It is with greatest honor that the Duchess of Eastcliffe will be hosting the first ball in Sutica since our arrival in Almaris. This ball will be celebrating the recent achievements of not only Eastcliffe, but all the vassals under Sutica as a whole. All who attend this event are expected to follow the theme of enchanted forest, however it is not required. The event will be held at the Chateau of Eastcliffe.

Events of the night

I. 

A welcoming speech given by the Duchess followed by the serving of dessert food. Guests are free to mingle and converse with others. The first dance will be at this time, anyone with a partner may take the floor. The Duchess will be looking for the best dance partners, the winner will achieve 50 mina.

II.

Any man or woman who have followed the theme of enchanted forest can compete in who is the “best dressed” for the night. There can only be one winner and they will receive a 50 mina prize.

III.

A simple game of water pong shall be hosted, a game of luck among others to get the ball into a cup of water, one of the cups is not like the others, instead it is filled with something else. The point of the game is to get up to 10 points without having to drink the cup filled with an unknown liquid. The winner of this game gets 20 mina.

Everyone is welcome to attend, no weapons allowed. If a fight needs to be settled, then it will be settled in the pit.

Ave Eastcliffe

Duchess of Eastcliffe,

OOC: 

Date: Saturday, March 20

Time: 9:30 est

JOB AND HOUSING IN EASTCLIFFE!!

Eastcliffe has housing available! It's 10 minas a week which is cheap compared to Provenience’s prices which are outrageous!!! The houses are made of spruce logs and planks with a fine hay house made from the finest grass in sutica!! The duchess of the land is named Aramis the beautiful. She is a dark elf but she's kind. She is a great ruler. You can find her in the tavern drinking with the common folk! All people and all religions are allowed! We also have jobs available like being a steward or a guard or maybe even a maid! Send a bird to me Methas or the Duchess' Aramis for a job or a house!! ((Mine is MethasSimpsForChezel#9074 and the duchess' BelgianFry#5258))

In the dawn we will rise

The Previous Duke of Eastcliffe, Andrew Staunton, has dragged the name of Eastcliffe through the mud, shaming the title, the people, and the Sutican monarch. I, Aramis Lavigne, have claimed the title of Duchess for the betterment of Eastcliffe. Within Sutica law, the law which the land is placed upon, there are no birthrights, there are no claims, there is only the word of the Sutica Monarch, that very word being ignored by the Stauntons claiming birthright to a land of no claims, no religion, only freedom and trade, this word of law by the Monarch of Sutica has allowed myself to rise to claim the Duchy allowing it to fall under my guidance. Staunton had his chance to prove to the world what he could do, but he did not take it. He had everything at his disposal but was unmotivated. I do not want to make that mistake.

Eastcliffe is a strong and powerful vassal, and it is my job to finally show what we have to offer. Both Andrew and Tiberius have seen our strength and they were threatened by it. Their idea of burning Eastcliffe will not work. We will grow into a power that should not be messed with. Our military will grow and so will our skill with the sword. Both Hartcold and Staunton have caused much chaos, but I have found an opportunity to create something beautiful.

Under my leadership, I will guide those within Eastcliffe as a strong minded leader. The first thing that I will do is banish both Andrew Staunton and Tiberius Hartcold, Traitors to Sutica and Eastcliffe. I will show no mercy to those who have shown no loyalty to their home, or Sutica. I will reward the loyal ones within and create something new, something worth fighting and remaining for, I will branch out and become better then my predecessors, I will not fall into the same hole which they did. 

As an eagle flies high in wait, I will swoop down when opportunity presents itself.

In the dawn we will rise

Ave Eastcliffe

Duchess of Eastcliffe,

~`~`~A Response From Cardinal Sutica~`~`~

I have heard the points of both side, I have heard the calls and the cries of both, and I must say, they do not matter to me. I as a man of cloth, shouldn't be forced my hand, to have to write such a thing, but it must be done for there have been threats on my life as a supposed supporter of the "usurper" leader of Eastcliffe. I for one, do not care whatever the claims be, for it is not my duty as a man of the cloth to have to participate in political intrigue. The previous rulers of Eastcliffe have claimed me abandoning my Canonist brothers, yet they threaten the life of a man of the cloth. I do not have support for either side, for I have decided to stay neutral, for it is not my duty to have to participate in this. Though I do hope that both sides show no laxity in their worship of the true faith, and I do hope the supposed pagan "usurper" leader of Eastcliffe finds GOD, and lets him guide her with his infinite wisdom. I do pray for both sides and their families, and I do pray that they find a peaceful solution, but if there is to be war, GOD forbid, I will pray for peace as well. I do hope both sides do find my neutrality to be acceptable, as much as I do.

From the always faithful,

Francisco Cardinal Sutica

_______________________________________________________

A Mind is Sharper than Talons

_______________________________________________________

Many years have passed since the founding of Courlands successor, Eastcliffe. While optimistic at first I was quickly disappointed with the first Duke Joseph and his inability to rule effectively. Abandoning his Duchy for Oren he left those of us remaining with the labor intensive task of deconstructing his plans and starting anew. I watched on the side as Andrew Staunton spoke to us claiming a birthright to lead Eastcliffe. He spoke of honor, respect, and chivalry. Foolishly I applauded him, believing in his hopeless visions and  protecting him from criticism time and time again from the other vassals. All the meanwhile our sister and brother vassals grew. 

The Stauntons inability to remain financially responsible led to our coffers being drained year by year. It got to a point where the Duchy of Eastcliffe owed three years worth of taxes in which I paid to avoid losing our home. Of course, when I speak of our home I truly mean the home I designed and began building, brick by brick. I was foolish, blinded for so long but I did find it in myself to finally demand assistance.

The Duke has responsibilities to our Capital Nation; Sutica. He is required to attend the council and vassal meetings to represent Eastcliffe, their needs, and their progress. Due to either shame or lack of care, Andrew Staunton has neglected his duties.  I have attended to demonstrate that we hold the ability to want change. Rumors spread that the current Duke has fallen ill, or simply died, when that’s not the case, he lacks the motivation to come to meetings and lead the duchy which the Duke holds the responsibility to lead and govern. A new eagle flies high above Eastcliffe needing and calling for a new successor.

I, Aramis Lavigne, Challenge you Andrew Staunton, for the betterment of Eastcliffe, to remove the plague which you’ve left upon claiming the Dukedom, to create a new image, to create something worth leading, I challenge for change.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               Council Member of Eastcliffe

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Sutican Diplomat

THE DUCAL ARMY OF EASTCLIFFE

King Tobias and his knightly retinue upon the field at the Battle of Goldfields, c. 1594

The Ducal Army of Eastcliffe sparks back to a time when honourable men fought on horseback, clad in full steel and stirred up in their mighty warhorses. Its founding history can be found in the time when the House of Staunton and its conquering kings took to the field of battle and fought larger sized armies. Experience, strategy, tactics and horsemanship is what won them the day and that experience can be found in the modern institution of the Ducal Army. The military doctrine of King Tobias the Conqueror and his feudal armies are remodelled and reorganised to a modern structure under the command of Lord Marshal Hartcold at the behest and command of the Duke Staunton.

RANK STRUCTURE

ENLISTED

CONSCRIPT

Conscripts are the first rank upon initiation into the Ducal Army, serving as war-time militia and raised to be a soldier in times of conflict or war.

FOOTMAN

Footmen serve as the rank and file vanguard, providing a solid backbone from structured training but are generally inexperienced.

ARMSMAN

Armsman are the most professional of the Duke’s rank and file soldiers, their experience among the class is second only to the Sergeant’s, but find themselves equal in experience and veterancy.

SERGEANT

The barking command of a Sergeant is enough to reform any unit in combat, these grizzled warriors have seen combat and remain highly regarded as loyal soldiers.

OFFICER

LIEUTENANT

The very backbone of the officer class, providing structure and organisation to the army when on the move or stationed in a camp. They are summoned to the Duke’s war council and are often made up of his personal retinue.

CAPTAIN

The right hand man of the Lord Marshal, serving as his eyes and ears when he is preoccupied with important matters. Retains seniority after the Lord Marshal and acts on the authority bestowed upon him.

LORD MARSHAL

Towering beacon of command and authority, the Lord Marshal is the Duke’s iron fist, wreaking havoc upon his foes and commanding his army in times of conflict or war.

Enlistment

OOC:

Minecraft Name:

Discord Name:

IC

Name:

Age:

Race:

Experience:

The Criminal Code of the Duchy Of Eastcliffe

3rd of Malin’s Welcome, Year 7 of the Second Age

TITLE I. RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE

SECTION I. Right to Life

Every person has the right to live and protect themselves against threats to their life.

SECTION II. Right to Trial

When accused of crime any person has the right to demand a trial before being punished. 

SECTION III. Freedom of Religion

Any person is free to practice any religion, so long as its practice doesn’t break any laws. 

SECTION IV. Freedom from Racial Discrimination

All races are to be treated equally under all government institutions. 

SECTION V. Right to Marry

Any men and women aged sixteen or older, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry a person of the opposite sex and with them found a family. Marriage shall be entered into only with the full consent of the intending spouses, or consent of the parents or caretakers of the intending spouses.

TITLE II. CRIMES

Section I. Degrees of the criminal offenses

1. There are three main levels of crimes, which are all punishable in different ways:
2. First degree. These crimes are punishable with fines of 10 to 50 mina, imprisonment for up to one year or removal of the thumb and two fingers from one hand, removal of beard if dwarven and clipping of one ear if elven.
3. Second degree. These crimes are punishable with fines of 50 to 200 mina, imprisonment for up to three years or the removal of one’s arm down the elbow, removal of one’s eye, removal of one foot, removal of beard and any runic body parts if dwarven and removal of both ears if elven.
4. Third degree. These crimes are under usual circumstances punishable with fines of up to 500 mina, imprisonment for up to 10 years, exile or death. Punishment may exceed the previously noted recommendations if the Magistrate or Duke deems the circumstances and deem it necessary. 

Section II. Crimes against the person

Murder

1. Under exceptional circumstances a judge may deem that this level of punishment is appropriate. 
2. The intentional killing of a person. 
3. The intentional killing of a government figure or member of the Ducal family. 

Manslaughter 

1. The unintentional killing of a person through carelessness. 
2. The unintentional killing of multiple people in a situation where the accused knew that the situation was dangerous and did not take necessary precautions.

Forced Labour

1. Forcing a person to do individual tasks or multiple tasks over the course of a year or less. 
2. Forcing a person to do individual tasks or multiple tasks over the course of five years or less, or forcing multiple people to do individual tasks or multiple tasks for a combined duration of five years or less.
3. Forcing a person to do individual tasks or multiple tasks over the course of five more than five years, or forcing multiple people to do individual tasks or multiple tasks for a combined duration of more than five years.

Assault

1. The use of violence to harm a person mildly. 
2. The use of violence to harm a person severely.

Kidnapping

1. Abducting a person for a period of time less than one month. 
2. Abducting a person and keeping them for a year or more.
3. Abducting people and keeping them in a total of 10 years or more.

Section III. Crimes against property

Theft 

For theft the punishment is a fine of the same amount that the items that the thief stole valued by the judge, as well as giving back the items or paying the estimated value as compensation if the items have been sold. 

Vandalism

1. Destroying a building or a smaller structure without hurting any person. On top of fines or jail time the vandal must also pay for reparations.
2. Destroying government structures without hurting any person. On top of fines or jail time the vandal must also pay for reparations.
3. Destroying the Ducal family or any other major government structure.

Trespassing

1. Entering an area in which the person is not authorised to enter. Entering government buildings leads to worse punishments. 

It is considered an aggravating factor of the crimes against people the commission of the crime against a member of the army, a member of the chivalry order, a noble, a privy councilor, a member of the Ducal family, or any other government official. 

Section IV. Crimes against the Duchy

Treason

1. To use power handed to a specific individual by the government to commit minor crimes against the Duchy.
2. To use power handed to a specific individual by the government to commit major crimes against the Duchy.
3. To use power bestowed upon a specific individual by the government to overthrow the Duchy or a Privy Councilor. It also includes using power handed to you by the government to help assassinate government figures or members of the Ducal Family. 

Sedition

1. To perform a speech or follow a conduct that incites people to disobey minor authorities.
2. To perform a speech or follow a conduct that incites people to disobey major government authorities.
3. To perform a speech or follow a conduct that incites people to rebel against the authority of the government or the Duchy. 

Bribery

1. To pay money to a minor political figure in order to receive favorable treatment by the government.
2. To pay money to a major political figure or a judge in order to get favorable treatment. It also includes accepting bribes. 

Extortion

1. Threatening a political figure or a judge to commit criminal offenses of the first degree in order to gain political favors or favors in court.
2. Threatening a political figure or a judge to commit criminal offenses of the second degree in order to gain political favors or favors in court.
3. Threatening a political figure or a judge to commit criminal offenses of the third degree in order to gain political favors or favors in court. 

Defamation

1. Spreading lies about lower level political figures in order to slander the Duchy.
2. Spreading lies about the Duke or a vassal lord of the Duchy in order to slander Duchy of Eastcliffe. 

Terrorism

1. Under exceptional circumstances a judge may deem that this level of punishment is appropriate. 
2. To make a violent attack aiming to destroy structures, but not to kill people, with political intent.
3. To make a violent attack aiming to kill or injure people, with political intent.

Obstruction

1. To prevent the government from doing day to day activities, such as collecting taxes.
2. To prevent the government from responding to a crisis that risks to cost the lives of citizens. 
3. To prevent the government from responding to a crisis that risks destroying Duchy of Eascliffe.

Tax evasion

1. Not paying the correct amount of taxes for your. The punishment also includes paying the taxes a particular individual owes to the state. 
2. Helping multiple people avoid taxes. The punishment also includes paying the taxes a particular individual owes to the state. 

Smuggling

1. Bringing illegal substances into the Duchy for personal use, either by accident or deliberately.
2. Bringing illegal substances into Duchy with the intention of selling.

Section V. Legal considerations

The punishable preparatory acts in the commission of a crime such as conspiracy are translated in the sentence with a reduction of 1/3 of the penalty of the crime.

The inchoate offenses in the commission of a crime are translated in the sentence with a reduction of 2/3 of the penalty of the crime. 

The aggravating factors in the commission of each crime are translated in the sentence with an increase of 1/3 of the penalty of the crime. 

The mitigating factors in the commission of each crime are translated in the sentence with a decrease of 1/3 of the penalty of the crime.

Multiple prison sentences are stacked according to this equation: Largest individual sentence + (all other sentences)^0.7 where the value is years. This does not apply to fines. 

Section VI. Jurisdictions

Common Jurisdiction: 

1. Everyone can present a complaint before the Magistrate, who will then investigate the case and dictate all the necessary procedural acts, such as subpoenas, in order to evaluate whether the facts that have been denounced have any criminal relevance according to this Criminal Code. If somebody presents a complaint before the Magistrate.
2. If the Magistrate appreciates any criminal relevance on the denounced facts, he will then arrange a trial between the complainant and the defendant.
3. In the trial both parties shall be heard and all their evidence, such as witnesses, shall be assessed by the Magistrate, who will finally issue a judgment in the first instance.
4. The judgments dictated by the Magistrate in the first instance can be appealed in a second instance before the Duke.

Special Jurisdiction: 

1. The Knights of the Duchy can only be tried in a single instance before the Duke.
2. The Vassal Lords of the Duchy, such as barons or higher, can only be tried in a single instance before the Duke.
3. The members of the Ducal Household can only be tried in a single instance before the Duke
4. In all the subsections mentioned above the Duke can delegate the case to the Magistrate to issue a judgment on his behalf.
5. The Duke may execute a special order of whatever he feels necessary to his knights that supersede the authority of the law and courts where the knights who receive the order have the full support of the Duchy and the Laws and Courts of the Duchy.

AB CINEREM DE IMPERIAE,

HIS GRACE, Andrew of the House of Staunton, Duke of Eastcliffe

~+~

The bellow of the trumpets sounded out through the fog. Men, women and children began to ascend to the deck, looking out to the ripples of the dark southern sea. A light, albeit small, gleamed out, revealing to those upon the ships the New World - Almaris, in all its might and glory.

Soon after, several ships bearing the green and black banners of the House of Staunton docked themselves upon the south-easterly shores of the new land, the Courlandic people already timidly beginning to amass on the earth below. 

The Duke of Eastcliffe marched from the boat flanked with the green and black standard flying high in the sky, followed closely by the purple and white standards of the House of Hartcold with their proud lord at the helm. The young Duke looks towards the horizon before smiling from ear to ear "The time of Courland is over...it's time for Eastcliffe to take its place. Ave Eastcliffe, Ave Staunton"

~+~

The Eagle Soars Once More