THE ROYAL ARMY OF THE KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY’S 3RD ARMY OF HAENSE

“Ea byk zwem zanyotsk ter ea byk denpetravesk.”

"I would have perished had I not persisted."

The Royal Army of Haense is the newly established soldiering force throughout the snow clad hills of the realm; Centralized in New Reza, it may be found patrolling all throughout the wildlands. Defending the trade routes between the crossroads and the wildland Kingdom as well as defending against all outer threat there is to the populace. Its Hanso-Ruskan culture brings this army excellence in military policing and mandating, allowing it to operate with its own food, dependencies, and revolving population.

The hearty presiding citizenry of Markev enduring the cold throughout the winter months

C. 1641, by Jakob Macdonough 

All standards and banners used in battle also fly the cross at the top-left corner, used to rally the army during warfare. Before battle, the  is spoken, recited as follows;

THE OTHAMANIC DOCTRINE

The Tablet of Tenets that all within the Royal Haense Army must adhere by, or else face consequences.

-You shall hold no other allegiance, and be pure to your oath. Be not corruptible. 

-Be calm, strong, polite, and resolute. Show valor in the field, and chivalry at home.

-Never surrender yourself nor your brothers; bring your honor, or death. 

-Triumph through discipline. Submit to this law; First my orders, then myself. 

-Grasp the purpose of each duty, so you may one day take up the torch of leadership. 

-Against an honorable foe, fight with chivalry, but to the dishonorable, extend no quarter. 

-Keep true to your people. Offer your life in place of theirs. 

-Be strong, true, and loyal to his Majesty and the Haense Royal Army.

BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL

The Army at its start consists only of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, which makes up the Realm’s infantry, with small detachments of auxiliary cavalry encompassed within. The lower echelons of the Army are dressed in light leather and chain, primarily tasked with skirmishing and scouting duties. The weathered veterans, however, are armored in heavier plate and mail, acting as a heavy infantry wall to coming assaults and charges. 

The Army also acts as the Kingdom’s policing force during peace times, tasked with upholding the Orenian Revised Codex and the King’s decrees.

Knights of the Crow are able to serve in the Royal Haense Army, but upon enlistment their titles and knighthood are rendered entirely titular, and subsequently must adhere to the hierarchy of the Army without fault.

The battered Krag following The Sack of Vjorhelm,

C. 1640, by Karl Rauen

RANKS OF COMMAND

 “The man who runs from his enemy lives to see another day. The man who dies for his cause lives forever.”

Osgod Colborn at the Battle of Curon Forest, 1580

GREAT CROWN COMMANDANT | HAUCHKOSSIN is the commanding head of the combined forces, a rank held in concert with the Palatine of the Realm, making both the Great Crown Commandant the highest politician and general in the realm, second only to His Majesty as King of the realm. The Great Crown Commandant serves as Marshal of all forces, and while a majority of actual command is arbitrated to the lessers of officership, the Great Crown Commandant holds the highest degree of power among the armed forces. An authority rarely used, only to ensure stability in tumultuous events. He wields the iconic silver bulava and is allowed to display the Karovic Baton upon their heraldry. The current Great Crown Commandant is Otto Sigmar, Grand Prince of Muldav [Pureimp10]

LORD MARSHAL | HAUCHMARSKYAL is the penultimate authority of the military, chief general of His Majesty’s armed forces, and in the logistics of the central Royal Army, is de facto first-in-command of all military affairs. It is therefore expected that the Marskyal organizes the majority of duties and tasks to be dispatched to lesser officers, as well as coordinating the establishment of garrisons, patrols, training exercises and other large scale operations. The Hauchmarskyal also serves on His Majesty’s Aulic Council, being held privy to the inner machinations of the Realm.

 The current Hauchmarskyal is Erwin Barclay, Count of Reinmar [StillAMiniguy]

CAPTAIN | OBERNIK is a commissioned officer awarded his own command. Captains often hold considerable sway within His Majesty’s forces, oftentimes dictating the state of morale within the ranks. Stationed within the central command of the Army they are tasked with the directing, arming, maintenance, and training of His Majesty’s forces.

LIEUTENANT | LEYTNANT is a soldier who has proven a step above his peers. A Leytnant is an example of duty, diligence, competency, and a passion to serve. They are to oversee the behavior of their subordinates beneath them and assist any of their superior officers.

RANKS OF FOOT

"You are Brothers now. Trust the man to your right and to your left, and be ready to give your life for him, for he would do the same without question."

Tarcell Othaman, 1502

SERGEANT | SERZHANT is the toughest of the enlisted men. As a veteran of various battles and wars, they are no stranger to combat, and have earned the respect that comes with the rank. They are armed with the finest equipment, and are expected to take active leadership roles in the Army through training, patrols, and upkeep of the men.

ARMIGER | BRUSTYA is the veteran of the Army, who neither seek further promotions, or are incapable of receiving such. They typically operate in conjunctions with Sergeants, but bow to their authority in operations. Armigers are expected to lead from the front, take command in the absence of an officer, and be a role model for the men beneath him.

ARMSMAN | OXTZEN is the tried and tested soldiers of the Army. Each Armsman has proven his mettle in battle, his steel sharp and his heart true. Comprising the bulk of the Army’s forces, it is from the vetted Armsmen that the leaders of tomorrow are selected, and the new steel of the North is tempered.

FOOTMAN | NAUSAN consists of the bulk of the Royal Army; men who have passed their Initiate trials and have been deemed worthy by the Hauchmarskyal of being accepted as a fully fledged soldier of the Haeseni Royal Army.

INITIATE | NAUMAAN is a recently volunteered or conscripted soldier, untested in battle and untrained in the art of combat. These recruits are not considered soldiers yet, and will have to undergo a series of tests and trials before they can be promoted to the rank of Footman.

SPECIALIZED POSITIONS

QUARTERMASTER is the man responsible for arming all of His Majesty’s soldiers as per their rank. The Quartermaster ensures that all soldiers requisitions are properly taken care of, as well as replacing broken or unusable equipment.

PHYSICIAN is the officer responsible for the upkeep of soldiers’ health. In the case of disease or other injury from battle, the physician works tirelessly to ensure that the men receive the treatment they need.

CHAPLAIN  is a priest of the Church of the Canon who provides religious guidance for the soldiers in the army. Blessing men before battles, performing funeral rites and other religious ceremonies. 

MASTER OF ARMS  is a specialized position in the Royal Army, men who have gone through a vigorous training regiment to learn mastery with a specific weapon. Soldiers ranked Footman and higher within the Army may take apprenticeship with an existing Master of Arms, and seek specialization in certain weaponry. 

BULLROARER | VERSANGKRUV is a specialized accolade given to the enlisted member of championed classification within the Army. They are posted upon the front lines as heavy infantry, and are devastatingly effective against opposing forces.

STANDARD-BEARER | FAHNENBAR is entrusted with the sacred honor of bearing the Army’s flag into battle. A model soldier, patriot, and budding leader, these men claim the greatest glory of all, with the Army boasting only a single standard bearer.

The second Battle of the Rothswood,

c. 1678

PAYMENT, HONOURS AND MILITARY DECORATIONS

The Royal Army of Haense will house, feed and arm all soldiers regardless of rank, as well as maintain appropriate conditions according to rank and stature. Monetary payments are paid by the State on an annual basis, with the payments increasing per rank. Each soldier is to find their salaries within a deposit box of their name, in designated areas.

Those who have reached the Rank of Armiger are entitled to a supplementary issue of housing from designated lands, given at the retirement of said individual. Honorably discharged soldiers are entitled to tax breaks in their properties, and discounts on many other matters. Retiring soldiers are placed into special auxiliary Regiments and will be expected to answer calls in times of enforced conscription during war.

The awards and merits given by the Army are listed below:

• GOLDEN CROW OF VALOR, for those who performed beyond what was expected, a miracle through God in service to the Golden Crow of Haense. It is the most supreme of the medals in the Haeseni Royal Army, a medal pinned by His Majesty personally upon its recipient, and additionally granted a sum of minas. The medal is composed of a Golden Crow upon a black field. 

• CROSS OF ST. KARL, rarely awarded and not given to those who not only simply die in battle, but only for those who die as a martyr in service of the Kingdom. It is a medal awarded posthumously to the closest of kin. It is a reminder of Saint Karl Barbanov, the progenitor of the Haeseni State. The medal is composed of a Golden Cross, with the initials K.B. inscribed onto it. 

• CROSS OF WOLDZMIR, awarded to those who have defended their brothers in faith against tremendous odds while facing those of opposing the religion, the Cross of Woldzmir is named after the famed warrior-woman Saint Emma Vladov and her strategic prowess during the Schismatic Wars of 1490. The medal is composed of a golden Hussariyan cross on a circular white background.

• SPARROW’S VALOR, awarded to those who have proven capable in the ability of leading men, Sparrow’s Valor is named after Saint Thomas of Gaekrin, the once Crown Prince of Kaedrin who led countless victories in conquering the Elven State of Malinor and defending against the invading Dwarven Armies in the First Human-Dwarf War. The medal is composed of a black, flying sparrow across a yellow shield.

• VYDRIAN BANNER, awarded to those men who rally up and defeat a greater force against all odds. Named after the late Orenian King Andrik Vydra, who took a broken Akovian people and lead them to victory against the violent hordes of Schismatic heretics, Orcish screamers, and Dwarven legionaries, a nearly impossible accommodation to achieve but a great honor. The medal is composed of a red gryphon on a black banner ordained in gold.

• BULWARK OF TOBIAS, Awarded to those who have shown great acts of valor during a defensive siege, the Bulwark of Tobias is named after the famous defense of Mount Augustus led by Tobias ‘Rosebud’ Carrion during the Orenian Civil War of 1456. The medal is composed of a red and black tower overlaying a grey shield background.

For non-combative decorations:

• LABOR ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON, for those who have worked tirelessly for the maintaining of functionality.

• ARMY RECRUITMENT RIBBON, for those who have actively recruited men into the Army.

• RESOLVE SERVICE RIBBON, for those who have served a minimum of eight years within the Army.  

To my left I see my fellow brothers, to the right I see the same.

 For all in the world, we fight for the peace of this land.

 Through God, he gave us stewardship of the realm.

 Through stewardship, we gained the knowledge of diligence and prudence.

 Through diligence, we may conquer all without fault.

 And if I should falter in my course, send me never to the skies above.

 If I should succeed, bestow unto me His blessings, forevermore.

 For, now I march into a valley through which there is no path.

 And the stones cascade behind me, to seal my retreat.

 Though in this valley, I find my Brothers; Now I am named Guardian of My Homeland.

 Should I falter, my shield shall turn to ash; 

But I shall not falter.

The Oath of Saint Karl

ENLISTMENT

The Army accepts all who have a desire to serve both King and Country, the one requirement being that they have seen a minimum of 16 winters.

ENLISTMENT APPLICATION FOR THE 3RD ROYAL ARMY

Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Race:

Gender:

Address [If not applicable; N/A]: 

Imperial Census Completed, [Y/N]:

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/189457-imperial-census-1757-1767/

Status of Blood [Nobility, Gentry, Commoner, Former Nobility, etc.]:

State your purpose for enlisting:

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The Order of the Golden Hussars

“If you wish to win the hearts of the Highlanders, that you will one day rule, you must learn to lead from the front. Therefore, when riding to war, surround yourself with hard men- men sharper than steel, with hearts as cold as iron- who would stay by your side if you were to ride into the black mouth of Hell itself. Fight on the front lines, with these men beside you- and live. Then, perhaps, you may hope to begin the long task of earning the respect of your subjects.”

-Otto Rovin, counseling a young Karl Barbanov [Horen’s Welcome, 1458].

Since the time of the Duke of Siegrad, the House of Barbanov has surrounded itself with its finest warriors. With the unfortunate death of the late King Andrik III, King Andrik Petyr has commissioned the creation of an order of Haense’s finest to serve as the personal retinue to the royal family. Henceforth, the Golden Hussars are hereby established. Their mission is trifold:

-To serve as the heavy cavalry for the military of Haense,

-To represent the King in battle,

-To protect the royal family from all bodily harm.

The Order of the Golden Hussars is comprised of Haenseni knights and dames as well as squires and pages who wish to one day be a Golden Hussar. As his first act as Knight Paramount, Ser Tiberius “Tide Breaker” Barrow commissioned the Golden Hussars as an official knightly order of Haense.

Structure

All members of the Golden Hussars are inherently equal as knights of the Crown. As such, there are no ranks within the Golden Hussars. The Golden Hussars follow the command of the Knight Paramount and the King of Haense. Each Hussar is permitted up to 2 squires and 3 pages at a time whose housing and upkeep shall be funded by the Crown. 

On the Haensic Royal Army

The Golden Hussars serve as the Dres Ezred (Third Battalion) of the Royal Army of Haense. They serve as the heavy shock cavalry of the army; however, they have been known to work as mounted range units as well. Their missions are arduous and difficult so knights of the Golden Hussars must be capable to fight in any scenario.

On the Marian Retinue

“The dream of every child is to one day become a knight. The dream of every knight is to one day become a Kingsguard.”

- Ser Osgod Colborn, [Harren’s Folly, 1472].

The Marian Retinue has long served as the official bodyguard of the King since the reign of Marius II. In honor of this long standing tradition, the Marian Retinue will remain as a sub-order of the Golden Hussars. The Marian Retinue will hereby be selected from the body of Golden Hussars for those of distinguished service and honorable performance in battle.

On the Barayan Company

“The only men I fear are those I have trained myself.”

- Tarcell Othaman, [Harren’s Folly, 1471]

The Barayan Company is hereby commissioned. The Barayan Company will be made up of 500 dismounted soldiers who will support the mounted Hussars as heavy infantry. The Barayan Company with serve as a sub-order of the Golden Hussars. All Arma Patrinae will make up the ranks of the Barayan Company.

On Protecting the Royal Family

Each Hussar will be assigned to a member of the Barbanov royal family. When a member of the royal family is married off to a foreigner or leaves Haense for whatever reason, they forfeit the protection of the Golden Hussars. The Marian Retinue will serve as the assigned members to the King of Haense.

Creed

At this moment, my vigil begins.

When the night grows dark and fears spreads through the camp,

I swear to be steadfast.

When the enemy comes in number towards our gates,

I swear to hold my ground.

When the King of Haense rides out to battle,

I swear to be first at his side.

And if the cost be my life itself,

I shall bring victory.

Memoirs of the VI Herzen, Henrik Vanir (1765)

          As I confine myself to my study tonight, deciding to pen these memoirs as my predecessors have, I realize the necessity of the position of Royal Herzen and its prerequisites; integrity, honor, incorruptibility. As I get older, I’d hope to define myself by this office and its ideals. In truth, I live by the job now – and acquiring these traits as I may have has taken my full dedication. Endured have I the full experience of the Royal Duma, and along with it the side effects – it causes anger, parents arguments, forges some cooperation, but most importantly, constitutes a room where the bright, and dare I say combustible, lords and officials can come together to do something more than debate over bills – their voices help function the great Hanseti-Ruska, an entity bigger than just the chamber.

          And that is why I write today. The desideratum, the sanctity, the necessity of the Royal Duma. Many question the relevance or need of the august body; after all, we are governed by our true leader, the rightful King of Hanseti-Ruska. While the rule of the King is certain and true (hence his ability to veto anything he does not see fit to be in place), the Duma provides something one man cannot – a collective of individuals, not-so like-minded, with varying ideas for prosperity. It is not a means of government, per say, though it is (how the V Herzen, Sigmar Baruch wrote) “a legislative body composed of nobility, gentry, and peasantry alike in which they aid in the governance of His Majesty’s demesne.” The accessibility and diversity of it alone is a reason for its desideratum – it gives those from the smallest corner of Reza to Counts and Dukes a voice that is heard. 

          When the chamber is used correctly, it is a means for progress. When it is used incorrectly, it can destructive or divisive. In stagnation, the chamber feels useless, but I assure all that the body is necessary. For all of these reasons, I urge every citizen to be well-informed on the affairs of Duma, and even attempt to forge their own political career. I urge future Royal Herzens to understand the ideals I’ll now reiterate – integrity, honor, incorruptibility. And I urge all lords to not take their Duma privileges for granted; they are a gift, and an exhibition of the benevolence of our royal leadership. 

Signed,

Henrik Vanir, VI Herzen

And 

The Common Man

The Memoirs of the Lord Speaker, Sigmar Joren Baruch (1745)

His Majesty’s Royal Duma and its longstanding history has seen many different forms before taking the present of a legislative body in 1707. Throughout its history, it has been seen as the nobility’s chance to govern over the demesne of  the Koeng. It is their right, niet, their duty to take part in the governance of the Kingdom granted to them by Koeng Andrik III in his edict,“The Laws, Rights, and Decrees of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska”. For decades now, in this new form, the nobility has sat in the seats of Lords as well as Aldermen, the common man has been passed by and overlooked. The very people the Royal Duma are supposed to govern, protect, and pass laws in favor of have been forgotten. It is now that I write my thoughts on the matter. Why has it gone this way? How do we change it?

The common folk of Haense have been left unrepresented in the Royal Duma. The nobility has taken the seats reserved for the people and used it for their own gain, ignoring the needs and wants of the peasantry of the kingdom. Why is this?Why does the common man take no part in their government? My theory is this; because of the lack of knowledge on the Duma by the peasantry and working class they see no reason to involve themselves in the petty squabbles of Haeseni nobility. We, as government officials and civil servants of Haense, have failed our citizens and constituents by not educating them on what the Royal Duma truly is, and how it affects each of them on a personal level. Therefore, let me explain the Duma in its simplest form; a legislative body composed of nobility, gentry, and peasantry alike in which they aide in the governance of  His Majesty’s Demesne. The Duma was created to ease the burden of leadership on his Majesty whilst giving a voice to the people that this Sovereign government rules over. It is not just solely the job of the nobility, nor the gentry, it is the job of all haensemen to take part in their government. The Duma is a tool for the people to voice their concerns, to pass meaningful legislation, and to protect the rights of all highlanders. It is ,however, not to be taken advantage of. Some will try weaponize this body, this is a breaking of the contract made by the king to his servants, and will result in the immediate destruction of the power that was invested in us. You may ask, how can the common people of Haense get more involved? They can take part in elections, run for offices such as Maer and Alderman and taking them back from the nobility, and voice their concerns by taking a more active role in their community. For centuries, highlanders have been united under the sovereign crown of Hanseti-Ruska, and in recent years they have had a fair chance in voicing their concerns and wants for the future. I urge all of you, no matter your social status, to take advantage of the sacred and respected body and use it as a tool for the betterment of  our great kingdom. 

His Excellency, Sigmar Baruch, Count of Ayr, Baron of Laval, Riveryn, and Voron,

Lord Speaker and Herzen of the Royal Duma of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska

Katherine Marie Ruthern (neé Stafyr)

From the County of Metterden, just west of New Reza, where the black and grey banners greet you as you approach the stone keep in one of the family’s rooms and aged Katherine would lie in her bed.

The Dowager Countess would breathe shakingly. Her progressed age and the illness that had befallen and gotten worse the past few years were tearing at her. She had gotten used to the fact that her end was close and yet as she knew her time was coming closer and closer, her mind wandered through the many memories she had made in her long life.

Her mind drifted to her childhood. The games she played with her brother Erich, Cousin Leana, Andrik III and her dear friend Rain. Konrad, Kamilla and Gerard, the ones who had taken on Erich and her when her father Lord Leopold had been killed by the Pertinaxis and their mother had locked herself in her chambers. Katherine had never fully forgiven her for that.

She remembered when she was told - she could still remember her sobs reflecting of the library walls in Nenzing and the cold floor beneath her. The Ruthern’s mind wandered to the war. The holes in Haense, built to better defend Old Reza. She remembered the ambushes she had to endure. The bandits who attempted to raid Haense in the name of the Pertinaxi Empire. She clutched her emerald necklace, that she had made in memory of her father, brother, favourite cousin Leana and later of everyone she had loved.

A smile would form on her face. Even though she had experienced great loss, it was one of the times she was happiest. That and the decade prior to her illness. Around 1740 Katherine married the Count of Metterden, Konstantin Ruthern. It was not a marriage out of love, no and the couple would not grow to love each other romantically over the years. She liked to say that they were friends that happened to be married. 

Over the years she gave birth to three girls and one son: Viktoriya, who would grow up to be Queen of Haense. Aleksandr, the Heir to the County of Metterden. Irene, who would almost marry and Imperial, but to her luck managed to get away just in time. And Elizaveta, the one who - to Katherine’s disappointment - married an Imperial, but in the end, made her proud.

She remembered the past decades. For quite some time Katherine had withdrawn from her family, hidden away in her room. Estranged from her Birth House and not feeling like she belonged to House Ruthern, she prefered her own company over the company to the Ruthern family. One of her biggest mistakes, she thought, as it probably ruined the relationship with her children that she could’ve had.

As Konstantin passed away in the Scylfing Invasion, Katherine was reminded of her childhood and she decided to step out of the room more often, much to her children’s surprise and joy. From there on out life seemed to have passed in a glimpse. Her son had returned and married a Volik woman, with whom he had multiple children. Her youngest daughter had courted the Crown Prince of the Empire until she fled from the Novellen Palace and returned home. Her eldest daughter gave birth to the new generation of the Barabnov Line and Elizaveta married the Imperial that was part of the reason Irene fled.

Now, once again, Katherine spent most of her time in her Chambers. The illness that had befallen her lungs had made her too weak to roam the Castels rooms and hallways. Occasionally she was visited by her family, a time that she cherished. 

The Dowager Countess would slowly lift herself from her bed. Leaning on her cane, she would walk over to the table and reach for her writing utensils. For a while, she would stare out of the window, unsure how to start but then she would start.

To my children, 

I am writing this, as I can feel my end coming. As you know, I am not a lady of many words so I shall keep this short. Over the years I have seen all of you grow up and even though I might not have been there for you every step of the way, I cannot put into words how proud I am of what you have become. 

Cherish the moments you have together, for the family bonds are the ones that can never be severed.

Dearest Irene, my youngest, 

To you, I write the words that my father wrote to me before his death.

“If you ever feel empty and alone my dearest daughter. Lookout north in a star-covered night sky and know that the brightest star there shall be me, forever following your footsteps with a smile as bright that it would light up the darkest of days. You are and will forever be the emerald of my eye.”

Dearest Aleksandr, my only son,

you have proven to be doing well at your task. I trust that you will keep House Ruthern alive and pass it on to your son. You have been taken from this family by the Scyflings a young boy, but you survived and returned to Haense a man. Treat your wife with the respect she deserved and make us proud.

Dearest Viktoriya, my Queen, 

you have made me and Konstantin very proud. You have brought honour to Crown, Kingdom and our House. You’ve grown to be a strong woman and I am sure your daughters will grow up to be strong as well.

Dearest Elizaveta, 

your sister has told me what has happened to you. I pray to Godan that you will find the courage and the strength that flows through your veins to rise out of the ashes of your current predicament and start your life anew. Also please tell Tuvya he’s my favourite grandson, next to Koeng Josef of course.

To House Stafyr, 

I have heard about the misfortune and shame the late Hektor has brought upon the ancient name Stafyr. I am confident and hopeful that you will be able to restore what my father and my brother and the many Lord before them have built.  Licent, Honorem, Pietas.

Accompanied by dry coughs Katherine would head back to her bed. Over the past few minutes it felt like the room temperature had started to increase. An especially worrying coughing fit had attracted one of the maids. “M’lady are vy okay? Can y get vy something?”

Katherine would take a few ratting breaths. “Call for my children.” she’d say, before sinking back into her pillow.  “Right away, M’lady.” the maid would say, quickly hurrying back down the stairs

A few minutes would pass, before Irene and Elizaveta would enter.

Irena hurried into the room, with a satchel over her shoulder. She'd appear as though she were ready to leave, but to no inclination of where. A worried complexion outlined her features as she rushed in the room and to her mother's side. “We must go, mamej. My friend, Lothar - he was right. This land will niet allow us to inhabit it any longer.”

Elizaveta entered the chamber rather briskly, thin, ring-clad palms hovering above her corsetted stomach. Her face bore some dread, wearied gaze first meeting Irena before subsiding toward her mother. “Mamej,” she croaked, her chin lilting a degree. In a flurry of indigo skirts, the Baroness fell prostrate. “You beckoned? Is all well with you?” She murmured, moving her palm to the woman's forehead.

Irena eyed her sister some as she further approached, looking to her features in comparison to their previous interaction. She too knelt at the bedside of her mother as she exhaled with sharpness.

The Dowager Countess would lay in her bed. Her breathe would rattle as she struggled to breathe properly. She would take a few breaths before attempting to answer “I've heard. A few of the maids have already left.” She'd cough “But I won't be able to  join you.“.”

“You are silly, mamej. Of course you can join us. I can carry you myself if need be. Or I will get Boris to do so. He's far stronger than any of the others.”

“Nonsense,” she replied with immediacy, piercing gaze affixed on hers. “We'll figure this out, mother. You are our staple - the pride jewel of our house,” she decreed, briefly swiping her hand below her 

Katherine Marie Ruthern would give a faint smile  “I am not strong enough for another journey.” She'd state the obvious “I can feel it.”

Under a coughing fit, she would try to push herself up against the headboard of her bed.

Irena's gloved hand darted for the water that remained at her mother's bedside. She lifted it and brought the glass closer to her mother - offering to bring it to her lips if she could not reach, should she allow a sip. Elizaveta rapped a palm over her mothers, running her fingers affectionately over the creased and withered - yet still, dainty and feminine hand - of the dowager countess.

Katherine Marie Ruthern would lift her hand, refusing her daugther offer. She would wave one of the maids closer, who would hand her two items. To Elizaveta she would hand a finely crafted Emerald Hairclip. To Irene, the necklace Katherine had worn since they would've probably known her. “Here-” she'd say, with her raspy voice “I want you to have these.”

Irena pursed her lips as her mother refused the offeer of drink, but complied to her wishes and settled the drink back where it had been before. Her eyes drifted to the wooden framing of the bed as her worried look grew into solemnity. She peered as she took the necklace into her hands and kept her gaze upon it. She seemed as though she were to say something in protest of the gift, but held her tongue.

“Mother..” She whispered lowly, inspecting the object with some sobriety. At such, she heaved herself closer, bosom faltering as her face began to redden with sorrow. “You simply must forgive me. I was an insolent girl; so very insolent, and ungrateful.. Concerned more with theater and that Helenite persona that I forgot to.. Spend time, with you..” The last of the statement was exuded from her lips almost vacuously, pleading eyes affixed on Katherine.

“Oh, dear Elizaveta.” She'd say quietly “If anyone has to ask for forgiveness, it is I.” She'd take her second eldest daughters hand “I did the same mistake my mother made, but I do hope I was able to make it up to all of you.” She'd place her other hand on Irena's arm* “Do nie make the same mistake.”

Irena spun the silver chain of the necklace as she blinked away formulating tears. In the palm of her hand, she ran a thumb over the Stafyr-colored emerald. She snapped her gaze upwards as her mother held onto her arm.

Katherine Marie Ruthern she'd cough once again, wiping some blood of her lips.

Elizaveta soberly teetered her bottom lip, casting her eye on her youngest sibling.

“I failed -” She cut herself off, as she saw the blood that spattered out from Katherine's cough, to which she winced.

Katherine Marie Ruthern shakes her head* “You did not. You will all have a new beginning where ever Haense will take you.”

Irena tightened her jaw as her mother spoke, and her eyes held back the tears that further grew in the corners of them. She seemed unconvinced, but nodded her head for her mother nonetheless. She seemed to break in her usual seriousness and distant demeanor, to sudden embrace her mother as she rose from the side framing of the bed to instead hold onto her.

Katherine Marie Ruthern's breathing would grow heavier* “And tell your siblings and my grandchildren that I love them dearly.”

“Tuvya is with his father - I know not where..” She murmured meekly.

“I know you enjoyed his presence, mama; It is my great displeasure to not have obliged you.”

“If Godan wants to-” she'd take another breath “he will see you reunited.”

“It'll all be well. We'll all be fine, and they love you very much too. We all do.” She buried her chin atop her mother's shoulder as she held her in an embrace. Irena removed herself a slight away from her mother, although still held her in her arms - enough to make certain her mother remained comfortable where she laid.

 Elizaveta observed the two for a moment, lips forcibly upturned into a somber smile. The lady kept habitually patting her mother's palm.

There is a gentle knock on the door, before it was then opened by the young Tuvya; his demeanor sombre and sad.

Katherine would lay quiet. Though she had not passed yet, she wasn't responsive anymore.

“Tuvya, come - my boy.” She whisked her palm commandingly. As the Lady Woldzmir turned her glance on her mother, her teeth clenched sourly.

Tuvya waddled gingerly over to the side of Elizaveta and Katherine, the youth looking down towards his grandmother with a bitter and sorrowful gaze.

 “Mama..” She yelped, throat suddenly tight. Irena straightened in her form as she noticed her nephew's entrance into her mother's chambers. She kept a hand on top of her mother's, with pursed lips.

“Gran- mamej?” The boy whispered hoarsely, though no tears present in his eyes; simply somber and worn. He moved a thin, boney hand towards Katherin, before pausing it mid-air, then taking it back thoughtfully. The boy spoke no further.

Elizaveta wound her fist against her stomacher, the onslaught of wretched tears pouring from her visage.

Katherine Marie Ruthern's breaths would grow more and more concerning, she'd faintly press Vetas hand as she noticed Tuvya entering the room.

 Elizaveta's sputtering lapsed, briefly, a brow rousing.

Tuvya continued to look upon the bedridden countess, hands folded before him as his eyes looked into hers; almost apologetically. Still, he was silent as the other two mourned.

Irena settled into a reserved demeanor, but her shoulders were slumped and the tears still remained welled in her eyes rather than fall.

“Tuvya,” she spoke, “bring me your hand - come now, my dear.” The lady appeared near frenzied, upon that unusually youthful countenance - which appeared gaunt and tired, yet not much older than her grown son's.

Katherine would smile, looking between both her daughters and her lost grandson. Over time her breathing would grow fainter and fainter, she seemed to be staring into nothing. A single tear would stream down her cheek and with one final breath Countess-dowager would leave this realm.

The smell of a roast cooking over a fire and the chatter of multiple voices would start to ring in Katherine’s head. Like waking from a trance, Katherine would open her eyes and would find herself in a place that resembled her childhood home in Nenzing.
A young Leana Stafyr would approach her, grabbing her hand and leading her into the Castles dining hall. She could hear the chatter grow and as they entered the hall it grew quiet and those who Katherine loved the most faced her, smiling, welcoming the Falcon  home.

Katherine Marie Ruthern (neé Stafyr),

Mother of four, Grandmother of 12+

1710 - 1795

(Credit to UnBaed for the art!)

11th of The Amber Cold, 1795

           The sun was beginning to set as Ser Demetrius Ruthern and Nataliya Reza made their way back towards the port. Having gone to retrieve their items from Valwyck, the two were running late, rushing to make it back before the boats left them in Arcas. After the sky began to fall a few saints days earlier, the inhabitants of Arcas were leaving, and the two planned on niet being left behind. 

         Moving through a grove, the pair stopped to allow Nataliya time to adjust her pack, as it had begun to be quite uncomfortable to carry. As they did so, Demetrius would notice a few figures stepping out from the trees. Scruffy folk, a few men wearing patches of clothes, with dirtied appearances. “Heading back to the boats, eh?” one of them questioned, bearing a toothy grin. “Da, we are.” Demetrius replied, eyeing them warily as he drew his warhammer. “Afraid not.” the bandit replied, eyeing the two. “Ye see, it seems we are not deemed fit to be saved, by the rest of ye” pointing to their packs. “However, I’m sure your supplies will be helpful enough. Just give them here and I’m sure we can let ye pass” giving the two a quick smirk. 

   Turning to Nataliya, Demetrius signaled for her to prepare to run. Stepping forwards, he would hold out his pack to the bandit, gesturing for him to take it. “Thank ye, we appreciate it” the bandit would respond, reaching for the pack. However, his movement would open a small gap ahead. Taking a deep breath, Demetrius would lower his shoulder and knock the man over, pushing Nataliya forwards as the two began to run. As the two ran, more vagabonds appeared ahead of them. Not having time to stop, the pair hit the bandits head on. As one of the bandits went to swing for Nataliya, she was able to duck under his arm, moving free. Continuing about another fifty feet, she would pause and turn back, spotting Demetrius still surrounded. Clutching her trident she began to head back. “Niet Nataliya, GO. They are about to leave.” Demetrius would yell frantically. “Niet Uncle, I will niet leave ye here.” Nataliya replied, adrenaline causing her to shake. Demetrius would shake his head “Ye must, I will catch up with ye. These bandits are niet any warriors, I can handle them easily” offering an almost arrogant grin to the Princess. “Ye better” Nataliya would reply, before turning and continuing to run. His attention once again on the bandits, Demetrius would wink at them “Which of ye wants to die first?”.

          Nataliya would arrive at the ships some time later, panting. Begging one of the members of the HRA to go back for Demetrius, she would try to hide tears beginning to form as he said they didn’t have time. For what seemed like an eternity she paced nervously, staring towards the shore. Eventually she heard the order to leave, as the sails began to be lowered. Her gaze did not move from the shore, even when the ship had left. Finally, as the shore was about to leave sight, she let out a sob upon spotting a figure stumble onto the beach. Demetrius had arrived, but too late. Falling to his knees on the beach, Demetrius was clutching his injuries, in a lot of pain. Nataliya began to weep, asking the captain to turn around one last time. Gazing back to Demetrius, she saw him offer one last wave, giving a teary smile in response as he flashed her one of his cocky grins. As the shore dipped out of sight, she would clutch the railing tightly, watching as Demetrius now fell to the ground, before disappearing. After a while of crying, she would feel a tug on her shoulder. “Mommy, what’s wrong?” she would hear, turning to smile at her son, scooping him into her arms. She would be unable to offer a response, but continued clutching Sigismund.

Krusae zwy kongzem.

[!] Vyronov c.o.a’s

A Saint day has passed since our glorious city was destroyed by the flaming boulders from the skies. Many great Hansetic men and women are left homeless, which some may not have experienced before. Now upon reading the Margrave of Vasiliand’s offer he has made it had brought back an old memory of mine from when I was just a child. Back when I was a child, my family had suffered a big hit leading us to be left homeless due to the Imperial court’s ruling. When we were homeless it was the late King Andrew IV who took us in to live in the Ekaterinburg Palace until we were able to get back up on our feet once more. After I spent a few years of being his ward until his untimely death, he had taught me the true meaning of why it’s important that all Hansetians should stick together and look out for one another despite our differences. So with this, I shall follow the Margrave’s pursuit by opening the iron and wooded gates of Astfield allowing ANY Hansetic refugees into my barony as we are Hansetians and must always stick together through thick and thin.

__

The Gates of Astfield, circa 1785

__

The Barony of Astfield shall provide housing, farmlands, equipment, and all the things you could possibly think of needing. We are located on the road that leads to the Duchy of Valwyck near the old burnt forest and near the abandoned Kerzenwick castle. Astfield shall provide housing, farmlands, equipment, and all the things you could possibly think of needing. May Godani watch over us all.

Signed,

HIS LORDSHIP, Stefan Aleksandr of House Vyronov, Baron of Astfield

 = OOC =

[x= 209 / z = -2581]

_____

Discord Information

Legoboy#0060

In these dire times we need to stick together and look out for one another. Therefore I will be opening Vasiland to refugees from Reza and Helena too. All are welcome to stay within the castle and even within the village or a camp if necessary.

Food will be provided on the regular for free and shall not be in shortage, sourcing grain, vegetables and meat from our local farms, fishing the harbor and scouring the surrounding forests.

Warm beds, drinks, medical and sanitary equipment, and a chapel for prayers also are all provided within the castle.

Our personal fleet will also be readied for a possible evacuation at any time, having the capacity to transport dozens upon dozens of people.

In the meantime, spare supplies will also be transported overseas to Valwyck to support the refugees there.

HOW TO GET TO VASILAND:

-By land: Travel to Johnstown, which should be easy enough to find, and take the road that leads east through the town. You’ll see Vasiland on your left upon leaving the town

-By sea: If you’re coming from Valwyck, take a short rowing south-southeast from there until you see the lighthouse. From the lighthouse, follow the coast eastward and you’ll run into the Vasiland harbor.

[!] A missive is penned to many major cities’ walls and bulletin boards.

The Red City of Markev, 1672

A Nation’s Lament

I write this today, not out of spite, anger, languish, nor of any fleeting reminisce, but instead I write this piece as an examination and a warning, of the dangers recent actions have had on my family, as well as others. My name is Ludwig van Wick, a longstanding citizen within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, specifically since the ruling of the great Koeng Otto III, under which Renatian aggression was at its peak, sundering even the great nation of Haense for some time. I have seen and served many a monarch in my time, as a guard for the royal army under Otto III, while also having administered the Haeseni Department of Magick. Me and much of my family have been an educational backbone of Haense, operating a college that saw fairly great results within the red city of Markev. It is with this knowledge and history that I am deeply saddened and in mourning for the recent events that have spiraled within the city of New Reza. For me and much of my family is wanted by the crown for little more than critique and disagreement with both the Crown and its policing authority, the HRA. I wish today to speak of the dangers of the legal precedent sentenced within Hektor Stafyr’s death, as well as reminisce on times very similar to today that happened within Markev in my youth.

Growing up within Haense, I was often quite vocal about my opinions and views on the happenings and workings of the government atop of me. Court was held regularly, from Otto III to Sigmar Lothar, I was often seen within courts with a loud mouth and a firm stance. I spoke openly against what I saw as political sleight of hand, or where I saw Lords and Ladies block what was best for the peasantry. Often there were talks directly with monarchs that I very well remember, wherein they seeked counsel with me regarding past decisions within the family. My reputation in court was that of a contrarian, one who questioned and spoke only when needed, to direct attention to subversion and political double-speak. Numerous times I used crass language and accusatory stances, and had the current law been in place in my youth, my head would’ve likely been removed from my shoulders before I could shout ‘sedition’. For, in my youth, the term ‘slander’ was not a grand offense, nor even an idea at the time. If one were to be slandered, a duel would’ve likely occurred, though nowadays you are threatened with fines, if not imprisonment. An addition to this line of thought, is the current code’s stance on ‘sedition’, and the sentence applied on the lord Stafyr. The law has become vague and open enough to sentence anyone who would dare question or undermine the reigning Koeng, with one of my family members being imprisoned for calling Joseph a ‘tyrant’, the HRA then accusing them of sedition. For, some have even been imprisoned with sedition for only questioning a guardsman’s motive! While speech directed against the monarchy can be put into question, silencing and imprisoning anyone who dares question the Crown’s authority, let alone the HRA’s- since even finding fault within the guard force and bringing it to light may lend your head clean from your neck. Herein I will show to you the verdict of the Crown v. Stafyr case, a clearly dangerous, if not double-thinked.

“By seeking to label, with falsity, that certain members of the HRA were in fact “undead,” this suggestion is a clear indication that the defendant sought to otherize those sworn to the defense of this Canonist kingdom that they were subversive agents abusing their power and harboring unholy entities among their ranks. Since the nature of dealing with so-called “undead” requires combating them with force so as to neutralize their danger to society, Lord Stafyr’s rhetoric suggests his desire to enable citizens of the kingdom to harm soldiers among the HRA so as to quell their “undead” nature. This is pursuant to the attempt to stoke violent sentiments.”

Partially as to why the judges did make their decision, is the fact that Hektor dared to call the guardsman ‘undead’, in which he never did. Firstly, Hektor had reasonable right to question the HRA’s removal of gold lines, considering the growing increase of spectral entities within the realm, as well as their ineptitude to explain their reasoning behind the removals. Some claimed it was ordered directly by the king by need of a permit, though one would still question why the King would wish to permit spectrals to enter his Kingdom. Many claimed it’s the “crown’s land”, though the point still stands onto the direct motive of removing golden lines, especially in the current trend of rising ghosts and undead throughout the land.

 Now, onto the assumption that the court was correct with Hektor’s calling of a guard ‘undead.’ He had simply placed a golden bar atop someone’s head- in which the court ruled thereby he called them undead. The court ruling is a dangerous one, as it claims that by simply calling a guardsman undead, you are thereby inciting violence and undermining royal authority. By simply calling a guard undead, you can be called a treasonous, seditious bastard, and off with your head! Never once did the Stafyr call for any violence or injustice against the guards, instead the man wished to know the answers behind the removal of gold lines. He did dare apply a gold bar onto the forehead of a guard, determining that in fact the guard was neither possessed, nor undead. For, even if a spectre were to possess a guardsman, you yourself could be riddanced if you dare call the guard ‘undead’. It is the court’s unknowing of spectral entities, as well as how undead are able to garner hold onto the mundane world, that this judicial review is a sweeping arc of a waraxe, where a pin needle would’ve likely done the job. This would, of course be true, if it weren’t for that fact that many of the guards have openly shared their favor and indifference towards undead beings, spectres included. During the court case of Hektor Stafyr, two guards admitted that they wouldn’t kill a ‘canonist ghost’, nor would they have any intention to kill any spectral entity, lest it were consuming their souls. Other guards have shown apathy when questioned about undead, with others having no real thought on the manner. One of the major proponents brought up in the case by the prosecution states ghosts themselves weren’t heretical, and that by proclaiming someone to be heretical for aiding ghosts is thereby falcity, if not slander. The prosecution defended the rights of ghosts by Canon law- though, by that thought, are then not all ghosts free to roam about Haense, considering they are never mentioned in the Canon? Are spectrals never mentioned in the Czenic law? That would be absurd to accept, yet this type of double think was used by the prosecution. While at the same time they quote that calling someone undead is an immediate call for violence and usurpation, they at the same time defend the idea that ghosts are permitted within Haense, lest they wear a cross and pray every night. I need not explain the absurdity of ‘canonist ghosts’, as any spectral entity is well capable of violence in their own right, and it is a country’s disdain for the unknown that creates a defense to combat it. Perhaps, Hektor and Oskar were wrong in their use of the term ‘heretical’, but only by the T of the canon law is the prosecution correct. 

“The overwhelming testimony made by people within the Haeseni Royal Army (HRA) have alluded to many occasions where untruthful and inflammatory remarks were made in an attempt to undermine the Crown’s forces as a law enforcement entity.”

Even if Hektor was wrong about the guard’s undeath, does he truly deserve the title of ‘traitor’? Is sedition simply an untruthful or inflammatory remark? Is treason simply a calling of a guard undead? Is treason wishing to see your guardforce clean and free of corruption? Clearly, it is so. 

    414.031: The crime of attempting to sow dissent and intentionally stoking violent sentiments towards the Crown, Aulic Government or royal family shall constitute a treasonous offence;

 Did Hektor openly call for rebellion? Nae, never did he call for any violence or usurpation of any person, nor the state itself. Instead he was convicted on accusation of undeath alone, such being a rather sorry excuse for sedition. This ruling also classifies the single individual Hektor was suspect of- thereby classified the entire guardforce! I have yet to see evidence of the Stafyr undermining any authority, as he readily complied with most of the guards demands and orders, save for their faulty reasoning of destroying the aurum line which bordered its gates.

Oskar was not on the wrong trail in his writing on the Barbanov question, as during my time running the library, Koeng Sigismund II spoke with me on some manners. One of such manners being a Barbanov within the family who possessed abilities to, as I quote, “summon ghosts from the unknown.” While I am wholly unaware of who he spoke of, the last Kings have shown apathy towards a growing population of spectral entities, as well as a growing hatred for Wicks who point such out. It is in this dangerous double-think, wherein calling a guard undead is somehow a proclamation of violence or open treason against the state, as though this form of event has never happened before. It is dangerous, due to which a simple name-calling of an extension of the crown, is considered a treasonous act against your country. Violent sentiments can be found in almost any form of speech, and this idea that the HRA is somehow an inexcusable, GOD-handed authority without corruption, is one only accepted by the drooling masses that it so quells.

The Kingship of Sigmar Barbanov-Bihar

As an elder, I often do reminisce on times when Haense has gone through growing pains and troubles. Specifically, when the guards were amassed into an inferic cult, their lives thrown away into the endless pits that awaited below our plane. I speak of the Koengship of Sigmar Lothar Barbanov, wherein his guard force was consumed by a demonologist, known by the likes of Karrysmov Faroe. Having rooted himself deep within the forces of the guards within Markev, the warlock quickly set to work delving rot into its most umbral crevices. Guardsmen willingly protected the known warlock, with some even giving their lives to the ever consuming promises of fated Inferic magicks- for, even the head of the guards, a once elderly lady and the lover of Kary, was malformed and transfigured into a heaping abomination. Having gained a few feet in height, a rotting stench of festering skin, and an acidic saliva, she walked about Markev with little fret. Guards ignored the change, even upon seeing the obviously demonic visage the she-thing carried. Instead, they simply shrugged it away, many of them deep in Kary’s pockets as to fear both life and limb if they were to stray too far. Even the King himself was too apathetic to care, and perhaps even noticed that the head of his guardforce was indeed an Inferis. Having only been a few years after me and my family successfully removed the dying breed that was Ascended from Haense, we then had to turn our sights to the guards, in which many continued to be funneled into a ravaging death cult. The Koeng did often threaten the Wicks with violence or action against them, whenever it was brought up- for they wished to silence an accusatory voice, in the hope of having peace. As, it is much easier to ignore the problems that fester under your rug rather than lifting such to see its rot in all its horrid malfaction. It took nearly five whole years to combat the inferic menace, finally prying out the demonologist Karrysmov, as well as his aiding guardsmen. So, I do ask you, if the current law of the land were applied then, where would Haense be? A simple smoldering pile of ash, one lost to legal precedent and double-think, where thought crimes are considered heinous, and without inciting violence, you can be quoted for such and sentenced to death for opposing the crown. Is the HRA given deific authority in their duty to combat enemies of the state? Are they free of fault? Of demonic possession? Spectral possession? Clearly, they are not. 

In this, I hope to show the populace the dangers that the current Haense has planted deep within themselves. That their constant watching and administering of summons and hangings over thought crimes that they themselves alleviate from, is one of great injustice. I would request that Koeng Josef personally explain to me the reasons I should return, and for which reasons I could be found to have seditious intent. For he himself called for my arrest when I stood by Hektor, perhaps simply for being in the same premises was I ordered for arrest. I have for most of my life served this country, and I do pray that it will see better years moving frontward. This land is one defended by strength and heartyship, Haense shall always be in my heart, even when I may be far.

Krusae zwy Kongzem

I do leave you with a letter from my father to the Koeng Sigmar Barbanov on the inferic incursion ~

It is of the opine of this magus that the growing situation within Haense regarding the Demonic infestation of Haense is growing staggering and troubling. I implore you, my King, that we resolve this situation and nip it in the bud. There was indeed an infestation of undead under the late Otto III, and by allowing for the standard to be set that we will, as a nation, allow such spectral entities and other unworldly beings safe passage through our city that there will be a verifiable increase in such unholy activity within the city.

Aurum lines must be reinstated within the entranceway to the city, as it serves as a fundamental necessity to stop not just the potentially dangerous ghosts, but also to serve as a warning for more powerful undead that would otherwise be allowed passage over such things. Touching those suspected of, or behaving in a way that suggests, being an unholy entity with aurum will more likely than not serve as adequate deterrent. 

The ramifications of complacency will be dire, most assuredly. Please my King, I humbly request that you as an individual allow for its placement. Not that you have yet stopped it, but the guards will be less than willing to do such an action unless ordered by your direct word.

Your humble servant,

Lord Selrik Wick

Baron of Kerzenwick

((OOC))
This is just a bit of creative writing about the mythological origins of Vanir, inspired by that of the Vanir from Norse mythology. Don't take it as lore, should be seen more as mythological beliefs held in-character. Enjoy reading what I conjured up!

Highlander Mythology: Origins of the gens 'Vanir'

It is known to us all without a moment of doubt that this universe GOD has created and bestowed upon us, not to mention us ourselves, the descendants of Horen, are a most excellent creation. Any skilled craftsman can attest that such a grand and perfect work cannot easily be made without practice, and thus we can assume we are not our Lord’s first creation. Tales of old, cast aside as pagan folklore by contemporary minds, can tell of some of Godan’s earlier makings. Among which lies the story of Vanaheim and the old Vanir.

Long ago, when the Holy Craftsman was still learning His craft, he made a vast and rough plane. He created mountains and seas, shores and ores, hills and rills. He filled this rough plane with a cold, harsh landscape, full of forests, rocky terrain, grassy highlands and vast waters with waves in sizes and shapes in all of the shapes he could think of. Being then still a practicing Holy Craftsman, He was often troubled by decisions He needed to make, like whether he should make the rough plane light or dark. Eventually he decided on making it light half of the time, and dark the other half of the time with a sun that disappeared for half of the seasons, and returned for the other half of them.

When He stopped to look at the rough plane He had created, He gave it a name: Vanaheim. And while He was decently satisfied with how Vanaheim had turned out, He was not entirely sure if he thought it was finished or not. Then He turned to his three Helpers, who the pagan highlanders of isolated tribes sometimes revere as fellow Gods or Demigods; the three brothers Wodanaz, Vilin and Kven, to ask what they thought of His creation. The three Helpers looked at the forests, the hills, plains, mountains, the shores and the seas, and came back to Him with their verdict. Vilin and Kven looked to Him and both said Vanaheim was finished, they wanted to stay here. Wodanaz gave the rough plane another glance before looking back to Him and shaking his head. Wodanaz did not think this was finished and wanted to go with the Holy Craftsman, to go on creating new things far away. And so it happened. Wodanaz went with Him to go on creating the universe, while Vilin and Kven stayed behind in Vanaheim.

Vilin and Kven looked at Vanaheim after Wodanaz and the Holy Craftsman had left. The plane was finished, but at a second glance they found it empty. There was none but the presence of Nature and the life that came with it, but there were no creatures. And so Vilin and Kven binded together to create the first creatures of Vanaheim: the Vanir. They created two Vanir, Njorf and Skaoi, the first man and woman of Vanaheim. And Vilin and Kven said to them: go and explore, explore the land.

So they did. Njorf and Skaoi travelled the lands of Vanaheim as nomads, seeing what there was to see as had been made by the Holy Craftsman Godan. They travelled through all of the forests, hills and plains they could find, but there were some frontiers they could not traverse. So they called upon Vilin and Kven for help and said: the mountains and seas! We cannot pass them but we wish to explore further! Vilin and Kven looked at one another and soon came with a solution.
 

Njorf and Skaoi at night as they each in turn long to go to the sea and the mountains respectively.

Skaoi wished to explore the mountains for their sights lured her in. They taught her to make skis and how to use them. And soon she was able to pass the steepest of peeks and became the Lady of the Mountains. Then they turned to Njorf, who wished to explore the vastness of the seas, for he could hear the waves calling to him. Vilin and Kven taught Njorf to make a boat as well as the art of sailing and it did not take long for him to master the practice as he traversed the strongest of currents and highest of waves as he became the Lord of the Seas. After much time had passed, and Skaoi had explored all of the mountains and Njorf had explored all of the seas, they returned to the forests and fields and reunited.

They lived for much time in Vanaheim, bearing many children together. There were however a few notable Vanir born from Njorf and Skaoi. Those were the sons Stanna and Utforsk and the daughters Freija and Asna. Njorf and Skaoi, together with their many children, travelled again as nomads around Vanaheim, letting their offspring explore as they had done before. The Vanir all learned to ski so they could travel the mountains, and to sail so they could travel the seas, just like their parents.

After a long, long time however, Utforsk grew weary from all the exploring and wished to stay in one area. He brought this up with his siblings and parents, who were all not quite sure how to respond to this, as Vilin and Kven had told them to explore the land and even taught them how to. Eventually Njorf and Skaoi said they would all go to sleep and talk more about it later. Later however, they found Utforsk had not waited for them to come to a decision, and he had gone ahead setting up a home that was impractical to move, and collecting animals and growing plants around this home to live off. When Stanna saw that his brother had disobeyed their parents, and not waited for all of them to decide, he became furious with Utforsk. He argued that they should keep exploring and travelling, to see if there were places they had not yet found, to which Utforsk argued there were none, for they had travelled all the land and been everywhere.

Stanna then realized his brother was right. They had travelled all of the land of Vanaheim, and seen everything. But he was sure that there would be more to find in the world, and so he looked further than just the land, and instead to the sea. He would prove his brother wrong, and make his siblings and parents proud by exploring farther than any of them and finding new places he decided. And so he did, building a ship like Njorf had taught him and like Njorf had been taught by Vilin and Kven. After finishing the ship with much care and effort, Stanna set sail to explore the vastness of the seas on his own. He travelled very long and very far and at a certain point, Vilin and Kven came to him, asking where he was going. To this, Stanna said he was exploring like they had told his parents. Vilin and Kven looked at one another, and asked the Vanir if he would not rather stay in his wildly beautiful and peaceful home of Vanaheim, to which Stanna shook his head, determined with his goal in mind. Then the brothers Vilin and Kven told Stanna that Wodanaz had gone with Godan the Holy Craftsman to much further places, to practice more in making the worlds, and that the Holy Craftsman had made a new place, full of creatures much like the Vanir. They offered to show him the way and so Stanna was led to Aegis.

Vilin and Kven showed Stanna this world, they told him that the creatures in this world thought there were no other planes of existence, that they thought theirs was the only one. Stanna learned of how Godan the Holy Craftsman, who these creatures just called God or The Creator, made many different kinds of races, among which the men, elves, orcs and dwarves. Vilin and Kven showed Stanna everything this new world had to offer, the different plants, landscapes, people and creatures, the good and the bad, the flaws and the perfections.

In the end, Stanna was so enamoured by this new place, he asked Vilin and Kven to stay there, and they obliged, on the condition Stanna would go on to fit into the new land of Aegis. They told him to love the descendants of Horen, for they were the most pious and most like the Vanir. They told him to adopt Canonism, which The Creator had taught to mankind. They asked him however not to forget the heritage and name they had given him. Stanna obliged to all of these things. He would be with the descendants of Horen and he would adopt Canonism. He would remember the wanderlust, skiing and sailing that Vilin and Kven had taught the Vanir, and he would pass down the Vanir name to his descendants, beginning with the only son he would go on to bear: Gunnar.
Thus began the long lineage of the Vanir among the descendant races, and thus concludes their origins from the faraway land of Vanaheim.

 

"Wai’ for me!" A young girl by the name of Rozalina called out, in chase of her siblings. The lot of them were playing around in Valwyck, her brothers running to where the grand hall was. Huge grins sat pleasantly upon all of their youthful visages, but just as effortlessly their smiles were gained, they were dropped in half the time. Their father stood ominously in the hall, then his threatening presence soon turned to him reaching for her beloved siblings. Their fault? Maybe, they had been running louder than usual. This was the thought that adamantly passed through her mind as she turned her back for the first time, escaping into her mind, watching on in silence as her deranged father took to beating them with no remorse.

In the following years to come, Rozalina tried her utmost to ignore and pretend the pain that her father would inflict upon both her siblings and herself.  When it happened she broke off into her mind, idly biding her time until it was all over, how else would she have coped? Despite the abuse, she loved her father still, and her idle thoughts weathered the storm. Though as she grew older, the  storm only grew more unappeasable and harder to ignore, it was never ending.

She cowered in fear every time she heard the crack of a fist, or the mere presence of her father as he would enter the room. As her siblings wept, an insurmountable amount of helplessness filled her entire body, the thoughts of retaliation if she moved to help. 

Rozalina often hid away, praying that her father would not find her to lay his unforgiving abuse onto her. Fortunately, due to the years prior, she had the ability to remain hidden, even if it did mean abandoning her siblings; which she felt ever so guilty for. She was their sister, was she not?

Pretending for Rozalina became harder and harder as the years passed. Some days their father was so kind, without a morsel of temper in his voice. It became a guessing game, so the young Baruch took no chances. She would always be donning a smile, even if it was forced and spiteridden. She even promised her father that she loved him  more than her mother, all with the intent to stay on his bright, buoyant side rather than the latter. This white lie more often than not halting her father from beating her mother as frequently, and so she held onto this little amount of power she had for as long as possible.

If she ever cast her mind back to the tipping point of it all, it was always the time she sat with her sister Kamila. They had both been playing around in the palace with Nataliya, and as children do, their jokes were crude. It all ended with their father finding them caught in their childish, yet innocent act, which he thought was the opposite of the norm and instead took to his typical, malicious abuse. 

Filled with animosity and the feeling of power he had over the siblings, her father bound them both by the wrists with no empathy for how tightly clenched the binds were, causing them to cry and mope as they rubbed and burnt them. He dragged them all the way back to Valwyck from the palace, the damage caused was irreversible and as such, their wrists never healed and were left atrociously scarred. So she took to wearing gloves from that point onwards, not wishing to show the proof of her father’s abuse to anybody; not a soul.

The final stroke was when they found their mother, lifeless and decrepit in the lake closeby. Little Isabel, who had never felt the wrathful side of their father was the one to find her, what remained from this time forth was a desolate, grief-stricken household. Just like the death of any mother, the children who were left motherless and without a proper parent cried for days and never truly overcame her morbid death. And as they mourned, their father only grew worse and his abuse almost killed the lot of them, that is, until they stood against him.

He stormed into their room during one shallow night, with vicious intent in his eyes, yet he had pushed this abuse too far for once. Blinded by his rage, the father died, murdered by his son Petyr in self defense. Rozalina watched on, but as he died she did not feel much of anything for her last parent, she even felt a glimmer of hope. She finally felt free, no longer did she have to comply and force smiles. Even in her freedom, the memories lingered and caused her great pain on the daily.

Time passed and Rozalina figured she would join the military, finally representing something she believed in instead of what her father would have forced upon her. She wanted to rebel against her late father’s wishes in fact, it was something, anything against him; keeping her going. Never truly did she have time to think over what she wanted, how she was going to do it, or why, but the military kept her occupied and with short-lived goals.

Others viewed Rozalina as somebody different, as she often spent her time hiding away her past. Yet from time to time, she slipped. Thankfully, this was never used against her in any way, as those that knew cared greatly for Rozalina. She fought greatly against what some would consider unnatural feelings that she had, and even harder when others would admit feelings for her in return. She promised herself, her sisters, her brother and GOD himself that she would not sway. Thus, she didn’t. So it pained her greatly to say farewell to the woman she loved.

Rozalina considered her life a tragedy at first, but as the years fleetingly passed and the once adolescent girl matured into a finely respected Lady, she looked at her life in a different light. She had been lucky, to say the least, but on one clammy morning her daily rolling of the dice had deemed her to be out of luck. So with a tankard in her hand, at her most favoured table outside of the local tavern an attempt was made on her life, the first thrust missed its mark and left the Baruch screaming for help. Only had she felt fear like this once before, so as the second strike was struck she failed to triumph over the assassin. The last thing ever to be felt by Lady Rozalina was the cold steel of a disgraced dagger lodged deep into her throat.

Her life passed before her in flashes, cradling and trying to hold onto others as they strived to save her life. Yet, the blow was inevitable and had finally taken her life for certain. And she lay there, lifeless and with her newly grieving sister by her side, inside the Haeseni hospital. So Isabel gently pushed aside some final strands of hair away from her face, her thumbs idly stroking her sister’s hand, "I’m so sorry Roza.. Ye were so focused on protectin’ me, I can nie help bu’ feel like I failed a’ protectin’ ye." Isabel would utter between shaky breaths. "I nie know if ye can even hear me, bu’ I am so incredibly proud of ye." She stated, a sob being heard from the woman as she clutched Rozalina’s lifeless body. Trying to get some more warmth and safety from her elder sister one last time. But there was none to be found, for the world is cruel and dark.

And so ended the life of Rozalina Baruch. A troubled bear, with a troubled past.

Rozalina Erika Baruch

1768 - 1794

Joma and Umund 347 ES

To the Haeseni people,

Few words can best express the grief and anger that I feel upon learning of the death of my beloved sister, Rozalina Baruch.  I am too distraught to even think what motive or satisfaction one sought in robbing our society of such a truly gifted soul who exuded pure selflessness and kindness. 

She was an exceptional human being; in good times and bad, she never lost her capability to show compassion for her fellow Haeseni. She served this Kingdom dutifully, dedicating her life to the Haeseni Royal Army as soon as she could so that she could defend our people. She devoted herself entirely to her duty, duty to both country and to family. Ask any of my siblings, and they will tell you Rozalina was a light in our family; a light that has been wrongfully extinguished by criminals and murderers. No one that knew her will forget her, and I share in their determination to cherish her memory. My family thanks you all for your prayers, and take comfort in knowing the HRA will work diligently to find her murderer and impose justice.

In recent months, our Kingdom has been wrought with tumult at the hands of rampantly reckless men toiling about seeking to disturb our society. The murder of my innocent sister is a painful indicator that malicious terror continues to roam our streets. To those who take life wantonly and cause pain as I feel now, let us assure you that there is no rest for the WICKED. May Godan help us turn our pain into comfort, despair into hope, and anger into love. 

Signed,

Her Royal Majesty, Isabel Franziska Barbanov, Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska

A DECREE FROM LORD HEKTOR STAFYR

Hello my free thinking supports, the anti free thinking administration, citizens of Reza and finally my family. You have have read that I have recently attended a trial where I was accused of slandering the crown and treason. I was found guilty of both charges, as you may be aware. Well I am here to tell you that both charges are false. It is clear to me that this trial was used to slander my name and my house regardless of the outcome. The court accepted an appeal from my lawyer, Oskar Wick. The reason Oskar Wick asked for an appeal was due to the fact that the prosecution promised to provide evidence and failed to provide evidence and the judges failed to mention this. There was also gaps in their testimonies. I was ordered back into a cell where I was swiftly beaten up by royal knights of the crown. You maybe wondering that if I were in a cell, how would I be writing this? Well, in all its miracle, there was a guard who can think freely and decided to release me from my cell. I was released by a HRA guard but just you watch the accusations of breaking out come flying my way. 

Now, I have messages for a few people and a decree from myself regarding the future of my house.

The Wick Family

I would like to thank you for all the help that you have done for me. I'd like to thank Oskar with for representing me at my trial, you did what you could when I got put up in a kangaroo court. I appreciate your effort to make New Reza free of the undead and unnatural beings, as all cannonist nations should be. I would like to thank the rest of the Wicks for heading over to Ostrov to fetch my son, although unsuccessful, I appreciate the effort. I am empathetic to the death of Ludwigs son, Arminius, at the hands of the Royal Army. Finally, to Corbin, I urge you to seek shelter as the Wick purge is real and it will only be a matter of time until you are put down. I hope to meet with the remaining WIck family soon.

The Royal Administration

You claim to the citizens of this nation that it does not prohibit free thinking yet a man was arrested just the other day for simply insulting a member of the barclay family. Anyone who questions the motives as to why the Royal Army would remove an aurum line which specifically prevents the undead and unnatural beings from entering the city, are thrown into a cell and tossed with a treason charge. It is a very important question as to why the crown allows such beings into the city and to claim otherwise is absurd. There is no logical reason as to remove an aurum line unless you want those beings within the city. However, we know that to be a statement of fact as it was confirmed to me by a member of the royal army that the officers collude with a ghost on matters regarding a haunted house outside of the city. Is that why the aurum line was removed? There has been a lot of inconsistency regarding an aurum line from the Lord Seneschal, first he claims that you need a permit, next he claims he needs to speak to the aulic council then he claims he got a letter from the King himself that prohibits any aurum lines from being erected in the city. The Royal Army could be colluding with the unnatural beings and not even know it.

The Royal Army and the Crown make the argument that we don't need aurum lines because the army can simply kill these unnatural beings. Yet, everyone seems to have forgotten that once, the undead were embedded within the ranks of the guard force. We even had an undead worshipping cult just outside the city. I urge you to delve into thought on why an aurum line is extremely important for the safety of our nation and capital. We did not accept such things then so why do we now? Just the other day, when I was getting arrested, Ailred called the King a liar, infront of him and a crowd of soldiers. He recanted the kings statement that what Ser Osvald did was parammount to torture. He refuted the kings claim, calling him a liar. I ask, why is Ailred not being prosecuted as I certainly would as would any other person who you would class as my friend in these troubling times.

My Wife

I have not seen you in over a year. I have not seen you since our wedding. You disappeared and let me to look after our child alone. Why? Why did you leave without a single word? Now, you have the audacity to show your face right when I call for the Wicks to check on my child, as he was alone for over two weeks and more then likely dead at this time. You was at the fort, waiting for the Wicks to arrive to check on my son. It was the only time that I was able to ask for someone to check on my child. I did ask the royal army and the King himself yet all failed to so do. You claimed to my Wick friends that you had my son and that you were not handing him over, despite my wishes for the Wicks to look after him. Why would I trust a woman who disappeared for over a year, to look after my only son? I find it strange that you claimed to even have my son, my son was left alone in Ostrov, by himself for over two weeks. You may have had my son, but you were holding my dead son. I was refused access to my child and I didn't even get a chance to see him, no one did. I have yet to see proof of life.

The Death of My Son

When I was imprisoned, I specifically asked the King himself and many soldiers to go and fetch my son from Ostrov or at least check on him. Nobody checked on my son, he had no acces to food or water. When I was thrown into a cell after my court, awaiting appeal, I expressed my concerns that my child would be dead and for someone to urgently check on him. The soldiers yet again, refused. So, to my understanding, my son has unfortunately passed away at the hands of the HRA who refused a simple request to check on a three year old child. A horrible death for such a young boy. My wife claims that my son is safe within the palace and that she checked on him and took him to safety. This is completely false as she had no keys to the room my son was even in and even if she somehow managed to get in, it was after my trial. Two weeks had already gone by the time my wife eventually showed her face, after a whole year, it was to late. My son would not be dead if my wife did not disappear for over a year. As such, I have no legitimate heir to my house and the court have yet to strip me of my titles and nobility.

On 5th of Tov and Yermey, 347 ES

I, LORD HEKTOR STAFYR, COUNT OF NENZING, HEREBY DECREE HOUSE STAFYR IS DISSOLVED IN ITS ENTIRETY

As there is no current legitimate heir, all titles owned by myself are inherited into House Amador

It was a relatively pleasant morning on the 6th of Amber Cold, 1794 when Amthalion decided that he would go visit his trusted friend, Oskar Wick. He had plans to assist him in Oskar’s upcoming court date, and moved with haste to knock on his family’s door. There was no answer, and so Amthalion waited. He knocked again, still no answer. 

The man sighed, fearing that his friend had managed to drink himself into a stupor over the recent events concerning the Stafyr case. As such, Amthalion pulled out the key that he was given for the home, creaking the door open. It was then that he saw it.

His friend’s body, laying cold. Oskar’s skin had grown pallid, his lips blue. The once bright eyes filled with the aspirations of youth had grown dark. Amthalion quickly sprang into action, getting down onto his knees, eyes scanning Oskar’s body for any sign of immediate injury. There was none, save for bruising around Oskar’s neck. Amthalion shook his head, placing two fingers upon the man’s neck to feel for a nonexistent pulse.
 

Grief stricken and weary, Amthalion managed to heft his friend’s body. He ran off, with him, going to quickly run and go inform the exiled Wicks of the loss of one of their own.

 

As scribed by Irena C. Ruthern

12th of the Sun's Smile, 1794 | Tov ag Yermey, 347 ES

KRUSAE ZWY EDLERVIK, 

In the turmoil of these recent events, many speak of our Haeseni nation reaching a split division, and some have recalled  the historical struggle of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska as we have now reached independence. It is to these speculations that I write to you all now, no matter your views or stance regarding the aforementioned. 

We are one people, the Haeseni people; a body that has lasted century upon century whilst others have fallen. It is not the various cities of our history (such as the red city of Markev) or the institutions created therein; but rather, the people who outlast every turn and toil. Our strength lies within the unity and binding of our culture, our people. Let us not allow these series of unfortunate events divide the people. Thus, we must push for unity even upon the dawn of separation. We must be better not for ourselves, but for our country. We must reach out across the battle-lines, and let cool heads prevail.

“At the core of Haeseni lies the chiefest of virtues - persistence. Persistence in the hardships of life. Persistence in the hardship faced by the Haeseni people time and time again. Unlike other realms, Haense boasts a continuous history, filled with peaks and troughs, and through it all, despite all violence against it, the Kingdom of Haense and its people remain.” – Otto the Tarcharman 

We must reflect on how our actions ripple across the waters of history, for even those who believe they are not of significance are dire under our great kingdom. Rather than pay heed to the callings of Josef I a ‘tyrant’, we –as the people– must instead endeavor towards reform for the kingdom’s betterment for those to come generations thereafter us all. Josef I is our king; our king as he will listen to our voices, as we must be assured that upon knowing this he will remember those to which he was bestowed and raised under, both King Sigismund II and Queen Viktoria of Metterden who upheld the value of the people’s voice. 

Bills are brought forth every turn of the year in sessions of duma to adjust even the most minuscule of law. Let us write to our elected officials and others within the government without defamatory in the ink, and use our voices for revitalization and reformation. Let us speak to those we vote into the offices of government or those appointed by His Majesty so they will understand varying perspectives. What else is it that we must live for, other than to endeavor the ongoing and future prosperities of our nation? For those who come after, we must ask what we can and will do for the beautiful Haense and remain loyally unto her. Abandonment is not a question, even if we do not agree with those who are positioned above us. 

“There is one thing our enemies have no hold over us; our indomitable will. There have been many instances in history where we, the Haeseni, should have been destroyed entirely, our people scattered to the wind - but Godan above has instilled within us a spirit so unbreakable that we persist.” – King Sigismund II

Violent protest and slanderous speech of our own kin will only beget more violence and further issues, not solutions. 

No one shall ever be expected to fall in line and have their voices muffled out amidst a crowd; not ever has such occurred nor will it occur in the Haeseni history. Rather than outcries of outlandish rule and tyranny, let us instead prosper forth as one, united, for the betterment of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and for those to follow after us for when we are no longer. We cannot - shall not - ride the highs and run from the lows. Our fundamentals lie on a singular sentence but most crucial and key saying, “I would have perished had I not persisted.”

We are at our best united, so let it be so. What good may it do to have meaningless arguments of circular nature, or insulting another for no other gain but one’s own inner pride? What good is violence in means of improvement? 

Find your pride not in yourself, but in your country. For the people; our children, brothers, sisters, for our kingdom, do not heed words of separation or let it frighten you. We will always persist. For those who do, it is of your utmost responsibility to remember to which your first duty lies: to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. 

KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM

Ea byk zwem zanyotsk ter ea byk denpetravesk

Issued and Confirmed by His Majesty, Koeng Josef 

VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK,

Following the legal prosecution and execution of the traitor Count Hektor Stafyr, the Crown deems it fit to nullify his illegal abdication to House Amador and instead return all titles to the King. This includes the County of Nenzing, Viscounty of Grauspin and Barony of Thurant.

Remaining members of the House Stafyr are still permitted to reside within the Kingdom as subjects of the Crown, and will be given time to move from the former Stafyr lands.

IV JOVEO MAAN,
His Royal Majesty, Josef I, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Nenzing, Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, Kaunas, Alban, Reza and Markev, Viscount of Grauspin, Baron of  Thurant, Rytsburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera

"A far too old Baruch mouthpiece and a bespectacled woman who really just appeared a mere few Saint Weeks ago is who they send out to try and soothe the  peoples. The ailing old Baruch providing his entirely unbiased opinion even though he and his thieving ilk are shown absolute preferential treatment in this newest tyrannical regime. Where he got to his position not through merit, but may haps through keeping the king warm at night. Haense is no longer, nor has it been in some decades a meritocracy, people like this sniveling bootlicking Sigmar Baruch don't work nor have they ever earned the positions they are in, he and those many like him surround Josef the Tyrant like drooling sycophants. The King surrounded himself with those loyal to him through nepotism and favoritism, a place at the table isn't earned in Haense you just need to be friends with the tyrant who owns it. So called guards run rampant in the street, torturing men and women

to enforce the Kings dogma, some innocent citizens have even lost their lives because of Josef the Tyrants ineptitude. I had been told by a wise man, soon after Haense had gotten its independence that soon the kingdom would see itself on a downhill trend. He had told me this wasn't some new phenomena but something that had occurred with Haense twice before. They get the freedom they so eagerly crave, they start to dwindle, noble families begin to clash and so more people leave or die, up to the point that the kingdom is but a pale remnant of what it was. Then other  kingdoms that Haense has victimized in the past decide to come after the sad little remnant that's left, at which point Haense goes and crawls back to the Empire for safety. Then Haense rebuilds under the protection of the Empire and forgets its entire past as it grows only to start the process again. Like the wise man had told me, this isn't some fabrication or theory, it has been an observed fact. It is my fear that Josef the Tyrant is leading his people down this path once again as only the most weak willed and easily manipulated kings of the past have been. In Josef the Tyrants Haense, one isn't welcome to voice a dissenting opinion, one isn't allowed to voice dissatisfaction with the HRA or his Majesty, you aren't permitted FREE THOUGHT in Josef the Tyrants downward spiraling Haense. You are expected to fall in line, only think the thoughts the crown allows you to think of, and be happy with the scraps that hit the floor from The Tyrants Table. One day, when Haense picks itself back up I do so pray that GOD grants them the wisdom to look back and promise themselves to never make such egregious mistakes again, no one should be murdered for expressing a different view."

Hugs and kisses.

Mr R.A.T

6th of Tov and Yermey, 347 E.S.

After the conclusion of the recent court case, Crown v. Stafyr, there has been incessant and incompetent claims made by ignorant and half-witted simpletons that are either unable to grasp the crux of the case, or that never attended the case and only intend on attempting to discredit an institution that has sought to allow the rule of law to reign without respect to personal interest. In this paper, Jovenaar Gynsburg and I will attempt to clarify the legal workings of the case so that those that are ignorant to the law, or just plain witless, may understand why the ruling was proper and why justice was served.

First, on the charge of defamation, Lord Hektor of House Stafyr admitted on the stand that he did make statements that were inflammatory and false to discredit and harm the reputation of the Lord Marshall and members of the Haeseni Royal Army (H.R.A.) because he was blinded by rage after their respective arguments, which later led to his arrest and call to stand trial. If his confession, through admission of remorse and shame on the stand, was not damning enough; the testimony of Lieutenant Astoro Jovanovsk further proved that Lord Stafyr did in fact spread lies about the Lord Marshall and members of the H.R.A, referring to them as undead and undead sympathizers because he did not like the Crown's decision to remove the aurum lines placed around the city,  There is no question that Lord Stafyr was guilty of Defamation, for any man who would argue that the decision of the court was wrong or unjust, does not have good cognitive judgement or ability to reason.

Secondly, on the charge of sedition. This charge has been disputed and claimed by dimwitted cretins to be the crime that Lord Stafyr was found guilty on "for giving an opinion." Lord Stafyr was found guilty on the count of sedition for multiple reasons, not for having independent thought or opinions, but for demonstrating clear negligence to his oath, duty, and obligation to the Crown and the nation. He must be held to a higher standard. Firstly, as a peer of Haense, Lord Stafyr has many prerogatives exclusively entitled to himself at his disposal to express his opinions in the proper way and through the proper channels, like the right to have a private meeting with the Crown and by virtue of his seat in the Royal Duma. There he could convey what his defense labeled as "simply opining" without presenting conflicting conduct unbecoming of his station. Through his outrageous actions, he violated a sacred bond between a peer and the Crown. Not only were his actions found to be reckless, they presented compromising impact on the nation's security. Any complaint of killing him for an opinion is not founded in any logical process of though.

Now, onto the actual charge. Lord Stafyr was found guilty of sedition, a treasonous offence, because of his inciting of violent sentiment with his inflammatory language and outright dissent to follow the commands and orders of the H.R.A. and the Crown. Some may argue that precedent was set that intent no longer matters, but the court argues that precedent was set against questioning the Crown authority, which was often ignored and treaded upon by our previous engagements that we were subject to. The court would also argue that precedent was set that inflammatory and outright rebellious language against the Crown and his governmental institutions will be punished harshly and severely, in accordance with the severe crime. This sentence is not only not unique, but is persistently found in every legal code throughout human history. There are proper ways to voice opposition, criticisms, and disagreements, none of which include harassing the Crown's army, and disobeying orders by the Crown or his government.

The ruling served by the court is in accordance with the crimes committed, and is in no way barbaric or wrong. To criticize law and order, tough judgement, and to label it as barbaric would be the same as labeling GOD and the Exalted Owyn barbaric for the fiery judgement imposed on those would deny GOD and live in heresy and sin. Severity of the punishment will always match the severity of the crime. The questioning of the court's judgement is fair and it is within your ability, just as it is within our ability to defend our decisions and to share the actual facts of the case. It is equally abhorrent and ridiculous that outsiders and foreigners would attempt to criticize the decisions and integrity of an independent judicial system.

With the facts and truth,

Sir Sigmar J. Baruch, HKML

Reza B. Gynsburg

Attempted Murder ACT OF 346 ES
Introduced in the Duma.

An act to criminalize the attempt of murder.

INTRODUCTION
Currently within Haense it is illegal to commit murder, however attempted murder is not illegal. While it would fall under assault there is a difference between punching someone across the face and trying to gut someone and failing.

1. Definition
The act of trying to kill another person and failing 

2. A new law shall be enshrined in the Haurul Caezk:

427: Murder
427.01: An individual who attempts to kill another shall be guilty of the severe offence of attempted murder;
427.011: An individual shall be guilty of attempted murder if they employ a third party to kill another person and are unable to do so.

Introduced in Duma by Astoro Jovanovsk on 346 ES

IV JOVEO MAAN,
IV JOVEO EHR, 347ES
His Royal Majesty, Josef, by the grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, Alban, Markev, Reza and Kaunas, Baron of Rytsburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

INSANITY ACT OF 346 ES
Introduced in the Duma.

An act to introduce the legal defense of insanity.

INTRODUCTION
The Haurul Caezk provides many legal defenses that defendants may use in their trials. However, one defense that does not exist is that of insanity: an unfortunate situation that many of our veterans and elderly find themselves in after their experiences. It is not right that they should be punished for acts committed while not of sound mind.

1. Definitions
- Insanity shall be defined as the state of not being of sound mind, being irrational or foolish to an extreme.

2. Amendments

HC 310 shall be amended with the following:

 310.06: Insanity
310.061: Where a party committed a crime while insane or not of sound mind, they shall not be held liable or shall receive reduced punishment.
310.0611: Insanity must be proven by a medical official who has been certified by the Haeseni Surgeon General.

Introduced in Duma by Tribune Lukas Rakoczy on 18 of Jula and Piov, 346 ES

IV JOVEO MAAN,
IV JOVEO EHR, 347ES

His Royal Majesty, Josef, by the grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, Alban, Markev, Reza and Kaunas, Baron of Rytsburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

Anti-Bribery ACT OF 346 ES
Introduced in the Duma.

An act to criminalize bribery of officials.

INTRODUCTION
 The lack of legal prohibition of bribery allows a dangerous opportunity for public officials to be coerced. This bill seeks to rectify that issue.

1. Definition
Bribery shall be defined as the offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of any item of value as a means of influencing the actions of an individual holding a public or legal duty.

2. A new law shall be enshrined in the Haurul Caezk:

426: On Bribery
426.01: The crime of trying to bribe an official of Haense or a member of the Haense Royal Army shall constitute a severe offence
426.02: The crime of accepting a bribe as an official of Haense or a member of the Haense Royal Army shall constitute a severe offence

Introduced in Duma by Astoro Jovanovsk on 346 ES

IV JOVEO MAAN,
IV JOVEO EHR, 347ES
His Royal Majesty, Josef, by the grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, Alban, Markev, Reza and Kaunas, Baron of Rytsburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

ORGANIZED CRIME ACT OF 346 ES
Introduced in the Duma.

An act to create the offense of being a member of a criminal organization.

INTRODUCTION

In the Haurul Caezk there are indeed laws against acts such as murder and theft, however there is a lack of a way to charge those involved with those that commit such acts with a crime.  There might not be direct evidence that a member of such a group commits a crime, however their membership of such a criminal organization that is known to commit such crimes marks them guilty, and their removal, from our lands or their ability to breath, is key for the safety of the people of Haense.

1. A new law shall be created:

425: On Organized Crime

425.01: Membership of a group deemed to be a Criminal Organization by the Aulic Council and His Majesty the King will be illegal.     

425.011: If found to be a member of a Criminal Organization the punishment shall be that of the actual perpetrator(s) of the crime(s) the Criminal Organization committed, regardless where said crimes were committed. 

425:012: Being found to be the creator or leader of a Criminal Organization shall be a severe offence.

Introduced in Duma by Alderman Lord Viktor Lorenz Barclay on 18 of Jula and Piov, 346 ES

IV JOVEO MAAN,
IV JOVEO EHR, 347ES
His Royal Majesty, Josef, by the grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, Alban, Markev, Reza and Kaunas, Baron of Rytsburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

of

HANSETI-RUSKA

KRUZAE ZWY KONGZEM

VA BIRODEO HERZENAV E EDLERVIK,

It is the will of his Majesty, Koeng Josef I, that the Royal Duma go through unprecedented changes to reform the institution to better be fit for purpose to serve the needs of the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska and it’s people. Thusly, the last iteration of the Royal Duma of Koeng Marius is to be dissolved at the behest of Koeng Josef I, to make way for a new age of legal institutions and infrastructure within our Kingdom. The citizenry of Hanseti-Ruska are thus called to nominate themselves to the five elected offices within the next three months by submitting the below ballot to the Office of the Palatine at the Ekaterinburg Palace. The offices which citizens can nominate themselves for are those of the Royal Alderman and the Tribune for the Duma, and Grand Maer to manage the city.

Royal Alderman

The Royal Alderman is elected as the most popular representative of the Haeseni people as a whole by majority vote and tasked with giving voice to their constituents within his Majesty’s Royal Duma by proposing and shaping legislative bills.

Tribune

Similar to the Royal Alderman, the Tribune is elected as a popular candidate by majority vote, but their responsibility is to be the chief representative for the common folk of Hanseti-Ruska within His Majesty’s Royal Duma by proposing and shaping legislative bills. As such, a candidate for Tribune must be of common birth.

Grand Maer

Grand Maer of New Reza The Grand Maer is elected by majority vote to represent the Haeseni people in the Office of the Seneschal and assumes the duties of management of the city’s social institutions such as overseeing the tavern, the cultivation of new businesses and economic growth within New Reza and the regular organization of city events. They do not sit on the Duma.

In order to vote, citizens are required to have a permanent residence within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska.

In this election, Three Tribune, Two Aldermen, and One Maer shall be elected.

Each voter may vote for their top three Tribune, top two Aldermen, and top Maer candidates.

IV JOVEO MAAN,

His Excellency, Konstantin Wick, The Lord Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska

OOC

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My dearest citizens and fellow Haensemen,

in light of the recent events within our capital, I would, as Maer of said capital, like to give my opinion on what has recently transpired. This is because I have a few quarrels with some of the things I’m seeing and I’d like to state what’s on my mind rather than keeping silent. I have a variety of things to give my thoughts on, but do not wish to spend too much ink on them, so for those reasons I shall be brief.

Trials of Lord Stafyr and Mr. Wick
Let me begin with something that seemingly really set the current civil unrest into motion; the arrest and summoning to court of Lord Hektor Stafyr and now recently also the summoning to court of Mr. Oskar Wick. I will be brief and clear in my views on this matter. I do not know whether either of these men are to be considered guilty and it is not my place to decide on this matter, that is for the court to decide. HOWEVER, I will make it clear that from studying the court summonings, it seems no less than reasonable for these men to be summoned to court and/or arrested for the things they said or wrote. If they are innocent, as some claim, may the court find them innocent. But if they are guilty, as many others claim, then may GOD’s wrath come down upon them in the just and fitting punishment the court hopefully bestows.

Punishment of the HRA and Sir Osvald Barclay
As you can probably deduct from my statement above, I am a firm believer of our country’s system of law and order. Therefore I find it very frustrating to see that not only some of our brave men and women in the HRA, but also my good old friend and devoted civil servant, Sir Osvald Barclay, were punished by our Crown and government for perceived misdemeanors without a fair trial.
In what kind of state are we living, for the people who put life and limb on the line to maintain order, to go punished without a trial, while the criminals, suspects and varmint get a fair trial called by the Crown itself? It pains me to say this as a loyal subject of His Majesty and the government he presides over, but I do believe that he and/or his government made a mistake in their haste and chaos of these current times, by punishing these people, who I know to be good people that want the best for Haense, without being able to defend their actions in court. Be this a regular court or a military court of sorts for the soldiers that received lashings, suspension and demotion.

The Church and Haense: Neglect and misplaced priorities
One thing that is not discussed much by the general population of Haense but is nonetheless a matter that has become very noticeable for me let alone very infuriating, is the current relation between the Canonist Church and our Kingdom. If we direct our attention to this matter, we find something utterly disappointing.
Haense is rich with God-loving men and women who do their best to connect with their faith and would like to do more with their religion, not to mention the many Haensemen who have taken the vows and joined the Church’s ranks. On the side of the Church however we find a much less rose-tinted picture. While I’ve always considered myself on good terms with His Holiness and his administration, and perhaps even a friend of His Holiness himself, I cannot lie for I am disappointed by the Church’s efforts within our Kingdom. It took years of writing letters to the Pontificate to finally get an arrangement where Haense would have a normal mass again once. This mass however is not given by a local priest, our Bishop or Archbishop even. No, this mass is provided by his Holiness himself.
This is because our past Bishop, Archbishop and our new bishop have severely neglected their duties to the population of Haense. Instead of providing us with the religious services they ought to provide in their positions, they have sat idle for the most part. In the case of our new Bishop however, Bishop Benedict, he has not only neglected his duties, but also misplaced his priorities, entering politics as a candidate for Alderman in this election. While I am not in the slightest opposed to clergymen partaking in the organs of our government, in fact I support it to the fullest, I am very much so opposed to this participation in politics coming paired with a neglect of clerical duties.

I hope His Most Reverend Excellency, Bishop Benedict, as well as His Holiness, James II, read this missive and take note of what I believe is a failing of their duties, so that they may work on bettering this working relationship.

Regarding our actions
Lastly, I want to briefly state that my words should not be misinterpreted or taken out of context. While I do not agree with some of the recent actions of the government and Crown of Haense or those of the Canonist Church, I will not and cannot say I don’t support them as a loyal servant. If asked, I will support His Majesty or His Holiness in whatever course they take us on this great journey, whether I agree with them or not. And I urge the citizens of Haense to take the same approach. While we may not agree with some of the things we are seeing in these recent times and while we may voice our discontent, we should not let this make us stoop low to such regretful acts as slander, treason, sowing discontent, hating our fellow Haensemen or, in the worst case, causing physical violence. I would call for all of us to remain civil in whatever disagreements that we may have with one another, so that we may solve these peacefully through conversation.

GOD bless His Majesty, GOD bless Haense, and GOD bless its people. Amen.

Your obedient servant and Grand Maer,
K. Amador

A Thought On Thinking

I write this letter in response to recent actions taken against my kin, the Family and many Clans of Wick, who are facing a certain oppression to the speech of my people; silenced by the system we swore to protect.

As questions are asked and a natural process of curiosity occurs, people are so quick to smother the newborn flame of thought that emerges from a “free” man. Today I witnessed multiple people confronted by the Haeseni guard force and harassed for the simple action of thinking and sharing that thought.

What separates us from man and beast? What makes us human? Perhaps you might find the answers to these questions in oneself. But I would certainly advise against looking for it within this societal beast that has been created, as it would only drive you further from a resolution and blur lines even more so than before.

So often a concept of “natural rights” comes up in discussion and law, yet nobody has ever defined or discussed what these so called “rights” are. I believe a freedom of thought, among many others, should be afforded to a person as a “natural right” at birth. I asked before what separates man from beast- In personal opinion, and after much thinking I believe it to be the process of thought.

The idea of thought is a very personal one, and will vary in definition from person to person. I believe it to be as simple, yet delicate as life; you are surrounded by it. This could be very much what makes us human, as most things seem as natural to society or man are products of thought. Conversation, opinion, argument, agreement, law, order, peace, anarchy, etc etc.. all these are born of a single thought, which leads to an action.

To say one's thought and idea is dangerous and even in some cases treasonous is absurd! If one wishes to speak against a system he sees as corrupt or wrong, should this be seen as a crime? For this man would have done nothing wrong apart from offer his own opinion and thought on a situation he saw as wrong. To silence the thought of people is to silence life, diversity, and prosperity. A silent mind will do nothing to further a society it is of, a waste of potential. It is a natural right everybody is promised with the breath of life, to take it away should be treason.

A beast knows what it is born to do, nothing more nor less. It does not think before acting, rather acts on instinct; this is what makes a beast. They hunt when hungry, follow when ordered, and attack when threatened; this is all they know. You could compare the recent actions of the Haeseni Crown and Guard to those of a beast. Blind and violent. Thinking little of what they are doing, just acting when threatened. Too often do they use poor ideology, trying to police the thoughts of others and silence them for a simple critique by charging with slander in attempts to scare them from speaking out further. I see no thought behind these actions. The beast of the system corrupting the minds of man.

One must use this natural right afforded to them and make it clear they are human, use it as though their life depends on it. We must prove we are not beasts, think before actions are made, think before you can’t anymore.. 

Ask yourself this one question: Is to think as valuable as to breathe?

With this I ask you to keep in mind the words of my dear cousin, Oskar.

Signed,

Corbin Wick

A Thinking Man.

*To the back of this letter would be a copy of a piece written by Oskar Wick*

On Haeseni Freedom

AGAB