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THE TALE OF OSMUND Art depicting Osmund hearing admonitions from his people. DIE GESCHICHTE VON OSMUND | THE TALE OF OSMUND Raised by Owinrich Eadlacsson, Chieftain of the Eadlkin In the Age of Frost Transcribed by Aelfwin von Kretzen In the year of our Lord 1973 Medieval II Total War Music "The Widow" ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, HARK THESE TALES INSCRIBED ON STONE, KINSMEN. I have transcribed the Runespire of Osmund, one of the earliest known chieftains to undergo baptism and convert to the One True Faith. Formerly a mighty, prideful, and boastful chieftain, he found the Lord after committing a great sin and was granted salvation following a most divine punishment. THE TALE OF THE MARTYR Art depicting Leofred ‘The Martyr’. Long ago, when my son was but a babe and my people still praised the spirits of the forests, rivers, and sky, my hirdman and brother, Leofred, approached me after a great battle amid my feast. "Brother, brother!" he exclaimed as he entered my hall. "What? Come forth and partake of your bread!" I called back, eager to receive him. "The herder Alfgar recounted a most wondrous tale! He spoke of an ancient king, Goswin, if memory serves? How steadfast he remained in his faith even amidst defeat by his foe, Harwin." He shared the tale with me as he accepted my bread and seated himself beside me at my lengthy table. "Bah! Alfgar must be weaving foreign fables and myths. Why does this Goswin captivate you, brother? He was forsaken by his gods and met defeat," I inquired, scoffing at the account of what I would later come to know as the tale of the illustrious Godwin of Aaun. "Was it not honorable to remain loyal to his gods even in the face of defeat?" Replied Leofred with a curious expression. "I suppose..." I responded with a thoughtful hum before shifting the conversation to the spoils we had garnered from our triumph. It wasn't until a fortnight had passed that Leofred broached the topic of his tales once more. This time, during one of our hunts, he spoke to me of Horen. "Brother, have you ever heard of the chief of chiefs Hörn? A man of such magnitude that he held authority over all others? A trader came to our mead hall and spoke of him, mentioning how Hörn was bestowed power by a singular god. Have you encountered a god so mighty as to elevate a man to such heights?" I grunted in response, my focus consumed by the hunt, and in my ignorance, I harbored disdain for such tales. "If there truly exists a deity of such magnitude, why bother with any others?" I retorted mockingly. Leofred remained silent regarding this god until the arrival of summer and the resurgence of our campaign against the Joreksson clan. Following a skirmish with our enemy's warband, I was informed that my hirdmen had vanquished the most foes and seized the greatest number of steeds. "I beseeched the god of Hörn and Goswin ere the battle, and he granted me strength!" Leofred exclaimed joyously when I inquired about his newfound prowess in combat. "Brother, we must invoke this god; he shall shield us! His might surpasses that of the spirits!" he urged earnestly. "No. You shall not lead me or our brethren astray from our allegiance to the spirits. Keep your tongue still concerning this foreign deity, Leofred," I retorted with disdain, my fear of the retribution of the false spirits and gods palpable, fueled by envy and ignorance. I cautioned my brother, and he held his tongue. ! He gazed at me with apprehension, though at the time I mistook it for fear of my anger, only to realize later that it stemmed from his concern for my well-being. As days turned into months, Leofred's valor on the battlefield became legendary within our clan. Yet, with each triumph, I witnessed his inner struggle, the torment of not being able to attribute his victories to his deity. And with each pang of his heart, mine grew colder. Though I was mistaken, I persisted in my condemnation. Then came the moment when he could no longer bear the weight of my persecution. Amidst an assembly, he boldly declared that his triumphs were bestowed by the god of Hörn and Goswin, denouncing the spirits of the forest, rivers, and skies as false. He lamented my misguided convictions with sorrow in his voice. In a fit of fury, I rose from my seat and demanded of him, "Leofred, my brother! Renounce your god and embrace the spirits once more!" His response was a defiant shake of his head, unwavering in his faith. "Then face your end, brother! Renounce your god or meet death!" I demanded in return. In response to my ultimatum, he drew his seax and, with a solemn prayer on his lips, drove it into his own heart. I made a martyr of my brother, and the rebukes of my tribesmen fell upon me like thunder. "Silence!" I commanded, quelling their voices, before dismissing the assembly. I withdrew to the depths of our sacred forest, beseeching the spirits for solace, yet my soul found no rest. THE TALE OF CONVERSION Art depicting Osmund receiving a sign from God. On the night of my brother's passing, a mighty tempest descended upon my lands, wreaking havoc until I was granted mercy. This marked the beginning of God's retribution for my grievous transgression. My plains were submerged beneath floodwaters, and the ancient trees of our sacred forests were uprooted, the very shrines they guarded laid to ruin by the relentless storm. The following day, my adversaries, the Jorekssons, whom my brother had once vanquished with divine aid, triumphed over my forces on the battlefield, seizing our steeds and laying waste to our livestock. In the ensuing days, calamities befell my people, yet I remained obstinate in my defiance of God's will. Even as my tribesmen reproached me in assembly, I blasphemed against the Almighty, demanding their silence. But when the final blow of divine punishment struck, and my son fell gravely ill, I felt the fear of God grip my soul. With a heavy heart, I rode forth to the banks of the once-hallowed river, where I knelt in supplication, pleading for God's forgiveness and protection. I vowed that if He would spare my people and my son from His wrath, I would dedicate my life to His service, surrendering myself to the priesthood. As my entreaty reached its crescendo, I rose to my feet, and with me, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, the storms abated, and the trials ceased. God had bestowed upon me redemption and a divine purpose. My son and my people were spared, and together, we embraced the glory of God. He bestowed upon us priests and wise sages of the One True Faith, and at the hallowed place of my redemption, the sacred river, I underwent baptism. I took the name Owinrich, in honor of the renowned son of Goswin and nephew of Harwin. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET AELFWIN VON KRETZEN HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court HIS EXCELLENCY, NIKOLAUS, Prelate of Reinmar, Chaplain of the Heather Court

THE VENERATION OF THE ANCESTORS Art depicting a Reinmaren regaling his kinsmen with tales of his ancestor. DIE VEREHRUNG DER VORFAHREN | THE VENERATION OF THE ANCESTORS Issued by Leon II, Prince in Reinmar In the year of our Lord 1973 Medieval II Total War Music "The Widow" ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, THE REINMAREN HAVE ALWAYS VENERATED AND RESPECTED THEIR ANCESTORS. All members of our tribe, the great tribe of Theoderic, remember their forefathers. We revere our ancestors and honor them in all actions. The humblest of herders pray for helping hands from their forebears during their toil, and the most diligent of farmers ask that their forefathers assist with the harvest. The most loyal of warriors demand glory and honor for their ancestors through victory or death. We, the true sons and daughters of Reinmar, know that our ancestors are watching and guiding our great tribe at every moment, through calm waters and tempests alike. In the sacred Ferdenwald, we erect spires and runestones for our ancestors to immortalize their memories and provide resting places for their spirits. In our halls, we light candles for their souls and pray for their peace within the heavens. In combat, where glory is achieved and lost on a whim, we sing songs of their deeds and hope to emulate their courage and unending strength. Our symbols are their symbols, our swords are their swords, our land is their land, and our tribe is their tribe. When an outlander is Blooded, they gain the blood of the ancestors and their descendants; thus, they join Reinmar, as it was in the past and as it is now. The Reinmaren must always revere their ancestors and protect their honors and memories. A true tribesman would fight and die to preserve the venerable ancestors and the great chief Theoderic. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE FIRST REINMAREN WAR GAME ERSTES REINMAREN-KRIEGSSPIEL | FIRST REINMAREN WAR GAME Issued by the Fürst of Minitz In the year of our Lord 1972 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, Hear ye, O kin and loyal subjects of mine, these words that flow forth from Kretzen; Prepare your knuckles and summon your courage, for the first Reinmaren War Game is upon us! I, Leon, Champion of Gelimar, and Nikolaus, Champion of Theoderic, extend summons to the sons and daughters of Reinmar to join us in our war game of Capture the Banner. We shall converge in the Ferdenwald within the coming year. Those aligned with the Gelimarssons are instructed to don green war paint upon their faces, while those pledged to the Theoderikin are to bear blue war paint. Let this distinction signify our allegiance and unity as we venture forth into the fray. My kinsmen, I implore you to stand alongside the Gelimarssons and accompany me on this timeless trial of valor and glory. Together, let us attain victory against the vile Theoderikin under Nikolaus. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald

"Haha! It seems cousin Charles is receiving his birthright!" Leon Barclay said to Nikolaus ( @Timer ), his most trusted retainer as the two sat within a study in Kretzen.

Matthias prayed within his chambers alone.. "Exalted, pray for Josefina as she joins you in the heavens.. GOD guide her well." He uttered as his eyes peered out of his chamber's window. "She rests now, I'm sure."

"Honor is everything, and this war shall serve as a display of my own!" exclaimed Leon, Prince in Reinmar, as he gathered his steed, arms, and armor.

"Praise GOD! Exalted pray for us all!" exclaimed, Leon Barclay, Prince in Reinmar, as he read the glorious golden bull.

Leon received the invitation and notice after his evening prayers within his Palace's chapel, "Hmph.." He sounded out as he looked over the missive. "Nikolaus! Gather my finest clothes, will you?" He called out towards his favorite retainer and second favorite cousin, Nikolaus von Kanunsberg ( @Timer )

"Haha! A truly Reinmaren celebration for the Reinmaren!" exclaimed Leon jovialy upon receiving the missive from his favorite retainer, Nikolaus ( @Timer ).

Praise Christ Jesus. God is King

THE FASHIONS OF THE REINMAREN Art depicting torc-wearing warriors in battle. DIE MODE DER REINMAREN | THE FASHIONS OF THE REINMAREN Issued by Leon II, Prince in Reinmar In the year of our Lord 1969 Medieval II Total War Music "The Widow" ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, TO THIS DAY, THE REINMAREN STEADFASTLY uphold the fashions of their ancestors as a way to both honor and remember with those who have since passed on to the Skies. The diverse array of attire, hairstyles, and adornments the Reinmaren faithfully maintain just as their forebears did serve as reminders of and bridges to bygone eras. HAIRSTYLES Upon becoming Reinmaren, a man is expected to style his hair in a fade to mark him a warrior, and to don a tribesman’s cloak to denote his status as a member of the tribe. He is to emulate his ancestors and reflect the appearance of his clan brothers. This tradition of fading the hair has existed since the times of Theoderic and Gelimar. Reinmaren warriors have always cut their hair in such a way before battle and the style acted as a symbol of their status as warriors. Reinmaren also often wore clips of their steed’s hair on their heads, a clip’s material and position symbolizing different things. A bronze clip signified the tribesman as belonging to the common class, whilst the silver denoted them as members of a noble clan or as the chieftain’s hirdmen or family. The clip signifying the greatest rank, crafted from gold, belonged to a chieftain and, on rare occasions, to his wife. FORMAL DRESS Cloaks are given to tribesmen upon their coming of age as a symbol of their status, often they were obligated to wear it during a chieftain’s assembly. Members of the tribe customarily wore wool or fur hats during an assembly or feast. The tribesmen, warriors, reeves, hirdmen, and chieftain each donned a unique style of headwear which served to differentiate one rank from another. DAILY ATTIRE Commonly, a Reinmaren tribesman dressed quite humbly, woolen garments and simple leather boots were a staple in any wardrobe. During the winter months, a tribesman would frequently wear his cloak and hat outdoors to protect himself from the elements. Belts were commonplace to give shape to the formless woolen garments, and were consistently used to carry a dirk and tools alike. The more affluent amongst the tribe, like the ploughman. would have finer belts made from choice pieces of leather. ARMS AND ARMOR In times of war, the Reinmaren would sport various types and styles of arms and armor. A tribesman typically only brought a helmet and his spear or seax, as he could afford little else. The reeves and hirdmen were offered much more than their kinsmen, as they were the closest men to the chieftain. The reeves served as his commanders and the hirdmen as his champions, roles that required the best protection a chieftain could afford to furnish them with. Reeves typically wore gambeson, bearing swords and shields in battle. The hirdmen, sworn protectors of a chieftain, were equipped with the best armor that could be found or provided. They often donned mail, gambesons, fine helmets and warmasks, wielding the most formidable weapons a chieftain could supply. ADORNMENT Reinmaren jewelry often served a symbolic purpose, as either a reward or a way to discern the ranks of the tribesmen. The Hirdmen and most valued warriors of a tribe were awarded torcs, near-permanent necklaces inscribed with runes and religious symbols. A torc was a sign of distinction, granted to a warrior only by a chieftain. The recipient was obliged to wear it until death, signifying his status and allegiance. The only means by which a man could be relieved of his torc was through decapitation or the deliberate breaking of the torc, an act considered a grave insult. Members of specific clans would frequently wear signet rings or brooches as symbols of their identity, distinguishing themselves from other clans. These ornaments typically showcased the symbols or runes associated with their particular clan, serving as markers of allegiance and heritage. Traditionally, earrings were only worn by the affluent women of the tribe, such the wife of a hirdman or reeve. Gold was reserved for the use of the chieftain’s wife, the designs varying but growing in complexity as the level of wealth increased. Only the most esteemed chieftains possessed the means to acquire a crown. They were typically rugged and simple. as tribes seldom had access to fine stones and metals. Despite their humble appearance, a chieftain's crown was a symbol of his wealth and power, and any Reinmaren held a deep respect and reverence for any man who adorned himself in such a symbol. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE REINMAREN DUTY Art depicting an instance of Reinmaren commerce. DIE REINMAREN-PFLICHT | THE REINMAREN DUTY Issued by Leon II, Prince in Reinmar In the year of our Lord 1969 Medieval II Total War Music "The Widow" ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, THE REINMAREN HAVE ALWAYS ANSWERED TO CALLS AND POWERS HIGHER THAN THEMSELVES. From the lowly burgher to the high chief, every Reinmaren has a duty to serve. This text shall provide context to our system of hierarchy and how our ancestors fulfilled their obligations. In contemporary society, the Reinmaren hierarchy has come to include outlanders who fall under the burgher class. During the times of Theoderic and Gelimar, one would seldom find an outlander in a Reinmaren holdfast, which was typically only inhabited by a chieftain and his sworn men. A Reinmaren man accredited his successes to the gods of the forests, mountains, and rivers. He owed his loyalty to his clan and family. He was compelled to break bread with his brothers, and make sacrifices to his forefathers. THE WARRIOR The warrior made up the base of Reinmaren society. He was duty-bound to offer his spear to his chieftain’s warband during times of war, and to till the land his chieftain allowed him during times of peace. A warrior was owed land, a share of the spoils from battle, and a place at his chieftain’s assembly. What he did not eat or sacrifice would go to his chief. THE REEVE The reeve stood above the warrior and was typically the most senior member of a chief’s holding. He was expected to collect taxes on behalf of his chief, and was entrusted with ensuring that loot was shared amongst the chief’s men, from which he was entitled to the greatest number of horses. He was pledged to gather the spears of the Reinmaren during times of war and act as their commander. Reeves were owed a place at the chieftain’s table and rights to appropriate his villagers’ horses and livestock if necessary. THE HIRDMAN The hirdman was the most trusted companion of a chieftain. He was appointed to the protection of his chieftain, the master of the hird, and offered him counsel. The hirdman was sent to ensure tasks were completed according to the chief’s will, an embodiment of his hand. A chief would refer to his hirdmen as brothers, extending to them the same privileges as his own kin. While his lord lived, the warrior owed him loyalty unto death. If his lord were killed, the warrior had to avenge him or die in the attempt. When a chieftain broke bread, the first portions would be reserved for him. A hirdsman was entitled to the first pick of the spoils of war, the right to wear a torc and ornaments befitting a noble warrior, and the privilege of carrying a chieftain’s body and possessions to his funeral pyre after death. A heroic warrior brought up in the fellowship of the hird would show a reckless disregard for his life, sacrificing all for the wellbeing of chieftain and tribe. Whether he was doomed or not, courage was best, for the brave man could win glory among men, while the coward might die before his time. This is the spirit which inspired the code of the Hird. THE CHIEFTAIN The chieftain was the head of his clan. Some were bound to serve a high chief or another chief as a tributary whilst others answered to none but the gods themselves. He was expected to protect his people from harm, lead his tribe in sacrifices, and galvanize his assembly. As chief, he was compelled not only to act justly, but also to ensure that his hirdsmen, reeves, and warriors were free of corruption. His sacred duty was to defend the mountains, forests, and rivers his clan inhabited, safeguarding the lands where their ancestors rested. The chieftain enjoyed a multitude of privileges and maintained the right to command every man within his lands, for their farms were his farms, their animals were his animals, and their spears were his spears. The lord in turn had the duty of being generous to his warriors. He himself had to be a formidable warrior to draw capable men to his side, and a figure of noble and generous character to maintain those men within his service. This system of obligation and duty ensured cohesion in every clan. The Reinmaren stood as one, from tribesmen to chieftain, every member of a tribe contributed to its success. We continue these practices in a way to this day, for duty and hierarchy ensures the stability of our great tribe. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court

As Leon Barclay, Prince in Reinmar, read the missive, his lips curled into a smile. "Haha! Finally, a Pontiff willing to stand against the agents of the deceiver. Praise GOD!" He exclaimed in jubilation before folding up the parchment, ready to keep it around for showcasing.

THE SUMMONING OF SPEARS DIE BESCHWÖRUNG VON SPEEREN | SUMMONING OF SPEARS Issued by the Fürsten in Reinmar In the year of our Lord 1969 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, Hear ye, O kin and loyal subjects of ours, these words that flow forth from Kretzen; Upon wise counsel with the Landtag and the esteemed Herrenhaus, we, the Princes in Reinmar, do hereby decree. We summon forth all blooded sons of Reinmar to take up their spears and pledge their service to the Host of Saint Johann. Henceforth, they shall embark upon a tour of duty, a tenure of martial obligation spanning FIVE years in the service of our realm. This call to arms arises amidst the shadows that loom over our beloved home in the Evergreens. Raiders, Darkspawn, and heretics infest the Ferdenwald, threatening the security of our realm. Thus, we beseech the Host of Saint Johann and every loyal son of Reinmar to stand as bulwarks of our security, safeguarding our homeland from the encroaching darkness. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, LEON, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald, Lord of Durres, Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Warden of the Franklands and Ferdenwald HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ALFRED, Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica, Duke of Reinmar, Count of Kretzen and Freimark, Baron of Madvon and Freising, Lord of Sankt Johannsburg, Neuburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg, and Rozenfeld, High Chieftain of the Reinmaren