Mady

Issued 12th of Joma ag Umund 526 E.S. Just as the moon turns in phases, so too do the generations of children as they make their transition into adulthood. It has been sixteen years since the birth of the newly-risen Duchess of Vidaus, Tatiyana Josefina vas Ruthern. As such, the Ruthern tradition of the Rostig Tourney shall be invoked in celebration of Her Grace’s name day celebration. Hosted by the Duchess herself, a grand competition will be undertaken and held within the grounds of Castle Morteskvan. To open the festivities, a joust shall be the crowning event of the day, with knights and nobility of the realm encouraged to test their skill upon the tourney grounds with the hopes of impressing all those in attendance. As per the traditions of Vidaus, the name-day celebrant shall participate alongside all entrants, to prove herself worthy of the Barony of Rostig, the title held by the firstborn heir to the House of Ruthern. This competition shall be followed by a series of one-on-one melee bouts, so that men and women alike might show off their prowess in close-quarter combat. All citizens of the Dual Monarchy of Hanseti-Ruska are welcomed to join and participate, as well as the Kingdom’s allies. Honorary invitations will be sent out privately. Her Grace, Tatiyana vas Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig, Lady of Morteskvan, Lady of Barrows, Matriarch of All-Ruthern and Protector of the South. His Excellency, Ser Rickard of Vidaus, Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska, Lord Regent of Vidaus, Knight of the Order of the Crow, Champion of Vidaus.

Sat within a humid greenhouse, the Duchess of Vidaus would clutch a rose blossom within her palm, a grimace set upon her pale countenance as the screams and cries of the young Maira Baruch rang through her memory. Only a single utterance would be offered upon reading the Ducal missive: "A thousand pyres."

Established 450 E.S. Founded and coined as the official business venture of House Ruthern by the sibling duo Aleksandr var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus and his younger sister, Adelajda vas Ruthern, the first known location of Black Company Trading appeared within the Haeseni capital of Karosgrad. While Duke Aleksandr assisted with the financial funding of the bustling shop, it was the Lady Adelajda who ran the day to day business. Together, the siblings grew in age and their own monetary value as they crafted a business which successfully lives up to its founding family’s heritage. VALDEV HEADQUARTERS Nestled within the market district of New Valdev, the headquarters location of Black Company Trading is located at Krawnstriet V with the famed Ruthern crest perched atop the shop's signage. Many select items may be found within the shop, including Corpse Hill Honey products and brews from Bonebreakers Brewery. Patrons are encouraged to keep an eye out for any Black Company guardsmen who may be of assistance should aid be required. Black Company Trading, Krawnstriet V, New Valdev. Black Company Trading, Monterosa I, Portoregne. PORTOREGNE BRANCH Located just off the main square of Portoregne, this Black Company Trading branch is catered to the southern kingdom and its patrons. Seriously Svetlana’s Atelier boasts a grand selection of fine silks and textiles for custom made clothing or jewelry luxury items. Corpse Hill Honey is brought to the Balianese capital as well as the weekly wares offered for both Black Company Trading locations as all should be entitled to a good sale! Should any patron be in search of a custom item or specially requested brew, they are encouraged to send a letter north to the Ducal residence of Vidaus or find a nearby Black Company guardsman for assistance. CORPSE HILL HONEY Beginning atop a graveyard hillside apiary within the Duchy of Vidaus, Corpse Hill Honey products have been a House Ruthern staple, later being offered within Black Company Trading. Products made from the honeycomb of well cared for bees are offered at all Black Company Trading locations, ranging from yearly honey reserves to honey based pastries. BONEBREAKERS BREWERY Branded after a storied Ruthern of yore, the strength of spirits brewed and reserved within the Duchy of Vidaus are difficult to match. A wide array of drinks are crafted by the Monks of Castle Morteskvan, their best made items including honey mead and the traditional Haeseni Carrion Black. THE APOTHECARY OF BLESSED DMITRY Hand crafted and collected alchemical brews will line the shelves of Black Company Trading locations, typically made within the snow capped Ducal lands themselves. The Apothecary, named after the Ruthern’s own Blessed Dmitry, serves an abundance of medicinal and alchemical herbs and potions that may be bought as well as specially requested by any wayward patron. BLACK COMPANY PUBLISHING Since its founding, Black Company Trading has furthered its business mission to provide an array of products for its customers. Having been an avid seller of books encompassing all genres, the company has henceforth extended its branches to create Black Company Publishing, a branch of the main trading company which sells books as well as publishes The Hammerhead, a local Haeseni newspaper covering multiple topics for the news readers of the realm. MARIC’S MEATS Founded in the later years during the reign of Maric, Duke of Vidaus, Maric’s Meats served traditional Raevir cuisine to the Haeseni capital city of Karosgrad. Focused on providing hearty and high quality meats, Black Company Tradings has worked tirelessly to uphold the traditional standard set by the late Duke. For those seeking out high quality game and traditional Raevir meals, find the Maric’s Meats section within your nearest Black Company Trading location. As referenced by its label, each week the members of the shop will divvy up amongst themselves a random assortment of items to be put on sale at a discounted price. These items can range from luxury goods to simple stacks of pastries or ores. Displayed upon the ground floor of each location, patrons are welcomed and encouraged to check in weekly for a new assortment of wares and even try their hand at negotiating should a store owner be present - though a fair warning in advance, those blood of Ruther drive a hard bargain should you test your luck. SERIOUSLY SVETLANA’S ATELIER Amongst the rustic shop, a section most known for its custom designs and luxury items is available to patrons who inquire first hand. Seriously Svetlana’s Atelier is a service offered to customers where they may meet with Svetlana’s vas Ruthern and order custom made materials which can range from ceremonial tabards to embroidered courtly gowns for any regal lady hoping to stand out amongst the crowd. Anyone in search of such services may contact Lady Svetlana vas Ruthern for further commission information. DUCHESS DECOR & DESIGN For the Haeseni citizens in need of interior decorations or exterior gardening and landscape designs, Duchess Decor & Design is a newly added service within Black Company Trading. Anyone who may find themselves seeking out a designer for their humble - or not so humble abode, may contact Tatiyana vas Ruthern for a design consultation and a thorough run through of pricing, negotiations and offered services within the boundaries of the commission. As Black Company Trading is owned and operated through the Ducal House of Ruthern within the Kingdom of Haense, any member of the family may be contacted for services offered or sought out. Those most active within the company are listed below: Her Grace, Tatiyana vas Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus. @Mady Her Ladyship, Svetlana vas Ruthern. @libertyybelle His Grace, Bishop Rhys of Andrikev. @ReveredOwl His Excellency, Rickard of Vidaus, Lord Marshall of Haense. @GMRO

ISSUED BY HOUSE RUTHERN 14th of Gronna ag Droba 525 E.S. It is with great sadness that the Ducal House of Ruthern announces the passing of its esteemed and noble patriarch, Ser Viktor var Ruthern. Having lived a dedicated life to King and Country, the late Duke accomplished tenfold what many others within the realm could ever dream of and with heavy hearts, the Ruthern family mourns this great loss. Throughout this trying time, the family of Duke Viktor asks for privacy and prayers. Viktor III, Duke of Vidaus 489 E.S. - 525 E.S. The late Duke’s heir, Tatiyana vas Ruthern, now ascends to the titles Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig, Lady of Morteskvan, Matriarch of All-Ruthern and Protector of the South. As the eldest child of his eldest child, Lady Mikhaila vas Ruthern, her inheritance is undisputed, the first female matriarch of House Ruthern in almost two centuries. Still in her minority, the council of His Grace must now declare a regency, until such time the Duchess of Vidaus reaches the age of majority. To fill this role, Duke Viktor has selected Ser Rickard Ruthern, the young girl’s father, who shall guide and shepherd the new matriarch in her duties till that awaited maturity arrives. He is named Lord-Regent by this decree, until the Duchess reaches her 18th year. Below are marked private writings discovered in the study of the late Duke. It was his will that such letters be published to those to whom they are addressed, and perhaps bizarrely, that a certain set of clothing articles be gifted to the new King Ivan VIII, alongside the words, “A King must dress as well as he wishes to be respected.”

Letter to the Royal Duma: ON NARCOTICS KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the REPRESENTATIVE OF VIDAUS On this 14th day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 524 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ALDYLEVAR Whilst our Duma does await the official announcement of a government and the official appointment of the Lord Speaker, it is the belief of those loyal denizens of Vidaus that the government must continue to operate. In previous iterations the Duma did create bills and often found themselves rubber-stamped into approval or denial with little debate. In an effort to help renew life to the Duma, the house of Ruthern does instead propose legislation in a public appeal with law being created by the government thereafter. For hundreds of years, the Haeseni society has been degraded by the use of narcotics of all sorts. The youth has been spoiled with fields going unharvested whilst they instead choose to smoke or make merry rather than work a decent day in the fields. Grown within other nations to make our own lazy and subservient, the time has come to see the matter addressed and appropriately fixed. We propose debate upon the prohibition of use and cultivation of narcotics within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska as to implement a standard within our society of which the use of these derogatory substances are held in account for their unholy influence. May the Lords of Haense righteously enact their rights as peers of these lands to settle this growing concern and usher forth a more thriving and prosperous abundance amidst the citizenry. IV JOVEO MAAN Signed, Ser Rickard of Vidaus, Representative of Vidaus, Knight of the Order of the Crow, Champion of Vidaus Her Ladyship, Tatiyana vas Ruthern Ward to the Office of the Lord Speaker

ISSUED BY HOUSE RUTHERN 11th of Msitza ag Dargund 523 E.S. With the harrowing news of the change in the Comet Lesanov’s trajectory towards the Haeseni capital of Valdev spelling utmost ruin, House Ruthern will open the gates of Castle Morteskvan to any and all Haeseni citizens in need of refuge and respite. Those displaced by the destruction of the incoming comet shall be provided with shelter and sustenance within the Ducal lands of Vidaus where they will be permitted to stay through the duration of the comet’s strike and the following period of reconstruction for the Royal Capital. In the coming months, those seeking refuge will be welcomed into the safety of the Duchy’s walls to settle in and find comfort within our bastion. The grounds of the Duchy will be open to all and those wishing to pray for the safety and security of the Kingdom are free to seek prayer within the Church of Blessed Dmitri where alms and comfort will be provided.

ISSUED 15TH OF JULA AG PIOV 523 E.S. Penned The Black Company Scribes Founded by Rhys var Ruthern I, Count of Metterden over two centuries ago, the Black Company has stood the test of time being one of the longest-lasting and well-known vassal levy’s within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Since its founding of yore, the company has expanded past its simple levy duties and branched out into trade and entrepreneurship, the creation of Black Company Trading as a mercantile shop and now The Hammerhead, relaying continent-wide information to the Haeseni people. In recent months a new bandit has harangued our roads and Queenswood. Particularly preying upon children and the less fortunate, the killer was first seen at the recent circus according to reports by Lady Ioanna d’Arkent Kortrevich. Whilst thought relatively harmless at first, they have since been heard to be luring children into the woods with the allure of petting their dog. Beware the woods, and strange men within it! This should be common sense as it stands anyway. In recent news, it has been discovered that the Woodsy Strangler has killed their first victim. An unknown elven child was found in the farmlands outside Valdev, a single blade wound ran through. The Crown and Brotherhood of Saint Karl have sworn to catch the culprit. An artist's rendition of the Karoswood of Haense. A Brotherhood sketch artist's design of the Valdev gallows. For the first time in well over a hundred years, a peer of Hanseti-Ruska has been found guilty by the Crown, and tried as such. Baron Anatoliy Godunov, having long since disappeared from his homelands to cavort with elves and horned folk, flaunted his obligations, dues and services owed to the Crown that granted he and his family nobility. In an operation headed by Ruthern men under the command of a brave patriot, the rogue Baron was captured and brought to Valdev where he was then tried by the Crown, and declared guilty of treason by Her Majesty Nataliya. He was hung by the neck till dead, a fate both swift and most deserved. Wzuvar ag Byvca ❅ Jula ag Piov ❅ Vzmey ag Hyff ☼ Grona ag Droba ☼ Tov ag Yermey ϟ Msitza ag Dargund ❅ Joma ag Umund ❅ A diagram of the stars. With Mistress Ingrid The Queen is going into retrograde. That serves as an unfortunate warning for those born under that sign! High intensity mood swings, horrible luck and clumsy balance will be a large symptom of the shiting heavens. Beware tall buildings, mountain-tops and strong weather. Romance during this time shall be dangerous and daring. Roll the dice, you shall either strike it lucky or fail miserably. The Drake has good times ahead. Wisely-timed jokes, good swordplay and plots shall come to fruition during this time. Success is on the cards for those under this sign, and now is the time to gamble big. Use your cunning and wit for now is the time to gamble your life-savings for they shall be doubled. Romance during this time however shall fail miserably, and you are likely to end up with an Erkindelir for your betrothal dinners should you be scheduling them in the near future. Yuri, Resident of Waltonburg 65 y.o. Yuri of Waltonburg inspecting the ruined fields. Today The Hammerhead interviews Yuri, a peasant man of Waltonburg. Yuri has served in a number of conflicts for the Crown over a long service. Being initially called up to join the Levy during the Adrian rebellion under King Georg I, he thereafter served in every conflict for the Crown loyally. After returning home from the war against Veletz in the south, Yuri ventured back to his homestead of Waltonburg to find it over-run with the odd and the plain nightmarish - flying skulls, robotic dogs, three-eyed fish in the polluted waters and farms torn down in the name of ‘industry.’ Is this what Yuri fought for? When questioned about the state of Waltonburg, Yuri commented “I fought for this country in the Midlands and when I marched on home after, I found it wasn’t the Adrians that had destroyed my home but those damned priests.” “The water’s brown instead of the God given clear it was before and I saw some flying skull pumped full of Owynist magic floating around my local church.” “... one of those dogs made of metal bit me on the arse that one time for getting too close to the carrots on their side of town.”* “F*ckin’ criminal, mate.” said the veteran. Is our country turning its back on its veterans? The Jeremic liberties have been swept aside by these Owynist invaders with a freeman losing his farm and thus no longer being a man. Is this what we fought for? Is the Biharist freedoms dead in this modern Haense? We must act for the common man. The Duma has already voted against this church within Waltonburg but nothing has been done. The time to act is now! Where’d they get those flying skulls from anyway? They must’ve desecrated Haeseni remains to get them. ✔ The White Comet Strikes Again Whilst all occurred with the Lord Godunov, Cardinal Villorik of the White Comet was on the search for darkspawn! Once more his crusade led him to the city of Kaethul where he came upon a man with an Inferi Grimoire. With the might of GOD, Cardinal Villorik alongside fellow crusaders sought to bring the rapscallion back to Valdev wherein, after thorough interrogation, they were rightfully burnt at the stake for the evil-doer that they were. Once more the White Comet proves to be an order for our kingdom to be proud of. Let evil wither and shake at the mention of their name. In the last few year we mourn the deaths of our late monarchs, Queen Amaya of Venzia ‘The White Flame’ and our King Aleksandr II ‘The Conqueror’, a funeral service shall soon occur for King Aleksandr II. We at Hammerhead shall be in attendance! We wish good fortune to our new King and Queen, Ivan VIII and Nataliya of Ghaestenwald. The kingdom remains in a state of mourning, and so no current announcement of the government has yet to occur alongside an announcement of a coronation. We look forward to the announcement of the future festivities! THE SCYFLING WORLD As a means to encourage Haeseni enterprise and mercantilism, the Hammerhead wishes to encourage you to shop at the Scyfling world. At the centre of Valdev by the gates stands the Scyfling World. One of the only shops in our fair kingdom to offer a range of merchandise that are actually well-stocked! We would be remiss to not recommend you buy something Scyfling based in honour of the late Queen Amaya, The White Flame. Whether you want to buy a morningstar for all your Woodsy Strangler smashing needs or you have a particular fascination with cheese like Karl III - Buy the best goods at The Scyfling World! The Scyfling World, Market Stall I. The Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Our home. Our way of life; but this doesn’t come free. All over Aevos, darkspawn and evil-doers are spreading their power over the continent. Our kingdom could be next, unless you make the most important decision of your life. JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL. Prove to yourself that you have the strength and courage of a true northman. Make friends and represent the best of what Hanseti-Ruska has to offer. Become part of something larger than yourself. Become a hero. Become a legend. Become a brother. Sponsored by Ser Rickard of Valdev Endorsed by the Brotherhood of Saint Karl

The following days spent within Castle Morteskvan would prove to the young Ruthern heiress once more that to love and to be loved needn’t be what the young girl sought in life. From her dead mother to the now stricken down Queen, the proof that adoration and comfort were luxuries more easily taken than one might think. The days of weeping over friends were long lost, the cruelty of the world and life itself seeming too prevalent at this stage that a young girl might simply fall into the tempting ideology of abandoning all hope for a life of love and happiness. Yet, Tatiyana knew that should she fall into a hopeless reality, any purpose or light within her would dissipate into cruel nothingness. So as the girl wandered the Ducal residency her family held within the snow capped mountains of the kingdom, she made note to plant roses wherever they might take root. “For Amaya. . .”

MC Name: Madyyy Discord: Mady123 Image: Description of Image: Vidaus COA Dimensions: 1x1

Overlooking the Haense square, the Ruthern heiress would be forced to quietly swallow the building anxiety which welled within her small frame, the events of recent months still etched within her youthful mind as she went over then repeatedly to herself, not yet able to sleep. The bright flames enveloping the cabin upon the mountain and the sickening thud of her great uncle falling off his horse seemed to ring throughout her mind day in and day out. What could a girl as young as she do in circumstances such as this? Could she wash away the stain of blood upon her castle's walls? Or could she cure the guardian she so admired from his illness? "No." That was the answer Tatiyana has to face herself as she grew to analyse the world around her - its cruelty and darkest sides. That evening, the young Ruthern girl would sleep unsoundly, the sickly noises of the world bouncing within her skull as her vision of rose coloured lands soon dissipated into a bleak and dreary reality.

A CALL TO THE HAESENI PROGENY Issued by the Office of the 11th of Joma ag Umund, 519 E.S. Calling all children below the age of 15 to the reinstitution of the Kindvikzein Duma, an opportunity for the Haeseni youth as an introduction to traditional governmental participation. Overseen by the wards of the Office of the Lord Speaker, the Kindvikzein Duma will mimic the procedures of the Royal Duma to the extent of it being customized for the youth of the Kingdom and to promote participation for all those who choose to attend. THE DUCAL HOUSE OF RUTHERN THE DUCAL HOUSE OF BARUCH THE MARGRAVIAL HOUSE OF LUDOVAR THE COMITAL HOUSE OF COLBORN THE VISCOMITAL HOUSE OF AMADOR THE VISCOMITAL HOUSE OF WEISS THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF GODUNOV THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF STAFYR THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF KORTREVICH THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF VALKONEN THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF KOVGRAD Regardless of rank, any child from the Haeseni citizenry and beyond is welcomed to participate or observe the ongoings within the Kindvikzein Duma. Should anyone have any inquiries regarding the Duma, they may forward their questions to the Office of the Lord speaker or its ward, Lady Tatiyana vas Ruthern. Signed, Father Amleth, Bishop of Andrikev, Lord Handler of the Duma Her Ladyship, Tatiyana vas Ruthern Ward to the Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska

Tucked soundly into her goose feather bed, the young Ruthern heiress slept soundly, the soft pattering of snowfall trickling against her windows on the snowy mountain of Vidaus. At peace for hours, the sudden disturbance within her youthful dreams would stir the child, Tatiyana vas Ruthern beginning to toss and turn beneath her comforter. The vision came quick, flashing through the girls subconscious and jerking her from her slumber, a chilling feeling climbing up her spine as she sat up in bed, gasping for air. The strange feeling of true fear clung on to the child’s heart. Tatiyana would not fall back to sleep that night.

Within the stoney walls of CASTLE MORTESKVAN, the Ruthern heiress would smirk a greedy smile as she witnessed her young sister ordering the servantry about, ensuring the upcoming festivities were up to her own standard. "We must scrub the walls clean. . .we will have guests soon enough!" TATIYANA proclaimed.

The Ruthern heiress, TATIYANA VAS RUTHERN, having bore witness to the bloody battles of Morteskvan, would grin with pride alongside her younger sister Svetlana as the two celebrated the victory and safety of their home. "By bones and barrows, sestra. . ." @libertyybelle