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Provinces of the Empire - The Crownlands
Herein lies the declaration of the Charter of Surrender of the Confederated Houses of Ardwos, henceforth referred to as Ardwos. This charter was drafted by Administration Scribes in accordance with the 7th Doctrine of The Fourth Empire. Additional information may be obtained by traveling to your closest Administratum office and requesting a reading of Seventh Doctrine, article 22, section 5.
This document, henceforth referred to as the Charter, will outline the unconditional surrender of the unlawful aggressors, being Ardwos, who shall wholly and completely surrender on this day, The Eleventh of Kiersmunth, in the year of our Goddess 3021. As per the Seventh Doctrine, the following stipulations must be followed by the government of Ardwos:
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Ardwos shall accept any and all responsibility for the war.
- This includes any damages to life, profit, or property of Imperial soldiers and citizenry.
- As per damages, reparations must be met as defined in section 2. These reparations are to be valued by the Grand Master of the Merchant's Guild's office at the discretion of the Grand General of the Imperial Army, whomsoever holds these positions for the duration of the payments.
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As per the seventh doctrine, reparations are to be paid for the following: The count of soldiers murdered unjustly by Ardwos's hostility and their stolen equipment, the property damage to the villages and outposts of the Fourth pursuant to the previous element of this list, the loss of peasants due to war or attrition, and the damage to Imperial Security. Any additional costs may be evaluated at anytime during the reparation period as outlined in section 3.
- Reparation Period is defined in Seventh Doctrine as the period of time it takes for the aggressor to repay the damages outlined in sections one and two. There is no time limit to repay, though each additional year will accrue interest of 5% compounded monthly.
- Should payment be late, it shall be seized via reparation tax collected by the Administration with assistance of the Inquisition. If necessary, property may be seized in lieu of payments.
In addition to reparations, Ardwos will be expected to maintain the following conditions as pursuant to vassalization by the Fourth.
- After this document takes effect, the name Ardwos shall be discontinued in favor of the new provincial name, The Crownlands.
- The dissolution of the Bishops of Ardwos' heretical faith in its entirety.
- The disbandment of all armed forces without exception.
- Submission to the Emperor and his Choir, along with the governmental bodies he deems necessary.
- Adoption of Heartlander as a primary language.
As per the newly passed Eighth Doctrine, the terms of surrender are to be implicitly accepted by the surrendering party and are to be signed by the reigning member of the Army. This document is legally binding, and attempt to break the contract will exact immediate costs upon Ardwos and its people.
Signed, General Archimedes of the Fortieth Legion, at Cathedral Town in Helvec, Ardwos.
The Crownlands is a province haunted by the scars of its violent past. The craggy bedrock hills are dotted with ancient burnout fortresses. Dead cities, blasted and torn to pieces, flank the rushing rivers of this rugged land.
You can almost hear the ancient voices of the denizens long gone, the heretical Theocratic Confederation; once an existential threat to safety and security on the Continent, would be conquerors of the Heartland. Yet the province is lovely so long as you avoid those cursed places.
Like it's southern sister, the Crownlands are geologically young, comprising of vast mountains and rugged hills, drastic elevation changes, many thousands of lakes, and the endlessly stretching taiga forest reaching up to the northernmost borders of the Empire. Many of the cities in the Crownlands are relatively new, at least compared to the ancient settlements of the other provinces. These new constructions are chaotic, disorganized, and poorly designed; as is the nature of rebuilding after such a tragically devastating war.
The province was one famous for its heating systems and mastery of pipes and moving water, as well as their impressive command of carpentry, which the province has retained into modern day. It is a place of industry, of resource extraction and hard workers. Mines rich in silver ring out day and night; lumberyard process not only the lumber of their own province, but lumber provided by other provinces as well. Great mills and log palisades and hardy people are common sights here.
The men often grow out their beards, and weave beads into them. Women cover their hair with linen caps and wear pants. Priests are expected to follow these customs, and are encouraged to by their superiors. The province is still rebuilding, even four hundred and fifty years after vassalization, but it is a truly vibrant place.
There are many unique festivals that originate from this province, including the Long Winter's Night, where big bonfires are lit in the town square, warm cider is served, and people dance all night long. In the spring you'll find maypoles and flower festivals; with rich, fried foods wrapped in bread. You won't go hungry, though the province relies heavily on meat, as extensive agriculture is quite difficult.
All in all, the Crownlands are a vibrant and haunting place; full of secretive crags and canyons, sweeping highlands, the endless dark forest of pines, and a scattered but friendly people who welcome all.