✠

The Waldenic

Issued by the LADY VANDALORE and NIKOLAUS VON LEOPOLD

In the Year of our Lord, 1988

FOREWORD

VORWORT

During the Lady Vandalore’s tour through the Waldenic Electorates, Nikolaus von Leopold raised an idea while she visited the Electorate of Hohengarten. A rulebook, separate from the Sacred Law of Waldenia, to record unwritten laws. He showed her an early draft of this rulebook, or regelwerk, and the Lady Vandalore suggested he turn this into a proposal to be raised at the Waldenic Diet. 

He did so at the second session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1984, which was met with unanimous approval. In 1988, the Lady Vandalore presented the fully-drafted Regelwerk to the Waldenic Diet, which was unanimously approved.

The Regelwerk compiles and records customs, formalities, and petty laws that are not codified in the Sacred Law of Waldenia, but are nonetheless important to the Waldenic Diet and the wider culture. 

ADMINISTRATION OF THE WALDENIC DIET

SIEGMUND’S LAW

I. Those non-adherents to the Waldenic culture shall not take up a seat within the Diet Hall, with the exception of guests who the Diet extends the honour to.

Named for the law’s proposer, Siegmund von Reuss. First voted upon and approved by the Eighth Waldenic Diet in 1973. Current wording approved by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1984.

KEEPER OF THE REGELWERK

I. The Waldenic Regelwerk shall have a Keeper, tasked with its maintenance and distribution.

II. The first Keeper shall be Nikolaus von Leopold.

Voted upon and approved by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988.

CUSTODIAN OF THE BOOK OF WALDENIA

I. The Waldenic Diet may elect a Custodian of the Book of Waldenia.

II. The Custodian is responsible for maintaining the Book of Waldenia on behalf of the Vandalore, keeping its history up-to-date.

ELECTORAL GRANTS AND REVOCATIONS

GRANTING OF AN ELECTORATE

The following is a non-exhaustive list of considerations when voting on whether to make an Electoral grant.

I. If the prospective Elector is an adult Waldenian patriarch or matriarch. 

II. If the prospective Elector is in good standing.

III. If the prospective Elector is a Waldenian titleholder.

IV. If the prospective Elector is confirmed to be in adherence with the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code.

V. The outcome of an investigation into a Waldenian House.

VI. Contributions of the prospective Elector or their House to the Waldenian culture.

VII. The length of time the Elector or their House has professed the Waldenian culture.

VIII. Efforts to conform to the Waldenian culture that are sincere and lasting.

Clauses I–IV are mandatory considerations under the Code of Representation within the Sacred Law of Waldenia. The remaining clauses were approved by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988.

REVOCATION OF AN ELECTORATE

The following is a non-exhaustive list of considerations when voting on whether to revoke an Electorate.

I. If the Elector has committed a gross violation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia.

II. If the Elector has failed to attend or send a representative to three consecutive sessions of the Waldenic Diet.

III. If a Waldenian House which holds an Electorate has become extinct.

IV. If the Electorate continuously neglects to contribute to the Waldenian culture, even where they attend sessions of the Waldenic Diet.

Clauses I–III are mandatory considerations under the Code of Representation within the Sacred Law of Waldenia. The remaining clauses were approved by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988.

RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION OF TITLES

THE REINMAR ACCORDS

I. The Waldenic Diet recognizes the independence of the Salvian Syndicate and the legal separation of the Crown of Atheran Salvus from the Royal Crown of Sutica.

II. The Waldenic Diet recognizes the coronation of Saint Ottomar of Merryweather and his possession of the Crown of Atheran Salvus in perpetuity.

III. The Waldenic Diet agrees to grant safe and unhindered access to the Waldenian reliquaries of Almaris to all Salvian pilgrims, vouched for by the Salvian Syndicate.

The terms of the Reinmar Accords were voted upon and approved by the Third Waldenic Diet in 1861. The Reinmar Accords were signed in 1862. Obligations of the Salvian Syndicate, the other signatory of the Reinmar Accords, have been omitted for the purposes of the Regelwerk.

THE COMPACT OF MERRYWEATHER

The Waldenic Diet and its Electors vow to, in accordance with the Sacred Law of Waldenia:

I. Safeguard the Crowns of Aesterwald, Westerwald (the Westerlands), Vandoria and Waldenia, keeping them in abeyance until a time a legal and legitimate Waldenian polity can be established.

II. Acknowledge no other as Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell than the rightful, by the Diet elected, incumbent.

III. Protect each others’ rights to their personal, inherent extant and abeyant Waldenian titles such as Sutica and Merryweather through direct and joint action, without breaking the laws of their realms and without forgoing their extant oaths of fealty.

This was first proposed prior to the convening of the Second Waldenic Diet in 1850. The motion to revive the drafting of the Compact of Merryweather was passed by the Third Waldenic Diet in 1864, with the actual document being published by the Fifth Waldenic Diet in 1912.

THE ORENIA DECREE

I. The Waldenic Diet vows to denounce any man or woman who would dare lay claim to the Kingdom, or Empire, of Oren without consent of the High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon.

Discussed and voted upon by the Fifth Waldenic Diet in 1897.

TERRITORY AND WILDLIFE

THE WALDENIAN WALRUS PROTECTION ACT

I. The Waldenic Diet shall protect the habitats of the Waldenic Walrus from poaching.

II. Electorates shall engage in mutual cooperation to protect the habitats of the Waldenic Walrus.

III. Any hunting of the Waldenic Walrus on lands belonging to an Electorate is forbidden from now until the end of times.

IV. Those in breach of these rules shall be condemned by the Waldenic Diet.

This was first proposed prior to the convening of the Second Waldenic Diet in 1850. The sentiment was voted upon by the Third Waldenic Diet in 1864, with the official edict published by the Fifth Waldenic Diet in 1894.

✠

In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia,

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lawspeaker of Reinmar, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and Order of the Black Eagle

HIS LORDSHIP, NIKOLAUS von LEOPOLD

THE

Originally proclaimed by the IX LORD VANDALORE and confirmed by the Second WALDENIC DIET in the Year of our Lord, 1853

PREAMBLE

We the Waldenian People, recognizing the need for an established guiding precept of our blood derived from the ancient Vander traditions and those of customary Piscatoran Law both, consulting as well the decisions on the Waldenic Cultural Law of the First Waldenic Diet, and for the purpose of securing for ourselves the destiny promised to all Sons of Horen, do establish this Waldenic Proclamation and its Codes of Rights, Obligations, and Representation to, along with the Vander Code, constitute our Sacred Law.

INDEX

I. THE VANDER CODE

II. THE CODE OF RIGHTS

III. THE CODE OF OBLIGATIONS

IV. THE CODE OF REPRESENTATION

 THE VANDER CODE

The Vander Code is a simple creed dating from the earliest eras of the Waldenian people, from the days the tribes of ancient Hanseti roamed the Realm of Aegis. The Code consists of twelve tenets that the quintessential Waldenian is encouraged to follow in his daily life by tradition. The duty of the Vandalore is to observe adherence to the Code, especially among the prominent Waldenic houses. 

Since its return to prominence through the actions of the Order of Saint Lucien, the Vander Code has served as the primary inspiration for numerous codes of chivalry, of which Varodyr’s Code remains the most famous and widely used variant.    

WHY DO VANDERS FIGHT?

✠ TO FEAR THE CREATOR AND MAINTAIN HIS CHURCH ✠

✠ TO SERVE THE LIEGE LORD IN VALOR AND FAITH ✠

✠ TO REFRAIN FROM THE WANTON GIVING OF OFFENSE ✠

✠ TO LIVE BY HONOR AND FOR GLORY ✠

✠ TO DESPISE PECUNIARY REWARD ✠

✠ TO OBEY THOSE PLACED IN AUTHORITY ✠

✠ TO GUARD THE HONOR OF FELLOW VANDERS ✠

✠ TO KEEP FAITH ✠

✠ TO AT ALL TIMES TO SPEAK THE TRUTH ✠

✠ TO PERSEVERE TO THE END IN ANY ENTERPRISE BEGUN ✠

✠ TO NEVER TO REFUSE A CHALLENGE FROM AN EQUAL ✠

✠ TO NEVER TO TURN THE BACK UPON A FOE ✠

 THE CODE OF RIGHTS

The Code of Rights forms the first table of the three divisions of the Waldenic Proclamation, which together with the precepts of the Vander Code forms the Sacred Law of Waldenia. From its decrees, denoting the unalienable rights of the Waldenian People, are derived the final two divisions.

i. The Waldenian People, defined by their descent from the bloodlines of Aesterwald and Vandoria, and by their sense and declaration of belonging to the greater Waldenic culture through the observance of common customs, beliefs, dress and language, enjoy the unalienable right to EXISTENCE.

a. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to cherish, preserve and develop the greater Waldenic culture and its common customs, beliefs, dress and language, enjoy the unalienable right to CULTURE.

b. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to preserve the bloodlines of Aesterwald and Vandoria through existence and procreation, and with the certain knowledge of the fulfillment of Horen’s promise in maintaining his covenant on Terra, enjoy the unalienable right to LIFE.

ii. The Waldenian People, in being free to follow their own will and make free choices where they do not infringe on the freedom of others, and without being subjected to the arbitrary decisions of others, enjoy the unalienable right to LIBERTY.

a. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to determine their own path and without owing fealty to any Empire or Kingdom, or any other lordship otherwise universal or not but those they willingly and under no compulsion swear to and make contracts or oaths of fealty under, or those of the inherent Waldenian Crown, enjoy the unalienable right to SELF-DETERMINATION.

b. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to associate among themselves, and with the certain purpose of preservation of the greater Waldenic culture, including its electoral principles and laws, and the pursuit of justice, enjoy the unalienable right to REPRESENTATION.

c. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to determine their own path and to honor their Creator regardless of foreign laws proclaimed out of malice or heathenry, and with the certain knowledge of the fulfillment of Horen’s promise in maintaining his covenant on Terra, enjoy the unalienable right to WORSHIP.

iii. The Waldenian People, in being free to enjoy the fruits of their labor on Terra as any other Descendant, whereas they could be manifested through the ownership of land, realty, and personal belongings, enjoy the unalienable right to PROPERTY.

a. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to maintain their personal belongings, and in the defense of their motivation to preserve their rights to existence, culture and life hereby proscribed, and to protect their rights to liberty, self-determination and property, enjoy the unalienable right to BEAR ARMS.

 THE CODE OF OBLIGATIONS

The Code of Obligations forms the second table of the three divisions of the Waldenic Proclamation, which together with the precepts of the Vander Code forms the Sacred Law of Waldenia. Its decrees, detailing the cultural obligations of every Waldenian, are directly derived from the existence of the Code of Rights, and together with the Code of Representation, stem from the previous incomplete iterations of the Sacred Law formulated upon the First Waldenic Diet and as parts of the obsolete customary law.

i. A Waldenian is obligated never to act against the interests and existence of the Waldenian People, whether by word or practice, or in service to foreigners and non-humans.

ii. A Waldenian is obligated never to forsake the tenets of the greater Waldenic culture in favor of foreign customs.

iii. A Waldenian is obligated never to inflict torture, incapacitation or death upon another Waldenian, whether in captivity or in fair combat, except in warranted self-defense or as a last resort punishment for heinous crimes for which banishment and imprisonment, or the weregild, is insufficient justice.

iv. A Waldenian is obligated never to subject another Waldenian to acts of tyranny or forced servitude, whether in the service of a Waldenic government or a foreign lordship.

v. A Waldenian is obligated never to subvert the rightful authority and inheritance of another Waldenian, or to wage wars and campaigns in service of any Empire or Kingdom, or any other lordship otherwise universal or not bar the inherent Waldenian Crown, for the purpose of imposing claims of lordship over the Waldenian People.

vi. A Waldenian is obligated never to reject the cultural authority of the Vandalore and the Waldenic Diet, or to challenge their cultural decisions that violate no rights of the Waldenian People through any means other than formal and electoral.

vii. A Waldenian is obligated never to break religious unity by rejecting the Faith of the Waldenian People.

viii. A Waldenian is obligated never to disrespect the rightful ownership of land, realty and personal belongings of another Waldenian.

ix. A Waldenian is obligated never to restrict the ownership and possession of arms of another Waldenian in their rightful domain, except in dire situations where their own rights are in immediate danger.

 THE CODE OF REPRESENTATION

The Code of Representation forms the third and final table of the three divisions of the Waldenic Proclamation, which together with the precepts of the Vander Code forms the Sacred Law of Waldenia. Its decrees, detailing the forms of cultural representation of the Waldenian People, are directly derived from the existence of the Code of Rights and the Code of Obligations. Together with the Code of Obligations, they stem from the previous incomplete iterations of the Sacred Law formulated upon the First Waldenic Diet and as parts of the obsolete customary law.

The Code of Representation was amended by the Walter Amendment of 1947, implemented by the Second Waldenic Diet in 1948. This section therefore reflects those amendments.

i. The Waldenian People’s interests, both internal and foreign, shall be represented by their cultural leadership embodied by the Vandalore and the Waldenic Diet.

ii. The Waldenian People collectively enjoy the rights enumerated in the Code of Rights, and are collectively bound by the obligations enumerated in the Code of Obligations.

a. A Waldenian may petition the cultural leadership of the Waldenian People for the protection of their rights.

b. A Waldenian who violates the Code of Rights through acts against another or themselves, or forsakes the Code of Obligations shall be held accountable by the cultural leadership of the Waldenian People.

1. A Waldenian in severe breach of the Sacred Law shall be stripped of their status as a Waldenian and shunned by the Waldenian People.

ON THE VANDALORE

iii. The Vandalore shall be considered the ultimate authority on the matters of the greater Waldenic culture, and the protector of Waldenic titles and honors.

iv. The Vandalore must be an adult Waldenian patriarch or matriarch in good standing, or a Waldenian figure of great renown embodying the tenets of the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code in particular, worthy of the ultimate cultural leadership of the Waldenian People.

v. The Vandalore must be elected by the Waldenic Diet by a simple majority vote of the Electors.

a. Electors may nominate themselves, or be nominated by a fellow Elector.

b. An eligible non-Elector may be nominated by an Elector and elected Vandalore should they accept their nomination.

vi. The Vandalore is elected for life and shall serve until death, explicit abdication, or forfeiture of the honor.

vii. The Vandalore shall assume the Presidency of the Waldenic Diet upon election.

viii. The Vandalore shall swear a sacred oath to uphold the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code in particular, and such an oath shall be recorded and publicized.

a. A Vandalore-Elect who refuses to swear this oath shall be considered to have forfeited their service, and another Vandalore must be elected in their stead.

b. A Vandalore determined to have broken this oath shall immediately abdicate or be deemed to have forfeited their service by an unanimous vote of confidence of the Electors, barring their own vote.

ix. The Vandalore shall observe adherence to the Vander Code among those required to follow it, and shall have the sole authority to confer punishment upon any violators.

a. Depending on the severity of the violation, the punishment may be administered in the form of admonition, a quest of penance, temporary or permanent suspension of privileges including Waldenic appointments, knighthoods, Electoral grants, and internal considerations of nobility.

b. The Waldenic Diet is permitted to commute this punishment in regards to lesser violations with a simple majority vote.

x. The Vandalore shall decide on the necessary collective action of the Waldenic Diet should the Code of Rights be breached by an outsider force.

xi. The Vandalore shall, as President of the Waldenic Diet, be responsible for calling its conventions and submitting motions for its adjournment.

xii. The Vandalore shall, as President of the Waldenic Diet, maintain its records and ensure the printing and delivery of its publications.

xiii. The Vandalore shall maintain the accurate and official list and records of modern Vandalores.

xiv. The Vandalore shall maintain an up-to-date, accurate and official list of the incumbent Electorates of the Waldenic Diet, and the details of its previous compositions.

xv. The Vandalore shall assume the title of Elected Margrave or Margravine of Vanderfell, reclaimed and granted to the Waldenic Diet by its final hereditary holder, Hans Rovin.

xvi. The Vandalore shall maintain the accurate and official list of Elected Margraves and Margravines of Vanderfell.

ON THE WALDENIC DIET

xvii. The Waldenic Diet shall be considered a secondary authority on the matters of the greater Waldenic culture.

xviii. The Waldenic Diet shall consist of Electors, presided over by the Vandalore in their capacity as President of the Waldenic Diet.

xix. An Elector must be an adult Waldenian patriarch or matriarch in good standing, or otherwise a Waldenian titleholder in representation of the Waldenian People, confirmed to be in adherence to the Sacred Law of Waldenia and especially the Vander Code.

xx. An eligible person may be raised to the Electorate by the Vandalore with the consent, or a simple majority vote of the Waldenic Diet.

a. An eligible person may petition their appointment, or be nominated by an Elector.

xxi. An Electoral grant shall represent the eligible Elector’s House, and shall constitute the raising of their domain to an Electorate.

a. As such, an Electoral grant is permanent unless revoked, and shall be inherited by the Elector’s legal heir.

b. A non-Elector chosen to serve as the Vandalore shall be granted a non-permanent Electorate lasting throughout their tenure and no longer, unless raised to a permanent Electoral grant by the Waldenic Diet.

xxii. An Elector must continue to adhere to the Vander Code upon confirmation, and shall swear an oath to uphold it. Such an oath shall be recorded and publicized.

a. A person who inherits an Electoral grant and refuses to swear this oath shall have that Electoral grant immediately revoked.

b. An Elector determined to have broken this oath shall be penalized by the Vandalore as a violator of the Vander Code.

xxiii. An Electoral grant may also be revoked from an Elector deemed to have committed a gross violation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia, an Elector who has failed to attend three consecutive sessions of the Waldenic Diet, or a House deemed to have become extinct.

a. A person whose Electoral grant has been revoked for continued absence may petition for their reappointment.

xxiv. An Elector shall be empowered to propose motions to the Waldenic Diet regarding cultural matters that require Waldenic unity, and vote on such matters.

a. All votes, unless otherwise stated, shall require a simple majority to pass.

xxv. The Waldenic Diet is obligated to convene when summoned by the Vandalore, and when there remain pending motions to discuss.

xxvi. The Waldenic Diet shall observe adherence to the Sacred Law among the Waldenian People, and shall have the authority to confer punishment upon any violators.

xxvii. The Waldenic Diet shall be dissolved upon the conclusion of the Vandalore’s tenure through death, abdication, or forfeiture, and reconvene for a new election following the mourning period should one be necessary.

✠

In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia,

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and Order of the Black Eagle

P R O P O S A L  O F  C H A N G E S  T O  T H E

1 0 T H  O F  S U N ‘ S  S M I L E ,  1 9 4 7

T O  T H E  W A L D E N I C  D I E T ,

In light of recent developments which have sullied the honor of the Electorate and the Waldenian People both, and bearing in mind the fast-approaching centennial of the publication of our Sacred Law, I have seen fit to petition an amendment to its final chapter, the Code of Representation. Enclosed within the letter is a proposal for revised standards regarding the Diet and the enforcement of the Sacred Law, and changes to the text that I believe are necessary.

T H E  R E V I S E D  C O D E  O F  R E P R E S E N T A T I O N

i. The Waldenian People’s interests, both internal and foreign, shall be represented by their cultural leadership embodied by the Vandalore and the Waldenic Diet.

ii. The Waldenian People collectively enjoy the rights enumerated in the Code of Rights, and are collectively bound by the obligations enumerated in the Code of Obligations.

a. A Waldenian may petition the cultural leadership of the Waldenian People for the protection of their rights.

b. A Waldenian who violates the Code of Rights through acts against another or themselves, or forsakes the Code of Obligations shall be held accountable by the cultural leadership of the Waldenian People.

1. A Waldenian in severe breach of the Sacred Law shall be stripped of their status as a Waldenian and shunned by the Waldenian People.

O N  T H E   V A N D A L O R E

iii. The Vandalore shall be considered the ultimate authority on the matters of the greater Waldenic culture, and the protector of Waldenic titles and honors.

iv. The Vandalore must be an adult Waldenian patriarch or matriarch in good standing, or a Waldenian figure of great renown embodying the tenets of the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code in particular, worthy of the ultimate cultural leadership of the Waldenian People.

v. The Vandalore must be elected by the Waldenic Diet by a simple majority vote of the Electors.

a. Electors may nominate themselves, or be nominated by a fellow Elector.

b. An eligible non-Elector may be nominated by an Elector and elected Vandalore should they accept their nomination.

vi. The Vandalore is elected for life and shall serve until death, explicit abdication, or forfeiture of the honor.

vii. The Vandalore shall assume the Presidency of the Waldenic Diet upon election.

viii. The Vandalore shall swear a sacred oath to uphold the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code in particular, and such an oath shall be recorded and publicized.

a. A Vandalore-Elect who refuses to swear this oath shall be considered to have forfeited their service, and another Vandalore must be elected in their stead.

b. A Vandalore determined to have broken this oath shall immediately abdicate or be deemed to have forfeited their service by an unanimous vote of confidence of the Electors, barring their own vote.

ix. The Vandalore shall observe adherence to the Vander Code among those required to follow it, and shall have the sole authority to confer punishment upon any violators.

a. Depending on the severity of the violation, the punishment may be administered in the form of admonition, a quest of penance, temporary or permanent suspension of privileges including Waldenic appointments, knighthoods, Electoral grants, and internal considerations of nobility.

b. The Waldenic Diet is permitted to commute this punishment in regards to lesser violations with a simple majority vote.

x. The Vandalore shall decide on the necessary collective action of the Waldenic Diet should the Code of Rights be breached by an outsider force.

xi. The Vandalore shall, as President of the Waldenic Diet, be responsible for calling its conventions and submitting motions for its adjournment.

xii. The Vandalore shall, as President of the Waldenic Diet, maintain its records and ensure the printing and delivery of its publications.

xiii. The Vandalore shall maintain the accurate and official list and records of modern Vandalores.

xiv. The Vandalore shall maintain an up-to-date, accurate and official list of the incumbent Electorates of the Waldenic Diet, and the details of its previous compositions.

xv. The Vandalore shall assume the title of Elected Margrave or Margravine of Vanderfell, reclaimed and granted to the Waldenic Diet by its final hereditary holder, Hans Rovin.

xvi. The Vandalore shall maintain the accurate and official list of Elected Margraves and Margravines of Vanderfell.

O N  T H E  W A L D E N I C  D I E T

xvii. The Waldenic Diet shall be considered a secondary authority on the matters of the greater Waldenic culture.

xviii. The Waldenic Diet shall consist of Electors, presided over by the Vandalore in their capacity as President of the Waldenic Diet.

xix. An Elector must be an adult Waldenian patriarch or matriarch in good standing, or otherwise a Waldenian titleholder in representation of the Waldenian People, confirmed to be in adherence to the Sacred Law of Waldenia and especially the Vander Code.

xx. An eligible person may be raised to the Electorate by the Vandalore with the consent, or a simple majority vote of the Waldenic Diet.

a. An eligible person may petition their appointment, or be nominated by an Elector.

xxi. An Electoral grant shall represent the eligible Elector’s House, and shall constitute the raising of their domain to an Electorate.

a. As such, an Electoral grant is permanent unless revoked, and shall be inherited by the Elector’s legal heir.

b. A non-Elector chosen to serve as the Vandalore shall be granted a non-permanent Electorate lasting throughout their tenure and no longer, unless raised to a permanent Electoral grant by the Waldenic Diet.

xxii. An Elector must continue to adhere to the Vander Code upon confirmation, and shall swear an oath to uphold it. Such an oath shall be recorded and publicized.

a. A person who inherits an Electoral grant and refuses to swear this oath shall have that Electoral grant immediately revoked.

b. An Elector determined to have broken this oath shall be penalized by the Vandalore as a violator of the Vander Code.

xxiii. An Electoral grant may also be revoked from an Elector deemed to have committed a gross violation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia, an Elector who has failed to attend three consecutive sessions of the Waldenic Diet, or a House deemed to have become extinct.

a. A person whose Electoral grant has been revoked for continued absence may petition for their reappointment.

xxiv. An Elector shall be empowered to propose motions to the Waldenic Diet regarding cultural matters that require Waldenic unity, and vote on such matters.

a. All votes, unless otherwise stated, shall require a simple majority to pass.

xxv. The Waldenic Diet is obligated to convene when summoned by the Vandalore, and when there remain pending motions to discuss.

xxvi. The Waldenic Diet shall observe adherence to the Sacred Law among the Waldenian People, and shall have the authority to confer punishment upon any violators.

xxvii. The Waldenic Diet shall be dissolved upon the conclusion of the Vandalore’s tenure through death, abdication, or forfeiture, and reconvene for a new election following the mourning period should one be necessary.

✶

WALTER VANDERRECHT, MARSHAL OF MERRYWEATHER, SHERIFF OF APFELBERG

DER MERRYWEATHER VERTRAG

Issued by the

WALDENIC DIET

On this 10th day of Sigismund’s End of 1912

PREAMBLE
DIE PRÄAMBEL

Throughout the past two centuries, the Waldenic peoples have seen an unprecedented rise in assaults on the integrity of their cultural heritage. Though in this they share the fate of many brotherly peoples of Arcas and Almaris, one needs but to point to the especially revolting examples of blatant attempts to subvert and contest rightful Waldenian titles of nobility such as those of Sutica and Merryweather.

With this taken into account, the need for a mutual compact of support between the Waldenian nobility aimed at affirming and protecting the titular integrity of their rightful domains was first seen and agreed upon during the second iteration of the Waldenic Diet under Lord Vandalore Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim in the year 1850, though failed to materialize after his sudden death during the Siege of Haverlock in 1860.

With the initiative to formally write up and pass such a compact revived during the start of the fifth iteration of the Waldenic Diet, and voted on in favor unanimously by the present Electors time and time again, the time to formally codify the matter and see it become reality has now finally come. 

• It having been thus decreed, the Waldenic Diet and its Electors
   

  • Vow to, in accordance with the Sacred Law of Waldenia, safeguard the Crowns of Aesterwald, Westerwald (the Westerlands), Vandoria and Waldenia, keeping them in abeyance until a time a legal and legitimate Waldenian polity can be established.
     

  • Vow to, in accordance with the Sacred Law of Waldenia, acknowledge no other as Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell than the rightful, by the Diet elected, incumbent.
     

  • Vow to protect each others’ rights to their personal, inherent extant and abeyant Waldenian titles such as Sutica and Merryweather through direct and joint action, without breaking the laws of their realms and without forgoing their extant oaths of fealty.

GOTT MIT UNS,

His Highness, Sir Ottomar II von Alstreim KIH,

LORD VANDALORE, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim, Elected Margrave of Vanderfell, Baron of Corwinsburg

His Princely Grace, Wilheim II Prinz von Sutica HRSTSR, 

Prince of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Freimark and Kretzen, Baron of Madvon, Freising, and Sigradz, Lord of Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg, Neuberg and Rozenfeld, High Chief of the Reinmaren

His Grace, Brandt Wilheim Barclay Herzog von Minitz KRE, GMSTSR, 

Duke of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald and Brandthof, Lord of Durres, Grand Peer of Aaun, Protector of the Aaunic Heartlands, Chieftain of the Minitz Reinmaren

The Right Honorable, Guinevere Lucia von Reuss,
Margravine of Velen, Countess of Cantal, Baroness of Aschenwald, Commander of the Household Guard, Matriarch of the House of Reuss, Defender of Velenic Peoples


 

Her Excellency, Cosima Monika von Augusten,
Countess of Hohengarten, Lady Emissary of Aaun



His Lordship, Aurik Bishop,
Baron of Ostervik, Viscount-Consort of Gascony, Patriarch of Bishop

The Honorable, Helwig von Bardenwig-Alstreim,
Baron of Arentania, Patriarch of Bardenwig-Alstreim

  
Ser Karl von Theonus,
Kanzler of Minitz, Patriarch of von Theonus

Aus Einigkeit Kraft
AFFIRMATION OF THE WALDENIC SYMBOLS OF MERIT

An Edict of the Waldenic Diet

On the 14th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1897, the Fifth Waldenic Diet convened on the matter of writing up a formal document in an attempt to properly affirm and clarify the ancient traditions that emerged since the convening of the Waldenfest of 1686, that of signifying one’s status as a Vander by blood or second birth, or as a knight of the Waldenic Diet, and the practice of awarding the Ferrum Cross of Aesterwald for exceptional feats of bravery. It was then and there agreed that the task of putting such to paper would be left to the Lord Vandalore, and that the draft thereof be presented and voted on by next session of the Diet.

Thus, having properly discussed as much during the Third Session of the Fifth Waldenic Diet, does the Waldenic Diet affirm and decree the following in the name of the Waldenic peoples;

ON THE WEARING OF A TORSE
I. That, firstly, the wearing of a torse - a wreath of intertwined, twisted fabrics as traditionally worn by Waldenian Knights to signify one’s status as a Vander shall be permissible for knights that have proven themselves loyal to the Vander Code only.

II. That, secondly, the manner by which a Waldenian Knight is chosen for such a privilege is if their adherence to the Vander Code is taken note of by the Lord Vandalore and the Electors. Whereupon they shall be duly invited to attend a session of the Waldenic Diet after a vote.

III. That, thirdly, having been invited to attend a session a Knight chosen for this honor shall have their loyalty to the Vander Code affirmed by the Waldenic Diet, whereafter he or she shall be made to swear an oath to it before being presented with their torse by the Vandalore.

IV. That, fourthly, those Knights awarded this honor shall officially be styled as ‘Vanders’ in recognition of their loyalty and adherence to the Vander Code, with the torse as proof hereof.

ON THE WEARING OF THE FERRUM CROSS
I. That, firstly, the wearing of a Ferrum Cross as an order of merit shall be made permissible for those chosen by the Lord Vandalore to award those that either contributed exceptionally to Waldenian culture and society, or in the case of Black Ferrum, committed deeds of valor.

II. That, secondly, the manner by which a Waldenian is chosen for such a privilege is if their exceptional contributions to Waldenian culture and society, or their heroic deeds of valor, are recognized by the Lord Vandalore. Whereupon they shall be duly invited to attend a session of the Waldenic Diet on the Lord Vandalore’s personal initiative, with approval of the Diet.

III. That, thirdly, having been invited to attend a session of the Waldenic Diet the chosen shall be commended for their efforts and bestowed with their Ferrum Cross by the Lord Vandalore; destined to be worn on the left side of the recipient’s torso, duly worn over their heart.

IV. That, fourthly, the descendants of recipients that have been awarded this honor shall be awarded the right to wear their ancestors’ achievement on the right side of their torso.
 

                                                                                                        GOTT MIT UNS

Issued on behalf of the Waldenian Electorate,

Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell, Ottomar of the House of Alstreim

Aus Einigkeit Kraft
ON THE WALDENIAN WALRUS

An Edict of the Waldenic Diet

Though the national symbol of Waldenia is considered to be the black eagle, many species have since attained widespread recognition as staples of Waldenian life and culture through their presence in the former territories of Aesterwald. One of these species, however, is today in grave danger of extinction - this being the Waldenian Walrus which once swarmed the shores of Vanderfell and Ayr, but in Almaris now lives in ever-dwindling habitats and numbers.

Having first discussed this issue during the 2nd Session of the 3rd Waldenic Diet, during which a motion to protect the habitats of these endangered animals from poaching through mutual cooperation was agreed to unanimously by the present Electors, the responsibility now rests on the Fifth Waldenic Diet to formally codify the matter and see it become reality.

Thus, does the Fifth Waldenic Diet enact its first official edict by the powers granted to it by the Waldenian people. 
 

From now on to the end of times, any hunting of the Waldenian Walrus in the lands of those belonging to the Waldenic Electorate is thus forbidden, and those in breach of this edict shall be condemned by the Waldenic Diet.

GOTT MIT UNS

Issued on behalf of the Waldenian Electorate,

Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell, Ottomar of the House of Alstreim

DIE REINMAREN ZUSAMMENKLÄNGE

Issued by the

WALDENIC DIET

On this 10th day of The Grand Harvest of 66 SA

On the 1st day of the First Seed, in the year of our Lord 65 SA, did the 3rd Waldenic Diet gather in the halls of Wilheburg. There, did a delegation from the Salvian Syndicate approach the Diet and the Lord Vandalore, bearing news from their homeland, along with a request made of the Waldenic Diet regarding the Crown of Atheran Salvus in relation to the Royal Crown of Sutica.

Thus, does the Waldenic diet decree that; 

I. The Waldenic Diet recognizes the independence of the Salvian Syndicate and the legal separation of the Crown of Atheran Salvus from the Royal Crown of Sutica.

II. The Waldenic Diet recognizes the coronation of Saint Ottomar of Merryweather and his possession of the Crown of Atheran Salvus in perpetuity.

III. The Waldenic Diet agrees to grant safe and unhindered access to the Waldenian reliquaries of Almaris to all Salvian pilgrims, vouched for by the Salvian Syndicate.

IV. The Salvian Syndicate recognizes Johann Barclay as Prince of Sutica, and Heinrich von Alstreim as Prince of Merryweather.

V. The Salvian Syndicate agrees to grant safe and unhindered access to Fausten and its reliquaries pertaining to Saint Ottomar to all personages of Waldenian heritage, and all friendly Canonist pilgrims vouched for by the Waldenic Diet.

SIGNED, 

ON BEHALF OF THE WALDENIC DIET,

His Excellency, Johann Erich Barclay, Lord Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska, Prince of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Margrave of Vanderfell, Count of Kretzen, Baron of Freising and Sigradz, Lord of Wilheburg and Freisburg, Lord Vandalore, Chieftain of the Reinmaren

His Excellency, Eirik Matyas Baruch, Lord Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Valwyck, Count of Ayr, Viscount of Voron, Baron of Gant, Laval, and Riveryn

His Highness, Heinrich Franz von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim

The Right Honourable, Karl Amadeus Barclay, Count of Freimark, Baron of Madvon, Commander of the Black Cross

His Lordship, Elimar Mondblume, Baron of Richtenburg

Mister Ariovistan Bishop, Patriarch of House Bishop

ON BEHALF OF THE SALVIAN SYNDICATE,

Sir Daris Verethi Teres, Deputy of Fausten, Syndicate Envoy to the Waldenic Diet

Sir Helsuren Verethi, Captain of the Victory of Ceru, Syndicate Envoy to the Waldenic Diet

THE SACRED LAW OF WALDENIA

Proclaimed by the Lord Vandalore and confirmed by the Second Waldenic Diet

MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM

SUTICA-SARISSA

REINMAR-KRETZEN

FREIMARK

RICHTENBURG

BISHOP

PREAMBLE

We the Waldenian People, recognizing the need for an established guiding precept of our blood derived from the ancient Vander traditions and those of customary Piscatoran Law both, consulting as well the decisions on the Waldenic Cultural Law of the First Waldenic Diet, and for the purpose of securing for ourselves the destiny promised to all Sons of Horen, do establish this Waldenic Proclamation and its Codes of Rights, Obligations, and Representation to, along with the Vander Code, constitute our Sacred Law.

INDEX

I. THE VANDER CODE

II. THE CODE OF RIGHTS

III. THE CODE OF OBLIGATIONS

IV. THE CODE OF REPRESENTATION

THE VANDER CODE

The Vander Code is a simple creed dating from the earliest eras of the Waldenian people, from the days the tribes of ancient Hanseti roamed the Realm of Aegis. The Code consists of twelve tenets that the quintessential Waldenian is encouraged to follow in his daily life by tradition. The duty of the Vandalore is to observe adherence to the Code, especially among the prominent Waldenic houses. 

Since its return to prominence through the actions of the Order of Saint Lucien, the Vander Code has served as the primary inspiration for numerous codes of chivalry, of which Varodyr’s Code remains the most famous and widely used variant.    

WHY DO VANDERS FIGHT?

✠ TO FEAR THE CREATOR AND MAINTAIN HIS CHURCH ✠

✠ TO SERVE THE LIEGE LORD IN VALOR AND FAITH ✠

✠ TO REFRAIN FROM THE WANTON GIVING OF OFFENSE ✠

✠ TO LIVE BY HONOR AND FOR GLORY ✠

✠ TO DESPISE PECUNIARY REWARD ✠

✠ TO OBEY THOSE PLACED IN AUTHORITY ✠

✠ TO GUARD THE HONOR OF FELLOW VANDERS ✠

✠ TO KEEP FAITH ✠

✠ TO AT ALL TIMES TO SPEAK THE TRUTH ✠

✠ TO PERSEVERE TO THE END IN ANY ENTERPRISE BEGUN ✠

✠ TO NEVER TO REFUSE A CHALLENGE FROM AN EQUAL ✠

✠ TO NEVER TO TURN THE BACK UPON A FOE ✠

THE CODE OF RIGHTS

The Code of Rights forms the first table of the three divisions of the Waldenic Proclamation, which together with the precepts of the Vander Code forms the Sacred Law of Waldenia. From its decrees, denoting the unalienable rights of the Waldenian People, are derived the final two divisions.

i. The Waldenian People, defined by their descent from the bloodlines of Aesterwald and Vandoria, and by their sense and declaration of belonging to the greater Waldenic culture through the observance of common customs, beliefs, dress and language, enjoy the unalienable right to EXISTENCE.

a. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to cherish, preserve and develop the greater Waldenic culture and its common customs, beliefs, dress and language, enjoy the unalienable right to CULTURE.

b. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to preserve the bloodlines of Aesterwald and Vandoria through existence and procreation, and with the certain knowledge of the fulfillment of Horen’s promise in maintaining his covenant on Terra, enjoy the unalienable right to LIFE.

ii. The Waldenian People, in being free to follow their own will and make free choices where they do not infringe on the freedom of others, and without being subjected to the arbitrary decisions of others, enjoy the unalienable right to LIBERTY.

a. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to determine their own path and without owing fealty to any Empire or Kingdom, or any other lordship otherwise universal or not but those they willingly and under no compulsion swear to and make contracts or oaths of fealty under, or those of the inherent Waldenian Crown, enjoy the unalienable right to SELF-DETERMINATION.

b. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to associate among themselves, and with the certain purpose of preservation of the greater Waldenic culture, including its electoral principles and laws, and the pursuit of justice, enjoy the unalienable right to REPRESENTATION.

c. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to determine their own path and to honor their Creator regardless of foreign laws proclaimed out of malice or heathenry, and with the certain knowledge of the fulfillment of Horen’s promise in maintaining his covenant on Terra, enjoy the unalienable right to WORSHIP.

iii. The Waldenian People, in being free to enjoy the fruits of their labor on Terra as any other Descendant, whereas they could be manifested through the ownership of land, realty, and personal belongings, enjoy the unalienable right to PROPERTY.

a. Therefore do the Waldenian People, in being free to maintain their personal belongings, and in the defense of their motivation to preserve their rights to existence, culture and life hereby proscribed, and to protect their rights to liberty, self-determination and property, enjoy the unalienable right to BEAR ARMS.

THE CODE OF OBLIGATIONS

The Code of Obligations forms the second table of the three divisions of the Waldenic Proclamation, which together with the precepts of the Vander Code forms the Sacred Law of Waldenia. Its decrees, detailing the cultural obligations of every Waldenian, are directly derived from the existence of the Code of Rights, and together with the Code of Representation, stem from the previous incomplete iterations of the Sacred Law formulated upon the First Waldenic Diet and as parts of the obsolete customary law.

i. A Waldenian is obligated never to act against the interests and existence of the Waldenian People, whether by word or practice, or in service to foreigners and non-humans.

ii. A Waldenian is obligated never to forsake the tenets of the greater Waldenic culture in favor of foreign customs.

iii. A Waldenian is obligated never to inflict torture, incapacitation or death upon another Waldenian, whether in captivity or in fair combat, except in warranted self-defense or as a last resort punishment for heinous crimes for which banishment and imprisonment, or the weregild, is insufficient justice.

iv. A Waldenian is obligated never to subject another Waldenian to acts of tyranny or forced servitude, whether in the service of a Waldenic government or a foreign lordship.

v. A Waldenian is obligated never to subvert the rightful authority and inheritance of another Waldenian, or to wage wars and campaigns in service of any Empire or Kingdom, or any other lordship otherwise universal or not bar the inherent Waldenian Crown, for the purpose of imposing claims of lordship over the Waldenian People.

vi. A Waldenian is obligated never to reject the cultural authority of the Vandalore and the Waldenic Diet, or to challenge their cultural decisions that violate no rights of the Waldenian People through any means other than formal and electoral.

vii. A Waldenian is obligated never to break religious unity by rejecting the Faith of the Waldenian People.

viii. A Waldenian is obligated never to disrespect the rightful ownership of land, realty and personal belongings of another Waldenian.

ix. A Waldenian is obligated never to restrict the ownership and possession of arms of another Waldenian in their rightful domain, except in dire situations where their own rights are in immediate danger.

THE CODE OF REPRESENTATION

The Code of Representation forms the third and final table of the three divisions of the Waldenic Proclamation, which together with the precepts of the Vander Code forms the Sacred Law of Waldenia. Its decrees, detailing the forms of cultural representation of the Waldenian People, are directly derived from the existence of the Code of Rights and the Code of Obligations. Together with the Code of Obligations, they stem from the previous incomplete iterations of the Sacred Law formulated upon the First Waldenic Diet and as parts of the obsolete customary law.

i. The Waldenian People’s interests, both internal and foreign, shall be represented by their cultural leadership embodied by the Lord Vandalore and the Waldenic Diet.

ON THE LORD VANDALORE

ii. The Lord Vandalore shall be considered the ultimate authority on the matters of the greater Waldenic culture.

iii. The Lord Vandalore must be an adult Waldenian patriarch embodying the tenets of the Sacred Law of Waldenia, worthy of the ultimate cultural leadership of the Waldenian People.

iv. The Lord Vandalore must be elected by the Waldenic Diet by a simple majority vote of the Electors.

v. The Lord Vandalore is elected for life and shall serve until death or explicit abdication of the honor.

vi. The Lord Vandalore shall assume the Presidency of the Waldenic Diet upon election.

vii. The Lord Vandalore shall, as President of the Waldenic Diet, be responsible for calling its conventions and submitting motions for its adjournment.

viii. The Lord Vandalore shall, as President of the Waldenic Diet, maintain its records and ensure the printing and delivery of its publications.

ix. The Lord Vandalore shall maintain the accurate and official list and records of modern Lords Vandalore:

Nafis Yar, the First Vandalore (1524 - 1537, 1544 - 1547)

Decimus Frederick Rovin, the Second Vandalore (1537 - 1542)

Harold Winter IV, the Third Vandalore (1542 - 1544)

John Godfrey Horen, the Fourth Vandalore (1547 - 1562)

John Leopold Horen, the Fifth Vandalore (1562 - 1575)

Leopold of Marna, the Sixth Vandalore (1575 - 1607)

Rakim Abdulrashid Yar, the Seventh Vandalore (1607 - 1665)

Frederick Pius Horen-Marna, the Eighth Vandalore (1665 - c. 1694)

Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim, the Ninth Vandalore (1850 - )

x. The Lord Vandalore shall maintain an up-to-date, accurate and official list of the incumbent Electorates of the Waldenic Diet, and the details of its previous compositions:

FIRST WALDENIC DIET (1686 - 1715)

House of Rovin | Electorate of Neu Arnheim

House of Denhardt | Electorate of Gilead

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Blackwater-Alstreim

House of Königsberg | Electorate of Königsberg

House of Bran | Electorate of Bran

House of Weißhardt | Electorate of Weißhardt

House of Schulze | Electorate of Schulze

House of Oxenstierna-Mühlen | Electorate of Mühlen

SECOND WALDENIC DIET (1850 - )

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Sutica | Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen

House of Barclay von Savoyen | Electorate of Freimark

House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop 

xi. The Lord Vandalore shall assume the title of Elected Margrave of Vanderfell, reclaimed and granted to the Waldenic Diet by its final hereditary holder, Hans Rovin.

xii. The Lord Vandalore shall maintain the accurate and official list of Elected Margraves of Vanderfell:

Hans Rovin, the First Elected Margrave of Vanderfell (1686 - c. 1747)

Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim, the Second Elected Margrave of Vanderfell (1850 - )

ON THE WALDENIC DIET

xiii. The Waldenic Diet shall be considered a secondary authority on the matters of the greater Waldenic culture.

xiv. The Waldenic Diet shall consist of Electors, presided over by the Lord Vandalore in his capacity as President of the Waldenic Diet.

xv. An Elector must be an adult Waldenian patriarch or otherwise a Waldenian titleholder in representation of the Waldenian People, confirmed to be in adherence to the Sacred Law of Waldenia.

xvi. An eligible person may be raised to the Electorate by the Lord Vandalore with the consent, or a simple majority vote of the Waldenic Diet.

xvii. An Electoral grant shall represent the eligible Elector’s House, and shall constitute the raising of their domain to an Electorate.

xviii. A non-Elector chosen to serve as the Lord Vandalore shall automatically be granted an Electorate for their House persisting throughout their tenure and no longer, unless otherwise confirmed by the Waldenic Diet.

xix. An Electoral grant may be revoked from an Elector who has committed a gross violation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia, or a House deemed to have become extinct.

xx. An Elector shall be empowered to propose motions to the Waldenic Diet regarding cultural matters that require unity, and vote on such matters.

xxi. The Waldenic Diet is obligated to convene when summoned by the Lord Vandalore, and when there remain pending motions to discuss.

xxii. The Waldenic Diet shall be dissolved upon the death or abdication of the Lord Vandalore, and reconvene for a new election following the mourning period.

Issued and proclaimed in the name of the Waldenian People,

Ausgestellt und verkündet im Namen des Waldenischen Volkes,

LORD VANDALORE.