VOL. 1
EXCLUSIVE EDITION. 15
Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing
Three Minas per Edition
Available in Nauvmarian
THE GOLDEN CROW CHRONICLES
New Reza, Haense
Tov and Yermey, 339 E.S. | Sun’s Smile, 1786
10 pages
Written by: Viktor Kortrevich & Sigmar Baruch
Published by: B&K Publishing
Pg. 1
ROYAL UNION OF BARBANOV AND BARUCH
A rendering of King Josef standing next to Isabel Baruch, circa. 1786
The Kingdom of Haense took part in wondrous revelry as the union of King Josef I and Queen Isabel Baruch took place in the historic Haeseni basilica outside of Old Reza. The Basilica was filled to the brim with people, seats were hard to come by. His Holiness, Pontiff James II conducted a beautiful service as the two conjoined in holy matrimony. There were many notable guests in attendance including the Rex of the Orcs, King Halvar of Norland, and the Grand King Jorvin Starbreaker of the Dwarves, who might I add were a treat to converse with. Unfortunately, the Emperor and the Empress along with the Archchancellor could not find the time to attend. There was a wonderful feast after the ceremony where gifts were given to the Royal couple and the people and guests took part in fellowship with food and drink. It was quite the merry time! The royal couple wrote to us wishing to thank all those that attended and to thank their special guests for honoring them by coming to their wedding.
<link>
Written by: Sigmar Baruch
Pg. 2
ADVERTISEMENT
“TAVERN TUESDAYS, COME ON BY!”
New Reza, Andrik’s Road II
A beautiful painting of the Crow’s Hearth Tavern in the center of New Reza
Hold on, you there! Before you skim past this advertisement and read about ‘Our Response to the Statesman’, we urge you to take a stroll down to the Crow’s Hearth Tavern in the city-centre to respite in the rentable tavern rooms or celebrate with friends and family over a fine-brewed mug of Carrion Black.
Let’s not stop there! Every Joma and Umund((Tuesday at 5PM EST)) there exists the enjoyable Tavern Tuesdays!
This coming week, Lord Robert Gant and his tavern keepers will be hosting a Trivia Night! All are welcome!
* Message Erilobar#6916 over Discord to get involved in the tavern!
* Paid for by the City of New Reza
Pg. 3
NEW REZA’S JUNIOR DUMA
A depiction of our juvenile, Haeseni adolescents partaking in the Junior Duma, c. 1786
Underneath the Dual-Monarchy that is the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, exists an advisory body named the Royal Duma of Haense which exists to provide advice to the King of Haense and propose legislation.
Since its initial establishment in 1610 to the more recent establishment by King Marius II, the Duma is made up of the Haeseni peers that exist within Haense along with elected officials such as the Maer, the Royal Alderman and the Tribune.
By decree of the Grand Lady of Hanesti-Ruska, Miss Belladonna d’Amato along with Lord Boris Ruthern and Lord Alric Ruthern have put together an effort to stimulate the Haeseni youth into an ‘enlightened, further educated future’ by establishing the first ever Junior Duma.
The Junior Duma will open its doors on ((Monday at 3PM EST)) to the Haeseni youth to enroll themselves into an ‘entertaining, learning experience’ that is New Reza’s Junior Duma.
<link>
Written by: Viktor Kortrevich
Pg. 4
ADVERTISEMENT
“IF YOU LOOK GOOD, WE LOOK GOOD!”
Greyspine Road II, New Reza
An illustration of Barclay Fades Barbershop
Oh, prevja! I see you’ve stumbled upon yet another advertisement. Before you flip to the next page, allow me to introduce you to Haense’s very own Barber Shop owned by House Barclay!
If you’re looking for a fresh cut, perhaps even a fade? Stop on by and seat yourself on one of the comfortable leather wrapped seats and await to be blown away by your fresh cut, courtesy of Barclay Fades!
* Message Mad#2647 over Discord for more information!
* Message GoodGuyMatt#3284 over Discord for more information!
* Paid for by House Barclay
Pg. 5
THE SIMPLE MINDED STATESMAN,
A GOLDEN CROW REBUTTAL
A sketch of what the dimwitted, laughable, irrelevant
author of the ‘Statesman’ might look like…?
After the honorable Sir Osvald Barclay gave his testimony to us about his sudden removal of office, he was disgracefully ridiculed for his interview, therefore the author thought it was only right to follow up with Lord Barclay. His final comments on the subject were, “It’s sad that I can niet longer serve my Empress”. If it were up to me, this dignified paper would not respond to such elitist Orenian babble, but the integrity of an honorable knight and Haeseni official was contested by an undisclosed, unidentified, laughable excuse of a man who decided to remain in anonymity. It is not only shameful but repulsive to demean the character of a dignified public servant. The Statesman is so named but clearly the editors responsible for allowing such a lambasting article know nothing of the dignity and integrity of becoming a statesman.
This paper openly and honestly stands behind its statements as it delves further into discovering the truth of the Imperial administration and its plans for Haense as is our duty as writers, authors, and journalists of Haense. The authors respect the current Archchancellor and his administration, but plan to scrutinize both, as all citizens of the empire should, to make sure they are measuring up to what the people of Haense as well as the greater Oren expect from them. We do have a recommendation for the shallow being, whoever it may be, that wrote that nonsensical proselytism. An anonymous paper with anonymous sources has no credibility.
We at the Golden Crow implore the author or authors of The Statesman to get real sources, not ones they conjure up or fabricate. We also urge the author(s) to open up about their identity so that their readers can decide if they’re credible or not, but after reading that slop it’s clear why none would pin their name to it. More on the Imperial administration will be mentioned on the next page in our interview with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Celestine Herbert.
Written by: Sigmar Baruch
Pg. 6
INTERVIEW WITH CELESTINE HERBERT
A painting of Miss Celestine Herbert, circa. 1786
The following is a transcript of the interview with Celestine Herbert:
“What position do you hold in the Imperial Cabinet Miss Celestine?”
“I currently serve within the Stahl-Elendil Ministry as the Imperial Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. I was appointed to the position three years ago, after the appointment of Jonah Stahl-Elendil to the position of Archchancellor. As a long time supporter of the Josephite Union and a distinguished anthropologist and world traveler, I was invited to join his Ministry upon its formation.”
“Interesting, and what do you exactly do in your position as Secretary of Foreign Affairs?”
“Well, I am in short the face of the Holy Orenian Empire abroad. I attend to all matters regarding external relations and foreign diplomacy on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty and the Stahl-Elendil Ministry. It is also my duty to serve as the chief diplomat and negotiator abroad for the Imperial Crown.”
“Quite a big job you have, what are some of the accomplishments and things you’ve been involved in during your tenure?”
”I must be honest with you, the negotiation and signing of the Treaty of Owynsburg has perhaps been my proudest achievement to date. Peace with the Kingdom of Norland was something that many once thought to be an impossibility not ten or twenty years ago. But now, through the adoption of that treaty we have signed a pact of non-aggression and have at long last normalized relations with one another. Since then, our relationship with Norland has flourished, and I personally consider this to be one of the Ministry’s greatest achievements.
Although I am afraid that I am not at liberty to discuss the rest of my endeavours as Foreign Secretary, I am able to say that my undersecretary and I have once again restored our diplomatic ties with the Halfling settlement of Brandybrook in recent years. We are also currently in talks with the leadership of Haelun’or regarding the establishment of a stronger relationship between the Silver State and the Holy Orenian Empire.
But more is yet to come, to be sure, and I hope to be able to tell the Chronicle all about the projects being pursued by the Foreign Office in due time!”
“A treaty with Norland is quite the accomplishment Miss Celestine, and might I say with normalized relations have been great, I know my family has gone on a few hunts with the Norlanders since. Another thing you’re heavily involved in, and really as you mentioned the reason you got the job, is the Northern Geographical Society, would you mind telling us some more about the future plans or anything else you’d like to comment on about the NGS?”
”Oh, why of course! In all honesty, the Northern Geographical Society, or NGS for short, has been a lifelong project of mine that I am extremely passionate about. While our flagship museum is famously located in New Reza, we maintain institutions in the cities of Helena and Owynsburg as well. Thus, we maintain a chain of museums across the entire Empire, with aspirations to even expand beyond its borders in the coming years.
My dream is one born out of the carnage, chaos, and hatred of the Rubern War. The war consumed the entirety of my childhood, and when I first began my career, I pledged to seek out ways to alleviate the hatred that existed between the many races and cultures of Arcas however I could. Since our founding nearly a quarter century ago, we have published cultural studies on every imperial province, as well as on the Lost Continent of Athera, the Rexdom of Krugmar, the Kingdom of Norland, and most recently Siramenor. It is our hope to release even more to the public in the coming years.(edited)
The NGS has also taken great strides in preserving the histories of both Haense and of the greater Empire, publishing numerous studies and maintaining numerous interactive exhibits within our museums in regards to both. Our exploratory program is also top of the line, having ventured into such exotic places as ancient Athera and the Nether. In the coming years, we hope to increase our public outreach, publish yet more ethnographic studies, and continue exploring new frontiers as our organization continues to grow.”
“I know I enjoy my visits to the museum in New Reza when I have the time. Now back to your role as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, how have you felt about your time in the Imperial administration and what’s your opinion on the current state of affairs?”
”Well, one must first understand that I am not a career politician, Mister Baruch. I am merely a humble writer and a scholar. The pen is my ally, not my tongue! Before my appointment to this position, I had never sought higher office before in my life, and thus adjusting to working in the public sphere has been a little bit of a challenge. Regardless, I have fared quite well on a personal level, although I do feel as though I’ve something to prove as the first Haeseni to sit on the imperial cabinet since Otto Alimar over sixty years ago and as only the second woman to ever do so.
The other ministers of the Imperial Crown are decent and honorable people, men who I have come to respect over the last three years. They are men who are trying to do their best to preserve the Empire both at home and abroad, to maintain the peace which are forefathers fought for, and to ensure the continued prosperity of all the Empire’s realms. Jonah especially is a just and honorable man who I have called my friend for decades now, and I am proud to serve in his Ministry.
I will admit however that we are going through times of great change, with the naming of a new Archchancellor and the ascension of a new Empress. But, as I like to tell the members of the NGS, one’s horizons can never be expanded if you are afraid to explore new frontiers.”
“An interesting take Miss Celestine, I can tell you that you are making us Haeseni proud, especially us old ones who witnessed the last time we had a Haeseni in the Imperial Administration. My final question is this Miss Celestine, as a respected Haensemen in a high position, you have a target on your back, and with current events in mind, are you afraid you may be next to be suddenly removed from your office and then called ineffective and untrustworthy by an “unnamed source” in an elitist paper?
”Ha, not in the slightest! The Archchancellor has been my friend for years, and it is at his personal request that I am serving in the Stahl-Elendil Ministry.
Worry not, Mister Baruch, for I hold no fear in my heart of being discharged any time soon. I do good work in the Foreign Office, and when I choose to eventually retire, it shall be on my own terms. Although I yearn for the day that I can fully devote myself to the Northern Geographical Society again, I do not expect for it to be any time soon. As to Sir Osvald, I would prefer not to comment on the matter, as it is not my place to do so as a minister of the Imperial Crown.
And as to my own personal honor potentially being targeted by the press, I am not afraid. I am a charitable philanthropist and an apolitical official of the government who seeks only to properly represent our interests abroad, and I am a respectable member of both Haeseni and Helenian society. I do not fear the newspapers, for I have nothing to hide. It is only when we are consumed by our fear that we have truly lost ourselves, and I will not allow mine to consume me.”
“Well for your sake and ours, I hope that is true and you can continue to do an excellent job serving Haense and the greater Oren. If you receive any insults from this interview by that halfwitted editor of the other paper and a few of your “anonymous colleagues” we’ll be sure to help you out where we can, have a good evening Miss Celestine.
Written by: Sigmar Baruch & Viktor Kortrevich
Transcribed by: Aldrik Kortrevich
Pg. 7
ADVERTISEMENT
“THE CUISINE HAENSE NEEDS!”
Rosebud Market VI, New Reza
An illustration of ‘The Hammerhead Cafe & Eatery’
Eja! Have you been looking for a proper eatery for your family to dine at? Well, fret no more for the House of Ruthern opens their doors to their very own ‘Hammerhead Cafe & Eatery’. May you dine and enjoy an assortment of fine cuisine courtesy of the honorable House of Ruthern.
* Contact a GMRO#6495 on Discord for more information!
* Contact a ItsMrCannibal#6199 on Discord for more information!
* Paid for by House Ruthern
Pg. 8
NEW REZA ELECTS CITY OFFICIALS
Coat of Arms of New Reza
With the General Elections in New Reza coming to a close, we the writers at Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing wish to congratulate all of the candidates for their tenacious effort to better our great nation.
We, the writers at Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing, will pay particularly close attention to the recently re-elected Maer Alfred Barclay’s tenure in office – time will tell if he was the correct choice for The Kingdom of Haense.
Along With the newly elected Maer of Reza, we the writers at Baruch & Kortrevich Publishing will maintain a wary eye on the endeavours of the newly elected Alderman Viktor Barclay and Tribune Zo Mondblume throughout their tenure in legislative office. Again, we congratulate those who were elected and wish to express our sincerest gratitude to all those who ran for election.
Written by: Viktor Kortrevich
Pg. 9
OPINION OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
LUKAS RAKOCZY’S REMARKS
A sketching of Mr. Lukas Rakoczy, drawn by @Zaerie
The following is a transcript of the interview with Lukas Rakoczy:
“Greetings old friend, congrats on your re-election. If it wasn’t for me retiring I would join you to fight for our constituents once more. How have the Commons so far?”
“Thank you, Lord Sigmar. I’ll always remember our time together in the Commons. As for how the Commons go so far, we’ve just elected our new President.”
“What do you think of the current makeup of the Commons?”
“Well, with five of us independents and seven Josephites, I imagine this session will feel like one of our longest ones yet. I can promise you now though, as the Leader of the Opposition, I will do my best to make sure the interests of the people are kept in mind in everything this House achieves.”
“I noticed you did not get re-elected as President, this is sad to see, what happened?”
“Da, I’m sure some are sad while others celebrate. Our new President is the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr George Galbraith. Frankly, I am incredibly concerned by this development. I argued that the leader of the chamber must not be a cabinet minister; not someone who is part of the cabinet and is therefore directly tied to the executive branch. I had hoped that the Josephites would follow their own precedent set decades ago, from when Edward Napier turned down his nomination for President due to his role as Secretary of Civil Affairs, or when the House rejected Farooq Gray as President because of his role as Solicitor General. Unfortunately, it seems the Josephites only care for precedent or the separation of the executive and legislative branch only when it benefits them. I fear that this House will be nothing more than a puppet for the Archchancellor, who has already attempted to pass over votes and debates by claiming he owns what he calls a ‘presumed majority’.”
“Is the current Josephite party the same as it was under Terrence May?”
“The current party is most definitely not the same as it was under President May. The Josephite party of the past had dignity, it had ideals, it had morals. This party is riddled with hypocrisy and, needless to say, I am very concerned for the future of the House.”
“How is the majority and the Stahl-Elendil administration treating the minority?”
“Thus far, there has been very little communication between myself and the Archchancellor, though I hope that will change in the coming years.”
“How do you think this session will play out for the people of Haense?”
“To be honest, I am unsure. There’s much doubt surrounding what will be proposed during this session, though I hope to see the Lord Palatine’s Lord Lieutenant bill discussed a bit more.”
Written by: Sigmar Baruch & Viktor Kortrevich
Transcribed by: Rickard Kortrevich
Pg. 10
HISTORICAL FIGURE OF THE YEAR
Lord Jan Kovachev
Duke of Carnatia
A sketching of Jan Kovachev, circa. 1556
Jan rose through the ranks of the Orenian army during the War of the Ducal Coalition, and when he was able to be captured Norvik in 1525, he was granted the castles and the estates he conquered. He supported John Horen during the Horen Restoration, and later became one of his most trusted commanders during the Eighteen Years’ War. Jan commanded the Carnatian Hussars, and with his fellow peer Josef, was the leader of the Haeseni contingent during the war. He served alongside Petyr Barbanov during the Riga War and the Krajian Rebellion, subduing the Hansetian hinterlands and helping unify what later became the Kingdom of Haense.
His death left him as the Duke of Carnatia and his family to continue as one of the principal Karovic houses within humanity for centuries. His veteran cavalry became a staple of the Haeseni army, and his descendants would continue to dominate the Haeseni army for some decades.
He lived well into his nineties, and for it he was called ‘Jan the Old’.
*Excerpted from ‘Haeseni People’ documentation
<link>
Editor’s Note:
Regarding Future Editions
We the Writers at B&K Publishing wish to remind our readers that this edition was published by a request made by the Crown. We’ll be beginning a new cycle of editions at a later date when our Publishing company receives proper funding. To The Statesman, poke the bear, get bit.
This concludes Edition 15 of the The Golden Crow Chronicles.