ISSUED BY:

THE GRAND DUKE

ON:

6th, Owyn’s Light, 199 S.A

The truth that was obscured to me about the nature of the Mogg has been illuminated to me. In my fear and inexperience, I had not seen the obvious, but I shall right my wrongs.

The House of Mogg is henceforth expelled, and all members found within Silasia shall be EXTERMINATED, and any remnants labelled our enemy.

I submit myself to repentance for my ignorance in unearthing these vermin and reopening old wounds of war and vow to eradicate all bandits within our borders. Those who submit to our efforts shall be criminally trialled and submitted to the church for repentance as well.

We promise you the capture and delivery of the Head of the Mogg, to be submitted to religious trial.

May The Lord deliver me my repentance, and our neighbours and other Canonist Princess grant me forgiveness. The dread of failing my generational duty to the weefolk made me stubborn in the acceptance of these marauders.

In speaking of such duty, the Silasian people are oath bound perhaps to a fault, for we believe the violation of an oath to someone is wicked.

We acknowledge the waywardness of the Weefolk, however, they granted us a home and supported us in times of famine, plague and darkspawn incursion. And as such we do not wish to act like the ingrate and thankless bandits we erred to host.

Thus we beseech thee to allow us one opportunity to defend the weefolk, so that we may stand as oath keepers.

Or grant us Absolution in the case that we are unable to meet our vow,  in which then we shall also abandon the title of Protector of the Weefolk.

I kneel in front of the Lord, as a sovereign Ruler who has erred, and beg repentance and salvation for myself so that I may lead my people with virtuous guidance.

I give personal thanks to Adelmar von Kanunsburg for giving me a personal account of the cruelty of the Moggs, which has allowed me to right these wrongs.

Signed,

His Serene Highness, Arturas Miklos Whitewood,

Grand Duke of Silasia, Marquis of Lotusgrad, Baron of Lilenburg Blackwell and Swan’s Keep, Lord of the Peaks, Protector of the Weefolk.

Diplomacy’s Last Resort
Penned and Signed on 16th of Deep Cold, 198 S.A.

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Dire Straits
 

Despite such long times and intense efforts being expended in the construction of diplomatic foundations, we find ourselves quickly reversed upon. Chanting to high heights the calls of friendship, we are caught off guard when “friendships” long held, lay entirely broken after only a moment; and with not an envoy sent nor a request for meeting given.

These times therefore, are dire.

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Assistances promised
 

All hope is not lost, however, since through prudence, the council of Diplomatic experts did not cease the search for co-operation beyond our neighbors, as some had wished. But instead pursued the degree of good faith with all States of renown which is becoming of Sovereignty.

To Haense

The Office of Arch-Delegate thusly requests the fulfillment of the attached pact with the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Our portion of Humanity so often under the insult of the masses, has trust that the totality of its agreements were not signed in vain, and that a select few of moral superiority might rout the oncoming of so many blind aggressors.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/239892-highlander-brotherhood/ 

(Military Agreements - Article II: Mutual Defense) @Dogged

To Hyspia

The Office of Arch-Delegate thusly requests the fulfillment of the attached pact with the Sovereignty of Hyspia. Since by history’s example, our state has not yet been seen deceptive to its word, we pray that trust bypasses all concern for our intentions, for we are in defense of our state, and so have no truer face to show.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/239805-treaty-of-birch-and-palm/ 

(Martial Agreements - Article III: Mutual Defense) @tadabug2000

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Friendships Spurned.
 

For shame, you treacherous folk. Other sovereigns bribed and whispered to by schemers are to be somewhat excused, for their incentive is not first checked by the expectation of honorable conduct in a broken world. But you who have announced your friendship by quill and oath, ought have more decency.

“If you are indeed faithful…” so says the court of  ‘friends’ in Balian - as if faith depended on the laying down of arms during a time of war. A state which, in the history of either of our polities, has never once sent a denunciation of parties at war with ourselves for their own domination, neither have they allowed the trek of a single sword toward our defense in the constant string of wars declared upon us. Not even threat for threat could be asked for in our defense.
And so, faithful to policy is their council, but faithful to trust, sadly not.

Now this same entity issues ultimatums, and demands once again for our concessions to terms forced upon us by external enemies. All without hearing our side. All with result (though perhaps not the intention) of diminishing our means of defense.

This is all I will say upon the subject. The public nature of treaties and declarations shall speak for themselves in the course of history, as will the actions of that Statehood.

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/239296-treaty-of-martiel-119-ba/  @__Stal27 @Wavey

To the Court & Council of Balian, we call upon you to remember your words given, take heed to the memory of our Sovereigns past and present whom were intent upon amicable relations, and joint-endeavors to a better future.

Refrain from marching upon the lands or protectorates of Silasia, as is in accordance with the standing treaty. Indeed, if faithfulness and truth are not bereft from your courts, send aid to our cause.

With regard to that continuous Rogue State of the Orcs, violation of our treaty so soon after its signing is not a useful tact. However beneficial it may be in the short term. For as much as your race has taken a reputation not unlike that of some houses labeled ‘Bandits’, continued opportunities for redemption have not yet produced in your population a tradition of trustworthiness. So to you I send; for shame.

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Outreaches neglected.
 

Other parties subject to the spirit of malice against our people are noted, but not addressed for the time being. Your continual rejection of Eastern unity and diplomatic delegacy is contemptable.

ALL SWORDS WHO REFUSE TO MARCH WITH THE BANNERS OF DESTRUCTION, ARE IN THE THANKS AND PRAYERS OF THE HALFLINGS, SILASIA, AND OTHER STATES WISHING TO EXIST OUTSIDE OF THE SPHERE OF COLLECTIVIST POWERS.
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With love toward friends, and patience toward enemies, Lothair.

Arch Delegate.

Opus Anti-Bullshitorum
Penned and Signed on 16th of Deep Cold, 198 S.A.

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Diplomacy has not yet been adopted.
 

I take my quill in disbelief; for on the one hand I had thought the eastern realm was in a rough process pointed upon the stabilizing of the whole sphere. And on the other, the full display of my guillability is put upon the songs and swords of so many people. In my 49 years of living, a great number of days have been spent in the tireless pursuit of communicative clarity between the Sovereigns of States, enforced by manifest cooperation towards projects of faith, infrastructure, economic innovation, and countless else.

Frightened and surprised I am then, when on return from seclusion, I find my native state under the oppression of neighbors all. It would be thought that iblees himself had taken the reigns of our Sovereign Throne, Gott-Forbid. But investigating the matter myself, it shows true that our Court is still, in fearing of God, SILASIAN: deserving of the respects due to it’s Sovereignty.

In combination of these factors, it ought to be, that council is sought, or discussion had by emissaries or visitation, if matters urgent to life and death were in need of urgent discussion.

AND YET…

Without the grace of a singular envoy, a presence from sovereign to sovereign, factions all around enact policies whose result necessitates our destruction. And so dumbfounded I am, when the parties sworn to our cooperation (and ulterior factions intent upon our subjugation) send armed hosts to our villages in violation of treaties signed in friendship under God. The community has indeed taken a stance of DIS-unity in sight of all who observe. 

Nevertheless, the life’s efforts of a fervent servant ought not go to waste; my death, if it be near, make my corpse the seed of a new diplomatic culture, bearing fruit in its due season, neither to hide from the light of day, nor ever to abandon good faith.

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Alliance has not yet been meant.
 

Birds and letters and decrees from all around speak boastingly, unified in their instantaneous escalation. “For some races, this comes as a natural urge”. Some and others will speak of natures; I speak only to those back-trodding who move power into perverse incentive, Those who betray pact and speak with cloven tongues upon those whose trust you have broken - you are traitors to virtue entirely. 

Having trusted in the highest sense that sovereigns would be true to their word, as we have been, my surprise adheres to pain. I stand with a Sylvan State which holds to itself an accolade as rare as it is trustworthy; That we have in our history, neither launched, nor sustained a war of offense against another Sovereign (save our excursions against darkspawn in various regions). Believing in the trust placed upon our “allies”, I believed our trade routes and fishing boats to be secure. Yet it is this same network of States surrounding ourselves which declares after our dissolution. A heartbreaking shame, little able to put to word.

Let there not be criticism without solution, for this is the form of rabble-rousing and nonsense. Take these following words as a display of the proper conduct between states upon the arising of imminent concerns.

The process of resolution regarding an unfavorable policy ought primarily to occur between the Diplomatic Councils of Sovereigns, if not the Sovereigns themselves. In whichever words convey the just purpose, envoys ought to be sent to the court of the party of interest, prepared to represent the interests and concerns of the sending Crown. This not only shows the proper respect, but also ensures that a direct communication with the sovereign reveals their thought processes. In addition, the council and courtiers of the recipient will no doubt have utterances spoken at their pleasure, and the beliefs of the populace as well as the leading figures will be known.

After discussion of clarity between the representative of one crown to another, then comes the establishment of negotiations of terms amicable to both realms will be put forth in public pact, or kept private, at the discretion of the signatories. In the case of a failure of negotiation, external assistance ought to be sought in the mediation of concerns; a neutral party providing in some way, assistance to the negotiation of policies to be enacted by the constituent parties.

After the resolution of issues between the Sovereigns, populations ought to return to favorable attitudes, especially with regards to completing projects inspired by their joint interest.

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Faith, still, has not yet been kept.
 

Where is the forgiveness you are commanded to by God? Where is the patience? Where the fairness?

The armed hosts speaking ruse of ‘cannondom’ and ‘brotherhood’ compose a song of equal parts amusement and offense. They must march for a different power, an altogether inferior ‘god’ which guides their swords against forests of peace, and farmlands of cheerful ilk. The God of Silasia bids that his servants use violence as a policy of last resort, after the arts of diplomacy and the enticements of compromise have been exhausted. And our God is better than yours.

Is your “god” you speak of truly with you, if its temples are abandoned by its servants to seek conquests? Ours is a God who defends the honored, the true, the proudly oppressed. We pray that forgiveness will befall the more kind–hearted of our past allies; just as we have forgiven some who, in past lives, were ill-intentioned.
If we in our State have claimed redemption by forgiveness, our citizenry ought to see the same. 

If banditry was a sufficient cause for war, many other states would have been marched upon in years past, or many groups would have been sanctioned… but all were up to now, met with silence (this must not go ignored, for I have taken the matter to myself thoroughly in recent times). Therefore, it is not disregarded that all of States aggressing against Silasia do so in conjunction with a great number of factions who seek our domination for the sake of empire. These same groups happen to have a great influence with the councils of the states declared for our detriment… whereas it is commonly known that the emotional masses are hardly capable of coming to a reasonable and just conclusion, it may be rightly guided to reconsider upon which side of this conflict one stands.

Ask youselves why such little time and such little communication has been rendered on the issue before these ‘ultimatums’ spew forth.

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We call for justice.
 

For a second time, I send a call to canonists of all ilk, seek God in prayer for defense of the innocent forests, for we find ourselves under attack on every side by heathens, and schemers, and imperialists, and Good men under the rule of the Bad.

For the second time, jesters will beg for misunderstanding, sophists who do not read this parchment will cite it often: crying out “politics” (not knowing the nature of policy), crying out “heresy”. These are of a type who are always with us, and for them too, we must pray for redemption by God, who bestows wise cognition on those deserving; and yet, to disregard their ramblings if good policy is to be reached.
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P.S. You aggressors march upon 2 states who form public policy from an explicit desire to never do offensive war. Think about that.

With love toward friends, and patience toward enemies, Lothair.

Arch Delegate.

DEATH OR DISHONOR

In the evening of the 24th of the Sun’s Smile upon his return from a supply run, Gailard Staunton was set upon by ten of Caurost’s special forces, led by their best warrior and General. The Staunton rode with haste towards the gates of Silasia to evade his assailants, as he approached he’d be met by twenty of Courland’s finest knights who had just returned from a lengthy patrol. Wasting no time they drew their swords and turned them towards the elven forces that sped ever closer. 

As Gailard turned his horse about to face the commander of the Caurost ambushers, he ordered the knights to charge with him and force them back. The Courlanders charged forth chasing down those who would attempt to kill their leader. In short work they cut down the feeble willed elves, arrows flew from the knights who dismounted and brought forth their crossbows. A swift and fatal blow from a Cossack named Lazlo, killing the Courost commander's horse making him retreat on foot soon to be brought to yield before swiftly capturing him. 

Good quick fight, good sports all around :)!

To the Honorable Citizens and Visitors of the Grand Duchy of Silasia,

It is with great excitement and anticipation that I write to announce the opening of our new store in the vibrant and bustling Saint's Bazaar III, located within the heart of the Grand Duchy of Silasia.

Saint's Bazaar III is known far and wide as a hub of culture, trade, and diversity—a place where the finest goods and the most unique treasures can be found. We are honored to join this esteemed market and contribute to its rich tapestry of offerings.

Our store is dedicated to providing you with a curated selection of the finest goods, each chosen for their quality, craftsmanship, and distinctiveness. Whether you seek rare spices from distant lands, finely woven textiles, or handcrafted jewelry, our shelves will be filled with wonders that are sure to captivate and inspire.

But more than just a place to shop, we aspire to create a gathering spot for the community—a place where stories are shared, connections are made, and the spirit of trade and camaraderie flourishes. We invite you to step inside, explore our offerings, and become a part of our growing family of customers and friends.

We have taken great care to ensure that our store reflects the charm and elegance of Saint's Bazaar III, while also introducing new elements that we hope will add to its allure. From our personalized customer service to the unique products we bring, every detail has been crafted with you in mind.

Our grand opening will take place soon, and we would be honored to have you join us in celebration. We look forward to welcoming you to our new store and to serving the wonderful people of Silasia for many years to come.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Warm regards,

[Cesar AP Komnenos]

[Komnenos Enterprise Import and Export]

Saint's Bazaar III, Grand Duchy of Silasia

The Grand Duchy of Silasia is proud to announce a new merchant district by the gates to Lotusgrad. This district offers generous prices for spacious stores and wagons in a beautiful environment.

With many visitors coming to Silasia from the main road and the silver road of Aaun, commerce is sure to prosper.

RATES

Shop Houses (165 blocks of floor space):

40 Mina - Freelance Merchants

30 Mina - Partnered Merchants

Stalls
25 Mina - Freelance Merchants

15 Mina - Partnered Merchants

Carts
20 Mina -  Freelance Merchants
10 Mina -Partnered Merchants

Handcarts
10 Mina - Freelance Merchants
5 Mina - Partnered Merchants

NO DOWNPAYMENTS

GENERAL
The Silasian Merchants Guild is an association of artisanal and merchant guilds headquartered in Silasia. Guilds partnered with the SMG receive benefits such as reduced taxes, international merchant opportunities, increased yield at auctions, protection by guards, etc.

Most importantly, members of the SMG can elect a representative Guild Master to petition the government to consider the interests of the Merchants.

In exchange for these benefits, the Grand Duchy may request commissions from merchants or contributions to auctions.

MEMBERSHIP

To join the Silasian Merchants Guild as an independent merchant or guild, one must have a headquarters or residence in Silasia, or establish a trade contract with the government.

Merchants who wish to work in the Merchant District may negotiate for custom buildings, expansions or other elements with the government as well, allowing a high degree of freedom to the merchant.

CONTACT

Contact the Mistress of Coin, Marjorie Falkner (ImpracticalMagic), or the Grand Duke for more information and to join.

[!] Paintings of the district are attached to the missive.

Issuing Body: The House of au Isard

2nd of Malin's Welcome, 188 S.A.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WANTED

Alive and Unharmed ONLY!

Reason: Family/Friend Bonding

A photo of Baby Elliott

REWARD: 20 mina

Elliot Falkner, son of Lothair and Marjorie Falkner poses no threat, whatsoever towards the citizens of the Duchy of Brabant-Silasia. He has committed no crimes, nor made any effort to offend any citizen.

Such heinous innocence must not go unrewarded. As such, the House au Isard, acting in good faith towards the House Falkner and in affection for its patriarch's godchild, is formally sponsoring the Duchy of Brabant-Silasia's first recreational bounty! Whichever brotherly bounty hunter, amiable assassin or magnanimous mage (or any other profession!) manages to steal away Elliot and deliver him safely (unharmed!) to the arms of Isana au Isard or Duke Sterling Whitewood will receive a bounty of 20 mina from the House of au Isard.

Be warned: Elliot may be occasional be found in a barrel. This hunt is not for the faint of heart.

------------------------------------------------- 

Yours in Friendship,

ISSUED BY:

THE SWAN COURTS

ON:

3rd Harren’s Folley, 178 S.A

It is the Sylvan  Duchy’s joy to proclaim the official establishment of the Swan Courts. These courts are to serve as the cultural epicentre of the Duchy of Brabant.

POSITIONS

THE HIGH CHAMBERLAIN - Vacant

The High Chamberlain is the head of the Swan Courts, responsible for appointing Courtiers and managing the servantry. The chamberlain sits directly upon the Ducal Council and advises the Duke of Brabant.

COURT WIZARD - August Athri'onn

The Court Wizard is responsible for advising the Duke with magical counsel and protecting the people of Brabant with their arcane skills.

COURT PRIEST - Anton Whitewood

The Court Priest runs the local Church of Brabant. In addition to their normal clerical duties, the Court Priest gives theological advice when it comes to greater matters of State.

COURT PHYSICIAN - Maxima Falkner

The health of the public is maintained by the Court Physician, they staff the clinic and are well-trained in all aspects of medicine, from surgery to medicines.

COURT ALCHEMIST - Karl Falker

The Court Alchemist is in charge of alchemical production in Brabant, supplying all industries and endeavours with relevant potions, from the military to the clinics.

COURT ASTROLOGIST - Vacant

The Duchy of Brabant follows the Haeseni  Zodiac, and thus the court Astrologer studies the movements of the cosmos to make predictions.

COURT SMITH - Katherina Sophia

The Court Smith is the supplier of specialised arms and trinkets to the Duchy, with items being made upon request.

COURT SCRIBE- Florian Leroux

The Court Scribe is the designated scribe of official missives, written at the behest of the Ducal Crown, Officers or Courts.

HUNTMASTER - Vacant

The master of the Hunt is tasked with organising hunts throughout the territory of Brabant, to maintain a steady population of the local fauna, ensuring the balance of nature is kept.

SERVANTRY

The servantry is comprised of cooks, butlers, cleaners, handmaidens, and so on. They are the backbone of the courts, ensuring everything is running smoothly.

WARDS

Wards are the young apprentices who study under the courtiers to learn their craft.

Signed,

His Grace, Ser Sterling Blaxton-Whitewood,

Duke of Brabant, Marquis of Lotusgrad, Baron of Blackwell, Lilenburg and Swan’s Keep, Lord of the Peaks, Protector of the Weefolk.

A Treatise on Same-Sex Marriage 

Purpose

This document is a thesis on the legal implications of Homophilic Magic. While the author of this document is Canonist and thus follows the decrees of the Church, this document only serves as a secular analysis of Homophilic marriage, concerning legal law and foreign cultures, and most importantly aims to offer suggestions for improvement of current marriage laws and provide a resource for the potential implementation of homophilic marriage laws.

Introduction

The world of Aevos is vast. It contains a vast variety of different lands, climates, and races. From the orcs of the Horde, the High Elves in the jungles Haelun’Or, to the humans of Canondom and the pagans of Celia and Norland. Through cultures, tongues, religions, skins, and history, the differences between and in descendants are very visible. And yet what is just as visible as the differences in culture between us is the fact that all races contain in themselves the most 2 sacred acts, love and marriage. 

General Understanding of Marriage 

To discuss the act of marriage, one must first establish a general understanding of marriage. The act of matrimony is not tied to single or certain descendants, races, cultures, or religions thus one may say, this tradition transcends such paradigms. That being said, in nearly all cultures, marriage does have elements of culture, and religion that exist between those getting married. Some cultures also practice polygamy, though this is far less common throughout the realms.

Thus, the common definition of marriage one may use is: “A ritual or ceremony, in which two parties, typically two individuals,  join in a recognised union.”

The recognition of a marriage can be done by any relevant authority, the state, the local community, or in the case of Canondom, the church.

The Relation of Matrimony to that of Law

Following the Haeseni Book of Honour, marriage is defined is defined as the “the sacred rite of taking a husband or wife to form a family.” While such a definition is certainly within the decrees of Canondom, one may notice that it features the interesting condition of ‘to form a family,’ meaning that unions in which the couple either doesn’t not want or cannot form a family as not able to form a marriage.

With the Lex Civilis of Balian, an official definition of Matrimony is not given, though the language indicates its an affair between man and woman. Most interestingly though, it provides a section on Civil Unions, which is “Civil unions shall be defined as the enjoining of non-human individuals who do not follow the Canon into the institution of marriage as recognized by the Kingdom of Balian.” The rest of the language in this article does not mention gender, implying that two male elves may be allowed to enter a recognised civil union in Balian. This is an instance of legal recognition of foreign unions and to some extent homophilic unions.

Granted, with the missive of the ‘4 Canonist Princess on marriage’ Balian and other nations have come to vow to allow same-sex unions in their nations, so the current Lex Civilis is not up to date. But it is still useful for this paper’s analysis. 

How this all relates to that of Same-Sex Marriage 

Thus, for the implementation of laws regarding expanding of marriage rights, one may want to include a broad definition of matrimony, so as to allow different parties to marry. This option works best in more secular states, or in non-human countries.

Rulers of states with strong religious principles, and with a public desire for homophilic unions, may instead want to implement separate definitions for religiously recognised matrimony, and state-recognised civil union. When it comes to issues of inheritance, such as in the case of noble titles belonging to homophilic couples, one may make the titles non-hereditary, or allow the couple in question to appoint an inheritor. This document will not delve into the theories of such an arrangement.

And so finally with everything that has been spoken and declared, I can finally propose this argument for the right of marriage between couples of the same-sex. Although in Brabant, we are a canonist land and so respect the laws of Canon, we still have within ourselves our Scroll of Law upon which the state and government builds upon as its framework. And so, I propose this our government recognize same-sex couples and same-sex marriage as it would the marriages of any other citizen in Brabant as currently the Scroll of Law define marriage as between two peoples with no specific on sex or race. Furthermore, I believe that since homophilic marriages would exist outside the church of Canon as the church deems such to be against the beliefs of our holy scrolls that such marriages be recognized as outside of the Church of Canon, but the government should recognize the right of marriage and extend that to same-sex couples to marry and to also form civil unions. 

Civil-unions can also be used to recognise the matrimony of foreign races living in one's own land and the rights of its citizens to marry who they wish to choose due to the law in its current state. land, or the union of different religions.

Closing words

While this document doesn’t comment on the religious principles or morality of homophilic unions, the author of this paper would like to thank the wisdom of the Holy Mother Church, in respecting states that form laws to implement civil unions, that do not infringe on the holy rites of Canondom. And so I, your anonymous author, came to a close on this paper.

1st Sun’s Smile, 140 S.A

 ӄɛℜ'¤ɮʋαʅ

BRABANT KER’OBVAL PACT

Article I - Protectorate | ʊℜ¤ȶɛӄɛȶ¤ɛ 

The dark elven diaspora, represented by Maelthor and Sorrgarr Oussana, shall enter into a vassalage agreement with the Sylvan Duchy of Brabant to form the Protectorate of Ker’Obval. This agreement acknowledges the Protectorate’s autonomy in governance and internal affairs.

Article II - Titles | ȶɛȶʅɛʂ

The lords of Ker’Obval may style themselves with traditional Maehr titles. These titles shall be recognized and respected by the Sylvan Duchy, affirming the distinct cultural identity and heritage of the Protectorate.

Article III - Land | ʅαռð

The territory of the Protectorate shall encompass the portion of the river, under the mountains, that is within the borders of the Duchy. 

Article IV - Taxes | ȶαאɛʂ

The Protectorate shall pay a yearly tax of 50 Mina, subject to adjustment based on economic conditions and the financial health of the Protectorate. This tax rate will be reassessed every five years to ensure equitable contributions.

Article V - Law | ʅαʋ

1. The Protectorate of Ker’Obval will maintain its legal system, with the Duke having a consultative role in legal amendments. These laws are sovereign within the Protectorate, and any external legal influence must be mutually agreed upon, ensuring the Protectorate’s legislative independence

2. Citizens of the Protectorate will maintain their unique status and are not considered citizens of the Sylvan Duchy, but they will have equal rights within Duchy territories.

3. If a resident of the Duchy or the Protectorate commits a crime within the land of another, a mutual council will be held to put the perpetrator on time. 

4. the Sylvan Duchy shall not patrol, enforce laws, or undertake any official actions within the Protectorate’s territory without prior notification to and express approval from the Protectorate’s leadership.

Article VI - Military | ɱɛʅɛȶαℜש

The Protectorate shall be granted the right to levy its forces for self-defense. Additionally, the Protectorate may offer mercenary services to other nations, provided such activities receive prior approval from the Sylvan Duchy. The levy of the Protectorate may also be summoned for mutual defense when needed by the Sylvan Duchy.

Article VII - Diplomacy | ðɛʊʅ¤ɱαӄש

1. The Protectorate retains the right to independently initiate and maintain diplomatic relations with other states and entities. 

2. The Protectorate will present new diplomatic treaties to the Sylvan Duchy for initial approval. Once approved, the Duchy can only request denial of the treaty if the final version significantly differs from what was initially agreed upon

Article VIII - Faith | ʊαɛȶɦ

The Maehr will freely practice their faith. Efforts to convert individuals within the Protectorate to another faith must receive consent from the Protectorate’s authorities, protecting the spiritual sovereignty of the Maehr.

Article IX - Oath | ¤αȶɦʂ

The Protectorate will swear oaths of loyalty to the Duchy, acknowledging the Duchy’s overlordship while asserting the Protectorate’s rights to self-governance. This oath shall persist as long as the Protectorate resides on Duchy lands, with the understanding that the Protectorate retains the right to relocate its people at any time. In the event of a breach of the treaty terms by either party, a joint council will convene to discuss the issue and seek a peaceful resolution. Any unilateral action taken without this due process will be deemed an act of oath breaking and a violation of the treaty.

SIGNED,

Maelthor Oussana,

Keeper of Ker’Obval

Sorrgarr Oussana,

Ul’Udax of the Ularah Tong, Clan Lord of Oussana,

Keeper of Ker’Obval

Qudlia,

Keeper of Ker’Obval

His Grace, Ser Sterling Blaxton-Whitewood,

Duke of Brabant, Marquis of Lotusgrad, Baron of Blackwell, Lilenburg and Swan’s Keep, Lord of the Peaks, Protector of the Weefolk.

Her Grace, Azalea Whitwood,

Duchess of Brabant, Marquess of Lotusgrad, Baroness of Blackwell, Lilenburg and Swan’s Keep, High Chamberlain of Lotusgrad.

An Announcement from the Office of the Chief Justice 

- Issued on 13th of the Sun's Smile 169 SA-

Wanted 

DEAD OR ALIVE

For crimes of Assault, Heresy and Kidnapping

[i] A Sketch of an almost dead-looking old human man, with golden eyes could be seen

The Man who proclaims himself the Vicar 

Reward

1000 Minas

The necromancer pictured above poses a threat of the highest calibre towards descendant kin, having committed crimes against man and faith.  This man will not openly show his dangerous abilities, often attempting to lull his victims into a false sense of security. He will come as a bald near dead-looking old man with a white beard and golden/amber eyes. Furthermore, he may be seen with an accomplice, a necromancing mummy who may be even more dangerous than the Vicar and is known to have at least two necrotic armored guards in his entourage. 

As a word of prevention: Do not take this old man lightly, his necromancy gives him a power and strength far above his age and to take this man lightly might lead to an early grave. He has already openly attacked 3 citizens of Brabant in broad daylight. He has kidnapped and tortured one citizen using curses of insanity. 

The office of the Chief Justice prefers the necromancer known as The Vicar, to be brought alive, so that he may face justice of the courts and the Church. However, given the danger, it shall be warranted and deemed understandable if the Vicar is returned to the state in a deceased form.

We ask that he be found quickly for his plans for the Church and Brabant appear to be ambitious and by his own words: “One has been taken. Another will be soon. Do not run. Do not Hide. Neither Aurum nor salt nor paladins nor God will stop me. I am coming. Your shrines will crumble, your temples will burn.”

Any Information relating to ’The Vicar’ or his allies must be reported to the Chief Justice or the Duke of Brabant.

Signed,

His Grace, Ser Sterling Blaxton-Whitewood,

Duke of Brabant, Marquis of Lotusgrad, Baron of Blackwell, Lilenburg and Swan’s Keep, Lord of the Peaks, Protector of the Weefolk.
 

Firr Stefan Starling

Chief Justice of the Duchy of Brabant

The House of Whitewood is a newly established House, settled within the Aetherwood, west of Aevos. Although its formal history as a formal House is short it proudly instils the values of truth and piety in its members, and its founder is an experienced lord and warrior, establishing titles and land for the House in a matter of years.

The House of Whitewood was officially founded in the year 143 S.A | 493 E.S, with the withdrawal of Marquis Ser Sterling Whitewood from his birth House of Amador, due to him acquiring a title in the Halfing realm of Dunfarthing.

Though this is the official date when the name was created, the seeds of the House date back to the establishment of its first title, Swan’s Keep, upon the island of Failor in the year 129 S.A | 478 E.S, when Ser Sterling Whitewood founded a small keep and hamlet to provide respite for the displaced Haeseni, though it was not an officially recognised title.

Regardless, this act laid the foundations for the House, its Patriarch having proven himself to be a competent leader, being able to provide for his people. 

PURITY

The House’s motto is “Purity from Truth,” referencing the casting out of the Denier from the camps of Horen by Julia. The House of Whitewood interprets this passage as meaning that the purity of one’s tabernacle can only be maintained by casting out deception, and thus the motto. Due to this, members of the House are most comfortable with repentance through confessions; Baptism is a common tradition for newborns as well.

Purity, in general, is considered to be a virtuous trait by the House due to its association with Exalted Owyn, with the founding patriarch of the House being an Owynist. Due to this, piety is also highly important to the House. Regular attendance and prayer is required. 

MARTIAL

Furthermore, following the lessons of Exalted Owyn, the House raises all its kin to have a degree of martial experience in order to be able to defend themselves and others from Darkness.

The House in particular focuses on the use of heavy armour and weaponry, often wearing full plate and using arms such as great swords and maces. When it comes to ranged weaponry, the House prefers the use of crossbows, since they take less time to train with, allowing them to focus more on their preferred styles of combat.

With the Forest of Aetherwood being very hospitable to horse-rearing, many Whitewoods have taken to practising cavalry, an art which compliments their use of heavy equipment well.

EDUCATION

It is not sufficient for kin of Whitewood to be merely honest warriors, for people cannot navigate the world without sufficient knowledge. Members of the House tend to choose a scholarly field to pursue, after receiving a basic education. Common scholarly fields members of the House pursue are literature, astrology, history, governance and so on. Though the House has a particular preference towards the quill.

The mixture of both a martial and scholarly education allows the Whitewoods to be robust in their abilities, believing that battle should be done by the astute, and governance by the brave.

HAESENI ASTROLOGY

Following their values of scholarly education, the House follows the old horoscopes of Haense. They are a pious people, believing God guides all men, meaning they do not follow the stars to a fault, but instead believe some predictions or intent may be divined through them.

It is a common tradition that, before going on an expedition, the movement of the stars is scried, to determine one’s fortune. More often than not, this simply acts as a way to improve morale, rather than utilised as genuine strategic information.

AUDUNIC GODSWOOD

The First Patriarch of the House had squired in the Marchdom of the Barrowlands in his formative years, The local Adunian culture and beliefs influenced his development deeply and such traditions can be seen maintained by House Whitewood.

The most common principle of this is the concept of maintaining a Godswood, a protected area of woodland held by nobles for the sake of meditation and spirituality. Due to the belief that GOD’s creation is perfect and cannot be marred.

The House of Whitewood, however, extends its Godswood beyond a garden, extending its protection over the entire forest of the Aetherwood, forbidding damaging industries within its Marchdom, and limiting tree cutting to a point where the forest seems untouched. This has not impacted their lumber industry, however, since a single tree of the gigantic birches of the Aetherwood can provide enough timber to construct several houses.

AETHERWOOD BAKING

The House has a tradition of preferring baked cuisine, which proves to be a challenge to the house due to the fact that the Aetherwood forest in which they have settled, is not suitable land for agriculture. This means that products like refined flour or sugar are difficult to acquire.

However, the staunch love of baking has caused the house to pursue unorthodox ingredients. They hand grind flour out of anything that may be foraged within the Aetherwood: Hazel nuts, pecan nuts, wild rye and millet, etc. In addition to this, they sweeten their food using the sap of birch trees or with certain types of flora found within the Aetherwood.

 THE FIRST FABLE

On the fifth nameday of a child, a special ceremony is held at the family's home. Family and loved ones gather to hear an elder of the House recant a story or fable of the House that has a particular connection to the child in question. This tradition helps forge a meaningful connection between the child and their family's heritage, teaching them the values and ideals of the House.

THE SYLVAN MARRIAGE

Whitewood marriages are typically conducted within the Aetherwood, to symbolise the purity of marriage. If a Whitewood is marrying out of the House, they must wed within the woods of their spouse’s lands.

In addition to wedding rings, the future spouses must adorn each other with flower crowns that represent each other’s feelings towards one another.

THE EARTHLY FUNERAL

Instead of graveyards, House Whitewood opts to bury their relatives under the trees of the Aetherwood. This tradition comes from the original House of the Founder, the Amadors, and has been adapted to suit the religious beliefs of the Whitewood House.

It is believed that as the body of the deceased is slowly returned to the soil, their soul is liberated to the Seven Skies, and the tree under which they were buried remains a long-lasting and pure reminder of their legacy.

WHITEWOOD WREATHS

Titled and mainline members of the Whitewood House wear wreaths or flower crowns. The flowers that compose the crown are meticulously chosen to reflect one's unique traits. As the wearer of the crown progresses and changes with time, so their their flower crown.
 

The first flower crown is granted on someone’s 11th nameday, a tradition established in honour of Aurelia Augusta Nikuldov-Whitewood. The flower crown represents one’s youthful innocence. A new crown is bestowed upon one’s 18th nameday, to symbolise a coming of age.

TORATHI BANNER

A banner from the Torathi Clan of the Mori legions, which was taken after a victorious battle against them in the siege of Reinmar on Almaris, in the year 127 S.A | 476 E.S

THE ANCIENT BLADE OF BARROWS

An ancient blade of a fallen Adunian soldier turned undead. The Undead warrior had stalked the Barrowland for weeks until it was finally tracked down and slain by Ser Sterling at age 16.  120 S.A | 469 E.S

THE KING’S ROD

The fishing rod of King Georg I of Haense. The King had gifted this fishing rod to Ser Sterling when he was a young commoner, and it serves as an eternal reminder to the House of the grace of a ruler. 118 S.A | 467 E.S 

INHERITANCE

I. The Position of Patriarch/Matriarch and their respective titles are passed to the heir, who is chosen by the current Head.
II. Only their own children, mainline children, can be chosen to be the heir.
III. There is no preference for gender.

BASTARDY

I. Individuals who were not born in a legitimate union, or those who have been disowned by the House are to take the last name Thorn.
II. Legitimisation is the sole decision of the head of the House.

CONFLICT

I. Conflicts between House members are to be adjudicated by the House Head.
II. If conflict cannot be resolved through discussion, then the conflicting parties may duel.
III. Duels to the death are forbidden amongst House members.

COURTING

I. For House members to court, or be courted, approval is required from one’s parents and the House Head.

MARCHDOM OF LOTUSGRAD

EST. 143 S.A | 492. E.S

1st of Godfrey’s Triumph | Vzmey ag Hyff

The principal title of the House of Whitewood is the Marchdom of Lotusgrad. The heraldry represents a blue lotus on a white field. The Lotus and Field both represent purity. The golden waves within the lotus symbolise prosperity. 

REEVE OF SWAN’S KEEP

EST. 129 S.A | 478 E.S

16th of Sigismund’s End | Joma ag Umund

The first title created by the house, it was never officially recognised as the Patriarch had established a keep upon Failor on his own, and out of a sense of propriety due to him being a subject of Haense, he never gave himself an official title, only going by Lord of Swan’s Keep. With the Whitewood’s ascension to Nobility, the House reclaims this title.

The Swan is the moniker of the Patriarch of the House and the House animal. It wields a sword which ends in a star, indicating the professions of Ser Whitewood, being a knight and astrologer.

It is tradition for the Patriarch of the house to always maintain this title for themselves, due to its historic importance for the House.

REEVE OF LILENBURG

EST. 143 S.A | 492. E.S

1st of Godfrey’s Triumph | Vzmey ag Hyff

The capital town of the Marchdom is the Barony of Lilenburg. The heraldry is straightforward, with a tower to represent the Castle of Cygnetstone, and a lilly to reflect the flowers that go around it. The COA is coloured with the house’s colours. 

[!] Official Seal of House Whitewood