...dressed in red, gold, and black finery enters the tavern. Without a word, a separates a single parchment from a hefty stack and tacks it to the common board. 
The Missive

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Hear ye, loyal subjects of the Empire,By command of His Majesty, Sovereign of Ariad, let this truth be known in every hall, tavern, and marketplace of the realm:The oaths of our knights, captains, and sworn bannermen are not the property of a single house, but the lifeblood of the Empire. Their service shields our homes, guards our borders, and ensures that no foe may breach our walls.Therefore, His Majesty decrees:

• That the loyalty of all sworn knights and bannermen shall be renewed and affirmed before their lieges, with record of such faith sent to the Crown.
• That these oaths shall not be taken in secrecy, but in the open light, for loyalty is no shadow’s business.
• That those who prove steadfast shall be commended and uplifted, for it is through their strength that peace endures.

• Any knight, captain, or bannerman who refuses or neglects to affirm their oath before the eyes of their liege and the Crown shall be judged as faithless.
• Such neglect shall be counted as betrayal of the Empire itself, and the cost shall be the loss of rank, station, and protection under law.
• Let it be known that dishonor earns no shelter.