liz

Issued on this Fourteenth of TOV AG YERMEY, 461 E.S. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, With the tragic passing of HRM King Karl III and HRM Queen Amadea of Susa, the time has come for the next generation to be ushered in. With high hopes for a prosperous future under HRM King Georg, the Aulic Envoy sees fit to organize a grand fete to be held in his honour immediately following the completion of his coronation rites. TIMETABLE OPENING TOURNEY: Upon the closing of the coronation rites of King Georg I, a grand tourney will be held within the Hippodrome, the winner of which will be named the new Grand Champion of Karosgrad. TAVERN NIGHT: On the 16th of Msitza and Dargund ((Monday, January 23, @5:00pm EST), Haeseni denizens and allies of the crown are invited to participate in a night of revelry within the Goat’s Lookout tavern in the city square, with card readings from the illustrious Rosie-Posie as well as a drunken brawl to finish off the night. ROYAL HUNT: On the 13th eve of Jula and Piov ((Thursday, January 26, @Time TBD), the Master of the Hunt will lead a party into the Queenswood for a hunt, the quarry of which will be prepared at a feast within the hunting lodge. CLOSING BALL: On the 17th day of Vzmey and Hyff ((Friday, January 27, @5:30pm EST), the revelry will be brought to a close with a ball within the Morrivi’s ballroom. IV JOVEO MAAN, Her Excellency, Lady Ophelie de Falstaff, Aulic Envoy of Hanseti-Ruska Her Excellency, Lady Viorica Irena Kortrevich, Grand Lady of Hanseti-Ruska

Lorena Gant watched in awe as her father and the Duke Vidaus spoke.

Ophelie de Falstaff, who had long admired the Viscountess's wit (among other things), wept.

The long-dead Baroness Carrington gave an excited cry as she watched her daughter cross the threshold into the Seven Skies. "Oh, welcome home, my dove!" She sung, tears of joy filling her eyes.

Ophelie de Falstaff silently mourned the woman she might have called mother, in another life.

The Morrivi was cold – colder than usual – and though she sat before a raging fire, Ophelie could not keep herself from trembling. Honesty was all she ever sought in this world, but the practice of that showy ideal was more than she could bare. “I know my son,” were the words echoing through her mind, a cruel taunt and a divine kindness all the same, as she sat rigidly still in one of the palace’s myriad antechambers. This place was her home – Karl had said so himself – but it felt distant and chilly. She scarcely recognized it now that the truth had so shattered the illusion she had created for herself. The King spoke out of kindness, not cruelty, but there existed an unshakeable feeling inside of her that the ailing man had acted out of malice – that he left her thusly as a wicked method of ensuring he was remembered. She knew it was nonsense, but what was she to do other than rebuild the fortress of delusion she had once sat so loftily atop? “You are Haeseni,” the King had said. It was all she ever longed for: an admission that, although her blood was Orenian, her heart beat along with the drums of Haeseni war. And though the words should have brought her comfort, they brought only the familiar sting of shame the woman had known all her life. She was a coward and a fake, relying on the kindness of others to prop her up: Georg, Valdemar, Marius, Karl. Each of them had provided fleeting comfort – fleeting warmth – but perhaps she would never quite recover from that frigid trek from Guise to Karosgrad all those years ago. Perhaps no amount of warmth could sate her. She knew that Karl would be dead within the day, and even that she tried to deny. He is strong. He is mighty. He is King. But even the mightiest among men must die, and no one, not even a King, was God. Karl had assured her that God would be merciful to both of them, but something in her wished it were not true. Karl certainly deserved His grace: he had created something beautiful, he had strengthened Haense, and he left behind a family who loved him dearly. What had she done? She wished, perhaps a sign of her lingering naivete, that she could take his place. She wished she could die in his stead -- face God's wrath for all her sins -- and that he could go on living and ruling. Marius could live without her, but not without his father. She wished that she were strong enough to do it – to spare her love the pain she knew so well – but she knew in her heart of hearts that she was not. King Karl III died a matter of hours after their last words were spoken: "Krusae Zwy Kongzem," and Ophelie lived on.

"The drums of war are as ceaseless as the seasons," remarked a disillusioned Ophelie de Falstaff.

Ophelie de Falstaff quietly mourned the late Queen-Mother.

One Ophelie de Falstaff donned a scowl upon reading the missive, her pallid features contorting with disgust. "The so-called Ladies of this nation are just as rotten as I left them. One would have hoped the years had made nuns of them, and yet..." To whom the Ashford spoke was as much a mystery as any, but she continued nevertheless to carry on. "This sort of vile drivel drags humanity further from God's light each day."

Zoya vas Ruthern snickered faintly upon reading the missive, having picked it up from the very same table the Duchess had placed it on. "Mikhail, a close confidante of her Majesty!" Remarked the former Grand Maer snidely. "My successor must have the best contacts on the kongzem, for even his family knew niething of this relationship."

OMG I LOVE LOUISJ17 OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I LOVE BUFFSANTA!!!

Unknown, The Reveler’s Yacht, c. 415 Issued by the Office of the Grand Maer of Karosgrad on this 9th of Joma ag Umund, 433 E.S. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, As the Haeseni people move into midsummer and the year’s heat reaches its apex, the Office of the Grand Maer invites the Haeseni populace to embark on a sea voyage atop the flagship of the Crown Fleet, specially decorated for the occasion. Attendees will enjoy a feast of freshly prepared aquatic cuisine, as well as a good deal of games and activities in which to participate. Attendees are additionally encouraged to bring along a spare set of garments, as some activities will involve getting into the water. ITINERARY WATER JOUSTING: Contestants will be grouped into pairs and assigned a dinghy to commandeer. One member of each pair will be given a sparring blade with which they will attempt to tip their opponents’ boat, while the other member of the duo will be charged with rowing. KING OF THE HILL: Contestants will be given sparring blades and assigned one simple task: to take, and keep, their spot at the top of a boulder. Winners are dubbed the ‘King of the Hill.’ FISHING COMPETITION: Attendees will each be given a fishing rod and challenged to catch the most fish within a designated time period. The victor will be made the evening’s guest of honor. BANQUET: After a long, rewarding day of activities, attendees will have the chance to enjoy a bounteous feast prepared from the day’s catches. IV JOVEO MAAN, The Honorable, Zoya vas Ruthern, Grand Maer of Karosgrad, Deputy Treasurer of Hanseti-Ruska

"Expected," remarked a member of the Opposition (Ops).

Zoya vas Ruthern remembered a time when Oren berated her kingdom for raising steel with a non-human, non-canonist coalition. “O’ how the tables have turned,” she remarked smugly, to no one in particular.

Zoya vas Ruthern polished her trusty pink armour, tossing her husband a zealous grin.

THE FESTIVAL of SVANKT TUVYA Issued by the OFFICE OF THE GRAND MAER on this 16th of Vzmey ag Hyff, 428 E.S. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM A TIME OF RESPITE VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, It is an easy thing to see that summer is upon us, and as the grounds melt beneath our feet, so too does the persevering spirit of the Haeseni people. With spring came change – the passing of the crown from one King to another – and with summer will come joy and prosperity. In the spirit of this most merry of seasons, the Grand Maer’s office wishes to bring the denizens of Karosgrad together to celebrate summertide. In preparation for the upcoming planting season, this festival will serve to bring the Haeseni people together in joyous spirit. The central goal of this festival will be to celebrate the efforts of our nation’s farmers, whose perseverance supplied us with the strength to see through the stark winter. It will also provide these essential members of Haeseni society with respite before the arduous labor to come as they sow the seeds that will see us through our next winter. TIMETABLE OPENING BALL: On the 13th eve of Vzmey and Hyff ((Friday, June 10th, @6pm EST), a ball will be held within Karosgrad’s square celebrating the great figures of yore. Costumes inspired by historical Haensemen are expected to be worn, and a panel of judges will decide the top three costumes to receive prizes. The ball will be opened by a speech from Her Excellency the Lady Palatine. HAESENI CHESS: Later that evening, ((Friday, June 10th, @8pm EST), the Grand Maer welcomes Haeseni denizens and allies of the crown to participate in a Haeseni Chess tournament, with the winner receiving a large mina prize. Vendors will be scattered about the area selling foods and mementos unique to the festival KAROSGRAD DERBY: Festivities will continue during Gronna and Droba ((Saturday, June 11th, @2pm EST), with a horse race around the city of Karosgrad, whose route will show off the beauty of the Haeseni countryside in all of its glory. Booths will be set up for bets to be placed on the winner, and the vendors from the Haeseni Chess tournament will open once more. MIDNIGHT MASS: Directly following the championship race of Snailula One, during the dwindling hours of the final night of Gronna and Droba ((Saturday, June 11th, time TBD), the Patriarch of Jorenus will hold midnight mass to usher in summertime, blessing our leal farmers with the strength they will require in the weeks to come. Attendees are expected to bring alms for the poor. IV JOVEO MAAN, Her Ladyship, Zoya vas Ruthern, Grand Maer of Karosgrad

DESERVED I LOVE LIVROSE

IGN: elizabeathan Character Name: Zoya vas Ruthern Age: 25 Place of Residence / Street Address: Vidaus Position: Grand Maer

ZOYA VAS RUTHERN for PROMISES KEPT Issued by the Office of the Grand Maer of Karosgrad on this 30th day of Joma ag Umund, 427 E.S. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM [INTRODUCTION] VA VE EDLERVIK, For the duration of her tenure as Grand Maer of Karosgrad, Lady Zoya vas Ruthern has overseen recently unprecedented activity within the office, working tirelessly to ensure that the Haeseni capital is a bustling, prosperous municipality. Through her work as both Grand Maer and Steward, Lady Ruthern has ensured the optimization of the Haeseni economy and property exchange. It is her intention to remain in the office to continue the progress she has already begun, including the construction and planning of a substantial redesign of Karosgrad’s slums to optimize the use of said space. [PLATFORM] THIS CANDIDATE VOWS: I. To plan and host large-scale gatherings to bring together Karosgrad’s denizens II. To work closely with the Queen’s Council on matters of culture and merriment III. To work with the Treasurer’s office to ensure that property sales are optimized and that shops and stalls are properly regulated to ensure activity IV JOVEO MAAN Her Ladyship, Zoya vas Ruthern, Grand Maer of Karosgrad and Kastellan of Domestic Trade

"It is no small miracle that she took him back..." remarked the Grand Maer of Karosgrad, clicking her tongue as she placed the missive onto her desk. "A Saint, ea think."

EDICT of REVITALIZATION Issued by the Office of the Grand Maer of Karosgrad on this 30th day of Tov ag Yermey, 423 E.S. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, It was by the grace and consent of the Haeseni citizenry that this loyal servant was appointed to the august office of the Grand Maership, and so too it is by their grace and consent that she will fulfill the promises on which she was elected: to revitalize the metropolitan of Karosgrad by redesigning its city square, to ensure transparency in all actions of the Maer’s office, and to open up the royal government to a broader range of citizens hoping to establish themselves. This office will work diligently to achieve these goals and more through both his Majesty’s Royal Duma as well as the prerogative of the Maer to publish edicts regarding the municipal government of Karosgrad. A BUSTLING SQUARE The first, and arguably most important promise of the Maer during her campaign was to redesign and expand the city center of Karosgrad in order to make better use of its space and to invigorate the Haeseni economy. The Maer will work closely with her Board for Enterprise (see: “THE MAER’S BOARDS”) to find occupants for the increased number of vendor stalls to be erected in the square, including the funding of ever-changing stalls featuring cuisine from the diverse cultural identities found within the Kongzem. Those vendors already selling their wares in the market square will be given the opportunity to select their new stalls prior to the implementation of the redesign so as to not disadvantage those with prime stalls in the current square. THE MAER’S BOARDS The second tenet upon which the Maer ran was toward the establishment of two separate Maer’s Boards: The Board for Merriment and the Board for Enterprise. These boards will serve a plethora of purposes, managing to fulfill each campaign promise of the Grand Maer. They will operate in tandem with one another, working to promote an active, engaging atmosphere as well as a stimulated and energetic economy. Heading these committees will be the Director of Merriment and the Director of Enterprise, overseen both by the Grand Maer and the Deputy Maer. To this end, this office hereby appoints Firr Owyn Vyronov to the office of Deputy Maer of Karosgrad. IV JOVEO MAAN, Her Ladyship, Zoya vas Ruthern, Grand Maer of Karosgrad

Zoya vas Ruthern chuckled dryly as she finished reading the Maer's missive - a harsh, unfeeling sort of laugh. "It seems ea've got some competition, Grigori..." Muttered the Ruthern girl, handing the parchment dismissively to her suitor. "A rally is in order, ea think." (( @mkLouis))

Zoya vas Ruthern stares blankly at the roof of her quarters in Vidaus as she listens to a playlist consisting of Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski (she is pretentious and thinks she’s better than you).

ZOYA VAS RUTHERN for an ENERGETIC MAERSHIP TOV AG YERMEY, 423 E.S. [INTRODUCTION] VA VE EDLERVIK, For too long, the office of Grand Maer of Karosgrad has sat dormant, its immense potential to cultivate a bustling and culturally diverse metropolitan squandered by candidates who campaign on empty promises for a change but resign to inactivity upon their taking of the office. Zoya vas Ruthern, an ambitious and stalwart supporter of progress in the name of the Haeseni crown, swears to end this cycle of stagnancy by ushering in an energetic Maership. [PLATFORM] THIS CANDIDATE VOWS: I. To introduce legislation calling for the redesign of the city square of Karosgrad, facilitating the construction and sale of additional market stalls; II. To cultivate the diverse cultural identities of the Kingdom by hosting frequent culture fairs and financing the hire of vendors hailing from various cultures within Hanseti-Ruska to promote their cultural cuisine, arts, and specialty wares; III. To reinvigorate the office of Grand Maer by keeping a Maer’s Board for Merriment, as well as a Maer’s Board for Enterprise. [CLOSING REMARKS] In conclusion, this candidate restates her rebuke of the inaction of previous Grand Maer’s of Karosgrad, reaffirming her intent and promise to revitalize the office. She invites any citizen of the Haeseni crown to contact her via mail or in person within the Duchy of Viduas with questions or concerns regarding her platform, policies, or personal beliefs. IV JOVEO MAAN Her Ladyship, Zoya vas Ruthern