Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun
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The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun, or simply Aaun, is an independent sovereign nation that follows a feudal system ruled by an absolute monarchy. It was founded as a successor to the Harvest Confederation after its formal dissolution following an election by the Harvest Lords in 1892 F.A. It derives its name from the Kingdom of Aaun, an ancient kingdom founded by Godwin - the secondborn son of the Exalted Horen. Since its foundation, it has heavily emphasised its desire for a united humanity bonded by its shared history and values. Its current capital is Whitespire. It is spoken amongst the native population of Crownlands that during ancient times, the 4th King of Aaun, Caelwyn Godwinson visited the land and ordered the construction of a new city, which he named Whitespire after the ruins of a massive marble citadel which was situated at the land. In the modern Kingdom of Aaun, the capital is still built ontop of the ruins of old Whitespire, and the Royal Palace, formally named the 'Hand of Horen' is said to have been constructed where the old citadel once stood. The region that the capital encompasses, including other lands under direct control of the monarchy, often referred to as the Crown in formal internal documents, are known as the Crownlands.
From its inception until 1965, the kingdom was labeled as a "United Kingdom" which emphasised the unity among its varied vassals and cultures. However, in QUARTUS AUREA BULLA APOSTOLICUS (Common: Fourth Golden Bull of the Apostolic City), High Pontiff Sixtus VI granted King John and his monarchical heirs the title of "Apostolic Majesty" for his piety and further allowed the kingdom to be styled as "Apostolic Kingdom" due to being perceived as the legitimate successor to Godwin's throne owing to the overall dedication to the faith and the Church that its inhabitants abide to. The former King Edmund II was granted the posthumous title of Apostolic Majesty as well due to his granting of a sizeable plot of land to the Church of the Canon before his death to serve as the Holy See.
The current monarch is John I, the patriarch of the well-regarded House of Alstion which descends from the legendary House of Horen.
History
Before the First Kingdom of Aaun
In the Ancient History, Horen's older brother, Krug, would be wrathful for not receiving the holy wisdom of virtue that Horen himself would be gifted by the Creator. To better lead his people, Horen had established a city hidden away from the other tribes that would soon garnish a reputation for its piety and trustful nature. In a cunning scheme planned by Krug and his tribe that consisted of deception, they would eventually locate Horen's city and slaughter its citizens who had become easy targets due to their unlocked homes. This event had also involved the fratricide of Horen committed by Krug which had he and his tribe inflicted with their bestial appearance by the Creator as a mark of their sin. Following the slaughter, the kingdom that united Humanity had been put into a state of disarray that led to the exodus of Horen's three sons and their followers.
The First Kingdom of Aaun
Godwin, the secondborn son of Horen, led his followers to the Valley of Jrent - a region previously inhabited but was presumably abandoned upon the foundation of Horen's pious city - and there he would declare the first Kingdom of Aaun. While there would be new three kingdoms of men established between the three brothers, the Kingdom of Aaun would be the largest in size though not in strength as the Kingdom of Idunia led by Harren had a mightier army. After 21 years following the occupation of Horen's city by Krug's tribe, Harren - the firstborn son of Horen - would pillage the Kingdom of Aaun with his army, sacking many villages along the way before eventually reaching Godwin's keep and murdering him. The Kingdom of Aaun was left in a state of disorder and occupation, much like Horen's kingdom. Owyn, son of Godwin and heir to the kingdom, would be unable to claim his inheritance and fled at the age of seven to his uncle, King Joren, in the Kingdom of Edel which had previously been pillaged by Harren. The Kingdom of Aaun would remain in a state of occupation for roughly 17 years before Owyn had slain Harren and reclaimed his kingdom as well as Harren's kingdom. Owyn reigned as king until his eldest son came of age and he abdicated the throne. Not much is known about how Owyn led his kingdom, though he is known for appointing and consecrating individuals he deemed virtuous as priests to shepherd the faithful - including the first High Priests which formally established what would become the Church of the Canon. It is unknown how much longer the Kingdom of Aaun lasted and in what manner it was ruled, though it is believed that it later came to be merged with the Old Kingdom of Oren before it fell in the 14th century.
Pre-Restoration
Prior to the restoration of the United Kingdom of Aaun, the Harvest Confederation served as its legal predecessor. It consisted of former Orenian rural nobility that rose against the Kingdom of Oren in rebellion after an attempt was made to revoke Hannes de Vilain's title as Baron of Acre and declare his family criminals. Following their success in the revolution and dismantling the kingdom, the nobility came together to form the Harvest Confederation with each major landed noble granted the position of Harvest Lord and Hannes de Vilain holding the authority as de-facto leader. The Confederation lasted almost a decade before a party of Acreans led by Baron Volker - Hannes' son and successor - attacked the Kingdom of Balian, prompting a list of demands to be sent by Balian and Haense as an ultimatum. The demands were agreed to, and so the Confederation had to concede land; force Petra to secede; allow others the option to secede; force the abdication of Volker; and force an election of a new de-facto leader among other concessions.
Restoration
The remaining Harvest Lords would soon after unanimously elected the Harvest Lord, Charles Leopold Alstion, as their new de-facto leader who would go on to swiftly dissolve the Harvest Confederation and reformed the union into the United Kingdom of Aaun. Though the Harvest Lords were not told in advance that Charles would dissolve the Confederation, the dissolution was well-received with the exception of Acre who felt that this decision had ultimately meant that they had fought for nothing. This would prompt a period of tension that began to increasingly escalate. During the next summit intended to formally establish the United Kingdom of Aaun, the Barony of Acre's new baron - Wolfgang de Vilain - would arrive with mercenaries from House von Draco, a newly landed Haeseni vassal, in what was perceived by others as an intimidation attempt. Despite this, the vote formally established the kingdom as an entity in a 4-1 vote which prompted Acre's vocal desire to secede. Throughout the tensions, the Kingdom would continue to develop its internal institutions and reconstruction.
Conflict Brews
Following the summit, Charles Alstion would issue a royal ban on Wolfgang de Vilain and his supporters, claiming that Acre had only caused trouble and that they will honour their wish for independence but only through exodus and not secession. This led to the intervention of both the Kingdom of Haense and the Kingdom of Balian to issue a joint letter summoning Charles and Wolfgang to Balian's capital to peacefully discuss Acre's secession dubbed the 'Congress of Atrus'. The negotiations would ultimately prove to be unsuccessful. Charles was adamant on Acreans leaving while offering to pay for their relocation, yet Wolfgang wanted Acre and its people to secede and retain independence in their homeland. The sovereigns of Haense, Balian, and Petra would then privately discuss the situation on their own which prompted Aaun to leave Atrus, feeling that he was not being respected as a sovereign in the discussion. Haense, Balian, and Petra would later issue a document titled the Treaty of Atrus, which declared that they would recognise Acre's independence and sovereignty in their currently held lands, partitioning lands between Aaun and Acre, and affirmed that they would uphold the treaty with full force. The document received mixed opinions. Many aligned with the three nations felt that Aaun may have received better treatment if they were to remain, while few argued that it was a needed treaty that Acre deserved. Many aligned with Aaun (though not exclusively) felt that the forced intervention heavily infringed upon the territorial sovereignty of the Canonist kingdom by partitioning its land and guaranteeing the rebellion as well as feeling that deeper motives could be at play due to its supportive relationship with Acre (who had attacked Balian years prior). While Acre did not sign the initial treaty, they later came out with a reaffirmation of independence, claiming that they have always been independent, that they never swore fealty to Aaun and were never told of Charles' intention to dissolve the Confederation. Many Aaunites felt that Acre's decision to initially remain as a Harvest Lord and vote for Charles as the de-facto leader meant that Acre had already recognised Charles' authority and thus felt their attempt at secession was unreasonable. House de Vilain came out with a later document which was written in an insulting manner while threatening Aaun not to transgress on their sovereignty.
W.I.P.
Culture & Society
Fashion
Fashions among the states vary based on the respective culture therein; those in Reinmaren Kanunsberg choosing more muted or patriotic colors, while those in the Raevir Andregrad selecting richer and deeper colors, though Aaunic fashion, or couture [1], can be largely unified and identified by loose, flowy, and unrestrictive silhouettes, in both commoners and nobility alike. For both men and women, brighter colors are chosen, occasionally mixed in with moodier autumnal additives or bases, such as mauve reds or brown. In capital dress especially, appendages of rich gold are common as to better distinguish those of the Whitespirian court, men opting for it on their clothing detail, and gold being particularly used by way of coiling in young women’s hairstyling; acting as decorative wiring, with stylised Illatian headgear such as hairnets and coiffures, and elaborate braids or buns, all being popular among noble women in the capital. For older women — veils, or various styles of wimple. Royal purple is distinctly popular in Whitespire, though it is most often worn by those of the Royal Household, oft in conjunction with tartan and sash wears of the Daelish highlanders, of whom provided the the House of Alstion with refuge during their two centuries of exile.
Religion
The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun follows Canonism as its official religion. Canonism is a monotheist religion that asserts that Humanity should pursue virtue and piety as revealed to them by the Scroll of Virtue, a scripture that was revealed to Horen - the first Man - by the Creator (known as God) to teach his tribe how they can reach the Seven Skies, an afterlife reserved for virtuous humans from which the Creator supposedly resides. The Church of the Canon, or simply the Canonist Church, or the Church, is the institution led by the High Pontiff that acts as the spiritual and temporal authority regarding matters of the faith. In part of King Edmund's donation of land to the Church, from which they established a sovereign Holy See, the title of Apostolic was bestowed onto Aaun and their Monarchs.
Symbols
VINCIT, REGNAT, IMPERAT
He who conquers, reigns, governs
Being the motto of the House of Horen - rulers of the known world during its many iterations of the Holy Orenian Empire.
TANDEM TRIUMPHANS
Being the modern stately motto of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun meaning “Triumphant at last”, accepted after the House of Alstion broke its centuries long imperial disenfranchisement following the Coup of Adelburg, and for the Kingdom surviving the great period of instability during Heinrik’s Rebellion.
THE WHITE ROSE OF ALBA
Symbol of the Alstionite Exiles, the White Rose of Alba grew upon the hills of Daeland, specifically within the lands of Alba where the Alstions would reside for generations in poverty. A flower renowned for its resilience, the Alstions cast out of Orenian society took up the White Rose as their own personal identity. Even upon their royal return to the Heartlands, the White Rose persists as a symbol, commonly portrayed in the restorationist efforts.
Politics
The Cabinets
With the Gregorian Volley Reforms of 1962, the old form of Aaunic government, the Six Offices, were transformed to better suit the needs of an absolute monarch, who is aided in their rule by a Chancellor of their respective Cabinet formed upon taking up their appointed tenure. The Archbishop of Albarosa, appointed by the Church to manage the archdiocese the kingdom encompasses, is encouraged by the Crown to work alongside the Cabinets to ensure that any action taken does not disrupt the Church's agenda in stewarding the spirituality of the kingdom. The government is otherwise known commonly as the 'Royal Council'.
The Office of the Chancellor is the highest authority of the Royal Council. It is responsible for the administration of the kingdom's treasury, and is granted the courtesy title 'Seneschal of the Crownlands'. The Chancellor is considered the Crown's chief executive and is given the authority to act on behalf of the Crown in totality. With this authority, they are expected to guide the rest of their Cabinet to ensure that they work in the kingdom's best interests.
The Office of the Chamberlain is chiefly responsible for the kingdom's liturgical and secular calendars, and revitalisation of the kingdom through programs such as festivals, tournaments, and other cultural affairs, along with the management of the Royal Court of the Hand of Horen. Its Councilor is granted the courtesy title 'Master Almanac'.
The Office of the Captain of Aaun is chiefly responsible for the defence of the kingdom's territories in conjunction with the provincial nobility. They are expected to assess the kingdom's military capabilities, maintain the strength of the Crownland's army in coordination with the levies held by the provincial nobility. Its Councilor is granted the courtesy title 'Royal Marshal'.
The Office of the Constable is chiefly responsible for the general administration of the capital in a manner dictated by the Crown, its revenues and growth. Its Councilor is granted the courtesy title 'Grand Steward'.
The Grandmaster of the Society of Saint Godwin is chiefly responsible for maintaining the royal archives, documentation, and other letterings of the Crown. Their authority encompasses the Knights of the Nauzica, a reclusive Order dedicated to the maintenance of the relics of the Dynasty of Horen.
Noble Houses of Aaun
Princely Families
House Alstreim - Principality of Merryweather
Margravial Families
House de Rosius - Margrave of High Peak
House von Reuss - Margrave of Velen
Comital Families
House d’Abre - County of d’Abbasia
House Jazlowiecki - County of Warsovia
House of Haverlock - County of Talentine
Baronial Families
House Ashford de Lewes - Barony of Virdain
House Varoche - Barony of Napoliza
Succession
Using an absolute primogeniture succession, the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun designates the eldest child of the reigning monarch as the sole heir to the monarchy's throne and any of its additionally held titles. Upon the death or abdication of the reigning monarch, the heir is immediately designated the new reigning monarch. Traditionally, they are required to be coronated by the High Pontiff, or their appointed representative, as soon as it can be arranged to legitimise their authority as a Canonist Prince in accordance with the Church's Canon Law.
Demographics
The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun's population comprises of mostly Humans with Heartlander and Highlander origins. The majority of population are identified as being baptised Canonists. There is a large percentage of cultural Waldenians in Aaun. Raev and Lechian following shortly after.
Army
The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun relives heavily upon its vassals for militant manpower. Every vassal is empowered by the Sovereign to raise their own levies and direct that levy as they see fit, so long the Great Charter and laws of the Kingdom are obeyed. It is common for the vassals to be summoned, alongside their levy to act in the name of the monarch.
The Crownlands; the personal holdings of the King, has its own guard force officially named the Legion of Aaun or Legio Aaunica which are used interchangeably, however it has become known as simply the Legion by the citizens of Aaun. The commander-in-chief of the Legion is the monarch who exercises absolute authority over the organization. The Lord Commander is however the appointed de-facto leader of the Legio Aaunica, who is only surpassed by the King in authority. The Lord Commander then appoints Lieutenants to contend with the day-to-day obligations of leadership, such as patrols and trainings. Lieutenants are well decorated soldiers, with a mountain of knowledge and skill. Beneath the Lieutenant is the Sergeant, who commands a small group of soldiers on the field with the authority of a superior. They are grizzled veterans who are on the path to more responsibility. Beneath the sergeants are the legionnaire and recruit; the rank-and-file. Recruits are untrained and untested, they must train and undertake Godfrey's March. Once this is complete they are made legionnaires' and empowered to act as 'officers of the law', they may arrest and levy out fines to criminals.
The Legion also offers awards for great deeds and services rendered. These range from medals, knighthood, money, weapons or armor. All of which signify their efforts to keep the peace in Aaun.
There have been three Lord Commanders since the Legio Aaunica's founding.
-The first Lord Commander, Sir Johann
-The Second Lord Commander, Crown Prince Henry Alstion
-The Third Lord Commander, Heinrich II Lothar von Alstreim
Geography
Aevos
The Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun is situated within the eastern reaches of Aevos and borders four neighbouring nations: the The Unified Domain of Vortice, the Commonwealth of the Petra, the The Thaindom of Dúnfarthing and the Most Serene State of Lurin. The geography of the nation consists of a wide variety of landforms such as rolling hills, mountain ranges, winding rivers, leafy forests, prosperous prairies, and a salty ocean to its east, namely the River Leone which divides Aaun from the rest of western Aevos, along with its secondary division of the Langkette Mountains, which holds the entrance to Whitespire, the Archway of Godwin. Many of the settlements, including the capital, have cultivated the grasslands nearby to grow crops, predominantly wheat and potatoes.
