THE ALBAN COURT

[ncarr 2806]

 

Issued by the Morvelyn Castle

On the seventh of Sun's Smile, Two Thousand and Thirty Seven

 

The Alban Court

 

At the very heart of the fair Archduchy of Alba rests its Archducal court, wherein the firm foundation of loyalty and counsel for Prince and Princess of Alstion was founded. In the wake of the fall of House Alstion – ruined under the weight of neglect and greed of her forebears – an entourage of noble houses swore themselves to Edward and Cecily, thereby allowing them the support necessary to establish Alba. 

 

From this entourage, which lent strength and companionship to the newly made Duke and Duchess of Alba, the seeds were sown for the court to rise, a retinue of such repute and dignity, that it would, in time, become the edifice upon which the official Court of Alba would be founded.

 

So intertwined is this court with the core of Alba, that it pleases the hearts of its patrons to enshrine by law the order and the maintenance thereof, that it may endure for generations and continue to serve the Archducal household well. Therefore, let this missive stand as a decree unto the people of Alba which declares the function and maintenance of the Alban Court. 

 

Note: This missive - entitled ‘The Alban Court’ - shall serve as a structural memorandum only, as it is the prerogative of each Prince and Princess of Alstion to raise and place into abeyance the subsequent roles as they see fit. 

 

 

 

THE HOUSEHOLD

 

The Alban Court is established around the Household of the Archduke and Archduchess of Alba. Verily, the order and the rank of the court are fashioned according to the proximity to the Archducal pair. For behold, those courtiers of name rank, and who are bound to serve and fulfill the desires of the Archduke and Archduchess, are reckoned as members of the Household. Thus, their place and station are granted by their service unto the sovereigns, and their duty is as unto them.

 

 

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THE PRIVY CHAMBER

 

Those courtiers of high and recognized rank, who oversee the manifold duties and functions of the Court, are called the Officers of the Court. Under the oversight of the Lady Chamberlain, these Officers are entrusted with the care and upkeep of all courtly matters, ensuring the smooth and orderly conduct of the Morvelyn’s affairs. It is their charge to direct the flow of the Court, to uphold its customs and traditions, and to ensure that the needs of the Courtiers are met with due diligence and fidelity. They govern the activities of the courtiers, administer the workings of the Household, and preserve the dignity and harmony of the Court. These Officers, in their appointed roles, are as the very hand of the Sovereigns, ensuring that all within the Court abide by the traditions and customs laid forth.

 

THE LADY CHAMBERLAIN
The Lady Chamberlain is directly appointed by the Ducal Coronet and stands at the helm of the Privy Chamber. She acts as the administrator of the courts, overseeing all matters of court and ensuring harmony within the castle. Her responsibilities frequently shift as the Lady Chamberlain is responsible for overseeing the management of any position unfilled within the courts. 

 

THE GROOM OF THE STOOL

Selected by the Duke of Alba, the Groom of the Stool is not only his caretaker, but closest confidant and holds the responsibility of managing the Duke’s daily rota. Beyond his duty directly to the duke, the Groom of the Stool oversees the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber and Pages of the Household. He also holds responsibility for overseeing the servantry of the Castle, ensuring all activities below stairs run smoothly.
 

THE LADY OF THE CHAMBER

The Lady of the Chamber is chief among the Duchess’s Ladies in Waiting. Selected by the Duchess herself, she oversees the other Ladies in Waiting and Maids of Honor. Given her responsibility for the entertainment of the Duchess, the Lady of the Chamber supervises all artistic and scholarly pursuits within the courts so that they may align with the will of the Ducal Household.

 

 

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THE ATTENDANTS TO THE HOUSEHOLD

 

HE MANY SUMPTUARY laws and expectations of etiquette are the foundation of the Morvelyn Court. Those who wander the castle halls are expected to understand and adhere to these standards at all times, lest they fall out of favor with the Archducal Coronet. Thus, the education of the future courtiers is paramount to their future success. To assure proper education, the progeny of the Peers and Gentry of Alba may be fostered by the Archducal Coronet beginning at the age of seven where they shall learn the intricacies of Alban society and governance.

 

 

 

THE GENTLEMEN OF THE CHAMBER

The Gentlemen of the Chamber are responsible for the care of the Archduke of Alba under the direction of the Groom of the Stool. They are responsible for the wellbeing and entertainment of the Archduke of Alba, assisting in his daily activities. Given the close proximity of the position, the Gentlemen of the Chamber are frequently the close friends and confidants of the Archduke. The title of Gentlemen of the Chamber affords a Lord many additional liberties in court, having access to nearly all rooms of the castle and the ability to instruct members of the grand chamber on behalf of the Duke.

 

LADIES IN WAIT

The Ladies in Waiting are ladies of marrying age within the nobility and gentry of the Kingdom who have been selected to care for the Archduchess of Alba. Under the direction of the Lady of the Chamber, the Ladies in Waiting assist the Archduchess in her daily needs as well as holding oversight over the revels of court.

 

JUNIOR ATTENDANTS

 

PAGES OF THE HOUSEHOLD

Junior attendants to the Archduke and Lords of court, Pages of the Household are taught the intricacies of Alban Court from a young age. The Pages are under the care of the Groom of the Stool on behalf of the Ducal Coronet, responsible for their education and upbringing. Upon reaching marrying age, pages have an array of possible positions in the Duke’s Government.
 

MAIDS OF HONOUR

Maids of Honor are the young daughters of Nobles and Gentry Houses who have been warded beneath the Archduchess. These women are educated by the Lady of the Chamber and Ladies in Waiting on the proper etiquette and standards of the Morevelyn Court. Upon reaching marrying age, prized Maids of Honor may become Ladies in Waiting or take on positions in the Archduke’s Government.

 

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THE GRAND CHAMBER

 

Making up the bulk of the Morvelyn Courts, the Grand Chamber is composed of those courtiers of proven merit who have been conferred positions of the household by the Dukes of Alba. These courtiers hold dominion over the varied minor aspects of court as determined by the Dukes and Lady Chamberlain. These courtiers hold great respect within the courts as such positions are only held by those whom the ducal coronet views with the most respect. Said positions need not be filled at all times, only being granted when deemed appropriate by the Dukes of Alba.

 

Master of the Horse

The Master of the Horse is responsible for the oversight of maintenance of the Ducal stables. Alongside his responsibilities at the Castle Morvelyn, the Master of the Horse is heeded as the Superintendent of the Crownlands, meaning he is charged with monitoring the wildlife of the Alban countryside and keeping track of the game there. It is expected that he host regular hunts and organize feasts alongside the Mistress of Revels.

 

Lord Seneschal

The Lady Seneschal is tasked with overseeing the servants of the Castle Morvelyn. Alongside the management of their compensation and oversight of the servantry’s general performance, the Lady Seneschal is tasked with recruitment of servantry. This includes the organization of servant’s placements in the Castle Morvelyn from kitchen staff to scullery maids and butlers.

 

Master of the Jewels

The Master of the Jewels is responsible for the maintenance of the crown jewels of the Alstion dynasty. They oversee the care and use of existing jewels and the procurement of future jewels.

 

Master of Revels

The Master of the Revels holds dominion over the frequent revels of the Morvelyn courts, assisting the Privy Chamber and Archdukes of Alba in the planning of any major event at court. Among the chief responsibilities of the Master of Revels is the upkeep of the Alban Calendar and employment of the Court Herald.

 

Master of Pedigrees

The Master of the Pedigree manages the Alban Pedigrees, tracking the lineage of all recognized houses within the duchy to ensure the purity of noble blood. They also hold the responsibility of recording the proper styles of address and titles of the Alban citizenry, making them the superior authority in matters of blood and title.

 

Master of the Robes

The Mistress of the Robes is responsible for the procurement, creation, and upkeep of the garbs worn by the Archducal Household. This includes ensuring the Archducal Household remains at the precipice of Alban fashion. Alongside her efforts in dressing the Archducal Household, the Mistress of the Robes is tasked with oversight of the publication of fashion documents to the subjects of the Ducal Coronet. 

 

Lord Governess

The Governess is responsible for the proper upbringing of the children of the Archducal Household and noble houses, overseeing their education in areas of etiquette, culture, and literature. She is tasked with the upkeep of the Archducal library in tandem, ensuring the literature of the Morvelyn Court is well organized and up to date.

 

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[ErosTea 1084]

The Archduke of Alba scratched his balding head, a frown forming upon his face as he looked over his likeness. "Time seems to catch up to me, mine hat might cover the empty patches 'pon my head, but what will cure these wrinkles?" He'd speak to no one in particular as he looked over the fine work accomplished by his daughter-in-law.

[valecu 2128]

The Mother Alexandra rejoices ‘pon the news, her childhood friends have now properly reinstated the Johannian inheritance and situated it well.