STARTED ANEW

FOEDUS VELEC

In the year 18 of the Age of Rights and the Age of Reckoning 

“Elegance is not a dispensable luxury but a factor that decides between success and failure.”

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BY THE UNWAVERING AUTHORITY OF THE STATE AND THE REPUBLICAN MANDATE BESTOWED UPON THE ILLUSTRIOUS CHAMBER OF HEIDMEN, WE HEREBY ISSUE THIS IMPERIOUS MISSIVE, RESONATING WITH THE EMINENT VIRTUES OF HONOR, DUTY, LIBERTY, FRATERNITY, VALOR, AND WISDOM. WITH THIS COMMUNICATION, WE ENLIGHTEN THY READER UPON THE INTRICACIES OF STATECRAFT AND UNVEIL THE CURRENT AFFAIRS THAT ENGAGE OUR SOVEREIGN REALM.

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LO unto the Heartlands,

With great pride and esteemed anticipation, we herald a new beginning in the halls of our cherished castle, formerly known as the Courts of St. Emalyne under the rule of the Duchy of Adria. Today, it is with a deep sense of purpose that we announce the naming of our courts - the Courts of Winburgh. This name befits not only the land of Veletz but its noble people. 

Under this new name, our courts come under a new jurisdiction, brimming with roles that fit the stature of our homeland. It is our profound hope to see the Courts of Winburgh flourish under this banner of change and renewal. To this end, we invite the denizens of Veletz to fill these key positions as we usher in an age of prosperity and cultural distinction.

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The Castellan of the Courts

The overseer of our beloved castle, overseeing all its daily affairs. They are tasked with coordinating the castle staff, ensuring harmony within the courts, and nurturing the cultural heritage of Veletz, from etiquette to scholarly works and grand celebrations.

The Chaplain of the Courts

The Court Chaplain is charged with the sanctity of faith within our beloved courts. Their duties align themselves with the responsibility of baptisms, hosting courtly masses, and providing ecclesiastical guidance as needed to the nobility of the League.

The Almoner of the Courts

The custodian of courtly meals and alms, the Almoner is charged with overseeing kitchen preparations and serving staff. In a broader sense, they too provide for the townsfolk, collaborating closely with the Court Chaplain in the providing of alms for the ill and poor, as well as organizing the foodstuffs given out from the castle on feast days.

The Keeper of the Hounds

The Keeper of the Hounds is a position as old as the House van Aert itself; first held by the de Vilains, later breakers of Oren, the position of organizing hunts, caring for the Ducal family’s bloodhounds and maintaining the balance of Veletz’s wildlife has long held a special place in the League’s courts. 

The Chamberlain of the Courts

The Court Chamberlain is the curator of Veletzian fashion and culture, tasked with researching and promoting the rich history of Veletzian attire and cultural heritage.

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Deputies of the Castle

The Castle Deputies are appointed on a case-by-case basis to assist the courtly council in its myriad tasks, ranging from missive drafting to meeting arrangements, and timely deliveries to acting as hosts.

Wards of the Castle

A Ward of the castle is a promising individual under the age of eighteen, seeking to learn and grow within the courts. Often chosen from the pastoral nobility, they are assigned to a council member and given tasks to build experience, with the promise of a formal position upon coming of age. 

Servantry of the Castle

A diverse group of individuals including hostlers, maids, and gardeners, dedicated to maintaining the castle’s cleanliness and upkeep, and tending to its needs with diligence.

In this new chapter of the Courts of Winburgh, we look forward to welcoming those who wish to be part of our vibrant and evolving community.

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GOD WILLING,

HIS GRACE, Gaspard of the House van Aert, Captain-General of the League of Veletz, Duke of Middelan, Bannerlord of Velec, Protector of the Midlanders

THE HONORABLE, Viktoria Helena af Brasca, Baroness of Brasca, Lady Castellan to the Courts of Winburgh

The Adrian people taking to the barricades in defense of Velec, c. 1916

I do not know why we must fight.

I am only thirteen. I am the son of the Duke, but I have not learned much about politics. That is more important for my elder sister, Suzana, who will succeed my father one day. She is a lot more likable than me and I have heard people say that she has what it takes to be a good Duchess of Adria. I agree, which is why I have spent the past two years in Valfleur learning how to become a better brother so I may support her when her time comes.

I did not want to return when I first heard that war was upon Adria. I did not know who was right or who was wrong. I was not scared, but I thought that, because I am only thirteen, I would be useless. I would only get in the way and get someone killed, or get myself killed, and end a life in a war I know nothing about. Even now I am unsure. I am not good at much, and I am not old enough. What difference could I make?

I thought. I also prayed to God, as that helps me think when I am in need of enlightenment. An illumination of the path I need to take. I struggle with it even now. I see good men and women fight on both sides of the battlefield. War is not something for children.

Today, I returned to Velec after sneaking through northern Aaun by myself. The city I returned to was nothing like how I remembered it. The streets were flooded with soldiers barking orders, laborers stacking couches, chairs, rotting bed frames, wooden beams, and other pieces of furniture atop each other at the entrances of many of our important roads. Those whose houses had been cut off huddled in tents around the square. Women and children made food for the refugees and for those who were working. Several men and women had made fires in the center of town, where they were melting down candlestick holders, rings, necklaces, anything that could be used for weapons and ammunition.

I heard from a passing soldier that a great victory had been won. An army had been sent to take the city, and they had been beaten back. Few if any had died, but several had taken serious wounds and were set up in a hospital inside the keep. I walked there because they told me it would cheer them up to see the Duke’s son. When I arrived, I was greeted by happy faces and many ‘thank yous.’ 

Not everyone was cheerful, though. One girl had seriously wounded her leg after a roof tile had smashed into it. She was younger than me. I had to hold her hand to comfort her as members from the Medic’s Guild amputated it. She screamed and cried, and I wanted to leave, but my heart hurt. I didn’t know her name, but my heart hurt for her. I wanted to trade places and have it be my leg that was being cut off and my voice that pierced through the whipping airs of the Lower Petra. It was not me, though, because I was not there for the battle. I had been in Valfleur, worrying about how useless I would have been, while this young girl stood firm in Adria and lost her leg for it.

While I cowered away, the people of Velec stood firm. Despite being outnumbered, despite facing the army of Minitz, they took to the barricades and defended our city. Battle raged as our people, many of them donning rags and armed with kitchen utensils, drove out the invaders. Children younger than I partook, as seen by the young girl whose hand I held as she screamed for God and her lost father to make the pain stop. She was a hero defending my home, while I was too worried to even fight. I cannot forgive myself for the mistake I made. Her lost leg is blood on my hands, even if I did not inflict the wound.

I cannot bear to stay away from my friends and family in Adria. I do not know anything about our cause, but I know about the city that we live in. Velec is my home and it will always be my home. It is the city where I have met my friends Lina, Nadia, Olivier, Morgan, Lorina, and many more. It is a city where everyone on the streets will always stop to talk to me, even if I know that I annoy them sometimes. It is a city with life, and I do not want to lose it to war. If the enemies win, then Velec will be burned. It is the city of my mother’s grave, the spot where her body was laid to rest. The place I was born will be turned to ash. The people will be hurt and killed. The city that has become the home of so many and has been the place of my fondest memories will be gone.

I may only be thirteen, but I cannot watch the worst happen from afar, so I will fight for the best. I cannot do much, but I can stand atop the barricades of Velec like the others do. I might die in battle. If I am captured, then I will be killed. If we lose the war, then my home will be lost and I will have nowhere to go. None of this matters to me. All that matters is that people get to keep the city that they love, our city of Velec. If they can live the same sort of life that I have enjoyed there myself, then I will happily die for my father’s cause. 

Until that day comes, I will stand atop the barricades of Velec each day, awaiting the next attack. I will stand tall beside the people of Adria. I will defend my home until there is no home left, or until I cannot defend it.

Viktor Sarkozic

A CALL TO SMITHS OF THE REALMS

21 of Harren's Folly, 1911

In all four corners of the known world, there are posters speedily hung by lads in frayed burlap pants and tabards that bear a midnight eagle on quartered fields of red and black. As you approach the tattered parchment, you realize it beseeches the most skilled tradesmen, specifically smiths, to the Adrian lands of Velec. With closer inspection, you read the following:

(Friday, February 17th @ 5:00 PM EST)

@CharmingCavalierThanks for the amazing graphic and post!

On the 16th  day of Horen’s Calling of 1906

St. Emalynesburg has recently been erected over the field of Velec, the first completed structure to kiss the ambience of the deep forests that commune to form the border of Aaun. Hence, while the populace awaits the final brick to be laid on the cast of the village, the Castle has been opened for all who seek shelter and a like-minded caucus, setting in motion the ducal court of Adria. Though St. Emalyne is modest, the Adrian culture is all but, and so we shall revel in any space that allows drink, debate, and music.

All are invited into the space later this year to celebrate, tour, and interview for staffing positions. The exact time and date will be announced shortly. 

St. Emalyne is the foremost shape on the skyline of Velec just past the Camp Baltas Gates off East fleet, a terracotta castle built into the highest hill of the province split into five buildings by the exterior path and the internal square courtyard.  

The Castle of Saint Emalyne looking over the city square of Adria

The Duke, Heinrik Otto Sarkozic

     An amiable character with aplomb, he is often seen speaking with the men and women of Adria around the town proper.

The Duchess, Austina of Aldersberg

     A woman of capable descent and proper poise, taking up the strict upkeep of the Castle St. Emalyne.

The Lady Suzana Otta 

     Daughter of the Duke & Duchess, born with an illness that shelters her within the Castle, though she is often seen walking atop the outer wall.

The Lord Viktor Stefan 

     Son of the Duke & Duchess, a properly behaved young boy often clung to his father's right leg.

The Lord Markus Marie 

     The younger Son of the Duke & Duchess, sired the year ensuing his brother's ingress and taking after his mother's complexion.

The Lady Kzenia Adriata 

     The youngest of the Duke & Duchess, a bashful but purely focused young lady often contently kept to her studies.  

The Lord Ratibor Kazimir Sarkozic

The Lord Paul Emanuel Sarkozic

In the expectation of future dumas and other administrative junctures, Duchess Austina has fashioned the courts into the housekeeping of the Duke. She invites all maids and men to petition her if wishing to work in any of the following positions:

Lady Concierge

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The Lady Concierge of the Castle St. Emalyne functions as the head of castle staff and wards as well as making informed decisions in place of the Duchess if she is unable to be present. This is a crucial position within Emalyneburg's in case the Duchesses ailments return. Other functions of this role include scheduling appointments, returning correspondences, and appointing the yearly itinerary.

Ladies or Lords in Waiting

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Ladies and Lords of the Castle are those who work for the Duchess and are given many menial daily tasks as well as specialized subjects that an individual might concentrate on. Those who take these positions may host events for the whole of Adria, aid in court activities such as feasts or visits from the itinerant court, and educate wards on their specialized subject. Examples of Lady's or Lord’s individual titles are as such;

The Court Screamer

     The Court Screamer announces all happenings of the upper body of Adria within the town hall as well as within the Castle Courtyard.

The Bard of Veletzia

     The Bard of Veletzia tells the stories of the Adrians through song, lightening the atmosphere of any room they walk in, seeking to emulate the beloved songbirds and revered Timeo de la Baltas.

The Court Vintner

     The Vintner produces and sells the wine exports of St. Emalyne, and is most importantly tasked with the supply of Carrion Black.

Wards

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Those between the ages of seven to seventeen may hone their skills under the watchful eyes of the Duchess and her adept company. They may sleep, eat, and be educated within the Castle until they are either too old or have made the decision to transfer elsewhere to finish their proper education. It is expected of those who Ward to procure a project they desire to complete during their time and attend lessons presented by the Lords and Ladies of St. Emalyneburg. 

SIGNED,

Her Grace, Austina Prudence Sarkozic

Baroness of Aldersberg, Duchess consort of Adria, Countess consort of Veletzia

WITH a new settlement comes new questions. Our ranks swell with faces new and old. A secret spring brings forth new life to the ruins of the Lower Petra, our grapes ripen, and our cows graze on fertile pastures. Is it not as natural then as the coming of autumn and the harvest,  that we should be tasked to settle quarrels, hear debate, and reassure ourselves of friendship and fraternity?

SO, let dry wood be heaped on the great Veletsa fire, and our voices mingle with the smoke! Let the Duma Dice be cast and the Assembling Horn be blown. The people of Camp Baltas, Velec, and the surrounding environs are summoned to speak at the first Národni Duma:

Tentatively: 5 EST, Friday Dec 16.

OATHS OF CONFRATERNITY:

• Once all members of the free and open assembly are seated, Knȇz Heinrik will call an inaugural Oath of Confraternity. The Assembling Horn will be plugged and wine and spirits poured in. All those who drink heartily from it will be known thenceforth as friends and brothers of the Adrian People’s Duma, entitled to a vote and an audience. 

OPEN COUNCIL: 

1. The Adrian people will elect a Speaker of the Duma from among themselves by a plurality of votes. He will sit besides Knȇz Heinrik and share in the responsibility of hearing petitions.
2. Any friend is entitled to bring an issue to the attention of the Speaker, and propose a resolution to be discussed.
3. Once the discussion on an issue has been concluded, the speaker will call those involved to stand. Any friend is entitled to raise his head or hand in favor of a resolution. Any friend is entitled to abstain, remaining seated, or abhor, facing away.  
4. The resolution will be decided by the standing majority, and recorded by the speaker in public view. In the event of a tie, the Speaker of the Duma is charged with finding an alternative means to decide the issue, to be agreed by the majority. If a majority cannot agree, then the resolution will be decided by the Duma Dice, as is our tradition.
5. A two-thirds’ majority may conclude the session.

FESTIVITIES:

1. After the council has concluded, those still present will be invited to festivities and games organized by Stefan Euler and Knèginja Austina.
2. A grand meal will be served by Camp Chef Pâte de la Baltas and Camp Sous-Chef Croûte de la Baltas. A celebration of our year’s agricultural success and our peoples’ prowess at the hunt, all are invited to share!
3. The Knȇz and Knèginja will publicly reaffirm their marital vows, followed by any lawful couple who wishes to do the same, and any pair who swear brotherhood or friendship. We will then return to our lives and labors, reminded of the bonds uniting our people.

WITH GREAT ANTICIPATION,
Heinrik Sarkožić iz Velec,
Leader of the Adrians, Count of Velec, et cetera
Sigismond Varoche,
Chancellor of the Adrians,
Paul Sarkožić iz Velec,
scrivener of Heinrik.