First Addendum to the BOOK OF WALDENIA

[Toffee 2843]

 

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Addendum I to the

 

 

Issued by the LADY VANDALORE

In the Year of Our Lord, 1996

 

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INTRODUCTION

EINLEITUNG

 

It is the duty of the Vandalore to maintain the records of the Waldenic Diet. Per the Code of Representation, this includes maintaining an accurate and official list of:

✠ Modern Vandalores;

✠ Elected Margraves of Vanderfell; and 

✠ Electorates of the Waldenic Diet.

 

This publication serves as an official addendum to the Book of Waldenia, which was first composed by Johann Barclay, the tenth Lord Vandalore, in the late nineteenth century. Many additions have been made to the Book of Waldenia in the last century by diligent Waldenian historians. 

 

This addendum specifically includes biographies of the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth Lords and Lady Vandalore, the compositions of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Waldenic Diets, and a record of motions passed by those Diets.

 

Adalfriede von Hexenwald

 

Spoiler

The Sacred Law of Waldenia

Book of Waldenia

 

 

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HISTORIC VANDALORES

HISTORISCHE VANDALOREN

 

The Lord Vandalore is the cultural leader of the Waldenian people, a title which has existed for centuries, although records before the sixteenth century remain scant. From extant documents we know that Nafis Yar was the Lord Vandalore from at least 1524, and it served as a hereditary title until 1686, the year of the first Waldenfest. Convened by Hans Rovin, this meeting of Waldenian lords and patriarchs concluded with the decision that the Lord Vandalore would become an elective position, alongside the Margraviate of Vanderfell.

 

There are therefore two categories of Vandalore. Historic Vandalores, who held the title before 1686, and Modern Vandalores, who were elected to the position. Biographies for Historic Vandalores can be found in the original Book of Waldenia.

 

Spoiler

Waldenfest of 1686

 

 

Nafis Yar | I Lord Vandalore | 1524–1537, 1544–1547

Decimus Rovin | II Lord Vandalore | 1537–1542

Harold Winter IV | III Lord Vandalore | 1542–1544

John Godfrey Horen | IV Lord Vandalore | 1547–1562

John Leopold Horen | V Lord Vandalore | 1562–1575

Leopold of Marna | VI Lord Vandalore | 1575–1607

Rakim Yar | VII Lord Vandalore | 1607–1665

Frederick Pius Horen-Marna | VIII Lord Vandalore | 1665–1694

 

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MODERN VANDALORES

MODERNE VANDALOREN

 

As suggested in the previous section, Vandalores who were elected post-1686 can be considered Modern Vandalores. After the First Waldenic Diet disbanded in 1715 due to the onset of the War of the Two Emperors, another Vandalore was not elected until Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim in 1850; the first of the Modern Vandalores. Biographies for the ninth, tenth, and eleventh Lords and Lady Vandalore can be found in the original Book of Waldenia.

 

Spoiler

Waldenfest of 1850

 

 

Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim | IX Lord Vandalore | 1850–1860

Johann Barclay | X Lord Vandalore | 1860–1875

Johanna Barclay | XI Lady Vandalore | 1876–1894

 

 

Ottomar II von Alstreim | XII Lord Vandalore | 1894–1919

 

Ottomar von Alstreim was the first non-Elector to be elected as the Lord Vandalore, with all previous Vandalores either inheriting the title or already holding an Electorate. Shortly after his election, his uncle the Prince of Merryweather passed away, leaving no children and naming no successor. A grand council was convened by Calliope Renata von Alstreim, and with the consent of members of the House, Ottomar was chosen as Prince Heinrich Franz’s successor. Thereafter Ottomar was styled as Ottomar II von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather. In addition to the Principality of Merryweather, he also inherited the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim, meaning he had no cause to adopt an Electorate of his own.

 

Perhaps the most diligent of all Vandalores who had come before him, Ottomar II von Alstreim delivered on many of the promises of previous Vandalores and their respective Diets. This included publishing the Compact of Merryweather, the Affirmation of the Primary Waldenic Symbols of Merit, and protection of the Waldenian Walrus. He also embarked on a pilgrimage to Atheran Salvus in 1900 to venerate the relics of St. Ottomar the Perpetual King.

 

After twenty five years of service, Ottomar II abdicated from the role of Lord Vandalore in 1919. He remained as the Elector for Merryweather-Alstreim and was awarded a knightly torse for continuing to uphold the Vander Code, even following his abdication. He eventually abdicated his titles as the Prince of Merryweather to his son, Heinrich II, in order to join the Church of the Canon, where he became Pontifical Secretary and Monsignor. 

 

After a long and prosperous life, Ottomar II passed away in 1948, succumbing to an illness at the age of seventy eight. He was posthumously awarded the Ferrum Cross for outstanding service to the Waldenian culture by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988.

 

Spoiler

Notice of Succession, 1897

Writ of Abdication, 1919

Declaration of Regency, 1900

First Session of the Sixth Waldenic Diet, 1919

Notice of Passing, 1948

Third Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1988

 

 

 

Brandt I Barclay | XIII Lord Vandalore | 1919–1939

 

Brandt Barclay was knighted as a Knight of St. Tylos while his father, Leon I, was the Duke of Minitz. Brandt became Brandt I Barclay, Duke of Minitz, following his father’s death in 1914, and the Duchy was later raised to the station of a Grand Principality in 1928.

 

As Lord Vandalore, Brandt I kept minimal records, with some sessions of Diet going completely undocumented and others recorded by his Vice President, Manfred Barclay. Although his recordkeeping left much to be desired, Brandt I was by all accounts a great man and an able warrior. He published the Waldenic Prayer Book in 1942 and later abdicated his titles, joining the Church of the Canon.

 

Rising up the ranks of the Church, Brandt I eventually became the High Pontiff, taking the pontifical name Caius I. His tenure as High Pontiff was marked by a golden era of peace within the realms of Man, with any conflict directed towards purging all that is dark and evil in this world. It was only after his martyrdom in 1985 that the long-simmering conflict in the Heartlands finally erupted, resulting in the dissolution of the Heartlander Confederation into its constituent parts: the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Kingdom of the Petra.

 

Caius I, once Brandt I, was posthumously awarded the Black Ferrum Cross by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988 for his acts of valour in life and in death.

 

Spoiler

Letters Patent for the Grand Principality of Minitz, 1928

Waldenic Prayer Book

Obituary of Caius Primus, 1985

Third Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1988

 

 

 

Heinrich II von Alstreim | XIV Lord Vandalore | 1939–1952

 

Heinrich II von Alstreim made several promises following his election in 1939, including reviving the tradition of the Waldenfest and finishing the project of the Vander Knights started by the previous Vandalore. These promises would not come to fruition, though none can say that Heinrich II was not an extraordinarily accomplished man.

 

King James I of Aaun passed away in 1937 and, with the heir to the throne having tragically perished two years earlier, the throne passed to the king’s grandson, King Edmund II, a boy of four. As the Prince of Merryweather, Heinrich II sat upon a regency council to oversee the affairs of the Kingdom of Aaun. This included signing the Heartlander Accord in 1941 to put an end to conflict that had plagued the Heartlands for many years, and responding to the aftermath of the Whitespire Floods of 1942.

 

In 1945, Heinrich II became the sole Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Aaun until the young king came of age in 1951, at which point he stepped aside for King Edmund II to rule in his own name. Only a year later, House Stassion rebelled against the Kingdom, storming a Royal Diet meeting and slaughtering King Edmund II and Heinrich II as the Prince of Merryweather. The Lord Vandalore’s sudden and tragic death threw the Waldenic Diet into disarray. It would not reconvene for four years following his death, observing a prolonged mourning period far eclipsing the mourning for any other Vandalore who had died in office.

 

Spoiler

Adelheid's Archives: The Blood Raven's Regency

End of the Raven's Regency, 1951

A Prince No More, 1952

 

 

 

Johannes von Alstreim | XV Lord Vandalore | 1956–1979

 

Johannes von Alstreim’s tenure as Lord Vandalore was marked by a series of absences, whether embarking on pilgrimage or travels relating to his duties as the High Commissioner of the Heartlander Confederation. He successfully implemented the Knights of Vander, an initiative first started during the Sixth Waldenic Diet, but the Waldenic Diet was otherwise mostly stagnant.

 

Such can be expected due to the Aevos Coalition War of 1951–1962, sparked by the capture of Crown Princess Sibyl of Balian (later Queen Sybille I) and the murder of King Edmund II. Electorates of the Eighth Waldenic Diet were Waldenian Houses from the Kingdom of Haense, the Kingdom of Aaun, and the Commonwealth of the Petra, all of which participated in the war under the banners of the Grand Covenant. As such, the Waldenic Diet convened only once during the war to elect Prince Johannes as Lord Vandalore. The session was succinct and shortly brought to a close after only one petition.

 

Even following the war, Prince Johannes was mostly preoccupied with his duties within the Heartlander Confederation, formed by the unification of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Kingdom of the Petra in 1973, where he served as the High Commissioner. He abdicated from the position of Vandalore in 1979 but continues to serve as the Elector for Merryweather-Alstreim.

 

Spoiler

To Unite the Heartlands, 1973

The Heartlandic Council

 

 

 

Adalfriede von Hexenwald | XVI Lady Vandalore | 1979–present

 

Adalfriede von Hexenwald became the Lady Vandalore in 1979, but she is said to have coveted the position from as early as 1965, winning support from key Electors in anticipation of her predecessor’s abdication or death. By the time of her election, she was backed by the Electorates of Minitz, Reinmar-Sutica, and Velen—unsurprising, considering her position as the Princess of Minitz by virtue of her marriage to Leon II, a Prince in Reinmar.

 

Adalfriede proved to be a highly involved Lady Vandalore, frequently visiting the Electorates and dedicating significant time and energy to the Diet and its publications. In a missive prior to the convention of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, Adalfriede made ten key promises for her tenure as the Lady Vandalore. She can be said to have met all of these promises. This is in part because, unlike previous Vandalores, Adalfriede was not an Elector in her own right, and therefore did not have the burden of ruling over her House or nation. Although she had duties to Reinmar as its consort and, in her later years, as its Lawspeaker, she had the fortune of delegating much of her court-related functions to her daughter-in-law Frederica, the Baroness of Sigradz (later Frederica I, Princess in Reinmar and of Sutica).

 

As the brewing hostilities between Ravenmire and Aaun became more heated towards the end of the 20th century, Adalfriede directed a lot of her effort and attention to the Chantry of Calliopeburg, a Waldenian polity within the Kingdom of Aaun which housed the holy relics of St. Calliopeburg of Merryweather. She is said to have made the long journey from Kretzen to Calliopeburg on several occasions, staying for weeks at a time to stand vigil on the walls. Even once an uneasy peace was decided, she spoke of Calliopeburg often, and sent riders to give her news of its defences. When the Church sought to refurbish the chantry, Adalfriede gained an audience with the High Pontiff for permission to remove the statues and shrines to the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs in Kretzen, along with the holy relics. The Pontiff granted her request, but only a few weeks later the chantry burned to the ground, believed to be at the hand of Saulites. Much was lost, though a select few statues were able to be recovered and brought into Adalfriede’s care, displayed in front of the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs in Kretzen.

 

Spoiler

A Prelude to the Convention of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1979

 

 

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MARGRAVES OF VANDERFELL

MARKGRAFEN VON VANDERFELL

 

At the first Waldenfest of 1686, Hans Rovin gifted the title of his house, the Margraviate of Vanderfell, to the Waldenic Diet. The title Margrave of Vanderfell would henceforth fall to the elected Lord or Lady Vandalore.

 

The Margraviate of Vanderfell was once held by His Majesty King Otto III of Hanseti-Ruska and bestowed upon Ser Anton Rovin in 1653. Hans Rovin later claimed the title, being the lastborn son of Anton Rovin with no other members of the mainline to challenge his claim.

 

Spoiler

Transfer of the Markgrafshaft of Vanderfell

Waldenfest of 1686

 

 

Hans Rovin | I Margrave of Vanderfell | 1686–c. 1747

Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim | IX Lord Vandalore, II Margrave of Vanderfell | 1850–1860

Johann Barclay | X Lord Vandalore, III Margrave of Vanderfell | 1860–1875

Johanna Barclay | XI Lady Vandalore, IV Margravine of Vanderfell | 1876–1894

Ottomar II von Alstreim | XII Lord Vandalore, V Margrave of Vanderfell | 1894–1919

Brandt I Barclay | XIII Lord Vandalore, VI Margrave of Vanderfell | 1919–1939

Heinrich II von Alstreim | XIV Lord Vandalore, VII Margrave of Vanderfell | 1939–1952

Johannes von Alstreim | XV Lord Vandalore, VIII Margrave of Vanderfell | 1956–1979

Adalfriede von Hexenwald | XVI Lady Vandalore, IX Margravine of Vanderfell | 1979–present

 

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WALDENIAN ELECTORATES

WALDENISCHE KURFÜRSTENTÜMER

 

The Electorates of the Waldenic Diet regularly change as Waldenian families rise and fall in status. Two families—Alstreim and Barclay—have remained consistent, with House Alstreim holding an Electorate since the first Waldenic Diet, and House Barclay and its various cadet houses since the second. 

 

Each Electorate is represented by an Elector, typically the head of House, who holds two indivisible votes on motions brought before the Diet. The Diet convenes in sessions, with historically two to four sessions per Diet.

 

First Waldenic Diet | 1686–1715

Vandalore

Frederick Pius Horen-Marna

 

House of Rovin | Electorate of Neu Arnheim

House of Denhardt | Electorate of Gilead

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Blackwater-Alstreim

House of Königsberg | Electorate of Königsberg

House of Bran | Electorate of Bran

House of Weißhardt | Electorate of Weißhardt

House of Schulze | Electorate of Schulze

House of Oxenstierna-Mühlen | Electorate of Mühlen

 

The first Waldenfest was hosted in 1686 by Hans Rovin, marking the first convention of the Waldenic Diet. The Diet was comprised of the prominent Waldenian families of the time and overseen by the eighth Lord Vandalore, Frederick Pius Horen-Marna, the last of the Vandalores who inherited the title rather than be elected.

 

This gathering of families was not the Waldenic Diet we know today, as many of the institutional structures had not yet been built. There was, however, one motion passed; the unanimous agreement to observe the customary laws of Waldenia and its rules of appointment and succession of the Lord Vandalore. The First Diet unofficially dissolved in 1715 at the onset of the War of the Two Emperors.

 

Spoiler

Waldenfest of 1686

 

 

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Second Waldenic Diet | 1850–1860

Vandalore

Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim

 

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Sutica | Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen

House Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark

House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop 

 

Ulrich von Alstreim revived the tradition of the Waldenic Diet by hosting the Waldenfest of 1850. A twofold event, the festivities began with the Feast of the Waldenfest in the County of Freimark, followed by the Waldenic Moot within Merryweather Castle. It was at the latter event that the Second Waldenic Diet was born, with Ulrich von Lothar elected as the ninth Lord Vandalore and second Margrave of Vanderfell.

 

The matters selected for discussion included the following:

✠ Election of the Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell;

✠ Affirmation of the Chief of the Reinmaren;

✠ Affirmation of the cultural laws of Waldenia;

✠ The Compact of Merryweather;

✠ Brotherhood between the Daelish and Waldenian peoples;

✠ The Hall of Heroes initiative;

✠ Affirmation of the Waldenic Symbols of Merit; and

✠ Protection of the Waldenian Walrus as an endangered species.

 

With such an extensive agenda, it is of little surprise that not all of this was achieved during the Second Waldenic Diet. These matters did, however, serve as a basis for motions and initiatives passed by successive Diets.

 

Spoiler

Waldenfest of 1850

 

 

First Session, 1850

 

Two non-Electors challenged their right to be nominated as Vandalore on account of their Waldenic blood: Roberta de Chalons and Eirik Baruch. After much deliberation, the nomination of Roberta de Chalons was unilaterally rejected and the nomination of Eirik Baruch was put to a vote. The vote failed, with three Electors voting no, two voting yes, and one abstaining. With no other nominations being put forth, Ulrich von Alstreim won the election, with five Electors voting yes and one being absent.

 

Also during the first session, the Second Waldenic Diet affirmed the Reinmaren practice of electing the Chief of the Reinmaren. Johann Barclay, Elector of Reinmar-Kretzen, was affirmed as the Chief of the Reinmaren and appointed as a Mediator of the Second Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Second Waldenic Diet, 1850

 

 

Second Session, 1853

 

The Waldenian peoples hold a lengthy oral tradition, and historically the cultural laws were customary but never properly codified. The Second Waldenic Diet changed this, unanimously voting to codify the Sacred Law of Waldenia. This law consists of four sections: the Vander Code, the Code of Rights, the Code of Obligations, and the Code of Representation. It remains in effect to this day, with amendments to the Code of Representation passed by the Seventh Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Second Waldenic Diet, 1853

Sacred Law of Waldenia (original)

 

 

Petition to grant House Baruch an Electorate

 

In 1850, shortly after the first session, the Lord Vandalore received a letter from Erwin Bishop urging him to instate Eirik Baruch as an Elector of the Waldenic Diet. His reasons were fourfold: 

 

I. House Baruch claims Waldenic blood as descendants of House Rovin;

II. The Ayrian culture of the Baruchs is considered a subculture of Waldenia by those who practice it;

III. Eirik Baruch’s request to be present at the Waldenic Diet suggests a keen interest in matters of Waldenian culture; and

IV. House Baruch conforms to many Waldenian ideals, including clothing styles.

 

The Vandalore responded by saying that to be Waldenian is not to trace descendancy on a piece of parchment, but rather by unfaltering practice of the culture. It remained open to House Baruch to strive for this and earn an Electorate, voted and confirmed by the Waldenic Diet, but it was not the Lord Vandalore’s place to grant it to them without first seeing evidence of sincere, lasting effort.

 

Spoiler

An Open Letter to Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim

 

 

Controversy surrounding the title Prince of Sutica

 

Johann Barclay, Elector of Reinmar-Kretzen, issued a notice in 1850 entitled A Princely Return. In this notice, he laid claim to the title Prince of Sutica, claiming it as a sovereign title of House Barclay by virtue of the legacy of King Georg I. The missive was signed by a number of patriarchs and world leaders, including His Royal Majesty Sigismund III of Hanseti-Ruska, His Serene Highness Olivier Laurene of Savoy, and the Lord Vandalore Ulrich von Alstreim.

 

Princess Catherine, daughter of Queen Johanna I and King Georg I of Sutica, penned a response. She cited the law codex of the then-defunct Kingdom of Sutica, which held that the line of succession went to the firstborn child, then to their siblings, then to the title-holder’s closest relative. After her brother’s untimely death, she held that the line of succession therefore flowed to her as Prince Corwin’s younger sister, then to her half-brother Prince Adolphus, then to Prince Ulrich of Merryweather (the Lord Vandalore) as the brother of Queen Johanna I. Her father, King Georg I, ruled jure uxoris by virtue of his marriage to Queen Johanna I—House Barclay could not, therefore, claim her mother’s titles.

 

Princess Catherine sat upon the Waldenic Diet as the Elector for Sutica-Sarissa, while Duke Johann Barclay served as the Elector for Reinmar-Kretzen. The word of the Vandalore would therefore be highly influential in this dispute. Ultimately, the Lord Vandalore upheld his signature on the original missive, supporting Johann Barclay to claim the mantle of the Prince of Sutica. His line continues to hold the title to this day, with His Highness Prince Alfred I reigning as a Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica.

 

Spoiler

A Princely Return

The Princely Response

The Twin Coronation

 

 

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Third Waldenic Diet | 1860–1875

Vandalore

Johann Barclay

 

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark

House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop

House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck (granted in 1861)

 

The Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa dissolved after Princess Catherine’s death, which is why it was not represented in the Third Waldenic Diet. Her descendants were of the House Ashford de Savoie given her patrilineal marriage to Olivier Laurene Ashford de Savoie (later Prince Olivier II of Savoy). Interestingly, her own husband signed the missive transferring the title of Sutica to Johann Barclay.

 

Reflecting House Barclay von Reinmar’s new status as holders of the Principality of Sutica, the Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen was renamed to Reinmar-Sutica.

 

First Session, 1861

 

The Electorate of Freimark nominated Johann Barclay as Lord Vandalore, while the Electorate of Bishop nominated Heinrich Alstreim. The latter rejected his nomination, claiming that someone more experienced should hold the role. The vote passed in favour of Johann Barclay, with four Electors voting yes and one abstaining.

 

During the Second Waldenic Diet, there had been much discussion about granting House Baruch an Electorate. This came to a vote during the first session of the Third Waldenic Diet, with unanimous approval to grant House Baruch the Electorate of Valwyck.

 

Two men of Salvia approached the Waldenic Diet and pleaded for the Crown of Atheran Salvus to be titularly held by St. Ottomar of Merryweather in perpetuity. The Diet unanimously voted in approval of this motion, which was later enshrined in the Reinmar Accords.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Third Waldenic Diet, 1861

The Reinmar Accords, 1862

 

 

Second Session, 1864

 

The Third Waldenic Diet carried on much of the work left unfinished by the Second Diet. During the second session, the Diet voted to prepare the Compact of Merryweather, establish a Hall of Heroes within the city of Karosgrad, and protect the Waldenian Walrus. There was discussion on the affirmation of the Primary Waldenic Symbols of Merit, but due to there being no clear definition of who constituted a Vander by Blood or a Knight of the Waldenian Peoples, the motion was postponed until a future session.

 

Although these motions were successfully voted on, official documents for the Compact of Merryweather and protection of the Waldenian Walrus would not be published until the Fifth Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Third Waldenic Diet, 1864

 

 

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Fourth Waldenic Diet | 1876–1894

Vandalore

Johanna Barclay

 

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop

House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck

House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick (granted in 1877)

House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz (granted in 1890)

House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania (granted in 1890)

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen (granted in 1890)

 

Following the dissolution of the Principality of Savoy in 1872, all titles held by House Barclay within the now-defunct nation transferred to House Barclay von Reinmar, including the County of Freimark. Thus, the Electorate of Freimark ceased to exist, instead represented by Prince Johann Barclay as the Elector for Reinmar-Sutica.

 

By the time of the Fourth Waldenic Diet, House Mondblume had all but gone extinct. Hence, the Electorate of Richtenburg was not represented in the Fourth Waldenic Diet.

 

The Fourth Waldenic Diet saw a swell of new Electorates, but no substantive motions were raised or passed. Indeed, much of the work first proposed by the Second Diet and voted upon by the Third Diet was not officially published until the Fifth Diet.

 

Spoiler

The Sun Sets Over Savoy

 

 

First Session, 1877

 

As well as voting in Johanna Barclay as the Lady Vandalore and Margravine of Vanderfell, the Fourth Waldenic Diet also unanimously voted to grant the House of Audrick the Electorate of Audick.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Fourth Waldenic Diet, 1877

 

 

Second Session, 1890

 

The second session saw the granting of three new Electorates. Firstly, the Electorate of Minitz, represented by House Barclay von Minitz. Dietrich Barclay, once heir to the County of Freimark, abandoned his claims to that title following the Michaelite Schism. He would not turn his back on GOTT, and therefore struck out to claim his own lands. He was granted the Barony of Minitz within the Kingdom of Aaun and petitioned the Diet to grant him the Electorate of Minitz, separate from the Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica. This request was accepted ten years later at the next gathering of the Diet, although by that time the Elector was Leon Barclay of Minitz.

 

Similarly, House Bardwenwig-Alstreim—a cadet house of House Alstreim by virtue of the marriage between Mathilda von Alstreim and Helwig von Bardenwig—claimed an Electorate separate from that of Merryweather-Alstreim. The Fourth Waldenic Diet granted House Bardwenwig-Alstreim the Electorate of Arentania, represented by Lady Mathilda as its Elector.

 

House Reuss, claiming Waldenian heritage and being independent of any other Waldenian House, was granted the Electorate of Velen.

 

It was at this session that the Lady Vandalore announced her intention to retire, and the Diet resolved to publish missives of unresolved motions from the Second and Third Diets. Although this resolution passed unanimously, these publications never came to fruition.

 

Spoiler

Petition from Minitz

Second Session of the Fourth Waldenic Diet, 1890

 

 

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Fifth Waldenic Diet | 1894–1919

Vandalore

Ottomar II von Alstreim

 

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik

House of Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen

House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania

House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck (revoked in 1912)

House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick (revoked in 1912)

House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten (granted in 1912)

House of Theonus | Electorate of Theonus (granted in 1912)

 

The Electorate of Bishop was renamed to the Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik to reflect the House of Bishop’s new baronial status within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska.

 

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Fifth Waldenic Diet, 1897

Royal Letters for the Barony of Ostervik 

 

First Session, 1894

 

The Fifth Waldenic Diet saw the first true contestation for the title of Lord Vandalore, with Ottomar von Alstreim nominated by the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim and Leopold von Reuss nominated by the Electorate of Arentania. Ottomar von Alstreim ultimately prevailed, with four Electors voting for him, two voting for Leopold von Reuss, and two abstaining by way of absence. This also marked the first time that a non-Elector had been elected to the position of Lord Vandalore. 

 

As a note, Ottomar von Alstreim may have been the first non-Elector to be raised to the position of Lord Vandalore, however, he did not hold his own Electorate as is permissible under the Sacred Law. Soon after his election, Ottomar von Alstreim was chosen as the successor to the late Heinrich I von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather, and therefore held the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim.

 

The Diet voted in approval of placing more importance on the Vander Code and awarding the status of Vander to any who faithfully observe it.

 

There was also a successful vote for the Waldenic Diet to formally petition the Holy Mother church for the veneration of King George I and Queen Johanna I for restoring Canonist rule to Sutica. While there is no record that this petition was ever made, both were later venerated and forever bless the pages of Legenda Sanctorum.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Fifth Waldenic Diet, 1894

Notice of Succession, 1897 

History of the Monarchs of Sutica

Legenda Sanctorum Vol III

 

 

Second Session, 1897

 

It was agreed that the Lord Vandalore write up a formal document around clear rules for the Symbols of Merit. This was a motion postponed by the Third Diet due to there being no clear criteria.

 

Furthermore, the Diet pledged to revive the effort to compose the Compact of Merryweather. The Third Diet had voted in favour of preparing this document but it never eventuated.

 

More substantively, the Diet voted for the full denouncement by all Waldenic lords of any man or woman who would lay claim to the defunct title of Oren. This was a motion presented by the Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik and sparked much debate, with objections from the Electorates of Arentania, Reinmar-Sutica, and Merryweather-Alstreim (the Lord Vandalore). Katerina Matriach Jorenus was consulted and after heeding her counsel, the Diet agreed to condemn any who would lay claim to the title without the consent of the High Pontiff.

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Fifth Waldenic Diet, 1897

 

 

Lord Vandalore’s Pilgrimage

 

In 1900, the Lord Vandalore announced that he was to embark on a pilgrimage to Atheran Salvus; a journey taking a year and a half, weather permitting. In his absence, the Duke of Reinmar and Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Wilheim Konstanz Barclay, represented the Lord Vandalore as President of the Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Declaration of Regency, 1900

 

 

Third Session, 1903

 

The Lord Vandalore presented the document on the Waldenic Symbols of Merit which was approved by the Diet.

 

The Compact of Merryweather had still not been drafted by this time, so there was a successful vote for this document to be prepared by the next session.

 

The Electorate of Minitz raised the motion of writing a Waldenian prayerbook dedicated to reverend figures of faith. The Diet voted to compile this list, which was later published as the Waldenian Prayer Book during the Sixth Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Third Session of the Fifth Waldenic Diet, 1903

Affirmation of the Primary Waldenic Symbols of Merit

Waldenic Prayer Book

 

 

Fourth Session, 1912

 

The Electors of Valwyck and Audrick had been absent at the three previous sessions, failing to send a representative. There was a vote to revoke their Electoral status which passed unanimously. Both would have the ability to appeal in the future, and until such time as they regained full Electoral status, they would have one vote each rather than the indivisible two votes of full Electors.

 

Two Electorates were revoked but two were granted, with House von Augusten being granted the Electorate of Hohengarten and House von Theonus being granted the Electorate of Theonus.

 

The Compact of Merryweather was finally passed, in which the Waldenic Diet vowed to safeguard the Crowns of Aesterwald, Westerwald, Vandoria, and Waldenia against claimants until a legal and legitimate Waldenian polity is established. It also vowed to recognise no other Lord Vandalore or Margrave of Vanderfell than that person duly elected by the Diet. Finally, the Diet vowed to protect each others’ rights to their personal Waldenian titles such as Sutica and Merryweather through direct and joint action without breaking the laws of their respective realms or forgoing oaths of fealty.

 

Spoiler

Fourth Session of the Fifth Waldenic Diet, 1912

The Compact of Merryweather, 1912

 

 

The Waldenian Walrus

 

The Fifth Diet finally codified the protection of the Waldenian Walrus, which was first raised during the Second Diet and voted upon during the Third Diet.

 

Spoiler

On the Waldenian Walrus

 

 

Claims to the Margraviate of Vanderfell

 

House Baruch claimed that the title of Margrave of Vanderfell belonged to them as the descendants of House Rovin. The Lord Vandalore clarified that its last legal holder, Hans Rovin, formally gave the title to the Waldenic Diet, to be conferred as an elective title on the person voted as Lord Vandalore.

 

Spoiler

The Armorial of House Baruch

 

 

✠

Sixth Waldenic Diet | 1919–1939

Vandalore

Brandt I Barclay

 

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz

House of Theonus | Electorate of Einmont

House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten

House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen

House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik (revoked in circa 1925)

 

The Electorate of Theonus was renamed to the Electorate of Einmont to reflect the House of Theonus becoming a noble tribe within the Duchy of Minitz.

 

Spoiler

The Noble Tribe of Theonus

 

 

First Session, 1919

 

Brandt Barclay received a nomination from the Electorate of Einmont, and there were no other nominations. He made a number of promises, including publishing a prayer book (voted upon during Fifth Diet) and bringing the Vanders into the Church. He also promised to host a weekly Waldenic Diet where the Electors must report to the Diet about Waldenian culture in their Electorates. It is unclear if this promise was fulfilled, considering the documentation of the Waldenic Diet during this time was sparse.

 

The Diet voted to award Ottomar von Alstreim a knightly torse for renewing his oaths to upkeep the Vander Code, even after abdicating as Lord Vandalore. 

 

There was also a vote to award Cosima von Augusten the Ferrum Cross for the upkeep of Waldenian customs in Hohengarten.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Sixth Waldenic Diet, 1919

Waldenic Prayer Book

 

 

Second and Third Sessions

 

We know that a second and third session must have been held, for there is a record of a fourth session. However, these records have never been found, potentially lost to fire or to flood. It is likely that the Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik was revoked during one of these sessions, for that Electorate does not make the composition of the Seventh Waldenic Diet.

 

Fourth Session, 1930

 

The Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim introduced a motion to adopt a Waldenian anthem to strengthen unity, which was voted upon and accepted.

 

The Salvian Envoy from the Salvian Syndicate requested aid with the potential conversion of Lurin to Canonist ideals. There was no vote, but the Lord Vandalore promised to aid their cause.

 

Wenzel Rovin approached the Diet to be recognised as the patriarch of the ancient House of Rovin. His genealogy was examined and authenticated by a man of the cloth, proving him to be a legitimate descendant of House Rovin. The Diet voted to recognise Wenzel Rovin as the patriarch of House Rovin. He therefore had a single vote until such time as the House was granted full Electoral rights once more.

 

The Diet did not vote, but nonetheless recognised Manfred Barclay as Vice President of the Waldenic Diet due to the Lord Vandalore leaving on a missionary expedition for two years. The minutes of this session of Diet were therefore scribed and published by Manfred Barclay as the Vice President.

 

Spoiler

Fourth Session of the Sixth Waldenic Diet, 1930

 

 

✠

Seventh Waldenic Diet | 1939–1952

Vandalore

Heinrich II von Alstreim

 

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen

House of Theonus | Electorate of Einmont

House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania (revoked in 1946)

House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten (revoked in 1948)

 

First Session, 1939

 

Heinrich II von Alstreim of the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim was the only candidate, and thus voted in as Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell. He promised to revive the tradition of the Waldenfest and to finish the project of the Vander Knights started by the previous Vandalore. Neither of these promises were met, likely due to the Lord Vandalore’s tragic and sudden death.

 

The Elector of Reinmar-Sutica, Manfred Barclay, proposed a motion to elect a Custodian of the Book of Waldenia. He was voted in by the Diet and resolved to fill in much of the history that had been left blank since the book was first penned by the tenth Lord Vandalore, Johann Barclay.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet, 1939

 

 

Second Session, 1946

 

The Diet voted to revoke the Electorate of Arentania from the House of Bardenwig because they had not been seen in many years and failed to attend multiple sessions of the Waldenic Diet.

 

The Diet voted to recognise House von Leopold as a legitimate Waldenian house. However, when the vote turned to granting House von Leopold an Electorate, three Electors voted no and three voted yes. Due to the tie, House von Leopold was not granted an Electorate.

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet, 1946

 

 

Third Session, 1948

 

The House von Augusten defected from the Kingdom of Aaun due to accusations levied against them that their House was plagued with vampyres. This was deemed to be a breach of the Vander Code, namely that of loyalty to one’s liege lord. The Diet therefore gathered and voted to punish the House von Augusten, resulting in a revocation of the Electorate of Hohengarten.

 

The Walter Amendment was raised, which amended the Code of Representation within the Sacred Law of Waldenia. This amendment unilaterally passed and was incorporated into the Sacred Law, but a revised document reflecting this change would not be published until the Ninth Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Third Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet, 1948

A Summons to Light

Wanted Alive: Ottomar Augusten

A Renouncement of Allegiance, 1947

The Walter Amendment, 1947

 

 

Dissolution of the Seventh Waldenic Diet

 

Following the Lord Vandalore’s tragic murder at the hands of House Stassion in 1952, the Seventh Waldenic Diet dissolved, as per the Sacred Law. Other Vandalores had also died in office, for example Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim and Johann Barclay, but the Diet was reconvened after a mourning period of a few months. After Heinrich II von Alstreim’s death, the Diet did not convene for four years, and it was only when the Electorate of Einmont issued a call for the Eighth Waldenic Diet in 1955 that the Electors finally reconvened.

 

Spoiler

A Call for the Eighth Waldenic Diet, 1955

Adelheid's Archives - A Blood Raven's Regency

 

 

✠

Eighth Waldenic Diet | 1956–1979

Vandalore

Johannes von Alstreim

 

House Barclay von Sutica | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen

House of Theonus | Electorate of Marignan

House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten (granted in 1966)

 

The Electorate of Einmont was renamed to the Electorate of Marignan after the House of Theonus was released from its oaths of fealty to the Grand Principality of Minitz and Kingdom of Aaun. The name Marignan reflected their new title in the Commonwealth of the Petra.

 

Spoiler

Letters Patent for the Barony of Marignan

 

 

First Session, 1956

 

The Diet reconvened in 1956, four years after the previous Vandalore’s death. For the first time in history, there were three nominations for Lord Vandalore, meaning it was a closely contested election. The Electorate of Marignan nominated Thérèse von Theonus, the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim nominated Johannes von Alstreim, and the Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica nominated Ludwig Bishop. Four of the five Electorates voted for Johannes von Alstreim, even the Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica which had sponsored another contender. The Electorate of Marignan abstained.

 

Friedrich von Augusten approached the Diet asking for the reinstatement of the Electorate of Hohengarten. Rather than putting this to a vote, there was a vote on whether to investigate the status of House von Augusten, which passed. This report would be prepared and presented before the Diet at the next session, where there would be a vote on whether to grant House von Augusten its Electoral status once more.

 

Spoiler

First Session of the Eighth Waldenic Diet, 1956

 

 

 Second Session, 1966

 

House von Augusten had its Electoral status returned, following a successful vote by the Diet.

 

The Diet voted upon reforming the Knights of Vander, the spiritual successor to the Knights of the Black Eagle and the Vandorian Order. This passed, and Siegmund von Reuss, Elector for Velen, was voted as the Ritterkommandant.

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Eighth Waldenic Diet, 1966

The Knights of Vander

 

 

Third Session, 1973

 

The Ritterkommandant, Siegmund von Reuss, gave his report to the Waldenic Diet. The Diet voted to allow Anselm Barclay and Konstantin von Theonus to undergo their final trials to become Vander Knights. Furthermore, the Ritterkommandant announced that he would be preparing a set list of trials for future Ritterkommandants.

 

The Electorate of Velen raised the motion to bar non-Waldenians from sitting at Diet, a rule which would later be called Siegmund’s Law, named for Siegmund von Reuss, the Elector for Velen.

 

Spoiler

Third Session of the Eighth Waldenic Diet, 1973

 

 

Fourth Session, 1979

 

Anselm Barclay, having served as a squire and completed his trials, had unanimous support to take the oath and become a Vander Knight. He is now Ser Anselm Barclay.

 

The Electorate of Marignan was renamed to the Electorate of Vohenheim by official vote, even though precedent holds that such a change of name need not be put to the Diet. Nevertheless, the House von Theonus now holds the Electorate of Vohenheim.

 

Breaking from precedent, rather than dissolving the Eighth Waldenic Diet and reconvening at a later date to elect the next Lord Vandalore, the Lord Vandalore Johannes von Alstreim announced his retirement and immediately called for a vote. The Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica nominated Adalfriede von Hexenwald. The Electorate of Hohengarten nominated Friedrich von Augusten. Three Electors voted for Adalfriede von Hexenwald, two voted for Friedrich von Augusten, and Merryweather-Alstreim, the Electorate of the Lord Vandalore, abstained. Adalfriede von Hexenwald would therefore be the next Lady Vandalore when the Diet reconvened.

 

Spoiler

Fourth Session of the Eighth Waldenic Diet, 1979

 

 

✠

Ninth Waldenic Diet | 1979–present

Vandalore

Adalfriede von Hexenwald

 

Adalfriede von Hexenwald | Electorate of Hexenwald

House Barclay von Sutica | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica

House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz

House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim

House of Theonus | Electorate of Vohenheim

House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen

House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten

 

Although Ottomar von Alstreim was the first non-Elector to be elected as the Lord Vandalore, Adalfriede von Hexenwald was the first to create her own Electorate in line with the Code of Representation; the Electorate of Hexenwald.

 

As set out in the Eighth Waldenic Diet, the House of Theonus changed the name of their Electorate to the Electorate of Vohenheim to reflect their new noble title as a ducal house.

 

First Session, 1981

 

The Lady Vandalore first swore the sacred oath to uphold the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander code, in line with the Walter Amendment to the Code of Representation.

 

There was a vote for which Electorate would host the next Waldenfest, with the Electorate of Velen nominating the Electorate of Minitz, and the Electorate of Hohengarten nominating the Electorate of Hohengarten. The Electorate of Minitz won by simple majority.

 

In a matter of some controversy, the Lady Vandalore summoned Siegmund Weiss before the Diet for a breach of the Vander Code due to his comments during a session of the King’s Duma in Hanseti-Ruska. This sparked responses from His Majesty King Ivan VIII of Hanseti-Ruska and His Holiness the High Pontiff Caius I, the former claiming that the Vandalore held no sway over his Waldenian subjects, and the latter urging the Lady Vandalore to leave the matter to the Church, considering the slanderous comments in question were against the Owynist Sect of Canonism. Recognising that the Vandalore and Waldenic Diet had a duty to maintain the Church, the Lady Vandalore ultimately decided not to hold a vote for Siegmund Weiss’ punishment.

 

Electorates were encouraged by the Lady Vandalore to put forth squires for consideration. By the time of the first session, the current squires were Konstantin von Augusten, Erwin Barclay, and Konstantin von Theonus.

 

Following the Diet came the Waldenfest, consisting of a horse race around the city of Kretzen followed by a grand feast in der Heidepalast, the Royal Palace of Reinmar. This marked the return of the Waldenfest, the first celebration since the second Waldenfest in 1850.

 

Spoiler

Summons to the First Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1979

First Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1981

 

 

Second Session, 1984

 

The Diet voted in favour of drafting the Waldenic Regelwerk, a collection of laws and customs that are not included in the Sacred Law of Waldenia. Furthermore, the Diet voted upon the precise wording of Siegmund’s Law, which had been raised during the Eighth Waldenic Diet.

 

There was an intended vote on the criteria for granting the Waldenian Symbols of Merit (the Torse, the Ferrum Cross, and the Black Ferrum Cross). This was relegated to the next session, giving time for the Lady Vandalore to compile a list of everyone who had received the honour. Similarly, a list of all Waldenians inducted into the Hall of Heroes would be compiled, with a motion raised at the next session to build a physical hall.

 

The Diet unanimously voted to allow symbols of merit to be awarded posthumously. The Ferrum Cross was awarded posthumously to Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim for his contributions to the culture. The Electors also raised an issue with descendants being able to wear their ancestor’s honour, which was put to a vote. It was decided to change the Affirmation of the Waldenic Symbols of Merit as published by the Fifth Waldenic Diet so that descendants can no longer wear their ancestor’s honour.

 

There was an intended vote on the criteria for a relic being considered a Waldenian relic, but much like with the Symbols of Merit, this was relegated to the next session until a list of relics could be compiled. Electors were called to submit a list of relics to the Lady Vandalore.

 

The Lady Vandalore announced she was embarking on a pilgrimage to Atheran Salvus and a vote was held for an interim president. Aurel von Theonus, Elector of Vohenheim, was nominated by the Lady Vandalore and voted in.

 

The Waldenfest was hosted by the Electorate of Minitz within the Principality of Reinmar, consisting of a joust and archery competition. The Electorate of Velen won by simple majority to host the next Waldenfest.

 

Spoiler

Second Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1984

 

 

Third Session, 1988

 

By the time of the third session, conflict had broken out in the Heartlands, resulting in the dissolution of the Heartlander Confederation into its constituent parts: the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Commonwealth of the Petra. Although this conflict did not descend into open war, there was a very real possibility that Aaunic and Petran Waldenians would find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield. In light of this, the Lady Vandalore called for each of the Electors to reaffirm their oath to follow the Sacred Law of Waldenia and uphold the Vander Code. If it came to war, Waldenians would find themselves torn between the duty to serve their liege lord on one hand, and the obligation to never inflict death on another Waldenian on the other hand.

 

With the oaths sworn, the Diet moved to the next matter: posthumously awarding the Waldenic Symbols of Merit to two recipients. The Lady Vandalore nominated Ottomar II von Alstreim for the Ferrum Cross and High Pontiff Caius I for the Black Ferrum Cross, both of which were awarded unanimously.

 

The Diet had previously voted in favour of drafting the Waldenic Regelwerk, which was presented in full at this session. The Diet unanimously voted to implement the Waldenic Regelwerk and appoint Nikolaus von Leopold as its first Keeper.

 

Finally, the Diet had briefly discussed the criteria for a relic being considered ‘Waldenian’ at the previous session, but no vote was held until a list of relics could be compiled for consideration. Rather than present this list of relics, the Lady Vandalore instead proposed a set of criteria which was unanimously approved.

 

Spoiler

Third Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1988

The Waldenic Regelwerk

 

 

Fourth Session, 1990

 

Only one year following the third session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, the Lady Vandalore convened an emergency session due to the swiftly evolving conflict between the Sovereignty of Ravenmire and the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun. In the direct path of this conflict sat the Chantry of Calliopeburg, a Waldenian domain in Aaun dedicated to maintaining the Sacred Law and protecting the relics of St. Calliope of Merryweather.

 

Before turning to the war, Ser Siegmund von Reuss announced his retirement as the Ritterkommandant and named Ser Anselm Barclay as his successor. Ser Anselm’s appointment was unanimously approved by the Waldenic Diet. As the Ritterkommandant, Ser Anselm released the Trials of the Black Eagle shortly following the Diet session.

 

As to the matter of the war, the Lady Vandalore compiled a detailed timeline of events leading up to the convention of the Diet in 1990. This version of events was approved by the Waldenic Diet. Should Ravenmire march on Aaun and the Proprietress of Calliopeburg was unable to defend the holy relics of St. Calliope, the Diet voted to remove the relics into the care of the Lady Vandalore, to be housed within the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs. 

 

Furthermore, a Waldenian contingent under the command of Ser Anselm Barclay, consisting of two soldiers from each Electorate, was sent to Calliopeburg to stand guard over the Chantry and its holy relics. This was later disbanded following the peace terms recorded in the Treaty of Minas Aranath, which the Lady Vandalore signed on behalf of the Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Summons the Fourth Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1989

Fourth Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1990

Treaty of Minas Aranath, 1990

Trials of the Black Eagle

 

 

The Pretender Empire

 

A man naming himself Raqirer I Horen had released a missive proclaiming himself to be the Emperor of Oren. Per the Orenia Decree of 1897, the Waldenic Diet must denounce any man or woman who would dare lay claim to the Kingdom, or Empire, of Oren without consent of the High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon. The Waldenic Diet unanimously decreed that the ramblings of Raqirer Horen were so unfounded as to be made in jest, and therefore issued no condemnation.

 

This changed following a letter from the Pretender Emperor, declaring that his claims were not made in jest. The Lady Vandalore swiftly penned a condemnation both of Raqirer I Horen and the man in his employ who claimed to be a Vander Knight.

 

Spoiler

Proclamation of the Ninth Orenian Empire, 1989

Fourth Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1990

Epistle to the Waldenians, 1990

 

 

Third Waldenfest, 1994

 

The third Waldenfest of the Ninth Waldenic Diet was hosted in Velen, consisting of an archery competition, axe throwing, and a feast. Shortly after leaving the festivities, the Lady Vandalore and the Elector for Vohenheim happened upon the remains of the fallen Chantry of Calliopeburg. There they discovered the body of a deacon with a gruesome message carved into his flesh, suggesting that the destruction of the chantry was the work of Saulites.

 

Fifth Session, 1996

 

The Ninth Waldenic Diet made history when it convened its fifth session. Each of the previous Diets had convened for four sessions at most, making the Ninth Waldenic Diet the most prolific and active of its predecessors. 

 

During this session, the Diet voted to invite three recognised families to sit on the Diet: Vourkehardt, Weiss, and von Leopold. These families would have a singular vote on Diet matters in comparison to the two indivisible votes of Electors, up to and until such time as they gained Electoral status. Interestingly, this is not encoded in the Sacred Law of Waldenia nor the Waldenic Regelwerk, but rather a customary rule spoken about in the Book of Waldenia.

 

Finally, the Lady Vandalore announced that she was departing for Fausten in an attempt to recover the lost relics of St. Calliope. She believed, or hoped, that the relics had been saved from the wreckage of Calliopeburg and taken to Fausten, though she would only know the truth of it once she had seen for herself. In her absence, Aurel von Theonus was once again voted interim president of the Waldenic Diet.

 

Spoiler

Fifth Session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, 1996

 

 

---

 

✠

 

In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia,

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lawspeaker of Reinmar, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and the Order of the Black Eagle

 

 

[framalam 837]

Sir Vander Horen, firstborn of his emperor’s kingsguard gives an absent scowl to the defamation of his rightful and true emperor Raqirer I Horen.