THE HAMMERHEAD, EDITION VI

[MotherLay 940]

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THE HAMMERHEAD, EDITION VI

 

 

Issued as of 634 E.S., 654 A.A., or 2081 A.H.

Published by the Theodosian Society

 

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“Black Company Trading was founded more than four centuries ago by Rhys I var Ruthern, Count of Metterden. Since its initial founding as a vassal levy, its trade has significantly expanded outward to include several businesses, including restaurants, mercenaries, shops, and a crier’s sheet, ‘The Hammerhead.’ Since the fall of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, the Company has sought to adapt to our Continental Empire, and to the modern reader. This publishing has been written in collaboration with, and as part of, the Theodosian Society.”

Herald of the Hammerhead

 

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THEY COME BEARING GIFTS

Penned by Alric var Ruthern, Burgher of Ghaestenwald

 

It is our sincerest hope that the brave sons and daughters of the Empire remain on high alert. Though this may be an era of unprecedented peace, there are yet elements that should rock the ship of state in a sea of turmoil. As subjects of the Empire, it is our sworn duty to ensure the Imperium we love is not smashed upon the rocks. To that end, the Hammerhead continues to report on more worrying news of our foreign enemies in Aeldin. 

 

Some concerned citizens in the far south-western shorelands of our fair Empire have reported yet further sightings from the coast of scout-ships sending out small landing parties, or smaller ships that upon inspection seem to shift their colour to better blend amongst our own! Per witness testimony, some mysterious visitors have even been seen moving barrels, or no-doubt, other contraband in crates to be distributed GOD-knows-where. It may be that these barrels contain thanhium explosives, as documented most thoroughly in our previous edition. It is a fearsome thought that these illicit, dangerous wares might make their way into Azuras both through treachery or unsuspecting traders.

 

The Aeldenic threat remains very real, and the many subjects of our empire must keep their wits about them. Share any suspicions with your local authorities.

 

Closed lips sink ships.

 

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A SON OF THE NORTH

Penned by Franz Galahar, Baron of Ghaestenwald

 

In the early morn of the 8th of Vyzmey ag Hyff, 633 E.S., under the sign of the Three-Eyed Crow, a son was born unto the House of Galahar. The babe was born healthy, and made nary a fuss. He greatly resembles his father, but with soft green eyes. Upon his baptism, he shall be named;

His Lordship, Jan Yarik Galahar

 

We name this boy in honour of Jan Radovanic, his grandsire. A man of simple means, who devoted much of his life to the Canonist faith, and maintaining the virtues of the Jorenic Rite. We pray that he shall take after his forefather in more than just name.

 

In accordance with the traditions of Ghaestenwald, the boy’s birth does not name him as heir. One shall be selected by myself when our children are no longer green, as the late Baron Josef had with his daughter, my lady mother, Vasilia Galahar. May peace be upon them in their rest.

 

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THE BURGHERS AND THE BLOCKHEADS

Penned by Lady Anastasya Ruthern née Galahar

 

During the latest meeting of the Burgherraad, I had the great pleasure of participating in place of my dear husband. Of course, having not been duly informed that he was going to be unable to attend. I entered the congregation and was surprised at the lack of attendance! Our representatives were not representing us! I was, of course, eternally grateful for the faithful Alric var Ruthern, Burgher for my home, Ghaestenwald. It seems that I am one of the few lucky ones to be represented this way. Who knew a single elector could make a Barony so small as Ghaestenwald have the influence of a Ducal house, simply by showing up?

 

Those Burghers in attendance were Alric var Ruthern, Oliver Napier, Rothwin Aldor, and William of Curon, with Trajan Helane slogging in late as representative for the absent Second Burgher of Alba, Berengaria di Rosavena. There are thirteen active Burghers seated in the Burgherraad. The attendance this day made a sad, sad, show of it. Of course, some leniency ought to be provided for those who celebrate the feast day of Saint Julia, a revered Canonist fertility festival, that in some rites pays a day of homage to one’s mother.

 

In spite of this holy day, it does not yet seem to be the leading reason why attendees were scarce. Perhaps those we have elected to represent us are, well, unreliable. Or, in turn, perhaps our Burgherraad is undesirable or unimportant. 

 

One piece of legislation was positioned before the representatives concerning the display of heraldry. The proposed notion is to have every nation or settlement within the Empire's reign display the Imperial flag beside their own. Now, while this may be a sensible suggestion, it should be every leal subject’s will to showcase loyalty to the Empire. It is easy to do so. Nevertheless, this type of legislation is not what I, as an onlooker, would consider important and difference-making. It is boring and redundant. Perhaps that is the reason for the lack of attendance. Perhaps these elected Burghers have better things to do with their time. Regardless of our representative’s priorities, they were chosen with the expectation to well represent our interests, which is wholly impossible when they do not participate. We, as constituents, deserve diligent representatives to put forth legislation that will better our lives. If the responsibility of sitting down for thirty minutes deciding on inane legislation is too much to ask, perhaps our Burghers should step down.

 

Her Imperial Majesty, Valentiná of Asturias, who by the Grace of GOD is our beloved Empress of Azuras and of all Mankind--and to whom I wholeheartedly apologise for mistitling within the session--was unamused with the pathetic display of the near-empty hall. She chastised the Burghers for their lack of promptness, attendance, and their unpreparedness. As declared, penalties of lateness or absence shall be put onto representatives as necessary. The Empress in declaring such, is perhaps hoping to reel in the dwindling participation in the fairly new institution.

 

Will her threats be carried out?

 

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THE MONTHLY ALMANAC

 

For the Northern Regions of Tarnarvon, Ghaestenwald, and Kvasz.

Wzuvar ag Byvca ❅

Jula ag Piov ❅

Vzmey ag Hyff ❅ϟ

Gronna ag Droba ϟ

Tov ag Yermey ϟ

Msitza ag Dargund ❅ϟ

Joma ag Umund ❅

For the Imperial Capital, Alba, Trost, and further abound.

Horen’s Calling ❅ϟ

Owyn’s Light ❅ϟ

Godfrey’s Triumph ϟ

Aurelian’s Glory ☼

Sun’s Smile ☼

Harren’s Folly ☼

Dragon’s Roar ϟ

 

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THE VILLAGE OF ADELHIL

Penned by the “Faithful Father’s Finest Finds”

 

 

Beyond the freshly resettled valleys that once consisted of Urguan lays the Duchy of Valmont, gleaming atop the hillside. Those southron warriors--virtuous and strong of arm--have set to taming the earth under the scorching rays of the sun, not dissimilar to our own Highlander kin and the north. For this, they have our utmost respect. 

 

Chalons, the seat of Helane, sits atop one promontory of the southern highlands, exuding control over the freshly settled south of the Empire. Nestled amongst a lower valley and hugging the cliffs just below Chalons is the freshly founded village of Adelhil. To populate this town, they issue a call to mankind, not the old-fashioned way. The Duke urges those interested to make the trek southwards. In particular, the Duchy is seeking teachers, scholars and the well-read, with the promise of free housing and a new life in service of something greater.

 

Though they do not profess to follow the Law of Jan Jeremi, they would surely make him proud. If you’re not employed, in education, or training, we think it wise to seek out the Duke of Valmont to seize this opportunity!

 

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AVE IMPERIUM! AVE… ADRIA?

Penned by Alric var Ruthern, Burgher of Ghaestenwald

 

As a reputable news source, it is of utmost importance to the Hammerhead, in association with the Theodosian Society, to see the gift of knowledge and preparedness shared among each and every citizen of our Empire. A well-read populace is a well-off populace, after all. In pursuit of this goal, some of the Hammerhead’s men on the ground were sent on excursion to personally deliver free editions of the Hammerhead to the numerous citizens of the Empire. On one such expedition, imagine the surprise of those deliverees to discover they had fled the borders of the Empire and landed in a foreign land known as… Adria.

 

One common subject of the Duke of Adria, who would not give his name to this publication, appeared wholly confused as to their identity as loyal subjects of the Empire. They proudly proclaimed that their land was of Adria only, and not the Empire, which was promptly followed by a hearty, “AVE ADRIA!” With this experience in mind, perhaps prior recommendations to ensure the flying of the Imperial Banner across the great breadth of Azuras were well-founded. And, would serve a much needed purpose in educating the peoples.

 

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CROW’S COUNSEL

Penned by Lady Marjoreya Galahar, Baroness of Ghaestenwald

 

Privej.

 

In truth, I had not expected the tyrants at the Hammerhead to call upon me so soon. This paper is supposed to be bi-annual! I cannot be expected to sift through all the drivel that arrives in my rookery, think my sage thoughts, and form them into wholesome, traditional advice each and every Saint’s Week! These conditions are simply unbearable. 

 

Know this, publisher – the next edition of Crow’s Counsel will come in TWO SAINT’S WEEKS TIME. Not a day earlier. I am your greatest asset. I am not some Renatien mine-slave, content to toil away for valour points and bread scraps! I am a lady, offering guidance to the unwashed masses out of the goodness of mine own heart, and I will not allow myself to be abused so cruelly!

 

I apologise, readers, that this is not my usual column. But I must take a stand. Do keep sending me letters, and I shall, with Godan as my witness, respond in the next scheduled edition of the Hammerhead. 

 

God preserve the Empire of Azuras!

Godani Jest Wielki!

 

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That concludes the edition of the Hammerhead. We wish to thank our readers who remained loyal to us through the changing of the seasons and history. We implore those with stories worthy of note to send us word by crow, or dispatched to any of the Bureviy Host that you encounter, wherein it shall make its way back to us. 

 

And, a special thanks to Andrey Barrow for his revising of the articles to ensure quality is upkept.

 

God save the Emperor.

[Nooblius 7965]

42 minutes ago, MotherLay said:

One common subject of the Duke of Adria, who would not give his name to this publication, appeared wholly confused as to their identity as loyal subjects of the Empire. They proudly proclaimed that their land was of Adria only, and not the Empire, which was promptly followed by a hearty, “AVE ADRIA!” With this experience in mind, perhaps prior recommendations to ensure the flying of the Imperial Banner across the great breadth of Azuras were well-founded. And, would serve a much needed purpose in educating the peoples.

Hajduk Veljko could not read, though unfortunately for his cortisol a more literate burgher of Belgrade was discussing this matter on the streets openly. Scandalized, Veljko ripped the papers from the burgher's hands, and went to the nearest Sarkozic nobleman he could find. Angrily pointing to the wrong section of the paper, Veljko let out a litany of expletives and accusations against the authors.

 

"They call into question the loyalty of Adria!? Why, they cannot best Adria in any contest, so their best bet is slander; why must they insist on perpetuating this grudge? Do they have any vision beyond spite?"

 

The hajduk ranted some more to the Sarkozic lordling, who was nodding his head politely so as to not exasperate the obviously insane raving woodsman. Not so slow as to not notice, Veljko grumbled some more as he departed, the crumpled copy of the paper in his tightened grasp. 

"Folly!"

[Maiyun 362]

"Oh, they even spelled our name right," Ardirnien noted with glee. "GOD bless!" She proceeded then to cut out solely the section involving the idyllic duchy of Adria and pin it to the corkboard in her office. She admired it there for a good few minutes, nodding to herself. 

[NLThomas 1225]

"Ave Adria!" A patriot screams through the streets of the beautiful Adria!

[Laeonathan 5889]

"I love Adria. And the Imperium!" Noted the Adrian priest., Father Aldersberg 

[wootdahnoot 131]

"Ave Adria!" A Turtle Knight cackled.

[Damien H. Buckler 43]

Bojangles of Adria peered down at the paper in his hand as he sat in his study. His eyebrows then raised as Adria was mentioned in the paper; he read carefully, his eyes scanning the lines before he placed the paper down, and he raised both of his hands to his temples with an amused smile on his face. “I would... Love to believe this...” He half laughed out, “But I doubt an ACTUAL Adrian would obscure his or her name like this - - MUCH less a genuine patriot like this.” Regardless, he soon grabbed a pair of scissors and snipped the section about Adria out and pinned it nearby. He then chuckled out something, shaking his head at it as he returned to his studies. “Ave Adria…”