BOOK OF WALDENIA

[Frymark 2791]

Aus Einigkeit Kraft

THE BOOK OF WALDENIA

Compiled by the Waldenian People

 

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FOREWORD

 

The Waldenian people and the cultural heritage they carry has endured for centuries, evolving with the winds of time, while also staying true to their roots. The records of this culture and history, though, have not been sufficiently recorded for the longest time. Königreichs have risen and fallen, Vandalores have reigned and returned to dust, many without the chronicles of history remembering them.

 

This is the tale of the Waldenian people. From the times of Aesterwald to the resurgence of Waldenian presence and the restoration of the Waldenic Diet. Here the culture, history, traditions and ways of the Waldenians are recorded: in the book of Waldenia.

 

CHAPTERS

I. Waldenian Origins

--> Origins of the Waldenians

--> Waldenians over time

 

II. Waldenian History

--> Timeline of Aesterwald

--> Timeline of Vandoria

--> Timeline of the Westerlands

--> Timeline of Sutica

--> The Waldenic Restoration

 

III. The Waldenic Diet

--> Vandalores of the past

--> The Waldenian Electorate

 

IV. Traditions & values

--> Waldenian Democracy

--> Faith in GOTT

--> Gatherings of the Waldenians

--> Family

--> Accent

--> Sacred Law of Waldenia

--> Breaking bread

--> Vander Code

 

V. Traits & attire

--> Appearance and traits

--> Waldenian fashion

 

VI. Subcultures

--> Reinmaren

--> Aschenwalder

 

VII. Memories of Waldenia

--> Hymn of Aesterwald

--> Return to the Westerlands

--> Knights of the Vandalore

 

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I. Waldenian Origins

 

Origins of the Waldenians

It is important to clarify what exactly it means to be a ‘Waldenian’ or a ‘Vander’. The true meanings behind some of these names are often misremembered and therefore used incorrectly, if at all. Some of the information which inspired this section is based on a famous publication of Ser Arminius von Aesterwald, titled the ‘Culture of the Waldenians’.

 

The term Waldenian was first used to describe people originating from the lands of Aesterwald, where the term itself has first come to use. In modern times, one does not need to possess Aesterwalder ancestry to be considered a Waldenian - though many can still trace their roots to it. Today's Waldenians are people who follow the Waldenian traditions, ways, speak the Waldenian tongue and have the blood of at least one Waldenian, Hanseti or Kaedreni ancestor coursing through their veins.

 

The term Vander instead is used to describe men who are wholly devoted to the Vander Code and its principles. These men are often in the direct service of the Lord Vandalore, and do everything in their power to live a pure, holy life as stated by the Vander Code. While most Vanders are of Waldenian origins, blood and culture, being a Vander does not necessarily require such.

 

The term Vandorian has generally fallen into disuse, but can still be heard among the older Waldenian populace. This term is used for men who claim ancestry from the proto-Hanseti tribes of Vandor and their first Chieftain, Rovyk. Vandorians are usually described to have inherited the traits of Chieftain Rovyk, such as blonde hair and blue eyes. 

 

Waldenians Over Time

The Waldenian people have changed much through the ages. While their culture, ways and their devotion to the Vander Code stays much the same, the definition of what it precisely means to be a Waldenian has changed drastically over time. One was first considered Waldenian by living in an extant Waldenian state, such as Vandoria or Aesterwald; today one is considered a Waldenian not based on one’s residence or allegiance, but one family's traditions and ways of life just as much as their origins. The Waldenian people’s animosity towards Raevir has also changed, and no longer do most Waldenians consider Raevir as their immortal enemies, but choose to live among them. 

 

The same could be said for the Vander Code itself. While during the early histories of Aesterwald and Vandoria, the Vander Code was considered a sacred path and way of life, today the code is more-so regarded as a guideline. Many Waldenians learn the code and try to adopt its ways, but the calling of one who does fully abide by it ‘’Vander’’ has practically not been done for centuries. The enforcing of the code by the Lord Vandalore has also become more relaxed and Lord Vandalores themselves no longer require absolute allegiance and obedience from the Waldenian people, but more-so serve the Waldenian people, by the will of the Waldenian people.

 

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II. Waldenian History

 

 

Timeline of Aesterwald

 

The Apostolic Kingdom of Aesterwald, or Königreich Aesterwald in Waldenian, was one of the first and largest Waldenian states ever to exist in modern history. Aesterwald’s roots can be traced from the Order of St. Lucien and the House of Rovin, which would become the only Royal House of the Apostolic Kingdom.

 

The Order of St. Lucien was formed by Jack and Voron Rovin by the request of High Pontiff Lucien II, who sought help from the Rovins to create an order which would protect the weakened Holy Mother Church from both internal and external threats. The Rovins agreed, and the legendary Order of St. Lucien was born with Jack Rovin at the helm as its first Grandmaster. The Order would go on to fight in numerous wars and campaigns.

 

The defining moment for the Order came during the battle of Savoie Fields, in which the Order of St. Lucien successfully drove back the Raevir horde, earning a decisive victory over them. Their ally, King Heinrik of Oren, perished in the battle, leaving Oren without a clear successor. This opportunity would be seized by a man known as Franz Carrion, who in an attempt to get himself crowned brought a priest up to the throne, dressing him up as High Pontiff and having the false Pontiff coronate him. Jack Rovin, being present at the event, refused to allow this evident schism and apostasy to take place, and demanded that both the false Pontiff and Franz are arrested for their crimes.

 

Together with rebels from Franz’s own ranks, Jack Rovin orchestrated an attack on the Carrion stronghold, where Franz Carrion would be executed by one of his own rebel bannerman. The Order of Saint Lucien along with the rest of the rebels would then pledge themselves to Peter Chivay, who had been prophesied to become a new Emperor of Mankind. The Rovin’s loyalties were rewarded with the Margraviate of Vanderfell, which was granted to Voron Rovin for his service in the Imperial Army. 

 

The Empire the Rovins had pledged themselves to, however, proved to be a part of the eternal cycle of Oren. In a coup supported by the Imperial Army, House Chivay would be overthrown and House Carrion declared Emperors of Mankind. This turn of events proved to be the final straw for Jack and Voron, who would, after a lengthy discussion, declare that Vanderfell would no longer be a part of the Empire, instead becoming the independent Apostolic Kingdom of Aesterwald. Jack Rovin was crowned as the King of Vanders, taking on the regnal name Frederick I, King of Aesterwald.

 

Aesterwald would grow to be one of the strongest and largest realms of Athera, claiming for themselves the northern reaches of the continent. The Apostolic Kingdom partook in many wars, many of which they emerged triumphant in. After four years of reigning, King Jack Rovin would be killed by poison, and his son, Voron Rovin would then ascend the throne as the second King of Vanders and Aesterwald.

 

Voron Rovin’s most notable achievement as King was not just the continued spreading and growth of Vander ideology and the Waldenian people, but also the creation of a large, multi-national alliance consisting of all Descendant races to combat the growing power of Iblees. While this alliance was a miracle in itself, its creation and maintenance took its toll on King Voron, who soon died of an unknown disease, leaving the throne to his son, now King Arn Rovin.

 

Unlike his predecessor, King Arn would prove to be a catastrophical King for Aesterwald. His reign was constantly plagued by bandits, and the young Rovin even attempted a schism to purify the Church he saw as being controlled by the Raevir - much to the irony of how his ancestors had stopped the schism of Franz. The attempted schism would cost King Arn dearly, and he’d lose most of his allies along with the morale of Aesterwaldian soldiers dropping considerably. The final nail in the coffin for Aesterwald was an incursion by a host of blood-mages, who attempted to sacrifice the entire populace in a perverse ritual. The brutal fighting with the blood-mages ended when Vanderfell, the capital of Aesterwald vanished in a massive magical explosion, killing a huge portion of Waldenians and Vanders who did not manage to escape in time, along with King Arn disappearing and presumed dead. It is said that the Waldenian populace has not to this day recovered from the loss of Aesterwald.

 

Königs of Aesterwald

Bl. Jack Rovin | 1469-1474

Voron Rovin | 1474-c. 1482

Arn Rovin | c. 1482-1492

 

Timeline of Vandoria

 

After the destruction of Aesterwald, the remaining devastated Waldenian populace migrated south, to the Caliphate of Khalestine. There they made their home, spreading the Vander ideology to the people of Khalestine, and most notably Nafis Yar, who was tutored by the Vanders on the ways of their Code. In the year of our Lord, 1524, Nafis Yar became the first Lord Vandalore of the modern era, and assumed leadership over the Aesterwalder remnants, strictly abiding by the Vander Code and believing that all in the Caliphate should do the same.

 

The birth of Vandoria itself happened in 1537, when Nafis Yar abdicated the title of Vandalore to his pupil, Decimus Rovin. Seeing a Rovin lead them again, the Aesterwalder remnants formally united with the Caliphate of Khalestine, resulting in the birth of the Apostolic Königreich of Vandoria, with the Apostolic König Decimus Rovin at its helm. Decimus Rovin ruled Vandoria well, growing the Königreich to one of the continent's great powers. Five years after his coronation, however, The König disappeared.

 

It was declared by Decimus Rovin that his heir would be a man called Abil Mekheal. He was thought not well-liked among the Vandorian nobility, and a man by the name of Harold Winter was instead able to gain the support of many noble houses; after a clash with Abil, he became the second König of Vandoria and Lord Vandalore. König Harold, as a result of fears of a Orenian invasion, entered into a union with the Kingdom of Urguan, forming the nation known as Grand Empire of Vanderguan. This union was extremely disliked by both the Waldenian nobility and populace, who saw it as a breach of their Vander Code and a crime against the Mother Church. Many of these men and women who disliked Harold left Vanderguan to Oren, while by the order of Harold Winter those who remained and were not strictly loyal to him were burned at the stake.

 

Nafis Yar saw this as unacceptable and returned to Vanderguan, leading the rebellion known as the Qalasheen Spring. The situation quickly turned sour for Harold and in a desperate attempt to salvage it, he challenged Nafis Yar to a duel. Nafis would prove victorious, and with Harold and his Grand Empire dead at his feet, Nafis declared himself Lord Vandalore once more and Lord Protector of Vandoria, reigning for three years before supposedly having been assassinated, but in actuality having left Vandoria to make a journey to Aeldin.

 

What followed was practically a coup of Vandoria by the House of Horen. In his will, Nafis Yar had stated that Godfrey de Krinford would succeed him as Lord Protector, acting in the role until the young Leopold of Marna came of age to become the König of Vandoria. Instead of following Nafis’ will, Godfrey imprisoned Leopold of Marna and forced the young boy to give the Königreich to him. Godfrey was then crowned as John Godfrey of House Horen, König of Vandoria and Lord Vandalore.

 

Godfrey ruled the Kingdom for one and a half decade, but it all would come crashing down at the event known as the Red Feast. While holding a feast in Vandoria’s capital, Ard Ghorrock, a large raiding party infiltrated the city and slaughtered many of those present at the celebration. The event had a devastating impact on both the Königreich and Godfrey himself, who underwent a cycle of paranoia and seclusion for years, before finally abdicating and making his son, John Leopold Horen, the König.

 

John’s reign would see the end of Vandoria. He inherited the Königreich in its worst state, filled with distrust, decay and corruption. Not even a mere year after becoming König, John’s position would be challenged by Ashruf Kaneen, Sultan of Sharaff. Coming from the lines of Qalasheen who ruled the old state of Khalestine, Ashruf declared himself Sultan of Vandoria with the help of some of Vandoria’s vassals and provinces, sending a letter demanding that John surrender the Königreich to him.

 

John, knowing that his end was near, ventured to the Holy Orenian Empire, asking its Emperor for help. The Empire accepted to help Vandoria but the state was to be made a subject of the Imperial Crown and demoted to a Principality. John agreed, and together the Imperial and remaining Vandorian loyalist forces were able to repel the Sultanate and their rebel allies. 

 

While Vandoria still stood, it did not stand tall. Many of its vassals, Vanders and soldiers had either died or left the now-Principality, with no new residents coming in. Vandoria was ended with the destruction of Vailor and Ard Ghorrock. While the Waldenian people did migrate to the Isles of Axios, Vandoria was not reformed there until Leopold of Marna’s return, him having been set free with the events of the Red Feast. Leopold eventually regained the title of King of Vandoria from Emperor Philip I of Oren, but this ended up being only a titular honor as Leopold instead formed the Kingdom of the Westerlands to combat the undead threat.

 

Königs of Vandoria

Decimus Rovin | 1537-1542

Harold Winter IV | 1542-1544

St. Nafis Yar (As Lord Protector) | 1544-1547

John Godfrey Horen | 1547-1562

John Leopold Horen | 1562-1575

 

Timeline of the Westerlands

 

The history of the Westerlands can be told in a mere single word; a struggle. The men of the West, having been released from their vows to the Holy Orenian Empire in the year of our Lord 1594, went on to build their Kingdom and its capital city, Bastion, with a clear goal in mind. Their mission was the defense of humanity from the undead of the Sunless Sanctum, and it was this task they’d spend most of their time in completing.

 

In the year of 1595, Leopold Marna, the first King of the Westerlands, embarked on a journey to the Borealis Forest, a thick concentration of woods acting as one of the only properly hospitable places in the dry, cold and barren land that the Kingdom encompassed. There, Leopold Marna began the construction of his new capital, Bastion, to act as a safe haven for both the Kingdom and the continent of Tahn from the hordes of undead.

 

For a while, the Kingdom prospered, being able to hold the undead at bay with the help of more and more Waldenians, Vanders and other Descendants flocking under the banner of Westerlands at first. The Kingdom, however, soon began to fracture as fewer settlers poured into the Kingdom, while the undead attacks kept increasing in frequency. For reasons unknown, Leopold of Marna declared at a court session his wish to launch a Vander Crusade to help Haense against the Kingdom of Courland. This was met with a public outcry, as people of the Westerlands did not wish to fight the Courlanders at a time when the undead threat should have been the primary focus of the Kingdom. King Leopold publicly shunned those who would not join him, naming them cowards. King Leopold - along with members of his council such as Rakim Yar and a select few Vanders - would then abdicate from most of their titles, leaving the Kingdom with a fractured population in the hands of King Caius I.

 

The young King Caius I immediately embarked on an attempt to make the Westerlands thrive again: in a public missive which he named the ‘’Caius I’s Contract With the Westerlands People’’ he proposed a five-year plan to make the Westerlands great again, introducing multiple reforms on almost all fronts, extending from economical to legislative to military ones. Caius I’s plans for a great renewed Westerlands would be cut short, however, in an attempt on his life, which left the King bedridden and on the brink of death for years.

 

Shattered by the news of his son's fate, Leopold Marna returned to the Westerlands along with what remained of his crusading force, which were merely battered shards of its former self. There, he challenged Rakim Yar to a duel for the titles of both Lord Vandalore and King of Westerlands, a duel which Rakim won by Leopold surrendering immediately.

 

While Caius I was still alive, Rakim Yar reigned as the King of the Westerlands, but was ultimately unable to save the Westerlands from its doom. In the year of our Lord 1608, Bastion and the rest of the Westerlands finally succumbed to the undead hordes, led by their lord Mordring, a great dragon. This was the end of the Westerlands, with Caius I presumed to have died in the assault, and Rakim Yar disappearing for decades. 

 

An attempt to harken back at Westerlander tradition was made in the aftermath of the Adelburg Coup with the formation of the Kingdom of Marna by Frederick Pius in 1638, though the politics of the feuding post-Orenian realm ensured that little importance would be placed upon any sort of long-lasting Waldenian cultural revival. In 1652, the Crown of Marna entered a union with the Kingdom of Renatus, marking its de facto annexation by its senior partner. The convocation of the First Waldenic Diet in 1686 occurred under Renatian patronage, and remained politically bound to the Renatian empire of Aurelius I.

 

Kings of the Westerlands and Marna

Leopold of Marna | 1594-1602

St. Caius I Horen | 1602-1606

Rakim Yar | 1606-1608

Frederick Pius Horen | 1638-1652

 

Timeline of Sutica

 

An unprecedented political upheaval for the realms of Arcas occurred in 1762, when the traditionally Elven and pagan Free State of Sutica handed over its crown to a Waldenian. Corwin von Alstreim, an infamous Dragon Knight and the first Waldenian to set foot in the ruins of Aesterwald since the Descendant exodus from Athera, assumed leadership of Sutica as its first Canonist monarch. Alien to the native Elves, the resulting efficiency of a Waldenian-styled administration nonetheless greatly improved the state of Sutica and its international standing. The occasion marked the first time any Waldenian has become a head of state since the annexation of Marna in 1652.

 

This development was, however, opposed by the leadership of the Holy Orenian Empire, which harbored personal grudges against King Corwin and had an interest in both subduing Sutica and forcing the Waldenic peoples of Arcas into subjugation beneath their Kaedreni counterparts, who were at the time directly ruled by the Holy Orenian Emperor as King of Kaedrin. In 1772, the Imperial secret service provoked an incident which resulted in the death of a prominent Orenian nobleman, the young master Peter Amadeus of Pompourelia, at the hands of King Corwin in a duel. The Holy Orenian Empire presented this incident as a cold-blooded murder and after several years of political maneuvering, declared war on Sutica.

 

In response, the Alstreim Monarchy forged an anti-Orenian coalition, which under its leadership faced the Orenian legions at Hangman’s Keep and in the Whispering Woods, beating back the Orenian offensive and securing the Peace of Merryweather in 1780. Despite this victorious effort, however, Waldenian governance in Sutica was overthrown by militant pagan Elves three years later, forcing King Corwin into exile and later murdering his chosen heir, Prince Ottomar of Merryweather, in 1790. Many Sutican Waldenians either scattered or defected to the Crown of Atheran Salvus, an overseas Sutican colony which became staunchly Canonist during King Corwin’s rule and which refused to swear oaths to the pagan rebels. A notable minority stayed, integrating within the few Canonist provinces in Sutica which were willing to tolerate pagan abuse.

 

In 1821, following decades of neglect which resulted in Sutica’s sharp decline, and an internal power struggle between the ruling Elven Uialben dynasty and their rogue underlings, the House of Alstreim acting in tandem with the House of Barclay proclaimed a Canonist uprising, hoping to swiftly restore Canonist governance in Sutica. Prince Ottomar’s sister, Lina Johanna von Alstreim, and her husband, Georg Conrad Barclay, made use of King Corwin’s generous backing to attain the loyalties of Canonist Suticans and the Crown of Atheran Salvus. The so-called Canonist Reclamation, after a tense standoff, ended in an overwhelming Alstreim-Barclay victory, and the pair acceded to the Sutican throne as co-monarchs, Georg and Johanna.

 

This effort ensured the proliferation of Waldenians in Sutica once more. However, the royal pair was unable to overturn its decline; after King Georg’s death and the beginning of Queen Johanna’s sole rule, Sutican pagans attempted to reclaim the throne and once more install a Uialben monarch. Though the so-called Sutican Rebellion was quelled by Queen Johanna with the immeasurable help of the realm’s Canonist monarchies, most notably Haense, Sutica remained on the verge of dissolution. When Queen Johanna passed away several weeks after the rebellion’s defeat, her son and successor, Corwin II, agreed to dissolve the Kingdom in favor of the Principality of Savoy. The new polity split Sutica’s substantive titles and divided them between the Waldenian beneficiaries of Sutica, the Houses of Alstreim and Barclay.

 

Kings of Sutica

Corwin I Alstreim | 1762 - 1783

Georg Barclay | 1821-1832

Johanna Alstreim | 1821-1835

Corwin II Barclay | 1835-1850

 

The Waldenic Restoration

 

The Waldenic Restoration is known as the period when a large resurgence in the activity and number of Waldenian families occurred throughout the continent of Almaris in the mid-nineteenth century. Waldenic Houses such as Alstreim, Barclay, Barclay von Freimark, Sutica, Mondblume and Bishop slowly worked their way back towards international prominence.

 

The beginning of the Waldenic Restoration can be pinpointed to the year of 1836, when the Principality of Savoy was formed in the place of the old Commonwealth of Sutica. While Sutica itself had previously been a realm ruled by Waldenians, the fresh breath of air brought by the new Principality presented new opportunities for the Waldenian families of Alstreim and Barclay in particular, who would both gain vast lands in tenure to Savoy by the grace of Prince Olivier.

 

As the leading Waldenian families re-emerged and became more influential, Sir Ulrich von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather, called for the convocation of the Waldenfest of 1850. There the Waldenian lords convened to reform the Waldenic Diet, appointing a cultural head of the Waldenian people - The Lord Vandalore - for the first time in almost two centuries. In addition, the promulgation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia and other cultural advancements brought forward at the Diet continued to strengthen the brotherhood and cultural unity between the Waldenian families. This period of restoration never came to a formal end, and it is said to still carry on with the efforts of the Waldenic Diet.

 

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III. The Waldenic Diet

 

The Waldenic Diet acts as the primary cultural body of the Waldenian people. Led by the Lord Vandalore, the Diet is composed of the prominent Waldenian families of its time, each granted an Electorate with two indivisible votes each. If an upstart Waldenic family wishes to become an Electorate of the Waldenic Diet, they may petition the Lord Vandalore to address their status at the Diet’s next session.

 

Vandalores of the Past

The title of Lord Vandalore has existed for almost four hundred years. First created by Nafis Yar in the year of 1524, the position of Vandalore acted as a hereditary title of the undisputed leader of the Waldenian People, usually also leading whichever realm the Waldenian people chose as their home at the time.

 

In the year of our Lord, 1686, Hans Rovin hosted the first Waldenfest with the Waldenian lords and patriarchs of the time to discuss the future of their people. There it was decided that the title of Lord Vandalore would no longer be hereditary, but instead an elective title alongside the Margraviate of Vanderfell. This meeting saw the birth of the First Waldenic Diet, and the resurgence of the role of Lord Vandalore as a cultural figurehead for the Waldenian people.

 

The First Waldenic Diet was considered to be disbanded in the year of 1715 with the onset of the War of Two Emperors, and remained that way for over a hundred years until Sir Ulrich von Alstreim called for the Waldenfest of 1850 and along with the other Waldenian families formed the Second Waldenic Diet. 

 

St. Nafis Yar - 1st Lord Vandalore

1524-1537, 1544-1547

Born in the Caliphate of Khalestine, Nafis Yar was orphaned at a young age, thus becoming a ward under the House of Kharadeen. His upbringing taught the young Yar the ways of warfare, and he soon enlisted in the Caliphate’s military, earning himself a name as a brave warrior. This career path would later lead the Yar to for a short period of time become a member of the Order of St. Lucien, after which went on to form his own mercenary band known as Hallowvale Contracting.

 

Yar is the only Vandalore in history to reign twice. After the fall of Aesterwald, a handful of Waldenian men and women had escaped to the far deserts, following a man named Faiz Kharadeen, who in turn was a follower and loyal ally of House Rovin. These men would teach Nafis the culture of the Vandorians, and the Vander Code. As things began to turn sour for the Caliphate of Khalestine in the form of elf migrants and other unfortunate events, Nafis formed for himself a following from the Waldenians who had taught him, among others, and began to pave a way for what he envisioned as a future for the nation. From this he would adopt the title of Lord Vandalore, and began to lead his people strictly by the Vander Code.

 

After having retired to tend to his mercenary group and abdicating his title of Lord Vandalore, Nafis Yar returned with his mercenaries to wage war against the newly formed Grand Empire of Vanderguan which had taken over the Kingdom of Vandoria. After fighting a bloody rebellion known as the ‘‘Qalasheen Spring’’, Nafis became the Lord Protector and Lord Vandalore of the restored Kingdom of Vandoria.

 

Nafis Yar was supposedly killed by members of House Kharadeen, only for it to be found out that the Vandalore had actually escaped with his family to Aeldin. This was seen as betrayal and abandonment of the Kingdom of Vandoria by some, tarnishing Nafis’ reputation. Nafis was later canonised by the Canonist Church, and is today known as Saint Nafis of Al-Dirahk.

 

Decimus Rovin - 2nd Lord Vandalore

1537-1542

Decimus Rovin, regally known as Frederick after the Kings of Aesterwald, was the second Lord Vandalore, and can be said to have had one of the most tumultuous reigns of any Vandalore. Under the guidance of Nafis Yar, Decimus was from his earliest days intended to be the clear successor to the first Lord Vandalore, and became such as he was crowned Frederick, High Dictator of the Kingdom of Vandoria.

 

During his reign, Decimus mainly focused on improving the trade and economy of his Kingdom, which proved to be wildly successful. Other than that, Decimus’ legacy became the ceding of Hallowvale Contracting’s - Nafis Yar’s mercenary company - lands to the Holy Orenian Empire, which angered his former mentor. Shortly after this Decimus vanished.

 

Harold Winter IV - 3rd Lord Vandalore

1542-1544

Harold of House Winter became the 3rd Lord Vandalore after the disappearance of Decimus Rovin and a subsequent clash with Abil Mekhael, who was supposed to become the next Vandalore by the will of Decimus. Harold however was able to with the support of many Vandorian vassals able to gain the title.

 

Harold’s reign is mostly remembered by his foreign diplomacy. After fears of a Orenian invasion, to protect Vandoria Harold entered into a union with the dwarves of Urguan, forming the Grand Empire of Vanderguan. This caused an outrage within the Vandorian population - many of whom either left for other realms or were killed for their supposed treachery.

 

Nafis Yar, angered by this, returned from Oren to lead the Qalasheen spring rebellion against the Grand Empire, which ended in a duel between himself and Harold, with Harold lying dead at the end and Nafis Yar as the Vandalore once again.

 

John Godfrey Horen - 4th Lord Vandalore

1547-1562

Born a bastard of House Horen, Godfrey de Krinford earned himself a name as a warrior in the Qalasheen spring and was awarded nobility in the Kingdom of Vandoria for such. After the disappearance of Nafis Yar, Godfrey was willed by the man to become the Lord Protector of Vandoria and the fourth Lord Vandalore.

 

In addition to this, in the will of Nafis Yar it was stated that the young Leopold of Marna would succeed Godfrey after coming of age, becoming the King of Vandoria and the fifth Lord Vandalore. This however did not suit Godfrey, who imprisoned the young Leopold and forced him to give the Kingdom over to him. Soon after this, Godfrey was legitimized as John Godfrey of House Horen, becoming the fourth Lord Vandalore.

 

Most notably in his reign, the Red Feast happened, consisting of a large sized raiding party entering Ard Ghorrock and slaughtering almost everyone inside during the feast. This caused John’s mental health to deteriorate quickly, which threw the Kingdom of Vandoria into paranoia and decay. Few years after the slaughter at the Red Feast, John Godfrey would abdicate in the favor of his eldest son, John Leopold.

 

John Leopold Horen - 5th Lord Vandalore

1562-1575

John Leopold faced a catastrophe for the Waldenian people and the Kingdom of Vandoria. Inheriting a Kingdom on a steady decline, notable events during John’s reign were the demotion of Vandoria into a Principality under the Holy Orenian Empire, and the rebellion instigated by the Sultan Ashruf Kaneen.

 

While John was able to keep the Sultanate from taking over the entirety of Vandoria, he was only able to do so with the Empire’s help. At the end of his reign, John had lost the Vandorian military, most of his vassals and his home of Ard Ghorrock as the descendants moved from Vailor to the Isles of Axios.

 

Leopold of Marna - 6th Lord Vandalore

1575-1607

After having been imprisoned by John Godfey, Leopold wasted away in the cells of Ard Ghorrock for years, only to be freed as the slaughter of Red Feast occurred. He would then venture on multiple adventures with Nafis Yar, who trained the Marna in the arts of warfare and etiquette.

 

Leopold became the Lord Vandalore after defeating John Leopold in a duel. He soon managed to regain the title of Kingdom of Vandoria, which was granted to him by Emperor Philip I. Leopold formed the Kingdom of Westerlands after the fall of the Imperium Quintus, reigning over his new Kingdom from his seat in the city of Bastion.

 

Later in his life, Leopold relinquished all his personal titles, save for that of King of Vandoria. He attempted to rally Westerland into a crusade against the Kingdom of Courland which would be known as the Vander Crusade, an effort which ended horribly for Leopold and caused only Rakim and a very few Vanders to join him on the crusade. This, along with his speeches condemning the ones who would not fight with him caused a rift beginning to form in the ranks of Vanders. 

 

After the severe wounding of Leopold’s son, Caius I, Leopold challenged his adoptive son and now heir-presumptive, Rakim Yar to a duel for the title of Lord Vandalore and King of Vandoria. Leopold surrendered the duel and his titles to Rakim. His fate after this is unknown.

 

Rakim Yar - 7th Lord Vandalore

1607-1665

Never intending to become the Lord Vandalore, Rakim’s goal was firstly to redeem his family from the stain Nafis’ disappearance had left upon it. As he returned from the isles of Aeldin, he was quickly made squire under Leopold of Marna and rose to the ranks of Knights soon after.

 

As the Kingdom of the Westerlands was formed, Rakim rose to the positions of both Archchancellor and Marshal, leading the Westerland’s forces in multitude of battles and earning himself a name as both a warrior and a battlefield commander. When his mentor, Leopold of Marna abdicated most of his titles and left to begin the crusade against Courland, Rakim joined him in both endeavors.

 

After the death of Caius, Rakim was challenged to a duel by Leopold for the titles of King of the Westerlands and Lord Vandalore. After Leopold’s surrender without even trying to fight, Rakim officially became the seventh Lord Vandalore.

 

Rakim’s reign was filled with turmoil as he inherited the catastrophe that was soon to swallow Westerlands; Mordring, a great dragon who led his undead armies to burn and pillage the city of Bastion, ending the Kingdom of the Westerlands. Rakim would later yield over the Kingdom of Vandoria to John V Godwin, Holy Orenian Emperor. He however retained the title of Lord Vandalore and shortly after having given away his Kingdom, disappeared.

 

Later in his life, Rakim would join and eventually become the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint Lucien, following the fall of the Westerlands. There he’d tutor many on the ways of Vanders, one of his pupils including Frederick Pius. After being gravely wounded in a battle against an undead creature, Rakim asked Frederick Pius to end his life. Frederick complied, and became the eighth Lord Vandalore after having taken his former mentor’s life.

 

Frederick Pius Horen-Marna - 8th Lord Vandalore

1665-1694

Frederick Pius, or regally known as Frederick I, was the first King of Marna and the eighth Lord Vandalore. After the Coup of Adelburg, Frederick, who originated from the line of Leopold of Marna, rebelled against the newly formed Kingdom of Renatus along with most of its remaining nobility, forming the Apostolic Kingdom of Marna.

 

Frederick Pius oversaw the transition from Axios to Atlas, continuing to lead his Kingdom through multiple skirmishes and wars, most notably against the Kingdoms of Norland and Santegia in the Third Crusade. Soon after, however, Marna entered a decline both militarily and economically, with the Kingdom’s populace dwindling and its economic prospects shattering. This is said to have influenced Frederick Pius to abdicate and hand the Kingdom over to King Aurelius of Renatus, his former enemy. After this, Frederick Pius disappeared for multiple years.

 

After several decades, Frederick Pius unexpectedly returned to serve King Aurelius as Grand Knight of the Order of the Red Dragon, becoming one of the most valiant and storied knights of the Kingdom of Renatus and the reformed Empire of Man. Frederick became part of the Aurelian Four, the original roster of the Imperial Dragon Knights, Renatus’ most feared chivalric force. Though a Horen royal by blood, Frederick considered himself a Waldenian by culture and partook in many Waldenian affairs in the Empire along the knightly Houses of Alstreim and Denhardt.

 

Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim - 9th Lord Vandalore

1850-1860

Born in the overseas colony of Fausten, Ulrich Lothar came to prominence as a restored Prince Royal of Sutica following the Canonist Reclamation of 1821. After being granted the status of his House’s patriarch upon his arrival in Almarian Sutica, Ulrich oversaw the development of the newly proclaimed Landgraviate of Alstreim through the Sutican Rebellion and the state’s subsequent dissolution and reconstruction as the Principality of Savoy. His service to the Principality was rewarded with the coveted position of Grand Knight.

 

As one of the key Waldenian nobles of the mid-nineteenth century, Ulrich Lothar led the efforts to revive the tradition of the Waldenic Diet, which was reconstituted in 1850 after nearly two centuries of inactivity. The reformed Diet duly elected Ulrich the Ninth Lord Vandalore of the Waldenian People. Showing great care for the wellbeing of the Waldenians, Ulrich presided over a comprehensive cultural effort to safeguard Waldenia’s heritage, culminating in the proclamation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia.

 

As Grand Knight of Savoy, Ulrich Lothar and his Order of the Argent Sun firmly opposed Orenian interference in Savoyard affairs and fought against several attempts to overthrow Savoy’s government and replace it with a pro-Orenian puppet regime. He fostered relations with the Imperial claimant House of Alstion, and it is generally believed he perished in combat at the Siege of Haverlock alongside Alstion retainers, in service of the anti-Orenian Tripartite Pact as a volunteer soldier of fortune prior to Savoy’s formal accession to the Pact.

 

Bl. Johann Barclay - 10th Lord Vandalore

1860-1876

Born in the Duchy of Reinmar, Johann Barclay first became the Duke of Reinmar at the young age of six. From there on, he and his House would face a majority of troubles under the scrutiny of the Ducal Union, and were thus demoted to a County. Thereon, the young Duke would work tirelessly to regain his family’s status, rising to the position of Lord Marshal to Sigismund III of Haense and regaining their Ducal status, along with gaining the Principality of Sutica.

 

Johann became an elector of the Second Waldenic Diet, led by Sir Ulrich von Alstreim, and was named the mediator of the Diet as the Chieftain of the Reinmaren. After the death of Sir Ulrich, Johann was unanimously elected to serve as the next Vandalore. Though the Barclay hosted several sessions of the Diet, introducing House Baruch as an Electorate and progressing on certain vital points first brought up during Ser Ulrich’s tenure, the Waldenic Diet remained in stagnation, partially said to be due to the Prince’s worries with his House and the ongoing Sinner’s War.

 

Johann also started and wrote most of the Book of Waldenia, results of which you are witnessing as you read. Though because of his untimely death with the hands of bandits, what he started has been finished by his family and colleagues. 

 

Johanna Barclay - 11th Lady Vandalore

1876-present

Following the death of Prince Johann Barclay, his youngest daughter, Johanna Barclay was the unlikely inheritor of her father’s titles and duties as the leader of her House. Despite the unlikeliness of her inheritance, Johanna set himself to follow in her father’s footsteps in summoning the 4th Waldenic Diet, during which she would be elected to serve as its new and first Lady Vandalore.

 

The start of Princess Johanna’s reign seemed promising, as a plenitude of new Waldenian Houses began to rise through Almaris, including Houses such as Bardenwig and Velen. The shift in Haeseni policies regarding vassal villages though, made the Princess focus more on her own House and her duties within Haense, as she soon rose to the position of Lady Palatine along with seeing to the construction of the village of Rozenfeld.

 

This focus on Haeseni matters left the Waldenic Diet almost completely unattended, as Johanna would only convene the 4th Diet two times, before abdicating as Lady Vandalore. Despite the minimum number of sessions, Johanna managed to secure the single largest increase of Electors in the Waldenic Diet since Ser Ulrich, with the Houses of Bardenwig, von Reuss, Audrick and Barclay von Minitz being granted electoral status. Despite this huge uptick of Waldenian activity, the Waldenic Diet didn't pass or codify any new or old motions during the reign of Princess Johanna.

 

Ottomar von Alstreim - 12th Lord Vandalore

1893-present

Ottomar von Alstreim is the 12th and current Vandalore and President of the 5th Waldenic Diet.

 

The Waldenian Electorate

The Electorate of the Waldenic Diet consists of the current prominent Waldenian families. Owing to the volatile political scene of the realms of Man, each Diet usually boasts a considerably different lineup of Waldenic houses, though some such as the House of Alstreim have been a part of every Diet thus far. Each Elector is granted two indivisible votes on matters such as the Waldenian cultural laws, the election of the Vandalore, and other motions presented to the Diet either by the Vandalore or the Electors themselves. It is also customary to grant families that have once been of prominence a singular vote until their Electoral status can be confirmed again.

 

The Electorate gathers in sessions, each which are summoned and hosted by the Lord Vandalore, usually on their respective lands. In addition to the Electors, anyone who wishes is usually allowed to enter and spectate the session, with invitations extended to the ruling figures of the world. 

 

1st Waldenic Diet | 1686-1715

House of Rovin | Electorate of Neu Arnheim

House of Denhardt | Electorate of Gilead

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Blackwater-Alstreim

House of Königsberg | Electorate of Königsberg

House of Bran | Electorate of Bran

House of Weißhardt | Electorate of Weißhardt

House of Schulze | Electorate of Schulze

House of Oxenstierna-Mühlen | Electorate of Mühlen

 

2nd Waldenic Diet | 1850-1860

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Sutica | Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen

House of Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark

House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop 

 

3rd Waldenic Diet | 1860-1876

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House of Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark

House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop

House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck

 

4th Waldenic Diet | 1876-present

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop

House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck

House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick

 

5th Waldenic Diet | 1893-Present

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop

House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck

House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick

House of Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen

House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania 

 

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IV. Traditions and Values

 

Waldenian Freedom

The freedom of an individual to have their own cultural representation, and the rights to life, culture and existence stand as some of the most important principles of the Waldenian people as declared in the Code of Rights. Slavery, forced labor and any other sort of oppression are widely despised and never internally practiced. If any Waldenian were to be deprived of their rights by foreign rulers, it would be seen as an insult towards the entire Waldenian culture and populace.

 

Faith in GOTT

Since the beginning of their history, the Waldenian people have always been staunch in their faith in GOTT and all of His teachings. From a young age, the vast majority of Waldenian children, especially those of noble upbringing, are taught the values of a faithful Canonist, with many stories of Canonist figures relating to the culture, including but not limited to Bl. Jack Rovin, Saint Ottomar, Saint Tylos and Saint Nicholas, being relayed to the youth in order to further instill such piety.

 

This emphasis on faith in the Canonist doctrines can be seen through the notable figures of Waldenian heritage and background who have served in the clergy of the Canonist Church, including Venerated Cardinal Anton, Venerated High Pontiff Tylos I and High Pontiff Tylos III. The Waldenian people also have a history of serving the Church through military service in the several historical Holy Orders throughout the history of the Church.

 

Gatherings of the Waldenians

The Waldenian people, unlike many other folk, have quite a different liking for gatherings. Instead of magnificent balls or tea parties, the Waldenians have come to appreciate more moderate ways of spending time with each other; many of these including beer and other Waldenian treats. Gathering around a fireplace or at a feast table after a hunt are the most common ways of entertainment. For grander events such as sessions of the Waldenic Diet, observers might find the Electors assembling over a singular table, slamming drinks to the table and eating while discussing the future of Waldenian culture. 

 

There are though two big multi-day events that each Waldenian anxiously awaits; the Waldenfest and the Kretzenfest. Waldenfest has typically been the largest event for Waldenian people, celebrating their culture and history. It is typical for a Waldenfest to include a session of the Waldenic Diet, tournaments and tours across the Waldenian realms. Kretzenfest on the other hand is focused on celebrating the passing of autumn and coming of winter. Kretzenfest is famous for its drinking culture. Free beers are distributed among the people present, drinking games and other tournaments are held along with speeches. It is said that what happens during a Kretzenfest stays there until the next one.

 

Accent

The Waldenian accent originates from the earliest days of its people, as the ancient Hansetian tribes who had begun to form their own groups coincided with the ancient Waldenians. This would create the accent, which is a combination of Hanseti words and common. There are multiple ways an accent might show itself, with some even speaking full-fledged Waldenian. Most have though adopted the usage of some Waldenian words inserted into common speech. Such as  ‘‘Vater’’ meaning father and ‘‘Mutter’’ meaning mother and ‘‘Ja’’ in place of yes and ‘‘Hallo’’ as a greeting. The slightly heavier accent shows itself with alternating consonants, typically a w → v change, like ‘‘Ich vish to see Mutter!” It is also typical to articulate the letter s as a z whenever it shows up in a word. “Ich vish to zee mutter!” would be a typical sentence with a Waldenian accent, meaning “I wish to see mother.”

 

Family

To Waldenians, family means everything and familial bonds are held in a regard that they should never be broken, with some even placing those bonds before any oaths made to rulers or armies. To Waldenians, family lines don't usually matter much, with those from a noble line of Dukes and Princes holding those of common or gentry lines to the same regard as any noble, as long as they bear the same surname and same values. Fathering bastards or abandoning your family is considered as one of the most vile things a Waldenian can do, and such can result in one being disinherited or disowned.

 

Breaking Bread

While the Waldenians might seem distrusting of outsiders at first, after earning their trust they will be the most gracious hosts imaginable. Free drink, food and a place of rest are always afforded, no matter the current economical situation of the Waldenian in question. The guests of Waldenians are usually also invited to partake in whatever festivities or activities might be going on, be they drinking contests, singing or brawling. However, if a Waldenian host is ever offended by his guests, all of that hospitality is reduced to ash and the guest will either be kicked out or afforded the lowliest and dirtiest place to reside, such as a closet or barn.

 

The Sacred Law of Waldenia

Compiled by Sir Ulrich von Alstreim and approved by the 2nd Waldenic Diet, the Sacred law of Waldenia acts as the ultimate cultural code of conduct for the Waldenians. In the Sacred Law are printed the rights and privileges of the Waldenian people in addition to their duties and responsibilities. The Sacred Law is widely respected and adhered to by anyone who reckons themselves a true Waldenian or any who wishes to be called such. It is also from this code that the phrase; ‘’No Waldenian shall spill the blood of another Waldenian’’ comes from.

 

The Vander Code

While the Sacred law of Waldenia holds the rights and duties of the Waldenian people, it is the Vander Code that instructs on how to become a true Waldenian - a Vander. The Code was first introduced during the times of Order of Saint Lucien and it has become the lifeblood and embodiment of Waldenian culture. It is the duty of the Lord Vandalore to ensure that the code is followed strictly and without fault by every Waldenian.

 

Why do Vanders Fight?

To fear the Creator and maintain His Church 

To serve the liege lord in valour and faith 

To refrain from the wanton giving of offense 

To live by honour and for glory

To despise pecuniary reward

To obey those placed in authority

To guard the honour of fellow Vanders

To keep faith

To at all times to speak the truth 

To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun 

To never to refuse a challenge from an equal 

To never to turn the back upon a foe 

 

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V. Traits and Attire

Apperance & traits

Typically, Waldenians are fair skinned people that possess a diverse array of hair colors ranging from golden blonde, chestnut brown to copper orange. They have eye colors of various shades of blue, green and brown. They are typically rather tall and robust, a hardy race of humanity adapted for the lives of soldiers, farmers, and woodsmen. 

 

Waldenian fashion

Waldenian fashion varies among social classes, often varying among the different social classes of Waldenian culture. Part of his information is based on the research on Waldenian culture and attire by the Queen's Council of Hanseti-Ruska.

 

Women within Waldenian society are often clothed in blouses, gowns and dresses that can be adorned to differing levels to reflect their standing in society. The simplest of such dresses is known as the dirndl, considered to be casual wear within Waldenian society. It consists of a blouse - the finery of the material depends on the wearer’s status - and a bodice to secure the blouse in place, a full circular skirt in which the bodice is sewn on, and frontal apron. 

 

For men, the typical wear is a tunic, a leather belt and boots. The detail and material of them of course depends on the user's status, but most Waldenians, even those of nobility and royalty prefer simple wear instead of more expensive material such as silk. It is also typical to express one’s allegiance or house colours somewhere, either by a small leather badge or the colour of one’s clothing. Men also almost always have weaponry carried with them, typically a longsword or a zweihänder.

 

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VI. Subcultures

 

Reinmaren

The Reinmaren people, originating from the Duchy of Reinmar are one of the largest and most established Waldenian subcultures, having a large amount of scriptures written of their history, origins and culture. In short, the Reinmaren embody the values of and traits of warriors and workers, their forefathers being those of farmers and raiders.

 

Family and remembering their roots are at the core of Reinmaren culture. Children - even those of nobility - are taught from birth the art of farming and foraging, and are usually always taught the art of blade, bow and riding, which stands as a central pillar of Reinmaren identity, they themselves calling themselves Stallions on multiple occasions.

 

The Reinmaren people are currently one of the most prominent aspects of Waldenian culture and people, reigning over the Duchy of Reinmar in the northern Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and an independent settlement named the Viscounty of Minitz in the old now dissolved Kingdom of Oren.

 

Aschenwalder

Hailing from the Margaviate of Velen and their numerous vassals, the Aschenwaldian culture and its people have both surfaced rather recently, following their exodus to the Kingdom of Aaun, where they were granted a domain - the Aschenwald - to rule as theirs under the King of Aaun.

 

Though new, the Aschenwaldian culture encompasses a large minority of Waldenian people, mainly those of the House of Reuss and their vassals, including the Houses of Wexler, Bardenwig and Reanoux, with all of these residing in the namesake of their culture, the Aschenwald. 

 

The Aschenwaldian people adhere to most of the ways of the greater Waldenian culture, but distinguish themselves from the rest with their unique sect of dialogue, which separated from the Waldenian language over time by the heavy influence of the ancient Velenic population. The Aschenwalders also take great pride in their sense of community and hospitality, both of which rival those of the other Waldenian Houses. While the Aschenwaldians follow the Canonist faith, many of them have adopted the teachings of Lucienism and St. Lucien of Ulmsbottom, differentiating themselves from the rest of Waldenian Houses.

 

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VII. Memories of Waldenia

 

 

The Hymn of Aesterwald

The Hymn of Aesterwald is a popular folk song among the Waldenian people, which has resurfaced recently with the Second and Third Waldenic Diet. The hymn tells of the destruction of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aesterwald, and the lost glories with it. The hymn acts as a constant reminder to the Waldenian people of what was lost and the hard road they’ve travelled down, but also of what can be.

 

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq76LCiP2Ds

 

Nachts steht Hunger starr in unser’m Traum. | By night hunger lies frozen in our dreams,

Tags die Pfeile fliegen her vom Waldessaum. | By day the arrows fly from the edge of the forest

Elend hält mit den Kolonnen Schritt, | Misery keeps pace with the columns,

Und in Frost und Nebel zieh’n die Wölfe mit. | And the wolves come along through frost and fog.

Noch fliegt unser heiliger Adler | But our sacred eagle still flies

Mutterland unser Blut gehört nur dir, | Motherland, our blood belongs to you alone,

Mag das raeve Heer uns auch jagen, | Let the Raevir army hunt us, 

Leuchtend steht noch immer das Panier. | Our banner still stands.

 

Ach, dahin ist stolze Macht, | Oh, our proud power is lost,

keine Glocken klingen durch die rote Nacht. | No bells ring through the red night.

Postenschritte, keine Freiheit mehr, | Guard steps, no more freedom,

hinter Barrikaden steht stumm ein müdes Heer. | A weary army stands speechless behind barricades.

Einer singt die alten Lieder, | Someone sings the old songs, 

lockt uns Schwermut und Sehnsucht aus der Brust, | Attracts melancholy and yearning out of our chests, 

wild und trotzig klingt es wieder, | It sounds again, wild and truculent, 

im Vergessen liegt die alte Lust. | The old desire is buried in oblivion.

 

Und als Heer, das keine Heimat hat, | And as an army with no homeland,

zieh’n wir ausgewiesen nun von Stadt zu Stadt. | We go, exiled, from city to city.

Menschen kommen, hören unser Lied. | People come, they hear our song.

Weiter geht die Fahrt, der Ruhm uns sinnlos blüht. | The journey continues; glory blooms pointlessly.

“Heimat, Heimat!” summen die Chöre, | “Homeland, Homeland!”, The choir hums,

“tausendfältig ersteht uns neu dein Bild”, | “Your image reemerges in us a thousandfold”, 

Glockenläuten unsere Tenöre, | Our tenors ring bells,

Orgelbässe klingen dumpf und wild. | Organ basses sound hollow and wild.

 

Noch fliegt unser heiliger Adler | But our sacred eagle still flies

Mutterland unser Blut gehört nur dir, | Motherland, our blood belongs to you alone,

Mag das raeve Heer uns auch jagen, | Let the Raevir army hunt us, 

Leuchtend steht noch immer das Panier. | Our banner still stands.

 

Return to the Westerlands

Another popular folk song of the Waldenians, Return to the Westerlands tells the tale of the failed Vander Crusade against Courland led by Lord Vandalore Leopold of Marna and to-be Lord Vandalore Rakim Yar. The hymn is a cruel depiction of the very few Vanders who followed their Lord seeking to return to their home, battered and beaten. The hymn only surfaced after the reigns of both Leopold and Rakim had ended and Westerlands itself no longer existed.

 

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlqyBIQ-Cac

 

Die Grenzwacht hielt im Süden, dem Feinde lange stand, | The border watch that held in the South, long against the enemy

Heut kehrt ihr letzter Posten, zurück ins Vaterland. | Today they leave their posts, back to the fatherland.

Erschöpft und aufgerieben, in treuer Ritterschaft, | Weary and decimated, in true knighthood,

Die Besten sind geblieben, uns ander'n brach die Kraft. | The best have stayed, we others lost our strength.

 

Doch bringen wir die Fahne, die wehend vor uns stritt, | But we bring the banner, that waved before us in battle,

Von Courlands blut'gem Plane, in allen Ehren mit. | From Courland’s bloody plain, in all its honour.

Die Adler sich nimmer, vor einem Feind geneigt, | The battle-scarred eagle has failed and bows to the enemy

Und heute noch und immer, den Weg nach Westen zeigt. | And today and always, points the way West.

 

Es rauscht dorthin zu mahnen, zu ihr der Väter Geist, | It  rushes forth to admonish, its forefathers spirit

Trotz aller Not ein Ahnen, das vandere Zukunft heißt. | Despite all misery and hardship, the Vander future calls

Sind wir auch fremd geworden, euch Brüdern aus dem Reich, | Have we also become strangers, to you brothers of the Kingdom

Aus West und Süd und Norden, das Banner blieb sich gleich. | From West and South and North, the banner stays the same.

 

Ob wir auch hier verderben, das kümmere euch nicht, | Wether we also perish here, that doesn’t bother you,

Die Fahne zu vererben, ist unsere letzte Pflicht. | To bequeath the flag, is our last duty.

Ich darf nicht länger zagen, bald zwingt sie euren Sinn, | I may no longer hesitate, shortly they will force your mind,

Nach Westland sie zu tragen, sie will, sie muss dorthin. | To carry it to the Westerlands, it wants, it must go there.

Nach Westland sie zu tragen, sie will, sie muss dorthin. | To carry it to the Westerlands, it wants, it must go there.

 

Knights of the Vandalore

Telling the tale of the Order of St. Lucien, who were the first to create and embody the Vander code and followed multiple Lord Vandalores into battle, “Knights of the Vandalore” still holds a good portion of influence over Waldenians, especially those who serve in the personal retinues of current Lord Vandalores, such as Ser Ulrich and Prince Johann. The song is said to empower those who join their voices to it, as they remember the wars and battles fought in the name of GOTT, Reich and the Vander Code. While the Order of St. Lucien was not always strictly obedient nor followed the Lord Vandalore, their tale became called ‘‘The Knights of the Vandalore’’ over time, as Waldenian Knights and cavalrymen hymned to its tune while charging the enemy lines. If the song ever had an original name, it is now lost to time.

 

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D2jyuJaSAU

 

Die Eisenfaust am Lanzenschaft, | The iron fist on the lance shaft,

Die Zügel in der Linken, | The reins on the left,

So sprengt des Vandere Ritterschaft | So advances the Knights of Vander,

Und ihre Schwerter blinken. | And their swords are flashing.

 

Heja, heja, heja! Heja! Und ihre Schwerter blinken. | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! And their swords are flashing.

 

Das Ritterkreuz, das rote fliegt | The Knight’s cross flies in red,

Voran auf weißem Grunde, | Forward on a white background,

Verloren zwar, doch unbesiegt. | May be lost, but not defeated,

So klingt uns seine Kunde. | So it’s message sounds.

 

Heja, heja, heja! Heja! So klingt uns seine Kunde. | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! That’s how it sounds its lore to us.

 

Es flattert hell im Morgenwind | It flutters bright in the morning breeze,

Und grüßt der Grenzen Lande, | And greets the borderlands,

Grüßt die, die uns're Brüder sind, | Greets those who are our brethren,

Trotz Schmach und Not und Schande. | In spite of dishonour, plight and shame.

 

Heja, heja, heja! Heja! Trotz Schmach und Not und Schande. | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! In spite of dishonour and shame.

 

Es fliegt voraus im Ritterskleid | It flies ahead in a knight’s dress

Und mahnet uns zu streiten, | And encourages us to fight,

Für die verlor’ne Herrlichkeit, | For the lost splendour,

Drum Wimpel flieg, wir reiten. | Therefore fly pennants, we ride.

 

Heja, heja, heja! Heja! Drum Wimpel flieg, wir reiten | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! Therefore fly pennants, we ride.

 

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GOTT MIT UNS,

FOR THE WALDENIANS AND VANDERS OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Written and composed first by,

His Princely Grace, Sir Johann Erich of the House of Barclay HKML, LORD VANDALORE, Prince of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Margrave of Vanderfell, Count of Freimark and Kretzen, Baron of Freising, Sigradz and Madvon, Lord of Wilheburg, Freisburg, Erwinsburg and Neuberg, Chieftain of the Reinmaren

 

His Highness, Sir Ulrich Lothar of the House of Alstreim, LORD VANDALORE, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim, Margrave of Vanderfell and Blood-Raven of Lorraine

 

With the help and finishing of,

Ser Reinhardt Barclay

 Konstanz Barclay, Baron of Sigradz

Sister Calliope

 

And the upkeeping and updating of,

Herr Ludwig von Alstreim

 

 

Spoiler

Dedicated to the original Waldenian / Vander lineup, who made sure us newer people have such an awesome culture and history to re-discover and play as, as well as those newer ones for helping with Waldenian culture’s resurfacing and development in the past year, thank you.

 

@Sir_Niccum @Battle Unit@Zhulik@yopplwasupxxx

 

@LithiumSedai @Zaerie @AmazingAzura @Lomiei @Fireheart @MadOne @GoodGuyMatt @Fionn__TWG @sarahbarah @argonian @Ramon @Javert

 

Also a massive thank you to @Capt_Chief26 @Fionn__TWG and especially @argonian @LithiumSedai and @Battle Unit - for helping me write this, checking the translations matched and for filling out the history blanks from years ago.

 

-Frymark
 

(All the credit for the songs and their translations go to their respective owners. You can find more info about the song, their real history and singers from the youtube video’s descriptions.)

 

Edited October 18, 2022 by Frymark

[Buffsanta 960]

Love you

(Burnsider if you hide this Ill kick you to kingdom come fella)

[TheosVult 325]

[ ! ] Ariovistan Bishop smiled upon acquiring the booklet. "Ah! What ein pleasure to see those of Waldenian heritage, finally organize our great history und culture into one volume."

He scratched his mustache as he lazily layed within his manor, Excitor. "Perhaps Ich should learn to do the same..."

 

 

Spoiler

Thank you to all who worked on this. It's awesome

 

[Olox_ 3333]

House Jazloviecki supports Waldenians and their culture

[argonian 12836]

"Meine Mama hat mir einfach erlaubt, dass ich Cola trinken darf. Wie cool ist das, bitte? Ich zocke Fortnite und trink Cola. Yippee," says Stanimar with Waldenian pride.

[seannie 6832]

 

[Valannor 6344]

Spoiler

ALL TOGETHER, GOTT MITT UNS.

 

Based post mr Frymark, we love to see cool culture writing!

 

[Capt_Chief26 1205]

Ser Reinhardt Barclay pours himself another mug of cold Waldenian beer

[GoodGuyMatt 7060]

"Wie cool ist das, bitte? Ich lese Waldenia und trink Cola. Yippee!" cheered Leon alongside Stanimar

[Petsch2k 1072]

"Mein GOTT, this iz amazing." Petsch nodded proudly as he read a couple lines of the book "Ich will take me some time, but it will be a gutt read."

[TheCapybara 1803]

"MEIN GOTT!" Eleanore would exclaim with shock "This is AMAZING! I HAVE TO PRAISE HIM!" She'd shout whole sharing the book with her brother.