The House of von Reuss

[zuziee 4004]

THE HOUSE VON REUSS

Founded in 1590 

 

The Crest of Velen

 

Written by

MARLENE OF MERRYWEATHER

TABLE

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CIRCUMSTANCES OF RULE

HISTORY

LAND

TITLES

CUSTOMS & CULTURE

     Aschenwalder

     Traits

     Fashion

     Naming 

     Relics 

RITES

     Rite of Maturity

     Rite of Marriage

     Rite of Death

HOUSEHOLD

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CIRCUMSTANCES OF RULE

 

The March of Velen has a rich and storied history that stretches back to the late 19th century. It all began in 1885 when a self-proclaimed Barony emerged on the outskirts of Celianor, led by a man named Leopold von Reuss. This Barony bore a unique and ominous title that Leopold had earned through his gruesome exploits – he was known far and wide as "The Bloody Baron," and his notoriety had garnered him a cult-like following, especially among those who celebrated his ruthless slaying of elves.

 

As the years passed, the Barony of Velen's title would undergo significant changes and enhancements. In 1888, their noble status was officially reaffirmed in the eyes of Aaun's monarchy, thanks to an agreement reached with King Charles of Aaun. This agreement solidified their position as permanent residents of Aaun lands where they would stay for decades after. 

 

However, the story of Velen didn't stop there. Leopold von Reuss continued to rise in prominence within the realm, becoming a prominent military vassal. His dedication and service were duly recognized, and he was bestowed with the prestigious title of Margrave just two years later. This elevation in status came with additional subsidiary titles, reflecting Leopold's increasing influence and authority.

 

Yet, it wasn't until 1942, nearly six decades after Velen's founding, that formal letters of recognition and acknowledgment were issued by the crown. King Edmund of Aaun officially recognized Velen's importance and contribution to the kingdom by purchasing Velenic lands in Aveos and publishing [Letters of Patent for the March of Velen].

 

It would take over a decade longer for the Margrave of Velen, Siegmund I, to finish the blueprints and build Kostritz Castle atop Mount St. Alexander where the current line of Reuss resides over a small town.

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HISTORY

 

Before the arrival of von Reuss to the shores of Almaris, the house lived a life of guarding pilgrims along the roads to holy sites around Aeldin as well as acting as mercenaries to the highest bidder. Not long after their return to the lands of the descendants, they worked posthaste to find a land to call home. They landed on the outskirts of Celianor and created a following as they were hired to kill elves in an ongoing civil war between the High Elven races. 

 

This place was called the Barony of Velen and was established in Celianor in 1885 only to move in 1888 to Aaun under a promise to serve King Charles of Aaun militarily. The wayward sons and daughters of Aschenwalder followed across Almaris to the newly titled Barony of Velen, making it their home. As the colony opened, Leopold von Reuss officially started the revitalization of his pious company of men and women who held loyal to their leader. 

 

In the years following the founding of Velen, the hamlet turned into a bustling colony and bastion of the faith in the western reaches of the continent. Upon reading missives of a call to arms by the Holy Pontiff, Pontian IV, Velen answered the call and joined their fellow pious brethren on the roads to defeat this nefarious threat to the flock of the faith. As the patrols and crusade went on Velen spoke and connected with their fellow man and took what they learned back home.

 

These connections and talks would lead to the reforms of the company and Velen as a whole in 1890. Leopold brought forth his vision that he worked tirelessly with his wife and consort, Ravenna, to complete these reforms. As they came to a close and were announced at the Velenic Diet, the people of Velen and the House of Reuss were now set on a path to becoming a functioning state rather than a mere colony. 

 

They’d name themselves the March of Velen to match their militaristic prowess and continue to build up until the late 1890s when they’d begin to settle down and into a more steady position in the United Kingdom of Aaun. Leopold von Reuss would then entrust his third-born child with the March in 1901, continuing to privately lead the military of Velen. 

 

Thus, a new era began under Guinevere von Reuss. She was the first female inheritor of the line after she had single-handedly killed all of her other siblings to ensure her inheritance of the March. Around that time, the previous castle built by her father was lost to Petra, so Guinevere began by ushering her people to Cherskavy where the Aschenwald was established. This settlement was like a light in the darkest of forests that commonly bred spooks of all sorts. Guinevere spent the rest of her reign hunting down several of the nastier spooks while also taking back Guise from Petra. In 1914, she stepped down as Margravine to become an inquisitor to continue to protect the Aschenwald from spooks. Stories of her courage are commonly spread amongst young Aschenwalder so they are less fearful of the woods when learning to hunt. 

 

In 1914, Guinevere’s firstborn, Philippa von Reuss, would inherit. Philippa was accomplished in her youth, having spent it before her inheritance away from her homelands. Upon her mother's abdication, she’d return to Velen to finalize the former Margravine’s plans to erect a holding and township just east of their current Margravial seat at the most western border of the Aschenwald. In addition, she was the cause of the republication of the Velen charter with additions and the modernization of the nobility within the vassal. Following a twenty-six-year reign as Margravine of Velen, where the latter half was spent in regency due to her in-habilitating illness, Philippa died at the age of forty. Following her death, her second son was titled Margrave of Velen, the first male inheritor in two generations.

 

Siegmund von Reuss’s reign was different from the others previous as he had grown up as the second son to the previous Margravine with no plans to inherit. After a line of tragedies in the family beginning with the death of his older brother, Georg, and then his mother, he would be entrusted with the March of Velen. This was around the time of the descendant's move to Aveos from Almaris in which the Aschenwald people were scattered. The house would go unlanded until 1942 when King Edmund of Aaun published Letters of Patent for the March of Velen. It is rumored that the lands and patents were funded by Marlene of Merryweather, the March’s future consort. 

 

It wouldn’t be until 1954 that the new Aschenwald was planted, the town was built, and Castle Kostritz was finished. Thus, a new era of Velen peace was brought in under Siegmund with the help of his consort. 

 

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LAND

Kostritz Castle, Circa. 1954

 

In the year 1942, the March of Velen acquired noble lands from King Edmund of Aaun after the letters of patent for the March of Velen were formally issued. The lands themselves were nestled atop the mountain St. Alexander, positioned in such a way that they overlooked all of Whitespire from far in the distance. Much like old Velenic lands on previous continents, the March of Velen was enshrouded in the newly deemed forest of Aschenwald. However what set them apart was the elevated vantage point, affording breathtaking views over neighboring territories. 

 

The topography of these lands had a unique impact on the citizens. Due to the lofty peach in the mountains, the landscape differed significantly from the traditional Velenic castles of yore. While trees were planted to eventually sprout into the next Aschenwald, most of the Velenic domains give way to open expanses which provide ample grazing room for a variety of livestock including cows and other pastured animals. 

 

The climate of this region was equally distinctive. It was marked by its temperate nature, characterized by a scarcity of heavy rains and winds. Instead, prevailing cloudiness hung over the land, casting drifts of snow. 

 

Around Kostritz Castle is a quaint town with a few smaller cottages, Chapel St. Lucien for prayer, and a tavern for gatherings. These homes are entitled to the shepherds of the land and are a haven for weary travelers who dare climb Mount St. Alexander during the cold season. 

 

Kostritz Castle itself is a grand structure that pays homage to the architectural traditions of previous homes to the Reuss family. The imposing edifice featured towering spires, anchored by sturdy stone foundations. The walls, strikingly pristine, are adorned with red brick trims, showcasing the craftsmanship that had become synonymous with the Velenic legacy. 

 

Within the Castle’s walls, two courtyards grace the interior, one reserved for private affairs and the other serving as a focal point for the public’s gaze. The expansive great hall inside the Castle plays host to the Revedin throne, an ancient relic from before the first Margrave’s time. A ballroom on the second floor plays host to quieter gatherings and celebrations, while barracks ensure the security and readiness of Velen’s military forces. 

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TITLES

 

The March of Velen (1890-Present)

The County of Cantal (1890-Present)

The County of Revedin (1890-Present) 

The Barony of Aschenwald (1890-Present)

The Barony of Mons Velena (1890-Present)

The Barony of Alsace (1941-Present)

The Lord of Kostritz (1954-Present)

Electorate of Velen (1889-Present)

The Barony of Velen (1885-1890)

Proprietor of the Velen Company (1880-1890)

The Margraviate of Eisenwald (1776-1794)

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CUSTOMS & CULTURE

 

Aschenwalder

Aschenwalder, a subsect of Waldenian, originated in the forests surrounding Ancient Velen. The abundance of prey in the vast forest led the populace to primarily sustain themselves through woodwork, carving, hound-mastery, and hunting. Adhering to core tenets of honor and virtue instilled from a young age, the people don modest green attire to blend into their natural surroundings. Influenced by Lucienists since the fifteenth century, Aschenwalder's customs and values reflect this foundation. The cuisine, dominated by meat sourced from hunting, is complemented by various vegetables, particularly potatoes and carrots. The Aschenwalder language has modernized over time due to integration into Aaunic culture.

 

This emerging culture is predominantly embraced by the Waldenian House of Reuss and its vassals, including the Houses of Wexler, Bardenwig, and Reanoux, all residing in the Aschenwald region. Aschenwalders take pride in their strong sense of community and hospitality, surpassing that of other Waldenian Houses. While adhering to the Canonist faith, many Aschenwaldians have adopted Lucienism and the teachings of St. Lucien of Ulmsbottom, setting them apart from their Waldenian counterparts.

 

In recent times, the displacement of great Aschenwalder houses is common due to the House von Reuss’s lands being placed on top of Mount St. Alexander which was barren of forest. A new forest had to be planted by the people and in the meantime many adopted shepherdy in the vast fields surrounding the mountain. 

 

Traits

The distinctive traits displayed by the primary lineage's descendants encompass a captivating spectrum of hair colors, spanning from deep shades of dark brown to the fiery allure of red locks. Amidst this diverse array of hair hues, their eyes retain a steadfast and enigmatic grayish undertone, serving as an enduring testament to the unwavering influence of the Horenic genes. Alongside these striking features, their physique often embodies a tall and slender frame, perfectly suited to the rigors of the march's militaristic lifestyle.

 

This combination of unique genetic attributes and the physical grace of their stature defines the essence of the primary lineage's descendants, setting them apart in both appearance and adaptability to the demands of their environment. Auxiliary often follows suit in physique and eyes, but instead of the Velenic brown hair, they have flaxen tones that tend to lighten with age. 

 

Furthermore, these genes trace back to Leopold von Reuss and his wife, Ravenna Cantel, having held for over four generations. 

 

Fashion

Male Velenic fashion is characterized by practicality, social standing, and regional influences. Men commonly wear knee-length tunics with long sleeves, often paired with sleeveless surcoats displaying heraldic symbols. Tight-fitting hose and chausses cover the legs, while leather shoes are the popular choice in footwear. Headwear included hoods and hats, and wide belts with metal embellishments adorn the waist. Accessories such as pouches and knives are common, and those engaged in warfare added armor, helmets, and crests. Cloaks or mantles were worn depending on weather or status. 

 

Women typically wear ankle-length dresses with fitted bodices and flowing skirts, often made of wool or linen. The neckline and sleeve styles varied, with long, fitted sleeves being the most common. The dresses are often accompanied by decorative belts at the waist when the lady is older. Footwear consisted of simple leather shoes. Most gowns have more luxurious fabrics, embroidery, and embellishments on their garments. Jewelry such as rings, brooches, and necklaces are worn to accessorize. 

 

Additionally, the direct lineage of von Reuss only wears shades of red or green, usually in combination. 

Examples of Fashion

 

Naming 

The House of Reuss follows the typical practice of reusing ancestral names to name their children. Though it is not enforced, it is not uncommon to find a member of the House with a name of Imperial or Waldenic origin not directly connected to the House’s ancestors. 

 

Male Name Examples:

Adrian, Adelhelm, Aimar, Arn, Arminius, Albert, Aschwn, August, Anton, Baldwin, Bernard, Bruno, Charles, Christopher, Conrad, Daniel, Detlev, Dietger, Erwin, Eimar, Everard, Elric, Ewald, Eckbert, Frederick, Folke, Godfrey, Godwyn, Godfried, Gustaf, Guy, Gerard, Hadrian, Harold, Harald, Henry, Humbert, Hugo, Jack, Kai, Karl, Lando, Livius, Lothar, Leopold, Ludwig, Leon, Leonhard, Leufroy, Lucius, Lucian, Luther, Manfred, Markus, Norman, Otto, Ottokar, Oliver, Oswald, Peter, Philip, Reimar, Roland, Robert, Rocco, Roderick, Rudolf, Richard, Sigismund, Siegmund, Siegfried, Sigmar, Tobias, Thomas, Theo, Ulrich, Volkmar, Volker, Voron William, Willem, Wilfried, Wolfgang, Wilhelm 

 

Female Name Examples:

Adelheid, Amelia, Arnhilde, Agnes. Anna, Anne, Antoinette, Arlette, Angelina, Ada, Astrid, Audrey, Brenna, Beatrix, Cecelia, Celina, Celine, Charlotte, Clara, Christina, Catherine, Caroline, Daniella, Diana, Diane, Dasha, Dorothy, Eva, Eve, Edith, Elena, Eloise, Elle, Ella, Ernesta, Everarda, Emiline, Emilia. Emily, Fredericka, Genevieve, Guinevere, Gabrielle, Gabriella, Gertrud, Henrietta, Henriette, Hilde, Harmonie, Isabelle, Isabella, Ida, Irma, Josephine, Juno, Johanna, Johanne, Julia, Julie, Juliette, Justina, Justine, Kaya, Kaja, Katherine, Konstance, Linda, Linde, Lucia, Luciana, Lucie, Loreley, Lisa, Louisa, Louise, Luciel, Margaret, Margarita, Matilda, Mathilde, Margot, Maria, Marie, Marcella, Milena, Nora, Natalia, Natalie, Ophelia, Olivia, Phillipa, Phoebe, Penelope, Ravenna, Rosa, Rose, Roberta, Reinhilde, Sophia, Sophie, Susette, Suzanne, Sylvia, Winifred, Yvonne, Zoe

 

Relics 

Ork’s Bane - The Sword of Vn. Lucien of Reza

The sword that has been in our family since the time of the War of the Two Emperors, bestowed upon us as a gift from His Holiness Johannes I to Otto von Reuss not long after the body of Lucien was recovered from where he was slain. Inscribed upon the blade of the sword is a litany of courage below the initials of L.V.R. 

 

Helmet of Ottokar von Reuss

The great helm was worn by Brother-Sergeant Ottokar von Reuss during the Third Crusade while in service to the Order of St. Lucien. Inscribed on the inside of the helmet bears his initials O.V.R.

 

Tome of Godwyn von Reuss

After his brief service in the Caer Bann Company, Godwyn took to studying theology and theses of the faith. These studies and pursuit of knowledge would give way to the Tome of Godwyn, a series of our House’s history, faith, and traditions. 

 

The Signet of Robert von Reuss

The ring was worn by Robert von Reuss the former patriarch of the House von Reuss, brother to Godwyn von Reuss, and father to the Vl. Lucien of Reza. It would be he who created our family’s heraldic sigil that we use to this day, its first instance of use was within this signet ring. Those who hold the title of patriarch are bestowed the ring upon their ascension to the mantle.

The Crown of Revedin

Commissioned for Philippa I of Velen by her mother, Guinevere I, in 1911 for Philippa’s kinderfest. The crown resembles a thick aurum band that encircles the wearer's head, holding a darker hue due to wear from the years worn. Inset are emeralds mined by the Baroness of Ragnarsson, rubies mined by the Baron of Bardenwig, and finally polished and cut by the Baron of Teufel. Together, it symbolizes the wearer of the crown, the ruler of the Aschenwaldian people. 

 

Guinevere’s Rosary

A Canonist rosary held and crafted by Guinevere I. The rosary’s beads are primarily made from wood taken from the Aschenwald, giving it a timeless rustic look. The centerpiece is a golden medallion bearing the von Reuss coat of arms. Finally, at the end of the rosary is a striking Lorraine cross also carved from the wood. Within the cross, small rubies are embedded.

 

The Circlet of Mons Velena

Commissioned by Guinevere I in 1901, the Circlet consists of a thick, solid band of Velen gold that has been meticulously worked and polished to shine. The metal itself serves as a sturdy foundation for the circlet’s other features such as the embodiment of a series of rich, crimson rubies that have been cut into ovals. The gems are arranged into a continuous line, encircling the entire band. Additionally, the band is covered with detailed engravings depicting canonist symbols and crosses. 

 

The Aschenwald Amulet 

A small, yet enchanting golden amulet, on a leather string. Commissioned by Marlene, the Margravine-consort of Velen, for her only son, Leufroy in 1958. The intricate design holds a central orb, fashioned from pure gold that cradles three radiant rubies while emeralds, reminiscent of the Aschenwald forest, intertwine with the design on the exterior.

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RITES

 

Rite of Maturity

The von Reuss family hosts various private ceremonies, but the rite of passage into adulthood for the mainline is distinct. When a member of the Reuss household turns 16, a ceremonial bonfire is ignited to mark their transition to adulthood. Some individuals opt to symbolize this transition by throwing cherished childhood items into the flames. The celebration includes the accompaniment of Waldenian music as guests mingle and congratulate the individual. After the bonfire naturally wanes, the Reuss receives a meaningful pendant featuring the family crest, which they can either use or pass on as they see fit.

 

Rite of Marriage

The Rite of Marriage within House von Reuss adheres closely to conventional Canonist traditions. This sacred ceremony is conducted by the established customs of rituals of the Canonist Church, incorporating the essential sacraments and vows that define the wedding ritual. The union involves the exchange of vows, the giving of rings, and a kiss at the end to seal the nuptials. The ceremony is officiated by a priest or clergy member, ensuring the sacramental nature of the marriage, and is performed in a chapel or church.

 

Rite of Death

The passing of a von Reuss is a profound sorrow that deeply affects the entire family, prompting a mourning period twice as long as that observed by other families. The funeral ceremony commences with the construction of a pyre, on which the deceased von Reuss's body will be cremated. The logs and twigs required for the pyre are exclusively gathered from the Aschenwald and arranged around the casket by fellow members of the Reuss family. The head of the family then ignites the pyre, and all attendees gather to witness the solemn flames. As the pyre gradually turns into a pile of ashes, individuals significant to the departed are encouraged to share farewell messages and contribute meaningful items from the deceased person's life to the fire.

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HOUSEHOLD

 

Mainline

TRH Siegmund, IV. Margrave of Velen @Timer

     b. 1920 to Philippa, III. Margravine of Velen & Leufroy de Lewes

TRH Marlene Konstancja von Reuss nèe von Alstreim @zuziee

     b. 1922 to Siegfried von Alstreim & Maya von Draco 

     TH Leufroy Otto, V. Count of Revedin @TwistedFries

          b. 1955 to Siegmund, IV Margrave of Velen & Marlene von Alstreim

     LADY Guinevere Milena von Reuss @HighLariousKitty

          b. 1955 to Siegmund, IV Margrave of Velen & Marlene von Alstreim

     TH Siegmunda Agnes Barclay nèe von Reuss @TheHeftyDonut

          b. 1957 to Siegmund, IV Margrave of Velen & Marlene von Alstreim

 

Auxiliary

LADY Katharina Elisabeth de Lewes nèe von Reuss @Witchring

     b. 1928 to Philippa, III. Margravine of Velen & Leufroy de Lewes

☩ VELENA AETERNA EST. ☩

Spoiler

OOC:

Thanks too…

• Matti for the new build and Olox for the screenshot of Velen
• Minty for the skin bases
• Previous family post-writers 
• Wiki page writers (ncarr, optimus, marshi)

 

[exogens 934]

A certain old reader, somewhere far from human reach, would read the information regarding a fellow noble family. He was amazed at how such history and culture remained hidden beneath the dust of time.

[Hunnic 482]

Spoiler

Stunning, actually a godan tier post

 

[sondher 797]

Konstancja, though she could not read yet, was proud of not only her mother - but her family as well.