ncarr

From the Household of the Count and Countess of Chalons Penned by, HIH Pontia Vesta 12th of Sun’s Smile, 655 A.A. And differed unto the lords of the realms of Azuras. IT IS WITH MUCH JUBILATION AND ANTICIPATION that the Household of the Count and Countess of Chalons proclaim, by the Grace of GOD, a daughter of the House of Helane has been delivered unto Her Imperial Highness, Princess Pontia of Man on the twelfth of Sun’s Smile in the year of our Aurelius' Ascension, six-hundred and fifty five. The Household welcomes this blessing and calls upon the subjects of the Valmont Coronet to celebrate the birth of the new babe. In honor of the progenitor of our great Horenic family, we give Our first daughter the name Helen, after Helen Horen. May she serve the Realm as her blood demands, for she shall one day light the way forward. Join us in prayer for Our beloved daughter and the second born of Our union, AND THUS SHE SHALL BE NAMED; Her Ladyship, H E L E N U M B R I A O F H O U S E H E L A N E LADY OF VALMONT @ErosTea A PRAYER FOR THE NEWBORN GOD, thank you for the precious gift of this new life. We ask that you place a shield of protection over this little one, guarding her as she grows. Bless this baby with good health, and a joyful spirit unto thee. Amen. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS LORDSHIP, Lord Remus Antonius Helane, Count of Chalons HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Princess Pontia Vesta of Man Countess consort of Chalons

From the Household of the Count and Countess of Chalons Penned by, HIH Pontia Vesta 15th of Owyn’s Light, 653 A.A. And differed unto the lords of the realms of Aevos. IT IS WITH MUCH ELATION AND JOY that the Household of the Count and Countess of Chalons proclaim, by the Grace of GOD, an heir to the House of Helane has been delivered unto Her Imperial Highness, Princess Pontia of Man on this the fifteenth of Owyn's Light in the year of our Aurelius' Ascension, six-hundred and fifty three. The Household does call upon the subjects of the Valmont Coronet to come forth and pay witness to the babe in the coming days at Castle Chalons where the Countess plans to take several days respite with her babe after an arduous labor. May he bear his father's honor and the grace of his mother without falter. May he serve the Realm as his blood demands, for he shall one day inherit the lands brought to prominence by Duke Antonious of Valmont, and no doubt further cultivated by Lord Remus after him. THE SUCCESSION OF VALMONT IS SECURED. After much prayer and deliberation, the Count and Countess have pulled from scions of House Helane in naming their heir, AND THUS HE SHALL BE NAMED; His Lordship, C O N S T A N T I N E P E R S U S O F H O U S E H E L A N E BARON OF ADELHIL @MRCHENN A PRAYER FOR THE NEWBORN GOD, who in His mercy and through His saints blesses the righteous, receive this child into Thy keeping. Grant him strength of arm, clarity of mind, and faithfulness of heart. May he walk upright before Thee all the days of his life. Amen. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS LORDSHIP, Lord Remus Antonius Helane, Count of Chalons HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Princess Pontia Vesta of Man Countess consort of Chalons

From the Office of the Imperial Chamberlain Penned by, HIH Pontia Vesta The fifth of Dragon’s Roar, 651 I N S A N C T O M A T R I M O N I O It is with great honor and pride that the Imperial Household announces this marital union of 652, between HIH Princess Pontia of Man, and the Lord Remus of Valmont. Through this union, may the steadfast and battle-hardened men of the Valliard continue to bear the weight of their house’s storied legacy with honor in service to the Imperial Crown, and to the glory of all the Realm. A PRAYER UNTO THEIR MOST HOLY UNION ☨ God, who created seven thousand kin of each of the Brothers; who gave the most Exalted Horen a Spouse as an example to all men and women, fill our household with Thy Charity, make us one flesh as Thou hast promised, and unite us one and all to Thy love. Amen. T I M E T A B L E PROAULIA The Lady’s Eve | April 30, 3pm est In the nights before the nuptials, Princess Pontia seeks to invite the ladies of the Imperial Court and of the court of House Helane to convene in most jovial occasion wherein they might make merry. There shall be games upon the Imperial lawn, and an invitation is extended unto the elder ladies to offer advice to the younger ones as they near their majority. GAMOS The Nuptials | May 3, 5pm est The Imperial Palace, The 17th of Sun’s Smile As is custom for Imperial Marriages, the holy nuptials of the princely couple are to be held within the halls of the Imperial Throne room, whereupon Princess Pontia and Lord Remus shall be joined in matrimony by a priest chosen by the betrothed. EPAULIA The Feast | May 3, following the ceremony With spoils hunted by the bridegroom in the days prior to the nuptials, the wedding party extends an invitation for all who attend to join the newly-wedded couple as they celebrate over a grand feast. I N V I T A T I O N S Their Imperial Majesties, MARCUS I AND VALENTINA OF ASTURIAS, the Emperor and Empress of Azuras The Imperial House of Horen His Grace, SIR ANTONIUS HELANE, the Duke of Valmont The Ducal House of Helane The Archchancellor, EZRA DE SENNA, Regent of the Imperium Her Imperial Highness, Princess JOAN MARIANA, Regent of the Imperium The Nobelesse His Princely Highness, WILLEM VAN AERT, Prince of Blackvale, and His Noble Pedigree His Princely Highness, CASSIUS MARENO, Prince of Myrine, and His Noble Pedigree His Princely Highness, RODIMAR BARCLAY, Prince of Reinmar, and His Noble Pedigree His Princely Highness, EDWARD ALSTION, Archduke of Alba, and His Noble Pedigree His Highness, ADRIAN D’ASTURIA, Duke of Asturias, and His Noble Pedigree His Grace, SIR LOTHAR D’AMAURY, Duke of Lorraine, and His Noble Pedigree His Grace, EAROSLAV ROSTOVA, Duke of Krukiv, and His Noble Pedigree His Grace, HEINRIK LUDOVAR, Duke of Kvasz, and His Noble Pedigree His Grace, DUNCAN BARUCH, Duke of Valwyck and His Noble Pedigree The Right Honorable, EZRA DE SENNA, Count of Edessa, and His Noble Pedigree The Right Honorable, NUVILLA WHITEWOOD, Countess of Silasia, and Her Noble Pedigree His Lordship, ANASTASIA BASILEUS, Baroness of Cascanova, and Her Noble Pedigree His Lordship, FRANZ GALAHAR, Baron of Ghaestenwald, and His Noble Pedigree His Lordship, JUSTINYN RUTHERN, and His Noble Pedigree And the remaining Lords and Ladies of the Empire.. AVE IMPERIUM! H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Pontia Vesta of Man, Princess of the Empire of Azuras and Man. HIS LORDSHIP, Remus Aurelius of Valmont, Count of Chalons. Heir to the Duchy of Valmont.

Jane regarded the babe with a familiar disposition - contempt. She, too, bore a trio of daughters before the grace of her son. And so, perhaps the same fate might befall her successor. She hoped it would not, she hoped Diane would give way to a son soon, and her children would grow to succeed their forbearers in totality. For she would not wish the fate of herself upon another - the fate of Margaret, Joan, and Philippa.

The daughter of the Emperor, Pontia, accompanied by ladies dressed in deep burgundy procured the document from lush quarters in the Imperial Palace. "Oh!" she cooed, a rather subdued reaction for such an occasion.

The parchment crossed the desk of the Archduchess of Alba, a satisfied grin came to her countenance as she recalled memories of the early years of her union to the Archduke. A flaxen-haired woman that flanked him most often prior to the birth of their son, William, floated in her memory. The subject of her ire for many years, though only in secret until now.

Long had JANE known of the closeness between the Augusten heir and her husband’s ward, Andrik. The fruition of such a friendship brought a smile to the Archduchess’ lips. She took to parchment then, scribing to her Master of Pedigrees, “See to it they are brought before Us in the coming days, I wish to bid them congratulations.” she hummed, tucking the missive away. @NovumChase

Edward and Jane, the Archduke and Archduchess of Alba. IT DOTH PLEASE THEIR HIGHNESSES, THE ARCHDUKES OF ALBA, to ordain the nuptials of their sole son and heir, William of Furnestock. For from their own union hath the realm flourished under their august governance and even before them, under the governance of Edward and Cecily. Thus hath each noble union which our Princely coronet has observed strengthened the realm. These, the fruits reaped from the union of Horen and Julia, whence the very model of matrimony was fashioned. So too then have Their Highnesses devoted themselves to securing for the Duke of Furnestock a match of such high virtue and station that her presence might uphold and illuminate the dignity of the House of Alstion, and by extension, the welfare of the realm. The charge of finding such a lady hath been entrusted to the Master of Pedigrees, who hath scoured the lands far and wide in quest of one suitable to bear such a charge. One such lady hath at last been found to be brought before the Court at Glasgon, acquainted with its members, and when of age be made one with Our Princely Household. After due and careful deliberation by the Master of Pedigrees, it has been decided that the House of Alstion shall be joined in matrimony with the House of Tiber through the union of Lady Diane Tiber. Such a choice admits of an obvious justification, made for her lineage, unbroken in descent from the Dragonsblood of Horen. So too then shall the House of Alstion be reconciled with its loyal, albeit wayward, servant of Bourgh. Being sister to the presumptive Prince of Beaufort, so then shall this Devise of Beaufort stand as witness and testament to the noble stock from which the Lady Diane doth descent, and of the dignity, lineage, and merits inherent unto her house. Thus let it be ordained that none shall gainsay the Princes of the line of Tiber, sprung from the unbroken and unbastardized stock of Horen, reduced to penury by the vicissitudes of time, and now hereby restored to honor by reason of their lawful union with the their Horenic kith of the line of Alstion. Thus by virtue of this devise, the good standing of the House of Tiber shall be confirmed, this fellowship to be duly affirmed. THE MONTH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH, in the year of Our Lord, 2066 The month of Godfrey’s Triumph shall mark the coming of the Lady Diane, to be received at Janesport and thence conveyed before the Princely Court at Glasgon. THE JANESPORT PROCESSION | The Lady Diane shall be received upon the docks of Janesport, there to be greeted by the Lady Philippa Louisa of Alstion, together with the House of Amador, the presiding family of that port. From thence shall she make her progress unto Saint Godwinsburg, attended by the same company, and there be welcomed by the Lady Mayor and the Aldermen of the city’s many boroughs. THE COURT AT ALBA | When the Lady Diane is received within the city of Saint Godwinsburg, so shall she likewise be attended by this company, comprised of the Lady Mayor and the many aldermen, and be brought before the Court of Glasgon, at the castle of that selfsame name. There shall she be presented unto the nobility of Alba, and there made known to the Archducal family. THE MONTH OF TOBIAS’ BOUNTY, in the year of Our Lord, 2066. The month of Tobias’ Bounty shall mark the settling of Lady Diane within these lands of Alba, and her acquaintance with the nobility and the smallfolk alike. THE MAIDSGREET | At the behest of the Archduchess of Alba, the noble ladies of an age with the Lady Diane are summoned to gather at the Castle Glasgon, there to be presented before her, that from among them she may choose such as shall serve within her household as ladies-in-waiting. Such ladies shall become her nearest companions and her guides within the Court at Glasgon. ‘TO THE END’ | In celebration of the enduring spirit of Johannia, soon to be preserved unto yet another generation, the Lady Chamberlain of the Court at Glasgon, Theodora Devereux, has seen fit to order the retelling of the life and death of Philip the First, last Emperor of the Fifth Empire, his story to be set forth through the lens of the renowned play To The End, to be hosted in the borough of Leever. THE MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE, in the year of Our Lord, 2066. The month of Sun’s Smile shall mark the celebration of Lady Diane’s coming, with tourney and melee held in honour of her coming and the approaching nuptials. THE JOUST OF FURNESTOCK | Upon the final day of the Lady Diane’s welcoming progress shall a Grand Tourney be held, to begin with the Joust of Furnestock. To this end, the Princely Coronet calls upon all hedge-knights, men-at-arms, and others of like condition to present themselves, the victor to be proclaimed the Champion of Furnestock and awarded 1000 mina. THE MELEE OF BOURGH | Upon the final day of the Lady Diane’s welcoming progress shall a Grand Tourney be held, to conclude with the Melee of Bourgh. To this end, the Princely Coronet calls upon all hedge-knights, men-at-arms, and others of like condition to present themselves, the victor to be proclaimed the Champion of Bourgh and awarded 1000 mina.

T H E D A E L I S H U N I O N •• ━━━━━ •• Penned By, Her Serene Highness, the Princess of Alstion, Jane of Dover •• ━━━━━ •• “House Alstion formally departed the Orenian Empire when Henry Alstion was killed by Imperial State Troopers in his efforts to save Robert Helvets in Providence. His son, James, fled the Empire and settled down with a small band of Daelish attendants in some ruins later called ALBA.” — Maxim of the Attenlund, A Study Into The Patriarchs of Horen and Alstion •• ━━━━━ •• Many origins might be proposed for the Alban polity as it is recognized today. Originally borne by the Aeldinic House of Morvelyn, the Ducal honours of Alba would pass unto the House of Horen and ultimately descend unto the Senior Johannian line following the Dissolution of Horen, becoming one among many hereditary dignities of the Princely House of Alstion. Yet, in the studied judgement of this author, the beginnings of the modern Alban state lie in the reign of James Francis, Prince of Alstion. The first of the Alstionite princes to have held Alba as a landed distinction, Prince James left an indelible impression upon both title and territory, with his legacy thereafter being upheld by his descendants, whose rule over Alba has persisted into this modern age. This volume stands as the first of three intended to illuminate the character of the Archduchy of Alba, not through the lens of its present standing, but by a deliberate return to the title's rise to prominence. Accordingly, this volume shall focus on the reigns of the ‘Princes over the Water’, namely Prince James Francis and his immediate successor, Lord William Corwin, for their rule serves as the essential prelude to the Alban identity in its mature form. These figures may be traced to the earliest articulations of Alban governance, dress, social order, and political posture; forms that would be later refined, transformed, or rebuffed throughout the ebbs and flows of the House of Alstion, though never wholly erased. Particular care has been taken to situate the Daelish people at the center of this account, for too often has their influence been relegated to the periphery of Alban history. This work instead proceeds from the premise that Alba was not merely imposed upon Daelish land, but was reshaped by it. The Daels were not passively absorbed by the House of Alstion, but steadily impressed upon that ruling house, even when resisted or misunderstood. What is hoped to be achieved is a comprehensive account of the histories of Alba, attentive to the actors who defined the title, and conscious of the shifting structures that have shaped what can best be denominated “The Alban Identity”. T H E R U L E O F 20th of Tobias' Bounty, 1766 — 17th of Sun's Smile, 1833 Born to the martyred Prince Henry Stephen of Furnestock, who was styled by his more fervent adherents as the “Emperor over the Water”, Prince James Francis emerged the sole heir of the line of John and thereby the inheritor of its hereditary dignities and styles. Yet, these titles conferred little in the way of substantive authority, and offered less still as a shield against the recourse of the Empire. For this reason, Prince James’s rule is most aptly defined by his withdrawal from the Imperial state and his establishing of the Lordship of Alba, returning the title to its landed dignity for the first time in generations. THE EARLY DAELISH INFLUENCE By the time of Prince Henry Stephen’s death in Providence, the fortunes of the House of Alstion had been considerably reduced from their former height. Though constrained in means, the House nevertheless retained a number of hereditary dignities, and continued to command the loyalty of a small contingent of retainers. And so, upon Henry’s passing, the burden of dynastic stewardship over the line of John fell to his son, Prince James Francis, who would gather these few possessions which remained to him and lead it beyond the bounds of Imperial influence. This self-imposed exile would carry him to a small, desolate region in central Almaris. There, he established himself with the remnants of a ruined fortress, to which he affixed the title of one of his ancestral dignities, Alba. A portrait depicting the ruins of Alba. The lands of Alba, though not bereft of settlement, could scarce compare to the fertile and well-governed Orenian heartland. The terrain was rugged and uneven, its soils less yielding, its climate harsher, marked by long winters and brief growing seasons. Yet, while the region lacked the prosperity to which the House Alstion was once accustomed, it was not wholly inhospitable. A number of Daelish tribes had already made their homes among its hills and valleys, carving out livelihoods through pastoralism and agriculture. The Daels maintained a simple lifestyle in contrast to Heartlandic bureaucracy, and there is thus little documentation of the Daelish tribes prior to their contact with House Alstion. Due to their principally agrarian lifestyle, it could be assumed that the Daelish had few political systems in place with the exception of an underdeveloped judicial system that largely settled disputes by way of armed duel. In an effort to consolidate authority over the surrounding territory and its local Daelish population, Prince James Francis wed Mairi Adelheid Gromach, the daughter of a local chieftain and patrilineal descendant of the Dukes of the Daeland. In further accordance with Daelish custom, the Alstion patriarch would adopt the local title of “Laird”, foregoing its historical Ducal honors. Despite this union, the Alstionite retinue retained Johannian sentiments. The Alstions had spent nearly a decade prior in Imperial politics and many of those close to the Lord found it difficult to assimilate to the agrarian lifestyle the Daelish people led. It is important to note that the Daelish way of governing was far humbler and less bureaucratic than the Johannian style; thus, it is safe to assume that this was a laborious melding of beliefs. The Daels likely rejected James’s beliefs during his time as Lord of Alba, leading to his coexistence rather than a proper rule over the tribes that surrounded Olde Alba. THE JACOBEAN COUTURE The union of Alstionite and Dael was a tenuous and uneasy conjunction; at least, it was certainly no seamless integration of interests or traditions. Prince James, though a noted critic of the Imperial polity in its later Petrine form, nevertheless bore within his household the inheritance of that culture. His father, the late Prince Henry Stephen, had been reared amidst the refinements offered within the court of his great-uncle, Emperor Alexander II, and thus carried into his household the manners and dress of a courtier. By contrast, the Daelish presented themselves in a fashion wholly distinct from the vanities of Imperial dress. Their attire, fashioned from sheepskins and coarse wool, was suited not merely to the severity of the harsher climates of Alba, but also the rhythms of an economy rooted in pastoral agriculture. This divergence of material culture thereby juxtaposed, with particular clarity, the disparity between the vanities of Imperial dress and the provincial austerity of the Daelish. Accordingly, this era of fashion was characterized by an awkward melding of the Daelish staples and traditional Imperial values. The influence of Imperial tastes were made discernible in what this author would refer to as “Jacobean Couture”: the fusion of gold-trimmed sleeves and frilled collars with the tartans and plaids so distinctive of Daelish identity. Within the household of Prince James himself, Jacobean Couture was standardized amongst his kinsmen and retainers. It may be reasonably inferred, however, that those outside the immediate circle of the Alstionite household retained the standard Daelish mode of dress. Mairi Adelheid in the Jacobean Couture. THE ALBAN GAVELKIND The remainder of James’s life was spent ruling over his quaint holdfast before falling ill. The first recorded instance of Prince James’s illness may be traced to the month of Owyn’s Flame, 1831. By the following year, after a series of apparent recoveries punctuated by recurrent relapses, his condition had become hopeless. By ordinary succession laws, the estates of the Prince would have passed in their entirety to his firstborn son, the Hereditary Prince Leopold John, in keeping with the dictates of Johannian custom. Yet, for reasons which we can only surmise, Prince James elected instead to partition the Johannian inheritance among three beneficiaries. The first enumerated in his testament was his elder son, the Prince Leopold, to whom he bequeathed the Princely styling of Alstion, together with the honours and dignities attached thereto. This followed naturally from his position as firstborn and traditional heir to the line of John. The second designation fell to Olivier Renault, a close confidant and companion of the Prince, who was invested with the title of Corazon; this was possibly done with the intent of securing his line a dependable ally within the Sutican court. Finally, to his younger son, William Corwin, James entrusted the Lordship of Alba. For what reason he chose to transfer his landed domains to his younger son rather than the Hereditary Prince remains uncertain, as James did not elaborate further upon his intent in his will. Even so, it may be conjectured that he perhaps intended to shield the Johannian heir from the potential threat posed from Orenian designs upon his life, whether real or imagined. Such a supposition is consistent with the fact that Prince Leopold was reared within the protective confines of the Church. All the same, at last, in 1833, Prince James would succumb to his illness and the dispositions of his will were brought into effect, thereby bringing an end to the Jacobean Era. •• ━━━━━ •• T H E R U L E O F 12th of Sun's Smile, 1821 — 4th of Horen’s Calling, 1860 Upon the passing of Prince James Francis, rule over Alba passed to his second son, William Corwin. Though limited in power, the lordship began to reemerge as a minor political actor under William’s rule, which is made distinct by two key events. Firstly, during this period, Alba contributed modest financial support to the early efforts to restore the Principality of Savoy, with William pawning several inherited titles to fund Olivier Renault de Savoie, then Lord-Protector of Sutica. As a result, Alba eventually entered vassalage under Olivier’s newly formed Principality. Secondly, Alba would take on an active role in the campaign to install Prince Leopold John, William's elder brother, upon the Imperial throne. THE WILHELMINE MODEL OF RULERSHIP The second-born son of Prince James Francis, William would have ordinarily stood outside the line of succession which, as dictated by the Johannian customs of succession, reserved the inheritance of all titles for the elder son, Prince Leopold John. This, of course, would be made manifest with Prince James’s partitioning of his titles, from which William received the Lordship of Alba. That this succession was foreseen by his father may further be inferred from William’s upbringing, for he was not solely confined to his father’s holdfast, but rather reared amidst the Daelish, whose culture and customs left an enduring impression upon his character. Chroniclers remark his humility and honesty, traits which may plausibly be ascribed to the agrarian simplicity of the Daelish people. The Lord of Alba amongst his people. Accordingly, upon his succession to the Lordship, William’s rule was distinguished by an expansion of Daelish influence. This directly affected William’s chosen mode of governance, of which this author would coin the “Wilhelmine Model of Rulership”, a style which favored humility, as well as familiarity and nearness to the people. Though abandoned by his immediate successors of the Kingdom of Aaun, whose larger scale, cultural heterogeneity, and decentralized structure proved ill-suited to so intimate a form of rule, the Wilhelmine Model is nonetheless an essential prelude to the modern Alban governance, wherein authority is exercised not solely through aristocratic prerogative, but rather through a more centralized framework that affords the estates as well as the common people a voice and vested stake in the welfare of the realm. THE INFLUENCE OF SAVOY Whilst William tended to his humble pastures, the reins of power shifted southward. As previously mentioned, Olivier de Savoie had been created the Duke of Corazon by will of Prince James Francis, and affirmed thereafter by Queen Johanna of Sutica. The incomes derived from this grant, coupled with a sudden power vacuum in the Sutica, enabled the beguiling Duke Olivier to swiftly seize control over the Cerulean Kingdom. Following the death of Queen Johanna in 1835, Olivier was appointed regent over her young son and, a year later, he had gathered sufficient support to usurp the realm, ruling it as Prince and posturing for his House’s ancestral holding of Savoy. Much of the early years of Olivier’s reign were devoted to purging the surrounding Sutican holdings of heresy, after which he installed loyal Canonists as stewards of these territories, granting them lordship on the condition that they maintain the estates and raise forces in the name of the Prince of Savoy. The gradual expansion of Savoyard authority across the region soon brought Alba within its orbit, and, some few months after the formal establishment of the Principality of Savoy, William Corwin rendered an informal oath of fealty to Prince Olivier, thus pledging the estates and dominions of Alba to the Savoyard coronet. In exchange for his fealty, William would be made Prince Olivier’s chancellor. A reimagining of William Corwin swearing fealty to Prince Olivier, depicted in the Alban style of drawing. Under Savoy’s oversight, Alba was reshaped from little more than a paltry fort and scattered farmsteads into a more proper and organized fiefdom, its holdings brought into formal alignment with the Prince’s expanding dominion. Accordingly, Savoy helped to urbanize Alba, introducing new technologies whilst also developing infrastructure within the region. Further did Savoy establish Alba as a player on the world stage, however modest the role it was to assume. THE SIEGE OF HAVERLOCK For much of William’s reign, the Daels experienced an extended period of relative peace. Yet, elsewhere, the intrigues of the Heartlands formented tension and conflict; Philip II, derisively remembered as “Priestlover”, had initiated hostilities against the dwarves. His rule, already unpopular amongst his subjects, would reach its sudden and violent conclusion when his grandson, the future Emperor Philip III, and his wife, the future Empress Anastasia I, deposed him in the Aster revolution. Deemed schismatics beyond the Empire and branded anathema by the Pontiff twice-over, the new Emperor and Empress were compelled to continue Philip II’s campaigns, as the dwarves and their allies, now backed by the Church, formed the Tripartite Accord. During this period, Prince Leopold John of Alstion, the eldest son of James Francis, emerged from hiding to assert his claim to the Imperial throne. Although his claim garnered minimal political support, he secured the enthusiastic backing of his brother, who made efforts to consolidate various Daelish retainers into a personal guard for the Prince. This cadre, styled the “Nauzican Brigade” for the Emperor’s own elite guard of Old Johannia, was placed under the command of a Haeseni hedgeknight, Maxim of Attenlund, who oversaw their training. Beneath his command, the Nauzicans were deployed alongside the forces of the Tripartite Accord, bringing Alba into what was to become the Sinner’s War. The early stages of the conflict seemed promising. The dwarves successfully annexed sizable land grants from Oren, including a province granted to the Prince of Sedan, whose own House de Joannes was a cousin line to Alstion. Here, the Prince established his seat at Haverlock, where his court took root alongside the Nauzicans, among them William and Maxim. Unbeknownst to them, the early successes of the Tripartite Accord would prove short-lived. By 1860, an Imperial force of roughly fifteen thousand men had mustered, marching for Haverlock. The Imperials circled and ultimately defeated the garrison of some thirteen thousand Tripartite troops, among them the Nauzican Brigade. The reversal of fortune at Haverlock thwarted any chance for the Alstionite claim to the Imperial seat, the entirety of the Nauzicans annihilated in their last stand at Haverlock. Though defeated, the principles for which the Nauzicans fought endured in public memory, particularly during the later Alstionite restoration of the Heartlands. So was their martyrdom enshrined in the legend of Haverlock, which would come to be celebrated in modern Alba as the “Hero-City of Haverlock”, a symbol of resistance against the Petrine world order, and testament to the enduring nature of the old Johannic ideals for which these men fought. •• ━━━━━ •• AAUN | Referring to the ancient Kingdom chiefly held by Godwin Horenson, later reestablished by Charles I Alstion. APOSTOLIC KINGDOM OF AAUN | The later state of the Kingdom of Aaun following John I’s ascension to Apostolic King. UNITED KINGDOM OF AAUN | The second state of the Kingdom of Aaun under the rulership of Charles I until its elevation under John I. ALBA | Referring to the polity of Alba, held firstly by the House de Morvelyn, thereafter by the House of Horen, and later inherited by the House of Alstion. DUKE OF ALBA | (referring to the Dukes of Alba prior to the creation of Lordship) LORD OF ALBA | (referring firstly to the leaders of the Alban Lordship, thereafter to the heirs of Aaun) ALSTION | Referring to the dynasts of the senior most branch of the line of John, by way of Charles Elliot, Prince of Alstion, thirdborn son of Peter II, Holy Orenian Emperor. PRINCE OF ALSTION | A titular honor denoting the senior most dynast of the House of Alstion. DAELISH | Denoting the people descended from the Lords of Daeland. The tribes that had previously settled the lands of Alba. HOREN | Among the most influential houses in human history, later dissolved thus creating House Alstion as one of its five cadets. JOHANNIAN | Denoting a scion of the Horenic Line of John. MORVELYN | The House from which Elizabeth de Morvelyn, Holy Orenian Empress descends. They were the bearers of the Duchy of Alba before its passing onto the House of Horen. OREN | Referring to the polity initially established by Horen I as King of Oren and later the Holy Orenian Empire until its fall following Emperor Philip III’s death. KINGDOM OF OREN | (Referring to the Kingdom under the rulership of King Frederick.) HOLY ORENIAN EMPIRE | (The Empire that preceded the aforementioned Kingdom of Oren until the fall following the death of Emperor Philip III.) SAVOY | Referring to the settlement on Almaris established by Olivier de Savoie. PRINCE OF SAVOY | (referring to the leaders of the Principality of Savoy.)

Penned By, Her Imperial Highness, Princess Pontia of Man from the Seneschal’s Chapel; the Sixth of Dragon's Roar, Six Hundred and Thirty Seven A FAST AND FEAST In accordance with the Tiberian Calendar and the Liturgical calendar of the Holy Mother Church, the forthcoming year of SIX HUNDRED AND TWENTY EIGHT is the year of Horen’s Jubilation. And thus, The Seneschals' Chapel - in conjunction with Princess Pontia of Man - shall host a fast and subsequent feast in the month of Sun’s Smile. For just as Horen fasted in anticipation of his baptism so too shall we, the sons and daughters of Horen, fast before we feast. From the month of Horen's Calling until the feast in the month of Aurelian's Glory, the subjects of the Crown of Man are called to abstain from sating their flesh by indulging in whole meals. They are to consume only water and broth of poultry bones while praying thrice daily. As Horen fasted, he brought himself closer to God by starving his mortal body and allowing only his soul to fulfill him. To ensure the people of the Imperium are aptly sated amidst their fasting, a mass is to be held at the Seneschal's Chapel in the month of Owyn's Light, so then the word of the Holy Scrolls shall feed our souls in these times of privation.

The Archducal Household of Alba comprises those persons bound by lawful and legitimate recognition to the person of the Archduke by virtue of birth or matrimony. A private establishment and public instrument, the Archduke’s Household serves a primarily ceremonial role within the Court at Glasgon, attending to his person in matters of ceremony, representation, and the public expression of his dignity. Accounted within the Archducal Household are the Archduke himself, his spouse, and those descendants and kinsmen who remain under his lawful custody. Sons of the Archduke shall, at all times, retain their place within the Archducal Household, their issue to be accounted separately within an auxiliary household. Daughters of the Archduke, upon marriage, pass by custom into the Household of their husbands, thereafter not to be accounted for within the Archduke’s household. Enumerated herein are the agnatic descendants of the Princes Edward and Cecily, being those of the direct male line. Accordingly, they are accounted within the immediate household of His Highness, the Archduke of Alba. By both long standing custom and lawful recognition, such persons are granted rank and precedence within the Princely Court at Glasgon, attending to the person of the Archduke in matters of state and ceremony. EDWARD CECILIUS ALSTION, Archduke of Alba Born to Prince EDWARD OF ALSTION and Princess CECILY OF ALSTION in the year of Our Lord, 2007; wed to Lady JANE OF DOVER in the year of Our Lord, 2031. JANE ELIZABETH ALSTION née ALDERSBERG, Archduchess of Alba Born to Earl GEORGE OF DOVER and Countess FLORENCE OF PLACENTIA in the year of Our Lord, 2010; wed to Prince EDWARD OF ALSTION in the year of Our Lord, 2031. PHILIPPA LOUISA ALSTION Born to Prince EDWARD OF ALSTION and Lady JANE OF DOVER in the year of Our Lord, 2038. WILLIAM ARTHUR ALSTION, Duke of Furnestock Born to Prince EDWARD OF ALSTION and Lady JANE OF DOVER in the year of Our Lord, 2051. Enumerated herein are the agnatic descendants of the Princes Edward and Cecily, not of the direct male line but collateral thereto and, by nearness of blood, accounted for within the auxiliary household of His Highness, the Archduke of Alba. By both long standing custom and lawful recognition, such persons are granted rank and precedence within the Princely Court at Glasgon, attending to the person of the Archduke in matters of state and ceremony. JOHN GODWIN ALSTION Born to Prince EDWARD OF ALSTION and Princess CECILY OF ALSTION in the year of Our Lord, 2011; wed to Lady MELISENDE OF BRUGES in the year of Our Lord, 2029. MELISENDE ALSTION née BRUGES Born to GUISBERT DE BRUGES and ANASTASIA SUZECZ in the year of Our Lord, 2013; wed to Lord JOHN OF ALSTION in the year of Our Lord, 2029. ANNE MARGERY ALSTION Born to Lord JOHN OF ALSTION and Lady MELISENDE OF BRUGES in the year of Our Lord, 2033. MARY SOPHIA ALSTION Born to Lord JOHN OF ALSTION and Lady MELISENDE OF BRUGES in the year of Our Lord, 2038. AMELIA ISABELLA ALSTION Born to Lord JOHN OF ALSTION and Lady MELISENDE OF BRUGES in the year of Our Lord, 2042. Those courtiers of high and recognized rank, who oversee the manifold duties and functions of the Court, exist within the Privy Chamber. Under the oversight of the Lady Chamberlain, these select individuals are entrusted with the care and upkeep of all courtly matters, ensuring the smooth and orderly conduct of the Glasgon’s affairs. It is their charge to direct the flow of the Court, to uphold its customs and traditions, and to ensure that the needs of the Courtiers are met with due diligence and fidelity. They govern the activities of the courtiers, administer the workings of the Household, and preserve the dignity and harmony of the Court. These Officers, in their appointed roles, are as the very hand of the Sovereigns, ensuring that all within the Court abide by the traditions and customs laid forth. LADY CHAMBERLAIN — Theodora Devereux The Lord Chamberlain is directly appointed by the Archducal Coronet and stands at the helm of the Privy Chamber. She acts as the administrator of the courts, overseeing all matters of court and ensuring harmony within the castle. Her responsibilities frequently shift as the Lady Chamberlain is responsible for overseeing the management of positions unfilled within the courts. GROOM OF THE STOOL — George Aldersberg Selected by the Archduke of Alba, the Groom of the Stool is not only his caretaker, but closest confidant and holds the responsibility of managing the Archduke’s daily rota. Beyond his duty directly to the Archduke, the Groom of the Stool oversees the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber and Pages of the Household. He also holds responsibility for overseeing the servantry of the Castle, ensuring all activities below stairs run smoothly. LADY OF THE CHAMBER — Richilde Helvets The Lady of the Chamber is chief among the Archduchess’ Ladies in Waiting. Selected by the Archduchess herself, she oversees the other Ladies in Waiting and Maids of Honor. Given her responsibility for the entertainment of the Archduchess, the Lady of the Chamber supervises all artistic and scholarly pursuits within the courts so that they may align with the will of the Archducal Household. THE GENTLEMEN OF THE CHAMBER The Gentlemen of the Chamber are responsible for the care of the Archduke of Alba under the direction of the Groom of the Stool. They are responsible for the wellbeing and entertainment of the Archduke of Alba, assisting in his daily activities. Given the close proximity of the position, the Gentlemen of the Chamber are frequently the close friends and confidants of the Archduke. The title of Gentlemen of the Chamber affords a Lord many additional liberties in court, having access to nearly all rooms of the castle and the ability to instruct members of the grand chamber on behalf of the Duke. LADIES IN WAIT The Ladies in Waiting are ladies of marrying age within the nobility and gentry of the Kingdom who have been selected to care for the Archduchess of Alba. Under the direction of the Lady of the Chamber, the Ladies in Waiting assist the Archduchess in her daily needs as well as holding oversight over the revels of court. PAGES OF THE HOUSEHOLD As junior attendants to the Archduke and Lords of court Pages of the Household are taught the intricacies of Alban Court from a young age. The Pages are under the care of the Groom of the Stool on behalf of the Coronet, responsible for their education and upbringing. Upon reaching marrying age, pages have an array of possible positions in the Archduke’s Government. MAIDS OF HONOUR Maids of Honor are the young daughters of Nobles and Gentry Houses who have been warded beneath the Archduchess. These women are educated by the Lady of the Chamber and Ladies in Waiting on the proper etiquette and standards of the Morevelyn Court. Upon reaching marrying age, prized Maids of Honor may become Ladies in Waiting or take on positions in the Archduke’s Government. Making up the bulk of the Court at Glasgon, the Grand Chamber is composed of those courtiers of proven merit who have been conferred positions of the household by the Dukes of Alba. These courtiers hold dominion over the minor aspects of court as determined by the Archdukes and Lady Chamberlain. Accordingly, they are charged and invested with those powers pertaining to their entrusted role. These courtiers hold great respect within the courts as such positions are only held by those whom the Princely coronet views with the most respect. The Grand Chamber serves as the chief body through which the routines, ceremonies, and daily functions of Glasgon are conducted. Their authority is seconded by that of the Household and the Privy Chamber and yet, no less important in the maintenance of the Court at Glasgon, for their presence forms the stable foundation upon which those greater offices are supported and upheld. MASTER OF THE HORSE — Tristan Spencer The Master of the Horse is responsible for the oversight of maintenance of the Ducal stables. Alongside his responsibilities at the Castle Morvelyn, the Master of the Horse is heeded as the Superintendent of the Crownlands, meaning he is charged with monitoring the wildlife of the Alban countryside and keeping track of the game there. It is expected that he host regular hunts and organize feasts alongside the Mistress of Revels. LADY SENESCHAL — Casilde Belmyre The Lady Seneschal is tasked with overseeing the servants of the Castle Glasgon. Alongside the management of their compensation and oversight of the servantry’s general performance, the Lady Seneschal is tasked with recruitment of servantry. This includes the organization of servant’s placements in the Castle Glasgon from kitchen staff to scullery maids and butlers. MASTER OF REVELS — Eugénie Helvets The Master of the Revels holds dominion over the frequent revels of the Morvelyn courts, assisting the Privy Chamber and Archdukes of Alba in the planning of any major event at court. Among the chief responsibilities of the Master of Revels is the upkeep of the Alban Calendar and employment of the Court Herald. MASTER OF PEDIGREES — Rothwin Aldor The Master of the Pedigree manages the Alban Pedigrees, tracking the lineage of all recognized houses within the duchy to ensure the purity of noble blood. They also hold the responsibility of recording the proper styles of address and titles of the Alban citizenry, making them the superior authority in matters of blood and title. MASTER OF THE ROBES — Lilia de Senna The Mistress of the Robes is responsible for the procurement, creation, and upkeep of the garbs worn by the Archducal Household. This includes ensuring the Archducal Household remains at the precipice of Alban fashion. Alongside her efforts in dressing the Archducal Household, the Mistress of the Robes is tasked with oversight of the publication of fashion documents to the subjects of the Coronet. MASTER OF MAGICS — Bryden Baruch The Master of Magics, also known as the Court Savant, is charged with oversight of magic and arcanic proceedings in the Archduchy of Alba. He is responsible for drafting and presenting laws, missives, and orders before the House of Lords or Saint Godwinsburg City Council to ensure oddities are regulated and contained. They are also chiefly responsible for advising the Privy Chamber and Archdukes of Alba on otherworldy matters.

Many years prior, a similar lone scion of the fractured House Horen stood upon the shores of Pronce. An erstwhile companion had beckoned her to the recently populated Aevos in hopes of rekindling a long-lost friendship. Caesonia Helane set out by ship with small quarters afforded to her. Upon her arrival she was welcomed by the Prince of Beaufort, whom she would later wed. As Princess, she bolstered her husband’s House with her stewardship of an atelier in Whitespire while the Prince served as the King’s premier knight. Together they sired five children, and the House Tiber had returned to prominence, if only for a short while. So soon as it’d risen, a shroud of darkness began to shadow the House Tiber, for God had chosen Alessia - the final of the Prince and Princess’ children - in Caesonia’s stead. The Kingdom of Aaun saw its ruin and so too did the House of Tiber return to insignificance, with all but two of the Princess’ children returning to the place from which she’d come - Pronce. So many years later did the weight of this storied house rest upon the shoulders of the Beggar Princess, Diane Tiber, and still among her possessions was a miniature portrait of her long-dead ancestress. Though insignificant among the scions of that Horenic House, she mirrored Diane whether such was known to her or not.

"At least she looks good in this drawing.." spoke the Princess' sister, Pontia.

Penned by, Her Serene Highness, the Archduchess of Alba Anno Domini, Sun's Smile Two Thousand and Fifty Six Disseminated among all the Vassals and Lords of Man. A G U I D E T O A DIRECTORY ON DRESS WITHIN THE COURT OF THE ARCHDUKE AND ARCHDUCHESS OF ALBA Penned By, Her Serene Highness, the Princess of Alstion, Jane of Dover The fashion within the Archduchy of Alba has made a significant shift in style since the ascension of Archduke Edward ‘the Younger’ and Archduchess Jane, derived from the great strengthening of culture that has swept across Alba within the last two decades. In creating a clearer identity amidst the dozens of vassals likewise sworn to the Holy Imperium, Alba continues to cement itself as individual against what could have easily become more commonplace in comparison. To this end, the attire worn by peasant and noble alike has come to reflect the House of Alstion’s efforts to further their goals in achieving a firm cultural identity. The men and women of Alba have followed the lead of the Archduchess-consort and the members of her Janis Court, which has resulted in a more recognizable silhouette when compared to other cultures within the Imperium. The standard of dress has shifted upon the wish of the Archduchess, in turn being adopted by the merchants and commonfolk in an attempt to emulate their betters. CONTENTS I. WOMEN’S DRESS Ia. Garments Ib. Headdresses II. MEN’S DRESS Ia. Garments Ib. Headwear III. CONCLUSION The general style of the Ladies of Alba is characterized by form-fitting bodices and a distinct lack of corsetry or cinching belts. Among married women the Alban dress manifests with veils - both made from thick cottons or translucent chiffon to convey a closeness to Saint Julia. Within this Alban aesthetic, two distinct styles have come forth; the Elizabethan Cotehardie (named for the style’s initial prominence in the City of Elizabeth) and the Alban Surcote. The former transcends class, popularly worn by nobility and common folk alike with excess and frills being the distinction between the two classes as opposed to style all together. The Alban Surcote, however, is almost only worn by nobility as it is more complex by design and can be difficult for the common class to procure. THE ELIZABETHAN COTEHARDIE The Elizabethan Cotehardie is a gown of simple shape, often brightly-colored and complimented by patterned underskirts. The adoption of a waistless shape has particularly taken hold and become familiar to see worn by the ladies of Archduchess Jane’s household, emphasising a lack of corsetry or cinching belts. Often, the neckline of these gowns is made squared and structured as a contrast to this shapeless waistline. Depending upon the seasons, a lady might exchange shortened sleeves and linen shifts in the summer for fur-trimmed bell sleeves and shawls in the winter. On occasion, a gilded chain or holy lorraine hangs loose about the hips, to compliment and amplify what might otherwise be a rather modest appearance. As is seen with the more-formal surcote, the underskirts of the cotehardie are often patterned with tartan or floral embroidery. THE ALBAN SURCOTE The Alban Surcote, considered the more formal of the two styles of women’s attire, is now the uniform of every ball and festival within our fair Archduchy. A gown is worn beneath in similar colorful tones to the Cotehardie, characterized by a sideless surcoat draped overtop. The triangular surcoat is often accentuated by a trimming of either embroidery or animal furs, with ermine being seen among the wealthier and more highborn women of Alban society. Sometimes, a lady might commission a tailor to sew the heraldry of her maiden house or husband’s house, to represent her status amongst the nobility. It is also common for the underdress of the surcote to sport a patterned fabric, done in florals or filigree. ROLLED CIRCLETS The Rolled Circlet, made often from cloth or dyed velvet, is a typical accessory either pinned into the hair or paired with a veil. Depending upon the wearer’s preference, it might also be sewn or inlaid with pearls or small jewels. VEILS Veils are a prominent symbol within the Archduchy, often made from silk or sheer linen. They represent the maturity of wedded women and their status in society compared to the unmarried maidens of younger generations. HENNINS The Hennin is a striking headdress that extends from the top of the head in a conical shape reminiscent of a steeple. The lower rim is often adorned with jewels and golden embroidery, whilst a silk or lace drape sprouts from the top and is allowed to fall across the shoulders as a covering. ESCOFFIONS The Escoffion is a two-sided horned headdress often draped in silk linen. Whilst some come more rounded and press closer to the sides of the head, others will jut out in more pointed shapes. Oft among the high nobility the Escoffion might also be paired with a coronet or crown. CRISPINETTES The Crispinette is a more formal piece of headwear, oftentimes seen upon the heads of noble consorts and the women of House Alstion itself. A smaller circlet, either made from beaded velvet or wrought in gold, holds in place gilded netting on either side that often conceals intricately-woven braids. Fashion among the Lords of Alba has shifted greatly over the decades of the prominence of the people of Alba. Initially in the era of Olde Alba, men traded their doublets for loose fitting coats and pants as a sign of humility among their Daelish citizenry. In this iteration, the Alban man dons a doublet - named for the Archduke who popularized the look, Edward ‘the Elder’ - and the Goun. The Alban man dresses for status, displaying his wealth in embroidery and intricacy of dress. THE EDWARDIAN DOUBLET The Edwardian Doublet, sported often by the tradesmen and noble lords of Alba, is a fitted doublet layered beneath a fur-lined overcoat. Accentuated by a belted waist, it gives way to woolen tights that stretch down to the foot. The sleeves, by far the garment’s most distinctive feature, are rounded at the shoulders and then taper down to the wrist. They sport a slash that spans the length of the sleeve itself, revealing a more vibrant fabric underneath. On other occasions, the coat’s sleeve is allowed to drape and hang overtop of the doublet’s own, creating the illusion of a lordly cape. These fashioned sleeves of either style are often lined with patterned fabrics or animal furs. The men of Alba often pair this doublet with gilded chains, brooches, and ornamented swordbelts. THE GOUN The Goun, considered to be the more formal option for male attire, is a floor-length coat often made from velvet and lined with animal furs. Due to its impracticality when conducting the day’s business, a lordly goun is more commonly worn either at court or within one’s home. It is likewise favored by men of an advanced age in particular, though still remains fashionable among Alban lords and wealthier aldermen as well. A goun is oftentimes made from richly-embroidered fabric, and accompanied by a lord’s cap or chaperon. Though the men of Alba are not inclined to adorn themselves in great jewels and ornaments, the collar of a goun is sometimes complimented by a golden chain or fur-trimmed mantle as symbol of status. CHAPERONES The Chaperone, commonly seen atop the heads of Alban lords and merchants, is a cap consisting of a fitted band and a drape of fabric wrapped about the head. Akin to a turban, it is considered far more casual and allows for a flowing silhouette. BRIMMED CAPS The Brimmed Caps reigns as the most popular choice of headwear among the upper aristocracy. As with the Chaperone, it sports a fitted band but differs in a cap sewn from velvet and kept close to the head. A more expensive cap might be trimmed with ermine or golden thread, or patterned with tartan. This particular piece is also unique in that it is sometimes worn by the more business-minded ladies of Alban society as well.

Jane of Dover looked down upon the babe; her gaze, wrought with contempt for the boy, met his. He, swaddled in linen within her grasp, writhed uncomfortably. Before any had known of him, she did, and now he rested in her arms with a few unceremoniously placed witnesses to behold this MIRACLE OF FURNESTOCK.