THE RIVER COURT | ARP 162

[tilly 5115]

✚ THE ✚

✚ 162 ARP ✚

“PETRA, FLOWING WATER! AVE! AVE!”

Penned by the Grand Chamberlain,

Princess Mattea Asadha of the Petra.

 

 

Issued and averred by

Atstana de
Regne Petrère, 162

 

PREAMBLE

The River Court stands as the premier courtly institution of the Commonwealth of the Petra — a beacon of scholarship, artistry, and noble camaraderie. It is a place where the humblest Petran and the most esteemed courtier alike may partake in the patronage of the Garmont Throne, a haven where intellect, tradition, and refinement converge. Charged with a noble purpose, the River Court is entrusted with the cultivation and elevation of Petrine culture, ensuring that the arts, governance, and courtly customs flourish beneath its guiding hand. This sacred duty is fulfilled through the wisdom of its appointed Grand Chamberlain and the sovereign oversight of the Crown itself.

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CONTENTS

⋆ Court Structure

⋆ Wardships
⋆ The Noble Peers of the Commonwealth

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COURT STRUCTURE

At the helm of the River Court stands the Grand Chamberlain, the foremost among Petran courtiers, entrusted with the stewardship of courtly life. As the court’s principal arbiter, they hold a seat upon the River Council, ensuring that matters of etiquette, culture, and tradition receive due attention at the highest echelons of governance. With an unwavering dedication to excellence, the Grand Chamberlain is responsible for the appointment of all courtly positions, assembling a coterie of distinguished individuals to breathe life into the Commonwealth’s artistic and intellectual pursuits. Beyond the administration of courtly affairs, the Grand Chamberlain serves as a bridge between the Crown and its people, facilitating social mobility and fostering an environment where talent and merit are uplifted. Through frequent correspondence with the Petran people, the River Court’s voice shall be ever heard, shaping the realm's cultural landscape with each passing age.

The Office of the Grand Chamberlain comprises esteemed roles, each dedicated to the enrichment of courtly and civic life. These roles change from time to time, depending on the type of personnel willing to commit their talents to the River Court:

• Seneschal – The steward of courtly order and protocol, ensuring the smooth execution of court functions and ceremonies.
  The esteemed heir of House von Augusten, Franz Edmund, has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to serve the River Court in all things to do with our cultural identity. @Wolfthegray_
• Majordomo – The master of courtly household affairs, overseeing the upkeep and operations of courtly estates and venues.
  (Available)
• Poet Laureate – The Commonwealth’s honored wordsmith, whose verses capture the essence of Petran triumphs, sorrows, and aspirations.
  The wordsmith that has taken up this mantle is Bjorn Valkonen, whose poems can undo even the most steeled of hearts. @notachipshop
• Modiste – The arbiter of Petran fashion and attire, ensuring that elegance and refinement remain the hallmarks of Petran dress.
  The stylish and popular Lord Mayor Guillaume Auclair has taken up the mantle of dressing the royal family, and setting fashion trends throughout the realm! @_RoyalCrafter_
• Musician – The composer of courtly melody, whose harmonies lend grandeur to feasts, ceremonies, and revelries.
  (Available)
• Historian – The guardian of memory, chronicling the great deeds and events of Petran life for posterity.
  It is none other than our bookish Lord Atticus Reinhold who has been named the keeper of our precious history. @Hom
• Huntsman – The master of the chase, organizing great hunts and ensuring that the sport remains both honorable and bountiful.
  The Honorable Lord Symon Stafyr has graciously accepted this position with a promise to honor the spirit of the hunt. @MakeshiftFoxxo
• Attorney – The learned advocate of law and governance, offering counsel on legal affairs within the realm.
  The esteemed James Vursur has claimed ownership of this unique role, and will work within the law to ensure Petran rights are upheld in the court of law. @saffronpark
• Librarian – The keeper of knowledge, curating the tomes and scrolls that house Petran wisdom.
  The great Gummy has graciously taken up this role, working her very hardest in the Vallagne library. @Zemzy_Oakheart
• Mage – The seeker of the arcane, whose duty is to ensure the responsible study of mystical arts within the River Court.
  This position has been occupied by Their Excellency, Jun of Astor, who has served in this role since the early days of Queen Adalia I. @lillyeveans

All members of the River Court, as well as those of honorable standing within the Commonwealth, shall be recognized as courtiers and must uphold the dignity and customs befitting their station. As delegates of the Garmont Throne in matters of culture, etiquette, and learning, they are expected to contribute their talents to the flourishing of the Commonwealth, elevating the arts, traditions, and institutions that define Petran life.

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WARDSHIPS

Furthermore, the River Court holds dominion over all wardships within the Commonwealth, whether in governance or the court itself. As is custom among noble peers, young Petrans may be offered as wards to a chosen master, where they shall receive tutelage in their mentor’s expertise—be it in the chancellery, the speaker’s office, or the artistic halls of the court. These wards, having received the finest Petran education, shall stand poised to become the future luminaries of the Commonwealth, their talents honed for the greater good of the realm.

In seeking wardship, these young aspirants shall swear themselves to the virtues enshrined in The Seven Mercies, vowing to uphold dignity, respect, and wisdom in all that they do. Their promise shall not be taken lightly, for the court looks upon them with great hope—that they shall emerge as the bulwark of Petra’s future, their education serving as both privilege and duty to the Commonwealth. 

Pledge of the Seven Mercies:
The Four Kinds
⋆ I swear to Feed the Hungry.
⋆ I swear to give Drink to the Thirsty.
⋆ I swear to Clothe the Naked.
⋆ I swear to Harbour the Harbourless.

The Three Worthies

⋆ I swear to pay Visit to the Ill.

⋆ I swear to allow Meetings to the Imprisoned.

⋆ I swear to Bury the Dead.

Thus, the River Court endures as a bastion of Petran identity — a sanctuary for scholars, artisans, and dreamers alike, where the river of knowledge flows ceaselessly, enriching all who stand upon its banks.

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THE LOYAL PEERS OF THE PETRA

 

Enclosed herein is a complete directory of all current peers within The Commonwealth of the Petra. This directory is organized by rank, starting with the esteemed Duke of Vohenheim and extending through the ranks to include each noble house and their holdings. Each individual listed holds a designated seat within the Garmont Assembly and should be recognized and respected for their position as a vassal of the Commonwealth.

 

This directory serves as an important reference for understanding the hierarchy and structure of the Petrine Commonwealth's peerage system. It highlights the individuals who hold significant positions of power and influence within the Commonwealth and who play a crucial role in its governance and administration. By acknowledging the ranks and positions of these peers, we can better appreciate their contributions to the Commonwealth and ensure that they are afforded the respect and deference that their stations deserve. Ave!

 

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THE DUCAL HOUSE OF THEONUS

 

HIS GRACE, Sir Thomas von Theonus, Duke of Vohenheim, Margrave of Marignan, Count of Sigiswald, Viscount of Karlstadt, Baron of Raustyn, Knight of the Petrine Laurel, Patriarch of Theonus, Elector of Vohenheim, Head Physician of Petra

 

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THE MARGRAVIAL HOUSE OF AUGUSTEN

 

THE MOST HONORABLE, Friedrich von Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz & Vanderfell, Lord Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Reformed Vandorian Order & The Order of the Black Eagle, Count of Hohengarten, Lord of Rikardsburg, Patriarch of House von Augusten, Elector of Hohengarten & Deacon of Casica

 

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THE COMITAL HOUSE OF REINHOLD

 

THE RIGHT HONORABLE, Adelyn Isla Reinhold, Countess of Anairgrid, Viscountess of Stormont, Baron of Raònoir, Matriarch of House Reinhold

 

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THE VISCOMITAL HOUSE OF STAFYR

 

THE HONORABLE, Symon Morris Stafyr, Viscount of Falkenstein and Patriarch of House Stafyr, Commandant of the Swords of Saint Emma, Deputy Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Petra

 

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THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF ASTOR

 

THEIR EXCELLENCY, Jun of Astor and of the Petra, Baron of Fir'steinn, Count-Consort of Theral, Grand Speaker of the Garmont Assembly

 

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THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF AUCLAIR

 

HER EXCELLENCY, Dame Amélie Auclair, Lady-Chancellor of the Commonwealth, Knight-Governess of Val de Lagne, Baroness of Rhénanie, Knight of the Pétrine Laurel, Ordained Vicar of the Faith, Holy Knight of the Faith, Maîtresse of Maison d’Auclair, ‘l’Étoile Clairienne’ / ‘The Clairian Star’

 

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≋▐ TEMESCH OF THE PETRA ▌ ≋

 

≋▐ THEONUS | AUGUSTEN | REINHOLD | STAFYR | ASTOR | AUCLAIR ▌≋

 

S I G N E D , 

 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Therin Adil, by the Grace of God, King of the Petra, Prince of Abrana,

Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Duke of Valfleur, Count of Temesch, Torm Marian, Brasca, and Moere, Viscount of Mies, Baron of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Hrenthorne, and Resmore, Protector of the Meadows, and Defender of Liberty

HER HIGHNESS,  Mattea Asadha, Princess of the Petra, Countess of the Phoenixsphere, Grand Chamberlain of the River Court

 

 

Spoiler

Edit: Thank you @DuhPuhWuhand @Hom for laying the groundwork for this post with their original which I took a lot of inspiration from. They also made the format. God bless them.

 

[FireAGN 1207]

Faraway, the heir to House von Augusten wonders what his son, the grand-heir, has done to elicit a demotion from Deputy Chamberlain to Seneschal, or if it were merely a title change...