THE VISCOUNTY OF MINITZ

[MadOne 3375]

THE VISCOUNTY OF MINITZ

 

     

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Two Minitzian tribesmen on a journey up the mountains.
     
“I would like to act as a rabid Reinmaren ultranationalist. I will be as Tylos was!”
- Waldemar of Vienne

 

“I don’t act it. I live it.”
- Albrecht of Reinmar

 

Freedom, a principle so rooted within the Reinmaren individual, a song so liberating as to change one’s life in the blink of an eye. Since the ancient times when the clans and tribes of Reinmar were first founded, these Waldenian people have always pursued freedom in a longing journey to achieve it, be it as individuals, or as a common people. In this same breath, is the Viscounty of Minitz founded, to embrace these Reinamren ideals and beyond that, to spread the territories of the Reinmaren peoples, so that anyone amongst them might find a home there.

 

 

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TERMINOLOGY

A Minitzer Scholar of MILF.

 

Established along with the Viscounty, the Minitzian Infrastructure of Linguistic Formulation, or MILF for short, serves as the centre of linguistic and literacy expression within the Viscounty of Minitz. Alongside such aims, it is the MILF’s duty to make sure the subjects of the realm, both old and new, are taught and informed on the very basics of Waldenian speech. Granted that anyone of any background may join Minitz to become of Reinmaren culture, the learning of Waldenian language makes this Infrastructure even more important.

 

The following basic linguistic information associated with the Viscounty of Minitz is provided by the MILF:

 

Viscounty of Minitz: Reinmaren vassal in the Kingdom of Oren.
Minitzer (Demonym): the inhabitants and natives of Minitz (Pl.: Minitzer)
Minitzian (Adjective): relating to the Viscounty of Minitz, excluding the inhabitants.
Reinmaren: Waldenian subculture with strong ties and preservation of tribal Traditions (Dem. & Adj.: Reinmaren)
Duchy of Reinmar: Reinmaren vassal in the Kingdom of Haense.
     

 

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CULTURE

     The Castle of Brandthof, Seat of House Barclay von Minitz.

 

The subjects and peoples of Minitz distinguish themselves from the rest of the Kingdom not only for being Reinmaren in name, but also through embracing the Proto-Reinmaren culture. The Minitzers have found value in sticking to their roots, to embracing their Old Reinmaren ancestors, who, although were tribesmen and barbarians, had their own merits in the way of life to pick from. 

 

This cultural embrace, however, is established  in harmony with the socio-cultural climate of the current era and aims to achieve syncretism between tribal and feudal cultures. Decentralization of both militia and authority within the realm, clothing, practices and rituals, architecture, and warbands are just some of the elements adopted from the Old Reinmaren culture. Meanwhile aspects like religion, laws of succession, and courtly attire of the nobility remain mostly unchanged from the current standards, ensuring the existence of a people rich in unique customs, yet able to coexist in harmony with the rest of the Kingdom.

 

For more on Minitzian culture, detailed information can be found below;

 

 

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TRADITIONS

Reinmaren Warriors patrolling alongside Rivian Levymen.

 

COLLECTIVE EGALITARIANISM - The Minitzian idealism teaches and enshrines ideas of industriousness and hard work on behalf of one's community. It is believed that all men, as long as they contribute to the collective, are equal parts in a bigger machine, no matter their social status. All such men are free to do as they please and coexist with their fellows. As a result, the Reinmaren people of Minitz have a long history of holding assemblies of the land's people, debating politics, law, finance in order to strike a balance of power between the various social classes that inhabit the Viscounty.. As a result, many of the institutions of Minitz and offices that these institutions occupy are elective in nature, wherein every man has an input on how their society is run by their leaders. 

 

TRIBAL UNITY - The Minitzian culture emphasizes the familial and communal bonds its people share, pushing them to remember their shared heritage. As a result of this, the Viscounty maintains multiple Reinmaren families with their own chieftains, who answer to the High Chief. These tribes are entitled to sit in a Tribal Moot to decide matters of governance. 

 

THE DIARCHY - The men of Minitz stand in the middle of two worlds; the feudal, and the tribal. It is imperative that both of these worlds of Minitzer society are represented in the overall Viscounty. Thus, the men of Minitz grant feudal authority to their Viscount, yet authority over tribal matters to their High Chief. Both of these offices rule Minitz together.
     
REINMAREN PASTORALISTS - The Minitzers are at home in wide and open terrain, where they herd large groups of animals. Thus, they have accumulated knowledge and experience in the fine art and science of horse breeding. Whether destriers or coursers, the horses of these people are renowned for their superiority, and being able to ride is considered a basic necessity.

 

A warrior atop a Minitzian breed of stallion.

 

THE FEAST OF THE TRIBE - Derived from the old Reinmaren "Fest des Stammes", the Feast of the Tribe is a rekindled tradition in which warriors, together with other residents of the realm, are gathered by their liege every few years in order to have a collective feast of revelry. For approximately four years, each man in Minitz prepares for the feast by cultivating and herding, so that they have something to offer for the feast. Many artisans bring fine cheese and wine, herders and hunters bring various roasts, farmers bring their grain, beer and eggs, and each man enjoys the fruits of their collective work. During the feast, other than contributing to the table, each man brings forth a gift, and these gifts are gathered before the Chieftain and the Viscount, who distribute the gifts to random individuals.

 

BREAD, BEER AND HEART -  Throughout both Proto-Reinmaren tribes as well as in the late County of Fraimark, the Reinmaren have always put great value in honoring and showing hospitality to guests, a tradition closely related to the upholding of the Shwur. Upon visitation to a Minitzian household, a guest can expect to be treated similarly to royalty. They are cared for at all times, delicious food is cooked and brought onto the table upon the arrival of guests, be they announced or not, and any accommodation is offered with a caring, welcoming heart from the members of the household. Usually, this is presented in the form of Bear, Beer and Heart. Heart in this context refers to the heart-to-heart hospitality found by the visiting guests. In Proto-Reinmaren folklore, it was even said that the patriarch of a house would remain loyal to and protect their guests, even if it meant putting their own family in danger.

 

DER SCHWUR - An important part of the Reinmaren culture, surviving to the modern day, the Shwur, translated from Waldenian, closely translates to the word of honour, or as it was used in a better context in Old Reinmaren, Besa. The Schwur could be found in most of the life of the tribal Reinmaren, it was the word that binded him to his honor, to his very own being. A similar concept finds its way utilized and practiced within the Viscoutny of Minitz, for every resident within the realm is held accountable based on his word of oath, and breaking it is not only frowned upon, but may even lead to further consequences by the individual’s fellow peers.

 

 

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THE MINITZIAN SOCIETY 

A noble Minitzer in his noble Reinmaren attire, a Warchief with his wife, and a feudal Ushtar.

 

 

Built upon the Diarchy of old and new, tribalism and feudalism, the Minitzian society is a reflection of this exact tradition. A realm of unity and harmony between these two lifestyles, the Viscounty of Minitz promotes two types of societies, both living in the same realm, both living in harmony with one another. Whilst the Feudal and Tribal groups of Minitz differ from one another in terms of hierarchy, attire, aesthetics, as well as practices and role within the Viscounty, no individual Minitzer is forced to choose between carrying a function exclusively for one group. Overlaps are most common, a tribal warrior can also be a merchant, and the Bailiff may also be a Warchief; although, a few restrictions are held in place in order to ensure that positions of power are not abused.

 

Furthermore, acting as a bridge between these two societies is the Lawspeaker, who, in Proto-Reinmaren times, acted as an upholder, lecturer, and writer of the law. Thus, shall the role of the Lawspeaker also be established in Minitz, as a party not exclusive to neither the feudals and the tribals, but to serve and work with both towards the prosperity of the Viscounty.

THE LAWSPEAKER OF MINITZ

The Lawspeaker passing judgment during a Minitzian trial.

 

Elected by the entirety of the people of Minitz, both feudal and tribal, the Lawspeaker is the bridge that connects these two populations. As the role of the Lawspeaker served during the oldened Reinmaren days, so too the Lawspeaker of Minitz acts as the highest authority of law, to both create, expand, and enforce the Minitzian Kanun. The Kanun itself is the legal codex of Minitz, based on both Reinmaren traditional customary laws, and the modern laws of our world. Every Minitzer abides by this Kanun, and they are judged by either the Lawspeaker or their representatives.

 

Once elected, the Lawspeaker serves for life, unless a re-election is held at either the discretion of the Viscount or Chieftain. During these nominations, both the Viscount and Chieftain hold two votes each, whilst every other Minitzer holds one.

 

POWERS:

The Lawspeaker of Minitz is the ultimate legal authority on the Viscounty, ensuring that justice and righteousness are upkept within the boundaries, so that every Reinmaren may live freely. The Lawspeaker thus;

• May nominate two individuals for Lawspeaker after their own term, but holds no vote in the next election. These nominations can change throughout the current Lawspeaker’s life
• May allow or halt the founding of a new tribe upon petition from the Tribesmen of Minitz.
• Upon the Viscount’s proposal to re-elect the Chieftain, the Lawspeaker can veto the vote
• May call for the re-election of a Chieftain after the absence of the current one for more than five years.

 

THE FEUDAL SOCIETY:

Viscount Dietrich Barclay of Minitz.

 

THE VISCOUNT AND NOBILITY

Composed of members of the Dynasty of Barclay as Lords of Minitz, the Nobility of the Viscounty is held to the highest esteem amongst its populace, especially the Feudal one. They are the Lords of the land, thus enjoying a great deal of privileges that come with their titles.

 

POWERS:
The Viscount of Minitz is the highest authority within the feudal society, holding great privileges and power in the tribal group as well, due to being the lord of the land. The Viscount thus:

• Holds two votes in the elections of the Lawspeaker, and is able to nominate up to three individuals for the position in case of the death or abdication of the previous Lawspeaker.
• May nominate someone who is not a Warchief for the position of the Chieftain whenever elections are held. This person however doesn’t hold a vote during said election
• May call for the re-election of the Chieftain, and holds a vote in the election of this position alongside the rest of the Warchiefs or Warriors.
• May call for the re-election of a Lawspeaker after the absence of the current one for more than five years.
• Can propose Laws directly to the Lawspeaker without holding votes in the Moot.

     
BAILIFF OF BRANDTHOF

Appointed directly by the Viscount of Minitz, the Bailiff serves as the Viscount’s representative within the Castle of Brandthof. Whilst their duties may span through a wide range of responsibilities depending on the current ongoing, the Bailiff mainly as the head steward of the land, helping levy the Minitzian taxes. Thus, is the Bailiff appointed as the right hand of the Viscount when it comes to inner Feudal affairs, and they also hold authority over the Ushtars, who act as the feudal town’s guard

 

GENTRY

The Gentry class is composed of individuals who have contributed much to Minitz through different services, be they through work within the offices, in the battlefield, heroic deeds, etc. The Ushtars are also part of this feudal group, acting as Knights and personal projectors to the Viscount. The title of Gentry is only given by the Viscount themselves, and those individuals who hold the title also hold seats within the High Moot of Minitz.
          
MERCHANTS

The Barclays and Minitzers alike understand the importance of trade and free market within the governed land. The first Baron of Minitz used to only be a wine merchant, after all. Those traders and merchants who call the Viscounty their home enjoy both the social and economic benefits of their merits. They are allowed to purchase and own stalls, shops, and property within the land, to conduct their trade freely, providing wares and goods to the subjects of Minitz.

 

SERFS

The backbone of the realm, the Serf, despite being the lowest of the social ranks in Minitz, still enjoy their own reputation and way of life. These are the hard workers, the farmers, miners, woodcutters and the servants. Leading a much simpler lifestyle in their own right, the Serfs do not own the properties or land they live in. They are instead given the land by the Viscount, and offer a portion of their harvests and produce as tax. Usually living in the outskirts of Brandthof, the Serf is usually tied to the land, and although they may travel as they please most of the time, in times of emergency and turmoil, they might be told by their liege to not leave the Viscounty.

 

THE TRIBAL SOCIETY:

Sir Leon Barclay, the Warchief of the Theoderican Warriors.

 

CHIEFTAIN

As the highest authority within the tribal society of Minitz, the Chieftain is elected by a majority vote between the Warchiefs of Minitz as well as the Viscount, each holding onevote. In the case where there are less than two Warchiefs, the vote is held amongst all the Tribesmen. Whilst the nominees for the position are usually only the Warchiefs, in the case of only one Warchief being appointed, anyone amongst the Warriors of Minitz may be nominated.

Acting akin to a co-leader with the Viscount, the Chieftain is responsible for the management of the Warchiefs of Minitz, and their respective Tribesmen and Warriors. The Chieftain is the highest authority within Theoderic’s Warband.

 

POWERS:
As one of the three core leaders of Minitz, the Chieftain thus:

• Holds two votes in Lawspeaker elections, but may not nominate people for Lawspeaker
• May call for the re-election of a Lawspeaker after the absence of the current one for more than five years.
• May call a vote to veto the founding of a new Tribe after it has been approved by the Lawspeaker. This vote is held by all the tribesmen, and the Viscount. 
• Can propose Laws directly to the Lawspeaker without holding votes in the Moot.

     
WARCHIEFS
The Warchiefs of Minitz act as the second highest authority amongst the tribes of the realm. They mainly serve two purposes, firstly, they act as commanders and generals of Theoderic’s Warband, and secondly as the leaders of the Minitzian tribes. These Warchiefs are elected amongst their respective tribes most commonly through a majority vote, and serve as such for life, unless their clan decides to vote for a new Warchief. 

 

Either of these elections are overlooked by the Lawspeaker, who, after being petitioned by the tribesmen to call for re-elections, must approve in order for these to proceed. Thus, it is not uncommon for Warchiefs to be changed, re-elected, or have their positions even usurped for different reasons. However, most of these processes are overlooked by the Lawspeaker to ensure that the Minitzian Kanun is upheld.

 

WARRIORS
Amongst the Minitzian tribe as a whole, those who serve as Warriors of Theoderic’s Warband are held to higher esteem than the rest of the tribesmen. These are the men and women who fight for the Viscounty and their tribe, struggling to reach the Reinmaren dream of freedom and prosperity. Although it is not always necessary for a Theoderican Warrior to be part of a tribe, it is highly encouraged.

 

TRIBESMEN
Being the backbone of the Minitzian tribes, the Tribesmen make up the majority of the group’s population. One becomes a tribesman of Minitz only through successfully becoming part of one of the established tribes. Since there are no hard-set rules on how each tribe accepts new members, the default form of entrance is the completion of the Trials of the Stallions. Upon the completion of these traditional Reinmaren trials, the prospective tribesman officially converts to the Reinmaren culture, and is integrated fully into the tribe, carrying its name similarly to a surname, and being allowed to hold a Reinmaren fade, which distinguishes them from the rest of the populace.

 

Aside from the required completion of the tribal trials and conversion to the Reinmaren, there are no other requirements for one to join a tribe. They can be of any background, race, or gender, as long as they abide by the Minitzian Kanun.

 

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MILITARY

Theoderican Warriors forming a line of defense during a battle.

 

THEODERIC’S WARBAND:
Much like the rest of the Viscounty, the military forces of Minitz also consist of both Feudal and Tribal ranks. The most prominent in numbers and duties are the Warriors of Theoderic’s Warband, who serve as the main retinue forces of the Viscounty, led by the Warchiefs and Chieftain of Minitz. The Theoderican forces also follow the command of the Viscount, but ultimately they are expected to follow their Chieftain in cases of split commands, unless this leads to treason against the Lord of the realm. Detailed information about Theoderic’s Warband can be found below;

 

 

 

USHTARS:
The second military force of the Viscounty is composed of the Ushtars. The origins of their name dates back to the Banardian Brigade of Sutica during the reign of Georg I. The Lord Ushtar was used as the title of Marshal. Within Minitz, those donning the title are held to a somewhat similar regard. The Ushtars of Minitz are heavy infantry, equipped with the highest quality armor and use heavy weapons such as maces. serve mainly as the bodyguards of the Viscount and the Noble family of Barclay von Minitz, and bring order upon the Feudal subjects. They are chosen directly by the Viscount, and don the prefix “Herr” or “Dame” to distinguish their status as Minitzian Gentry.

 

The Ushtars operate only at the discretion of the Viscount, and are considered of higher authority than the Theoderican Warriors even amongst those of the tribal group of Minitz.

Depiction of an Ushtar’s armor.

 

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LOCATION

The Castle of Durres.

 

Settled along the northernmost border of the Orenian Kingdom in the province of Upper Petra, the Viscounty of Minitz rests just north of the Barony of Acre, east of the County of Mardon, and just south of the Kingdom of Haense.

 

Whilst the rest of this document details the Castle of Brandthof as the town of Minitz, the construction of this town has not yet begun due to the political climate of war surrounding the Kingdom. Thus, instead, the Castle of Durres is the current, temporary seat of House Barclay von Minitz and its subjects, located where the castle of Brandthof shall one day rest.

 

 

 

Spoiler

OOC: CONTACT INFO

 

If you want to join us, you are more than welcome to do so! Contact us;

 

Viscount of Minitz, Madone2k

Mad#2647

 

Warchief of Theoderic's Warband, GoodGuyMatt2k

GoodGuyMatt#3284

 

Our Discord

https://discord.gg/XJVfsQPUfb

 

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IN NAMEN GOTTES,
    
HIS LORDSHIP, Dietrich Barclay, Viscount of Minitz, Lords of Durres, Warchief of Theoderic's Warband.

 

THE HONOURABLE, Sir Leon Barclay, Warchief of Theoderic's Warband, Heir to the Viscounty of Minitz.

 

[rep2k 2477]

Gustav smiles the Sun's Smile, "Finally, a place I can call a home, at last.", a young Barclay says to himself while approaching the gates of Castle Durres.

[GoodGuyMatt 7060]

Sir Leon Barclay, Theoderican Warchief smiles the Barclay's smile as another Bargain is delivered to the people of Minitz. He then goes back to the chapel in Mardon, their new temporary home, as he gets his good warrior Orion von Minitz @Mockingbird-art baptized. "Luv' GOTT, luv' me warriors, luv' me Minitz!" he declares

[Franczhiz 4053]

Ernst Lothar Barclay would recite the oath a thousand times in honor of his ancestors and traditions.

Spoiler

 

[Petsch2k 1072]

Petsch von Minitz attempts to the read the very official looking post but realizes he might need to seek help with his reading capabilities - you didn't read much when tending to the fields. Although he cannot read the official post, he understood almost instinctively that this post was about his people and new home Minitz. Petsch wore a soft smile as he looked above towards the sky saying proudly

 

"Glory to the Uber Chief @GoodGuyMatt, Glory to the Viscount @MadOne, and Glory to Minitz".

 

He then took a moment to close his eyes as he performed a chest thump - the Warband salute - and began to recite his oath. The oath that gave him a new purpose in life that rainy day in Minitz, when all he showed up in was his dirty peasant clothing to the castle gates of Durres. He was just a young man wishing to join the so called Theoderic's Warband, it was a call for freedom, a call for honor, a call to serve his people - who wouldn't wish to join? He began to recall that memory. There he met his-to-be Uber Chief  Sir Leon Barclay von Minitz, he was tending to the horses when he noticed him. Regardless of his peasant appearance once it became known to Sir Leon Barclay von Minitz @GoodGuyMatt that he was Reinmaren - the brotherhood and trust was almost instantaneous - he was quickly given keys to the castle alongside a home. Petsch knew he made the right choice, he will never forget the kindness he was shown that fateful day.

 

"البس الاخضر و الازرق, نسر على صدري و افتخر ان اكون رينماريان, ارفع رأسي عاليآ فاللعلم اموت, انا فخور ان اكون رينماريان" 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2022 by Imperial IV

[TheBreak 16]

Marro read the document and said something to himself, simply because.

[GoodGuyMatt 7060]

1 minute ago, TheBreak said:

Marro read the document and said something to himself, simply because.

 

Sir Leon Barclay nods contently

[DESRRALACK 10]

As always, Alija reads the document carefully, analyzing it. He realizes that he just found a new home...

But now, he just hopes to never lose it...

[argonian 12836]

"Alijahu Akbar," he cheers.