The Riviènse

Office of Stewardy

Issued and averred by

The Grand Treasurer,

Lord Jean-Baptiste Auclair

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

208

LEADERSHIP OF THE OFFICE

HIS EXCELLENCY, Lord Jean-Baptiste Auclair, The Grand Treasurer

THE HONORABLE, Lord Jarad Mah’nel, High Steward of Riviènse

APPOINTED STEWARDS OF RIVIÈNSE

THE RIGHT HONORABLE, Lord Symon Stafyr

HIS LORDSHIP, Sir Thomas von Theonus

HIS EXCELLENCY, Lord Beorn Alaric of the Phoenixsphere

HER HIGHNESS, Princess Mattea Asadha of the Petra

HIS EXCELLENCY, Lord Caz Reinhold

Miss Elvar Shadebloom 

Miss Elise Mah’nel 

Miss Ember Mah’nel 

Miss Mirusunne Mah'nel 

Miss Cinnamon'Ox o'Nico 

Stewardry Office Policies

The following policies are issued under the authority of the Petran Stewardship and are to be observed in all matters pertaining to civic administration, property oversight, and internal conduct.

On Property Sales

All property sales within the city of Petra are conducted on a first come, first serve basis. No individual, organization, guild, or external body shall be granted priority or preferential treatment in the acquisition of housing, shops, stalls, or other civic properties.

This policy exists to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all prospective buyers. Any attempts to circumvent this process will be denied and dealt with by the Head-Steward.

On Pétrine Holdings Beyond Riviènse

Any and all Petran lands outside of Riviènse, with the sole exception of barns and related agricultural structures, fall entirely under the direct authority of the Archduke and Archduchess of Petra. The sale, granting, or allocation of such lands is not within the power of the Stewardship.

While the Archduke and Archduchess may, at their discretion, request assistance from the Stewards in the planning, coordination, or construction of projects upon these lands, no Steward is authorized to sell, promise, or assign Petran land under any circumstance.

On Guilds

Guild officials may speak to the Grand Treasurer or High Steward on receiving guild benefits and becoming registered as an official guild. The Petran Stewards do not oversee, process, or manage member registration on behalf of guilds.

Each guild operating within Petra is fully responsible for its own recruitment, membership decisions, and internal administration. All matters regarding guild entry are to be handled solely by the guild’s leadership and designated guild stewards.

Petran Stewards may redirect inquiries to the appropriate guild officials, but shall not intervene in membership decisions unless strictly necessary.

On Subletting/Re-Selling Houses

All Petran properties are issued to their owners under the understanding that they are to be personally maintained and occupied, unless otherwise approved. Therefore, the subletting*, resale**, or transfer of ownership of Riviense property, whether for coin, favors, or indirect benefit, is prohibited.

The exception to this policy is Guilds giving housing or shops within their holdings to their members.

* Sebletting - Allowing one to live in a house for a weekly payment to the property owner. (they may contribute to the overall taxes for the property, but not for personal profit.)
* Resale - No citizen is allowed to resell a house to another for any reason. The selling of houses may only be done by appointed stewards. 

On Steward Compensation

Any Steward involved in the sale of a Petran house may retain the down payment associated with that sale as compensation and recognition for their service and labor. This practice is recognized as both lawful and customary, and is intended to acknowledge the dutiful administrative work performed by the Stewardry.
 

Steward Responsibilities

The following responsibilities define the duties and expectations of those appointed to serve within the Petran Stewardship.

Property Sales and Oversight

Stewards are responsible for the sale and administration of houses, stalls, shops, and barns located within the city of Riviènse.

All such transactions are to be conducted in accordance with established Commonwealth policies, ensuring fairness, transparency, and proper record keeping. Stewards are expected to accurately communicate terms, collect payments where applicable, and ensure that properties are recorded correctly on citywide ledgers.

Interior Planning and Design Assistance

Stewards may be called upon to assist in interior planning, layout, or design work at the request of the High Steward, the Grand Treasurer, or the Archduke/Archduchess of Petra. Such assistance is to be rendered in a supportive and advisory capacity unless otherwise directed. Stewards are not authorized to independently approve structural changes or major alterations unless explicitly instructed to do so by the appropriate authority.

Assisting Newcomers

Stewards are to assist newcomers to the city by providing a tour, getting set up in a house or inn room, and anything else that might be requested. This responsibility exists to ensure that new residents are integrated smoothly and positively into Pétrine life.

Refusal to Work

Stewards are not obligated to perform any task they reasonably believe to be unsafe, unlawful, or beyond their authority for the sake of stewardy. Personal safety and sound judgment are to be maintained at all times. This does not extend to those with other responsibilities such as levymen and knights.

On Recruitment

In light of the current staffing levels and after due review of internal needs, the Office of Stewardry is not presently seeking additional appointments. A notice will be circulated when this changes.

S I G N E D,

Jarad Mah’nel, High Steward of Riviènse

THE SALVIAN BUREAU OF PETRA

“With their return, did our heart’s deepest joy, and our yet hardest labours, begin in earnest.”

Dame Amélie Auclair, 135 A.R.P

Issued and averred by

Their Highnesses

&

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

203

DISESTABLISHED DURING THE TENURE OF THE DAME-CHANCELLOR AUCLAIR, the Salvian Bureau once served as the diplomatic corps of the Petran Commonwealth. As the bustle of the High Kingdom of Idunia continues, it has been made increasingly clear to both the Archduke & Archduchess that there is a need for diplomats within the Petran Commonwealth once more. Limited in their scope compared to the original Salvian Bureau, it is the intent of the Garmont Throne to restore this branch of the River Council to aid in the affairs of diplomacy within the High Kingdom of Idunia. 

With news of this having been declared in the Archducal Court of 198 A.R.P, with the promulgation of this missive, let it be known to those Pétrines skilled in the oratory arts, apt with their penmanship and calm of mind that there is a place amidst this reformed bureau for they. 

ON THE ROLE OF THE BUREAU

The Salvian Bureau is henceforth tasked with acting on behalf of the Garmont Throne in matters of internal diplomacy within the Petran Commonwealth and the High Kingdom of Idunia. 

The Salvian Bureau shall act in the manner in which they are tasked, ranging from the duties of preparing preliminary agreements such as trade with other vassals of the High Kingdom, or fostering goodwill through promoting cooperation in shared endeavours of the realm.

Secondary duties of the Salvian Bureau are varied, as its Emissaries are entrusted with performing and acting in the name of the Garmont Throne and River Council in matters of lesser import. 

ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE SALVIAN BUREAU

Lady Emissary of the Salvian Bureau - Archduchess Magdalena I of the Petra

Headed by the Lord or Lady Emissary, below they are the Emissaries, who are entrusted with carrying out the directives delivered unto them by the Lord Emissary. The Lord Emissary in turns is tasked with matters by the Archduke of the Petra by way of the bi-yearly convening of the River Council within the Palais Madelaine of Riviènse. 

Emissary of the Salvian Bureau

An Emissary of the Salvian Bureau acts on behalf of the Lord Emissary, convening with the Lord Emissary to deliver the progress of their tasks, whatever they may be. The specific duties of each individual Emissary shall vary as the needs posited upon the Bureau shall vary with time. Largely, however, an Emissary may expect to be engaged largely in the fostering of goodwill with the neighboring holdings of the High Kingdom on behalf of the Garmont Throne. 

The size of the Salvian Bureau shall be maintained at a half-dozen or so in size, though may grow or shrink upon the demand and discretion of the Lord Emissary. Given the additional duties of the Bureau, such may be subject to change amidst times of great need, or times or lesser activity in the sphere of their duties. 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF THE SALVIAN BUREAU

An Emissary of the Salvian Bureau may also be expected to perform secondary duties in the relaying and handling of low-level work for the River Council. Given the volume of inquiries presented to both they and the Garmont Throne of the Petra, an Emissary may be entrusted to act on behalf of the Commonwealth in smaller matters. Such may include the relaying of information, contacting parties involved within matters of the Petran Commonwealth and otherwise acting on behalf of the Archduke and the River Council if required in matters deemed not especially urgent as to require the direct input and action of the crown and its agents. When not fostering goodwill within the wider realm, this shall likely prove the bulk of any Emissary’s duties. 

Experience as a Salvian Emissary may prove vital for any seeking election to the Office of the Chancellery as this shall provide an Emissary  a measure of experience in the day-to-day affairs of the Pétrine state. A host of experience may be accrued through the varied situations one may be presented with.

Additionally, Emissaries of the Salvian Bureau are expected to uphold the Catherinian Code and the Four Chivalries by which the Petran Commonwealth abides. Failure to do so throughout the course of their role may result in their removal from the Salvian Bureau. 

ON JOINING THE SALVIAN BUREAU

An aspiring Emissary must be of the age of eighteen at minimum, a resident of a Pétrine holding, and of good standing within the Law and the Faith. In addition to this, a prospective Emissary must undergo a process of interview with the Lord Emissary in which their qualities shall be assessed and their aptitude measured. Wards or former wards of the River Court, shall be looked upon favourably in the process of recruitment, as shall those of established Pétrine houses. 

S I G N E D,

HIS HIGHNESS, Joseph Antonius Aurèle, Archduke of the Petran Commonwealth, Prince of Riviènse, Duke of Seviel, Marquis de Val d’Estenou, Count of Moere, Neraquelles, Temesch, Torm Marian, and Vallagne, Viscount of Mies, Baron of Eagles Peak, Garmont, Hrenthorne, and Resmore, Protector of the Meadows.

HER HIGHNESS, Magdalena Anastasya, Archduchess of the Petran Commonwealth, Princess of Riviènse, Duchess of Seviel, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Moere, Neraquelles, Temesch, Torm Marian, and Vallagne, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Eagles Peak, Garmont, Hrenthorne, and Resmore, Protector of the Meadows, Lady Emissary of the Salvian Bureau & Dame of the Petrine Laurel.

THE TRIAL OF THE TATERS

Penned by

Her Highness

Mattea Asadha
—— 

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

180

Foreword

This missive chronicles the legal entanglement of Agrippa Auclair, the “Tater Tyrant." It details the trial proceedings, the charges he faced, and the memorable happenings all prior to his verdict. This was all due to a series of unfortunate, potato-related events.

The proceedings were overseen by none other than Blademaster Symon Stafyr, with a jury composed of noble minds: High Chancellor Athaenis Vourkehardt, Princess Mattea Asadha of the Petra, Prince Joseph Aurèle of the Petra, and Sir Thomas von Theonus. The prosecution, Cesar A. J. Komnenos, stood firm for the plaintiff Sir Hart Stafyr-Leomonte, while the defense was undertaken by Lady Amelia Reinhold, representing the accused: one Agrippa Auclair.

The Charges

Agrippa Auclair, once a noble lad of moderate decorum and extensive appetite, stood accused of by Sir Hart Stafyr-Leomonte, a knight of fine reputation and frequent target of misfortune:

1. Assault
2. Attempted Murder
3. Culinary Insolence during Military Assembly

Sequence of Events: As Agreed Upon by All, Sadly

1. During a meeting of the Radiant Guard, Agrippa, a then-squire, most irreverently munched a potato amidst sacred discussion.
2. Told to cease, the lad doubled down, dramatically dropping the potato and sneezing directly into the face of the heir to the Commonwealth, Prince Joseph Aurèle.
3. For this parade of offenses, Sir Hart stripped him of his squirehood after the meeting.
4. Agrippa proceeded to attack Sir Hart, hugging him around his middle from behind, and dropping both of their bodies backwards - this maneuver is otherwise known as a 'Waldenian suplex'. (Please refer to the attached diagram.)
    

5. The suplex turned into a beating so thorough, it left Sir Hart with a broken collarbone and several less memorable injuries.

Defendant’s Plea

Grief, claimed Agrippa. Grief and unrelenting emotional turmoil over the death of his beloved grandmother — a woman remembered fondly around the Commonwealth for her expertise in healing.

Plaintiff’s Response

Sir Hart, while sympathetic to the loss, found being suplexed and walloped to be an inappropriate channel for that grief. Understandably unpersuaded, the Plaintiff insisted that no amount of sorrow permitted an attempted murder-via-hug.

Final Folly

Just as the tide turned heavily toward a guilty verdict, Agrippa again attempted to execute the forbidden suplex — this time upon the Komnenos lawyer.

However, the Komnenos, being both part man and part what seemed to be a siege weapon, reversed the maneuver. Agrippa was launched through the floor with such speed and force, it is said a crater remains in the living quarters of the Red Bastion, a hole in the ceiling where the map room sat above, ruined.

Agrippa was carted off by the surprisingly strong Gummy Yog, resident goblin and President of the NGS, to the Vallagne Clinic. The Komnenos lawyer dusted off his tunic and resumed legal counsel without comment.

The Verdict

After deliberation, the jury came to its verdict: Guilty. Agrippa Auclair’s sentence is thus:

1. Stripped of Noble Status: Degraded from lordling to common man.
2. Dietary Rehabilitation: A regimen of “suitable nutrition” in lieu of potatoes.
3. Man-at-Arms Service: Assigned to the ranks as a humble soldier until redemption.
4. Healer’s Quest: Charged to find and fund a physician to mend Sir Hart’s broken arm.

In Conclusion

Let this serve as a reminder to all: grief is no excuse for out-of-place potatoes, unsolicited suplexes, or impromptu wrestling matches with lawyers made of iron. The Commonwealth will always uphold its justice and so we pray that the young Agrippa will rise anew: healthier, wiser, and with fewer violent outbursts of the emotional sort. Until then, we pray that our courtrooms remain upright, our nobles remain examples for our people to follow, and above all: our potatoes remain on their plate, where they belong!
 

S I G N E D, 

HER HIGHNESS, Mattea Asadha of the Petra, Princess of the Petra, Countess of Phoenixsphere, Grand Chamberlain of the River Court

HER EXCELLENCY, Athaenis of the House Vourkehardt, Hand to the Crown of the Númenaranyë, High Chancellor of the White Throne, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Former Royal Speaker of Númendil, Steward of Númenost, Steward of Ildon, Strongest of the Lowlands

HIS HIGHNESS, Prince Joseph Antonius Aurèle of the Petra, Count of Valfleur and of Neraquelles

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

109

The three governing institutions of the Petra have all separately met and chosen their nominees for the position of the Chancellor of the Commonwealth, a position that has been decided to become elected through popular vote. Each of the main three governing institutions of the Petra may put forward one candidate each, to be decided among themselves in whatever way they see fit; these three institutions are - The Round Table of Knights, the Garmont Assembly, and the River Council.

The Round Table’s Nominee - Sir Wilford Reinhold, Viscount of Stormont

The Garmont Assembly’s Nominee - Mister Rigoberto de la Cruz

The River Council’s Nominee - Mister Rigoberto de la Cruz

As shown by this round of nominations, the three institutions may nominate the same candidate. This will not change the vote itself, though it may be taken into consideration by voters to see which institutions back which candidates.

The Chancellor Debate

The Chancellor debate shall take place on [WEDNESDAY THE 21ST, at 9PM EST], in the square of Vallagne and it shall be run by Queen Catherine I. There will be a list of pre-set questions for the two candidates to answer, and then the floor will be opened to the people of the Petra.

An accurate transcript of the debate shall be written and posted, and then the voting for the election will begin at least 12 Saints hours after the posting, and will remain open for exactly 48 Saints hours.

Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

108

Passed through the Garmont Assembly

With the war nearly done, and a new era coming to Petra, the reformation of the Petran government and identity must continue. It is the Crown's belief that the people of Petra should have a say in the direction of the nation at large. Therefore, with stipulations in place to protect the sanctity of the Crown, and the working relationship between the Chancellor and Monarch, the Chancellor of the Petra shall now be an elected position.

AMENDMENT TO THE CATHERINIAN CODE, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH:

ARTICLE VI, 

THE ELECTION OF THE CHANCELLOR

I. The Nominations of the Chancellor

a. Three Nominee’s shall be put forth, from the Garmont Assembly, the Round Table of Knights, and from the River Council.

b. The names of the Nominees shall be given to the Crown, who shall approve or decline a Nominee should they have concerns of integrity, honesty, intent, or if they believe the Nominee will work poorly with the Crown.

c. Should a Nominee be denied, the body that Nominated them shall have one chance to choose a new Nominee.

c.i If both Nominees get denied, or if they re-nominate the originally declined Nominee a second time, the election shall proceed without a Nominee from that body.

d. Nominees are allowed to decline their nomination and should let the Crown or the Nominating Body know before the Chancellor debate has taken place.

d.i. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination after the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the Nominating Body may not postpone to choose a new candidate.

d.ii. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination before the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the election and debate may be postponed to allow for a new candidate to be put forth.

II. The Chancellor Debate

a. An election may only go forward with a debate being held.

b. The Chancellor’s debate must allow for citizen questions.

c. A complete and accurate transcript must be kept and posted at least 12 Saints hours before the polling for the Chancellor begins.

III. The Chancellor’s Election

a. All citizens that qualify with the voting guidelines may vote for the Chancellor of the Commonwealth.

b. The polling for the Chancellor must be open for exactly 48 Saints Hours, and any votes cast past that must be disqualified.

c. A Nominee must have at least half of the votes to gain the seat of the Chancellor.

c.i. If no Nominee gains over half of the votes, the lowest Nominee shall be removed from the poll, and the voting shall begin again, where the seat will go to whoever gains the majority.

IV. Nomination Requirements

In order for a Nominee to be put forth, they must fit all requirements put forth.

a. A Nominee must have been a Citizen of Petra for at least 10 years.

b. A Nominee must have been actively working within Petra for at least 5 years.

c. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Catherinian Code.

d. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Canonist Church.

e. A Nominee must be willing to run in the Chancellor’s Election.

V. The Term of the Chancellor

a. Once Elected, a Chancellor shall remain either until their own willful retirement, or their removal by the Crown.

Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

Issued and averred by

Her Majesty

Atstana de

Regne Petrère

103

With the success of the current River Council and the streamlined efficiency that the current council works alongside each other, it has been decided that it would be in the best interest to give a test to both our systems and our council’s possible heirs. Most of the current council has held their positions since before the end of the regency, and with that, comes the issue of beginning to train successors. How do you tell when a successor is fully ready? How do we test this before fully handing off the responsibility of their station to the risk? We must be sure for the stability and efficiency of our council and Commonwealth that the deputies are ready to take up their station, and for this year, there shall be a test.

Each deputy of a councillor that has held their station for some time shall take over as much of the position as can reasonably be handed off for the next year. Over this time, we ask that for your troubles, instead of going to the River Councillor, you go to their named deputy that shall be listed below. Each shall take on both the base responsibility of the full station, as well as a task given to them by their superior.

THE TREASURY

SIR THEODERIC VON THEONUS shall temporarily hand off to

WREN SARLEN

Wren has been tasked with collecting and documenting the taxation of the realm.

THE STEWARDRY

SIR ARTEL VON THEONUS shall temporarily hand off to

SIR WILFORD REINHOLD

Sir Wilford has been tasked with holding a hiring campaign for more Stewards for the Capital.

THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY

VISCOUNT ADRIAN TEMESCH shall temporarily hand off to

SIR ATTICUS REINHOLD

Sir Atticus has been tasked with planning and holding a session of the Garmont Assembly.

The Deputies year shall extend from [14th of january] to [21st of january]

Her Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Brasca, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty