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HANSETIC KNIGHTHOOD AND ITS CURRENT FLAWS


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KNIGHTHOOD AND ITS CURRENT FLAWS

Or, an analyses of the past and current state of Ritterschaft and the future it holds in Hanseti-Ruska

By Johann Peter von Remsberg

 


PREAMBLE 

I. Introduction: 

II. A Brief History of Hansetic Knighthood 

III. Analysis of Modern Problems and Flaws 

IV. Offered Alternative 

V. Conclusion 

VI. Bibliographie 

VII. Kreditierung/Honourable mentions 

 


 

PREAMBLE 

NOTE: This work is primarily focused on analysing the current flaws of hansetic knighthood, later referred to as “Ritterschaft”(trans. waldenian) and tries to offer a different approach on the subject. The author has chosen literature and references, which are directly taken from the WORK DIRECTION. Therefore the citation style has been copied for easy understanding for the reader. To find the cited works and for a more in depth research please use the WORK DIRECTION. The author has been tasked to create a concept by his royal majesty Sigismund III, long may he reign, and will also submit this thesis as a graduation paper from the Royal Academy of St. Catherine.
The author hereby declares that the thesis submitted is his own unaided work. All direct or indirect sources used are acknowledged as references. He is aware that the thesis can be examined for the use of unauthorized aid and in order to determine whether the thesis as a whole or parts incorporated in it may be deemed as plagiarism. For the comparison of the authors work with existing sources he agrees that it shall be entered in a database where it shall also remain after examination, to enable comparison with future theses submitted. Further rights of reproduction and usage, however, are not granted here. This paper was not previously presented to another examination board and has not been published!

I. Introduction

The moderness and age of liberation has left its mark on the hansetic landscape. The imperial influence is an ever growing “threat” to many elder and more conservative citizens. Especially in times of peace, where the Rubern threat is practically non-existent, one group of people gets left out and seems to have no purpose other than patrolling the streets: The knights of Haense. Multiple complaints have been filed against the once so honourable men of Haense who have sworn to protect the crown and its citizens from any threat. But have the protectors become the oppressors? The following pages will give a brief history and overview of how the knights of Haense work, what their history is and what they are required to do. Furthermore I will name the flaws that are evident and name a first alternative approach on how to slowly reform the knighthood into glory again. His royal majesty, möge er lange regieren, has issued this paper due to him being also dissatisfied with the current state of the hansetic knights. 

 

II. A Brief History of Hansetic Knighthood

Knighthood or Ritterschaft (trans. from waldenian) in Hanse-Ruska has its origins within the founding of the state of Haense. Companioned by fellow almannish, alminanian and dulolinan (DICTIONARY AND ETHO) Rittersmann (trans. Waldenian “A singular knight”), Karl Barbanov, Gott erbarme sich seiner, soon to be the first Herzog, would strip the control of Otto Heinzreich, the governour of the first so called “Hansetican state”, to which historians refer to as a mere puppet state and reform it to the first ducal realm, which was named “Haense”. The first Duke of Haense, used his chance during the Schism War during the 1490’s, like many other raevic lords, to oppose and replace the prior ruling caste of wrongly ruling, self-proclaimed “waldenian” lords, in the ruins of Vanderfell.(No.1)

It was the military genius of Karl and his officers to bring peace in the Hinterlands and oppose the dwarven invasion, which resulted in the siege of Siegrad. Needless to say that the Ritterschaft of Karl was serving as his hands to gather the shattered piece of divine mug called Waldenia, to smelt them into a new goblet which we drink out today. The Mutterland (trans. waldenian “Country of origin”) was complete after bringing peace to the Hinterland, sometimes with fire and steel but sometimes with chivalry and faith. (No.2)

Throughout the history of Haense, the knighthood was always omnipresent. The Mutterland of the past and present is incomplete when you ignore the efforts by the various knights. This so-called “Heimatliebe' (trans. Waldenian “to express once love for the country of origin”') to the Mutterland, a trait which originated from Alimania, is ever so present in hansetic-raev history. During the eighteen years wars, the Carnatian Hussars more than just known in the imperial army. These proud and dedicated Rittersmann were essential in the battle of Krajia in 1570 which ultimately resulted in the founding of the state we know as Hanseti-Ruska.

During the struggles of the mad Kaiser Phillip, the hansetic Ritter took care that the authority of the weakend crown remained. While König Marius I., Gott sei ihm seiner gnädig, was still a child and his uncle took care of the everyday business, the Ritter under the guidance of the Kovachev house, desperately held up the frame that would later become the frontier state.

 

 

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-= Mutterland Haense stichting the crow on to flag, EST. 1635, unknown artist =-


 

III. Analysis of Modern Problems and Flaws

The retro perspective of the knight's history shows that the focus of the knights have always been more militant than cultural. “Jedes Land hat eine Armee, aber die Armee von Hänse hat einen Staat.” - “Every state has its army, but the army of Ha(e)nse has a state.” This helped a lot to quickly regain strength after losses and general times of trouble. But it is this mindset that is prevent the hansetic society to achieve the next level of cultural enlightenment. A culture consumed by jousts, tournaments and an everlasting drill, prevents any aspiring Jungmann to bring Ritterschaft to the next level. The long polearm of justice, which have been the knights of Hansetic-Ruska, must embrace the idea of not just being the militant force like their ancestors have been for, Gott bless his name and his house, Karl Barbanov.(No.3) I do not wish to blame the current knights for deeds, as long as they are following the Haensic code of honour (No.4):


“A Haensic man will respect legitimate authority, and remain loyal to their King and Country.

  • A man of Haense will know the strength of their sword. They would not kill churlishly, and will only take up arms  for a worthy cause.

  • When at war, a Haensic man will be the first on the field, and the last to leave it.

  • A true Highlander will never abandon a companion though they will honor sacrifice freely given.

  • If an enemy were to surrender to a Haensic Man they would respect the honor of their prisoner, treating them properly, never stooping to such lows as torture.

  • A Haensic man would never refuse a challenge from an equal.

  • A Highlander will suffer death before dishonor.

  • An honorable man of the North would protect those under their roofs as guests. Only harming a guest  if they directly attempt to harm them or their kin.

  • A Haensic man will defend the honor of the Church of the Canon, be god fearing, and respect all of it’s tenants.

  • A man of the North shall never break an Oath, lest they be branded an Oathbreaker, and lose all of their honor.

  • A Haensic man must not lie, for an honorable man has nothing to hide.

  • A man of Haense will champion all that is right, and good against injustice, and the evils of the world.

  • A Haensic lord who finds a criminal in their territory will give them a just trial, and punish them himself.  

  • A man of Haense will respect all women

  • A Haensic man will never commit infidelity, staying true to the woman to whom he is wed.”

 

It’d not go as far to say that König Marius, Gott erbarme sich seiner, concept is outdated, but the current knights seem to have forgotten that all of these traits are meant to be treated equally. History proves that the first seven principles have been outstandingly practised throughout the centuries, while the last seven seemed to be optional rules which can be ignored.
The first seven principles could be compared to the strong hand of König Karl, Gott sei ihm gnädig, saw a future in the burned lands of Waldenian and used force and care to prepare the lands, by planting the seeds into the soil. For future references these will be addressed as the “ “Principles of soil tilling” These are necessary and incredibly important to maintain what we call Haense. They give structure, rules and an idea of identity. But they are nothing more than that. They lack what makes our Mutterland so unique upon the other states and realms. The last seven principles could be compared with a sharp Scythe that harvests the crops König Karl had planted, the Mutterland is providing him and his kinsmen. For future references the last seven principles will be referred to as the “Principles of Harvest”. Filled with Heimatliebe, these seven principles give every man of Haense an identity. (No.5)

 

Knights are meant to be role models for the everyday citizens of Haense. People tend to forget that König Karls, Gott erbarme sich seiner, most trusted companions were nothing more but mere almannish, alminanian and dulolinan men, who did not originate from long lines of noble houses. The houses which formed out of these men proved ( e.g. Kovachev, Colborn, etc.) that the Heimatliebe to your Mutterland can make the poorest of the poorest into the most trusted and efficient work tools. The traditional auvergenian concept of a squire, who also descends from at least a gentry house, prevents any man from lower birth to express his Heimatliebe. Instead. entitlement brought Augustus d’Amaurys legacy to its knees, due to his knights only choosing highborn sons as knights. The almannish Rittersmann inspired the dulolinan to take arms against the oppressive force which held them back. They were indeed the frontmen to fight, but also the finest architects and authors, which helped Haense to reach its peak. (No.6)

The current knights possess the full first seven principles and live by it with all their heart. But it isn't enough to become what König Karl and König Marius I., Gott erbarme sich ihrer, had in mind. Their hearts beat for Haense with fury and passion. They are willing to crush any opposition but have forgotten what Heimatliebe means. Choosing their entitled sons, they are committing the same sins as Lorraine and Courland did. They lack the idea of feeding the poor, helping the needy, embrace the weaponless sides of their culture. (No.7)

 

VywHt2PlRtKw1XBZoM5Iky5Uy3h2W-aoa_5wbgxeRpnzdDwxC2vov-3ENBuiD-8RRr26rnBErCLSPGtJvf-5ppLNy2asrS66XKdfzMB64ES72fKd3Y8WOTB5Nj5tNwpF5jxOmSD9

-= Ser Bernhard d’Rem roaming the streets on his last patrol, EST. 1678, colourized. =-

IV. The First Step to Reform Knighthood 

To ensure that the principles of Harvest of König Marius, Gott erbarme sich seiner, are getting the same treatment as the principles of tilling Soil, I am proposing an alternative approach on the matter of Ritterschaft. Instead of squireship, all individuals, who are reaching out to become the thrones tools of tilling and harvest, must pass the following classes in the Royal Academy of St. Catherine. This means, that everyone, highborn, or not may take these courses:

Etiquette & LAW : Sobald die Krähe wieder krächzt, der Raev sofort beginnt to ächzt.” old Waldeninan proverb.

The current lack of knowledge when it comes to addressing the royal family, nobles and other officials threaten the state's stability. Ritter are supposed to know who they are talking to and how to behave, so the citizens will follow his example. It is of utmost importance that knights return to their destined position as the tools of the monarch and reap the crops of the Mutterland. 


Dancing“What bizzar folk the raev are.. Putting masks upon their visages as if they are thinking to fool everybody” an unknown author, describing his impression of Maskoez of the Barovifest.

A knight is the connection between the ordinary man and the highborns/royal family. And as every man from Haense, he is required to partake in every event. From the simplest rural celebration of Barovifest to the highest feast at a royal wedding. Men of Haense are meant to dance and express their love to it. Dancing has a long tradition, it is of utmost importance that knights openly embrace their Heimat and express their love for it by dancing with fellow hunnician alike. 

 

History: “My ancestors are smiling at me imperial, can you say the same?” -  König Otto Andreas Barbanov - before slaying Kaiser Hans IV.

Our past defines us in the present. To ensure that every Ritter knows what they are fighting for and why they are fighting and living out the Heimatliebe, they are expected to be aware of our past. This does include the names and history of Kings, Queens, Bihars, Wars & Battles, Reforms & Setbacks, Saints and Deceivers, etc. A fundamental basis of knowledge is required to fully embrace the hanesetic identity which is necessary to become a Rittersmann of his royal majesty.


Swordsmanship: “Where words are unable to pierce a foe's heart, a sword must do.” famous last words of Ezechiel Riefenwald. 

A knight must defend himself, with words and the blade alike. In order to represent his majesty's authority and will, the Rittersmann must be able to defend his opinion with steel if he has to. Lessons in swordsmanship form the man into a knight who proudly waves the banner of the Mutterland and charges forth into battle without any doubts.

Craftsmanship: “Rejoice Rejoice, the hammer said to the nail. We form a union that shall last forever!”- Wittelsbacher poem from the woodworking guild.

From making toys for orphans to smithing his own blades, the Rittersmann of Haense is required to use his hands for work, not just the blade. The knights played an essential role in building up the Mutterland under König Karl, Gott sei ihm gnädig. Let us not forget that the simplest farmers, craftsmen and merchants, formed the first assembly of Rittersmann when Karl called for arms to find Siegrad! If a man does not yet have learned craftsmanship, like woodworking, smithing, masonry, weaving, he must learn it and prove himself to be a dedicated apprentice of it. In times where no blade is required to bring Haense forwards, every trained hand helps to build up the Mutterland. 


Literature: “The Quill is a deadly weapon. With a simple strike it can change the most beloved König into the most hated tyrant.”

To keep track of the past and experiment with the kiss of the muse is a mandatory thing for a Rittersmann. The last seven principles tell us directly the importance of culture which must be harvested from the soil. But to make sure new crops are growing and getting harvested in time, the Rittersmann is required to constantly keep track of all events, create essays, be able to write diplomatic letters, and love poems. 

 

Riding: “Who says now that crows cannot mount dragons!” Karl Barbanov, on his wedding night.

The golden Hussars of Carnatia are a prime example of hansetic riding superiority. But in the last couple of decades a slow decline of the quality has been noticed. Due to the never seeming to end war against Rubern, many horse breeders were forced to flee from their houses within the city walls, leaving the stallions to starve and wither outside. Currently the people of Haense are rediscovering their abilities to breed stallions who can easily compete with those of the imperial crown territory. Due to their heritage the so called “Hengste” are able to withstand the freezing cold and hard ground way longer than their midlands counterparts. As a Rittersman each knight is required to own a horse and be able to ride it, to relive the history of the Golden Hussars.


Music or other Art class Who was the fiercest of the crows to fly in the land,

And the noblest of lords in Sigmund’s clan?[..]” – (No.8)
Like dancing, singing and poem, Music is an extremely important aspect of the almannish  which has swept over to our current cultural state. A Rittersman is required to sing such songs and play at least one instrument, e.g. Laute & Flöte  (trans. waldenian “Lute & flute”). If a Rittersman shows no sign of musical talent, he shall try his best to create painting or even sculptures.

 

Theology: “Holy Father, in Your Name we bless this sheep of your flock. For your bounty is the greatest bounty, and your mercy is of the greatest mercy. Blessed be GOD for Your Mercy is unparalleled.” (No.9)

Especially in troubled times, the poorest of the poor shift their gaze upon the mother church and their idols, the Ritter. It is incredibly important that the Ritterschaft must act as a prime example of men of good faith. Attending mass is mandatory. Confessing your sins necessary. And openly discourage heresy and strike mercilessly against any religious opposition. The holy mother church has proved to be a caring gentle mother to Haense. Trusting it with many positions and allowing many prominent figures to rise to the highest ranks within the mother church. You simply cannot be a knight if you are not a Cannonist and do not defend its moral codex. A knight which has been found guilty of heresy shall be stripped of his titles and position.

 

78S6_TUhVVf8Uxdc_QJtxlY5rriMQeVfUnQ7qcvicx6wEQ1WbExHXWhaoW6Y4b5ybAhkGXAyLDgZ5q2hvbx8UBLDowT-Y0C5i2QpWq9x__YzswbeHoZ0SHSC12M1cDZxW50RCnt8

-= The Sacking of Riga =- 

V. Conclusion

The Ritterschaft of Haense is the bridge between the crown and its subject. No one else is so important to keep up the inner stability and express the royal will like they do. The history as proved that the best knights descend from the simplest households, with exceptions of course. What I propose is an entire removal of the concept of squirehood and instead make knights an openly accessible course in the royal academy of St. Catherina. With the expertise of former Head Ritter and the Headmaster, a course will be arranged shortly. This is not meant to be an insult, but a mere critique of the current state. Haense is currently at peace and we must ensure that our knights are also an essential part of it not just blades who get rusty if not getting used.

 

VI. Bibliographie

 

VII. Kreditierung/Honourable mentions

His royal Majesty König Sigismund III. @seannie
Her royal Highness Amelya Valeriya  @Miko0322
Otto the Tarchman @yopplwasupxxx

Lord Godfric Alimar @NJBB

Klaus von Orange @The King Of The Moon
Herr Siegmund Corbish @Nathan_Barnett36
Bishop George @Piov

Lord Otto Sigmar Alimar @Pureimp10

Sofiya Baruch @Juli

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“Well done, Mister Johann! The issues have been diagnosed, now it is time for us to cure these ailments.” Sigismund commented upon the publication’s release, passing the documents along to his close compatriots. 

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”Hmpf, a time for reform I see, well lets see what comes next..” *Would say with hope, ready for times of new reform and optimistically awaiting what comes next*

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Ser Lukas Vyronov fully agrees with this, knowing that he will have to show the younger knights this every time he gets the chance so that they may choose to follow this way that he prays he has followed himself

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Ser Ivan nods approvingly as he reads the article

 

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“Finally, a reform,” murmured Alexandria Barbanov, almost in relief, as she read through a copy of a document within the private green house atop the palace.  “We cannot continue to have a golden age in Haense when every other knight earned their title through minor deeds; we are better than that.  I trust that Johann shall bring honor back to the status of knighthood in time.”

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