THE FOURTH KSIAZ HELMING

[zuziee 4004]

A CROWNING OF A DUKE

 

 

Penned by the

Duchess Austina and Historians of Adria

C. 1910

 

 

Helming has long been a tradition of the Adrian and Raev people, often called a coronation to others, with notable additions. Since Heinrik Sarkozic’s election in the Fourth Dumapolooza in 1903, he has remained unhelmed. Although this is no fault of his, as the loyal historians of Adria have only recently rediscovered this long-forgotten tradition. 

 

The custom stems from the procession of Duke Franz I, where the details of his coronation were written on procedural scrolls. These scrolls were rumored to have been lost in the Burning of Brelus in 1521 but were uncovered and delivered with haste to the presiding Ducal house. Thus the ancient tradition of Ksiaz Helming might once more return to the Adrian people. 

 

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The practice begins by putting the Duke into a burlap sack. He is then tied by one leg to his wife and blindfolded. He must travel to the coronation guided only by the screams of his wife, the instructions of their most trusted advisor and God. If he can make it from his keep to the place of his coronation, he is seen fit by the grace of God and his people to rule.

 

Once the Duke enters the site of his coronation, he may be permitted to untie himself from his wife and remove the burlap sack and blindfold. During the Helming itself, it is customary that the crowning is conducted by the presiding priest. Three saintly relics must be presented during the inauguration before it is considered a complete affair: 

 

     > First, the Duke must drink from the Cup of Pyholvada, which bathed the toes of Saint Adrian of Leuvaarden. This instills the humility required of any good statesman.

 

     > Second, the Duke must don a pair of white gloves known to have belonged to Saint Catherine of Felsen. With this action, he acknowledges the necessity of mercy and generosity unto all people of God.

 

     > Finally, the Duke must draw Aventine, Sword of Victor of Owynswood. With this, he recognizes the great weight of protecting the Adrian people and his duty to lead from the front.

 

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Schedule

 

The Helming of Heinrik var Sarkoz as the 18th Duke of Adria shall take place forthwith. All leal subjects are hereby invited to attend and celebrate this momentous and long-awaited occasion. The following is an itinerary for the day:

 

The Blind Procession

The Duke will make the trek from his keep to the church blindfolded, in a burlap sack and tied to his wife by one leg. His wife and truest advisor must guide him carefully. By the grace of God, should he make it ‘mostly-in-one-piece’ to the altar, he shall be helmed.

 

The Helming of Heinrik I

Once he hath arrived, the Duke will have the Stelband of Adria placed on his head and be anointed with sacred oils. From there, he shall take up the three saintly relics and be proclaimed Duke of Adria.

 

A Festive Feast

Afterward, all people are welcome to attend a feast held in the hall of the Duke and Duchess of Adria. Stiff liquor and even stiffer bread will be served alongside greasy meats, per tradition. At the Duke’s request, chocolate coins will be given to each guest.

 

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IN NOMINE DEI

 

His Grace, Heinrik I Sarkozic, 

Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count-Consort of Aldersberg, Protector of the Aaunic South, Keeper of the Swans

 

Her Grace, Austina of Aldersberg,

Countess of Aldersberg, Duchess Consort of Adria, Countess Consort of Veletzia
 

AVE ADRIA

Spoiler

OOC:

Saturday the 11th starting at 4 EST in Adria