Terry

"We Haeseni submit ourselves only to GODAN, and vy, Pontifical States, Numendil or whoever else vy may be, evidently do niet speak for him like vyr predecessors once did." Commented an elder Ruthern, dusting off an old set of armor. He had gone to war many a time before, but never against his own man. Times were certainly changing, and those that foamed at the mouth for war finally got what they wanted, in the guise of Religion.

Somewhere within Xéniavaros, a new babe cried through the night… But Big Balty Korvacz soon quieted down, for even he knew, subconsciously, that good things were to come very soon.

Lord Sigmar var Ruthern, with a resounding nod (albeit it late to the punch), sent notification of his desire to run for Alderman to the Lord Speaker. He was not yet done with the Royal Duma, it'd seem.

The Princess finally slipped from her brother's comforting embrace, pulling upon either sleeve with a clearing of her throat. Milena's lips twitched upward into the smallest smile. A sad thing. “Da…I shall make an effort to join vy there.” A pause. “It would be dobry to see Mahaut too….” It had been a year since that last conversation with his sister. A sign that things may have been on the up, regardless of the King's health. A chance to spend time with his sister, to chat, to console and comfort. Times like they used to be before the Aulic Government ever walked into either of their lives. But no, now that memory, laced with such comfort and family of old, changed. One word described it now. Loss of his sister, of his confidante and one he was confidant to. The loss of his family, one of the last of his family of siblings. Another loss in the line of his generation. The loss of a renowned human being, the loss of his favorite Palatine. Only pain remained now as the inevitable march of time continued to wage it's battle. Nobody could stand in it's way, not even the Lady Palatine of Haense, who ruled so well that many could have considered her a monarch in her own right. That very afternoon after Sigmar var Ruthern, one of the last of his line of siblings, learned of the news of his sister, would he put pen to paper. To Milena, my favorite sibling; There are many things I wish I could say, wished I could have said. Many actions I did not take whilst you were here that looking back, fill me with nothing but regret and sorrow. And now, sitting in this home of mine, a home that last we met, I'd invited you into with the hope of regaining lost time between us... I am filled evermore with these things. Sadness, that we could not spend one more night as a family, and regret that I could not be there with you, in your last moments upon this mortal plane of ours. Our lives, no... your life especially, were hard from the get-go. The loss of our mother, the besiegement of Morteskvan. From our very first steps were we made to fight, either physically or mentally. A never-ending battle of which we continued fighting well into our later years, a battle that I believe you had won, before the news of Karl's fate became known. A battle I pray you fight no longer, up there in the Seven Skies. Even so, battle after battle, you came out on top. Protecting the life of King Ivan, and being inducted into the Walton Order of the Unyielding, to becoming our Lady Emissar which placed you on a path to the Golden Bulava. All in all, an aspiring tale, and one many of whom should look up to, regardless of personal opinion of you. You were the greatest sister a brother could ever ask for, and because of that shall there be a great pain in my heart for these next years. A loss I believe I will not truly recover from. A relationship I shall never know again. Know now, that in your honor, my only remaining goal for the time I have left will be committed to Haense and it's security, and ensuring that it prospers, as you had done when you were here. The next time Mahaut and I share a cup of tea or have a drink, I shall ensure a third glass is kept close only for you, for the drink the three of us never got to share. Always your brother, and forever in my heart, dear sister, Sigmar Rhys var Ruthern

Ser Sigmar, Lord Speaker and Knight of the Retinue went to leave his home as he normally had. A typical, repetitive day, a normal day. However, upon approaching the door, had he noticed two letters wedged into that space. One addressed to him, the other, his wife. Upon taking those two letters, had a feeling of dread set upon him, a feeling he had wished not to feel that particular sunny morning. He'd walk back into his home, armor rattling and clanking as it normally did, as he tore the top of that letter to him. Upon reading each and every word adorned to that piece of paper, did he fall into that seat, and sigh. A long sigh, an exhausted sigh. Could he go through more of this, to pick up more of that Kingdom he so loved every day? He was uncertain, but he knew there were more that counted on him still. And whilst he never considered himself close friends with Yvaine, he would not disappoint her now. It was there that he would rise once more, as he had every morning for the last 52 years. Not as spry as he once were but filled evermore with that determination to see Haense flourish. He'd move off to find his wife, delivering that letter to her, keeping it closed for her sake. It was not for him to know Yvaine's words to her, but for her alone. After that, did the Father of that younger generation set out to see to those children he never thought would be under his guiding hand, the list of such growing more so from that one simple letter.

MC Name: Terry_23 Discord: terry23 Image: Description of Image: A family portrait of Mahaut van Leuven and Sigmar var Ruthern. Dimensions: 1 wide, 2 high

THE ROYAL AUDIT OF THE ROYAL DUMA 560 E.S. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LORD SPEAKER 13th ov Tov and Yermey, 560 E.S. VE ELDERVIK, The Royal Audit is a census conducted by the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska and by extension it’s Royal Duma, whereas officials of the Crown seek out audiences with the Peers of the Realm to gain a measure of the ongoings of the Haeseni Nobility and their status within the Kingdom. Each Noble House is expected to meet with a representative from the Office of the Lord Speaker and present the following information on the ongoings of their family for the Office of the Lord Speaker and their records, and so such may be relayed precisely and thoroughly to the Crown. LEVY A list of your Levymen and their status within the Brotherhood of Saint Karl or the Marian Retinue in accordance with the ‘Haurul Caezk’. NOTE: Every House within Haense should have atleast ONE member at a training or BSK event at MINIMUM once a week. Two for Houses with an active levy of their own, of which WILL be checked, same as BSK attendance for all. TAXES Are you keeping up with your Peerage taxes? If not, why? Is assistance needed? LANDED STATUS What is the status of your land and or keep? Does it fit within the allotted parameters listed by the Crown? Do you need assistance with building? FAMILIAL ENDEAVORS What is it your family members are contributing to the Kingdom? What goals has your family set for themselves and their futures? CROWN ASSISTANCE Do you require a private petition to the Crown for further assistance in regards to your family or assistance with your land? SUCCESSION Has the succession of your family been secured? The Royal Audit shall last for three years, whereas all answers compiled will be organized and sent to the Crown. Krusae Zwy Kongzem. Signed, His Excellency, Sigmar var Ruthern Lord Speaker of His Majesty’s Royal Duma, Knight of the Marian Retinue

THE ELECTIONS FOR THE ROYAL DUMA 559 E.S. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LORD SPEAKER 5th ov Joma and Umund, 559 E.S VE ELDERVIK, Beginning the next session of His Majesty’s Royal Duma, to be determined considering the Tuvmas season and planned festivities, a new term for the next elected officials will be put in place to solidify and establish the elected officials' terms-lengths, those being four sessions of sitting on His Majesty's Royal Duma. All those who desire to run for election of Grand Maer or Royal Alderman are encouraged to begin campaigning immediately amongst the citizenry and proclaim the policies that they intend to be brought before the Duma and implemented on behalf of the common people of New Valdev. All those who wish to run for the elected seats within the Royal Duma must adhere to the requirements written below; i. Of 16 years of age or older. ii. Of moral character and in good standing. iii. A faithful member of the Church of the Canon. iv. A citizen of Hanseti-Ruska. v. Does not hold a title nor any immediate inheritance to one. So too, can the responsibilities of each office be found below. The Grand Maer shall; i. Manage the Royal Capital’s tavern or employ someone to do so. ii. Maintain the appearance of the Crownlands and Capital and aid the Crown with improvements to infrastructure. iii. Hold festivities within the Crownlands and Capital and liaise with the Royal Court. iv. Publish Writs of Banishment and direct soldiers of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl if their commands are not contrary to that of the Officers, the Aulic Council, or the Crown. v. Reside within the Maer’s Chamber of the Royal Duma Hall for the duration of their term. The Royal Aldermen shall hold the same responsibilities of those Peers of the Duma. To vote, join committees, present legislation and otherwise, the only difference being that they are elected, not merely given a seat. Candidates for Grand Maer and Royal Aldermen are encouraged to begin their campaigning and advertising prior to the voting process, which will be begin immediately the day following this missive, on Wzuvar y Byvca of 560 E.S. Signed, His Excellency, Sigmar var Ruthern Lord Speaker of His Majesty’s Royal Duma, Knight of the Marian Retinue

ISSUED BY 14th of Vzmey ag Hyff 558 E.S. As time marches on, so do our people. The Rutherns have endured time and time again, despite hardship, such as losing Her Grace, Tatiyana vas Ruthern. For seven years, I have ventured as Lord-Regent of Vidaus. For seven years, Dmitry has stepped closer and closer to his birthright. It is time for our paths to cross in these lifelong journeys at last. With my return from the expedition to the Summit of Aevos, and in accordance with the last will and testament of Her Grace, my sister, Dmitry Villorik var Ruthern shall ascend to the title Duke of Vidaus. As Ruthern tradition, there will be a Rostig Tourney in honor of his coming of age. My final act as Lord-Regent of Vidaus is hosting this tourney on the grounds of Morteskvan. It will start with jousting, where all in attendance may compete on horseback against one another and the rising heir of House Ruthern. After this, there will be a melee for men and women across the realm to showcase more of their might in single combat. House Ruthern encourages all citizens and allies of Hanseti-Ruska to join us in battle and celebration for the Rostig Tourney. His Lordship, Sigmar var Ruthern Lord-Regent of Vidaus, Lord Speaker of His Majesty’s Royal Duma

Sigmar var Ruthern, Lord Speaker of his Majesty's Royal Duma, had only just barely returned to the city of New Valdev. The frost and the cold having just subsided, and his ability to feel having come back to him. After a stop at the tavern, seeing everyone again, it brought back that sense of warmth and normalcy he so desired again. Then the bells tolled. Not once, not twice, but three times. A sign of only one thing. The hardened and frozen expression he so garnered on the Mountain returned at once, as his view fell. This expedition to the Summit had taken so much out of him, why did Godan seek to pry more from him then? The thoughts rushed to his head as he sat, placing his head into his hands. "One more day," he thought. "One more day, and I could've spoken to him one last time." He'd sigh, exhaustion hitting every point of his body, now even his mind. Despite the work to be done upon his return, nothing could push the thought of King Marius III from his head as he signed the Hussariyan, slowly moving along to find those he was close to.

Sigmar var Ruthern ran a hand across his forehead, wiping the cold sweat from his brow as his axe lay embedded within a log nearby the camp. He'd take this moment during his turn to keep watch, gazing around as the sounds of nothing but the campfire and roaring cold winds battered his ears. Such was something he was used to, growing up in Vidaus. The snow was like kin, everywhere when he wanted it, and everywhere when he didn't, but not even growing up around such a climate could prepare him for this weather. He buried the thought akin to the ground beneath them buried in snow, retaking up his axe. With a couple foggy exhales, would he go back to chopping wood for the fire which surely saved them from what surrounded, the exertion alone beginning to warm him up.

"Ordak. Eam leaving him to die next time," commented Sigmar with a grumble. He then tossed his bow and arrows aside, deciding to never again be an archer or to be even tempted to be one.

ELECTIONS FOR GRAND MAER 552 E.S. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LORD SPEAKER 13th ov Joma and Umund, 552 E.S It has been a good race for Grand Maer, lasting well over a year with the turnout for voting far exceeding expectations. However, with the dropping out of one of two nominees, the elections for Grand Maer have officially come to a close. We wish to congratulate Lady Lujza Korvacz on becoming the third Grand Maer of New Valdev, and wish her a long and dutiful tenure as Valdev’s next guiding hand. We’d also wish to extend our gratitude to Father Milodrag, for throwing his hat in the ring and ensuring a good race was had. Lady Lujza’s term as Grand Maer shall last for four sessions of His Majesty's Royal Duma, and shall entail the following responsibilities as dictated in ‘Ve Haurul Caezk’; VI.V. ... The Maer shall be responsible for, and entitled to: i. Collect tax on behalf of the Treasurer. ii. Manage the Royal Capital’s tavern, or employ someone to do so. iii. Maintain the appearance of the Crownlands and Capital, and aid the Crown with improvements to infrastructure. iv. Hold festivities within the Crownlands and Capital, and liaise with the Royal Court. v. Publish Writs of Banishment and direct soldiers of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl if their commands are not contrary to that of the Officers, the Aulic Council, or the Crown. vi. Reside within the Maer’s Chamber of the Royal Duma Hall for the duration of their term. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM. Signed, His Excellency, Sigmar var Ruthern Lord-Regent of Vidaus, Lord Speaker of His Majesty’s Royal Duma

The Lord Speaker sighed, reading the array of paperwork across his desk in the Kastell was never fulfilling to him, but that responsibility paled in fulfillment compared to his other duties. However, one late night, lost within the paperwork once more, would the halls of the Kastell grow eerily quiet. Too quiet, even for one who was raised within Morteskvan. Upon leaving the confines of his office though, would he come to understand the reasoning. The continuing sounds of grief and feelings of immense loss echoing within the halls would haunt him that night and many following, but would haunt him far less than the thought of no longer seeing the Queen throughout Valdev who, much like his late-sister, often gave uplifting advice and sound counsel. One who, despite her station, made time for those beneath her, who always wore a smile and sought to raise the spirits of everyone around her. His thoughts then went to the children. Those of Juliya’s and those who weren’t, both equally cared for despite their blood. “It’ll be a dark few years for certain,” Sigmar would think, before he immediately sought to reach out to his nieces and nephews, ensuring he would be there, for whatever they needed. After the cries stopped and the silence returned, would Sigmar finally leave for home. That time didn’t come for hours, though.

THE DUMACRATIC ELECTIONS - CONTINUED 551 E.S. FROM THE OFFICE OF THE LORD SPEAKER 12th Tov and Yermey, 551 E.S Beginning the next session of His Majesty’s Royal Duma in the year 553 E.S., a new term for the next Grand Maer will be put in place to solidify and establish the elected officials terms-lengths, those being four sessions of sitting on His Majesty's Royal Duma for the Grand Maer, and five sessions for the Royal Aldermen, the added session being to make up the session of electing the next Lord Speaker. All those who desire to run for election of Grand Maer are encouraged to begin campaigning immediately amongst the citizenry and proclaim the policies that they intend to be brought before the Duma and implemented on behalf of the common people of New Valdev. All those who wish to run for the Grand Maer seat within the Duma must adhere to the Dumacratic requirements which are outlined in the recent Tatiyan Edict Reforms. Candidates for Grand Maer are encouraged to begin their campaigning and advertising prior to the voting process, which will be begin immediately the day following this missive, on Msitza and Dargund of 551 E.S. Signed, His Excellency, Sigmar var Ruthern Lord-Regent of Vidaus, Lord Speaker of His Majesty’s Royal Duma of Hanseti-Ruska

"Dobry on vy, coz." Spoke the Ruthern-Regent, a smile forming on his features as he read the missive. Despite his day-to-day responsibilities increasing, Sigmar would make plans to attend all the same.

ISSUED BY 8th of Gronna y Droma 551 E.S. Never in such times we live in have I looked to pen a letter of a subject like this, and I have penned numerous. These times, as uncertain as they are, must be seen to regardless, and so shall this letter be evidence of that. No doubt has the news of the passing of her Grace, Tatiyana Josephina vas Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, passed around the Kingdom of Haense and the international community of Aevos as a whole. The ancient House of Ruthern asks for prayers and to be left to their own, to mourn of the Duchess’ passing whilst the heir and future Duke comes to take control over his to-be Duchy. That being said, as Regent of Vidaus according to the late Duchess’ will and testament, I hereby declare Vidaus’ continued commitment to the Kongzem’s war in Ailmere, and shall continue to provide aid and whatever is needed for the continuing fight against Darkspawn and the spawn of Iblees. The ancient House of Ruthern may have lost one of its best, but have not faltered before, nor shall we now. His Lordship, Sigmar var Ruthern Lord-Regent of Vidaus, Deputy Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska

"Such was not as it were supposed to be," thought Sigmar, a feeling of unease and anxiety gripping him that morning, feelings he was entirely unaccustomed to from any point in his life until now. "Where is Tatiyana?" He'd keep asking himself, having both said the question and heard it repeatedly over the past few days. It was the beginning of what would become a very long day. When the news was finally broken to him, it was as if the world he'd become so accustomed to had broken in half. No longer would he find his sister out and about Valdev, no longer would they speak earnestly and honestly, and no longer would he have one of his favorites to turn to in time of need. This time of need, specifically. It was the makings of a very solemn day, as he thought back to their last conversation and patted the letter in his tunic pocket. A Last Will and Testament, declaring he was to become the Lord-Regent of Vidaus, in the event of Tatiyana's untimely demise, set to watch over the Duchy and the Duke-to-be Dmitry, until a time as he was old enough to inherit those lands fully. He didn't know if he could do it, nor was he prepared for that Will to actually be of any use, but he planned to do his best, at least in honor of his elder sister. Or so he thought anyhow, as he clumsily got himself ready and sprinted out his door to that Herzenvrest, looking worse for wear.

Sigmar would be readying for his day, more busy than usual but not something one would ever find him complaining about as he went to reading the daily delivered mail. Upon noticing the missive of his Aulic Appointment, would Sigmar smile, opting instead to pull out an old outfit from his wardrobe. Upon dusting it off and smoothing it over would he continue reading the missive, and as he buttoned the last button on his tunic, would nod to himself as he reached the door of his home. Such an appointment was cause for celebration, sure, but he knew that the work ahead of him wouldn't wait for such an event to be over. Or so he thought to himself, as he ascended the steps of the Kastell Lesanov, ready for the work to begin.

As Sigmar sat in his home within the city of New Valdev, readying himself for his Duma Debut, he'd receive the daily mail as he paced around. Among the various letters, the Writ of Appointment would be within. Moving back inside to a seat, he'd open the missive with a hint of curiosity within his eyes. Upon scanning the document, a smile would begin to creep upon his lips. Now was her time, he'd think, the countless conversations between the two having given him many an insight as to his sister's feelings on the matter. He knew she'd not squander the opportunity, nor would he let her, if he had any say at all. With that, he'd fold the missive and place it within his chest plate, before grabbing his shield and moving off to the Duma Hall, his spirits brightened.

4th of Snow’s Maiden, SA 194 (August 14th, 2024) ᚠᚱᛟᛗ ᚦᛖ ᚷᚱᚨᚾᛞ ᚲᛁᛜ ᛖᛗᛖᚱᛁᛏᚢᛊ “THE EXCORIATION OF THE URGUANITES” ᛟᚾ ᚦᛖ ᛗᚨᛏᛏᛖᚱᛊ ᛟᚠ ᚦᛖ ᚨᚨᚢᚾᛁᛊᚺ-ᚱᚨᚢᛖᚾᛗᛁᚱᛖ ᚹᚨᚱ Grand King Ulfar, and my fellow brothers and sisters of Urguan; What are you doing? It pains me to have to write this, given the history I have with our Grand Kingdom and the fact that the Crown itself had blessed my head, many a year ago. But I cannot and will not sit back as I witness idiocy and the willingness to watch the Kingdom crumble take foot within our very own Kingdom. You march to war against Aaun, in hand with Norland and Ravenmire. This is a just war, you tell yourselves, but one that will pit you against Haense and all of Canondom. No doubt will all of Canondom come to the defense of their Canonist brother now, especially so since their favored Vicar now holds dominion over their Kingdom. And with their holy Vicar now facing an invasion by not one, but two realms of which many of their faith do consider pagan and unholy, you put the Grand Kingdom at risk of a crusade, if not an entire league of Canonist nations against you. You will hand them justification on a silver platter. Urguan has endured such a gathering of forces before, but as you put in your letter back to me, our Kingdoms are not the same. And whilst I pray you telling me that ‘your people are prosperous’ was no slight upon me, any people could be prosperous when there is so few of them left. Never to mention, as well, the obvious prospect of entering into war against one of our closest allies in the Kingdom of Haense. I hope you have taken due time to think about this course, sacrificing such a long and historied friendship like that. Clearly you have put some thought to it, considering your letter to them, but allow me to recite the history as I’ve experienced it firsthand, for the last two centuries: Over 190 years ago, did the root of Urguan’s friendship with Haense take place in the ‘Iron Accord’, signed by then-Grand King Jorvin Starbreaker. This declaration of friendship continued on throughout his reign, through my own reign, throughout Garedyn the Emerald’s and all the way unto then-Grand King Thurgim Silverbraid, your predecessor. In this span of time, our friendship had evolved and overcome many burdens and accomplished much. In those two centuries, the Iron Accord kept peace, and as it evolved from the Iron Accord to the Tripartite Accord our nations became like brothers, and we went to war as such, together. We toppled the Holy Orenian Empire as one, watched as its successor states broke away and faded from existence. We reformed the Tripartite into the Eastern Almaris Treaty Organization and brought peace to the Iron’Uzg and Kingdom of Oren, when they so dishonorably slain our own and meddled in our affairs. We broke the Harvest Confederation when they attacked our ally in the Kingdom of Balian, and watched as history gave way to form what is now the Apolistic Kingdom of Aaun. On Aevos, we kept our relationship stable. We evolved E.A.T.O to the Grand Covenant, brought stability and order to the League of Veletz, and kept a watchful eye on the continent ever since, as kin. But obviously you know all of that, I’d assume. Though the fact that, yet again, in your reply to me you state the “easternlings of Aaun are a threat of Urguan’s friends and have proven the rise of Oren” continues to tell me that you have not quite thought this through. Have you really not considered that Haense would never allow Oren to reform? The nation which found themselves subjugated beneath that very Empire would never stand idle as the potential for it to reform would rear its head, and whichever rat has murmured that within your ear is not your kin, but indeed an Agent of Khorvad. I urge you, Grand King, to meet with delegates of Haense to resolve this matter in a diplomatic manner as noted by the second Article of the Glorious Riverway pact, which you are still bound by. Demanding the Fidei Defensor or the nation of which once was to stand idle as a fellow Canonist nation, governed now by the Pontiff no less, to stand by is not only impossible, but incredibly disrespectful from one supposed friend to another. I know not who counsels you during this time, I care not either. You do not want my counsel, and therefore you shall not have it. But the difference between our Kingdoms is that mine survived for you to inherit it. Continue upon this path, and I fear there will be none to inherit it after you. Narvak oz Urguan, Grand King Emeritus, Former Lord Chancellor and Lord Justiciar of Urguan Great-Grandson of Rhewen 'Papa Bear' Frostbeard