Balianese Metal Language

[The Palatio Arancione 398]

 

 

 

A Balianese Noblewoman proudly displays her various trinkets and jewels, befitting her status. They seem to be made of Gold, or Bronze, how curious, perhaps a wedding protrait? 

 

 

Penned by Don John Lothar d’Arkent, from the Office of the Court Jeweler extending on the Regalia Regulations

 

Blessed are we to live in such a sophisticated Kingdom with guidelines on regalia and such in the Court. The dos and don’t, however, expanding further as is the duty of the Office Court Jeweler, I have seen fit to create further guidance and explanations for awards that will be given to our Peerage or the ones they wish to create for themselves. Just as our Noble Houses have great tales to tell and products they pride themselves on, such as D’Arkent’s martial prowess, boasting several Generals and High-Ranking Officers in Old Orenia, to their birth from Emperor Joesph of Marna, slain in the War of the Two Emperors to the Wineries of Selm though devastated by the Brother’s war. Or Vuiller, born of the blood of Saint Harald, a martyr who died for his faith as he was killed by an inferis that he had slain, their specialty in creating great politicians and economic power in recent years, holding the Lord Senschel Ledicourt, and Procurator Johanne Vuiller. I seek to personalize and customize each piece of assigned heirlooms to the House they are assigned to represent such.

 

 

On Gold: Gold is generally worn exclusively by the Royal Family, this policy is largely kept to circlets, tiaras, and crowns, their emblems of power only. This being greatly loosened with broaches, necklaces, rings, or trimming  - However, only with the blessing of the reigning Monarch may grant a comital or ducal peer the privilege to wear a circlet or tiara of gold, typically commissioning the Court Jeweler to make one personalized to the Monarch’s will. This privilege is intended to be granted for great deeds and decades of service to the Kingdom in lieu of simply giving promotion to one’s title or knighthood. This is to say; it is usually a reward given when one has earned it all or done a truly outstanding act.

 

On Silver: Silver is the metal of the merchants and the persuasive or the truthful, silver-tongued individuals. Generally, given to Houses with an extended history of loyalty, or of a line of great leaders in the Royal Duana. Akin to Silver’s ability to resist rust, a House gave a gift of silver jewelry as assigned by the Court Jeweler and the Crown has been shown to never tarnish in their loyalty or dedication to the betterment of the Kingdom. 

 

On Ferrum and Black Ferrum: Though… An unorthodox metal to create jewelry out of, Ferrum possesses great meaning as it is the metal of the Warrior along with Steel.  Regalia of Ferrum would be given to Houses with a long history of warfare or great military leaders in the Kingdom of Balian, or throughout their own history, should they not be innately native to Balian. Though, particular notice is given to those serving Balian or its predecessor, Old Orenia. Though this does not exclusively mean martial warriors, as the values of Scholars are also observed, those who fight hard for change in society, or remain unbending in their stance like Ferrum are granted gifts of Ferrum.

 

 

On Anorum: A Trickey substance- It is unsure if this is truly a metal, but it is fit to create quite impressive jewelry out of, I find. The meaning of Anorum originates from its ancient times when Exalted Horen still roamed the earth. When the Betrayer sought to destroy Descendant-Kind, many-a humans turned to Anorum in times of resource shortage when Ferrum had become elusive . Those awarded Anoum should often consider the ironglass a great honour, awarded to notable individuals in times of great crisis by the Court. Alternatively, given the risky method of harvesting it, the daring may receive gifts of Anorum, rapidly emerging Peerage that have made great strides at the cost of great risks in aiding the Kingdoms are also prime candidates. 

 

On Platinum: Platinum akin to gold, is associated with the honourable and such- Knights, Judges, and others. Alternatively, Platinum is often given as a gift to another, as opposed to being purchased for one’s self. Though, this is not to dissuade trinkets of Platinum from being made as it is a wonderful metal, but merely a precedent I wish to set. Nobility, at marriages or other parties, could often exchange lavish gifts of Platinum, often giving Platinum for Platinum, given the expensive cost of the material.

On Steel: Steel, like Ferrum, is an odd metal for gentry jewelry- But, amongst the most durable known to Man, whilst its composites being rather plentiful. The sort to wear Steel as Regelia are the Blacksmiths and other tradesmen of the Kingdom. Though, the Gentry who wander around in armour may feel more at home with steel jewelry. Though, it is not unheard of for Military or Knightly Orders to give Medals, or other awards of Steel, all holding their own meanings and values separate from the Courts. Another notable use of Steel is its collaboration with “colour stone” to produce a variety of colours while retaining lustre. Generally, like a Smith, one can make of this what they will.

 

 

On Bronze: Like Steel, Bronze is an alloy of various metals, largely Copper and Tin. Thus, I have come to associate Bronze with Holy Matrimony. This can be taken as one may want to, personally, I’d see this as encouraging the wearing of Bronze during Balianese wedding ceremonies. Men have their trim of Bronze metal cloth woven into their clothing, with women having bangles of bronze around their arms. Extending to entire Circlets, Tiaras, and Rings being crafted for the ceremony as needed. These, of course, are merely examples, given that Balianese Culture is far from monolithic. Bronze has also been associated with the Akritian Culture, which undoubtedly has had an influence on our own. With their stories of their Ancient Warriors donning armour of Bronze, Bronze may take on a similar identity of Steel or Ferrum too.

 

 

And, of course, a disclaimer, all families are free to craft and wear their own jewelry and regalia with  whatever material they wish.  As it is by no means my intention to hamper any's creativity or will. Though, when worn in court or Balian, one is still expected to follow the Regalia Regulations, especially on the matter of Circlets and Tiaras. Merely, the Metal Language allows for further customization and personalization of Peerage’s own jewelry, and further is the precedent on which the office of the Court Jeweler will follow when assigning and creating jewelry to the Peerage or at the whim of the Monarch.