Frymark

Declared and published in the year of Our Lord, 1902 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CAROLEAN GUARD “The walls have fallen, the defenders are slain, the enemy is here! It is the end and the death, my brothers - the end for our tale, and death to the usurpers! Raise the Dragon Banner one last time, for the Prince, for Alstion!” -Ulrich Lothar Alstreim, before the final charge of the Nauzicans during the Siege of the Hero-City of Haverlock, 64 SA “Alstion! Alstion! Alstion!” The soldiers of the Nauzica after having listened to the Captain’s speech, 64 SA The Carolean Guard | Soldiers of the King The Black Dragon Banner of House Alstion THE HEARTLANDS BECKON, A call of service and duty For too long has the House of Alstion and their Princely Crownlands gone without proper guard and safety, having to depend on the numerous peerages of Aaun for the protection of said crownlands. No longer! With the patronage of the Sovereign of Aaun and Prince of Alstion, Charles I, the formation of the Carolean Guard of the Crownlands is hereby declared, to serve as the personal levy and guardforce of the Royal House of Alstion, as well as the policing force of these Crownlands of Aaun. WHY WE SERVE? A cause of honour, justice and loyalty Service directly under the patronage of the Prince of Alstion is a great honour by itself alone, but there exists a higher cause of righteousness in service to the Guard. When the Crownlands come under attack, the men of the Guard are the first to its defence When the faithful servants of GOD are threatened, the Caroleans are the ones to see GOD’s will be done. The Crownlands have been in turmoil for decades, and it's our duty to see stability restored, so that those who come after us never again need suffer the devastation of war and civil strife. Benefits of serving as a Carolean under House Alstion; A discount of 5% from the price of estates and housing in the Crownlands with an increase to 10% at the rank of Sergeant. The handling tax in housing and estates paid fully by the House of Alstion The standard kit of a Carolean free of charge, as well as yearly upkeep of said gear. Minae paid yearly in accordance with one's achievements within the Guard. The honour of serving directly under the King Alstion for the Crownlands and Charter. If the Carolean were ever wounded in service to Alstion, their medical care will be paid for in full. CHAIN OF COMMAND For without discipline, come the end and the death The Guard’s hierarchy is separated into two parts; there are the ranks of foot, those men who excel in fighting and combat, but are either yet not ready or willing to take up the mantle of leadership. Then there exist the ranks of command; men who are leaders of the Caroleans, who’s authority and knowledge in matters of combat, strategy and leadership are absolute. The rise through the ranks is an arduous one, as only the best are fit to lead the King’s men. RANKS OF COMMAND The armour used by the Captain and the Lieutenants, with the purple sash as a symbol of their authority and prestige. PRINCE OF ALSTION As the Commander-In-Chief of the Carolean Guard, the Prince of Alstion exercises absolute authority over the entire guard and all of its members. The Prince has the sole authority to appoint a Captain or other de-facto leading figure for the group, and as well holds the right to release anyone from their sworn oath to the Guard. As the Patron of the Guard, the Prince is also responsible for the payment of soldiers and upkeep of their gear and bases of operation, though these tasks may be delegated as well. CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD The Captain is the de-facto leader of the Guard, and responsible for its well being, the training and recruiting of soldiers and promoting those of lower rank. The Captain acts with the authority and blessing of the King of Aaun, and thus his authority in matters relating to the Guard and safety of the Crownlands is absolute, only surpassed by the King himself. LIEUTENANT Lieutenants are the officers of the Guard - those men and women who have proved themselves worthy of the mantle of leadership. The Lieutenant has the authority to command ranks of lower status and take part in the military council of the Crownlands whenever called. While a Lieutenant has great authority in the Crownlands, they do also have a great amount of responsibility granted to them. It’s usual for a Lieutenant to be in charge of an aspect of the Guard, such as training the Guardsmen, recruiting or handling the armoury and arms of the Guard. The road to becoming an Officer is a hard one and takes years, but once reached it’s a status of great prestige and honour. RANKS OF FOOT The armour used by the Recruits (Left) and the Caroleans and Sergeants (Right) SERGEANT Sergeants are veterans of the Guard - those men who have seen their fair share of battle and are preparing to become a Officer, or for one reason or the other have chosen not to pursue such. Despite their placement in the ranks of foot, Sergeants may from time to time with the authorization of a Officer take up a position of leadership, and when no Officer is available, they may give orders to those of lower ranking than themselves. In addition, Sergeants have the right to levy out fines if a situation breaking the Crownlands evicts occurs, but is not worthy of arrest. Sergeants are also given a slightly larger discount on estates in the Crownlands than Caroleans. CAROLEAN The backbone of the army, the Caroleans are the rank-and-file of the Guard. After having completed their basic training and served in the Guard for a fair amount of time, a Recruit may finally take their Oath to become an official Carolean of the King of Aaun, a hardened soldier and protector of the Crownlands. Caroleans have the right to arrest persons who have broken the law in the Courlands, and may levy fines if a man of upper rank is present. The Caroleans are also afforded a small discount from estates from the Crownlands as a sign of gratitude for their service and loyalty to Alstion. RECRUIT Recruits are those who have just enlisted in the Guard, with little to no previous experience in warfare and combat. To become a recruit, one must be a citizen of Aaun and adhere strictly to the Holy Canonist Faith. If one wishes to join but is not a Canonist, they may convert and be allowed to join thereafter. Recruits don't yet have the right to arrest or fine in the Crownlands, nor are they granted the best of weaponry until their basic training is completed. After such, the Captain will judge the recruit worthy and they may take their Oath to House Alstion and the Crownlands and become a fully fledged Carolean of the Guard. CEREMONIES & AWARDS For every man who puts their oaths first has achieved the finest of triumphs worthy of the finest of commemorations. THE OATH TO ALSTION Once a recruit has completed their basic training, they may be brought in front of a member of House Alstion, usually either the King or the Crown Prince, and there they may take their Oath, finally becoming a Carolean. The Oath is sacred, and once taken may not be broken except with the acceptance of the Prince of Alstion and the Captain of the Guard. May those who break the oath be named oathbreakers and traitors, and be dealt with according to such. Before the eyes of GOD, before my Prince and Captain, I place my blade beneath their feet, I swear my oath with this creed; O’ Lord, let my hand be just and brave, O’ Lord, let my eyes be keen and bright, O’ Lord, let my feet be swift and free, O’ Lord, let my heart be strong and true, For my GOD, For my Prince Alstion, for my Comrades, and for no-one else. With this creed I so swear my oath, and let my blood run cold if I am to ever forsake it. CAROLEAN’S PRAYER As a Recruit becomes a Carolean, it is customary for the other members of the Guard to gather together after the conclusion of the Oathing ceremony in celebration, where good wishes are brought to the newest member of the Guard by each individually, either in words or paper. These words are meant to symbolise the bond of camaraderie and friendship between the older and newer members of the Guard. After the death of a Carolean, those who brought them wishes may lower themselves before the funeral pyre of the bygone one and whisper these wishes anew in prayer, symbolising their gratitude of times spent and hopes of meeting again in GOD’s eternal Skies. AWARDS OF SERVICE In addition to acting as commemorations of one’s service to the Guard, the awards also act as the payment of one. Each Carolean is paid 5 minae weekly, with the base going up by 5 minae with ranks, with the base of a Lieutenant being 15 minae weekly. This does not however make up the majority of one’s pay, but it's rather determined by their awards, which are granted yearly per a soldier’s acts during said year. Contrary to most other militaries, the value of awards is not considered in how high of an award one gets, but how many they have. The Star of Service; Once retired and after having spent the minimum of 25 years in the Guard, a person is entitled to the Star of Service, which will guarantee them a pension of 40 minae yearly for the rest of their lives, as long as they continue to reside within Aaun. Star of Saint Lothar; for those who performed a miraculous action in battle to save the unit from dire circumstances, the highest of Carolean awards. 200 minas. Embroidered Cross of Saint Felder; a golden cross embroidered with various gems for those who performed extreme acts of heroism in accomplishment of a military goal or objective. 100 minas. Ruby Bracer; an engraved ruby medallion awarded to soldiers for drawing first blood in an engagement. 50 minas. Pin of Justice; a polished iron pin with a depiction of a sun and its gleaming rays forming the top of it, awarded for those who have successfully detained a criminal and seen that justice is delivered to them. 40 minas. Tears of Saint Daniel; a silver bracelet engraved with a depiction of enemy fortifications, awarded to the first soldier to charge. 30 minas. The Hand of Iron; a steel medal depicting a hand awarded for gathering the weekly materiel quotas. 25minas. Saint Andrik’s Sword; a metal brooch in the shape of a blade awarded for each individual kill acquired by a Carolean during battle. 20 minas. Those wishing to enlist in the Carolean Guard are advised to seek out or send letter to its current Captain, Johann Ritter von Barclay.

Johann signed the Lorraine at the news of the old Princess' death. The Knight would then kneel before a depiction of St. Johann of Sutica, whispering a prayer that the Saint deliver his beloved daughter to the Skies safely.

TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF AAUN Greetings traveller, and welcome to the United Kingdom of Aaun! The purpose of this missive is to act as a guide to newcomers and visitors alike to our United Kingdom. In this missive will be detailed both the old history of Aaun as well as its current functions, culture, and lands, each afforded their own chapter focusing on them. The chapters of this guide shall be the following, and it is recommended that they are read in order: I. What is the United Kingdom of Aaun? II. The History of Aaun --> The first Kingdom under Godwin --> End of the Harvest Confederacy and the Restoration of Aaun III. Society --> The Charter of Aaun --> The Royal Diet --> The Royal Offices IV. Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom --> The Crownlands of Alstion --> The Principality of Merryweather --> The Duchy of Minitz --> The Margraviate of Velen --> The Margraviate of Haute-Epine --> The County of Veletzia --> The Viscounty of Hohengarten V. Culture VI. Getting settled at Aaun I. What is the United Kingdom of Aaun? A map depicting the geopolitical landscape of Almaris. The United Kingdom of Aaun, or Aaun in short, is a constitutional monarchy located at the heart of Almaris, on the lands which are accordingly named the Heartlands. The Kingdom is ruled by the Sovereign of Aaun in conjunction with the Kingdom’s government - the Royal Offices, and the Peerage of the Realm, who are each granted a considerable amount of autonomy. Unlike the other Kingdoms that inhabit Almaris, Aaun can be considered more-so a federation of vassals, each putting their faith in the leadership of the Sovereign, who represents the vassals internationally and acts as the Royal Mediator between the peerage. Because of this, the Sovereign does not have absolute authority in the realm, but rather shares it with the Royal Diet, consisting of the Lords and Ladies of the Realm. Such ensures that the Sovereign may never take actions which can be considered tyrannical or against the common will of the people he represents. Because of the great degree of autonomy granted to the peerage, it is common to see them building their own towns and cities on their lands which have their own law codices, levies, traditions and courts. Each peer is also granted the ability to grant vassalage to families within their lands - with the acceptance of the Crown, and these vassals are called petty nobles, for they don’t yet share a place within the Diet (such is reserved for the Noble Estates, the direct vassals of the Realm). II. The History of Aaun A old map depicting the lands of the now-dissolved Harvest Confederacy. The first Kingdom under Godwin Godwin, the second born son of Horen, led his followers to the Valley of Jrent - a region previously inhabited but presumably abandoned upon the foundation of Horen's pious city - and there he would declare the first Kingdom of Aaun. While there were three kingdoms of men established between the three sons of Horen, the Kingdom of Aaun was the largest in size, though not in strength as the Kingdom of Idunia led by Harren had a mightier army. This would become apparent, when just 21 years following the occupation of Horen's city by Krug's tribe, and foundation of Aaun, Harren - the firstborn son of Horen - conquered the Kingdom of Aaun with his army, sacking many villages along the way, before eventually reaching Godwin's keep and murdering him. The Kingdom of Aaun was left in a state of disorder and occupation. Owyn, son of Godwin and heir to the Kingdom, was left unable to claim his inheritance and fled at the age of seven to his uncle, King Joren, in the Kingdom of Edel. The Kingdom of Aaun would remain in a state of occupation for roughly 17 years before Owyn slew his uncle Harren and reclaimed his kingdom, as well as Haren’s. Owyn reigned as king until his eldest son came of age and he abdicated the throne. Not much is known about how Owyn led his kingdom, though he is known for appointing and consecrating individuals he deemed virtuous as priests to shepherd the faithful - including the first High Priests, who formally established what would become the Church of the Canon. It is unknown how much longer the Kingdom of Aaun lasted and in what manner it was ruled, though it is believed that it later came to be merged with the Old Kingdom of Oren before it fell in the 14th century. The End of the Harvest Confederacy and Restoration of Aaun Following the fall of the Kingdom of Oren to the Harvest Revolution, the Harvest Confederacy was established as its successor in the Heartlands. This Confederation would at first prove to be highly successful, with a multitude of Lords settling upon its lands to form their own towns and cities, each with almost complete freedom from any centralised authority. Among these Lords were the Houses of Alstion, Barclay, and Alstreim. The dream of the Confederation would end shortly though, as merely a decade after its inception, the boy-baron of Acre marched his men, along with the rest of Confederacy's soldiery, who believed they were merely visited a wedding, into Balian, where he suddenly took up arms in an attempt to kill one of the lords of Balian, Lucius Galbraith, who had previously defected from the Confederacy. The failed assassination resulted in Baron’s capture, and an ultimatum was published against the Confederacy, demanding that a new de-facto leader be elected and that any of the Lords be given the chance to secede from the union, with the Commonwealth of Petra doing so. The ultimatum was accepted, with Charles I Alstion elected unanimously as the de-facto leader of the Confederacy, and it was there that the Kingdom of Aaun would see its rebirth. With the unanimous consent of the Lords present, Charles declared the formation of Aaun to follow in the footsteps of the Confederacy, and fix the flaws that had plagued it, mainly the missing of a central - although lenient - authority, the lack of such having been the cause of the haphazard foreign policy which led to the Confederacy’s dowfall. III. Society A hand-drawn depiction of the ratification of the Great Charter of Aaun, 1900. The Aaunic society is built upon the principles of shared authority and representation. The King’s authority is limited, and ruling without the approval and consent of the peerage is extremely hard. Each vassal is afforded a representative who sits and votes in the Royal Diet, the legislative body of the Realm, and accordingly the King acts as the Realm’s representative diplomatically, projecting the Diet’s will and policies abroad. It is generally accepted in Aaunic society that the King rules by the people, for the people, with the people. The Charter of Aaun The Charter acts as the Aaunic Constitution, and unlike many realms, the supreme and final authority of the Realm. In the Charter are stated the powers and responsibilities of the Crown, the Royal Diet, the Peerage and the Offices of the Realm. None stand above these statements, and changing them requires a 2/3rds majority in the Royal Diet along with the King’s signature. The Royal Diet Sharing authority with the King, the Royal Diet acts as the Parliament of the Realm, where each of the Noble Estates are afforded a seat and a singular vote. The Diet has the authority to approve or reject diplomatic pacts, declarations of war, ennoblement of new Noble Estates, as well as passing legislation and generally deciding on the course the Kingdom will take. The Diet is led by the Grand Peer, who is elected by the Noble Estates, and it falls unto them to summon the Diet and serve as its President. For a motion to pass, the Diet requires a simple majority, but a 2/3rds majority when the Charter’s declarations are altered. Every motion also requires the King’s signature, and if not given such, is reintroduced to the Diet, which may choose to overrule the King’s veto and make it an official decree. The Royal Offices The Government of the Kingdom consists of the Royal Offices. These offices act as the continuation of the King’s authority, so only the King has the authority to command and appoint their holders. The Offices don't have direct authority to act outside of the Crownlands, but during crises or wartime, the Royal Diet may choose to empower the King, and therefore the Offices, with greater authority. IV. Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom Another hand-drawn depiction, this time of King Charles Alstion promoting the County of Minitz into a Duchy during a Comital Court. As is natural for a feudal Kingdom, Aaun possesses a large variety of vassals of different cultures and histories, all united under the Charter and the guidance of the King. Each vassal is granted a large degree of autonomy to dictate their own business, as well as land in which to settle themselves and govern as they see fit. Each Noble Estate also has the right to - with the approval of the King or Diet - land petty nobles in their lands. Crownlands of Alstion The lands which have not been granted to a vassal belong to the Prince of Alstion, who also reigns as the King of Aaun. The King has ultimate authority in the Crownlands, which currently encompass approximately half of the Kingdom, including the capital of Aaun, the ruined city of Vienne. While the Crownlands do not yet host any remarkable institutions, once the renovation of Vienne is completed, the Crownlands will host the Royal Family and the government of the Kingdom, as well as the legendary Nauzican Brigade. Principality of Merryweather Being the only other Principality in the realm besides Alstion, Merryweather is ruled by the ancient Waldenian family of Alstreim, who rule from their castle at Corwinsburg, with their lands encompassing the nearby areas as well as the ruins of Grodno. The Principality is currently looking for guards for the Princely House, as well as those who would take interest in taking part in the Waldenic Diet as a scribe or historian. The current reigning Prince of Merryweather is the Lord Vandalore, Ottomar von Alstreim. Duchy of Minitz The Duchy of Minitz, situated in the old lands of Rivia, is a Reinmaren Duchy ruled by the House of Barclay. The Duchy takes great pride in their brotherhood and institutions, with a society of both tribal and feudal nature, with most of the Duchy’s positions chosen by vote by the tribesmen. If one wishes to integrate into the Reinmaren society, they must first complete the Trials of the Reinmaren, after which they can become a soldier in Theoderic’s Warband, a squire of the Knights of St. Tylos, or partake in other offices such as the Bailiff’s or the Lawspeaker’s. The current Duke of Minitz is Leon Barclay. As a society of combined feudal and tribal practices, the Reinmaren tribes of Minitz act as the main sub-communities. Differently for noble houses, anyone can join a Reinmaren tribe, as long as they undergo the required trials and rituals to become one. Margraviate of Velen The Margraviate of Velen is based on the Waldenian culture, with most of the Velenic people subscribing to the Aschenwalder subsect, named after their home, the Aschenwald. The current ruling family of Velen is the House of Reuss, with Leopold von Reus as their Margrave. The Velenic people are great huntsmen and dog-breeders, with hunts out to the Aschenwald being a regular event. They also host their own personal levy and court. The Margrave also hosts a number of petty vassals under them, most of whom are of Waldenian origin as well. These peers pay direct fealty to the Margrave, and are not considered Noble Estates of the Kingdom: The County of Talmberg, ruled by the House of Wexler; the Barony of Alsace, ruled by the House of de Reanoux; and finally, the Barony of Arentania, ruled by the House of Bardenwig-Alstreim. Margraviate of Haute-Epine The Margraviate of Haute-Epine bases itself on the Auvergnian culture; it is a peerage held by one of the surviving Auvergnian Houses, that of de Rosius. They are situated within the Arentanian Alps and are currently under the leadership of Louis Joseph de Rosius. The Margraviate is known for its ability to create job opportunities and is specialised in the forging of weaponry and thus trading it. County of Veletzia The County of Veletzia is ruled by the House of Sarkozic, with Heinrik Sarkozic acting as the Count of Veletzia. The Veletzians take great pride in their Raevir heritage, with a large number of their citizens having a connection to the old Duchy of Adria and its lands. Their culture and traditions also closely follow that of the old Adrians, and the County is always seeking more people who wish to live the Raevir life to join them. Currently, the Veletzians reside next to the Aaunic Kingsroad, with a new home for them being built as you read this. The County is also home to the Host of St. Arpad, a group of Raevir soldiers who are lead by Lord Jan Ivanovich. The Host takes pride in their sense of brotherhood and unity, with them wandering adventures around Almaris on a regular basis. Most of the Host’s soldiers are of Raevir descent, though all are welcome to join. Viscounty of Hohengarten The Viscounty of Hohengarten bases itself on its Waldenian, particularly Reinmaren culture. It is a peerage held by a new family, the von Augustens. The founding couple, being of the Bishops of Haense, and the Orennian family d’Azor. Hohengarten sits high in the Arentanian Alps; its towers and vineyards being that of breathtaking beauty. The Viscounty, currently held by Cosima von Augusten, takes pride in their policies of tolerance, acceptance, and unity within their court. Taking in any of need, and offering a place to call their own. V. Culture The culture of Aaun is rather mixed, caused by the multitude of vassals and people originating from different lands coming to call Aaun their homeland. While most of the Aaunic people consider themselves Heartlanders and follow the traditions and ways fitting for their people, Aaun also has large Waldenian and Raevir minorities, with the Waldenians residing in Minitz, Velen and Merryweather, while the Raevir have settled mostly in the County of Veletzia. Among the Kingdom’s Heartlanders are the Auvergnians, living at the Margraviate of Haute-Epine. While the Aaunic people are differentiated by their traditions and ways, they are all united in their undying faith to GOD and His Canonist Church. During the Kingdom of Oren and the Harvest Confederacy, a large minority of Canonists following the Owynist sect existed, but now that following has been reduced greatly, though still existing to some decree. The Aaunic people don't have a universal dress code nor any common treats and drinks that can be found in every corner of the Kingdom, with each dressing and eating that which belongs to their own culture. While Aaun is extremely multicultural, every citizen of Aaun is still united in their wish for peace and stability for the Heartlands, as well as brotherhood and unity under the Crown and Charter. VI. Getting settled at Aaun A map of the Aaunic heartlands and the Kingsroad from Eastport to the ruined city of Vienne. Interested in taking part and maybe becoming a citizen of the United Kingdom? Well, it’s your lucky day! Aaun has a large variety of different hubs, each offering something a little bit different. While each land owns their own levy, court and councils, here’s a few suggestions where to head in regards to what intrigues you! While there are some potential candidates listed down below, they aren’t all! If any questions arise, please send a letter to Johann Barclay [Frymark], and you’ll be settled in Aaun in no time. Below, a list of contacts would be attached for those in need of such; Principality of Alstreim - Prince Ottomar Alstreim [Meleutherius] Duchy of Minitz - Duke Leon Barclay [GoodGuyMatt2k] Theoderic’s Warband - Chieftain Siegfried Barclay [StillAMiniguy] Margraviate of Velen - Margrave Leopold von Reuss [Optimus420] Host of St. Arpad - Jan Ivanovich [Optimus420] Margraviate of Haute-Epine - Louis Joseph [sashimichopped] County of Veletzia - Heinrik Sarkozic [Beamon4] Viscounty of Hohengarten - Cosima von Augusten [Frank_Dog]

[!] The following letter would be nailed beneath the missive sent by the Prince of Sedan, while also being delivered to the Prince personally. To the Prince of Sedan, Greetings, Prince Frederick. Your recent letter regarding the presumed actions conducted by your uncle, Prince Louis have certainly come as a surprise to each good Canonist, including our King and his Royal Council. What he has done and plans to do we cannot say, so let me be clear to you, my brother in faith, of what we do know. There has been no discussion of your uncle’s ascension into our realm’s nobility, nor any whispers or plans of such. By all accounts, Prince Louis is a free man and can do as he wishes, so if he himself decides to pursue peerage in our realm, we will not be stopping such. Let our realm also give your’s our word, under the eyes of GOD, that while an Alstion reigns in the Heartlands, the Hero-City of Haverlock and its lands will remain as the only thing suitable for such a place; a memory of sacrifice, courage and loyalty. In addition, If an Aaunic citizen has broken the laws and edicts of Sedan, we welcome the Principality to meet with us to discuss the terms of mutual extradition and continuing of good relations between two Canonist Princes. God be with you and your people. BY THE WILL OF AAUN, On behalf of the King, his Council and the peerage, His Excellency, Johann Ritter Barclay von Freimark, Royal Marshal of Aaun, Knight-Commander of Minitz, Royal Representative of the King

Aus Einigkeit Kraft ON THE VANDER CODE A Study on the Vander Code and the definition of a Vander The Vander code has existed for centuries, since the earliest inceptions of the legendary Order of St. Lucien itself. For long, the Code was everything to men who would call themselves Waldenian, and its teachings were held to as closely as the Holy Scrolls themselves. Yet, the Code has fallen into obscurity. Its teachings are now regarded as merely words on a paper, a memory of the lost glories and ways of old. For us to be able to restore the Code, we must first explore it and define what the Code wishes of us. Why do Vanders fight? To fear the Creator and maintain His Church A vander must never disrespect or doubt GOD almighty, his Canonist Church, his scrolls, his High Pontiff. They must never seek to undermine the Holy Mother Church, nor support those who would. In addition, they must never father Bastards or be in acceptance of those who would do such. To serve the Liege Lord in valour and faith A Vander shan’t ever rebel nor undermine his Liege, who he has given his word of Loyalty. While such can be easily seen as the code’s meaning, can the phrase ‘’In Valour and faith’’ also be interpreted as the Vander only being obliged to serve and follow his Liege when the Liege acts justly and is pious. To refrain from the wanton giving of offense The Vander shall hold his tongue and hand in anything that can be considered cruel, unjust or uncalled for. They must have a clear mind and be able to act with care and precision. To live by honor and for glory Their lives should be headed by acts of honor and never fall into acts of dishonor or injustice. Their goal in life should be to gain glory for themselves, their family, other Vanders and the greater Waldenic culture. To despise pecuniary reward A Vander’s actions should never be commanded by the promise of temporary reward, such as titles, coin or pleasure. A Vander's actions should be headed by the promise of the Seven Skies, and of the memory of justice, honor, glory and righteousness. To obey those placed in authority A Vander shan’t ever disobey commands and directives of those who are above him. To guard the honor of fellow Vanders As is the way of Knights, a Vander must always stand guard and be ready to protect the honor of their comrades, if it ever be under question, for if the honor of one Vander and Waldenian is brought under question, so is the honor of us all. To keep faith Not only to the GOD and his Church, but never to question the word of another Vander and fall into despair. To at all times speak the truth Truth can never be hidden, and a Vander should know this. They must at all times be honest and true to their word, or be damned for eternity. To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun Once a quest or a promise is embarked and acted upon, the Vander shant rest or give up until he has completed his task. To not see promises completed creates shame and distrust. To never refuse a challenge from an equal If there ever comes a time when a challenge is issued against the Vander by one matching or surpassing his status, the Vander must see that it is met accordingly. To not do such shall forever shame the Vander and his companions as cowards. To never turn back upon a foe Us Waldenians are not cowards. A Vander must always remain in the fight and never run, for he who runs is shamed and dishonored. Such are the words of the Code, by which us all should abide. The natural question that rises when discussing the Code though, is who defines when one has become a Vander? Usually, it is trusted upon the person himself to follow the Code and once he sees fitting, call himself a Vander. I do not believe such to be proper in modern times, though. The duty of defining Vanders should rest with the Lord Vandalore, who himself must at all times adhere to the Code fully and perfectly. If someone is to ever break the Code, should they be stripped of the honor of calling themselves a Vander, and be punished with other measures fitting his act of dishonor and crime. The Electors of the Waldenic Diet should also always be in adherence to the Code, and I suggest the temporary removal of an Electorate or the change of the Electorate’s representative, if the current one fails to adhere to the Code and breaks it. We speak too often of times of glory and how righteous and just our ancestors were. It is time to put away the memories of old, and restore them to reality. This duty belongs to every Waldenian and Vander, even you. GOTT MIT UNS, Herr Ludwig von Alstreim

"A disgrace." The Marshal spat on the ground upon having read the missive

"I dont think they liked it, Matthew.." The Marshal of Aaun grumbled to his assistant while walking over to his bed to give his favourite Charlie I plushie a tight hug.

A DREAM OF UNITY AND PEACE 10th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1897 TO OUR BROTHERS IN FAITH, BLOOD AND CULTURE Peace and stability. That was our wish, as we set our course for the formation of our Kingdom. It was the wish of our Aaunic Lords, and of the people of the Heartlands. Our homes have been ravaged by war, tyrants and destruction for more than a decade. Our wish - Our only wish was to see integrity, peace, stability, and sovereignty restored to our Kingdom. That is the truth, and the only truth. Yet, we have been betrayed. Our people, not wishing for more than to harvest the year’s crop, to sing with their beloved ones and to see their Kingdom grow, have been betrayed by those across the border in Petra, who we for long hoped to consider our brothers and sisters both in arms and faith, with whom we only recently signed an alliance, having turned against us. Today, we received word of a secret meeting between the rulers of Petra, Haense and Balian. We of course have nothing against such, but it is the contents of this meeting that make GOD Himself weep. For within this meeting, justifying it with the lie that Aaun seeks to restore the Empire of Oren, Petra called for a declaration of war against our United Kingdom. But yet more heinous still, they suggested the kidnapping of members from each of our noble families, who have done nothing to strike tension or hurt, in a cowardly bid to force us to surrender our sovereignty. But they don’t plot these wretched things out of any genuine concern of an Empire. Neither I, my people nor my King seek to restore Oren. Indeed, we so recently fought against Frederick the Usurper to destroy it, many of us, including our King, having already bled alongside Haense against the Anathemata, Philip III. And we have sought war with no one, offering treaties to all Canonist realms, including Petra, who have returned our offer to renew our alliance with this threat of conquest. No, it is not we who wish to reform Oren, but the warmongers of Petra, the ones you break bread with, the ones who urge you to plunge your realms into fire and blood so that they may form a new Novellen Empire from the ashes. Ever since the fall of the Kingdom, they have housed the remnants of Frederick’s regime, and now it seems they wish to burn the Heartlands to avenge him and reform his realm. If none of the words we have ever said have stuck to you, my brothers in Faith who me and mine bled and died in our fight for GOD against the Anathema of Oren, hear this. We are GOD-fearing, GOD-loving folk. We have allowed the Holy Mother Church to test our populace, soldiers and lords, and we house no darkspawn, no Ibleesi traitors, no enemies of yours. We wish for no war, no destruction, no decay nor Empire. Our only wish is peace, integrity and sovereignty, and those alone. But most important of all, it breaks our heart to see our people, who have done nothing to attract your wrath, come under threat once more. GOTT MIT UNS, On behalf of our King and our People, whose only wish is peace, Johann Barclay, Knight-Commander of Minitz and Royal Marshal of Aaun

THE TRIALS OF THE ORDER The Order’s trials are designed to push the Squire to their utmost borders, while also making sure that no training is negated and that only those who truly deserve such are to be oathed into the Order. There will be 10 trials, each supervised by the squire’s own Knight or the Herrenmeister. The Trial of Loyalty: The Squire shall complete the Reinmaren trials under the guidance of the Chieftain, whereafter they will be blood oathed as a Reinmaren, and may choose a new name if they so wish. The Trial of Faith: The Squire shall embark on the Pilgrimage of St. Tylos, where upon its conclusion they will be rebaptized under the eyes of GOTT, their earlier sins washed away as they pledge to a life of piety and honor. The Trial of Honor: The Squire shall travel to two of the Waldenian settlements of his own choosing. There, he will complete a task bequeath upon him by the Lord of said settlement. The Squire must not gain any personal gain from the task. The Trial of Strength: The Squire shall train in the arts of combat, whereafter they will be challenged by a Knight of random choosing. The Squire must fairly beat the Knight once in both combat and archery. The Trial of the Steed: The Squire shall train in the arts of horsemanship and jousting, whereafter they will be challenged to a joust and a horse race by a Knight of random choosing. The Squire must fairly beat the Knight once in both. The Trial of Hospitality: The Squire shall help and guide a person previously unknown to them, whether this be in settling to the Grafschaft or providing them assistance in a matter they require and is just. The Trial of Justice: The Squire shall oversee a trial under either a Knights or the Lawspeakers supervision. The Trial of Courage: The Squire will be subjected to something that they are afraid of, and they must overcome it alone. The Trial of Humility: The Squire shall not once during his time under the Order take pecuniary reward or embark on a dishonorable guest that would benefit them. The Trial of Celibacy: The Squire shall not once during their time under the Order commit acts of fornication, and they shall bear nor father no bastards. GOTT MIT UNS, FÜR DEN GRAF, KÖNIG UND DES WALDENISCH VOLKE, Seine Exzellenz, Johann Ritter von Barclay, KST, der Herrenmeister Orden des Heiligen Tylos der Hengst von Reinmar

The Reinmaren Knight offered a prayer to his namesake, Blessed Johann, to guide his kinsmen through yet another conflict. A small smile formed on Johann's face as the cloudy sky began to depart from the sun's way as he finished his prayers, thereafter going to fetch his newly polished armour and his sharpened sword from his squires. @Capt_Chief26@Sarven @TotallyNotSaint

Aus Einigkeit Kraft MEMORIES OF WALDENIA Chapter I: Of Folklore and Legends FOREWORD Greetings, reader! The Memories of Waldenia were first published in the Book of Waldenia, but I found them to be rather short and poorly describing the long and rich history of our culture. So, I took it upon myself to travel across the Waldenian realms, hearing and recording many tales, poems and legends along my way, from the eldest of our brothers and sisters. I will be publishing my recordings in three chapters, which together will form the book to be known as Memories of Waldenia, which I hope to be another addition to the Great Book, written by Princes Johann and Ulrich. It is to be noted though, that many of the writings in these three Chapters have only been passed from generation to generation by word of mouth and there may be differentiating versions or parts that some might have heard told differently. Nevertheless, I hope this writing sheds some more light to the history of our people, and if anyone wishes to tell a tale of their own, passed to them by their sires or grandsires, they may contact me at their earliest convenience. Gott Mit Uns, Herr Ludwig von Alstreim DIE BLUTIGE DAME VOM AESTERWALD The Bloody Lady of Aesterwald The first tale I was told takes us back to the long-forgotten times of Aesterwald, which you might remember was almost utterly destroyed by the vile attack of a group of blood mages, which sought to sacrifice the entire Aesterwaldian populace. According to the tale, a single woman survived the explosion and remained in the ruins after the exodus of the other surviving Waldenians. This woman, who had left her home right before the attack, wandered the ruins before arriving next to her old - now destroyed home, which had become a pile of rubble. Desperately, she attempted to dig out her children from under the rubble and ash, but to no avail. The tale says, that hundreds of years later, as the expedition led by King Corwin von Alstreim made camp next to the ruins of Aesterwald, a group of men who went to patrol the ruins could hear a faint, sobbing sound coming from one of the collapsed buildings, the sound resembling a ballad with a tongue they could not comprehend. It began to rain as the men made closer, and fithin the fog and rain, in front of the building they could see a very faint humanoid form, its arms wrapped around its knees in despair. It is said that if any man tries to venture close to the collapsed house, they can hear the Bloody Lady’s singing growing and see its form rising up, as if guarding the resting place of her children. DER RATTENFÄNGER VON BORIËNWALD The Pied Piper of Boriënwald There are many tales used to warn children of not following strangers, but perhaps the most famous one is the tale of the Pied Piper. The legend says that in the ancient town of Boriënwald, the children would love to gather around a Piper, wearing a multicolored dress, who used to play his tunes to the children. One day though, children would suddenly start to disappear in the town, and rumors said that after his displays, the Pied Piper would start to play a different tune with his pipe, and this would attract children, who would begin to follow the Pied Piper. The more child friendly version of the tale says that once the children were ruled away, they would enter into a land with only vegetables and no treats or playtime! … But in truth, they were most likely consumed by a frost mage, or some other Ibleesi serving scum. DER GNÄDIGE UND DER UNGNÄDIGE WIRT The gracious and the ungracious host The Waldenians are known for their hospitality, among other things, but did you know there exists a story for where our hospitality comes from? A long, long time ago, a stranger walked through the cold northern lands, hungry and freezing. The stranger came to a pause next to a mighty Raevir castle, where the Lord of the castle was holding a grand feast, with the joy, music and warmth echoing across the barren lands. The stranger asked for entry, but was refused, for he was not of noble blood, unfitting to enter into a Lord’s feast. The stranger continued on his journey, until he came to a small farmer’s hut, which was owned by a Waldenian family of eight. The farmer explained how he did not have much for the stranger, but would still share a meal with him. The stranger ate and slept, until the next day before leaving told the farmer, “For your kindness and hospitality, may your fields be plenty with wheat, and may no drought, heat or cold kill your crops for a hundred years.” And so it was, the farmer and his descendants would have a plentiful harvest for the next century, while the castle’s Lord’s harvest would feel the weather’s wrath. AUFDENSTILZCH DER KLEINE Aufdenstilzch the Little Aufdenstilzch’s origin is quite unclear, but well, what wouldn’t be in a writing such as this. Anyways, Aufdenstilzch always appeared as a little man with a beard and a very deep voice, usually wearing a green tunic and a red homburg. His stature was small, hence the name. It is unclear whether he was a dwarf, a halfling or an imp, but most seem to agree that he was in fact an imp. The story goes that Aufdenstilzch was like a ghost or a spirit, few ever saw him, but his presence could be felt as he made noises in the dark, or broke plates and other furniture, or when he beat two pans together, waking the entire House. But whenever someone tried to catch him, they only got a glimpse of his red homburg before he had already disappeared. However, one night a local guardsman managed to capture Aufdenstilzch, but instead of jailing or killing him, the guard promised to let Aufdenstilzch go, only if the imp would steal the key to the city’s treasury from the Treasurer. Aufdenstilzch accepted, and the next day he brought the Treasury’s key to the guardsman. The guardsman managed to rob the treasury, but for the remainder of his days, he could hear Aufdenstilzch sneaking around his house, making noises and whispering of theft and treachery. DIE LEGENDE DES BOREALIS-WALDES The Legend of the Borealis Forest During the times of the Westerlands, there reigned a Lord of a small keep, inhabiting a section of the Borealis forest. The Lord was cruel and sinful, enjoying the ways of gluttony, inactivity and torture in opposition to the rest of the Westerlandian Lords. His ways were known to the local populace, and one day, the Father of the local church had had enough of the Lord’s sinful ways. The Father made his way to the Lord’s court, where he proclaimed that unless the Lord renounced his sinful ways and pledged his levies to the fight against the undead, his family and holdings would be forgotten to history and swallowed by the earth. The Lord in response, had the Father executed for supposed High Treason. After this, the forest around the Lord’s keep kept growing uncontrollably, soon encompassing the keep’s gates and windows. Any attempts to leave were thwarted by the thick forest. It is said that the Lord ate himself to death, all the while the forest around him swallowed his keep and family. DAS SCHICKSAL EINES BLUTSVERRÄTERS The fate of a blood traitor There exists the phrase; “No Waldenian shall spill the blood of another Waldenian.” To our luck, these words have held true for decades, but it always wasn’t so. Once upon a time, there existed two brothers, not of blood but of arms and culture. They had grown together, played together, but by the whim of destiny, the two eventually found themselves on the opposite sides of a brutal war. They faced each other on the field of battle, but one of the brothers would not wish to fight against his brother. He evaded and parried, not once making an attempt to strike at his brother, who instead kept on charging at him. Eventually, his strength would leave him and he was struck down. For his act of treachery, the remaining brother would be cursed to wander through that field of battle, never able to stop, with the memories of their lost childhood playing in front of him. EIN WICHTEL UND EIN ZAHN A Imp and a Tooth Beware, children, for there is a tale of a child who didn't brush his teeth, and it is not a kind one. One day, a young boy noticed how his teeth had fallen off. Excited, he showed it to his mother, who placed the teeth in a jar … Which was a habit, for some reason, anyways. During the night, the boy woke up to a sound of someone sneaking in the kitchen. The boy rose up and went to see what the noise was all about, and in his shock he saw a small, plump man in a green tunic and a red hat observing his tooth, murmuring something to himself. The plump man then suddenly turned to the boy with a hiss! “It is dirty! It needs to be clean! Clean, I say!” And with that, the plump man just seemed to disappear.. Next day as the boy woke up, he noticed that the tooth seemed to have never left his mouth. As he went to observe the jar, it was gone from there also, but the boy could see small footsteps in the snow leading from the house to the forest.. From that day on, the boy washed his teeth properly, and no teeth ever again reappeared in his mouth! DER BRÄUTIGAM IM MONDLICHT The Groom in the Moonlight First off, it is important to make some clarifications. In old Reinmaren times, a horse groom would be a man who had been taught and had mastered the ways of horsemanship and horse care. Although the Reinmaren were distinguished by their horsemanship and pure number of horses, one man stood out from the rest, named Hermann Baier, who acted as Groom to the Chief of the Reinmaren. Long after Hermann’s death, one Reinmaren horse groomer would earn the nickname of ‘Geist-Hermann’, meaning the Spirit of Hermann, as he followed in the footsteps of the old Reinmaren horse groomer. One night, a raiding party attacked the Reinmaren village, with a battle raging on for days. Geist-Hermann, incapable of fighting, instead fell to his knees before a statue of the old Hermann Baier, muttering a silent prayer. Suddenly, the moon’s light brightened to a flash, and a figure stood there before the statue. The figure had long, blond hair, and the mightiest of war steeds Geist-Hermann had ever seen. The figure charged the bandit lines, with none being a match to his mighty steed. Soon after the bandits fled the field, and the townsfolk turned to look at their savior. The figure extended a faint smirk to them, before a flash of blinding moonlight engulfed the town, taking the mysterious rider with it.

For a moment, a spark ignited on Johann's eyes as he finally thought he could offer Hieran tea. That clint of hope quickly turned into a deep frown as he realised Hieran wasn't dead, but instead on his well earned retirement the Prince so wished he himself could've had. One day ... He thought and placed the tea cup away.

Next to the Ruthern, Johann Barclay, the previous Lord Marshal of the Brotherhood displayed a faint alongside his ancient predecessor.

DIE FEST VON BRANDTHOF The festival of Brandthof https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvaawR5oBs AN ALLE REICHE UND VÖLKER DIESER WELT, With the settling of the Waldenians of Minitz to their new homeland coming to a end, the time has come for the sons and daughters to finally lay down their swords and hoes for a moment, and celebrate the good fortunes casted down on them by GOTT. By the turning of the year, after harvest has been gathered, the first of many festivals will be held in the town of Brandthof, with all friends and allies of Minitz welcomed to gather and celebrate the plentiful decade. The day shall consist of the following, with information of each event being provided on the spot - each also possessing monetary prizes for the winners! I. Waldenian stumble lads II. Joust of the Stallion III. a grand Reinmaren boat race IV. Feast of the tribe While all peaceful residents of the Harvest Confederacy and our respective allies are welcome, personal invitations are extended to the following; Her Princely Grace, Johanna Barclay, and the House of Barclay His Highness, Heinrich von Alstreim, and the House of Alstreim Herr Adrian von Audrick, and the House of Audrick Herr Helwig von Bardenwig, and the House of Bardenwig Herr Ariovistan Bishop, and the House of Bishop Herr Ludwig Junker, and the House of Junker His Lordship, Hannes de Vilain, and the citizen of Acre. The Regent of the Commonwealth, Paul Salivan, and the citizens of the Commonwealth His Highness, Charlie Alstion, and the men of Alstion GOTT MIT UNS, Johann Ritter von Freimark KST, der Herrenmeister Orden des Heiligen Tylos der Hengst von Reinmar Seine Hochgeboren, Siegfried Barclay, Herr Regent von Minitz, Chieftain of Theoderic’s Warband

DIE REGENTSCHAFT ÜBERNEHMEN Declaration of Regency https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhOvUcZA5JA SÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON MINITZ, Following the disappearance of the previous Viscount of Minitz, Dietrich Barclay, has Sir Leon Barclay, the Graf of Minitz decided to embark on a pilgrimage to the long-forgotten city of Kalden - the same one his ancestor, Brandt Barclay ventured to in the search of the bones of Saint Tylos. While the Graf embarks on his quest to search for GOTT’s way and light, a regent will be needed for the growing Grafschaft, who will see that Minitz stays stable and prosperous. Thus, with the will of Graf Leon Barclay, SIEGFRIED BARCLAY, THE CHIEFTAIN OF THEODERIC’S WARBAND Is to serve as the Herr Regent of Minitz, executing the Graf’s will. GOTT MIT UNS, Seine Hochgeboren, Siegfried Barclay, Herr Regent von Minitz, Chieftain of Theoderic’s Warband Seine Hochgeboren, Leon Brandt Ritter Barclay von Minitz KRE, Ernte Herr, Graf Minitz, Burggraf Tucay, Freiherr Boriënwald, Herr Brandthof und Durres

Hello. I am constructing a study. Please inform me if your current place of residence is inside the borders of Greater Finland. Please and thank you. -Frymark, a concerned finnish citizen

Aus Einigkeit Kraft THE BOOK OF WALDENIA Compiled by the Waldenian People FOREWORD The Waldenian people and the cultural heritage they carry has endured for centuries, evolving with the winds of time, while also staying true to their roots. The records of this culture and history, though, have not been sufficiently recorded for the longest time. Königreichs have risen and fallen, Vandalores have reigned and returned to dust, many without the chronicles of history remembering them. This is the tale of the Waldenian people. From the times of Aesterwald to the resurgence of Waldenian presence and the restoration of the Waldenic Diet. Here the culture, history, traditions and ways of the Waldenians are recorded: in the book of Waldenia. CHAPTERS I. Waldenian Origins --> Origins of the Waldenians --> Waldenians over time II. Waldenian History --> Timeline of Aesterwald --> Timeline of Vandoria --> Timeline of the Westerlands --> Timeline of Sutica --> The Waldenic Restoration III. The Waldenic Diet --> Vandalores of the past --> The Waldenian Electorate IV. Traditions & values --> Waldenian Democracy --> Faith in GOTT --> Gatherings of the Waldenians --> Family --> Accent --> Sacred Law of Waldenia --> Breaking bread --> Vander Code V. Traits & attire --> Appearance and traits --> Waldenian fashion VI. Subcultures --> Reinmaren --> Aschenwalder VII. Memories of Waldenia --> Hymn of Aesterwald --> Return to the Westerlands --> Knights of the Vandalore I. Waldenian Origins Origins of the Waldenians It is important to clarify what exactly it means to be a ‘Waldenian’ or a ‘Vander’. The true meanings behind some of these names are often misremembered and therefore used incorrectly, if at all. Some of the information which inspired this section is based on a famous publication of Ser Arminius von Aesterwald, titled the ‘Culture of the Waldenians’. The term Waldenian was first used to describe people originating from the lands of Aesterwald, where the term itself has first come to use. In modern times, one does not need to possess Aesterwalder ancestry to be considered a Waldenian - though many can still trace their roots to it. Today's Waldenians are people who follow the Waldenian traditions, ways, speak the Waldenian tongue and have the blood of at least one Waldenian, Hanseti or Kaedreni ancestor coursing through their veins. The term Vander instead is used to describe men who are wholly devoted to the Vander Code and its principles. These men are often in the direct service of the Lord Vandalore, and do everything in their power to live a pure, holy life as stated by the Vander Code. While most Vanders are of Waldenian origins, blood and culture, being a Vander does not necessarily require such. The term Vandorian has generally fallen into disuse, but can still be heard among the older Waldenian populace. This term is used for men who claim ancestry from the proto-Hanseti tribes of Vandor and their first Chieftain, Rovyk. Vandorians are usually described to have inherited the traits of Chieftain Rovyk, such as blonde hair and blue eyes. Waldenians Over Time The Waldenian people have changed much through the ages. While their culture, ways and their devotion to the Vander Code stays much the same, the definition of what it precisely means to be a Waldenian has changed drastically over time. One was first considered Waldenian by living in an extant Waldenian state, such as Vandoria or Aesterwald; today one is considered a Waldenian not based on one’s residence or allegiance, but one family's traditions and ways of life just as much as their origins. The Waldenian people’s animosity towards Raevir has also changed, and no longer do most Waldenians consider Raevir as their immortal enemies, but choose to live among them. The same could be said for the Vander Code itself. While during the early histories of Aesterwald and Vandoria, the Vander Code was considered a sacred path and way of life, today the code is more-so regarded as a guideline. Many Waldenians learn the code and try to adopt its ways, but the calling of one who does fully abide by it ‘’Vander’’ has practically not been done for centuries. The enforcing of the code by the Lord Vandalore has also become more relaxed and Lord Vandalores themselves no longer require absolute allegiance and obedience from the Waldenian people, but more-so serve the Waldenian people, by the will of the Waldenian people. II. Waldenian History Timeline of Aesterwald The Apostolic Kingdom of Aesterwald, or Königreich Aesterwald in Waldenian, was one of the first and largest Waldenian states ever to exist in modern history. Aesterwald’s roots can be traced from the Order of St. Lucien and the House of Rovin, which would become the only Royal House of the Apostolic Kingdom. The Order of St. Lucien was formed by Jack and Voron Rovin by the request of High Pontiff Lucien II, who sought help from the Rovins to create an order which would protect the weakened Holy Mother Church from both internal and external threats. The Rovins agreed, and the legendary Order of St. Lucien was born with Jack Rovin at the helm as its first Grandmaster. The Order would go on to fight in numerous wars and campaigns. The defining moment for the Order came during the battle of Savoie Fields, in which the Order of St. Lucien successfully drove back the Raevir horde, earning a decisive victory over them. Their ally, King Heinrik of Oren, perished in the battle, leaving Oren without a clear successor. This opportunity would be seized by a man known as Franz Carrion, who in an attempt to get himself crowned brought a priest up to the throne, dressing him up as High Pontiff and having the false Pontiff coronate him. Jack Rovin, being present at the event, refused to allow this evident schism and apostasy to take place, and demanded that both the false Pontiff and Franz are arrested for their crimes. Together with rebels from Franz’s own ranks, Jack Rovin orchestrated an attack on the Carrion stronghold, where Franz Carrion would be executed by one of his own rebel bannerman. The Order of Saint Lucien along with the rest of the rebels would then pledge themselves to Peter Chivay, who had been prophesied to become a new Emperor of Mankind. The Rovin’s loyalties were rewarded with the Margraviate of Vanderfell, which was granted to Voron Rovin for his service in the Imperial Army. The Empire the Rovins had pledged themselves to, however, proved to be a part of the eternal cycle of Oren. In a coup supported by the Imperial Army, House Chivay would be overthrown and House Carrion declared Emperors of Mankind. This turn of events proved to be the final straw for Jack and Voron, who would, after a lengthy discussion, declare that Vanderfell would no longer be a part of the Empire, instead becoming the independent Apostolic Kingdom of Aesterwald. Jack Rovin was crowned as the King of Vanders, taking on the regnal name Frederick I, King of Aesterwald. Aesterwald would grow to be one of the strongest and largest realms of Athera, claiming for themselves the northern reaches of the continent. The Apostolic Kingdom partook in many wars, many of which they emerged triumphant in. After four years of reigning, King Jack Rovin would be killed by poison, and his son, Voron Rovin would then ascend the throne as the second King of Vanders and Aesterwald. Voron Rovin’s most notable achievement as King was not just the continued spreading and growth of Vander ideology and the Waldenian people, but also the creation of a large, multi-national alliance consisting of all Descendant races to combat the growing power of Iblees. While this alliance was a miracle in itself, its creation and maintenance took its toll on King Voron, who soon died of an unknown disease, leaving the throne to his son, now King Arn Rovin. Unlike his predecessor, King Arn would prove to be a catastrophical King for Aesterwald. His reign was constantly plagued by bandits, and the young Rovin even attempted a schism to purify the Church he saw as being controlled by the Raevir - much to the irony of how his ancestors had stopped the schism of Franz. The attempted schism would cost King Arn dearly, and he’d lose most of his allies along with the morale of Aesterwaldian soldiers dropping considerably. The final nail in the coffin for Aesterwald was an incursion by a host of blood-mages, who attempted to sacrifice the entire populace in a perverse ritual. The brutal fighting with the blood-mages ended when Vanderfell, the capital of Aesterwald vanished in a massive magical explosion, killing a huge portion of Waldenians and Vanders who did not manage to escape in time, along with King Arn disappearing and presumed dead. It is said that the Waldenian populace has not to this day recovered from the loss of Aesterwald. Königs of Aesterwald Bl. Jack Rovin | 1469-1474 Voron Rovin | 1474-c. 1482 Arn Rovin | c. 1482-1492 Timeline of Vandoria After the destruction of Aesterwald, the remaining devastated Waldenian populace migrated south, to the Caliphate of Khalestine. There they made their home, spreading the Vander ideology to the people of Khalestine, and most notably Nafis Yar, who was tutored by the Vanders on the ways of their Code. In the year of our Lord, 1524, Nafis Yar became the first Lord Vandalore of the modern era, and assumed leadership over the Aesterwalder remnants, strictly abiding by the Vander Code and believing that all in the Caliphate should do the same. The birth of Vandoria itself happened in 1537, when Nafis Yar abdicated the title of Vandalore to his pupil, Decimus Rovin. Seeing a Rovin lead them again, the Aesterwalder remnants formally united with the Caliphate of Khalestine, resulting in the birth of the Apostolic Königreich of Vandoria, with the Apostolic König Decimus Rovin at its helm. Decimus Rovin ruled Vandoria well, growing the Königreich to one of the continent's great powers. Five years after his coronation, however, The König disappeared. It was declared by Decimus Rovin that his heir would be a man called Abil Mekheal. He was thought not well-liked among the Vandorian nobility, and a man by the name of Harold Winter was instead able to gain the support of many noble houses; after a clash with Abil, he became the second König of Vandoria and Lord Vandalore. König Harold, as a result of fears of a Orenian invasion, entered into a union with the Kingdom of Urguan, forming the nation known as Grand Empire of Vanderguan. This union was extremely disliked by both the Waldenian nobility and populace, who saw it as a breach of their Vander Code and a crime against the Mother Church. Many of these men and women who disliked Harold left Vanderguan to Oren, while by the order of Harold Winter those who remained and were not strictly loyal to him were burned at the stake. Nafis Yar saw this as unacceptable and returned to Vanderguan, leading the rebellion known as the Qalasheen Spring. The situation quickly turned sour for Harold and in a desperate attempt to salvage it, he challenged Nafis Yar to a duel. Nafis would prove victorious, and with Harold and his Grand Empire dead at his feet, Nafis declared himself Lord Vandalore once more and Lord Protector of Vandoria, reigning for three years before supposedly having been assassinated, but in actuality having left Vandoria to make a journey to Aeldin. What followed was practically a coup of Vandoria by the House of Horen. In his will, Nafis Yar had stated that Godfrey de Krinford would succeed him as Lord Protector, acting in the role until the young Leopold of Marna came of age to become the König of Vandoria. Instead of following Nafis’ will, Godfrey imprisoned Leopold of Marna and forced the young boy to give the Königreich to him. Godfrey was then crowned as John Godfrey of House Horen, König of Vandoria and Lord Vandalore. Godfrey ruled the Kingdom for one and a half decade, but it all would come crashing down at the event known as the Red Feast. While holding a feast in Vandoria’s capital, Ard Ghorrock, a large raiding party infiltrated the city and slaughtered many of those present at the celebration. The event had a devastating impact on both the Königreich and Godfrey himself, who underwent a cycle of paranoia and seclusion for years, before finally abdicating and making his son, John Leopold Horen, the König. John’s reign would see the end of Vandoria. He inherited the Königreich in its worst state, filled with distrust, decay and corruption. Not even a mere year after becoming König, John’s position would be challenged by Ashruf Kaneen, Sultan of Sharaff. Coming from the lines of Qalasheen who ruled the old state of Khalestine, Ashruf declared himself Sultan of Vandoria with the help of some of Vandoria’s vassals and provinces, sending a letter demanding that John surrender the Königreich to him. John, knowing that his end was near, ventured to the Holy Orenian Empire, asking its Emperor for help. The Empire accepted to help Vandoria but the state was to be made a subject of the Imperial Crown and demoted to a Principality. John agreed, and together the Imperial and remaining Vandorian loyalist forces were able to repel the Sultanate and their rebel allies. While Vandoria still stood, it did not stand tall. Many of its vassals, Vanders and soldiers had either died or left the now-Principality, with no new residents coming in. Vandoria was ended with the destruction of Vailor and Ard Ghorrock. While the Waldenian people did migrate to the Isles of Axios, Vandoria was not reformed there until Leopold of Marna’s return, him having been set free with the events of the Red Feast. Leopold eventually regained the title of King of Vandoria from Emperor Philip I of Oren, but this ended up being only a titular honor as Leopold instead formed the Kingdom of the Westerlands to combat the undead threat. Königs of Vandoria Decimus Rovin | 1537-1542 Harold Winter IV | 1542-1544 St. Nafis Yar (As Lord Protector) | 1544-1547 John Godfrey Horen | 1547-1562 John Leopold Horen | 1562-1575 Timeline of the Westerlands The history of the Westerlands can be told in a mere single word; a struggle. The men of the West, having been released from their vows to the Holy Orenian Empire in the year of our Lord 1594, went on to build their Kingdom and its capital city, Bastion, with a clear goal in mind. Their mission was the defense of humanity from the undead of the Sunless Sanctum, and it was this task they’d spend most of their time in completing. In the year of 1595, Leopold Marna, the first King of the Westerlands, embarked on a journey to the Borealis Forest, a thick concentration of woods acting as one of the only properly hospitable places in the dry, cold and barren land that the Kingdom encompassed. There, Leopold Marna began the construction of his new capital, Bastion, to act as a safe haven for both the Kingdom and the continent of Tahn from the hordes of undead. For a while, the Kingdom prospered, being able to hold the undead at bay with the help of more and more Waldenians, Vanders and other Descendants flocking under the banner of Westerlands at first. The Kingdom, however, soon began to fracture as fewer settlers poured into the Kingdom, while the undead attacks kept increasing in frequency. For reasons unknown, Leopold of Marna declared at a court session his wish to launch a Vander Crusade to help Haense against the Kingdom of Courland. This was met with a public outcry, as people of the Westerlands did not wish to fight the Courlanders at a time when the undead threat should have been the primary focus of the Kingdom. King Leopold publicly shunned those who would not join him, naming them cowards. King Leopold - along with members of his council such as Rakim Yar and a select few Vanders - would then abdicate from most of their titles, leaving the Kingdom with a fractured population in the hands of King Caius I. The young King Caius I immediately embarked on an attempt to make the Westerlands thrive again: in a public missive which he named the ‘’Caius I’s Contract With the Westerlands People’’ he proposed a five-year plan to make the Westerlands great again, introducing multiple reforms on almost all fronts, extending from economical to legislative to military ones. Caius I’s plans for a great renewed Westerlands would be cut short, however, in an attempt on his life, which left the King bedridden and on the brink of death for years. Shattered by the news of his son's fate, Leopold Marna returned to the Westerlands along with what remained of his crusading force, which were merely battered shards of its former self. There, he challenged Rakim Yar to a duel for the titles of both Lord Vandalore and King of Westerlands, a duel which Rakim won by Leopold surrendering immediately. While Caius I was still alive, Rakim Yar reigned as the King of the Westerlands, but was ultimately unable to save the Westerlands from its doom. In the year of our Lord 1608, Bastion and the rest of the Westerlands finally succumbed to the undead hordes, led by their lord Mordring, a great dragon. This was the end of the Westerlands, with Caius I presumed to have died in the assault, and Rakim Yar disappearing for decades. An attempt to harken back at Westerlander tradition was made in the aftermath of the Adelburg Coup with the formation of the Kingdom of Marna by Frederick Pius in 1638, though the politics of the feuding post-Orenian realm ensured that little importance would be placed upon any sort of long-lasting Waldenian cultural revival. In 1652, the Crown of Marna entered a union with the Kingdom of Renatus, marking its de facto annexation by its senior partner. The convocation of the First Waldenic Diet in 1686 occurred under Renatian patronage, and remained politically bound to the Renatian empire of Aurelius I. Kings of the Westerlands and Marna Leopold of Marna | 1594-1602 St. Caius I Horen | 1602-1606 Rakim Yar | 1606-1608 Frederick Pius Horen | 1638-1652 Timeline of Sutica An unprecedented political upheaval for the realms of Arcas occurred in 1762, when the traditionally Elven and pagan Free State of Sutica handed over its crown to a Waldenian. Corwin von Alstreim, an infamous Dragon Knight and the first Waldenian to set foot in the ruins of Aesterwald since the Descendant exodus from Athera, assumed leadership of Sutica as its first Canonist monarch. Alien to the native Elves, the resulting efficiency of a Waldenian-styled administration nonetheless greatly improved the state of Sutica and its international standing. The occasion marked the first time any Waldenian has become a head of state since the annexation of Marna in 1652. This development was, however, opposed by the leadership of the Holy Orenian Empire, which harbored personal grudges against King Corwin and had an interest in both subduing Sutica and forcing the Waldenic peoples of Arcas into subjugation beneath their Kaedreni counterparts, who were at the time directly ruled by the Holy Orenian Emperor as King of Kaedrin. In 1772, the Imperial secret service provoked an incident which resulted in the death of a prominent Orenian nobleman, the young master Peter Amadeus of Pompourelia, at the hands of King Corwin in a duel. The Holy Orenian Empire presented this incident as a cold-blooded murder and after several years of political maneuvering, declared war on Sutica. In response, the Alstreim Monarchy forged an anti-Orenian coalition, which under its leadership faced the Orenian legions at Hangman’s Keep and in the Whispering Woods, beating back the Orenian offensive and securing the Peace of Merryweather in 1780. Despite this victorious effort, however, Waldenian governance in Sutica was overthrown by militant pagan Elves three years later, forcing King Corwin into exile and later murdering his chosen heir, Prince Ottomar of Merryweather, in 1790. Many Sutican Waldenians either scattered or defected to the Crown of Atheran Salvus, an overseas Sutican colony which became staunchly Canonist during King Corwin’s rule and which refused to swear oaths to the pagan rebels. A notable minority stayed, integrating within the few Canonist provinces in Sutica which were willing to tolerate pagan abuse. In 1821, following decades of neglect which resulted in Sutica’s sharp decline, and an internal power struggle between the ruling Elven Uialben dynasty and their rogue underlings, the House of Alstreim acting in tandem with the House of Barclay proclaimed a Canonist uprising, hoping to swiftly restore Canonist governance in Sutica. Prince Ottomar’s sister, Lina Johanna von Alstreim, and her husband, Georg Conrad Barclay, made use of King Corwin’s generous backing to attain the loyalties of Canonist Suticans and the Crown of Atheran Salvus. The so-called Canonist Reclamation, after a tense standoff, ended in an overwhelming Alstreim-Barclay victory, and the pair acceded to the Sutican throne as co-monarchs, Georg and Johanna. This effort ensured the proliferation of Waldenians in Sutica once more. However, the royal pair was unable to overturn its decline; after King Georg’s death and the beginning of Queen Johanna’s sole rule, Sutican pagans attempted to reclaim the throne and once more install a Uialben monarch. Though the so-called Sutican Rebellion was quelled by Queen Johanna with the immeasurable help of the realm’s Canonist monarchies, most notably Haense, Sutica remained on the verge of dissolution. When Queen Johanna passed away several weeks after the rebellion’s defeat, her son and successor, Corwin II, agreed to dissolve the Kingdom in favor of the Principality of Savoy. The new polity split Sutica’s substantive titles and divided them between the Waldenian beneficiaries of Sutica, the Houses of Alstreim and Barclay. Kings of Sutica Corwin I Alstreim | 1762 - 1783 Georg Barclay | 1821-1832 Johanna Alstreim | 1821-1835 Corwin II Barclay | 1835-1850 The Waldenic Restoration The Waldenic Restoration is known as the period when a large resurgence in the activity and number of Waldenian families occurred throughout the continent of Almaris in the mid-nineteenth century. Waldenic Houses such as Alstreim, Barclay, Barclay von Freimark, Sutica, Mondblume and Bishop slowly worked their way back towards international prominence. The beginning of the Waldenic Restoration can be pinpointed to the year of 1836, when the Principality of Savoy was formed in the place of the old Commonwealth of Sutica. While Sutica itself had previously been a realm ruled by Waldenians, the fresh breath of air brought by the new Principality presented new opportunities for the Waldenian families of Alstreim and Barclay in particular, who would both gain vast lands in tenure to Savoy by the grace of Prince Olivier. As the leading Waldenian families re-emerged and became more influential, Sir Ulrich von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather, called for the convocation of the Waldenfest of 1850. There the Waldenian lords convened to reform the Waldenic Diet, appointing a cultural head of the Waldenian people - The Lord Vandalore - for the first time in almost two centuries. In addition, the promulgation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia and other cultural advancements brought forward at the Diet continued to strengthen the brotherhood and cultural unity between the Waldenian families. This period of restoration never came to a formal end, and it is said to still carry on with the efforts of the Waldenic Diet. III. The Waldenic Diet The Waldenic Diet acts as the primary cultural body of the Waldenian people. Led by the Lord Vandalore, the Diet is composed of the prominent Waldenian families of its time, each granted an Electorate with two indivisible votes each. If an upstart Waldenic family wishes to become an Electorate of the Waldenic Diet, they may petition the Lord Vandalore to address their status at the Diet’s next session. Vandalores of the Past The title of Lord Vandalore has existed for almost four hundred years. First created by Nafis Yar in the year of 1524, the position of Vandalore acted as a hereditary title of the undisputed leader of the Waldenian People, usually also leading whichever realm the Waldenian people chose as their home at the time. In the year of our Lord, 1686, Hans Rovin hosted the first Waldenfest with the Waldenian lords and patriarchs of the time to discuss the future of their people. There it was decided that the title of Lord Vandalore would no longer be hereditary, but instead an elective title alongside the Margraviate of Vanderfell. This meeting saw the birth of the First Waldenic Diet, and the resurgence of the role of Lord Vandalore as a cultural figurehead for the Waldenian people. The First Waldenic Diet was considered to be disbanded in the year of 1715 with the onset of the War of Two Emperors, and remained that way for over a hundred years until Sir Ulrich von Alstreim called for the Waldenfest of 1850 and along with the other Waldenian families formed the Second Waldenic Diet. St. Nafis Yar - 1st Lord Vandalore 1524-1537, 1544-1547 Born in the Caliphate of Khalestine, Nafis Yar was orphaned at a young age, thus becoming a ward under the House of Kharadeen. His upbringing taught the young Yar the ways of warfare, and he soon enlisted in the Caliphate’s military, earning himself a name as a brave warrior. This career path would later lead the Yar to for a short period of time become a member of the Order of St. Lucien, after which went on to form his own mercenary band known as Hallowvale Contracting. Yar is the only Vandalore in history to reign twice. After the fall of Aesterwald, a handful of Waldenian men and women had escaped to the far deserts, following a man named Faiz Kharadeen, who in turn was a follower and loyal ally of House Rovin. These men would teach Nafis the culture of the Vandorians, and the Vander Code. As things began to turn sour for the Caliphate of Khalestine in the form of elf migrants and other unfortunate events, Nafis formed for himself a following from the Waldenians who had taught him, among others, and began to pave a way for what he envisioned as a future for the nation. From this he would adopt the title of Lord Vandalore, and began to lead his people strictly by the Vander Code. After having retired to tend to his mercenary group and abdicating his title of Lord Vandalore, Nafis Yar returned with his mercenaries to wage war against the newly formed Grand Empire of Vanderguan which had taken over the Kingdom of Vandoria. After fighting a bloody rebellion known as the ‘‘Qalasheen Spring’’, Nafis became the Lord Protector and Lord Vandalore of the restored Kingdom of Vandoria. Nafis Yar was supposedly killed by members of House Kharadeen, only for it to be found out that the Vandalore had actually escaped with his family to Aeldin. This was seen as betrayal and abandonment of the Kingdom of Vandoria by some, tarnishing Nafis’ reputation. Nafis was later canonised by the Canonist Church, and is today known as Saint Nafis of Al-Dirahk. Decimus Rovin - 2nd Lord Vandalore 1537-1542 Decimus Rovin, regally known as Frederick after the Kings of Aesterwald, was the second Lord Vandalore, and can be said to have had one of the most tumultuous reigns of any Vandalore. Under the guidance of Nafis Yar, Decimus was from his earliest days intended to be the clear successor to the first Lord Vandalore, and became such as he was crowned Frederick, High Dictator of the Kingdom of Vandoria. During his reign, Decimus mainly focused on improving the trade and economy of his Kingdom, which proved to be wildly successful. Other than that, Decimus’ legacy became the ceding of Hallowvale Contracting’s - Nafis Yar’s mercenary company - lands to the Holy Orenian Empire, which angered his former mentor. Shortly after this Decimus vanished. Harold Winter IV - 3rd Lord Vandalore 1542-1544 Harold of House Winter became the 3rd Lord Vandalore after the disappearance of Decimus Rovin and a subsequent clash with Abil Mekhael, who was supposed to become the next Vandalore by the will of Decimus. Harold however was able to with the support of many Vandorian vassals able to gain the title. Harold’s reign is mostly remembered by his foreign diplomacy. After fears of a Orenian invasion, to protect Vandoria Harold entered into a union with the dwarves of Urguan, forming the Grand Empire of Vanderguan. This caused an outrage within the Vandorian population - many of whom either left for other realms or were killed for their supposed treachery. Nafis Yar, angered by this, returned from Oren to lead the Qalasheen spring rebellion against the Grand Empire, which ended in a duel between himself and Harold, with Harold lying dead at the end and Nafis Yar as the Vandalore once again. John Godfrey Horen - 4th Lord Vandalore 1547-1562 Born a bastard of House Horen, Godfrey de Krinford earned himself a name as a warrior in the Qalasheen spring and was awarded nobility in the Kingdom of Vandoria for such. After the disappearance of Nafis Yar, Godfrey was willed by the man to become the Lord Protector of Vandoria and the fourth Lord Vandalore. In addition to this, in the will of Nafis Yar it was stated that the young Leopold of Marna would succeed Godfrey after coming of age, becoming the King of Vandoria and the fifth Lord Vandalore. This however did not suit Godfrey, who imprisoned the young Leopold and forced him to give the Kingdom over to him. Soon after this, Godfrey was legitimized as John Godfrey of House Horen, becoming the fourth Lord Vandalore. Most notably in his reign, the Red Feast happened, consisting of a large sized raiding party entering Ard Ghorrock and slaughtering almost everyone inside during the feast. This caused John’s mental health to deteriorate quickly, which threw the Kingdom of Vandoria into paranoia and decay. Few years after the slaughter at the Red Feast, John Godfrey would abdicate in the favor of his eldest son, John Leopold. John Leopold Horen - 5th Lord Vandalore 1562-1575 John Leopold faced a catastrophe for the Waldenian people and the Kingdom of Vandoria. Inheriting a Kingdom on a steady decline, notable events during John’s reign were the demotion of Vandoria into a Principality under the Holy Orenian Empire, and the rebellion instigated by the Sultan Ashruf Kaneen. While John was able to keep the Sultanate from taking over the entirety of Vandoria, he was only able to do so with the Empire’s help. At the end of his reign, John had lost the Vandorian military, most of his vassals and his home of Ard Ghorrock as the descendants moved from Vailor to the Isles of Axios. Leopold of Marna - 6th Lord Vandalore 1575-1607 After having been imprisoned by John Godfey, Leopold wasted away in the cells of Ard Ghorrock for years, only to be freed as the slaughter of Red Feast occurred. He would then venture on multiple adventures with Nafis Yar, who trained the Marna in the arts of warfare and etiquette. Leopold became the Lord Vandalore after defeating John Leopold in a duel. He soon managed to regain the title of Kingdom of Vandoria, which was granted to him by Emperor Philip I. Leopold formed the Kingdom of Westerlands after the fall of the Imperium Quintus, reigning over his new Kingdom from his seat in the city of Bastion. Later in his life, Leopold relinquished all his personal titles, save for that of King of Vandoria. He attempted to rally Westerland into a crusade against the Kingdom of Courland which would be known as the Vander Crusade, an effort which ended horribly for Leopold and caused only Rakim and a very few Vanders to join him on the crusade. This, along with his speeches condemning the ones who would not fight with him caused a rift beginning to form in the ranks of Vanders. After the severe wounding of Leopold’s son, Caius I, Leopold challenged his adoptive son and now heir-presumptive, Rakim Yar to a duel for the title of Lord Vandalore and King of Vandoria. Leopold surrendered the duel and his titles to Rakim. His fate after this is unknown. Rakim Yar - 7th Lord Vandalore 1607-1665 Never intending to become the Lord Vandalore, Rakim’s goal was firstly to redeem his family from the stain Nafis’ disappearance had left upon it. As he returned from the isles of Aeldin, he was quickly made squire under Leopold of Marna and rose to the ranks of Knights soon after. As the Kingdom of the Westerlands was formed, Rakim rose to the positions of both Archchancellor and Marshal, leading the Westerland’s forces in multitude of battles and earning himself a name as both a warrior and a battlefield commander. When his mentor, Leopold of Marna abdicated most of his titles and left to begin the crusade against Courland, Rakim joined him in both endeavors. After the death of Caius, Rakim was challenged to a duel by Leopold for the titles of King of the Westerlands and Lord Vandalore. After Leopold’s surrender without even trying to fight, Rakim officially became the seventh Lord Vandalore. Rakim’s reign was filled with turmoil as he inherited the catastrophe that was soon to swallow Westerlands; Mordring, a great dragon who led his undead armies to burn and pillage the city of Bastion, ending the Kingdom of the Westerlands. Rakim would later yield over the Kingdom of Vandoria to John V Godwin, Holy Orenian Emperor. He however retained the title of Lord Vandalore and shortly after having given away his Kingdom, disappeared. Later in his life, Rakim would join and eventually become the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint Lucien, following the fall of the Westerlands. There he’d tutor many on the ways of Vanders, one of his pupils including Frederick Pius. After being gravely wounded in a battle against an undead creature, Rakim asked Frederick Pius to end his life. Frederick complied, and became the eighth Lord Vandalore after having taken his former mentor’s life. Frederick Pius Horen-Marna - 8th Lord Vandalore 1665-1694 Frederick Pius, or regally known as Frederick I, was the first King of Marna and the eighth Lord Vandalore. After the Coup of Adelburg, Frederick, who originated from the line of Leopold of Marna, rebelled against the newly formed Kingdom of Renatus along with most of its remaining nobility, forming the Apostolic Kingdom of Marna. Frederick Pius oversaw the transition from Axios to Atlas, continuing to lead his Kingdom through multiple skirmishes and wars, most notably against the Kingdoms of Norland and Santegia in the Third Crusade. Soon after, however, Marna entered a decline both militarily and economically, with the Kingdom’s populace dwindling and its economic prospects shattering. This is said to have influenced Frederick Pius to abdicate and hand the Kingdom over to King Aurelius of Renatus, his former enemy. After this, Frederick Pius disappeared for multiple years. After several decades, Frederick Pius unexpectedly returned to serve King Aurelius as Grand Knight of the Order of the Red Dragon, becoming one of the most valiant and storied knights of the Kingdom of Renatus and the reformed Empire of Man. Frederick became part of the Aurelian Four, the original roster of the Imperial Dragon Knights, Renatus’ most feared chivalric force. Though a Horen royal by blood, Frederick considered himself a Waldenian by culture and partook in many Waldenian affairs in the Empire along the knightly Houses of Alstreim and Denhardt. Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim - 9th Lord Vandalore 1850-1860 Born in the overseas colony of Fausten, Ulrich Lothar came to prominence as a restored Prince Royal of Sutica following the Canonist Reclamation of 1821. After being granted the status of his House’s patriarch upon his arrival in Almarian Sutica, Ulrich oversaw the development of the newly proclaimed Landgraviate of Alstreim through the Sutican Rebellion and the state’s subsequent dissolution and reconstruction as the Principality of Savoy. His service to the Principality was rewarded with the coveted position of Grand Knight. As one of the key Waldenian nobles of the mid-nineteenth century, Ulrich Lothar led the efforts to revive the tradition of the Waldenic Diet, which was reconstituted in 1850 after nearly two centuries of inactivity. The reformed Diet duly elected Ulrich the Ninth Lord Vandalore of the Waldenian People. Showing great care for the wellbeing of the Waldenians, Ulrich presided over a comprehensive cultural effort to safeguard Waldenia’s heritage, culminating in the proclamation of the Sacred Law of Waldenia. As Grand Knight of Savoy, Ulrich Lothar and his Order of the Argent Sun firmly opposed Orenian interference in Savoyard affairs and fought against several attempts to overthrow Savoy’s government and replace it with a pro-Orenian puppet regime. He fostered relations with the Imperial claimant House of Alstion, and it is generally believed he perished in combat at the Siege of Haverlock alongside Alstion retainers, in service of the anti-Orenian Tripartite Pact as a volunteer soldier of fortune prior to Savoy’s formal accession to the Pact. Bl. Johann Barclay - 10th Lord Vandalore 1860-1876 Born in the Duchy of Reinmar, Johann Barclay first became the Duke of Reinmar at the young age of six. From there on, he and his House would face a majority of troubles under the scrutiny of the Ducal Union, and were thus demoted to a County. Thereon, the young Duke would work tirelessly to regain his family’s status, rising to the position of Lord Marshal to Sigismund III of Haense and regaining their Ducal status, along with gaining the Principality of Sutica. Johann became an elector of the Second Waldenic Diet, led by Sir Ulrich von Alstreim, and was named the mediator of the Diet as the Chieftain of the Reinmaren. After the death of Sir Ulrich, Johann was unanimously elected to serve as the next Vandalore. Though the Barclay hosted several sessions of the Diet, introducing House Baruch as an Electorate and progressing on certain vital points first brought up during Ser Ulrich’s tenure, the Waldenic Diet remained in stagnation, partially said to be due to the Prince’s worries with his House and the ongoing Sinner’s War. Johann also started and wrote most of the Book of Waldenia, results of which you are witnessing as you read. Though because of his untimely death with the hands of bandits, what he started has been finished by his family and colleagues. Johanna Barclay - 11th Lady Vandalore 1876-present Following the death of Prince Johann Barclay, his youngest daughter, Johanna Barclay was the unlikely inheritor of her father’s titles and duties as the leader of her House. Despite the unlikeliness of her inheritance, Johanna set himself to follow in her father’s footsteps in summoning the 4th Waldenic Diet, during which she would be elected to serve as its new and first Lady Vandalore. The start of Princess Johanna’s reign seemed promising, as a plenitude of new Waldenian Houses began to rise through Almaris, including Houses such as Bardenwig and Velen. The shift in Haeseni policies regarding vassal villages though, made the Princess focus more on her own House and her duties within Haense, as she soon rose to the position of Lady Palatine along with seeing to the construction of the village of Rozenfeld. This focus on Haeseni matters left the Waldenic Diet almost completely unattended, as Johanna would only convene the 4th Diet two times, before abdicating as Lady Vandalore. Despite the minimum number of sessions, Johanna managed to secure the single largest increase of Electors in the Waldenic Diet since Ser Ulrich, with the Houses of Bardenwig, von Reuss, Audrick and Barclay von Minitz being granted electoral status. Despite this huge uptick of Waldenian activity, the Waldenic Diet didn't pass or codify any new or old motions during the reign of Princess Johanna. Ottomar von Alstreim - 12th Lord Vandalore 1893-present Ottomar von Alstreim is the 12th and current Vandalore and President of the 5th Waldenic Diet. The Waldenian Electorate The Electorate of the Waldenic Diet consists of the current prominent Waldenian families. Owing to the volatile political scene of the realms of Man, each Diet usually boasts a considerably different lineup of Waldenic houses, though some such as the House of Alstreim have been a part of every Diet thus far. Each Elector is granted two indivisible votes on matters such as the Waldenian cultural laws, the election of the Vandalore, and other motions presented to the Diet either by the Vandalore or the Electors themselves. It is also customary to grant families that have once been of prominence a singular vote until their Electoral status can be confirmed again. The Electorate gathers in sessions, each which are summoned and hosted by the Lord Vandalore, usually on their respective lands. In addition to the Electors, anyone who wishes is usually allowed to enter and spectate the session, with invitations extended to the ruling figures of the world. 1st Waldenic Diet | 1686-1715 House of Rovin | Electorate of Neu Arnheim House of Denhardt | Electorate of Gilead House of Alstreim | Electorate of Blackwater-Alstreim House of Königsberg | Electorate of Königsberg House of Bran | Electorate of Bran House of Weißhardt | Electorate of Weißhardt House of Schulze | Electorate of Schulze House of Oxenstierna-Mühlen | Electorate of Mühlen 2nd Waldenic Diet | 1850-1860 House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Sutica | Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen House of Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop 3rd Waldenic Diet | 1860-1876 House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House of Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck 4th Waldenic Diet | 1876-present House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick 5th Waldenic Diet | 1893-Present House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick House of Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania IV. Traditions and Values Waldenian Freedom The freedom of an individual to have their own cultural representation, and the rights to life, culture and existence stand as some of the most important principles of the Waldenian people as declared in the Code of Rights. Slavery, forced labor and any other sort of oppression are widely despised and never internally practiced. If any Waldenian were to be deprived of their rights by foreign rulers, it would be seen as an insult towards the entire Waldenian culture and populace. Faith in GOTT Since the beginning of their history, the Waldenian people have always been staunch in their faith in GOTT and all of His teachings. From a young age, the vast majority of Waldenian children, especially those of noble upbringing, are taught the values of a faithful Canonist, with many stories of Canonist figures relating to the culture, including but not limited to Bl. Jack Rovin, Saint Ottomar, Saint Tylos and Saint Nicholas, being relayed to the youth in order to further instill such piety. This emphasis on faith in the Canonist doctrines can be seen through the notable figures of Waldenian heritage and background who have served in the clergy of the Canonist Church, including Venerated Cardinal Anton, Venerated High Pontiff Tylos I and High Pontiff Tylos III. The Waldenian people also have a history of serving the Church through military service in the several historical Holy Orders throughout the history of the Church. Gatherings of the Waldenians The Waldenian people, unlike many other folk, have quite a different liking for gatherings. Instead of magnificent balls or tea parties, the Waldenians have come to appreciate more moderate ways of spending time with each other; many of these including beer and other Waldenian treats. Gathering around a fireplace or at a feast table after a hunt are the most common ways of entertainment. For grander events such as sessions of the Waldenic Diet, observers might find the Electors assembling over a singular table, slamming drinks to the table and eating while discussing the future of Waldenian culture. There are though two big multi-day events that each Waldenian anxiously awaits; the Waldenfest and the Kretzenfest. Waldenfest has typically been the largest event for Waldenian people, celebrating their culture and history. It is typical for a Waldenfest to include a session of the Waldenic Diet, tournaments and tours across the Waldenian realms. Kretzenfest on the other hand is focused on celebrating the passing of autumn and coming of winter. Kretzenfest is famous for its drinking culture. Free beers are distributed among the people present, drinking games and other tournaments are held along with speeches. It is said that what happens during a Kretzenfest stays there until the next one. Accent The Waldenian accent originates from the earliest days of its people, as the ancient Hansetian tribes who had begun to form their own groups coincided with the ancient Waldenians. This would create the accent, which is a combination of Hanseti words and common. There are multiple ways an accent might show itself, with some even speaking full-fledged Waldenian. Most have though adopted the usage of some Waldenian words inserted into common speech. Such as ‘‘Vater’’ meaning father and ‘‘Mutter’’ meaning mother and ‘‘Ja’’ in place of yes and ‘‘Hallo’’ as a greeting. The slightly heavier accent shows itself with alternating consonants, typically a w → v change, like ‘‘Ich vish to see Mutter!” It is also typical to articulate the letter s as a z whenever it shows up in a word. “Ich vish to zee mutter!” would be a typical sentence with a Waldenian accent, meaning “I wish to see mother.” Family To Waldenians, family means everything and familial bonds are held in a regard that they should never be broken, with some even placing those bonds before any oaths made to rulers or armies. To Waldenians, family lines don't usually matter much, with those from a noble line of Dukes and Princes holding those of common or gentry lines to the same regard as any noble, as long as they bear the same surname and same values. Fathering bastards or abandoning your family is considered as one of the most vile things a Waldenian can do, and such can result in one being disinherited or disowned. Breaking Bread While the Waldenians might seem distrusting of outsiders at first, after earning their trust they will be the most gracious hosts imaginable. Free drink, food and a place of rest are always afforded, no matter the current economical situation of the Waldenian in question. The guests of Waldenians are usually also invited to partake in whatever festivities or activities might be going on, be they drinking contests, singing or brawling. However, if a Waldenian host is ever offended by his guests, all of that hospitality is reduced to ash and the guest will either be kicked out or afforded the lowliest and dirtiest place to reside, such as a closet or barn. The Sacred Law of Waldenia Compiled by Sir Ulrich von Alstreim and approved by the 2nd Waldenic Diet, the Sacred law of Waldenia acts as the ultimate cultural code of conduct for the Waldenians. In the Sacred Law are printed the rights and privileges of the Waldenian people in addition to their duties and responsibilities. The Sacred Law is widely respected and adhered to by anyone who reckons themselves a true Waldenian or any who wishes to be called such. It is also from this code that the phrase; ‘’No Waldenian shall spill the blood of another Waldenian’’ comes from. The Vander Code While the Sacred law of Waldenia holds the rights and duties of the Waldenian people, it is the Vander Code that instructs on how to become a true Waldenian - a Vander. The Code was first introduced during the times of Order of Saint Lucien and it has become the lifeblood and embodiment of Waldenian culture. It is the duty of the Lord Vandalore to ensure that the code is followed strictly and without fault by every Waldenian. Why do Vanders Fight? To fear the Creator and maintain His Church To serve the liege lord in valour and faith To refrain from the wanton giving of offense To live by honour and for glory To despise pecuniary reward To obey those placed in authority To guard the honour of fellow Vanders To keep faith To at all times to speak the truth To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun To never to refuse a challenge from an equal To never to turn the back upon a foe V. Traits and Attire Apperance & traits Typically, Waldenians are fair skinned people that possess a diverse array of hair colors ranging from golden blonde, chestnut brown to copper orange. They have eye colors of various shades of blue, green and brown. They are typically rather tall and robust, a hardy race of humanity adapted for the lives of soldiers, farmers, and woodsmen. Waldenian fashion Waldenian fashion varies among social classes, often varying among the different social classes of Waldenian culture. Part of his information is based on the research on Waldenian culture and attire by the Queen's Council of Hanseti-Ruska. Women within Waldenian society are often clothed in blouses, gowns and dresses that can be adorned to differing levels to reflect their standing in society. The simplest of such dresses is known as the dirndl, considered to be casual wear within Waldenian society. It consists of a blouse - the finery of the material depends on the wearer’s status - and a bodice to secure the blouse in place, a full circular skirt in which the bodice is sewn on, and frontal apron. For men, the typical wear is a tunic, a leather belt and boots. The detail and material of them of course depends on the user's status, but most Waldenians, even those of nobility and royalty prefer simple wear instead of more expensive material such as silk. It is also typical to express one’s allegiance or house colours somewhere, either by a small leather badge or the colour of one’s clothing. Men also almost always have weaponry carried with them, typically a longsword or a zweihänder. VI. Subcultures Reinmaren The Reinmaren people, originating from the Duchy of Reinmar are one of the largest and most established Waldenian subcultures, having a large amount of scriptures written of their history, origins and culture. In short, the Reinmaren embody the values of and traits of warriors and workers, their forefathers being those of farmers and raiders. Family and remembering their roots are at the core of Reinmaren culture. Children - even those of nobility - are taught from birth the art of farming and foraging, and are usually always taught the art of blade, bow and riding, which stands as a central pillar of Reinmaren identity, they themselves calling themselves Stallions on multiple occasions. The Reinmaren people are currently one of the most prominent aspects of Waldenian culture and people, reigning over the Duchy of Reinmar in the northern Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and an independent settlement named the Viscounty of Minitz in the old now dissolved Kingdom of Oren. Aschenwalder Hailing from the Margaviate of Velen and their numerous vassals, the Aschenwaldian culture and its people have both surfaced rather recently, following their exodus to the Kingdom of Aaun, where they were granted a domain - the Aschenwald - to rule as theirs under the King of Aaun. Though new, the Aschenwaldian culture encompasses a large minority of Waldenian people, mainly those of the House of Reuss and their vassals, including the Houses of Wexler, Bardenwig and Reanoux, with all of these residing in the namesake of their culture, the Aschenwald. The Aschenwaldian people adhere to most of the ways of the greater Waldenian culture, but distinguish themselves from the rest with their unique sect of dialogue, which separated from the Waldenian language over time by the heavy influence of the ancient Velenic population. The Aschenwalders also take great pride in their sense of community and hospitality, both of which rival those of the other Waldenian Houses. While the Aschenwaldians follow the Canonist faith, many of them have adopted the teachings of Lucienism and St. Lucien of Ulmsbottom, differentiating themselves from the rest of Waldenian Houses. VII. Memories of Waldenia The Hymn of Aesterwald The Hymn of Aesterwald is a popular folk song among the Waldenian people, which has resurfaced recently with the Second and Third Waldenic Diet. The hymn tells of the destruction of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aesterwald, and the lost glories with it. The hymn acts as a constant reminder to the Waldenian people of what was lost and the hard road they’ve travelled down, but also of what can be. Nachts steht Hunger starr in unser’m Traum. | By night hunger lies frozen in our dreams, Tags die Pfeile fliegen her vom Waldessaum. | By day the arrows fly from the edge of the forest Elend hält mit den Kolonnen Schritt, | Misery keeps pace with the columns, Und in Frost und Nebel zieh’n die Wölfe mit. | And the wolves come along through frost and fog. Noch fliegt unser heiliger Adler | But our sacred eagle still flies Mutterland unser Blut gehört nur dir, | Motherland, our blood belongs to you alone, Mag das raeve Heer uns auch jagen, | Let the Raevir army hunt us, Leuchtend steht noch immer das Panier. | Our banner still stands. Ach, dahin ist stolze Macht, | Oh, our proud power is lost, keine Glocken klingen durch die rote Nacht. | No bells ring through the red night. Postenschritte, keine Freiheit mehr, | Guard steps, no more freedom, hinter Barrikaden steht stumm ein müdes Heer. | A weary army stands speechless behind barricades. Einer singt die alten Lieder, | Someone sings the old songs, lockt uns Schwermut und Sehnsucht aus der Brust, | Attracts melancholy and yearning out of our chests, wild und trotzig klingt es wieder, | It sounds again, wild and truculent, im Vergessen liegt die alte Lust. | The old desire is buried in oblivion. Und als Heer, das keine Heimat hat, | And as an army with no homeland, zieh’n wir ausgewiesen nun von Stadt zu Stadt. | We go, exiled, from city to city. Menschen kommen, hören unser Lied. | People come, they hear our song. Weiter geht die Fahrt, der Ruhm uns sinnlos blüht. | The journey continues; glory blooms pointlessly. “Heimat, Heimat!” summen die Chöre, | “Homeland, Homeland!”, The choir hums, “tausendfältig ersteht uns neu dein Bild”, | “Your image reemerges in us a thousandfold”, Glockenläuten unsere Tenöre, | Our tenors ring bells, Orgelbässe klingen dumpf und wild. | Organ basses sound hollow and wild. Noch fliegt unser heiliger Adler | But our sacred eagle still flies Mutterland unser Blut gehört nur dir, | Motherland, our blood belongs to you alone, Mag das raeve Heer uns auch jagen, | Let the Raevir army hunt us, Leuchtend steht noch immer das Panier. | Our banner still stands. Return to the Westerlands Another popular folk song of the Waldenians, Return to the Westerlands tells the tale of the failed Vander Crusade against Courland led by Lord Vandalore Leopold of Marna and to-be Lord Vandalore Rakim Yar. The hymn is a cruel depiction of the very few Vanders who followed their Lord seeking to return to their home, battered and beaten. The hymn only surfaced after the reigns of both Leopold and Rakim had ended and Westerlands itself no longer existed. Die Grenzwacht hielt im Süden, dem Feinde lange stand, | The border watch that held in the South, long against the enemy Heut kehrt ihr letzter Posten, zurück ins Vaterland. | Today they leave their posts, back to the fatherland. Erschöpft und aufgerieben, in treuer Ritterschaft, | Weary and decimated, in true knighthood, Die Besten sind geblieben, uns ander'n brach die Kraft. | The best have stayed, we others lost our strength. Doch bringen wir die Fahne, die wehend vor uns stritt, | But we bring the banner, that waved before us in battle, Von Courlands blut'gem Plane, in allen Ehren mit. | From Courland’s bloody plain, in all its honour. Die Adler sich nimmer, vor einem Feind geneigt, | The battle-scarred eagle has failed and bows to the enemy Und heute noch und immer, den Weg nach Westen zeigt. | And today and always, points the way West. Es rauscht dorthin zu mahnen, zu ihr der Väter Geist, | It rushes forth to admonish, its forefathers spirit Trotz aller Not ein Ahnen, das vandere Zukunft heißt. | Despite all misery and hardship, the Vander future calls Sind wir auch fremd geworden, euch Brüdern aus dem Reich, | Have we also become strangers, to you brothers of the Kingdom Aus West und Süd und Norden, das Banner blieb sich gleich. | From West and South and North, the banner stays the same. Ob wir auch hier verderben, das kümmere euch nicht, | Wether we also perish here, that doesn’t bother you, Die Fahne zu vererben, ist unsere letzte Pflicht. | To bequeath the flag, is our last duty. Ich darf nicht länger zagen, bald zwingt sie euren Sinn, | I may no longer hesitate, shortly they will force your mind, Nach Westland sie zu tragen, sie will, sie muss dorthin. | To carry it to the Westerlands, it wants, it must go there. Nach Westland sie zu tragen, sie will, sie muss dorthin. | To carry it to the Westerlands, it wants, it must go there. Knights of the Vandalore Telling the tale of the Order of St. Lucien, who were the first to create and embody the Vander code and followed multiple Lord Vandalores into battle, “Knights of the Vandalore” still holds a good portion of influence over Waldenians, especially those who serve in the personal retinues of current Lord Vandalores, such as Ser Ulrich and Prince Johann. The song is said to empower those who join their voices to it, as they remember the wars and battles fought in the name of GOTT, Reich and the Vander Code. While the Order of St. Lucien was not always strictly obedient nor followed the Lord Vandalore, their tale became called ‘‘The Knights of the Vandalore’’ over time, as Waldenian Knights and cavalrymen hymned to its tune while charging the enemy lines. If the song ever had an original name, it is now lost to time. Die Eisenfaust am Lanzenschaft, | The iron fist on the lance shaft, Die Zügel in der Linken, | The reins on the left, So sprengt des Vandere Ritterschaft | So advances the Knights of Vander, Und ihre Schwerter blinken. | And their swords are flashing. Heja, heja, heja! Heja! Und ihre Schwerter blinken. | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! And their swords are flashing. Das Ritterkreuz, das rote fliegt | The Knight’s cross flies in red, Voran auf weißem Grunde, | Forward on a white background, Verloren zwar, doch unbesiegt. | May be lost, but not defeated, So klingt uns seine Kunde. | So it’s message sounds. Heja, heja, heja! Heja! So klingt uns seine Kunde. | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! That’s how it sounds its lore to us. Es flattert hell im Morgenwind | It flutters bright in the morning breeze, Und grüßt der Grenzen Lande, | And greets the borderlands, Grüßt die, die uns're Brüder sind, | Greets those who are our brethren, Trotz Schmach und Not und Schande. | In spite of dishonour, plight and shame. Heja, heja, heja! Heja! Trotz Schmach und Not und Schande. | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! In spite of dishonour and shame. Es fliegt voraus im Ritterskleid | It flies ahead in a knight’s dress Und mahnet uns zu streiten, | And encourages us to fight, Für die verlor’ne Herrlichkeit, | For the lost splendour, Drum Wimpel flieg, wir reiten. | Therefore fly pennants, we ride. Heja, heja, heja! Heja! Drum Wimpel flieg, wir reiten | Heya, heya, heya! Heya! Therefore fly pennants, we ride. GOTT MIT UNS, FOR THE WALDENIANS AND VANDERS OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Written and composed first by, His Princely Grace, Sir Johann Erich of the House of Barclay HKML, LORD VANDALORE, Prince of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Margrave of Vanderfell, Count of Freimark and Kretzen, Baron of Freising, Sigradz and Madvon, Lord of Wilheburg, Freisburg, Erwinsburg and Neuberg, Chieftain of the Reinmaren His Highness, Sir Ulrich Lothar of the House of Alstreim, LORD VANDALORE, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim, Margrave of Vanderfell and Blood-Raven of Lorraine With the help and finishing of, Ser Reinhardt Barclay Konstanz Barclay, Baron of Sigradz Sister Calliope And the upkeeping and updating of, Herr Ludwig von Alstreim

Kneeling down infront of a Icon of St. Ottomar, Johann von Freimark muttered a prayer in Waldenian for the continuing good fortunes for both House Alstreim and Barclay.

Enlistment Form: Full Name: Johann von Freimark Age: 22 Gender: Male (supposedly) Race: Human [Username: Frymark ] [Discord: Frymark#3075 ]

You know you cant be in a war to sell provinces in eu4, right?

"They haven't done the oath, they haven't done the oath, they haven't done the oath. No Chief without the oath, no chief without the oath." A man mumbled to himself while rocking back and forth as he sat, arms tightly wrapped around his knees.

Mareck also prepared his speech. With a smile. Wide smile.

Johann Barclay welcomed his old Brother to the Skies, extending a hand out to grasp Alex's, "Hello there." He stated with a faint but fond smile.

From somewhere, a figure smiled.

LETTERS FROM THE DUCHY OF REINMAR Issued by the DUCHY OF REINMAR On this 15th day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 428 ES AN ALLE REICHE UND VÖLKER DIESER WELT, With great pain, do we announce the death of His Princely Grace, Sir Johann Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and Prince of Sutica. His Princely Grace - After having left an official resignation from the position of Lord Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska and a missive of abdication from his role as The Duke of Reinmar and Patriarch of House Barclay - unfortunately was murdered on the way back to his home in Reinmar, by a group of unknown brigands. After 46 years of leading the Ducal House of Barclay, and another 32 as the Lord Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska, Johann Barclay is at last at peace.