On the 5th of Laurelie’s Piety, en el Año de Nuestro Señor 111 D.R., 

The Succession of House Denodado

To her Sovereign and the esteemed peers of the Sovereign State of Hyspia, I Am writing this letter notify you all of my own abdication and recognition of Marcela Annika Nuria Denodado as the rightful holder of the Vizcondado de Banderas and La Baronía de Sevilla, I belief in her dreams and ideas and I am sure she shall bring House Denodado into a new age.
Something I feel like I can no longer do right too. 

Let it be known that before GOD I cede myself from all landed titles, granting my heir, Marcela Annika Nuria Denodado, the responsibility of family patriarch. From the publication of this letter, she assumes all rights and privileges allotted to peers of our great Sovereign. 

I will stay out of the way to cheer and guide my daughter through this new era.
One I am sure will lead to great things.

Signed,

Maria Sophia Denodado , Lady of Viscounty of Banderas.

Marcela Annika Nuria Denodado, Viscountess of Banderas

General Information

This ledger is to document the cultural traditions of the Denodado Familia. Some of these traditions are shared with our sister house, House Novikov, while some are unique to this house.

This ledger is to ensure that no matter how much time passes, our future generations will always know of their traditions, and what truly makes them a Denodado. May this ledger stand the test of time.

The Passing of the Horns

The passing of the horns is a familial tradition that every Denodado will go through. As a ram becomes an adult, they grow horns of their own to use to defend oneself and fight off those that wish them harm. Like a ram, as a Denodado child grows up and becomes an adult, their parents will instill unto them their two horns. These horns are only allowed to be forged by a Denodado.

The first horn is given to the child when they reach the age of five, or first show their aspirations to explore the city. This horn is always a small dagger that the child can carry with them. The dagger signifies the trust given to the young Denodado, a trust that they will stay safe, that they keep themselves out of trouble, and that they will defend themselves if necessary. This is also the beginning of their training in how to both respect a blade, and properly use one.

The second horn is bestowed upon the young Denodado when they reach the age of 18. This horn takes the shape of any weapon that the young Denodado wishes to have, be it a Halberd, Longsword, Mace, Etc. By bestowing the Second Horn onto a Denodado, their parents are showing them that they are their own person now, and are free to chase their aspirations and dreams. It is also a sign that the torch has been passed, and that they are now entrusted with the future of the House. This weapon is usually the weapon that the young adult will wield for some time.

The Ewe’s Bout

This is a tradition that is for the women of House Denodado. When a lady of House Denodado is asked to be wed, the man or woman wishing to court them must prove their strength; they must prove that they are worthy of marrying this Lady. This takes the form of a duel, between the prospect and the father of the Lady.

This duel shall take place in public, in the Hyspia Arena, or the arena of the city that the House resides in. This duel will be to first blood. If the prospect is able to draw blood of the Father, then they have proven themselves worthy of marrying the Lady. If they are unable to draw blood of the Father, and instead lose the duel, then it is up to the Father to decide whether or not the prospect is able to marry the Lady.

A Dowry must be paid regardless of the result of this duel, if they are allowed to marry the Lady. However, if the prospect wins the duel, the maximum that can be requested will be 100 Mina paid to the House.  

Decoration of Honors

House Denodado is a warrior house, and this is seen through many of the traditions. Scars are seen as honors; they are marks that prove the worth of those who wear them. Each one comes with a story, and this is highly respected.

Before any major battle or duel, the Denodados will outline the scars on their body in paints of Blue, Red, White, and Gold. Each color that outlines a scar has a significance to those who painted them. These outlines are worn with honor, and Denodados are encouraged to share the stories behind the scars that are outlined.

A gold outline marks a scar of the wound that almost took their life. 

A White outline marks a scar which they earned in a battle for their Kingdom. 

A red outline marks a scar which bears shame. 

A blue outline marks a scar which was earned defending others.

After the battle takes place, these outlines are washed away since it is disrespectful to boast about one’s honors more than necessary.

Disownment

It is rare for a Denodado to be disowned from their family, as familial bonds are a major part in their upbringing. To disown a Denodado, they must have either brought shame and hate to the name, or have turned their backs on their family or children. However, they cannot be immediately disowned. A minimum of two saint years must be given to the accused. This is to give them time to right their wrongs.

If the wrongs are not made right, then the head of the house may disown the accused. This disownment is to be made publicly, for all to see. It will take the form of a Writ of Disownment, in which the crimes and shame of the accused is put on display for all to see. At the end of this list, the head of house and others may write their opinions and statements, before the statement of banishment is made.

When one is banished, they are to be branded with the surname Cobarde. When they are disowned, all Denodados should cut contact with the branded. We are to turn our backs on those who have turned their backs on us; they did not see the value of their kin, so they will not receive the love and community that family provides.

As time continues on, our family will create newer traditions that will need to be added. Traditions are the basis of the cultural identity of houses, and should never be forgotten.

Signed,

Demitrey Denodado,
Professional Granddad, Capitan of the Opal Odyssey.

On the 5th of Cesar’s Gift, en el Año de Nuestro Señor, 97

The Succession of House Denodado

To her Sovereign and the esteemed peers of the Sovereign State of Hyspia, I write this letter to confirm my own abdication and recognition of @MyrtheMaria Sofia Denodado as the rightful holder of the Vizconde de Banderas and Le Baron de Sevilla. She has proven her right to hold these titles through strength and cunning, and shall bring House Denodado into a new age.

Let it be known that before GOD I cede myself from all landed titles, granting my heir, Maria Sofia Denodado, the responsibility of family patriarch. From the publication of this letter, she assumes all rights and privileges allotted to peers of our great Sovereign. 

As I stand as Gran Chancellor, I look out at my peers within Hyspia, and recognize that I have become a relic. Long past are the times where I was a young lad fighting alongside brothers and sisters against those who wished to conquer all of Almaris. The common man and woman are no longer of my generation, nor are they of Cesar’s. In my eyes, I have stood as patriarch for long enough, and it is time to allow the new generation to lead.

I have no doubt in my mind that Maria will bring a greatness to the Denodado name that I could never achieve. Under her guidance, I see the future which I could never give.

Signed,

HIS EXCELLENCY, Demitrey Denodado, Gran Chancellor de Hyspia, Maestro de la Esquela de Veronica, Oficial de Imigracion.

On the 14th of Francisco’s Resolve, 92

The Loss of a Mother

It has been a year since the passing of Annika Denodado; A beloved mother, viscountess, and friend to all in Hyspia. After a year of mourning, House Denodado shall be hosting a funeral to properly put her to rest, and allow closure for all who knew Annika. 

Throughout her life, Annika has been a source of compassion to all that knew her. In her early life, she was the woman that gave the Brotherhood of Saint Karl the courage they needed to continue the fight against the mori, even against all odds. She saw the good in all, including those of the horde. She would befriend anyone and everyone that met her, and not a single bad thing could be said about the compassionate Viscountess.

In her later years, Annika became known throughout Hyspia as a mother to all, a friend to outsiders, and someone that would help anyone through anything. To her, there was nothing too little that could be done for someone, and she would always go out of her way to make sure that others were having a better time than they were the day before. To her children and grandchildren, she was the kindest person they had ever met, and a role model to strive to become. To her husband, she was an angel that was taken too soon.

The Funeral

The funeral is to be held in Hyspia, within La Dorada at the Church of Blessed Francisco in four Saints Days time. All who knew Annika are welcome to attend, including those of her maiden family, House Amador.

Signed,

HIS EXCELLENCY, Demitrey Denodado

Visconde de Banderas, Baron de Sevilla, Gran Canciller de Hyspia, Oficial de Imigracion, Captain of the Opal Odyssey

The Death of Anika Denodado

3rd of the Sun's Smile, year 168 of the Second Age.
 

The wind whispered through the trees of Hyspia, as the sun descended beneath the ocean's horizon once more. A serene night unfolded, punctuated only by the rhythmic wash of waves on the shore. A pallid woman delicately removed the starry cloak draping her shoulders, folding it into a neat pile. With gentle hands, she took the dried cornflower from her hair, placing it on the cloak.

  Laughter echoed from the Minitz tavern on that fateful night in Almaris. A beautiful young woman with skin as fair as snow and another with one grey and one green eye greeted a black-haired woman adorned with twigs and sticks in her hair. 

 With a soft click, the door closed behind the pale woman as she embarked on her final journey through Hyspia, accompanied only by the crickets and bugs that claimed the night. 

By the river's edge, a young, beautiful woman stood, her chin in the grip of a fanged female mali'ker. The 'ker's hand shifted upward, a crimson cut already present. A single drop of red dripped down the young woman's throat. 

 Shadows shifted as the pale woman passed through the first of many gates in Hyspia, her gaze drifting over the nearby training grounds as her feet paused. 

 A sharp breath pierced the air as the forever-young woman's gaze fixed on the cut in the hand of the black-haired woman with twigs and sticks in her hair, blood seeping from it. Fangs forcibly emerged from the woman's jaw, surging forward. 

 Nevertheless, she tore her gaze from the training grounds, determined to reach the second gate. 

Within the hushed space of the library in Haense, the forever-young woman and a cloaked man stood, his hand extended towards hers. She accepted, though a sickly green fire seeped into her wrist, branding her with a perfect star-shaped scar.

A sigh escaped her as moonlight filtered through the leaves of a nearby tree. The quiet pop and crackle of a fire filled the air as the pale woman's gaze turned towards the main gate. 

 A crowned man and the forever-young woman sat on a picnic blanket, casual conversation filling the air as the sun disappeared over the mountain line in the background. 

A subtle hesitation coursed through the pale woman's frame as her attention shifted toward the tavern. Gradually, her steps carried her forward, choosing a meandering route rather than the straightforward path.

  A brown-haired man and the forever-young woman sat at a table in a quaint house, the fire popping in the background. The man's arm was idly extended behind his chair, an aurum mace in his grasp, gaze locked on the forever-young woman. Despite that, a coy smile remained on her face.

  Aviary birds chirped as the pale woman rounded the corner, disturbed by her presence at this late hour. Still, she reached into her pocket, producing a few spare seeds to toss. 

 Crow's calls filled the silence, gloom settling as a faint fog enveloped the air. Graves and tombstones dotted the ground, yet the forever-young woman's gaze fixed on one, beside a black-haired woman with twigs and sticks in her hair and a boy with bright red hair. The grave bore a single name etched into the stone by hand: 'Anika.' 

 With a whoosh, the birds swooped down for the seeds, cawing filling the air as arguments erupted among the murder. Eventually, the pale woman's gaze peeled away, continuing her trek forward. 

 Iron chains clanked against the bars as the forever-young woman lunged forward, sharpened fangs extruding from her top jaw. Crimson ran from her arms, deep cuts making themselves known. Still, she struggled. 

 Finally, the sandstone gates stood tall before the pale woman, though she pressed on, feet dragging over the aurum lines.

 Hidden away, a brown-eyed man and the pale woman rested together in a tender embrace, empty glass bottles scattered around as the moon's light streamed from above.

Nothing, no distractions, no people could stop her now. Just her and the climb to the top.

She reached the edge—the world seemed so small and minuscule from up here. 

Time stretched, elongating each heartbeat as she stood on the precipice of eternity. The moon above alone bore witness to her silent contemplation, casting a silver glow on the landscape below. The crickets' nocturnal chorus was the symphony accompanying her final act. 

Her weight tipped forwards—the air suddenly rushing through her hair, gushing in her ears. Everything seemed to spin, memories flashing before her eyes. Echoes of laughter from Minitz, the cold chains binding her wrists, and the sombre embrace in the hidden refuge with the brown-eyed man.  

 When suddenly, it all stopped. 

When suddenly, she was free.

[!] 

Letters were soon sent out, delivered in a pristine yellow envelope, each bearing a white wax seal of a single flower.

Konstantin Denodado

A'lia Vershar Kervallen

Onon Vershar Kervallen

The Denodados

Sera Denodado

Opal and Jasper

Leontiy

Ulrica

The Sutharlainns

News spreads, if you feel its reasonable for your character to know / find out, feel free to rp it.

THE UNION OF

Elaina Von Berkhoven

and

Josef Karl Denodado

Acciones, No Palabras

"Though the spring flower withers and the fruit of the tree falls to the ground, my word lasts into the eve of the world, and the fruit of virtue cannot rot"

(Virtue 3:2)

[!] A painting of Josef Karl Denodado and Elaina Von Berkhoven

A History of Companionship

The seeds of the bride and groom's relationship started when they were just pen pals, writing letters to each other before the start of the eternal freeze in the kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. As time passed, Josef gained the confidence to brave the harsh chold to visit his childhood friend, Elaina, at her home in the Ducal territory of Reinmar.

After years of fantastic friendship, Elaina asked josef for a courtship, having been given the blessing of the then Baron Denodado. The pair courted for 6 years, until while in the tavern of La Dorada, Elaina stood up from her chair after a nice meal and took a knee to propose to Josef and proclaim her eternal love. Though taken aback in surprise and tears of joy falling from his cheeks, Josef answered joyously with an excited "Yes!"

During and after the attack on La Dorada by an unknown force of the undead, Lord Josef stayed by his love's side through it all. He cared for her with everything he had when Elaina Von Berkhoven had lost her forearm from the attack. Nothing has stopped this pairs love in any capacity, despite everything that has happened to the duo since they first met.

Event Itinerary

The Wedding and Reception

The awaited wedding will then take place within the Church of Blessed Francisco, joining the two in matrimony. Upon the end, a reception will be held within the Tavern.

Wedding of Elaina von Berkhoven and Josef Karl Denodado

We of the Vicomital House of Denodado and the Common House of Berkhoven wish to invite those in attendance to the merriment of matrimony between Miss Elaina von Berkhoven and Lord Josef Karl Denodado after seven blessed years of courting!

DATE

17th of Horens Calling, 84

Formal Invitations are Sent to:

His Highness, Cesar II, of Hyspia and his Viceroyal Pedigree

His Highness, Alexander II, of Hanseti-Ruska and his Royal Pedigree

Her Majesty, Lenora Jusmia, of Vortice and her Royal Pedigree

His Princely Grace, Alfred Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and his Noble Pedigree

The Most Honourable, Ser Sterling Whitewood, Marquis of Lotusgrad and his Noble Pedigree

The Honourable,  Walter Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain and his Noble Pedigree

Her Ladyship, Laurissa, Lady-Magister of the District of the Sorcerous Path and her Noble Pedigree

The Honourable, Demitrey Denodado, Viscount of Banderas and his Noble Pedigree

Her Ladyship, Eir Maor, Baroness of Montenno and her Noble Pedigree

His Lordship, Ser Laurens Henri Halcourt d'Artois, Baron of Campagnon and his Noble Pedigree

Mister Wilhelm Von Berkhoven and his Familia

Landsers Von Reinmar and their Familia

The Citizenry of Hyspia

The Citizenry of Hanseti-Ruska

Personal Invitations are Sent to:

Ser Fredrich Ludovar and his Familia

Mister Alexander Llopis and his Familia

Mister Jose Fuentes and his Familia

Mister Pym Volkov and his Familia

Miss Nemea Ke Kai'len and her Familia

Mister Cassian De Silva Reyes and his Familia

Signed,

Josef Karl Denodado

Elaina Von Berkhoven

Demitrey Denodado, Viscount of Banderas, Baron of Sevilla,

Justiciero of Hyspia, Oficial de Imigracion, captain of the Obsidian Pearl.

Ryba,

It has been 10 years since you left your children in my care, with no regard for their safety, or their lives.

10 years since you shouted at me for how you hated our family, and how you were forced to live the life you chose for yourself.

10 years since I went to the courts of Aaun and gained guardianship of the children you had abandoned.

10 years since you threatened my life for attempting to form a healthy familial relationship with your new wife.

10 years since you ran away with said wife to a small village.

10 years since you abandoned your post in the Marian Retinue.

10 years since you ran away from your responsibilities, your family, and those you hold dear with no explanation.

I was holding out hope that you would return. I wanted to tell you that your son, Aleksandr, is now married and has four beautiful children, the oldest of which is now 6. I wanted to share with you my son's engagement. I wanted to share with you my daughter's countless victories in battle, I wanted to share a cup of tea with you, and tell you how much you have missed since you had left. But you never wrote, nor ever showed your face in Haense or Hyspia.

It is for these reasons that you, Ryba, are hereby disowned from our House. Ryba, your name from this point forth, should you ever go by a name that is not your wife's, shall be Ryba the Black.

Baron of Sevilla, Justiciero of Hyspia, Oficial De Imigracion,

Captain of the Obsidian Pearl

===============================================================================

Your name has been one that has become well renowned as of late, as the cogs of war slowly creep towards your hold. There are many that reside within your lands that I would consider acquaintances; some of them I would even consider friends. These friends speak highly of you, saying you are a Lady that is worth the praise.

And so, I write this missive to you. From one Baron to another, from one side to another, I request that you see reason and lay down your blades. There is no need for those who have not taken part in all that has caused this war, to suffer the consequences. You and those who reside under you, I believe, are innocent people.

It is not too late to lower your blades, and to seek council with the Covenant. Blackwater Keep has fallen, flattened by the Covenant's army, and your keep is in the crosshairs of siege weaponry. Innocent blood need not be shed. If you refuse, which is understandable, I would still be willing to assist you in evacuating civilians, and those who choose not to fight.

Just because we reside on opposite sides of this war, does not mean that either one of us should be heartless to the other.

Baron of Sevilla, Justicer De Hyspia, Office De Imigracion

=========================================================

When I initially challenged you to a duel, I did not have the full picture of the events that have transpired. After speaking with both Count Cassian Colborn and yourself, I have recognized the faults in my words.

I apologize for the accusations that were hurled towards you and your family, as they were not grounded in the truth of all of the events that happened. I regret the rashness of my decision to slander your name only knowing one side of a greater event that occurred. I do not ask for your forgiveness, but for the chance to prove to you that I am better than this. 

Our duel shall still go on, as a bout between friends, between comrades. I hope that our upcoming duel will allow both of us to put this behind us.

Signed,

Senorio Demitrey Denodado

Baron of Sevilla, Oficial de Immigración

========================================================

To the Former Patriarch of House Weiss,

Long have I considered you a dear friend, someone that I thought would never stoop to the lows of Adrians. Never did I think you would judge someone ruthlessly without evidence. However, this is simply not the case. 

I have come to learn of your actions towards my goddaughter Iduna Colborn, and your support of other members of House Weiss insulting, ridiculing, harassing, and actively sabotaging her; your own flesh and blood. A Lord Paramount does not act like this.

In the name of Via and Brendell Colborn, I shall stand up for the child that you have thrown to the wolves, whom you have actively tried to sabotage, whose life you have attempted to ruin. 

I hereby challenge your honor, or what little of it you have left. It will be you and I alone who shall fight. No traps, no houseguards, no potions or magic, only us and our skills in the Hyspian Arena.

If I am to win, then you will issue a formal apology for all to see, directed to Iduna. You will apologize for the way you have treated her over the past decade, and swear on your family’s name that House Weiss will end their terror against her. If I am to lose, a 200 mina tribute will be paid to House Weiss.

Meet my challenge in a Saint Years time, or prove to all of Haense, Hyspia, and Aevos that you truly are a coward that hides behind his venomous tongue. 

Signed,

Senor Demitrey Denodado,

Baron of Sevilla, Oficial de Immigración