THE ROYAL CITY OF NEW VALDEV

[Nolan_ 4345]

Spoiler

 

THE ROYAL CITY OF NEW VALDEV

CAPITAL OF THE DUAL KINGDOM OF HANSETI-RUSKA

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Written by: Rickard H. Kortrevich

At the Behest of: The Office of the Grand Maer

Published by: Baruch & Kortrevich Publishings

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“Razed by a comet and reborn from its heavenly ashes, this city is the very heart and soul of our Kingdom. A home to all Haeseni.”

GRAND MAER IOANNA KORTREVICH, 530 E.S.

 

The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and Its People

 

Known officially as the Dual Monarchy of the Kingdoms of Hanseti and Ruska, the nation is perhaps better known by its colloquial form of simply Haense. Ruled over by a semi-absolute monarchy, the Kingdom thrives as the undoubtedly the most powerful Northern nation and indeed one of the foremost states in all of Almaris. Though the Kingdom accepts people of all races and creeds it is primarily composed of the Human subrace known as Highlanders, a rugged and hardy people who have occupied the North for centuries and centuries. Haense is the oldest continuous state in all of humanity with over 400 years of history as a Kingdom and even older roots.

 

People who come to call the thriving Kingdom home are known as the Haeseni, the descendants of notable Northern cultures that came to culminate in Haense. Built on a sense of honour that drives their laws and outlook, the Haeseni are a proud and compassionate people but tough and breed what many think of as the typical Northernmen. Known for their nobles and knights, councillors and justiciars, soldiers, priests and merchants, Haense has opportunities for people of all walks of life.

 

The most common ancestry and cultures are:

 

The modern and loyal New Marians - the urban living descendants of the people who flocked to Haense and its most numerous ethnicity. Typically the newly arrived common people, merchants, traders and burghers belong to this group of peoples and indeed a number of noble houses too including the Houses of Amador, Kortrevich and Ludovar. Most live in and around the capital city of New Valdev.

 

The wise and seafaring Ayrikiv - originally a subset of the Waldenian peoples, they have thrived under the Kingdom of Haense and grown into a formidable culture of tartan wearing politicians and soldiers. Sailing is of special importance to the Ayrikiv and are without a doubt the most dominant on the waves. The Ayrikiv are housed primarily in the Duchy of Valwyck to the far west of the Kingdom.

 

The carousing and passionate Raevirs - there still exist people who claim descent from the Raevir, the people of the original ancient Kingdom of Ruska, and thus make their home in modern day Haense. Known for their heavy drinking and more traditional mindsets, they are the most rugged of the Haeseni peoples and take great pride in their history and Ruskan aesthetic that is still popular. Most find themselves friends with the similarly cultured Rutherns of the Duchy of Vidaus and the Godunovs of the Barony of Verskaya. Most feel a calling to and reside in and around the North of the Kingdom.

 

The ancient and hardworking Scyflings - mostly descendants of the Nord Lords of Athera, Scyflings came under the fold of Haense in the days before the Kingdom when it was a mere Duchy that helped unite the North thanks to the Scyfling’s patron saint, Saint Carr of Carrenhall. Ritualistic, agriculturally minded and hardy, these people have endured through everyone of Haense’s hardships and come out ever hopeful. While some might point out that they still hold some values similar to their ancient pagan ways, they are devout Canonists through and through these days. Scyflings can find a home with the noble Houses of Colborn and Valkonen in the County of Malkovya and the Barony of Svargrad respectively.

 

The proud and pious Waldenians - one of the groups of people who helped found the original Duchy of Haense under the leadership of the famed Saint Otto ‘the Bald’ of Vanderfell. They are incredibly pious and take great note of anything of Canonist (the dominant human religion) but are also known for their knights, horses and weapon forging. Since the release of the House of Barclay’s vassalage, the House of Weiss and their land, the Viscounty of Novkursain, have become the home of Waldenian culture in the Kingdom.

 

Spoiler

For a more in-depth guide on Haense and how the subgroups of them came to be and who they are, read @yopplwasupxxx's post on the ethnicities and subcultures of Haense if you're interested.

 

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Location

 

Those that find themselves at the hub known as Cloud Temple need only make a short trip straight forward to the travel pillars, straight on to the back of them to the pillar marked with Haense that takes you to the Midlands (the starting point on the map above). As seen in the map, any person can easily get to the front gates of New Valdev by following the simple (red) path east of the Midlands pillar. Head through the woods and once you see the tourney grounds you’re at the entrance to the imposing and cultural hub that is the Royal City of New Valdev.

 

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Landmarks

 

The Royal City hosts a plethora of notable landmarks and attractions which any traveller or would-be Haeseni should see. Whether it be food, drink, historical sites or buildings of note and unparalleled architecture there is something for all in the Royal City of New Valdev. To name a few there are:
 

KASSTEL LESANOV

The Royal Palace, constructed at the behest of King Ivan VIII and Queen Nataliya of Ghaestenwald, is the current royal abode in the very heart of the city. The tallest and largest structure in New Valdev, the Kasstel is hard to miss with its grandiose exterior and extravagant interior. Whilst half of the palace is reserved for the use of the Royal House of Barbanov-Bihar, the ground floor portion is open to the public and sees plenty of traffic as both a sight-seeing destination but also the setting of many Crown endorsed balls and festivities. Also housed in the Kasstel are the Royal Archives, an excellent place for any would-be scholar.

 

THE BROTHERHOOD BARRACKS

Home to the armoury of the city, the soldiers’ quarters, and their training grounds and feast hall. The Brotherhood Barracks are immediately on your right as you enter through the gates of the fair capital. Should one wish to join up with the national army, the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, then they should arrive at the barracks and ask after the Lord Marshal Caspian Colborn or any officer.

 

THE BASILICA OF SAINT JOREN & THE BROKEN CHAINS

The home of worship and prayer in the Royal City as well as the heart of the Jorenic Rite, the specific form of Canonism followed in Haense. The Basilica is situated on the main square, Aleksandrplatz, and is set apart by its grandeur and distinctive colourful style in the Jorenic style. Housed below are the tombs of the Haeseni Kings and above is the symbolic resting place of Exalted Sigismund with the reliquary of saintly relics across from it. The grandiose church is a popular stop on any pilgrimage.

 

THE TIPSY TARCHAR TAVERN & INN

The ever popular tavern resides in the main square and serves both food and drink that are staples of Haeseni cuisine. One cannot leave New Valdev without tasting a world famous Carrion Black and having a merry time with bar games, cards or the occasional bare-knuckle boxing match. People looking for a job are encouraged to inquire inside about becoming a tavernkeep or about the rooms above.

 

THE DUMA HALL

Adjacent to the tavern and likewise on the main square just before the entrance to the Royal Palace, the Duma Hall stands proud as the centre of Haeseni legislation. If one is so lucky as to be visiting the capital city during the time that the King’s Royal Duma is in session they can watch from the public gallery and witness every peer or their representatives decide the future of the Highland realm.

 

THE HOSPITAL OF SAINT AMYAS

Immediately to the left of the city as you enter through the front gates, the Hospital of Saint Amyas is so named after the Saint Amyas of Yore, the patron saint of medicine, healing, botany and wild herbs. Taking care of the Haeseni ill and injured, the hospital is run by the Surgeon General and their team of medics. Classes on the correct medical practices are held here frequently.

 

THE HAESENI MUSEUM

Originally a concept brought to Haense under the Northern Geographical Society (NGS), the Haeseni Museum was reformed to specialise in only Haeseni history under then Deputy Lord Palatine Otto Gant. Situated just past the barracks and city park in the Aranykort, the museum is open to the public and hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions such as information and relics pertaining to historic events and people. Come and read about every one of the past Kings of Queens of Haense.

 

THE ARENA & TOURNEY GROUNDS

Before the front gates near the city limits, the arena and tourney grounds is a frequent hotspot for Royal events as well as duels over damaged honour. Traditionally used in the larger scale jousts and for the approximately decennial Grand Champion Tournament, aimed at finding the finest fighter in Haense. One cannot miss the chance to compete here.

 

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Notable Officials

 

 KING IVAN VIII OF HANSETI-RUSKA

Ivan Aleksandr Barbanov-Bihar | indiana105 | @indiana105

 

The ruling and twenty-third King of Hanseti-Ruska. The highest authority in the realm on all matters secular, the King is obeyed by all Haeseni and is a welcome sight amongst the people in the city of New Valdev. God bless him and long may he reign.

 

 QUEEN-CONSORT NATALIYA OF GHAESTENWALD

Nataliya Leopoldina Barbanov-Bihar née Morovar | kaylacita | @kaylacita

 

The ruling and twenty-second Queen-consort of Hanseti-Ruska. The wife of the King and mother of the Grand Prince, the Queen is a generous soul and her orders are heeded by all Haeseni as one of the executors of the Crown’s will. God bless her.

 

 LORD PALATINE IVO RADOVANIC

Ivo Radovanic | Demavend | @Demavend

 

The Lord Palatine is the leader of the Aulic Council, who control the Haeseni government, and the greatest advisor to the Crown. One can find the Palatine in and around the Palace and has authority over most matters so will hear any petition on any issue.

 

 LORD MARSHAL SER CASPIAN COLBORN

Caspian Colborn né Layland | Sandman_plays | @Sandman_Plays

 

The Lord Marshal serves on the Aulic Council and is entrusted to oversee the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, the unified state army of Haense, as its commander-in-chief. Any would-be soldier or veteran would do well to seek him out and enlist in the Brotherhood to serve with honour and skill against the Kingdom’s enemies and keep the peace.

 

 ROYAL TREASURER MIKHAIL COLBORN

Mikhail Ulrik Aleksey Colborn | Kaladin66 | @Kaladin Stormblessed

 

The Royal Treasurer serves on the Aulic Council and is entrusted to oversee and cultivate the wealth of the Kingdom. The Treasurer is also responsible for the stewardship of the city; the buying and selling of property both commercial and residential. Any issues or questions relating to the economy, trading or housing are to be directed to him.

 

 GRAND MAER IOANNA KORTREVICH 

Ioanna Kortrevich née Rostampur | MunaZaldrizoti | @MunaZaldrizoti

 

The Grand Maer of New Valdev is the elected figurehead and policy maker pertaining to the Royal City exclusively. In charge of overseeing the tavern and appointing its manager, maintaining the beauty of the fair city, penning city writs and preparing festivities and events for the capital, the Grand Maer is someone that can undoubtedly help anyone with almost anything.

 

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Housing

 

All manner of homes, from the humble abodes in Little Midden to the mansions of Aranykort, are available if one has the right amount of coin. If you find you do not have the coin fear not for there are numerous jobs and professions available to all manner of people whether that be as a professional soldier in the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, a government official or even as a tavernkeep. Make sure to contact one of the below to get yourself situated in the Capital.

 

Lord Treasurer:

Mikhail Colborn | Kaladin66 | [discord: edward_snowden] | @Kaladin Stormblessed

 

Stewards:

Adelina van Leuven | Dramatude | [discord: dramatude] | @Dramatude

Garen Baruch | ferdaboy | [discord: ferdaboy] | @ferdaboy

Henrik-Otto Ludovar | HogoBojo | [discord: hogobojo] | @HogoBojo

Davyd Colborn | julius55 | [discord: juliusaakerlund] | @JuliusAakerlund

Svetlana vas Ruthern | libertyybelle | [discord: libertybelle_] | @libertyybelle

Ioanna Kortrevich | MunaZaldrizoti | [discord: munazaldrizotii] | @MunaZaldrizoti

Osgod Colborn | RaijenStars | [discord: _nathancr] | @RaijenStars

 

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KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM

PROTECT THIS KINGDOM

 

 

Spoiler

Link to the Haense discord:

https://discord.gg/W5AuZpcecr

 

 

Thank you to @gohliad for the second last screenshot (the one of the city from afar)

[MunaZaldrizoti 5939]

The Grand Maer Ioanna Kortrevich looked upon young Rickard's work with immense pride, seeing her beloved city showcased so beautifully by such a talented child. It seemed she had a potential successor to consider in future...

[critter 2588]

Sabine is so, so proud of her little brother - who knew he was such a gifted writer!?