A Turning

[Hime Themis]

[size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Gentle Persons[/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Tomorrow Sunday September 5, 2010 represents the celebration of the 4[sup]th[/sup] Anniversary of the founding of the Order of the Black Rose. We will celebrate this date on our official IRC Coldfront channel #blackroseorder Sunday September 5, at 20:00 Server time. All are invited to come and converse and enjoy warm hospitality. The Black Keep is often a shadowy place for those who do not come in but for those who know and meet us the warmth found therein can be most hearty.[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]On the occasion of an anniversary it is oft taken as a sign for reflection and we take pleasure and lessons from that quiet contemplation of our past. One thing we do know is that not all may know us as we shun the bright stage of publicity. So on this anniversary we re-introduce our founding and present.[/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The [b]Order of the Black Rose (OBR)[/b] is an alliance based in the customs and traditions of the European Medieval Era. While Role Playing scenarios are tweaked to accommodate the available levels of technology on Digiterra, it is customary for OBR members to conduct all public communications in the manner befitting Members of State of the period,[/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Our origins began from the strife of the Grey Schism.[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]On September the fourth of that eventful year, two days after the final sinking and deletion of Wyveros, this AterAtra did found a new forum, and did entitle it The Order of the Black Rose. As an alliance of honor, nobility, and haven, it opened its gates by invitation only, and such invitations were extended solely to those whose mettle and worth had been proven in both bloody conflict and peaceful diplomacy. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]On that same fourth and fifth of September in that eventful year there came to the Order its founding Knights, all veterans of the Grey whose souls had been sickened by the Grey Schism and who sought a fellowship of honor surrounded by those they held most dear. And so were gathered, in order of their arrival, Sir Vendetta of Lacleria, Sir Gwalchfaen of New Ddraig, Sir Narva Khan of Teras Kasi, and Sir Mondroso of Gryphons Keep. The Order rejoiced at their coming, and casks of Ddraig Stout and tables of baked goods were shared in celebration. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"] From this start in strife came our founding principles of armed vigilance and diplomatic solutions instead of armed conflict where possible. This led many to peg the OBR as neutral a noble but inaccurate depiction. We believe in the treatment of all with equanimity this even handedness is perhaps viewed with reserve and caution as it defies the normal logic of taking sides and gathering unto oneself allies to wage conflict and diplomacy. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]From these principles arose our greatest triumph and greatest failure. It is I know not standard to relieve in one's celebration failure. Those that grow strong however are not those who only revel in triumph but those that learn from failure. [/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Writ de Credo[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]It was the aim of our Order upon its founding to provide safe haven for our brethren in an atmosphere where their native chivalry, honor, and talents could thrive and be properly appreciated. This we have done, and our Knights now stand united for the Order's ideals as a fellowship in Digiterra. Thus we now, in due appreciation of their achievements and to expand the sphere of their talents, embark upon establishing an atmosphere in which they and their companions in other honorable alliances may thrive. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Order Of The Black Rose holds honor, nobility, and civility paramount, believing in absolute adherence to the code of chivalry to which each of its members is strictly bound. Thus we declare that any member nation of The Order Of The Black Rose who dares to commence, commit, further, aid, support, or abet, prolong, or orchestrate hostilities against any other nation without due provocation or who otherwise violates any term of this treaty shall be instantly subject to appropriately harsh and swift punishment, and that such punishment shall be delivered without delay, restraint, or reserve by the Knights of The Order Of The Black Rose through our massed military in our Armory and the assembled magisteria of our Inquisition. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Now therefore, in the open spirit of friendship and chivalry, do we set forth these candid terms of our avowed ideals for assent by such Signatories as shall honorably agree to be bound thereby. [/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Noble words and sentiment. They were the words that drew me to the Order and that keep me here today.[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Alas those with talent in wordsmithing are subject to the same foibles as all and a degree of hubris that desires quiet accolade. At the time of its writing a small clever hook was put into the mechanism to give a private smile to those who prepared it. Over the time of its existence however the spirit of its true words made that private joke a forgotten jest. The OBR sought out not peaceful but friendly even handed relations for all that were willing to honour the true measure of the words spoken in its preamble.. Sadly came the day when the clever wordsmithing led some to question its validity and worth. The fault of course was ours for allowing ourselves to believe that the honest spirit of the WdC could over come the clever wordsmithing without revelation and correction. Failure is a bitter drink when served back to you by your friends. So it was was with sadness that we abandoned the written words of the WdC but maintained that which could never be written the true spirit of our convictions.[/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Our true friendships have been a source of pride and pleasure to us over this time of existence. To those alliances who have called us friends we thank you and look forward to continuing that into the bright future. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Neutrality is a honourable and honest way in a tempestuous Digiterra , to our amusement however it is ascribed to the OBR regularly. We having fought in the last two major world wide conflict, smile as we quietly relive the "neutral" fights we have fought on behalf of our friends and allies. It is very true that the OBR does not and will not engage in wars of aggression and as such may be construed as difficult to get a raise from in a public venue. Our wont is to maintain a quiet readiness to defend those who are in need and have been transgressed. We are pleased to say that in the last two major wars we have been faced by alliances of honour and Integrity. It is well said that one may be noted for ones friends but measure by ones enemies. While we do not take our adversaries as enemies we are proud of the measure of our foes the Old Guard and TORN who showed that conflict if fought with honour by both sides need not become base. Our scars prove that our honoured foes know this as well as how to fight. [/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]So where are we today. What started out as a small band of dedicated nations remains a close knit, battle scarred band. It may not be quite what people think however. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. We are the Rosular Kingdom[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]To remind all the Rosular Kingdom[/color][/font][/i][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"] is comprised of three separate but indivisible part.[/color][/font][/i]

[/size][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Realm of the Rose our economic arm and place for those who wish to enjoy quiet growth without too much external entanglement. It is a place to learn and grow.

Blackwater is our martial division. Those with a bent to the more military aspects of the game find the training and structured military environment more to their liking. Straight forward objectives without that nasty diplomatic stuff.

The Order of the Black Rose. The Government of the alliance. Herein is advanced training and the responsibility of setting the standards and operations of the Rosular Kingdom[/color][/font][/i][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]. All diplomatic ventures and responsibility for planning and governance are housed here.[/color][/font][/i]

[/size][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Three parts one soul. We are dedicated to helping nations learn and grow. We are dedicated to the principles of help and protection. Raiding is prohibited. Our doors are open to all alliances, regardless of their spot on the treaty web. We maintain an active tech trading system and one of the most productive trade circle program on Black open to all Black nations regardless of affiliation.

We maintain a very small tight set of treaties with those who have been long term friends. Treaties however are simply a formal recognition of long term relationship we have many friends and they have in a time of need but to call upon us. It is our privilege to have helped and worked with many alliances over time. You have but to ask and you will find us stalwarts.[/color][/font][/i]

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[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]A friendly reminder of where Rosular Kingdom[/color][/font][/i][/size][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"] stands.

As of 9/4/2010 11:00 Server time[/color][/font][/i]

[/size][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="3"][color="#2f4f4f"]Combined Totals and Rankings on Digiterra.
[/color][/size][/font][/i][u]
[b][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="3"][color="#2f4f4f"]Nation Strength[/color][/size][/font][/i][/b][/u]
[size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Total - 3,624,118 (#37)
[b][u]Members[/u][/b]
Total - 66 (#70)
[/color][/font][/i][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][b][u]Avg[/u][/b][b][u] [/u][/b][b][u]NS[/u][/b][/color][/font][/i]
[/size][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="3"][color="#2f4f4f"]Total - 54,910 (#6)
[b][u]Infrastructure[/u][/b]
Total – 539,793 (#45)
[b][u]Technology[/u][/b]
Total – 233,358 (#33)[/color][/size][/font][/i][b][u]
[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][size="3"][color="#2f4f4f"]Nukes[/color][/size][/font][/i][/u][/b][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]
Total - 844 (#43)[/color][/font][/i]

[/size][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]To contact us we are ever ready to greet all.
Our forums[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"] [/color][/font][/i][/size][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][i][size="3"][url="http://www.blackroseorder.info/phpbb3/"][url="http://www.blackroseorder.info/phpbb3/"]http://www.blackroseorder.info/phpbb3/[/url][/size][/i][/color][/font][/url]
[size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]For all OBR, Blackwater and Realm of the Rose issues or just to say hello.

#blackroseorder
Our Coldfront IRC channel where you should be able to find one of our good people at most times.[/color][/font][/i]

[/size][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]So we celebrate the values and virtues of our founding four years ago with fortitude to face the future and great hopes for the spirit and strength of the community of Digiterra.



TLDR[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]It is my great honour to invite all to come on Sunday September 5, at 20:00 Server time to our IRC channel #blackroseorder to celebrate with us the 4 year anniversary of our founding. Many things have changed and many new faces have come to the Rosular Kingdom[/color][/font][/i][/size][size="3"][i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"] but the values and principles remain unchanged. Please feel free to come and speak with our members and reminisce as "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers",
we today in it shall be remembered. Bring a friend, as all of good hearts are welcome in the Black Keep.[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Respectfully[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Dame Hime Themis[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]For Our[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"][/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Queen AterAtra[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]Knight Protector Sir Winslow[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Knights Council[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Squires and Pages of The Order of the Black Rose[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Officers and Soldiers of Blackwater[/color][/font][/i]

[i][font="Palatino Linotype"][color="#2f4f4f"]The Council and Citizens of the Realm of the Rose[/color][/font][/i]

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Edited September 4, 2010 by Hime Themis

[Batallion]

I'm really amazed at how easily you guys manage to maintain three AAs for such a long time.
Well done.

Edited September 4, 2010 by Batallion

[The MVP]

And I'm amazed how I still can't understand you overly flowery language after 4 years.

[Rayvon]

Congrats to the Kingdom

I've had the pleasure of meeting your diplomats, and fighting alongside one of your warriors against a rogue.

May your future be as bright as your past o/

[Ketther]

I have to admit I know your Order only through your messages. Even so (or maybe especially so) I wish you many other succesful years.

Kett

[Sal Paradise]

I like how you whitewashed the death cookie and then signed for people that don't exist.

Happy Birthday

[Cerridwyn]

Felicitations on the fourth anniversary of your founding, my lords and ladies and may you have four more and four times four more.

[Sigrun Vapneir]

Congratulations and best wishes.

[Kevanovia]

I enjoyed taking in this announcement. Congratulations to you all! Although I have to say, I'm sad to see a lack of Neboe.

[Choader]

Good going dude.

[Scorponok]

I <3 you guys.

A great community and alliance you have. I wish you all the success and good fortune in this upcoming year.

o7 the Rosular Kingdom.

[Bob Ilyani]

This is awesome. Congrats OBR!!!

[Sephiroth]

Congrats and happy birthday to the Kingdom, its good to see you guys still around and sticking to your values.

[Dementual]

Legitimate congratulations to you all. A Planet Bob without an Order of the Black Rose seems unimaginable to me.

[okandjo]

<3 kirke

[R3nowned]

The Kingdom of Menairalis rejoices at the fourth birthday of the Rosular Kingdom. May she never grow old.

[Brenann]

As always it is a pleasure to read your post Dame. Congrats to the Kingdom on 4 years. I hope to see you around this time next year.

[NationRuler]

My respect for the OBR has never waned.

Congratulations guys.

Edit: I'm dumb

Edited September 5, 2010 by NationRuler

[Kzoppistan]

A fantastic celebration, congratulations OBR!

[KingEd]

Congratulations!

The Kingdom Prospers.
o/

[Joseph Black]

Congratulations Rosular Kingdom

[dy Cazaril]

I am delighted to see that the Order is still going strong after an impressive 4 years.

o7 OBR

[Kirke]

Thanks to all for your well wishes here and especially to those who joined us for our celebration this evening!!

[Jacques Cousteau]

Congrats guys.

4 years is a feat.