hannemannenyay

I used to think I was a good politician. That in the world of treachery and evil I was better than the rest, a gem of good in a sea of evil. I though I was nice….. But recently I have realised that I’m as bad as anyone else. You may have heard that I tried to get the Duchess of Merentell replaced by another Merentell. Well I did. At the time it didn’t seem bad, I was helping a friend out in dealing with a problem that stemmed from a bad relation, and I was replacing a bad leader with a better one. It didn’t feel like treachery, I suppose it was all so bureaucratic, there wasn’t a big fight where I would be the clear enemy of Archone, but instead I would go through a greater power and give them the responsibility. It wasn’t until after it had all come through, and I had Arch telling me off for what I had done, that I realised what I had done. What seemed like helping a friend had been had been stabbing another one in the back, and I had turned a blind eye to it. I had twisted it in my head to the point of thinking I was helping him, he had issues that would make being a leader a bad fit, but instead of talking to him about it I sent a letter to the empire asking for his removal. So I am not as good a person as I thought. I guess I’m not any worse than the average politician, but that’s not a standard I wanna hold myself to, so I’ll be leaving LOTC politics for a while, and possibly the entire server. I wanna be able to tell myself that I’m making LOTC a better place by working for countries and helping them expand, but I can’t truthfully say that as things are now. I may still stay for some fun rp, but if I do it will only be to enjoy rp, I’ll avoid power and positions where I can truly hurt people. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me for my journey so far, it’s been one of excitement and thrill, being cast in politics in my second week by Serigala, a man known for bad decisions, but few know the amazing guy who lies behind them. Moncy, the genius who taught me half the stuff I know about ruling. I’m sorry for leaving some of you on a bit of a loose end, some who perhaps needed me, but I was going to do more harm than to the LOTC landscape the way I am now, so I think this is best for everyone. I’m sorry Arch

In Libre de Vuiller (ooc, this is a mythical history of Vuillermoz, most of the facts aren’t actually historically true, though irp they are believed to be true, at least by the people of Vuillermoz) For more than 900 years ago there lived a lord by the name of Alf Vuiller. This was a time before God worship, a time when even the greatest kings of arcas did not know the canonist truth. Alf and his people travelled distances farther than the greatest emperor could ever reach, father than even God’s own men have ever travelled, for he was searching for something that he had never heard of, nor seen, nor smelled, but he knew in his heart that it was real and so he had to find it. He travelled for 50 long years, facing the challenges of God and of nature, but for 50 long years he did not find his goal. On The Day of Light, the last day of the search, Alf had run out of food and water and his men were leaving him, but he stayed true to his path of truth, and it was on that day God finally rewarded his valor. A beam of light from Heaven, sent by God himself, led Alf, and the few remaining men he had, to a small lake with berries growing all around it. They feasted on the berries until they were as full as a king after his wedding and they drank from the lake until they were as quenched as norlander at a party with only beer. It was by the lake, on the spot that God had chosen, where he founded his city. For 600 years they lived in peace and prosperity, guided by God they grew the small town into a prospering city, with priests and missionaries spreading the word of God and holy knights competing in glorious tourneys to prove their valor. For 600 years Vuillermoz stayed true to God, and for 600 years God rewarded them. But Arcas was, during this time, a world of heathens and the heathen ways eventually spread into Vuillermoz. Lord Erik Vuiller had become weak to the temptations of the devil, and when foreign missionaries came he did not turn them away, but instead let them in and listened to what they said. Some say he listened with disdain for the words of these pagans, but others say he put up little resistance to the temptation of Gods who did not forbid drinks nor great amounts of food nor nights with women other than his wife. Which side was true, it is not known, but the next day, on the fateful morning of The Day of The Red Moon, a messenger arrived from the King of Purgo. The message read: “You are people of pride and wrath, believing you are as powerful as the gods themselves and going into a storm of fury on the slightest offence. You claim your God values forgiveness, yet you burst into a fury of wrath and violence at the slightest offence. You are a nation of tyrants and murderers, you want nothing but for the world to be under your control, and you shall pay the price in blood. The Kingdom of Purgo hereby declares war on the City State Vuillermoz” Lord Erik was startled by this, but he did not sound the alarm nor prepare his troops, for he was too busy looking for his maids, and resting in the bath in the bath. It was not until there was an army marching towards Vuillermoz that general Johan Vuiller, Erik’s younger brother, without orders prepared the army to hold off the invasion. But God was not on the side of the Vuillers, as the walls were soon breached. For ten years Lord Erik had been warned that the walls were not strong enough, and for ten years he had refused to spend his ever growing stash of gold, for he did not believe such an attack was possible. As the Purgorian soldiers stormed the city, the Vuillers retreated into the castle, and thanks to the bravery and valor of general Johan they saved the people by protecting them behind the walls. It was at this point that Johan realised he could not hold on forever, and so he sent a bird carrying a message to the Kingdom of Salvator asking them for help. The king of Salvator was not a canonist, but he was honorable and good, and he would not let good, innocent people die for the sins of their Lord And so he marched to Vuillermoz with an army of a thousand men to Vuillermoz. But before the army could arrive Lord Erik got jealous of Johan, for he was the savior of the people, they looked up to him as their leader. Lord Erik, therefore, had Johan exiled for treason. The next day the attacks became harder and stronger, and the defenders more cowardly and weak. It was not lunch before the keep was breached. Lord Erik saw his defeat, his failure, and could not live with it, so he jumped from the roof and died on that same day, not fighting with his men, but on the streets surrounder nothing but the emptiness and coldness of the streets of the raised city. But there was still hope for Vuillermoz, for Johan had not left in spirit, and as he saw his people being slaughtered he could not stand and watch. He charged his horse into the enemy, killing many and bringing hope to his men. The soldiers, inspired by their general's bravery held on in the keep for three more days. And though he died, Johan of Vuillermoz became it’s savior, for on the last day of the battle the army of the Salvator arrived. They crushed the tiered and unsuspecting Purgorian soldiers, killing most and driving the rest to the hills, but Vuillermoz was already lost. Many people had no home, and they were forced to leave for other lands, and the few who remained would not see a golden age like the old days in a very long time. Some of the priests and missionaries went to the Salvatorian king, for he had proven to be a good man and worthy of God’s love, they taught him of God and the ways of canonism. As a good and just man, he would die a devout canonist. For 250 years Vuillermoz was nothing but the old keep, cobweb and vines conquering more of the castle for every year that went. With no vitouse leader the ancient bastion of divine truth could not grow and for 250 years no leader was born worthy of God’s help and guidance. But on one fateful morning Johanne Vuiller gave birth to a boy. The boy would be named Harald Vuiller. He would bring back Vuillermoz from a decaying keep to a true city of God, recognized by the High Pontiff James II as a holy it was on the path up, and with the help of God it would be his task to spread the canonist truth to the whole world. Vuiller’s with the eagles farsight we rain victorious

I remember my first day after leaving my old life behind, my childhood. I had made my way to the cloud tempel, as I had been told that it was a central point for any adventurer to start. And it was, of course, you can get jobs, information, rumors and all the like. But that isn’t interesting any more. This whole story is going to have that theme, a theme of losing myself. I don’t bother any more. I was once a good man, by some metrics even great, but all that is lost now. I found a lovely woman, about my age, who taught me about the world and its wonders, it’s states and who I should avoid if I wanted to keep my head. I did grow quite fond of her in the short time we spoke, but it would also turn out to be the last time we would. I met two other people too, one cothier, who made me all my three sets of clothes, two when we met and another when we later reunited in Vuillermoz. The last person I met was the most important one though, it was the one who called me to adventure, I thought, but would ultimately call me out of it. He was an 11 year old boy in armour, asking me to join his army. I naturally did, and it started my journey to where I am today. I do wonder if his call was a blessing or a curse. My life would not have been in the state it is now if it was not for him, yet it is perfectly possible that I would have died on the side of some winter road if he hadn’t given me work and opportunity, I was a soldier for a few years, narrowly avoiding death once, leaving a scar on my throat that is clearly visible to this day. After serving the army the lord of my vassal lordship made an announcement that he was looking for a marshal. I thought I would do a good job as my studies of wars had given me a theoretical understanding for how war is to be fought. But theory is nothing like practice, and I would turn out to be a terrible marshal. Nevertheless it gave me a glimpse into the world of politics, it sucked me in like a drug and wouldn’t let me go, for I would not let myself lose the position that I had gotten. I served as marshal for a few years in Westmark, as it was called, then I got recruited by Courland, as Westmark collapsed. I had grand plans for what I should do as marshal, as I did with everything, but when the opportunity arose to become the lord justiciar instead I took it. It did hurt me to have to give up my plans, the reason I did it was that I saw that I did not make a good marshal and would do better in justice. I was better in justice, that was true, as I had the efficiency and discipline that would be expected of a justiciar, but I wasn’t skilled at engaging with people, and as the example for law and order doing that is pretty important. I did a pretty bad job with my first trail, of Geneve Merentell, accused by the then queen of Courland of attempted murder. There wasn’t any evidence whatsoever, so I gave the verdict not guilty, but I hardly gave anything for the people to learn from, which looking back I could have done a lot better. Then came the most miserable attempt at a cue I have experienced. As a certain Gustavo Staunton, if I recall his name correctly, managed to get himself onto the throne by trickery, which was somewhat impressive, but hardly a masterpiece, and then managed to lose the loyalty of the entire city. He was captured and executed as soon as everything got back to order. The civil war had harmed Courland though, and along with bad leadership the city ended up in an almost unrecoverable economic position. A man named Agni Gent took unofficial leadership, and managed to almost recover the economy, but in the end some more internal conflict ended his attempt. I then looked for a new place to go, as the crumbling walls of Courland, as much as I love the nation, were not meant to stand. I found king Harald in Vullermoz. In fact, the clothier I had met on the first week of leaving my home was the one who told me about the open position. I became the speaker, a title who’s official job was to orginize the council, but when I was there in practice was orginize and plan everything. I was in essence doing the domestic policy that is usually the job of the king. Here I did a better job than I ever did in Courland, as I hard learnt from my mistakes there and new how to actually run an economy, and my efforts did have some fruit, but when I realised what it was the city needed it was already too late, and though the walls would never crumble like in Courland, as long as I was there, the holy city would not ever reach the glory that it perhaps deserved. But a politician can’t go forever without making mistakes. I had made friends with people in other nations, and due to a special situation I ended up making a terrible mistake and hurting a dear friend so badly that we still do not talk, though it has been more than ten years since it happened. I believe he has forgiven me by now, so it is only up to me to forgive myself before I can truly be clear of it. I was dearly hurt by what I had done, and so I pulled back into my chambers in Vuillermoz, living on wine and bread, mostly the former, paying much of the small fortune I had built up over the years to feed the vice. I guess politics wasn’t my fall from grace, it wasn’t leaving the life as an adventurer that cause me to lost my grip of the world. It was one mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. I guess it’s fine. Dear Arathor Kelpie, Captain and Marshal of Westmark, Lord Marshal and Justiciar of Courland, Lord Speaker of Vuillermoz, I forgive you. It’s okay. Everyone makes mistakes, you were just unlucky yours was so bad. Arathor Kelpie addressed to Johan Vuiller

Arathor waits outside of Tobias’ room, impatiently waiting for a new report from the physician, praying that the good Lord will save the old king’s life and let him reign peacfully for as long as God could allow one man to live.

LEX STAUNTONIA The Criminal Code of the Kingdom of Courland 11th of Sun’s Smile, 1759 TITLE I. RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE SECTION I. Right to Life Every person has the right to live and protect themselves against threats to their life. SECTION II. Right to Trial When accused of crime any person has the right to demand a trial before being punished. SECTION III. Freedom of Religion Any person is free to practice any religion, so long as its practice doesn’t break any laws. SECTION IV. Freedom from Racial Discrimination All races are to be treated equally under all government institutions. SECTION V. Freedom from Slavery The right to resist against slavery. Those who pursue the act of enslaving others, are punishable in a court of law, in a manner in which the state shall ensure the protection and compensation of victims. SECTION VI. Right to Marry Any men and women aged sixteen or older, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry a person of the opposite sex and with them found a family. Marriage shall be entered into only with the full consent of the intending spouses, or consent of the parents or caretakers of the intending spouses. TITLE II. CRIMES Section I. Degrees of the criminal offenses There are three main levels of crimes, which are all punishable in different ways: First degree. These crimes are punishable with fines of 100 to 500 mina or imprisonment for up to one year. Second degree. These crimes are punishable with fines of 500 to 2,000 mina or imprisonment for up to three years. Third degree. These crimes are under usual circumstances punishable with fines of up to 10,000 mina, imprisonment for up to 10 years, exile or death. Punishment may exceed the previously noted recommendations if the judge deems the circumstances deem it necessary. Section II. Crimes against the person Murder Under exceptional circumstances a judge may deem that this level of punishment is appropriate. The intentional killing of a person. The intentional killing of a government figure or member of the royal family. Manslaughter The unintentional killing of a person through carelessness. The unintentional killing of multiple people in a situation where the accused knew that the situation was dangerous and did not take necessary precautions. Forced Labour Forcing a person to do individual tasks or multiple tasks over the course of a year or less. Forcing a person to do individual tasks or multiple tasks over the course of five years or less, or forcing multiple people to do individual tasks or multiple tasks for a combined duration of five years or less. Forcing a person to do individual tasks or multiple tasks over the course of five more than five years, or forcing multiple people to do individual tasks or multiple tasks for a combined duration of more than five years. Assault The use of violence to harm a person mildly. The use of violence to harm a person severely. Kidnapping Abducting a person for a period of time less than one month. Abducting a person and keeping them for a year or more. Abducting people and keeping them in a total of 10 years or more. Section III. Crimes against property Theft For theft the punishment is a fine of the same amount that the items that the thief stole valued by the judge, as well as giving back the items or paying the estimated value as compensation if the items have been sold. Vandalism Destroying a building or a smaller structure without hurting any person. On top of fines or jail time the vandal must also pay for reparations. Destroying government structures without hurting any person. On top of fines or jail time the vandal must also pay for reparations. Destroying the Royal Palace or any other major government structure. Trespassing Entering an area in which the person is not authorised to enter. Entering government buildings leads to worse punishments. It is considered an aggravating factor of the crimes against people the commission of the crime against a member of the army, a member of the chivalry order, a noble, a privy councilor, a member of the royal family, or any other government official. Section IV. Crimes against the Crown Treason To use power handed to a specific individual by the government to commit minor crimes against the Crown. To use power handed to a specific individual by the government to commit major crimes against the Crown. To use power bestowed upon a specific individual by the government to overthrow the Crown or a Privy Councilor. It also includes using power handed to you by the government to help assassinate government figures or members of the royal family. Sedition To perform a speech or follow a conduct that incites people to disobey minor authorities. To perform a speech or follow a conduct that incites people to disobey major government authorities. To perform a speech or follow a conduct that incites people to rebel against the authority of the government or the Crown. Bribery To pay money to a minor political figure in order to receive favorable treatment by the government. To pay money to a major political figure or a judge in order to get favorable treatment. It also includes accepting bribes. Extortion Threatening a political figure or a judge to commit criminal offenses of the first degree in order to gain political favors or favors in court. Threatening a political figure or a judge to commit criminal offenses of the second degree in order to gain political favors or favors in court. Threatening a political figure or a judge to commit criminal offenses of the third degree in order to gain political favors or favors in court. Defamation Spreading lies about lower level political figures in order to slander the Kingdom. Spreading lies about the King or a vassal lord of the Kingdom in order to slander Courland. Terrorism Under exceptional circumstances a judge may deem that this level of punishment is appropriate. To make a violent attack aiming to destroy structures, but not to kill people, with political intent. To make a violent attack aiming to kill or injure people, with political intent. Obstruction To prevent the government from doing day to day activities, such as collecting taxes. To prevent the government from responding to a crisis that risks to cost the lives of citizens. To prevent the government from responding to a crisis that risks destroying Courland. Tax evasion Not paying the correct amount of taxes for your. The punishment also includes paying the taxes a particular individual owes to the state. Helping multiple people avoid taxes. The punishment also includes paying the taxes a particular individual owes to the state. Smuggling Bringing illegal substances into Courland for personal use, either by accident or deliberately. Bringing illegal substances into Courland with the intention of selling. Section V. Legal considerations The punishable preparatory acts in the commission of a crime such as conspiracy are translated in the sentence with a reduction of 1/3 of the penalty of the crime. The inchoate offenses in the commission of a crime are translated in the sentence with a reduction of 2/3 of the penalty of the crime. The aggravating factors in the commission of each crime are translated in the sentence with an increase of 1/3 of the penalty of the crime. The mitigating factors in the commission of each crime are translated in the sentence with a decrease of 1/3 of the penalty of the crime. Multiple prison sentences are stacked according to this equation: Largest individual sentence + (all other sentences)^0.7 where the value is years. This does not apply to fines. Section VI. Jurisdictions Common Jurisdiction: Everyone can present a complaint before a Judge, who will then investigate the case and dictate all the necessary procedural acts, such as subpoenas, in order to evaluate whether the facts that have been denounced have any criminal relevance according to this Criminal Code. If somebody presents a complaint before the Lord Justiciar, he will then forward the case to a Judge. If the Judge appreciates any criminal relevance on the denounced facts, he will then arrange a trial between the complainant and the defendant. In the trial both parties shall be heard and all their evidence, such as witnesses, shall be assessed by the Judge, who will finally issue a judgment in the first instance. The judgments dictated by Judges in the first instance can be appealed in a second instance before the Lord Justiciar. Special Jurisdiction: The Knights of the Realm can only be tried in a single instance before the Grand Knight or before the King. The Vassal Lords of the Realm, such as barons or higher, can only be tried in a single instance before the King. The members of the Royal Household can only be tried in a single instance before the King. In all the subsections mentioned above the King can delegate the case to the Lord Justiciar to issue a judgment on his behalf. With Knowledge Comes Power, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Tobias of the House of Staunton, Crown Prince-Regent of the Kingdom of Courland. HIS EXCELLENCY, Arathor of the House of Kelpie, Lord Justiciar of the Kingdom of Courland.

rp name: Arathor Minecraft ign: hannemanenyay Discord: Hanne#2020

[!] A third note is put under the second one "If you have genuine concerns about witchcraft or dark magic being practiced, report it to a guard, a judge or the Lord Justiciar and it will be handled"