of vacancy must previously prevail; and this vacancy asserts itself for the domination of the weaker wills, and the weakest of these flee to venues more suited to the follower, steadfastly scornful of the leader. And so, some stay, and others depart - just too as some busy themselves with craft, and others idle. Herein is the creation of Community. The people, then, are the life and blood which animate the State; giving blueprints to its prosperity, and taking command of the levers which enable favorable conditions upon those who call themselves ‘countrymen’; herein is the realization of Government. By the network of mutual interests shared by the people, whom compose the government, these desires are pursued - fervently by some, and passively by others. The ways in which these desires are to be met are the subject of the most fundamental debates, in other words, the split in the road upon which the spirit of the people must choose to tread, either in this direction or that. Herein is the realization of Politics. Achievement of designs, from the foundations laid, is again, a collective effort; and it follows from this, that all the acts of a citizen are merely a realization of the wills and ways of his community. Accounting for the deviation in opinions natural to gatherings of any size (for factions of a people will always inspire subjective factions intent on manifesting particular phenomena), the actions of a State then, must necessarily satisfy recognition as the enacted spirits present in the movements of the people, their government. From the prior point arrives struggle and strife. For these factional distinctions and differences breed animosity. It is not long from a feeble Sovereign’s death that his adherents begin to resent the excessive inheritances of power perceived by each one against the others (each wanting the full measure for himself); then having this condition of many heads upon 1 body, the State is not able to tolerate itself - the success of one citizen defining the ruin of the other, verbal policy alone is no longer sufficient to resolve irreconcilable differences; and from this condition, springs rebellion, civil war, and cruelty entirely undeserved by those who suffer the most of its insolence. It is now observed that escalations pass from theoretical disagreements into physical ones with a dangerous haste, and \ with no shortage of justifications to embolden the execution of its people’s policies. There is no substantive distinction then, between the interactions of one community with another in the boundaries of a State, and in the interactions between a State with her counterpart within a wider regional boundary. Governments (which it is reminded, are the collections of the people’s influence) proximate to eachother, find no lack of common interests, and are frequently brought close by the ever-present conflict which necessarily occurs in every surrounding sphere; promising dangers to all. Yet still, the discovery of Irreconcilable Differences presents inherent dangers with enough spiritual sway, such that even factions of kin seek to exact one’s will upon the other by materialized force; and there is no war so hated by the God as a war amongst kin. Nevertheless, The Lord Omnipotent did not divine that more food ought to exist than man could eat - nor did he raise up the trees from gold and steel, but of wood unfit for universal wealth. And so where one has, another must not. As regards the contention of one state with another, wherever one people has exerted policies of force sufficient to achieve victory, the other must necessarily relinquish the possession of that benefit. -------------------------------------------------- [Chapter 2: Construction of War] The instruments and infrastructure of war cannot, as similarly said before, be shown as different to those of any other mass necessity; for where builders need hammers in their workshops, and physicians need botanicals in their laboratories, soldiers require arms in their bastions. Where one houses the people, the other maintains their health… the last both preserves and promotes their sovereignty. And such is done, fundamentally, by the same means in every case; eliminating the opposing faction’s willingness to continue resistance to the demands of his enemy. It is not only through blood and arms that resistance is dispersed however. States reliant upon the sword have no refuge when their strength fails to meet their contender; but those well-composed states whom have built homes upon rock and not sand, will have measures innumerable to conclude conflict amicably, and without great destruction. From this follows wars of trade- closing of ports, dismantling of tradeships, culminating in the sabotage of the enemy’s very capability to threaten war, let alone sustain it. In the diplomatic realm, there shows themselves a select few envoys of great promise, capable not only of maintaining friendships between states, but also building upon a foundation of mutual interest across an entire region, and forming a coalition of peoples, together dedicated to common defense and the prevention of ill-guided conflicts against the combined spheres of influence. Finally, that detestable selection of actors, unfaithful to discipline and the rules of justice; these seek to gain the outcome of their policies by intrigues, calumny, and assassination. These above methods, while varying in their degrees of reliability, collectively comprise the conflicts in which Peoples engage against eachother. All avenues used in tandem, seek to fulfill the fundamental aim of overturning the enemy’s desire, instead asserting the will of one’s own faction as truth. It will occur to every soldier and captain, prior to the onset of bloody battle, what colossal improvement could show itself, if only these gathered masses behind himself against and the other, could spare the energies of war into better worlds. How many shipping canals, how many wonderous cathedrals, how many new crafts could be passed to the next generation; giving as their inheritance, cooperation instead of hatred? The answer of course, does not present itself before that onset of force contending for the life of one policy against the other’s, each seeking to throw the other down to the base earth, and rise above to be standing over his opponent’s stiff remains. But since now, I compose these thoughts from the study, and not the frontline, the luxury of time is upon me, and I may begin to approach the subject. In other places it has been said that ‘community’ is the condition of being common in unity; literally, many being as one, under the ordinance of God which is the origin of our species. As a family composes a village, their inter-connectivity is that which enables the manifestation of a better environment (for some with weak arms will excel in the arts of commerce; while others weak of mind will excel at construction's labor). As a network of villages composes a Kingdom, such enables the same to fulfill all aspects of life necessary to prosperity of individuals; who, as they compose families, must be well upheld in order to allow the effective contribution of the household. Where then, is the cancer of society located? I determine that it must lie within the very whims of nature which civilization seeks to replace with more refined focuses. For a lazy man, by his demanding community, is encouraged to persist in his work. A selfish man, by his taxing community, is compelled to give of what he has for the benefit of his neighbor. Even a gluttonous man, when bid by his governance to lay his delicacies aside, learns a discipline necessary for the improvement of those people around him, and by their improvement, their whole world’s. Easy it is for all to see, that at the rejection of civilization's finer values, the base and animalistic urge offers its fruits, while hiding the truth of its consequences; by these causes, negotiation and tactful communication becomes an altogether foreign concept to the community. Therefore it is seen that although many will come to greet you with gathered arms and not treaties (these factions being incompatible to community), against these you must be prepared to enact their overturn. But afterward, when the necessity for opposition is dissipated, nature puts us all under obligation to rejoin discourse with a common policy, lest our tongues become useless, and fall from our mouth because of our lack of wisdom. -------------------------------------------------- [Chapter 3: Error of Avoidance] As just now said, the presence of aggression upon one’s State, the collective influence of its people, is not relevant to matters of question, but of time. Against all proper operation of Statecraft, some factions have pre-determined a policy of another State’s ruin, or by their continuance, necessitate an undermining of the factors critical to the prosperity of their enemy. Again we come to the topic of ‘irreconcilable differences’. With this in mind, a mistake is no more obvious than in demanding the compromise of such opposite policies; for dismemberment met in the middle with status quo, cannot be amicable to both parties. And worse, each contender advocating for one and the other outcome, the latter of the 2 campaigns for his own partial dissolution. Do not consider that refusal to take up arms presents moral fortitude, as is mistaken among citizens of our day. Fortitude is shown by the citizenry’s willingness to employ every policy available to them, with intelligence, in the preservation of their common flourishing against the enemy, whether in spirit or of State. It is quite obvious that nothing done by a collection of citizens can be separated from their portion of the influences present in the governance of the people; it then follows that a State is strong, and deserving of their preservation, only if it can be maintained by the combined policies of the collected populace.

T H E B E A C O N S O F W H I T E S P I R E TO OUR ALLIES ABROAD, The Legions of Darkness are marching to sprawl over the River Constance. We will meet them on the field, and we will meet them at Enswerp. As a pagan host readies itself to put a fire to Canondom, we of Godwin’s folk remain resolute, and we shall make our stand here to live or to die. For a century, and even longer against the ancestors of the grandfathers of these invaders, our people have made the same choice: resistance. They claim a mandate over the Heartlands and will ride to subjugate all in their paths. They will not stop at Aaun. They will not stop at Petra. They will not stop at Balian. They will not stop at Haense. Where their gaze is now set upon the hamlet of Enswerp which they intend to sack, and the woods and reliquaries of holy Calliopeburg which they seek to desecrate, homesteads and chantries of Mankind across Aevos shall soon meet the same fiery fate. They may call their realm a different name, they may don different uniforms, pretend to swear fealty to other monarchs. But make no mistake - they return as the League of Veletz. Their purpose is dominion. Though they are lesser sires of lesser men, and but a sliver of the tyrant’s blood now remains in their veins, their goal remains what it had always been - the final and everlasting restoration of Aurelian’s Pertinaxi empire, with House van Aert at its helm and Mankind grovelling at their feet. It would be foolhardy to claim that we have never erred, that we have never regretted, that we have never made a mistake. But Veletz lies about our brother James. We did not slay him. We have acted in grief, we have acted in revenge, we have acted as a human. But we have never acted wantonly, or with bloodlust, as the Host of Veletz does. Their concern for his fate is merely an act, a pretence for this invasion which we have already seen through. Now is the time that we must act. There is one chance to halt the advance of Veletz, and that is now, at Enswerp. At Enswerp the record of our Kingdom shall be made. The mettle of Canondom shall be known. We have raised a mighty fire on the Hand of Horen. We have ordered the beacons of the Langkette Mountains to be lit: AAUN CALLS FOR YOUR AID. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS Charles II, King of Aaun

THE BROTHERHOOD’S MARCH AGAINST THE DARKNESS The bells in the Brotherhood of Saint Karl courtyard rang out. The loud metallic ringing bounced off the rooftops and sounded out through the streets and alleys of New Valdev. Those meandering around were called towards the barracks where rows upon rows of the Brotherhood’s men and women lined up shoulder to shoulder. The officers stood in front of them all, each donned in black platemail headed by the Lord Marshal Caspian Colborn himself. To his right was the aged Lieutenant Yuri Ostrov alongside Sergeants Henrik-Otto Ludovar and Siegmund Weiss. To his left was the other Lieutenant, the Duchess Tatiyana vas Ruthern, standing adjacent with the Sergeants Joakim Colborn, Rickard Nord, and Viktor Weiss. Each wore their black helmets, cutting the shape of soldiers on a mission. The Marshal’s gaze panned over the seven hundred strong force of the Brotherhood. He turned to Tatiyana. “Are they all assembled?” He asked to which he got a firm nod in response. “Brothers! Sisters!” His voice boomed out as he began. It echoed around the courtyard and brought the soldiers and onlookers to a swift and uneasy quiet. “Today we march to war and face something we have never faced before in our time. We don’t just face evil or our King's enemy. No, today we face enemies of the living! Enemies who prefer to live outwith the light of Godan. We will strike out at the heart of darkness and come back victorious or not come back at all!” Caspian’s words were resolute but the worry, that niggling voice nagged at him. It questioned if he was ready to commit so many lives to this war, this crusade, and if he could live with the potential consequences. No matter how sure he sounded, Caspian felt a pit in his stomach all the same. If the Brotherhood thought likewise they did not reveal it. Their faces were resolute, hard stares and clenched jaws. All were ready and showed no fear at the announcement that they were to take the fight to the dark. Sergeant Joakim stepped up then and barked out the marching orders. “Brotherhood! Right face!” The sound of hundreds of bodies shuffling at once echoed out. Each of their steps, swivelling to the right, sounded like a break of thunder when they combined into one and only escalated into an all out storm when the order to move on came. “Forward march!” Their boots thudded along the cobble streets of the city and roused any the bell had somehow missed. They marched out from their homes, they marched from the city, they marched towards the darkness. Seven hundred brave souls, bound by oath and fellowship, were united in purpose. They crossed fields and hills without pause whilst the officers sat on horseback and organised the squadrons at the head of them. Caravans of provisions and steel followed, as did the ammunition and the heavy equipment carried on carts. The Brotherhood of Saint Karl marched to war. A wholly righteous war that not even the enveloping snow could stop. They trudged on still for after all this was a war that needed to be won and snow never stopped a Highlander from bringing the King’s justice and Godan’s light before. On they marched against the darkness.

UBUNTU MUST FALL THE DEMANDS OF LURAK “You admonish the land, you tear down the ancient trees, you annihilate all life and replace it with its twisted contort. The Shamans say the Spirit Freygoth and Zagbal are angered by the ruination of the jungle, the destruction.” The demands were set for the “Queendom of Vikela,” demands that many saw as too light a sentence for the desolation. "Remove your castles surrounding the capital and attempt to reforest the ancient land which lay scarred and barren; desolated." These demands were denied in council where it was brought to them upon the dissolution of the Confederation. With these demands denied there lay no pathway open to saving the jungle but through war and the replacement of old stewards with new. So it is that with confirmation of the REX and the AUTARCH, LURAK DECLARES AN OPEN STATE OF WAR UPON THE FALSE QUEENDOM OF VIKELA, VIKELA IS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE JUNGLES BY FORCE AND EXILED HENCEFORTH FOREVER. With this announcement, the REXDOM and its allies place themselves in opposition to Vikela and its allies and marches upon them. If Vikela’s allies abandon them to their desolation in their daemon worship, no harm will come to those who lay down arms. The REXDOM makes these demands which will be ceded in full or peace will be denied: The removal of all structures built by Vikela. The replacement of the Queendom with stewards of the forest. The destruction of the daemon statue (it floats upon the waters without voidal intercession!) The destruction of the so-called tree of “five.” Stipends from nations who oppose the just action and prevent it from being a quick endeavor. The permanent exile of the Vikelans from the jungle they destroyed. The Fall of Ubuntu. WARCLAIM: JUNGLE PLATEU 3: THE TREE OF FIVE. WARGOAL: THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DAEMON WORSHIPPERS WITH STEWARDS OF THE FOREST, THE ANNHILATION OF THE VIKELAN DESOLATION. IE: CONQUEST AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER FROM LURAK.

Reverence of War To the masses who endorse and take respite in the artistry of words, herein lies the thoughts and passings of what is otherwise a lost soul. Although the time of war has since passed, it readily consumed the innocence of my childhood - or, perhaps, that was left to some wayside long ago. Regardless of such ideals and musings, here is published my two finished war-works - Covenant versus the scourge of Veletz and Stassion - to make of what you will. Now these times, my thoughts, inner self and emotions have moved to linger upon another topic that I shall see drawn to its conclusion by one course of action or another. Our Peace has No Sorrow What do you do with a lecherous rat, Lusting and grasping and pulling for more, All is comfy until it sees the cat, Down then comes the lair as all have before. Where there is one it is seldom alone, Swamped by avaricious, black-cladded souls, A dire core of corruption crumbles a throne: Retribution for the hurt to console. Lo, Death does act swift and Death can act just, Who imprints on our holy souls: embossed, Lo, Death is cruel and Death we distrust, Shall I shed false tears for all that is lost? No. Hand in hand, let us see tomorrow! To me hold tight; our peace has no sorrow. March of the Liqour’d A party of trouble o’er in Veletz, One man was tipsy on whiskey, He cried ‘Damn it - down with ‘em, Lads!’ And out they sallied for kingsey! Merry was Valdev, life founded anew, Carrion flowed as melody, Festive and lively all gleeful were they, And they danced for kingsey! Down in the desert, orcs weighted their clubs, One man cried plea, Red in the face; loud they laughed: ‘What you want, pinkie?’ Hooting his hollow, haughty howls: “What they lack is honesty: Treason and strong-arming, Nothing of ours, we truly guarantee!” TThe party of trouble was now of two, One man and one orc did cooee, ‘Come with us - down with ‘em, Lads!’ And out they marched for kingsey! Knock, knock! Was the sound of Orc, And of Man on elvish entry, ‘Open you knife-ears, we need of you now!’ The armies called their lackey. Out poked a head, pale and withdrawn, ‘Um, sorry are we, As you can see, We are clearly busy!’ Without an ally, the group waddled on, To battle their enemy, All donning their pig-iron a rattle ensues, So at Breakwater and Brasca they flee. Westmark was won with glitz and with glam, But a war ought not be showy, So Fortune was quick to turn on her heels, To those with austerity. Hippo’s Gorge was a slaughter, And stassion was erased, Drusco was taken with fervor, And Easworth was - empty! Around a table men did sit, Their homes free of debris, ‘This is our peace!’ so sang they, And safely grinned kingsey. Let old demons sleep where they lay in death, and let the future rise anew. With these publishings, I cast myself fully into my new purpose in justice. Krusae zwy kongzem; Va ve Maan

T H E C O V E N A N T ' S S C O U T (you) You’re a loyal soldier of the Kingdom of Haense, an Armsman within the Brotherhood of Saint Karl; yet in recent years, you serve primarily the vanguard of the Covenant cavalry forces. Skilled atop a horse, you are; you’ve bested your comrades in nearly every joust the recent years have had to offer, and even in the most recent battle of Hippo’s Gorge you could’ve sworn you nipped the Captain-General of Veletz’s ass with your lance. The King (of haense) of Haense, as noble and honorable as he is, seems to favor you, and so he sets you upon a quest: “Brother! Scout the Marcherlands which we shall siege in the coming days. Inform us of any changes to the Stassionite-palace and defenses they have possibly prepared.” “My Lord! My King! My Liege! I shall do as vy beckon me to, I am your loyal soldier! Right away m’lord!” You reply, eager. A King (of haense) as royal as He has set you on this legendary quest, your renown has finally begun to pay off. You set upon your childhood-steed, Bruciefella, he has been with you since you were a youth, and other than a handful of arrow wounds from foolish Orcs with large hands and human sized bows; he has survived just as well as you. You leave the Kingdom’s walls, an adventure ahead… You embark towards the Marcherlands of Stassion . . . Down the winding King’s road . . . Passing the torrenting winds of the River Petra . . . A final rest taken at the von Theonus’ castle . . . “This is where we shall fight then.” You presume by the general location, taking these few moments to note the surroundings. Regardless, you mount Bruciefella once more, and finally arrive in the Stassionite lands. (Your view of the Stassion Palace.) “They are as much of fools as my King says them to be! A lord who presides over lands as vast as these and his residence is a mere palace? Where is his castle? Where are his parapets? No cannons or ballistas hang from his walls?” You erupt into a fit of laughter, alas, this siege shall be as easy as you predict! A foolish Lord, the Lord of Stassion is, for he is the Prince of a Petty Palace. With your duty complete, your quest quested, and your heart thirsty for the Siege that shall come, you return atop your steed and begin back toward the Kingdom of Haense . . . “My Lord! My King! My Liege! I bring vy great news! News of fortune which shall please yours and the Covenant leader’s ears!” You call to your King (of haense), hastily sending Bruciefella off and approaching the King (of haense) in the square. “Back so soon?” Aleksandr II (king of haense btw), jests. Of course, you think, a soldier as keen and swift as you would’ve wasted not a second. “Aye my King! The Stassion’s are as foolish as vy thought! The lands are simple – a palace without defenses, without a wall to encapsulate his stead – only a single tower for their petty archers to shoot arrows from!” You feel overjoyed. “Just as I had thought.” The King (of haense) nodded. Of course they would not be ready for a siege. The Realms of Man had been massaged by the lack of cruelty the ages had to offer. Where King’s (of haense) feared declaring war, and so Lord’s need not prepare their homesteads for the worst. “Vy did well – well, vy did as I had expected.” With a pleased smile, the King (of haense) handed you a few Brotherhood of Saint Karl tokens; you almost thought for a second that a comment he made a fine promotion was to be your way. T H E D A Y O F T H E S I E G E A R R I V E S. You awake in your home within Waltonburg. The day was a mild cold, less bitter than those of previous sieges – perhaps good fortune truly was upon you. Your wife had already gotten up for the morning and allowed you to sleep longer, she knew the toll and risk each siege brought. If this was to be your last day – you would at least be well rested. You gather your belongings, drawing yourself out of bed as the sun breaks over the horizon. A golden glow casts itself through the window as you reach to your left and grab the hilt of your trusty Daemonsteel longsword. It was another day of killing Veletzers in the name of your King (of haense). Simply another year, another battle. Your mind swells giddy as you think of the peasant-like palace you witnessed a few days past- and you get up, bid farewell to your beautiful wife and child and exit the door, armour clad and sword in hand. You march beyond the walls, towards the Marchlands of Stassion… You march down the winding King’s road . . . You march past the torrenting winds of the River Petra . . . You stop marching, a final rest taken at the von Theonus’ castle . . . Y O U M A R C H O V E R T H E H I L L . . . “W H A T T H E F U C K .”

INTO THE JUNGLE - A LION - OUT A MOUSE Beneath the southern sun, the armies stood. Across the expanse of Hippo’s Gorge, broken only sporadically by freshly-sawed palisades and earthen bulwarks, the forces of the Grand Covenant stared northward at the Veletzian-Krugmar host. The Orcs and reavers cheered and heckled as their cavalry formed lines between the brush. Though outnumbered, they showed no fear; they were, after all, the great victors of the Battle of Westmark, where they had brought the advance of the Covenant infantry to a screeching halt, and it was they who had left no land unscathed by raids and pillaging over the long Saint’s winter. The mounted legions of the Covenant stared down their foes amassing on their horizon, and they raised no cheers of their own. And yet, as the banners of Norland, Petra, Balian, Numendil, Aaun, Urguan, Hyspia, and Haense streamed in the wind, and thousands upon thousands of steel-tipped lances gleamed in the sunlight, it was not despair that gripped them. Instead, it was defiance. That defiance smouldered in Viktor Daemonsteel. The Duke of Vidaus gripped his poleaxe, from which tassels in the colours of House Ruthern flew, as he glared across the gorge. He had earned his moniker in the heat of Valdev’s forges, where he had hammered countless iron and daemonsteel day and night to replenish the Covenant armoury. That defiance burned in Patriarch Josef. The Patriarch of Jorenus sipped his canteen of vodka as he squinted through the sunlight, and his mare struggled to hold his weight. Throughout the long winter, he had lived in the barns and stables of the north to procure fresh hides to sate the endless demand for leather. He had become the bovine reaper, feared by all cows, and he had defended those barns with every fibre of his being. That defiance blazed in Queen Amaya, the White Flame of Haense. As she sat atop her horse, enwreathed by her gold-worked satin cloak, she no longer trembled as she held her weapon. She had learned the nature of war in that winter, for she had been taken captive when she took up arms to fight in a raid. But she did not fear; not anymore, and her radiance instilled the same bravery in the Haeseni horsemen at her side. When the battle began, that defiance blazed through the Covenant army like an inferno. Like a bolt of lightning, Captain Banjo led his fabled warriors of the Yachtsmen as skirmishers on the rear of the battlefield, biting devastating holes into the Veletzian flank with each pass. Under a hail of arrowfire, the main cavalry under King Aleksandr held their ground as they waited for their opportunity to charge. Beneath their visors and faceguards, their jaws were set grimly, and their eyes burned with the heat of that inferno. When Captain Banjo signalled the first charge, King Aleksandr led the cavalry in sweeping tide of deadly lances into the disorganised right flank of the Veletzian army, and it was with a fury for the capture of Queen Amaya that the Haeseni riders sliced the flank into ribbons. When the second charge came and the Covenant cavalry thundered across the Gorge once more, it was with a vengeance of the Red Coronation that the Balian defenders with a malice never before attributed to them. With the third charge, the Petrine Knights exacted their blood-price for their burnt and murdered clergy. Finally, the Covenant horses turned and fell back to their palisades in a feinted retreat. When the remnants of the Veletzian invaders pursued, it was then that Captain Banjo charged his Yachtsmen through the brush, and slammed into the midriff of the Veletz column; Balor Ireheart, Sigrun Ireheart (stonehammer), Otto Ludovar, Ser Garen, Sigmar, Emilio Jr, Ser Rickard (and his herd), and other valiant Yachtsmen. With the final trap sprung, the Covenant banners were hoisted high as the main cavalry veered around, and galloped into the Veletzians as they were caught in the Yachtsmen lances. The Veletzians, who entered the battle as lions, scurried in defeat like mice from the battlefield. As fifteen-thousand horses bore down on their foe, the Covenant roared with that defiance. As fifteen-thousand warriors charged into the frey, any question of their unity was silenced. As fifteen-thousand lances struck in unison, the Battle of Hippo’s Gorge was won.

ONE LAST SWIM TEST “Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.” - Captain Banjo As Captain Banjo looked out from his war camp - his gaze met his former students on horseback repping their green bandanas. Hidden from his soldiers, a smile enlightened Banjo’s face as he recognized many of the faces of those fighting against him. He thought to himself: “Perhaps, this is the day my students surpass their Captain.” He chuckled at the thought of it and as the bombardment of the siege equipment commenced, he charged out with a small detachment of the Covenant’s finest - Garen and Sigmar Baruch, Vasili Vanrov, and others. His men engaged the horsemen with their bows, but seeing the war camp pummeled with fire - he decided to charge upon the enemy’s cannons. “Charge!” He yelled, commanding the entire Covenant force to charge at the enemy’s entrenched positions. Fear must have struck into the poor Van Aerts & Ferrymen’s hearts who were manning the cannons as they saw the legendary Captain Banjo at the forefront of the charge and the first on their battlements. As the skilled captain and his personal guard quickly slayed the enemy’s fear-struck soldiers, the remaining Covenant forces poured into the enemy’s position quickly slaughtering the enemy and destroying their cannons. Satisfied from their push, the Covenant forces pulled back to their camp to continue their bombardment of Brasca. Not shortly after, the enemy returned to their positions on the lower cannons. Captain Banjo pondered: “Why? Did Vyllaenen, Istvan, and Gustaf Van Aert not learn?” Upon seeing this, the mighty Captain and his companion, King Aleksandr III, ordered another charge upon the enemy lines. The enemy died just as quickly as they did returning to their beloved cannons. As Covenant artillery battered the enemy fort with their fire, Captain Banjo took his special force - Yacht Team 6 - to the western tower of the fort where many of the Ferrymen were. His small band clashed with the Ferrymen and their allies before the Ferrymen retreated back into their tower behind their gate. It was there he laid his eyes on his pupils - Django and Vyllaenen - and right next to them the gate controls! He raved as his former apprentices attempted to leverage one of his own strategies - gate trapping - to beat the Captain! “Ah - the classic gate trap strategy. It has a 100% success rate against Orenians” As soon as the gate opened once again, the Captain stormed the tower, but when they closed the gate thinking they trapped him, the Captain outwitted his students and used the gate controls to let in his remaining soldiers. It was in fact here where Vyllaenen met his blunder, as he was slayed, along with his Van Aert companion. “Perhaps the student still needs to learn a bit more - at least Django was smart enough to live!” He rejoiced knowing at least one of his students had learned something. As he reunited with the main force, the Covenant men committed to one last final push to break the remaining Adrian & Ferrymen forces. It was here where most of the enemy ultimately met their fate. As he reflected on his victory, he could only be disappointed by his former men’s performance. He wrote to his former ferryfriends, “Today’s lesson of the day: the swim test. Those who cannot swim should follow the Captain on his ship - not drown following those who cannot lead.” Signed, Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads, Grand Admiral of Haense, Emancipator of the Scallywags & Sailors, Steward of Breakwater Ruins

ADRIFT; A NEW HARBOR “If you’re going to be onboard - be onboard. If not, just sail away because you’re just a scallywag” - Captain Banjo “Django… Vydrek… Jesus… Brick… Andronikos… Leonidas… Valentin… Adzy… Lyulen… Father…” He murmured as he looked upon his depiction of the original founders of the Ferrymen in his galleon. As he sat on the helm of his newly acquired galleon (financed by his victory over the Van Aert family), a dream in his sleep - a message from Godan himself. [Chat GPT write a message from God calling Banjo to fight for Haense/God] As Banjo awoke abruptly from his slumber, he reached over to his night stand and grabbed his green bandana once more - one last final time. He made his way to the helm of his galleon, making way to the shores of Aevos. Invigorated, he put up his sails and walked to the hull of ship where the previous name of the ship read: “King Phillip’s Folly” And put an X through the name of the ship, before writing next to it: “Vyllaenen’s Blunder.” As he docked in the harbor of Haense, his oldtime ally, with his newly revised and upgraded flag, he strutted off his ship and made way to the royal palace. THE FOLLOWING TERMS HAVE BEEN AGREED UPON BY BANJO AND ALEKSANDR II: I. Captain Banjo and his yachtsmen will rally their banners to fight with the Covenant. II. Captain Banjo will be titled ‘Grand Admiral of Haense’ and given supreme authority over (naval) wartime decisions. III. Captain Banjo will be given stewardship of Breakwater Keep ruins for the rehabilitation for any Post Siege Stress Disorder (PSSD). IV. Captain Banjo will emancipate all sailors and scallywags from the influence of Van Aerts. V. The agreement between Banjo and Aleksander II will be voided at the conclusion of the war. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. Banjo, The Captain of the Ferrymen, Savior of the Common and Free People, Pillager of Elvenesse, Liberator of Man, The Bringer of Equality, Capturer of the Bastion, Defeater of Racism, Debearder of Grand Kings, Sailor of the Seas, 2x Mr. Almaris, Emperor of the Roads, Lord of Shipwreck Keep, Occupier of New Providence, 40 Star General, The Greater Lobster Fisherman, Premortem Saint of Epic Ballads, Grand Admiral of Haense, Emancipator of the Scallywags & Sailors, Steward of Breakwater Ruins

Issued and averred by His Royal Highness Prince PAUL ALEXANDER in the year of our Lord 1953 PAUL ALEXANDER by the GRACE of GOD PRINCE of the PETRA The Coalition has besieged the Ferryhold – it is no longer. As many as thirty-five thousand soldiers rallied to the call to arms by Her Majesty the Queen Catherine I to aid the Coalition in destroying Our enemies; the Ferrymen, the League and their Allies. There does exist a personal grudge against the Anathema Gaspard, who had viciously ordered my abduction at the hands of the Ferrymen in the quiet of the night. It was then I was hauled to the same Keep that no longer stands. Much recollection from this event supersedes me, but I know mine enemy. We fought, and we won. Rejoice! Ave Le Petrére. “They do nol know of our strength, but the time is nigh for them to learn.” The Queen-Emeritus Renilde, the Prince Paul, and the Prince Marcus holding Breakwater Keep, c. 1953 @tilly@Chorale__ @Andustar WITNESS Ourselves at the Royal Palace on the 11th day of the Suns’s Smile in the year of our Lord 1953 / 98 Astana de Regne Petrére. Faithfully Signed, His Royal Highness, Paul Alexander of the Petra, Prince of the Petra, the Prince of Valfleur, Lord Chamberlaine of the River Court of the Commonwealth, Elector of the Garmont Assembly, Patriarch of the House of the Petra de Valfleur

Entre l'èxit i el fracàs - Between Success and Failure ⋅ ───⊱༺☨༻⊰─── ⋅ [Link] ⋅ ───⊱༺☨༻⊰─── ⋅ In the realm of Balian, where courage is born, A clash with Stassion, a battle to mourn. A war rages ons, a tale untold, In the echoes of history, new chapters unfold. Brave Balian’s banners flutter, proud and high, A beautiful kingdom, united beneath azure sky. Our warriors emboldened with hearts of flame, For In the crucible of conflict, they etch their name. The battlefield tramples, a canvas for strife, Where the dance of war dictates the rhythm of life. Balian’s sons and daughters, a resilient might, Stand against Stassion, under God’s divine light. “In Hoc Signio Vinces” - Balian’s Call, United they stand - Their enemies will fall. Against Stassion’s whispers, a most venomous tale, The forces of Balian will always prevail. And so the war rages on, throughout night and day, Balian and Stassion clashed within the fray. Yet in that moment of conflict - where stories are spun, Our heroic tales of victory have only just begun. ⋅ ───⊱༺☨༻⊰─── ⋅ Credits to @Caedisand @HIGH_FIRE for all of their help.

IUDICIUM ACCEDIT Issued by the KONGZEM OF HAENSE, KINGDOM OF BALIAN, COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA, GRAND KINGDOM OF URGUAN & PROTECTORATE OF HYSPIA LET ALL OF AEVOS HEAR AND TAKE HEED, In this year, the blood of the faithless has been shed, and those who have raised their banners against their allies judged; for on this day, the blood of the betrayer has been shed, and those who have murdered their own liege expunged; for on this day, the blood of the cowardly has been shed, and those who set their blades upon children punished. And the world will weep, for more will follow. King Edmund of Aaun is dead. In his seat of Whitespire, he awaited the arrival of his crowned brethren of Haense, Petra, Balian, and Veletz in the hope that he might broker peace between them. The only banner he lived to see arrive, however, was the burgundy standard of Veletz, who joined the March of Stassion in the act of regicide, and so it was that King Edmund was murdered with the dream of peace on his lips. We have avenged King Edmund. The Stassionite ambitions of claiming the throne of Aaun were dashed mere hours after their grave sin was committed, and now their corpses pile the streets of Whitespire alongside the dead of Veletz, who had comported themselves as leal allies to King Edmund only to press their hand to Stassion’s knife. And so, on this day, a host of 7,000 soldiers of Stassion and Veletz were annihilated on the streets of Whitespire. We mourn the avenged King Edmund. But we do not share his means of peace. For decades, the League of Veletz has sought a great war to satiate their base bloodlust, and yet they have lacked the courage to declare it akin to true warriors. “Oh, how they invade us!” they cry, when our forces escort the Pontiff to release a hostage they had taken unprovoked. “Oh, how they harass us!” they whine, when they send a boy to throw himself atop Svetjlast. To make peace with those who hold their allies at knife-point is to make peace with a bear by feeding it your arm; to make peace with those who target children and pregnant women is to make peace with a vampyre by tithing your blood; to make peace with those cannot control their blades is to make peace with a rabied rodent. We reject this cowardice. We reject this dishonour. We reject this savagery. And so, we do therefore declare the formation of the COVENANT OF FIVE, a grand military cooperative comprised of the Kongzem of Haense, the Kingdom of Balian, the Commonwealth of the Petra, the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, and the Protectorate of Hyspia. Together, we reject the ambitions of the League of Veletz. They would call themselves Emperors, and yet in a mere decade they have rotted their own Heartland Accord from within and turned nearly every one of their allies against them with their incompetence. And so, we, the Covenant of Five, declare that we are coming to excise this tumour. W E A R E C O M I N G T O K I L L Y O U. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Pompourelia, Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS HIGHNESS, Cesar II de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia, Duke of Pacazu, Baron of Arenisca and Del’mar, Lord of La Dorada, Lord of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Patriarch of House de Pelear. HER MAJESTY, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows. HIS GRANDNESS, Garedyn The Emerald, Grand King of Urguan, Chief of the Mossborn, Seer of Hefrumm, Zealot of the Triad.

DLUM VE EDLERVIK, DRUZ VE EDLERVIK ☽──────────────⊱◯⊰──────────────☾ Letter II ON THIS 16TH OF JOMA AG UMUND OF 505 E.S. ☽──────────────⊱◯⊰──────────────☾ Dear Readers, Recently, our Koeng has announced the declaration of war against the League of Veletz. While normally, I find these letters to be of a positive nature, I find it necessary to share my thoughts on such. We must come together as a kingdom to rid the world of these cold-blooded beings. I am confident that the Covenant of Five, under the guidance of our Koeng, will ensure the safety of Aevos for all who inhabit it. This kingdom has given all for its citizens to live a free, healthy, and safe life. Now, it is time we return the favor. In this time of war, it is paramount that each and every citizen aid in all efforts. The Brotherhood of Saint Karl, while the protectors of our realm, shall be in need of resources to benefit their efforts. I urge all citizens to donate materials and food to the BSK - from what I have heard, what they value most are donations of raw materials. I would go on to further urge for resources to be donated to the clinic to assist in the medical attention of any wounded soldiers. If you do not have materials to donate, perhaps give your able-body to fight on the battlefield, or work within the clinic. Whatever you can give, I believe will be appreciated with the highest regard. During this time, I also remind all that it is important to lean on one another. Show your care and concern for family, friends, neighbors - any whom you hold dear. We shall not let this war consume our pride and joy. I implore our Queen’s Court to continue any festivities and events within the gates. Let there continue to be some sense of joy and happiness within our kingdom to ease the mind of those who have loved ones off fighting, and of those children who do not understand the meaning of war. As citizens of Haense, we have a duty to uphold. As beings in our realm, we have a duty to uphold. Do not turn your back during a time such as this. Krusae Zwy Kongzem, Lady Moon, Writer of the Moon’s Quill

The Greatest Days in Adrian History LO unto the Adrians, Guide my hand, dear Muse, for the excitement of the great humor that possesses me may cause my unfiltered words to slip freely from my mind onto the parchment upon which I write! Tonight I speak of the most daring story that shall grace the history of our nation for a thousand generations- a tale of daring escape, dastardly betrayal, and the triumph of the few over the many! The day began in a church and ended in a church. One in Haense and one in Adria. One of near-defeat and one of clear victory. It was by the Pontiff’s promise of protection that our fearless Duke, good Heinrik Sarkozic, humbly ventured to the halls of the Basilica of Karosgrad, where the trial was to be held for his supposed sins. Although a mockery was made of all who hold justice and piety dear, for the presiding court cared not for the veracity of the trials, nor the Pontiff’s own consorting with the Azdrazi, all who were present knew from the start that the verdict would be rendered guilty. What came as a surprise was the Pontiff’s sentence: death for all. Never had such a thing been levied, especially not on holy ground, yet holiness was no concern for Pontian the Puppet, who bayed for the blood of Adrian women and children within the halls of his church. Thus, a plan was hatched among the crafty few of Adria. The hearty men of Adria, though numbering few, resolved to hold off the great tides of Haeseni, Aaunites, and Balianites when the call was made to kill their Duke of Adria. Though they believed they would all fall, they had a hope that their sacrifice would allow their dear Heinrik to escape to Adria and rally his host. As the tide of bloodthirsty berserkers surged forth, the brave few of Adria stepped up and drove forth. The coalition mass bent, giving enough time for the Duke, donned only in rags as he felt was fitting, to burst out the door. Hopping atop a steed prepared by a friendly city dweller, the Duke rode ahead of the chasing army, laughing and singing as he triumphantly vaulted over the walls and off to safety. As he made his great escape, the rest of the Adrians were quickly surrounded. With their valiant stand having fulfilled its purpose, and needing no reason to fight, they promptly surrendered en-masse. Sir Joseph Vasile and the von Draco family were the principal captives, and they were promptly brought to the dank, fetid cells underneath the city. For days they languished, yet over by Adria, battle had commenced… Neither the Duke nor the Coalition had idled in the days following his escape. Sounding the bells upon his return, good Heinrik rallied his forces, and the people of Velec once again took to the streets. Manning the barricades they had taken to over a year ago, the five-thousand defenders of Adria, missing their Marshal and the fierce von Dracos, sat waiting to meet the seven-thousand five-hundred assembled of Haense, Balian, and Aaun. The two armies met within the streets of the great city, and battle ensued once again for the fate of Velec. For days, the two armies bitterly fought, with soldiers from all armies battling street to street, home to home. However, despite their numbers, the civic pride and ferocity of the Adrians won the day. Routed and broken, the army of the coalition was driven from the city. They fled to their three corners of Almaris, tails between their legs, while our proud Duke stood triumphant once again. When faced honestly, might against might, and not a devilish ruse, the people of Adria would always prevail! However, my tale is not yet ended, for we must return to the fates of our prisoners in Karosgrad, not yet hearing of their comrades’ victory back home. As the brutish guards banged at the cell doors, eagerly awaiting the Adrians’ coming execution, a second great scheme was concocted among Sir Joseph, the von Dracos, and many of the friendly guards that lingered about. False chains were put on the prisoners while they were whisked out and put atop horses rode by friendly faces. Before the Haeseni guards, led by the King of Balian himself, could stop the entourage, the reins were whipped and the prisoners were rode away! Not a single one was slain or left to be captive, for all were broken out that eve. And this concludes my story of the greatest days in the history of our fair country. Two daring escapes! A holy man’s betrayal! A great triumph over the armies of three nations! It is a tale that no minstrel nor poet can concoct, and thus it is left to me to write this cautionary tale to those who wish to test the might of a united Adria, or venture to out-wit the people whose minds are clearer than a smooth crystal and sharper than a razor’s edge. It began in a church, and with God’s help ended in a church.

A Call to the Brave 10th of Sun’s Smile, 114 S.A. As it comes to the attention of the Daesmonite Patriarch, Kosher Fier, that conflict within Malin’s Arm comes upon us once more, an urgent need for soldiers has been recognized by the many notable figures. Thus, a vote has been held among the most prominent Daesmons to use funds from our coffers in order to raise a revitalized military for the house. The votes were as follows; Acanthus Daesmon, Fourth Prince of Amaethea. In Favor. Aster Daesmon, Lord of the Golden Cove In Favor. Elliphas Daesmon, Lord of Swordsman’s Peak In Favor. Kosher Daesmon, Third Prince of Amaethea In Favor. With this vote concluded, a grand budget of an indeterminable amount of mina has been set aside in order to levy arms for the raising of a battalion of loyal soldiers, to be primarily garrisoned in the Fortress of Acaln'vallei on the borders of Amaethea and for the battles to come within the Arm. Each man is to get free housing and mina weekly for their services, along with being supplied for the battles to come. Thus, we declare; I.) House Daesmon shall uphold the pact titled ‘The Defense of the West.’ II.) House Daesmon shall supply soldiers in aid for no amount of mina, as we must uphold the agreement for the sake of all of Malin’s children. III.) All Daesmons are to fight the Uruk menace as they threaten the balance of peace within the region. All soldiers of the Daesmonite levies and their bannermen will be expected to fight, should they expect pay. Aher y Sul, Kosher Fier Daesmon, The III Prince of Amaethea, Patriarch of House Daesmon, Praetor of the AFL Uell ito Maruthiran, Acanthus Onar Taliame’onn Daesmon Silma Vuln’muriel, The IV Prince of Amaethea

Maehr'Sae Hiylun'ehya Aher'Dagr: Blessed Warfare _______________________________________________________ -Sillumiran changing patrols near a statue of a young Seth Calith "Poverty comes easily to these soils, this south land where many lessers have trod. Though to us? Courage is native to these hearts. The fruit of Wisdom and Strong Law. Through use of Wisdom we keep ourselves free of Tyranny or Poverty" -Pamphilos of The Hyptos, on colonizing the south _________________________________________________________________ Preface: It is true, that to many who have come to the south have done so to escape harsh realities of the lands of the north. Old kingdoms had risen and fallen in the south, even during the time man had held it in his grasp, it was not easily tamed, for they too were picked apart by nomads and their walls lay ruined. Just as the islanders, and of so many more. Yet what separates the wheat from the chaff, that adversary, that trial to overcome? That is where LIFE is had. TRUE life. Where all is to gain. We have many privileges, but always should you seek to see them greater! Always have we embodied that spirit, but perhaps no time more than now! The Silver Soul Sings for her Motherland! For it is by our hands, our spears, our shields that we raise you, and in your embrace we are held! It has ALWAYS been true! Since even that antediluvian age when Larihei lead the first of the 'aheral to found and defend the first sacred cihi. Not shy to raise heavy blade and shield or staff and spell to take what was needed and guard once gained! Not evil or disorderly, It is an act most sacred and revered. For it is in these ages we shape the course of true eternity. After all, Eternal is our Motherland, our Motherland is Eternal. ______________________________________________________________ -Larihei of War, leading the blessed citizenry on the solemn duty, her owl, wide-gazing as they guard their sacred citystate Let us now speak upon the ways of BLESSED WARFARE! Aher'Dagr, the way of Blessed War represents a true and sacred method of battle, it is by these ethics and codes we perform so as to stand as one concise unit against all foes! Even if we are made of great individuals. After all, individually a great silvered hero may be able to stand against any foe, but in their discipline, together? None could ever best them. May they be learned by those all, even in passing do they impart the ancient lessons of our blessed society. Camaraderie - Together, stalwart. Neighbor besides neighbor, family guarding family Sacred Spirit - Pure, Unbroken, our sacred blood, our ancient ways. We have much to stand for, and more to take Bravery - Defiant, Mighty, grand of courage and hearty in thought and deed! Never bent Loyalty - Our ancient bonds are deep, and not so easily should it shatter All of these epitomized in our Blessed Warfare! Fight! So none extra may bleed our sacred blood! __________________________________________________________ -Certain Mali'thilln Hero parading after victory over a Snelven Prince 'Killing is the greatest act of Greed,' quote the BRIGHTLORD. This is true! For why would you celebrate these acts that would seemingly debase the soul? It is because, in my deed, thought, and action, I seek not to lay mere death upon my foe, but every encounter to better myself and truly become more perfect, the greater hero of my people! In these times we find ourselves in, it is more important than ever to strengthen yourself and seek to grow to be even greater! Indeed, in this time of ASCENT, where legends are made, and we grow ever-mighty, may we rejoice! For never have we strayed from our most ANCIENT TRADITIONS!!!! Since the most ancient times, the Elven Phalanx has been the premier method of war, it is through these traditions passed on through el'sillumiran and the multitudes of the bands of battle of the various elven citystates, that we can see truly what is right! To battle together, shield to shield, spikes levied against our foe is to be a force stronger than even MIGHTY scattered individuals! If a minotaur charged your line? You have a ton of spikes aimed at it and shields! If a magic user is casting spells? Throw a spear or sling! You have rows of others ready to do the same! If there is an impassable obstruction? Scatter! Reform with discipline to protect your casters and rear ranks! You can count upon heroic specialists to fill out other roles! _______________________________________________________________________________ -Least Magical Elven Phalanx _______________________________________________________________________________ Indeed, who can ever forget the tale of the Night of Four Drakes! For in that time, Haelun'or was not waging great campaign, and instead, the citizenry was made of the multitudes. Those many and varied who brought their skills as individuals to make our community brighter and wealthier! Wiser and stronger. Though, in that night of rejoicing, quickly did the alarm klaxons sound and worry take over the scene. Fiendish Drakes had flown forth to engage! Though, well-drilled and organized, Mali'thilln rallied before their Sillumiran. The two on duty served their parts well as sergeants of the populace! Defenders of the silver law! For they had drilled into the citizens, the formations of their 'aheral lines, their spears levied they did Hard Battle alongside that brave silver warrior, whilst the specialist sharpshooter, in shining mail drew his bow, and with his arrows, felled two of those invaders of the flight of drakes! The others felled by spikes of the phalanx! SO much rejoicing, as TOGETHER the strong citizenry defended themselves and their sacred motherland! Suffering no casualty, save for injury of the brave sillumir commander, and an auxiliary visitor! Indeed, shoulder to shoulder, defending your fellow citizens is the safest place to make war! -Wouldn't it be great to have a fellow hero besides you? _______________________________________________________________________________________ Listed here are descriptions of the various forces in service to the Great Silver Citystate Auxiliary Citizen Soldier Sillumiran Blessed Band _____________________________________________________________________________________ -Common is it to see men of the tribe, foreigners and expats coming to take privilege, utilizing their skills In this era, silver armies are composed of great forces! Many derived not just from the core citizenry and her colonies, but even from lands far afield! Foreigners, and ex-patriots, those who wish to find themselves at the benefit of our blessed society, Indeed, Seek out the benefits that arise when one has served as Auxiliary, as no matter if you are a dwarf, an elf, or even a stunted High-Goblin, you will earn the same great privileges and offers bestowed to even Citizen Soldiers who arise to become Sillumiran! A quart of silver, Land, and the servants to tend it! Auxiliaries who prove themselves superb in character and skill may be asked to directly enter a Sillumiran specialization should they be recommended by their comrades in the silver army to their betters! Their most common roles tend to be to serve as policemen under Sillumir captains, or to fight along with the citizenry in war. Auxiliaries who volunteer for, or perform impressive tasks are most beloved in the city! Most have come from abroad, places as far afield as the great Scydrian Steppe, who's horse archers and charioteers are greatly prized, to the expats of Starland, who return for the promise of a pure life free of the looming darkness of their claimed land. All are welcome to earn privileges, as it is a deed most blessed! ___________________________________________ -After All, This is LITERALLY us The Citizen Soldier is the common Mali'thilln! Prepped and capable! With arms provided by the state! For it is assumed that even the most common Mali'thilln in accordance to Maehr'sae Hiylun'ehya has tuned their bodies and minds with drills and practice to make themselves useful even in sudden battle. More often than not the sole reason for our Mighty Citystate's successes has been a populace which has always been ready to don the Silver Helm of Battle and defend their Sacred Motherland with spear and spell! Indeed, from their ranks that magicians and other experts such as alchemists and casters have proven critical! It is around them, that many a wise Commander of Armies has built a force around! _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ -“Enact the Silver Law with an Iron Fist, our foes forever kept at bay by the authority of the Blessed Republic... Sillumiran, The Weeping Blades, it is they who have undertaken the oath to Larihei of Law, to uphold her ways and the mandates of our ancient democracies. They are members of the Citizen Soldiers who have chosen to serve, and in times of war they are known as the veteran forces. Heavily drilled and determined, for in their sacred oaths they undertake the impurity of general battle, of even being forced to harm those of sacred blood in times of dire circumstance. It is these units clad in full armor, and gleaming silver shields that serve as sergeants and vanguard, in the 'aheral phalanx and many varied roles! Starting with the most seldom seen Vihai, whom only whispers are herd of their vital deeds, to the general forces from whom the heavy ranks are drawn the legendary Jaggernoth, the 'Aheral Cataphracts, the Silver Magicians, though in their ancient roles as Guardians of The Silver Order, El'sillumiran serve as the city's guard of the blessed citizens first and foremost. Sillumiran are subsidized by the state, with their own housing, education, and silver paid in their name. Once promoted to a specialization, el'sillumiranare granted a quart of silver, land, and the servants to tend it! Which is most typically used to expand their Talonnii's holdings and status. ________________________________________________________________________________________ -A farmer has the tools of their trade, a 'Lad' has tools of their own TRULY, battle is best only when it yields substantial reward. So if it is WEALTH, and PRIVILEGE, that are best when taken by the tip of a spear, then none can be more gifted with such blessings than that very own Chosen of The Blessed Band! This is a specialized band, which in its wide and varied service has more than once been the key linchpin to securing our great republic and valiant democracy! Indeed, these are HEROS! Their tools are the shield and spear, for it is by those they take sweet wine from the vine, their wealth and bring blessings to our citystate. If one was to ask the typical citizen what is their profession, be they sillumiran or not, they may answer plainly things such as tailor, or mason, lawman, scribe... But to ask one of the Blessed Band is to get a simple reply! War! War! War! Amongst this Band of no MERE soldiers, but WARRIORS, those PICKED for this most specialized band. Hand chosen from the ranks of the mightiest sillumiran, or citizen troops, or raised up through ways of ancient sacred training, the 'Gymnos'Yallir'. They must actively practice That 'Blessed Life'. This is a state where one does not need, for he is provided for by his lands, talonnii, or estate, where one is free to display and practice their profession full time just as any other job, for indeed they must be an expert at their field. It often does not allow much room to be toiling for mere existence. Luckily, nearly all of the citizens of our blessed citystate are those birthed into means! ________________________________________________________________ A final message to those who have not forgotten ....... The Citadel beckons. Elcihi invites you home, mali'thill. Your eternal paradise awaits you. It is the duty of the immortal to live amidst their kin. Forsake the descendants and live with your fellow mali'aheral.. It is the will of Larihei. Your privileges to be vast, and succor you will find.

Urguan I, a mighty dwarf clad in a full suit of black armor, would stand before the square of the capitol on a podium, his guards standing at arms next to him. "Dear Fellow Dwed, I, Urguan I, come to ye today wid a heavy ‘eart an’ a burning rage in me soul. I ‘ave seen da ‘orrors ov Canonism firsthand, an’ I can nay bear da thought ov any ov me kin sufferin’ at da ‘ands ov dese false gods an’ dair twisted followers. Only yesterday, da Canonist Inquisition wrongly slaughtered a group ov our kin, da innocent children ov our race, whom dey thought to be vampires. Can ye even fathom da cruelty ov such a deed? Can ye imagine da pain an’ anguish ov da parents who lost dere beloved offspring to da fanaticism ov da Canonists? No, dere is no end to da chaos. No end to da sufferin’. No end to da destruction wrought by Canonism. It is time fer us to take a stand, to let da light ov Yemekar guide us to peace an’ holiness. Yemekar ‘as spoken wid me personally, an’ ‘e ‘as called upon us to destroy da Canonist Church once an’ fer all. ‘E will save us, if only we can eradicate Canonism completely from dis land. I call upon ye, me fellow dwarves, to join me in dis righteous cause. Togeda, let us take up arms an’ fight fer our kin, fer our race, an’ fer da god we serve. Tolerant we will no longer be. No longer will we stand fer da radicalism ov Canonist humans. Deir time is up. Dey must be destroyed. Join me in me organization, da Black ‘And, da ‘and ov Yemekar who will destroy all enemies ov Urguan. Togeda, let us rise up an’ claim our rightful place in dis world, free ov da shackles ov Canonism an’ oppression. Yours in faith, Urguan I" A separate flyer would be distributed throughout the land to those far and wide, and all those who may have a hatred for canonism in their hearts. "Attention, noble races! Do you feel the weight of Canonist oppression bearing down upon you? Do you tire of living under the rule of false gods and their cruel followers? Then it is time to take action! Join us, the Black Hand, in our mission to rid the land of the Canonist plague. Led by the fierce and devout Urguan I, we stand united in our fight for justice and freedom. With Yemekar as our guide, we will strike fear into the hearts of the Canonists and show them that they are not welcome in our lands. No longer will we stand by and allow them to oppress and deceive our people. If you are ready to join the fight and make a stand against the Canonist threat, then contact us and become a member of the Black Hand. Together, we can bring an end to this dark chapter in our history and forge a brighter future for all. Join us, and let the light of Yemekar guide us to victory!"

ᛋᛟᚾᛋ ᛟᚠ ᚢᚱᚷᚢᚨᚾ DUNGRIMM’S LEGION. ᛋᛏᛖᛖᛚᛒᛟᛞᛁᛖᛞ ᚹᚨᚱᛗᛟᚾᚷᛖᚱᛋ The Sons of Urguan have forever relied upon Dungrimm’s legion should any conflict arise. Dungrimm’s Legion, defenders of Urguan, protectors of the Faith, guardians of the people. The sole purpose of the Dwarven Legion is to protect and serve the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. It is the main military force underneath the Grand Kingdom, and also one of the most prestigious and oldest militaristic guilds. The Legion is known for its notable order and discipline, excessive training and precise execution. Under Sigrun Ireheart, the legion is bound to prosper once more with these changes. The Commanding Ranks. Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal is the disciplined and experienced leader of Dungrimm’s Legion, second only to the Grand King himself. He is expected to be the Grand leader all the legionnaires and dwarves look up to. He shall lead with courage and gallantry and shall be devoid of any cowardice. Disobeying the Grand Marshal is to be considered a terrible insult to the experience he has gathered. Commander. The Commanders of the Legion are the most confident, brave and cunning Thanes handpicked by the Grand Marshal himself. To be promoted to the Commander rank is a promotion of highest honour and courage. There shall be no more then two commanders at any given time. They are considered the Grand Marshal’s right hand men, and are the ones in charge if the Grand Marshal is absent. They are to be in charge of running their own trainings and events for the Legion, and are fully trusted to host them on their own. Lieutenant. Lieutenant is the lowest commanding rank in the legion, nonetheless it is a rank of great martial ability and prowess. Lieutenants have the duty of leading soldiers should the Grand Marshal and Commanders be absent. It is the Lieutenant's duty to make sure to lead the ranks of Dungrimm’s Legion and keep the Legion functioning. Brigadiers may also command cohorts if they desire to do so. The Soldier Ranks. Pridebearer. The Pridebearers of the legion are true veterans of Dungrimm. They are the most skilled and hardened warriors of the soldier ranks. It will often take Legionnaires decades to reach this rank, making it a position of true excellence in the Legion. Often Pridebearers are the first ones to be considered for Lieutenant. They are the ancient and undying defenders of Dungrimm’s Legion. Longbeard. Longbeards are proven soldiers and are amongst the most experienced and disciplined within the legion. Longbeards are chosen to become officers if there are no suitable Pridebearers ahead of them that can be chosen. Former officers or those who have held the Longbeard rank and above within the legion can return to this rank if they decide to re-join the legion either after retirement or if they were previously an officer who has been demoted. Ironguard. Members of the Ironguard are to be considered the true core of the Legion. True warriors that are dedicated to Dungrimm’s Legion and that have sworn their oath to it. They have been trained to the point of competency in their position and are on the path to hardened warriors. These legionnaires are expected to carry themselves with more composure and dedication then the Grunts below them, and should carry a presence that is not to be trifled with. Grunt. Grunt is the beginning rank of Dungrimm’s Legion, any dwarf can sign up and start their journey through the ranks as a Grunt. They will be trained in combat and discipline, leading to a quick experience as to how true Legion life will be. Once competent enough in listening to orders, combat and discipline Grunts will be promoted to the Ironguard after swearing their oath. Classes. There are various Classes a legionnaire can select to gain extra experience to their liking. Whether that be a Medic, Ranger, a Mage or a Beastslayer. These legionnaires get drilled and trained in their class, making them into an elite force used for specific duties alongside their standard issue legion training. Medic. Medics get trained to be an on the ground, hands on surgeon in the heat of battle. Medics are trained in their field to surgical precision. Their training is considered the most mentally straining due to the extreme multitude of scenarios they need to be prepared for, and for that reason they are heavily respected within the legion. Ranger. Rangers are the main scouting and stealth force of the legion. They are primarily trained to be self-sufficient archers who can whittle down an opponent from far away with arrows. They have been given the duty of scouting out the enemy ahead. Mage. The Mages of the Legion have been given training in general use of their magic, usually behind the main force in a more supportive role. The Mages are given the duty of targeting out the more powerful enemies with their spells, or using their spells as cover for the other legionnaires. Beastslayer. The Beastslayers of the Legion are an elite fighting force specially designed to slay unnatural and rare monsters ordinary legionnaires aren't trained for. The Beastslayers excel in fighting anything supernatural that may come their way. The Legionnaires Oath. Step forward, grunt [“Grunt’s Name”], and swear by the gods of Urguan, the manes of your ancestors, and your own honor an unbreakable oath that you will follow your commander wherever he may lead you. You will obey orders enthusiastically and without question. You will promise to serve under the standard of the Legion with honour. You will serve Urguan faithfully, even at the cost of your life, and will respect the law with regards to civilians and your comrades in arms.” “Congratulations. You are now a member of the Ironguard.” Legion benefits. While the Legion itself is an entirely selfless organization, focused on the protection of Urguan without expecting reward, there are nevertheless several benefits which come from joining the Legion. Equipment: Gear for combat and traversing the land is available to the forces of the Legion. Upon reaching a new rank a legionnaire will be given a brand new set of armour alongside a weapon, shield and ranged weapon of their choice. Gear is obtained from an officer and a member of the Legion may use his armor and weapons in whatever manner they wish after it has been provided for them. During times of war, equipment will be handed out on the eve of a battle if a legionnaire does not have their own gear to battle. A member of the Legion is entitled to keep whatever ‘spoils of war’ are obtained during battle. Free Barracks Housing: A new recruit may gain free housing within the barracks indefinitely should they stay active within the ranks, the recruit that partakes in this bonus will lose their lodging after purchasing a home of any type within the capital or in the kingdom’s surrounding lands. Legion Pay: The commanding ranks of Dungrimm’s Legion are expected to be grateful for the chance to lead the Legion, and are given no pay. This is the pay given to active Legionnaires judged by rank. Pridebearer: 20 Mina per year. Longbeard: 15 Mina per year. Ironguard: 10 Mina per year. Grunt: 5 Mina per year. Legionnaire of the Year: Legionnaire of the year is a rank granted down by the Grand Marshal himself, such ways to obtain this honour is by acting appropriately and showing discipline ((both in roleplay and out of character)), whilst performing diligently and accordingly within the Legion. Legionnaires of the week will be granted double their wages for that year’s payday.. For instance, if you are awarded Legionnaire of the Year you will get double pay for that year’s pay day. Legion Hall of Fame: The most decorated Legionnaires will have a chance at earning a spot in the Hall of Fame, located in the Legion’s Grand Hall. This is no easy feat, for a spot in the Hall of Fame is extremely difficult to obtain. A soldier who accomplishes something worthy of such an honour must receive a unanimous nomination by the Grand Marshal and both Commanders. Afterwards, the Grand King himself determines whether the achievement is considered legendary and historical. If successful, the legendary soldier will be granted a spot in the Hall of Fame. Traditionally, a ceremony is held in the Legion Hall to initiate a legend who will be eternalized in the Hall of Fame. Enlistment Requirements One must be at least eighteen years old. One must reside in Urguan. One must not be banished. One is expected to have a good grasp of Urguanic Law. Promotions. Every two years. (two weeks) the Grand Marshal shall host a promotion ceremony based off of the performance by the Legionnaires the past two years. The current ways to gain recognition by the officers are: Gate Duty Outpost Duty Patrol Guarding Meetings/Feasts Completing tasks assigned by officers Saving a fellow Legionnaire Attending a Training Guarding an important figure within the Kingdom Being critical to a successful mission Recruiting a Dwed into the Legion Winning a Legion organised tournament Attending Raids Attending Skirmishes Wear the Legion issued uniform Attending Battles Donating any of the following materials: Iron Gold Coal Leather Meat Golden Carrots Feathers Wood If Legionnaires want to get promoted, these are the things they should especially avoid doing. Refusal to address an officer or Legionnaire of higher rank with proper decorum while on duty or in a formal environment in the Legion Hall Cause the mission failure Misuse of Legion issued equipment: Speaking against an Officer during serious matters Harassment/Assault of fellow Soldiers Disobeying the orders of the Commanding Ranks Going Stark Raving Mad Refusing to wear the Uniform on duty Uniforms: (New skins will be posted here, wear the old ones for now.) Enlistment: Legion form.