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hildren of Man & Azuras, with fondness, thou art invited to attend the Alstionic realm once more. By these earnest invitations, thee noble children of Alba and the Empire, are hereby again invited to meet together for another assembly of the youthful. As with the last gathering, it is my aim to further strengthen our bonds of friendship. We do wish thee health, and for those in tender service to the archduchy, respect and honour. With the intent clear, so do we bid thee to join us as a member of our goodly party, so that I am accompanied upon an excursion to one of Alba’s most mystifying locations: Cecily’s Mirror. Our devotions so often pray for collective friendship amongst us lordlings and ladylings. It is our hope that we may transcend beyond titles, colours and banners to continue to know each other with friendly fondness. May the many dear friendships we hath created, continue to flourish. Thus, once more, do we invite thee to share in a meeting of simple joys, where friendships may burgeon; this time amidst the beauty and bewildering gifts of nature. Found away from the frequented Southward King’s Road, just East of St. Godwinsburg’s walls, sheltered among quiet woodland, is Cecily's Mirror. A pool of crystal clear water, its purity renowned throughout the Archduchy. Long has it been kept as a place of good peace and fine tranquility. And so, hence it is a site often visited by wanderers, dreamers and the curious. Most wondrous of all are: the tall tales that speak of the mistress of the pond, one Lady Lureline, said to be the nymph who dwells there, as a protector. Though said to have only been seen by a fortunate few, her mythic status is the subject of many tales told throughout Alba, by commoner and noble alike. Some speak of her radiant presence, a glowing azure womanly figure, others of speak of the stewardship she brings to the surrounding groves, yet more, of the blessings said to be brought by drinking from the waters when in the midst of her magical presence. “ Though timid and often adverse to contact, passing merchants and local farmhands all claim that, on rare occasions, the Lady Lureline will allow those of kind-hearted nature to share in a proximity to her. ” Legends of the Nymph Lureline —————— For the pleasure of all the attendants we shall meet at Godwinsburg’s gates then descend unto Cecily’s Mirror, where we shall commit the traditions told of the nymph-Lady Lureline. May we enjoy the folkloric legends of the Albans, whilst, always, seeking to make friendship among us. TOKENS FOR LADY LURELINE [5PM EST] Upon arriving at the Mirror, all attendants shall be invited to present a small token unto Mistress Lureline. Flowers, ribbons, poems, glass beads and other crafts. Gifts of sentimental meaning are warmly encouraged. These offerings shall be laid by the water’s side, a mark of goodwill toward the Lady of the Mirror. Though none can promise her appearance, perhaps our kindly presence, and gifts of kindness shall delight the nymph, and she might emerge to be beholden. DRINKING OF THE WATERS [6PM EST] Following the giving of tokens, and a possible appearance from Lureline, those gathered shall draw vials from the waters of Cecily's Mirror. Once, all have gathered their share, they shall drink together beside the pool. And the effects shall be observed, for friendship cannot be fostered without a clear conscience. Thereafter, the party shall remain near the pond, and will be at leisure to chatter or venture about the surrounding grounds, and most paramount: enjoy the fellowship of their peers. So do we invite thee, noble daughters and lordlings of Alba and the Empire, to join us once more in the name of friendship and goodest spirit. Bring with thee an offering worthy of a Lady of the Mirror. Whether the fairy graces us with her presence may depend on the gifts we offer her. So, let the day be remembered for the friendships renewed and the memories we made. May thy journey be pleasant, thy company cheerful, and thy heart ever light until we meet beside the waters of Cecily's Mirror.

Madeleine of Furnestock had doted several times over the new-born Alstion, since his birth. The girl had been troubled as of late, boy-trouble, and the bonnie babe had been such a comfort. The girl oft’ pondered, as she made her travels around Godwinsburg, what kind of a Prince her brother would become? It would take a few years before Alba could find out...

hildren of Man & Azura, with the goodest of hearts: thou art invited, by these letters, to attend the Prince of Alstion’s court, in the Castle of Glasgon. This is done with the kindly intent of gathering all manner of noble children, so that they might form bonds of bonnie friendship, for the fine progression of all the realms of Man. We do wish thee health, and for those in tender service to the archduchy, respect and honour. \It is with much pleasure that these summons are set forth. For, as many of thee will know, although castle life may be comfortable, the nonage of the young persons reared therein, can become predictably stodgy. Despite the many courtly and kindly subjects who offer us their precious time, yet still, it is easy to pass the days wanting in companions of similar age and station. Thus, by this noble assembly, to which thou art all invited to attend, we many gentle sons and daughters of the mighty houses, can come together to make friendships and keep the goodly concord of all the realms of Man. Let it be known that no child can flourish in solitude, nor can any person go without the kindness of friendship. Indeed, friendships founded in youth, tempered by sports or courtly activities, are made for life. The courtesy of the company of one's own peers is where our virtue is sharpened, our wit created and, most importantly, where our greatest joy is found. Let it be that every noble child grow in grace beside the worthy sons and daughters of similar good bearing. “ I have also breathed life into your heart, and the hearts of your children. And I have given you life: I am your father, and the father of all things. And so I shall guide you in a theater of virtue, and the virtuous shall not live except by My Word. ” Scroll of Virtue 1:5-7 —————— For the pleasure of all the attendants we shall gather the ladies and lordlings at several events throughout the course of the gathering. Always, with the aim of creating strong bonds of kindly friendship. LADYLIKE PRESENTATION OF DRESSES [4PM EST] The young ladies of the Empire shall gather within Castle Glasgon to present their finest gowns before their fellow gentleladies. Each ensemble shall be judged upon elegance, tailoring, and originality. The most admired presentation shall receive a prize of 100 minae alongside the distinction of being named the Lady Radiant. CRAFTING OF FAVOURS [5PM EST] Prior to the sparring contest, that will be held later in the eve, the young ladies shall convene to craft delicate favours of ribbon, cloth and embroidery for the participant of their choosing. These tokens shall be presented before the tourney begins, offering luck and inspiration upon the field. LORDLY SPARRING CONTEST [6PM EST] Everyone will gather at the Alban tourney grounds, brawl pits, where young lords of the Empire shall brawl by fist and training sword. The young ladies will offer their favours unto their favoured combatant, to offer them luck. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of 150 minae, along with bragging rights and the prestige of claiming the silver ribbon of the Laureled Scion. So we beseech thee, all pleasant lordlings, to come with thy goodness and splendour, and attend us in Alba for this celebration of youth and happiness. We invite thee hither, but do request that all noble children wishing to attend, bring a keeper, protector or ward-master, so that nay child be without an adult person to keep them well and occupied, should they so need.

The simple Black Banner retainer Barry had tasted first blood during the skirmish atop Collier. He felt immense pride that he had arisen to defend the Alban realm alongside the grand Knights of the White Hart, Duke of Furnestoke and Archduke himself. Perhaps the cooks would bring the men a roast hog for their supper that eventide, in Spencer Tower.

𝕿he gleaming needle point of the scabbard glinted in the Earl’s dull eyes. Though one was slow to follow the other eye, soon his fate became viscerally apparent to him. There, slouched upon a stool in the ward of his castle seat of Highbury, he was at the whole mercy of his murderer. A forced breath escaped the feeble Aldersberg, so spent from his apoplexy he had naught chance of survival. He thought of the firmament, what was to come, because moments before he spoke of mercy and his wrongdoings, but the Earl was only man, flesh and blood, yet still apprehensive. He had suffered low crooked courtesies and all manner of spaniel fawning, even, many had attempted to render his early demise without triumphing. The Earl had often pondered how he might meet the skies, the night that often missed his memory was that of his stroke and ensuing permanent disablement, that might have been it? Or another, he thought it might be some common men so embroiled with discontent they would have chosen to be done away with their Chancellor. Yet, as the pointed steel tip of the blade entered his gut, without trouble, he considered nothing but the adoration he had given his daughters, his flowers, his world. They had been his greatest accomplishments, though they might disagree. Knowing they were well was by far greater than any fine tuned act he ever ordered. George flumped forth, his weight pressed onto his killer, but he made no curses nor did he spurn his assassin. The dagger firmly planted remained and the Earl began to bleed. He had no more strength in him, he could not impel his assailer away nor pull out the dagger that had been buried into him. The Aldersberg’s features turned paler and paler as blood flowed from the wound, and down. His last thoughts were knowing that he did nothing without cause, not to be satisfied, but simply because. The Earl’s murderer released him and he dropped to the ground, with a few breaths of life left in him. So soon he was left with none, the gravels and dust of the yard embraced him, and as he drained of blood all warmth left him. And soon he felt like emptiness, darkness came and so did his doom. The grand Lord Chancellor, who once served more dutifully than any other, who had brought his kin from prominence to preeminence, now lay lonesome and sullied by the gore of his butchering. 𝕲eorge of 𝕯over was dead. We do wish thee health, and for those in tender service to the Archduchy, respect and honour. 𝕴n Dei Nomine Amen: proofs of and upon the making of the testament annexed to these presents having been admitted before our aide, who here writes these our final wishes, he scribes as our substitute. So we declare, lawfully supported by our loyal aide and the Lord our God, so I approve of and register this very testament, by make of our own will and legitimately proven, I, 𝕲eorge 𝕬rthur 𝕸arie 𝕮harles 𝕵ohn 𝕷eon 𝕽ichard 𝕬ldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba and Earl of Dover, do so pronounce, decree and declare for the virtue and validity thereof, and with full faith in the Lord, by these presents commit the lordship of all the lands, properties, rights, privileges, cattle and chattels, which belonged to I, George Arthur Aldersberg of the Earldom of Dover and its subsequent lands, so command that upon the happening of our death, commit it all unto George Edward William James Prudence Clement Aldersberg. He shall be our sole executor, he having been sent to us by the Lord to be our singular heir, so is our right according to law. We render all these presents unto him and do so charge him to defend those of our noble line, all the people who might call us their masters, and to be done as he doth render all service to the Archduchy, its Prince and his lawful heirs. Given at Castle Highbury under the seal of our aforesaid Dover, on the eighth day of the month of Sun’s Smile in the Year of our Lord 2073.

Penned by Anne of Alstion Given the stances of the growing generations of the City of St. Godwinsburg and its many families, education proves as a vital importance to the nurturing of the future of our great city. To further nurture the establishment of many successful modes of commerce, trade and a burgeoning enlightened generation, the Prince’s Institution must be fortified with a healthy influx of students and attendees to further benefit their success and its constituents of our Alban people. I | From each family, both poor or rich, should they provide their two eldest active children to be enrolled in the institution for at least a minimum of two (2) terms. Tuition fees are still to be paid for by each respective student by their guardians. II | When found in violation of not following this law, a fine of 100 mina for each child not sent should be paid for by the family to the Crown and its representatives for each term not enrolled. III | If any of the eldest two children is proven indisposed through any means whatsoever, then the family shall provide the next eldest in their place to compensate. IV | If there is no financial means to enroll your children, and also no financial means to pay the imposed fines for violating said law, then it is at the Chancellor’s discretion to provide another means of repayment. Copies of these resolutions are to be reproduced and stored within the Johannian Archives, for safeguarding and the prosperity of the realm. In witness whereof, this Resolution is decreed by the Archduke of Alba and witnessed by the House of Lords, In the year of Our Lord 2070. Her Ladyship, Anne Margery Alstion

We do wish thee health, and for those in tender service to the Archduchy, respect and honour . . . It is with much sorrow the Earldom divulges to the Alban realm, of the unfortunate tidings of her Earl’s current poor state. Last Saint’s dawning George the Younger had the grievous misfortune of suffering a mild apoplexy. For several hours before his lessened condition became apparent, the Earl had already suffered an eve of unanticipated paroxysms, a series of severe chills that would not cease late until dawning came, ‘pon their denouement the Earl then suffered the apoplexy. Where he had not slept much, come morning he sat upon his high chair, as he often did once arisen, in an unwell state he slouched sluggard. At first ‘twas believed that he was taking short repose, yet soon it became clear from his muddled waking where he suffered momentary catalepsy and became unable to convey himself with clarity, that a surgeon was summoned. The Earl, as of current, remains in sturdy condition, yet infirm on his right side and unable to move all below his thighs. Be reassured however, that his wit is still present, observed by rolling eyes and continued speech. Though diminished the Earl speaks with enough clarity to be comprehended, indeed he dictates the contents of these letters. With the Earl rendered temporarily languid, and hence unable to complete the duties demanded by his station, the Earldom is as such rendered under regency. The good Earl’s own heir, Lord George Edward Aldersberg, is given the duties of Lord-Regent ‘pon the Earldom of Dover, he shall doubtless reign with grace and goodness, until a time as the Earl might regain his position as rightful master, as is required of him by oath and promise to serve the Archduke as one of his Lords. In other matters, until the Earl might be well enough to conduct his full duties as Lord Chancellor, the safekeeping of the Chancellery of Alba is also placed under provisory leadership. As the most treasured function of the Earl he shall continue with those stately duties by letter and cabinet gathering in his private chambers at Castle Highbury. For all public requirements and those needing the immediate presence of the chancellery, Baroness-Regent Owynsburg Susanna of Dover, daughter of the Earl, shall act in his place. It shall be at the discretion of the Archduke, His Serene Highness, to decline this temporary appointment at his own behest and appoint another; the Earl trusts the Archduke shall account for the sage council he hath often offered, may he trust him also on this matter, as the Earl prays for his own soon return. Whilst the Earl remains cloistered in his own Castle Highbury, those of close relation are requested to come and visit him. Those of most importance: Duchess Valwyk Constantina of Dover, Princess Reinmar Ilse of Dover, their noble babes, and those of Owynsburg also. For ‘twould make a finer recovery for the Earl to know that his offspring, and their own, are right.

A recent post dedicated to all Alban COAs. There are some really cool ones on there. I very much appreciate the simplicity of the peer COAs 😊 THE ROLL OF GLASGON

he office of His Serene Highness’ Chancellery doth announce the commencement of a period of mayoral elections. This Year of Our Lord, two-thousand and seventy, elections are hence called into effect. The length of the Lady Mayor’s second term hath now run its full course, and the humble citizenry of Saint Godwinsburg shall verily long benefit from the labours of Lady Susanna of Dover, whose care hath brought about many works for our good city. However, the seat of Saint Godwinsburg’s mayorship is now empty and the Chancellery must do its duty, and so, in accordance with the Alban Code and the city’s Charter, we call forth renewed elections for the mayorship. Under her guiding hand the boroughs of Janisport and Little Furnestock were incorporated into Saint Godwinsburg, by the appointment of their Aldermen to the city council. Lady Susanna also oversaw many improvements upon the city itself, including the renovation of the Drunken Squire and Prince’s Square, and ordered further expansions of the city’s borough lands. She encouraged festivals, commerce, and further fostered Alban culture so that prosperity flourished amongst both citizen and merchant. By her shrewd service the city’s good keeping hath been assured, the city’s faire markets are more prosperous than ever. Yet surely, her most enduring success shall be that of the Alban Archive, a fine house of knowledge erected for the preservation of Alban texts to inspire the generations yet to come. Thus, after long years of tireless governance, ever devoted to her duties, Lady Susanna hath vacated her office of Mayor, and gives way for another. Indeed, she shall be remembered as a great Lady Mayor, infinite compliments unto her and good health unto her own. Prospective candidates shall have until next Horen’s Calling to deliver a letter to the Lord Chancellor expressing their intention of candidacy. Once nominations are complete, candidates shall be given a period of time to campaign and will be invited to attend a debate to be questioned by the citizens of Saint Godwinsburg. Thereafter, a ballot box, for voting, shall be constructed in Prince’s Square, at the heart of the city, and residents may begin casting their ballots. The requirements for candidacy are listed hence The Candidate must be of at least ten and eight years of age. The Candidate must be a permanent resident of the City of Saint Godwinsburg. The Candidate must not be a title-bearer or noble peer of the realm. The Candidate must profess and adhere to the Faith of the Canon. The requirements to vote in the mayoral election are listed hence All voters must be of at least ten and eight years of age. All voters must be a permanent resident of the City of Saint Godwinsburg. All voters must not have any outstanding unpaid tax-obligations or criminal charges within the Empire of Man or the Archduchy of Alba. The election period shall extend till next year, two-thousand and seventy-one, and upon the last day of Sun’s Smile the ballots received shall be collected, counted and confirmed, wherein a public declaration shall be made announcing the victor and new Mayor of Saint Godwinsburg. Well wishes unto thee, each and all hopeful candidates.

Know ye all who witness this collection, that hath been set forth by the command of the Archduke of Alba, and duly devised, and curated in whole, by the late Lord Daniel von Rhoswald, Master of Rolls. For, when he held his duties as an Officer of the Chancellery, and of the realm, he considered the creation of such a scroll to be vital for the instruction of all Alban subjects, for identification and fair recognition of all those of note in the archduchy. This roll of arms, hailed as the Roll of Glasgon, is fashioned upon a singular long scroll script. It is named for the princely Castle of Glasgon, the seat of authority and primary dwelling of His Serene Highness. Herein are displayed the arms, standards, banners, bearings and markings of such persons, families, officers, and bodies which have received lawful right to bear their unique arms within Alba. The right, given by grant, favour or recognition from the Alban chancellery, and hence proceeded from the Archduke himself. No arms are here displayed that have not been allowed or confirmed by His princely authority. The worth of the arms contained in this roll cannot be lessened. The presence of the many noted, great men of the Alba upon this scroll herein, attests to the honour, high pedigree and service to obligation each and all have shown the archduchy. The scroll itself is a mark of the grand prestige of Alba, her many and inordinate successes. The late Master of Rolls hath constructed and set forth the structure of each singular arms, according to the traditional customs and usages of Alban heraldry. This Roll is ordered by degree and closeness to the Archduke, that the station of each bearer may be readily known. It beginneth with the Grand Arms of Alba, and thereafter follow the personal arms of the Archduke, his consort’s, his heir’s, the Duke of Furnestock, and the further issue of his house. Next, are the arms of the Privy Council and their chains of office, the peers of the realm, their kin, the gentry, and the knights of the Order of the White Hart; and their order chains. Thereafter the arms of the City of Saint Godwinsburg and its many boroughs, of the mayors of the city both past and present, and even the Aevosi city of Elizabeth’s own. And lastly, of those commoner and patrician families who, by long standing, worthy service or connection to another, hath been granted right to bear arms in their own accord. Thus may this roll be perused from its head unto its end as a fair ordering of the Archduchy itself, all proceeding from the coronet, a display of the lawful distinction of the estates within the realm. By this Roll of Glasgon are preserved the tokens of loyalty of the Albans who are deserved of such, for as it is in faithfulness: not the beginning, but the continuing of the same unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory. “The history of heraldry is much akin to the history of humanity. Old families yet alive and thriving, ancient heraldry passed from father to son throughout the generations. Shields and distinctions older than memory, archaic addendums and ornaments held over from dead kingdoms, a memory of those before us, proudly kept alive to this day. Yet heraldry is living and breathing, ever evolving and exploring new boundaries. It has been my burden and my pleasure over the past years, to add to this history, compiling then the complete heraldic index of Alba. May those of future generations look curiously upon this book and learn from its history.”

The Earl of Dover received the notice at the time of his afternoon tea. He observed it and let a shrug off of his shoulders, another notice of marriage, so what? As he went to pass it out of his hand and just as sooner, out of his mind, he perceived the words ‘Aldersberg’. George spat out a mouthful of milky tea onto the paper, and soon the wetted invitation was scrunched into a ball by his furious hand. “Yet still they claim my titles and the honours of my Lord-Father, his own forebear, and even those ‘fore him.” The Earl, in fury, gripped the cloth upon the table and tugged it off. Cups, pots and plates clamoured against the floors of Highbury. “Should they dare make their faces known in Alba, I dare say what I won’t do!” The Earl jumped to his feet and stomped his boots against the shattered crockery, his anger was evident.