Official Organ of the Imperium Asraniae
Published under the Divine Radiance of Aeternum Solis
53rd Week, Year 43 AC (After Cataclysm)
In the far reaches of the Kingdom of Nova Lúria, where the southern hills kiss the northern Appala Mountains, history shifts beneath the golden light of Aeternum Solis once more. The duchy of Jaramid, long considered a bastion of royal ambition, finds itself in embroiled in turmoil. Duchess Verana Meona, who many believed would don the crown and proclaim herself Queen of a Nova Lúria, has renounced her claim, casting her destiny—and that of her realm—into the embrace of The Solisian Church.
The abdication, announced with solemn grace, comes amidst a maelstrom of internal and external pressures. Border skirmishes, civil dissent, and the unrelenting tide of migrants fleeing the cataclysmic wars in Valkyria have eroded the foundation of Verana's power. But most poignant is the shadow cast by House Rochalva. Hailing from the northern county of Beluna, Count Albertiano Rochalva and his fiery kinsman Marciano Riachonte-Rochalva of the Riachonte Cadet Branch, have risen as formidable challengers to Jaramid's ambitions.
House Rochalva, unyielding in its resolve, is said to have launched a campaign of subjugation against Jaramid lands, seizing border towns and issuing veiled threats of escalation. Their actions, though decried by some as ruthless, are hailed by their supporters as a righteous defense of not only Belunese sovereignty and values but of the future of the Kingdom itself. Unable to muster sufficient support within the fractured royal council and facing the prospect of prolonged conflict, Verana abdicated her crown, leaving the fate of New Luria to the radiance of Solar Ecclesiarch Helia I.
From within the hallowed halls of Lucierna, Verana delivered her abdication in a letter both mournful and resolute. In an excerpt obtained by The Imperial Herald from Ecclesial sources, the duchess’s words speak volumes about her intent and the weight of her decision:
"To the peers of the royal council, I have met Princess Helia I de Solis at Lucierna initially for be crowned and I declare New Luria under her faith. However, sadly for reasons of incompatibility to ensure the stability of Luria, I announce to place the crown under the hands of the Church and preferably renounce to it."
Her missive continued with a declaration that the duchy of Jaramid would remain with her family, her abdication yielding leadership to her sister, Isabel Meona. Notably, Verana entrusted The Solisian Church, under Helia I’s divine stewardship, to guide the kingdom through this tumultuous period. Whether this guidance manifests as direct theocratic rule or the anointing of a new monarch remains to be seen.
The abdication of Verana has cast the House Rochalva into the limelight. The modest Belunese family, led by the stern and pragmatic Count Albertiano Rochalva, has emerged as a central player in the unfolding drama. Their actions, from securing border towns to consolidating alliances, have left no doubt of their ambitions.
Albertiano’s austere demeanor and unflinching resolve stand in stark contrast to the courtly elegance of Jaramid. A man forged in the crucible of the various military campaigns of the Hawks decades past, it is said he has little patience for the intrigues of high society. Yet his actions have won him the loyalty of many, particularly those who share his devotion to the Belunese people.
Marciano Riachonte-Rochalva, the younger and more fervent kinsman of Albertiano, has galvanized the Belunese Solisian League—a political and religious movement that champions the unification of Nova Lúria under Solisian doctrine. Marciano’s fiery oratory and deep devotion to Aeternum Solis have made him a beacon of hope for the disillusioned and devout alike.
In the absence of Duchess Verana, the kingdom of Nova Lúria finds itself at a crossroads. The Solisian Church, under the enlightened stewardship of Her Radiance Solar Ecclesiarch Helia I, holds the power to anoint a new ruler. Among the contenders, three names stand prominent:
House Rochalva of Beluna
The most active and assertive faction, the Rochalvas have positioned themselves as the champions of Solisian orthodoxy. Their alignment with the Church, combined with their military successes, places them in a formidable position. Yet their austere pragmatism and disdain for traditional courtly etiquette may alienate the kingdom’s more conservative factions.
House Angainandil of Rómenala
Steeped in ancient traditions, House Angainandil traces its lineage to the Kingdom of Turindië, a realm founded in the ashes of the Sarantian Empire. Though not at all aligned with the Solisian faith, their ancestral claim and political importance in the region and kingdom as a whole render them a viable alternative. Their neutrality could bridge divides, though their reluctance to fully embrace the Church may prove a liability.
An Ecclesial Candidate
Some speculate that Solar Ecclesiarch Helia I may seek to crown a ruler from within the Church itself or a lesser-known noble deeply devoted to Solisian values. Such a choice would solidify the Church’s influence but risk alienating secular factions. The path forward remains shrouded in uncertainty, as the forces of ambition, tradition, and faith vie for dominance.
In a rare address to the faithful, Solar Ecclesiarch Helia I spoke of the abdication and its implications for Nova Lúria:
“The light of Aeternum Solis shines brightest in times of trial. Duchess Verana’s decision, though painful for some, reflects a wisdom that places the stability of the kingdom above personal ambition.The Ecclesia stands ready to guide Nova Lúria, to bring unity where there is division, and to ensure that the will of our lord of light is made manifest.”
Her Radiance’s words, though measured, leave no doubt of the Church’s intent to play a decisive role in shaping the kingdom’s future.
While Nova Lúria grapples with its uncertain future, the most august Imperium Asraniae marches forward with resolute purpose. In a proclamation issued from the Palatium Asrani, Imperator Aurelian Aeternus Avalon has elevated Balfreid Sigerica II, formerly the Baron of Prince's Pass, to the rank of Duke.
The newly established Duchy of Sigerica, carved from the dissolved Province of Weiden, stands as a testament to the Imperium’s ability to adapt and thrive amidst change. The decision follows weeks of meticulous deliberation over the boundaries and governance of this new realm, ensuring that it aligns with the Imperium’s strategic goals.
Duke Balfreid, a seasoned statesman, has pledged to uphold the values of the Imperium and bring prosperity to his lands. His elevation serves as a reminder that in the Imperium, service and loyalty are rewarded.
"By the Light of Aeternum Solis, Truth Shall Endure." — The Imperial Herald