Published: 10th of Godfrey's Triumph, 1985

THE ACHILLEAN COURT

The Achillean Court is an invaluable component of Rhosmark, serving as a foundational cornerstone of the honour, unity and security of our nation. This assembly is composed of skilled members of our citizenry, tasked with aiding in the preservation of our traditions, culture, and legacy. They provide the essential resources that promote the strength and longevity of our nation, and exemplify the highest virtues that remain the very heart of Rhosmark.

CONTENTS

I. COUNCIL OF THE COURT

I.I. Leaders of the Court

I.II. The Seneschal of Court

I.III. Mistress of Events

I.IV. The Chaplain

II. POSITIONS WITHIN THE ACHILLEAN COURT

II.I. The Scholars of the March

II.II. The Servantry of the March

II.III. Joining the Achillean Court

III. ETIQUETTE

III.I. General Etiquette

III.II. In Royal Presence

III.III. Titles & Addressment

SECTION I: COUNCIL OF THE COURT

LEADERS OF THE COURT

The authoritative figures that preside over the court, overseeing all court matters, and mediating its affairs. They ensure that all members of the court are actively engaged and their roles diligently upheld, fostering an environment of responsibility and contribution. Furthermore, they are responsible for the design of the court and the implementation of its functions. 

The Current Master of the Court ~ HRH Prince Richard Achilles of Rhosmark

The Current Mistress of the Court ~ HRH Princess Maddalane Romula of Rhosmark

THE SENESCHAL OF COURT

The Seneschal is tasked with finding and allocating individuals to staff the court, such as ladies-in-waiting and scribes. It is their responsibility to ensure that these members are appropriately skilled for their positions, and are effective in fulfilling their duties. They are also entrusted with teaching all members of the court the appropriate etiquette. 

The Current Seneschal of the Court ~ [VACANT]

MASTER OF EVENTS

The Master of Events holds the distinguished responsibility of orchestrating all events within the nation, including royal functions, balls, tavern nights, and more. This role involves managing the flow of denizen activities, fostering citizen engagement, and nurturing the vibrant culture within Rhosmark.

The Current Master of Events ~ Pierre Langlois Dresnay, Baron of Valcour

THE CHAPLAIN

The Chaplain is entrusted with overseeing all religious events within the court. The Chaplain need not be a nun or priest but must be certified by the church. They serve as the principal advisor on ecclesiastical matters, and the Chaplain's other responsibilities encompass organising charities, harvests, baptisms, prayers, and rites of maturity.

The Current Chaplain ~ [VACANT]

SECTION II: POSITIONS WITHIN THE ACHILLEAN COURT

THE SCHOLARS OF THE MARCH

THE COURT TUTOR

The Court Tutor is a position of significant importance, as they are in charge of educating the future generations of the nobility, along with the royal family themselves. They must ensure that the children of the next generation are well versed in worldly affairs and history, especially that of our nation, along with proper etiquette and manners. 

The Current Court Tutor ~ [VACANT] 

SCRIBES OF THE COURT

The Court Scribes are tasked with writing and maintaining official documents, such as decrees, edicts and laws, upon the instruction of the council or royal family. They ensure that all legal and administrative records are accurately transcribed and preserved. Furthermore, they are also responsible for the archiving and maintenance of the history of Rhosmark, acting as the source of all knowledge in regards to our nation’s past and present. They must write and maintain accounts of important events regarding our history and create copies of public missives and state letters. 

The Current Scribes of the Court ~ Aaron Wisdomseeker, Oliver Reye, & Evaristus Mortagne

THE FORGEMASTER

The Forgemaster is a particularly skilled individual, entrusted to complete all smithing work on behalf of the royal family and the Order of the Red Eagle. They are responsible for the creation of handheld weaponry, artillery, and armour, ensuring that our ranks are appropriately equipped.

The Current Forgemaster ~ [VACANT]

THE SERVANTRY OF THE MARCH

LADIES-IN-WAITING & HANDMAIDENS

An entourage of female members of the court who act as advisors, confidants and attendants to the Princess Consort and the Royal Princesses. They have many duties, such as aiding with daily routines, offering companionship, and managing letters of correspondence on behalf of their Lady. It is their responsibility to ensure that the needs of their Lady are met and maintained. 

GENTLEMEN OF THE INTERIOR

The Gentlemen of the Interior are similar in function to handmaidens, but they instead act as advisors, confidants and attendants to the Sovereign Prince and the Royal Princes. They too have many duties, including aiding with daily routines, offering companionship, and managing letters of correspondence on behalf of their Lord. It is their responsibility to ensure that the needs of their Lord are met and maintained. 

THE HERALDS

The Heralds are responsible for assisting the Master of Events in the scheduling, organisation, and hosting of a variety of events for the nation. A member of the event committee may be proficient in hosting small events, such as tavern nights and games, or large events, such as balls. They may also aid in writing missives of invitation to be given to citizens and foreign delegations.  Furthermore, Heralds may also aid the Scribes of the Court in communicating decrees or proclamations to the citizenry of Rhosmark.

THE COURT CUP-BEARER

The Court Cup-Bearer is tasked with the preparation and serving of wine and other beverages to the royal family and guests at any official events, such as ceremonies or banquets. They also oversee the royal wine cellar, managing the storage and selection of high-quality beverages.

The Current Court Cup-Bearer ~ [VACANT]

JOINING THE ACHILLEAN COURT

The Achillean Court is seeking skilled and dedicated individuals to fulfil the current available roles. If you are interested in a position, please deliver a missive of application to either Prince Richard Achilles or Princess Maddalene Romula. 

SECTION IV: ETIQUETTE

Etiquette in the court is of the utmost importance; a courtier’s conduct in the presence of the royal family and nobility significantly influences the perception and representation of both the court, and the individual themselves. The Seneschal is responsible for teaching and managing these expectations.

However, while the Seneschal oversees the instruction of proper etiquette within the court, we advise all citizens to adhere to these fundamental rules to avoid embarrassment and maintain their standing in the court.

GENERAL ETIQUETTE

♔ Citizens are expected to uphold deference towards their superiors within the royal family, always addressing them by their appropriate titles during conversation.

♔ Citizens are expected to maintain a dignified comportment, particularly in demeanour and behaviour.

♔ Courtiers that are not members of the royal family are prohibited from wearing any type of diadem, crown, circlet or tiara. It is considered disrespectful for courtiers to overshadow the Royal’s attire, and such individuals will be asked to remove any attire that exceeds in splendour.

IN ROYAL PRESENCE

♔ All must not touch the Prince or Princess Consort, or their immediate family (brothers, sisters, and children).

♔ All must stand with a countenance of utmost respect when either the Prince or Princess Consort enter within a room, until they are seated. Only after then may everyone else be seated. 

♔ All must avoid turning their backs on the royal family, as it is seen as disrespectful. 

♔ All must avoid the use of nicknames regarding or referring to the royal family outside of private settings unless otherwise permitted. 

♔ All must curtsy or bow at the beginning and end of the conversation and address them by their title properly.

TITLES & ADDRESSMENT

♔ Sovereign Prince: “Your Serene Highness” in introduction; followed by “Your Highness” or "Prince [name]"

♔ Princess Consort: “Your Serene Highness” in introduction; followed by “Your Highness” or "Princess [name]"

     ♔ Royal Prince: “Your Royal Highness” in introduction; followed by “Your Highness” or "Prince [name]"

     ♔ Royal Princess: “Your Royal Highness” in introduction; followed by “Your Highness” or "Princess [name]”

♔ Duke: “Your Grace” or “Duke [title or name]” in introduction, followed by "Lord [name]"

♔ Duchess: “Your Grace” or “Duchess [title or name]” in introduction, followed by "Lady [name]"

♔ Count: “Right Honourable [title or name]” or “Count [title or name]” in introduction, followed by “Lord [name]”

♔ Countess: “Right Honourable [title or name]” or “Countess [title or name]” in introduction, followed by “Lady [name]”

     ♔ Children of Dukes / Duchesses, Counts / Countesses are to be addressed as “Lady [name]” or “Lord [name]”

♔ Baron: “Honourable [title or name]” or “Baron [title or name]” in introduction, followed by “Lord [name]”

♔ Baroness: “Honourable [title or name]” or “Baroness [title or name]” in introduction, followed by or “Lady [name]

    ♔ Children of Barons / Baronesses, Viscounts / Viscountesses are to be addressed as “Lady [name]” or “Lord [name]

♔ Knight: “Your Excellency [name]” in introduction, followed by “Sir [name]”

♔ Dame: “Your Excellency [name]” in introduction, followed by or “Dame [name]

Please note: Courtiers, unless otherwise stated, do not obtain titular roles from their position within the court. They are recognised as skilled members of their respective citizenry.

GOD with us;

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, the Prince Richard Achilles of Rhosmark, Count of Leonustadt,

Master of the Court

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, the Princess Maddalene Romula of Rhosmark, 

Mistress of the Court

Issued in 1942

FRAMEWORK

With the newly titled Margravine, The Princess-Consort Ottavia of Pompourelia saw an opportunity to reform the Aster Courts within Stassion. In honour of her husband's great-grandmother, The Empress Anastasia. Though the reformation has been decided, the Aster Council saw it only fitting to add and remove court positions in order to smoothly migrate the court into the Margraviate

Furthermore,  If a specific position is vacant and interests you please send word to either the Princess-Consort or the Grand Lady of the Court.

THE PRINCESS-CONSORT

Her Royal Highness, Ottavia of Pompourelia

Her Royal Highness, The Consort holds full sovereignty over The Aster Courts with the ability to appoint whoever pleases her, though she is also tasked with ensuring that all members of the court maintain a proper image by following all rules and guidelines provided within the Aster Court.

THE GRAND LADY

Miss, Elizabeth Harlowe

The Grand Lady is one of the most important ranking within the Aster Council; Whoever takes up this position oversees the entire court alongside the Princess-Consort. Ensuring that all Council roles are filled and managed in order to ensure that the court is able to function properly. The Grand Lady of the Aster Court should also have an extensive knowledge of the Margraviate’s history and culture, allowing them to set an example for the rest of the court.

Positions serving directly under the Grand lady include:

 
The Princesses Amanuensis [VACANT] - The Princess Amanuensis is tasked with the role of writing invitations and ensuring that they are sent out. They are also to write out transcripts of any court meetings that are held within the Aster Court.

Court Physicians [Miss Elewyn of Stassion] - The Court Physician, also known as a royal physician is a medical doctor who serves in the Aster Court. Their primary responsibility is to provide medical care to members of the family and other important individuals in the court.

THE CASTLE CONSERVATOR

Miss, Consuela de Savin

The Castle Conservator plays a big part within the liveliness of the court, tasked with ensuring the regular holding of activities and events within the Margraviate are to take place. Along with the responsibilities of holding feasts and  soiree’s, The Castle Conservator is also to ensure the castle is properly decorated for the events taking place

Positions serving directly under the Castle Conservator include

Members of the Event Commission - Members of the Event Commission are to assist the Castle Conservator in hosting and holding events; These courtiers are also allowed to propose and run events of their own

Master of the Hunt [VACANT] - The Master of the Hunt is a Courtier within the margravate charged with securing frequent hunts for the Aster Court..

THE LADY CONCIERGE

Her Highness, Charlotte of Marsana

The Lady Concierge is in charge of maintaining the castle itself. They are tasked with handing off keys to those in need of them, the management of servantry and making arrangements for visitors and courtiers of the Aster court. They also play a vital role within the court, the Lady Concierge is to ensure all courtiers and visitors to the court are informed of proper etiquette and fashion standards.
 

Positions serving directly under the Lady Concierge include

The Court Governess [VACANT]  - The Court Governess is the Head of stassions education, tasked with the care and ensuring that the youth of both the Aster court though more specifically the children of Stassion’s Household.

Court Tailors - The court tailors are in charge of providing the finest of garments to the Aster Court, Ensuring all members within Stassion are dressed within the latest fashion of Stassion.

 Lady’s Maids - When a Lady is of age, the Princess-Consort may choose to Invite them to the court in order to either attend her, or other ladies within the royal household. This can also Include being paired with the Princess’s daughters from a young age. It is very important for all lady’s Maids to know the proper etiquette within the Aster court, along with acting as a confidante to her Lady

COURT MAGE

Miss, Valindra Nullivari

A Scholar within the aster court, registered as a licensed mage within stassion. The Court mage serves as not only an advisor to the court but also is tasked with studying and furthering their knowledge. They are also to oversee any other mages within the Aster court.

SIGNED, 

Her Royal Highness, Ottavia Kasimira of House Novellen, Lady Novellen, Princess-consort of Providentia, Margravine-consort of Stassion, Baroness-consort of Renzfeld, Lady of Fredericksburg.

Her Excellency, Elizabeth Harlowe, Grand Lady of the Aster Court.