THE RIVER COURT

[ibiou 1536]

THE RIVER COURT
Reformed under Her Grace, Archduchess Renilde I and
Her Excellency, Dame Anne de Vilain

The River Court, whilst never officially documented as an entity under the Commonwealth of the Petra, is an establishment of true Petran values whilst maintaining its cultural, social and educational integrity. After the Petran Civil War following the defeat of the faux-Archduke Constanz Novellen and the unfortunate death of the late Chamberlain Dame Bianka Jazloviecki, the core of the court was left ruptured and in much need of dire attention. It was only when Dame Anne de Vilain, a newly prominent figure in the commonwealth, brought up the lack of development in the courts did it begin to grow. Henceforth, the River Court shall undergo new and exciting change to bring forth a greater Petra.
 

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PURPOSE

In an age where court life has become tiresome, the Commonwealth of Petra aims to end the stagnation and reform its current system to something more thought-provoking and intriguing. The River Court, instead of being a hub of balls and festivals, instead is to be made into a fountain of wisdom - a resource for knowledge, culture, and etiquette. A citizen of Petra is considered a courtier, even if they have never attended an official court of Her Grace or shown interest in the River Court to promote inclusivity. It is important that the Petrine community educates their residents, giving back to what they have contributed, and therefore further enriching their livelihoods. Much like a school, the court can offer lessons for people to progress. Out are the days of flexing nobles with their robes, and in are the mentally rich.

 

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THE RIVER COUNCIL

Someone who holds a position in the River Court has an obligation to teach and preserve both the Petrine culture and their own specialised crafts. This includes hosting events, engaging with the people on a day-to-day basis and being spontaneous. More positions shall be created in the future if any interest is shown. If you wish to fill one of these positions, pen the Chamberlain a bird.

Court Chamberlain [@ibiou]
The highest role in the court apart from the Archduchess and her consort, the Court Chamberlain overviews the day-to-day runnings of the River Court and ensures that its proper practices are being performed correctly. She is the custodian of Montreux, the home to all wards, whilst being the sign-off for events curated in the courts. Court Chamberlain’s words are final.

Court Alchemist [@esotericas]
The position of the Court Alchemist is to provide Petra with their alchemy via potion making, as well as teach willing students their beloved craft. Teaching can be from the alchemy itself, or where to pick particular herbs and their properties.

Court Huntsman [Available]
The Court Huntsman is to host regular yearly hunts in the forests surrounding the commonwealth, as well as teach the citizens to hunt correctly and safely. This includes the use of hunting knives and spears, what to do if you end up lost in the forest, and more.

This role can work alongside the knightly order to promote the sensible handling of weapons whilst also keeping the art of hunting alive and fun-spirited. Noble houses can work alongside the huntsman/huntswoman for their own hunts.

Court Artisan/Musician [@charm and @DemonWarrior44]
A Court Artist and/or Musician can utilise their passion and pass their skills onto others. Usually someone with a creative mind, this court position can unlock newfound hobbies for the citizens of Petra whilst upholding Petrine culture of sonnets, artwork and more. Their job is a simple one - sharing the love of what they do.

The court artisan and/or musician can collaborate with other artistic/musical movements around the continent in order to show expression of self. Whilst still educating on the particular nation’s cultural history and practices, it is important that the person in this role also promotes artistic/musical forms.

Poet Laureate [Available]
Talented in the literary world, the Poet Laureate is the most established in their expertise. Besides writing poetry for the Archducal house and the courts, the job of the laureate is to ensure all residents in the commonwealth know basic reading & writing skills. They should be knowledgeable in the literary movements/books, and be able to provide their insight on creating well-established and moving stories, poems, songs and more.

Court Historian [Available]
The bearer of the history of humankind and in particular, the Commonwealth of Petra, the Court Historian bears the task of informing people on our predecessors. Not only that, they have to also document Petrine history and maintain it. The historian may wish to collaborate with the poet laureate and/or the court artisan and musician to create timeless and cherished pieces that display integral parts of history.

 

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WARDSHIPS

 

Wardships, usual to court life, are fundamental to the River Court’s vitality. The pursuit and nurturement of knowledge is rooted in a person’s earlier years, where retaining lessons comes with ease. Though not entirely closed off to only the young, a wardship is there to mentor in one or more areas until they are either eighteen years old or shown to have succeeded. There is no eligibility to becoming a ward besides one’s eagerness and commitment to tasks at hand. Whether of noble or common-status, all are welcome to a wardship. In order to become a ward, seek out either a member of the Round Table, a knight/dame, or someone who holds a court position.

The main mentor, usually someone of the Archducal house or Round Table, is there to help build character and self of self. They are usually the final-say in a ward’s journey and overview the process. A figure of guidance, the mentor nurtures them to become their best selves. They may choose to only have one ward, or have numerous - they may choose whether they are the only one to help them on their wardship or have others in the court to help. Whatever the decision may be, a ward should feel fulfilled upon their time under the River Court. Each ward shall be given tasks/quests depending on their mentor figure or their interests. This may include acts of service, or event-hosting, or little adventures. However, a ward must follow the Pledge of Seven Mercies:
 

Quote

 

The Four Kinds

I swear to Feed the Hungry.

I swear to give Drink to the Thirsty.

I swear to Clothe the Naked.

I swear to Harbour the Harbourless.

 

The Three Worthies

I swear to pay Visit to the Ill.

I swear to allow Meetings to the Imprisoned.

I swear to Bury the Dead.

 

 

Besides the tasks/quests, a ward will undergo lessons from those who hold a court position. Both of these combined shall determine whether a ward shall successfully fulfil their wardship. If they do, a ceremony on their graduation shall commence. A ward may choose to either go back to their nation of origin or progress onwards to one of the court positions or even higher, a knight/dame of the realm.

Squiredom
A ward that is wishing to fulfil in future leadership of the commonwealth or seeks to be under a knightly order can be squired under a knight/dame from the Sovereign Order of the Petrine Laurel. The squires and the wards overlap, though both aren’t the same.

Montreux
Formerly Summerhall, Montreux is the hub of all wardships. Located next to the River Petra, the manor aids a ward in whatever they need. A small, yet useful garden house sits outside for gardening use, whilst the hall is a great place for the wards to take to their events and use the space for whatever their imagination can muster. Instruments, bookshelves, easels and paints, swords - all is available for them to improve themselves.

Current wards

Miss Antonella Layla de Rivera
@TheHeftyDonut
Ward to Arduchess Renilde I

A descendent of Her Highness Layla de Rivera y de Savin of Hyspia, Antonella is a woman of grace and class. Born to be a lady of the courts, Antonella took a ship from an island afar, where she learned basic etiquette and such from her grandmother, to learn from the Archduchess, to eventually be of great value to the society of Petra.
______

Dame Elvira Sybille de Vilain
@scarahpot
Ward to Arduchess Renilde I

A dame at only aged five for her efforts in the war, Elvira truly started off life with a fiery kick. A soldier at heart, she was not long sought out by the Archduchess to guide the de Vilain through her damehood under the Circle of Saint Emma. 
______

Lady Lorena Josefina Gant
@liz
Ward to Arduchess Renilde I

Lorena is an energetic and fiery Haeseni hailing from the Duchy of Valwyck whose forthcoming nature brought her into Her Grace’s life during an early trip to the Haeseni capital of Karosgrad. She is passionate to a fault.
______

Lady Pauline Matilda Montalt
@GrowingIvy
Ward to Arduchess Renilde I

The child of Ser Paul Montalt, who seeks to be like her father and aid Petra, under the tutelage of the Archduchess. Her father's legacy remains a strong crux for this young girl, and hopefully with her love of fashion and energetic attitude she can prosper during her wardship.
______

Lady Emigliana Maeya O’Rourke
@Cally
Ward to Arduchess Renilde I

She has a rather constant flow of creativity and song, this little bard started off life taking a stand to some of the Archduchess' and her son's initial grown bullies. Responsible for heretically shouting to distract the late, traitorous Archduke during his duel with Prince Marius.
 

Petra, Flowing Water! Ave! Ave!


 

O SAINTE RÈGNE PETRÉRE,

HER GRACE, Renilde I, By the Grace of GOD,
Archduchess of the Petra, Countess of Temesch and Moere

HER EXCELLENCY, Dame Anne de Vilain,
Chamberlain of the River Court, Baroness-consort of Acre, Owner of Little Acre Bakery

 

https://discord.gg/kn2fRz6rT5
 

Spoiler

Thank you to the following people:
@tilly for allowing me the opportunity to pick up the courts in Petra and reform it. She saw potential in me and hopefully we can restore the Petrine spirit together bit-by-bit.
@livrose for giving me some insight on how the courts can be better, as well as inspire my ideas.
@liz for being a huge push to execute this plan and being a constant support.
@Greehn for setting up the Discord, as well as always being the one to encourage my ideas. 

 

[tilly 3647]

"Goodness, gracious! This is most excellent work, Anne; I cannot wait to see what we accomplish with these reforms. We'll be shaping the minds of the future!" The Archduchess latched onto the older woman's shoulder, and gave her an excited short of shake. "This is a nice change of pace from the stigma of traditional 'court'!"

[esotericas 1505]

"Nice," said the Court Alchemist, reading over the missive.