GoodGuyMatt 7066 Share Posted January 5, 2022 THE LEGACY OF THE REINMAREN CHAPTER III: THE REINMAREN INDIVIDUAL Penned on the 4th of Wzuvar and Byvca, 417 E.S Spoiler Wilheim Baron Freising, A Reinmaren leader. It is difficult to discern how an individual might behave in certain settings and conduct themselves based on the subgroup they belong to. Yet, there are traditional aspects and Reinmaren values that are bound to be reflected by an individual who has been raised within that paradigm which are of noteworthy relevance to document. Instead of outlining specific practices and acted traditions utilized by the Reinmaren, this document instead explores the shared ideals and broad concepts that most Reinmaren apply through their lives. Much like how the foundation stones set up the base of a complex castle, so too do these Reinmaren ideals work as foundations to a Reinmaren’s life. It unites them under a similar way of life in the modern days much like it did many centuries before. "GENERATIONAL MILITARISM" Their forefathers’ raiding traditions and transactional warfare have preserved a strong military tradition within the households of the Reinmaren. With such tradition persisting even through the modern age, it is no wonder that a fair count of Reinmaren men and women find themselves serving in the armies of their respective lieges. It is also not uncommon for the Reinmaren individual to strive for high ranking positions within their respective militaristic regiments, an ambition that is passed from parent to child within the Household. Such tradition became especially relevant in recent Reinmaren history after the ascending of Sir Wilheim Barclay, the founder of House Barclay, into the rank of Marshalship in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Indeed, Sir Wilheim’s service as Marshal of Haense is considered by many to be the era in which Reinmaren militarism rekindled, a claim supported by the three next Marshals of the Kingdom, all of Reinmaren descent, and all patriarchs of House Barclay. Notable also were the many army leaders who filled higher positions within the Haeseni Army during the “Centuria Barclaeis”, the period between 1725 and 1825, during which all Haeseni Marshals descended from House Barclay, including Baron Wilheim, and Dukes Erwin, Manfred, and Friedrich. As such precedent was set in the recent age, every child fathered within the Reinmaren household began going through a specific education, one that imposes a regimented lifestyle on the child during their youth. Hunting trips for the young became commonplace, as did riding trips to get them used to sitting on a stallion’s saddle, much like their ancestors before them. Trials were established in many a Reinmaren household, where the youth was to go through physical hardship during hunts to grow strong, and pledging into military service to grow loyal, both trials named Die einsame Jagd (The Lone Hunt) and Die Prüfung der Loyalität (The Trial of Loyalty) respectively. "WHO RESTS, RUSTS" Since their genesis, the Reinmaren have valued competence and hard work above all. They were grown to be hard workers, diligent and competent, so as to progress their tribes and clans, assuring survival and prosperity throughout their communities. Amongst the Reinmaren tribes, all work was given its due value, no matter its nature. The farmer held similar prestige to the warrior, the smith possessing similar value to the Rechtssprecher (the Lawspeaker), who assumed the role of a judge between cross-clan disputes. Such traditions have persisted to modern age, where the Reinmaren individual is taught the value of diligence and love of their occupation. These Waldenians tend to hold no prejudice towards those of lower-ranking professions, for they understand that all work is important. Without farmers there would be no harvests, without Lawspeakers no justice, without warriors no protection, without builders no home to protect. Such significance had the role of hard work within the Reinmaren society, that the hard workers and craftsmen of the tribes donned the name of Shqiptars, a practice continued to the modern day. Similarly, so too has the phrase “Wer Rastet, der Rostet” echoed through the Reinmaren generations, translating to “Who rests, rusts” WARHORSES AND WARBANDS Taking pride in their long and standing equestrian tradition since their pagan days, the Reinmaren continue their practices in the art of horse riding. Since their youth, the members of a Reinmaren house or clan are raised up to grow comfortable and reliant upon a stallion. So paramount is the skill of horse riding among the people of Reinmar, that most undergo trials to show themselves capable riders. These beasts are not only used for utility’s purpose by their riders, but they are considered animals of prestige and symbolize the Reinmaren spirit. Thus, the steed is held to high esteem and respect, it is not to be disrespected, but instead taken care of to the best of one’s abilities. In the eyes of a Reinmaren, the steed is the embodiment of its rider’s spirit, of their pride and of their soul. For this reason the appearances and types of steeds raised and used throughout these people tends to differ depending on the riders themselves. The warhorse, however, is the most common. Steeds raised for utility and warfare, proving themselves most useful in times of War. Much like they did during the many raids of the Reinmaren during their conversion, and even by the many members of House Barclay in recent history, who fought for homeland and kingdom atop their stallions. Raiders on horses and warmongers, these were the Reinmaren of old. They prospered in battle and war, despite their autonomy to live by their own work and land. During these times of war, however, the Reinmaren learned how to rely on one-another, their struggle and fight binded them together. Whilst such can be said for many cultures and peoples, the Reinmaren raider placed great value and trust in their fellow warriors. They did not see one another as simply men of similar ambitions, but instead as brothers. This isn’t to mean a figurative sense of the word brother. It meant quite literally to act and become brothers through oaths and blood after and during their raids. Eventually, this tradition became widespread in the territorial Reinmaren lands, especially amongst the younglings, who were raised in the steps of their predecessors. This tradition has remained the same these days as it was back then. Boys and girls of the same generation are raised together, especially those of extended family, though those not related by blood as well, depending on the social connections. They hunt together, train together, and complete their trials together, helping one another grow as they become older, eventually learning to be self-reliant, though knowing that they could count on their brothers nevertheless. These generational groups formed what are called Warbands. Much like many of the Reinmaren ideals, the specifics on how different clans and tribes went about cementing and organizing their Warbands varied. Many were known to take oaths to one another after reaching an age of majority, whilst others would also partake in a blood-bond ritual. The practices varied, yet the idea of a Warband and the way that the Reinmaren readily relied on one another is common amongst these people. "REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS" Like a domesticated eagle upholds its instincts, so too have the Reinmaren adapted to modern society upheld their traditions and values. Feudal titles have not broken nor changed their identity and way of life; on the contrary, they have added value to them. So has the modern Reinmaren remained true to his roots, be their noble or peasant, royal or gentry. As feverishly preached by the first Reinmaren lord in Haense, Ser Wilheim Barclay, “Remember your roots”, were the words taught to the young nobles of House Barclay. Thus, raising them not to think themselves higher than their commoner peers, but instead see them as equals. Erwin Barclay happened to be a prime example of such practice. A marshal of many men within the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, the first duke of Reinmar was known for his informality amongst his men, calling them all brothers, and treating them all with respect. The Reinmaren ideal consists of recognizing men not through the birth of their class, but their brightness of hearts, their competence and their conduct. A lowborn man whose heart is pure, in Reinmaren idealism, is in nature nobler than a highborn with a blackened soul. To garner respect from the Reinmaren does not mean to hold vast titles and sprawling bloodlines, but to conduct oneself with honor, dignity and power. Thus, the Reinmaren make little distinction between socially stratified classes, for all are equal among them, and those who have corrupted themselves are lesser than those who have a lack of sin. This culture of semi egalitarianism has evolved from the tribal structures that preceded them, in which noble titles and courtly ranks were far and in between, making their way for traditional tribal distinctions of practicality. This culture, coupled with the doctrine of remembering one’s roots - the roots of fishermen and warriors who established their own Duchy would establish certain behavioral patterns. Dismissive of exaggerated show of formalities, parades and etiquette, the Reinmaren believe that it is not titles and stylings that make up a man, but their display of how they have earned it. Thus, right by birth seems alien to some, and raises eyebrows about what a title-holder has done to earn the right of holding titular prestige. In the same vein, many do not like the extravagance of addressing men in their formal styling in casual settings, and opt to refer to the man as the title they hold, such as referring to a Count as ‘Count’ instead of ‘Your Lordship’ as their peasant and informal ancestors have done centuries before them. UNYIELDING REINMAREN FAITH Originally prospering as devout pagans to their old gods, the Reinmaren found themselves, like most of humanity, converted under the righteous banner of Canonism. Finally able to see the light of GOD, or GOTT as their Waldenian language has them refer to Him, the Reinmaren made for as devout Canonists as they were pagans. Most dropped their old and false idols as the conversion spread, and to this day virtually all civilized Reinmaren have done so, with the exception of a few isolated tribes that may uphold the old ways. Nevertheless, the Reinmaren as a people have shown great devotion to the faith to be part of their nature, be it paganism or Canonism. Many times throughout their history has this made itself clear, with great examples of great spiritual Canonist achievement being found in the likes of Saint Tylos, Cardinals Anton, Ailred, Adelric and Alfred Barclay, who later became Pontiff Tylos I. Not long ago did all Reinmaren show their devotion to the faith, turning their back to the pretender anti-Pontiff Michael I, a born Reinmaren, who attempted to dethrone Pontiff Everard VI. During these events, did all the Reinmaren chiefs and lords gather to condemn Michael I, remaining true to their church and to their faith. SCHWUR, THE WORD OF HONOR Throughout the many tribes of Reinmar before their introduction to feudalism, clan chiefs held a good portion of the power, being representatives and high leaders of their people. These tribes spanned far and wide through large areas of land, making good use of what nature provided. Nevertheless, it was common that different tribes came into contact with one another, be it to aid one another, or to go to war. In our current days, parchments, documents and official declarations have been the common way for rules to shape their diplomatic relations, binding them to their written words. In comparison, the chieftains of Reinmar had no such means, the art of writing in that age was foreign to these peoples, and most deals had to be done by word of mouth. Thus came to be the concept of the Reinmaren Schwur, roughly translating to word of honor. To give one’s Schwur, means to make a vow, an oath that binds the Reinmaren to their word. The word doesn’t bind with the individual’s honor, it instead is believed to bind with the individual’s own being. They are their word, their Schwur, thus, straying from it means to stray from oneself, to commit treason against your own self. Within the Reinmaren culture at the time, this ideal proved rather effective, for the people appeared to indeed hold onto their words, only rarely straying from it, and when they did, they would be persecuted and punished by their peers, seen as criminals. Throughout the many tribes of Reinmar, the specific practices of the Shwur are known to have differed, some tying it with due ceremonies and rituals before a proper Shwur was given, whilst others would also give, with their word, a symbolic item to show for it. Nevertheless, the broader concept remained the same. It started with the chieftains and leaders of people, but the idea of a word binding one to their own being quickly spread throughout the many tribes and all their members, becoming a shared cultural phenomena. It persists to the modern day, albeit not as commonly used as in the old days, the Reinmaren of this day and age who know how to give their Schwur, are taught to stick by it until the end of their days, lest they commit treason to their own being. IM NAMEN GOTTES, His Excellency, Johann Erich Barclay, Lord Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska, Prince of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Kretzen, Baron of Sigradz and Freising, Lord of Wilheburg and Freisburg Ser Osvald Barclay KML KC Ernst Hieromonk 22 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
argonian 12840 Share Posted January 5, 2022 "Wait, Osvald is still alive? How ******* old is he???" asks a bemused Jurgen!!! 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CopOwl 1668 Share Posted January 5, 2022 Adrianna Darkwood née Barclay, a devout Waldenian, bows her head upon reading the short book. She smiles in satisfaction, "Very gutte," she affirms proudly, "Haense will cry our name für centuries to come-! Green und blue Ich dress..." She recites to herself. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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