VOL. 1
EDITION. 3
Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing
Three Minas per Edition
Available in Nauvmarian
THE GOLDEN CROW CHRONICLES
New Reza, Haense
Tov and Yermey, 314 E.S. | Sun’s Smile, 1761
8 pages
Written by: Viktor Kortrevich & Sigmar Baruch
Published by: B&K Publishing
Pg. 1
STATE OF THE EMPIRE ADDRESS
Crownlands, Oren
Landscape of the Orenian Crownlands surrounding the Imperial Capital of Helena
Five years after the passage of the Rivaini Act in the 11th Senate Session, The Empire is given its first State of the Empire Address by Archancellor Simon Basrid. It was a joyous event, the anticipation could be felt all throughout the room as the Varoche Hall was packed to the brim with people, young and old. After waiting for what seemed like hours, the Archancellor made his entrance into the hall and gave a moving and inspirational speech promising a better world, one of providence as he mentioned many times throughout the speech. The speech was recorded so that those who may not have had the privilege of attending could revel in the experience as well.
Varoche Hall, Helena
Orenians congregate as they listen to the Archchancellor’s speech regarding the State of the Empire.
The following is the speech given by the Archancellor Simon Basrid:
“With this great war that’s come to define our new Empire entering her final chapters… It is time for me to unveil the nature of his Imperial Majesty’s Coat of Arms. That red eye of providence that looks to all – but we know little of. In the service of that flag, I have come to learn a great deal about this country as one of her older emigres. What makes what we have exceptional? Why here, why Oren? We have been taught so many different lessons. Each with their own truth. It is the land of the prophets for one – maintaining an unbroken tradition of the Exalted’s will. A civilization enriched by its faith and tradition. It bears the tapestry of man to another – every epoch of human achievement is gifted to her histories. But these are lofty ideals – difficult to understand to those emigres who have not been born and bred in our traditions. And so we look to that brilliant eye. Providence. Despite a torrent of onslaught from nearly every nation upon this continent… Helena, Haense, Curon, and Kaedrin have prevailed. They have survived the juxtapositions of civilizations. One civilization – coveting titles and wealth with no regards to service. Another – knowing titles and wealth are but vehicles to service. As some of you are familiar, the ministry of civil affairs held a gala of art some two months past. There, a painting of one of those great interstices of human tradition sold for two-hundred thousand mina. Mt. Augustus. A legend that kept many’s spirits afloat during times of persistence. Perseverance – as we know from the Haeseni. And now look to the state of this Empire. Our economy hums – the imperial state army enjoying wage and salary thanks to the prudent financial mind of our Secretary of Treasury. Our peoples are well-defended – those soldiers and auxiliaries under the wise Fieldmarshal deNurem enjoying ripe success in the field. So, I should pose to you the same question I have asked of every civil servant that I have come across these past months. You enjoy the privilege of being a subject of the greatest Empire the world has ever known. The immense talent, tradition, and resources of that nation. What is the world you intend to build? That fundamental question – beyond the tapestry of man or St. Peter’s Maxim or those so many other monikers of state. That is what defines an imperial. The capacity to build and influence the world. As we had seen with the AIS – that union, so in contrast to ours, did not consider that query. They unleashed a plague of bandits, killers, piasts, and monsters unto the world – with the sole intent of destroying the cinders of the Empire that we sought to cultivate. Yet heroes of our war yet – from those twenty years past, General Sabari, General Tiberius Barrow, General de Reden… The minister de Sarkozys, the late King Andrew, the noble Helvets line and the martyr Ester Rose. To the assembled we have here today. We all understand that question – that we can see to a better world. That we can build a world towards providence. A world in homage to the revelations of Sigismund – a world knowing the final fight to come in the great saga of our Canon’s Auspice. That all virtuous descendants must assemble together to face iniquity, greed, deceit, and evil. That is what I leave the Empire with on these blessed days of mera, with prosperity on our lips and peace not so far in the distance. What sort of world will you build? I pray – to providence.”
Varoche Hall, Helena
An assembly of Orenians gathered outside the Varoche Hall
As you can see, the Archancellor sought to inspire all of the Empire, from the farmers of Kaedrin to the Tailors of Helena. From the soldiers of Haense to the tea growers of Curon. A speech looking past our differences to see what unifies us. A speech looking back to see how far we have come from the oppressive Empire of Man, to this, as the Archancellor declared, “You enjoy the privilege of being subject to the greatest Empire the world has ever known.” An Empire of privilege, of unalienable rights as the josephites sought after to gain for all of humanity. An empire where the people have a say in their government and can blaze their own trail, a fairer humanity. The Archancellor declared as many would agree, our work for a better humanity is not done yet. We still strive for providence, but a message of hope to all of our readers, We are closer now than ever before. So put your faith in providence, put your faith in your Leaders of Haense, Curon, and Kaedrin; put your faith in the Empire.
Pg. 2
ADVERTISEMENT
“NOT CHARITY, BUT A CHANCE”
The Vuiller Orphanage & School, Alexandria II
An orphan sitting outside the Orphanage; cold and tired
Once an orphan, Always an orphan! The Vuiller Orphanage and school are always in need of more supplies and children! If you don’t want kids, drop ‘em off here, we’ll take ‘em ‘cause no one else will!
‘Live Better Together’
This message was brought to you by Harald Vuiller. He’s dead!
* Message HaraldMarròn#6276 over Discord for more information!
* Paid for by B&K Publishing
Pg. 3
DEATH OF A KAEDRENI SENATOR
Varoche Hall, Helena
A depiction of the front of the Varoche Hall, during the daytime
During the last meeting of the twelfth session of the Imperial Senate, there was a feeling of pride and happiness between the senators as they had just witnessed the first State of the Empire address and wrapped up another productive session of the Senate. There was an aura of eagerness around the room as well, as there were some tightly contested races in Kaedrin and Helena this year and a sense that some senators would not return to the Varoche Hall. As the Senate was adjourning, Senator Jeanne Vladov of Kaedrin wished to say her closing remarks as she was entering a tight race and this could possibly be her last session as Senator. Before she could finish, a Golem barged through the Hall viciously attacking Senator Vladov and, as many onlookers stated, smashed her head like a pumpkin. Soon after a regiment of the Imperial State Army along with our own Exchequer of War, Erik Othaman, subdued the abomination and the Hall was shut down temporarily. Soon after the Golem Ban ordinance was instituted in Haense and the Empire. We’d like to share our condolences to the Vladov family. Rest in Peace, Senator Jeanne Vladov.
Pg. 4
ADVERTISEMENT
“THE MERRY MEN OF MONEY”
COMING SOON TO THE WEEPING WICK THEATER
The Weeping Wick Theater, New Reza
An illustration of the Weeping Wick Theater stage, at night
A joyous tale of misdirection, mischief, mistakes, and mirth. For a day out suitable for all the family, ‘The Merry Men of Money’ will be coming to a theatre near you, soon!’
Standing tickets are available at the door for the low price of thirty-five minae per ticket. Seated tickets will be offered to the nobility of Haense in advance for the price of fifty-five minae per ticket. His majesty and his direct family may claim one of these seats each, free of charge
* Message Erilobar#6916 over Discord for more information!
* Paid for by Vorion Sturmholm
Pg. 5
THE CROWN V. KAROLY
Novellen Palace, Helena
A representation of the defense and prosecution sitting on opposing sides of the throne hall.
The Novellan Palace was filled with white clouds as the powder from the wigs of the chamber filled the room. People were coughing and sneezing all throughout the five hour trial. It was certainly a trial to remember, as a Vicar of Godan himself was put on the stand to defend himself from quite controversial indictments. Bishop Krisztian of Ves was charged with, Treason, Sedition, Extortion, and Second Degree Murder. The Prosecution was made up of the Notable Statesman Frederick Armas and the Solicitor General Joseph Adler, while the only defense was the young John Everard Pruvia (Jep). In this long and arduous battle that took place in the court, Both lawyers battled it out, it was politically brutal. The Prosecution attempted to prove that the Bishop of Ves wrote the contested pamphlets of the Young Canonists as this would be supposed evidence of the Bishops seditious and treasonous acts to incite rebellion, but it was to no avail. The Courts ruled there was not enough evidence to prove that the Bishop of Ves was the author of the Young Canonists, albeit after a possible blunder of the Chief Justice Sir John D’Arkent after he would not allow Ser Frederick Armas to question a possible admittance of the bishops legal team that he wrote the Young Canonist pamphlets.
Novellen Palace, Helena
The pope, his fellow clergymen, and the Governor General of Kaedrin sitting behind the defendant
The next charge the Bishop was indicted on was that of 2nd degree murder of an Elf. Two witnesses were called to the stand, both possibly quite unreliable as one was a dear friend of the bishop and the other an elf who seemed unstable and had many fits of anger on the stand, as well as admitted to not being canonist. The story shifted over moot points, but the main points was that the Bishop was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the murder was committed and he attempted to get aid, he did not commit the murder. The next witness to take the stand would be the High Pontiff, however the justices of the Supreme Court decided that it would not be necessary, as they did not see enough evidence to convict the bishop, and on all counts he was found not guilty. The Authors, while not sharing their own views, do think that the Clerical members and clergymen should be treated with more respect in such sensitive matters. As a vicar of GOD should not be someone so easily muddied by gossip from the realm. The Authors also found this trial to be fair and just, the empire’s judicial system, while still in need of work, is showing that it can function impartially in most matters.
Pg. 6
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“A POCKET TRANSLATION FOR THE ADVENTUROUS”
The Alimar Memorial Library, New Reza
Former Lord Marshal, Otto Kortrevich reading at the Library in New Reza.
‘Naumarian is the language of the Haeseni people and gives a voice to the soul of the North. When I had the opportunity to be taught in school, Common certainly was the major language, however, Naumarian was still taught. These days it is used far less, however, I have run into a growing number of individuals pursuing a stronger relationship with our traditions.’
With this in mind, I wish to advertise my newly put-together pocket translator for the Haeseni populace. Find yourself a copy at the Alimar Memorial Library so you, the next-generation of Haense may be educated on our proud national-dialect.
~Lord Otto Kortrevich
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* Paid for by Otto Kortrevich
Pg. 7
SECURING THE SUCCESS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Novellen Palace, Helena
A picture of Terrence May drinking the famous Rezian soup, “Mother Broth”
Fellow citizens,
We have concluded another term of the Senate, poised to embark on a future where an economy is forged that works for everybody, not just those at the top. Together with my colleagues, we resoundingly passed an important measure that secures the place for small entrepreneurs to thrive in our society, the Entrepreneur Act by Senator Lauritz Christiansen. I reflect on this important measure because it is our role as the people’s representatives to speak for the needs of every person seeking to better their life here in our vast Imperial domain.
I had the pleasure to meet a businessman by the name of Abram, the owner of Mother Broth. I was proud to speak to a man seeking to establish his business and propagating the great culture of our Highlandic roots with his cooking. His soup is one of the most renowned local delicacies of my provincial capital. It is the men like Abram that motivate me to support measures to uplift our Orenian businesses. It is they who serve as the backbone of our prosperity and we owe them our gratitude and our energies to succeed.
~Terrence May
Pg. 8
HISTORICAL FIGURE OF THE YEAR
King Stephen I of Haense
Stephen Charles of Barbanov
Stephanus Carolus Carovus Primus
“A Foe to All Humanity, the Green, the Duelist”
Unlike his elder brother Petyr, Stefan was not raised to be ruled by his father nor the court, and traditionally was expected to enter the church as his counterpart took the throne in Haense. His brother’s death to the pox thrusted Stefan to kingship, to which he was elected in heated debate during the Duma of 1610. His candidacy was supported mainly by the established nobility, who wished for a weaker monarch to maintain noble autonomy.
First few years of his reign was left mainly to the nobility, and Stefan remained mostly in the heartlands in the fortress of Hochspitze. Through a deal with the Prince of Pruvia, he secured the Pruvian Inheritance, which included not only a large sum but control of many of the famous ‘Pruvian Banks’. This and the shrewd work of his advisor and later Palatine Henrik Bihar, a new army was established in direct control of the crown, which made the nobility more prone to compromise.
Karlsborg was destroyed in the First Northern War, and without a capital, the royalist war camp during the Greyspine Rebellion soon evolved into the royal city of Alban- the de facto Haeseni capital. Veterans flocked to the restored state, and despite imperial losses in the Santegian Rebellion of 1617, the Haeseni army gained numerous victories, including the Battle of Asaili. In the spring of 1616, his army under command of Alessa Grendock and uncle Prince Otto Henrik beat back several attempts at raids by natives and Avarite mercenaries, fully pacifying them by 1620.
Stefan meddled greatly in heartlander affairs, in contrast to the isolationist views of his predecessors, and was the focal point of many conspiracies and plots. He was first revealed in the Mardon Letter of his plans for a coup d’état of the emperor John V, and later his successful uproar in removing the imperial regent Robert of Marna. There were numerous assassination attempts against his life and he fought numerous duels against political opponents, including against the former heartlander archduke Odo d’Amaury, and his most famous showdown against his rival Robert of Marna, who he fatally wounded and killed.
Stefan died a young death in 1624 due to genetic Hodgkin’s disease of his mother’s side, passing the throne to his uncle as he died without trueborn heirs. His reign marked the beginning of an era of regrowth for Haense following the disastrous Coalition Wars, which continued well into the reign of Otto III. His seemingly arbitrary political moves left Stefan a vile reputation in the heartland states, to which he gained his famous moniker by Prince Philip, ‘A foe to all Humanity’.
*Excerpted from ‘Haeseni People’ documentation
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Editor’s Note:
In the Next Edition.
Historical Report on Rhys Var Ruthern
Healthcare for the Empire
Event in Haense
Military Parade
Coronation of King Sigismund II
And whatever else that may come. . .
We the Writers at B&K Publishing wish to remind our readers that each edition that is published at the end of every year pertains to the events that took place the year prior. We as a small working force work as swiftly as possible to put out our publishings in an efficient and cohesive manner. My constituent and I wish to formally reveal our utmost appreciation for the praise our last edition received from the far-reaches of the Empire.
At the time of this publishing, there was a ruthless attempt on the life of the heir to the Haeseni crown. Thankfully by the time this is published His Majesty has received excellent care by Haeseni practitioners and will be making a full-swift recovery. By next year’s publishing an extensive article will be written regarding the events prior to the attempted assassination and the events preceding it.
This concludes Edition 3 of the The Golden Crow Chronicles, Edition 4 will be ready by the end of next year.