spicii

Lucia Herleva de Rouen tapped her fingers to the tune!

HAIL TO THE CITIZENS OF THE HEARTLANDS

  We are fortunate enough, in these times of conflict and strife, for an abundance of wildlife to occupy the surrounding forest of Rychwald. Nestled beneath the emerald canopy, the forest presents a thriving haven of life; a prime hunting ground teeming with an abundance of game. The house of Kovachev formally invites the Marchlands of Stassion @Optimus420 and the Duchy of Adria @Nooblius to partake in a hunt. 

The weapons used for hunting are mostly similar to those used for war: a bow, crossbow, lance or spear, knife and sword. Bows are the most commonly used weapon. Cudgels are to be packed as use for clubbing small game - in particular for women who are wishing to join the hunt. Boar spears are also acceptable. Other salient items pertain to carefully set up traps for smaller animals to make hunting time more efficient.

INVICTUS SOL IN AETERNUM

Her Ladyship, Lucia Herleva Kovachev, Baroness of Rychwald

His Lordship, Fyodor Kovachev, Baron of Rychwald

Sir Andrik Uldarik of the Rychwald, Grand Prizak of the Order of the Rychwald

Sir Rupert Brezwyck of the Rychwald, Prizak of the Order of the Rychwald

26 minutes ago, HIGH_FIRE said:

"Send him back without his fingers, I will not fund terrorists who would simply use the mina to capture more people."

 

[!] A leather bag made its way outside the gates of Balian, the contents pertaining to human hands - splattered with specks of blood. Inside the hand, a slightly crumpled note situated itself. 'THE QUEEN WHO NEVER CAME.' @HIGH_FIRE

Queen Sybille of the Dunes, 

Just earlier, during one of our everyday-treks through your arid, mud-ridden cesspool of a Jungle, we of the Rychwald stumbled upon an associate of yours going by the name of Lucian.

We, out of boredom, and the good will of our hearts, also decided to take him back home with us.

Let this be your chance. Prove to us that you truly are the ‘Queen of the People’ you so nonchalantly claim to be.

We demand a sum of 1,000 mina. While we are open to the idea of negotiations, for each time you lower the price, the vintner shall lose a finger. 

Signed,

 Lucia Herleva Kovachev, Baroness of Rychwald

Lucia Herleva arrived back at Rychwald on horseback, her steed having suffered many injuries. The savoyard sighed as they started to count their losses.  

Lucia de Rouen gritted her teeth as eyes scanned tiredly over such a missive. "Your Kings choose when to support GOD and when to abstain in matters of conflict." A stray hand sought out towards her new steed Josefine, of whom she had stolen from a Cardinal. "Let us not forget - you stand by a dwarf that murders innocent Canonist men and call it justice. The last hundreds of years have seen constant war and canonist men dying. YOU do not care for GOD but you choose him now as a motive for your 'cause' whilst holding hands with heathen. I pray on the battlefield that GOD will come to save you." 

+1 this guy is thirsting for st items pls help him.

Lucia de Rouen, who had not been sighted for almost a year, sauntered up to the newly established camp perched atop her trusty stead. Swerving over the side of its back and jumping forth, the de Rouen's skirts flicked dirt upwards almost instantly. A low hum emitted the woman as she removed her gloves and squinted at the sight of the new camp.

circa. 1950

HAIL TO THE CITIZENS OF THE HEARTLANDS

Amidst the cracks of impending conflict and the abhorrent sight of bloodshed that threatens to spill from that of innocent men, the triumph of love and devotion emerges as an indomitable force in these troubling times. A regal spectacle is to unfold - the union of de Rouen and Kovachev in which they shall be joined in sacred matrimony. 

The solemn ceremony is to happen at Veletz, inside the Cathedral of St. Arpad. Here, all those honoured with invitations to partake will watch the union take place.

WE FORMALLY INVITE

and all citizens of said nation

HIS GRACE, Gaspard van Aert, Captain-General of the League of Veletz, Duke of Middlelan, First Citizen, Protector of Midlanders, Defender of Dumacracy.

HIS HIGHNESS, Richard Leonus, Prince of Providentia, Margrave of Stassion, Baron of Renzfeld, Lord of Fredericksburg, Protector of the Western Marches.

HER EXCELLENCY, the Honourable High Princess, Illyria Ibarellan, The Prophesied, The Reclaimer and Phoenix of the Principality of Celia'nor.

                                                                                                                                                   INVICTUS SOL IN AETERNUM

 Her Ladyship, Lucia Hervela Ashford de Rouen 

 His Lordship, Fyodor Kovachev  

✺

  The bannermen of Drusco are a formidable and fierce variety of men serving and sworn under the Margraviate of Drusco - located in the ‘League of Veletz.’ Composed of staunch and able bodies warriors whose levy’s legacy does not precede them, each man possesses unwavering loyalty and protection to their sworn house. Their battle lineage traces as far back to the Tenth Nordling war, renowned for their extensive skills on the battlefield. 

✺

Origins and History

Joachim Ashford de Rouen founded the ‘Blackwald Company.’ Thereon, the company went to serve many foreign contracts and in which he acquired a disdainful reputation. Amusingly, the once bastard’s death was not from sustaining an injury on the battlefield, yet from a gnarly illness he caught.

The castle fell to ruin, and Edmond, along with a small band of Blackwald levyman, roamed the Urguani countryside as mercenaries. Edmond survived his father’s Blackwald company, and immediately seeked conflict, fighting the Oisin’s rebellion and crushing the Rozanian forces. Edmond sought to continue in his fondness for conflict and then went on to serve under Olivier de Savoie and fought for Leufroy’s claim to the Savoyard throne. Although Edmond continued his service alongside the Blackwald Company - fighting in the prolonged and grueling Urguani-Orenian conflict. 

✺

Chain of Command
 

Marquis - The Marquis of Drusco is the most superior and honorable member of the fyrd, reigning dually over the lands which the army calls home in a manner of civics, and also over the fyrd in its entirety. He is to have the superlative say in all operations of the army. The currently reigning Marquis is The Most Honorable, Edmond Guiscard Ashford de Rouen.

Marshal - The Marshal is the Marquis’s hand to the fyrd, a singularly important and powerful commander. His duties are to ensure the company men are well fed, paid, and kept busy, as well as ensuring the competence and worthiness of the officer corps. The current marshal is Richold Ashford de Rouen.

Captain - The Captains under the Ashford banner are the highest rank of plurality, leading brigades quasi-independently. Their duties revolve around recruitment, training, and advisory to the High Command. 

Sergeant - Sergeants are the lowest of officers within the ranks, proving to possess some semblance of leadership ability. Their duties are to direct formations and ensure the discipline of their lower companymen.

Armsman - Armsmen are the oathed and integrated men of the company. They comprise the majority of its roster, being plentiful in number. They are subject to compensation and standard equipment, able to participate in contracts of their choosing, though they possess no authority.

Aspirant - Aspirants are the untested or men of the company. Given training and a trial, they are to prove their skill and competence before entering the ranks proper.

✺

Traditions

Ulmsbottom Dancers - This oddity has been adopted into common Druscan legend as the Ulmsbottom dance and those who partake are thus called Ulmsbottom dancers. Traditionally one sports a single glove upon the superior hand to denote its priority and strengthen one’s grip. The term dancing owes itself to the trained movement of Druscan men atop rocky hillsteps where required to fight brusquely above unstable grounds.

Mercy Recruiting - Mercy recruiting is an idea founded by the first Baron of Blackwald, Joachim de Rouen, and continued by his predecessors, in which a prisoner is offered mercy in exchange for indentured servitude. 

Breeding of the Horses - Horses are an exceedingly predominant part of Druscan culture and tradition, horseback being something that is taught extremely young. Every chevalier must complete a task of breeding two horses, to show that they have values of a Druscan, to be initiated.  

✺

Brigades of Drusco

The Marquis’s Army - The largest of all the brigades and serves as the militia of Castle Vitré and is aligned directly under the Marquis’s banner. The Brigade consists of lowly serfs, untrained warriors, and mercenaries seeking gold for their blade. 

The Esheveurd Chevaliers - The smallest of the three warbands, the chevaliers are a heavy cavalry force inspired by the horsemen that flanked Prince Lucius of Savoy. They are composed of knights, squires, and low nobility seeking to gain reputation upon the battlefield. 

Band of Bastards - Once recognized as the Bastards of Blackwald, the Band of Bastards predominantly comprises Drusco's mercy recruits who pledge fealty to the Marquis and their appointed leader, Captain Fyodor Barrow. They have established their encampment at a distance from the township and castle, taking residence in a cluster of tents encircling the Standfast Turret.

Recruitment

Able bodied men of Drusco are welcomed. Further a letter to the Marshal containing the following information ;

 Full Name :

Age :

((Username :

((Discord :

The Princess Royal, Analiesa Josefina and Franziska vas Ruthern

Author’s Note ;

Franziska Baruch had vanished from sight, remaining unseen and unheard for several long months. As the relentless demands on her emotional well-being pushed her circuits to the brink, and every alternative avenue to alleviate the mounting pressure was exhausted, the notion of escaping became increasingly appealing. Running away had been an ingrained coping mechanism for her, deeply rooted in a history marked by abandonment and recklessness. 

With a concerned furrow in his brow, Henry of Mardon inquired about her determination, gently resting his calloused hand on her shoulder. Franziska nodded thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on the horizon as she stood, discreetly tucking a substantial sum of mina into their already laden bags. She refrained from casting a final glance or farewell to any of her children, even to the ones born from her extramarital affairs. With a sense of callous determination, the two embarked on their journey, distancing themselves from the turmoil and problems of Hanseti-Ruska. 

In the daring escape from the shackles of their past, Henry and Franziska navigated a path of taverns, seeking refuge in the dimly lit corners of each establishment they stumbled upon. Yet, as the days turned into weeks and the number of inn’s they visited multiplied, a weariness began to settle in the bastard’s heart. He couldn't help but feel the weight of their relentless flight, and the constant uncertainty was beginning to erode his spirit. While the Ruthern remained resolute in their quest for freedom, he grappled with the growing desire to put down roots. The taverns and inns, once symbols of adventure, had become a reminder of the endless running, and the man yearned for a reprieve from their restless journey.

It was a selfish yet strangely invigorating endeavour. Franziska Ivanna Baruch, formerly a Ruthern, a once-tried Duchess, an adulterer, and a child abandoner, led a transient existence, with each inn providing temporary respite for her unsettled mind. Albeit it never lasted and never would. 

A brief, hesitant conversation eventually unfolded. "I am tired of running, Fran. I can't bear this uncertainty any longer." Henry confessed, his hands cradling his head in dismay. "We are different, tragic, but we're still alive, Henry. We do niet have to keep running. Can't we settle down here? Can't we?" Franziska implored, her fragile hope shining through as her fingers extended to clasp his. In response, Henry brushed her hand away with a touch of force. “This is not who we are.” 

With a pivot on the heel of his boot, the Novellen executed an abrupt about-face, emitting an air of indifference as he sauntered purposefully toward the wooden door. The door's heavy thud, a manifestation of his abrupt departure, reverberated through the Ruthern's mind, leaving an indelible impression. A poignant understanding welled within her, an intuition that whispered to her soul, conveying that his exit was not a fleeting absence but an irrevocable departure, and he would not retrace his steps.

As the relentless march of time carried on, more months whisked by for the Ruthern, slipping through her grasp like grains of sand in an hourglass. Still, she remained within the very tavern where Henry had parted ways with her some time ago. In the depths of her heart, an unwavering hope persisted, perhaps an illusion, that he might one day reappear. This ceaseless vigil for his return became an agonising obsession that gnawed at her sanity.

In the midst of this torment, a mysterious and debilitating illness gradually coiled itself around her, constricting both mind and body. It clung to her vigorously, defying all efforts to be dislodged. This cruel affliction inflicted a terrible disadvantage upon her, as she grew increasingly frail and incapacitated, rendering her utterly incapable of embarking on the journey back to her distant homelands. It was a sombre fate that awaited Franziska, languishing in the tavern's dimly lit confines, her heart weighed down by the heavy cloak of despair, destined to pass away with no company or prayers, an enigma of her own making.

Her violently disturbed mind pondered to her twin brother, unbeknownst to his current turmoil. He had written an array of letters addressed to his sister, all unopened or lost. 

In memoriam of my twin,  

The horrors of this world, I’ve seen with my own eye so much it irreparably damaged it. How could suffering blind me to light? Amalgamations of abominations, men and women who have lost their soul, does God make this world truly for the right?

I carry Archangel Michael’s will, but if I stay gallant, brave and honorbound, will I still be the force of good in this benighted world? To send those who seek destruction and hate, but what of those misguided, am I to send them to the underworld?

Would life be any different, if my blood stayed blue?

My years of suffering, anger, tears and abandonment, if forgiven would they still make me true?

The unfamiliar, dim confines of her icy room seemed to assail her fragile form, as if rebelling against her, and they compelled her to recline involuntarily. Franziska’s chestnut, inky tresses cascaded back onto the sweaty surface of the pillow. As the final vestiges of her resolve waned, a solitary, almost mournful sigh escaped her lips, signalling her surrender to the luminous, overwhelming spectacle before her...

Penned on the 20th of The Grand Harvest, 1943
Dispatched by the Margrave of Drusco

HAIL TO THE DENIZEN OF THE HEARTLANDS,

The Margrave of Drusco, and the Margrave of Stassion have emerged with joyful tidings, for two scions of the noble houses have kindled a flame of affection between them. Edmond Guiscard  II Ashford de Rouen and Vivienne Lorena of House Stassion shall be joined in sacred matrimony.

I. The solemn ceremony is to happen at Veletz, inside the Cathedral of St. Arpad. Here, all those honored with invitations to partake will watch the union take place.

II. Following the marriage, a tournament will be hosted at the Margrave of Stassion. All will take a short walk to the domain, and valiant fighters will enter with a chance to win a modest 500 minae.

WE FORMALLY INVITE
AND ALL CITIZENS OF SAID NATIONS;

HIS GRACE, AND HIS NOBLE PEDIGREE, Gaspard van Aert, Captain-General of the League of Veletz, Duke of Middlelan, First Citizen, Protector of Midlanders, Defender of Dumacracy,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, AND HIS NOBLE PEDIGREE, Edmund Alexander, by the Grace of GOD, the King of Aaun and Prince of Alstion, etcetera.

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, AND HER NOBLE PEDIGREE, Renilde I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, etcetera.

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, AND HER NOBLE PEDIGREE, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, etcetera.

INVICTUS SOL IN AETERNUM

THE MOST HONOURABLE, Edmond Guiscard Ashford de Rouen, Marquis of Drusco, Count of Metina, Baron of Blackwald.
 

HIS HIGHNESS, Richard Leonus, Patriarch of House Stassion, Prince of Providentia,

Margrave of Stassion, Baron of Renzfeld, Lord of Fredericksburg, Protector of the Western Marches.

Franziska Baruch scoffed as she heard the news of the capital name, peering outwardly through her perked brow. Years and years of speculation had brewed within her mind, but this striked as a confirmation. Verification. Had her husband ever truly loved her, or had he loved another? Another man, at that. Pivoting upon a heel, Franziska made haste to find Georg. @gusano

are we really surprised when the admin team (itdontmatta) hold such a personal vendetta against certain members (free gecko) of the community and insist on keeping them banned when, in comparison to others who are 'liked' or a 'friend' of certain people, their crimes are nothing. just a tiny bit abstract how we pick and choose who the rules apply to in general on lotc - of course it has been an issue for the majority of my time on lotc that i have seen.

so glad i barely play this server anymore.

my last straw was when ya'll decided it would be a good idea to clout chase and futher publicise someone's death by posting a generic tribute only HOURS after they had passed away. not that many actually cared a week later when the so called 'trend' died down and everyone was done trying to virtue signal! boggles me what goes through the staff teams and others mind sometimes

not going to spill my heart out here, because quite frankly szander would call me a ***** and say that i'm cringe! please hug ur friends, tell ur family u love them, compliment a stranger, be the change u want to see. my twin flame&my brother, i love you forever and more 

The echoing of the ramblings of Franziska Baruch bounced upon the walls of the Norland Queen's cell, continuing to drill taunts into her as a cure for Franziska's boredom...

Franziska Baruch sharpens her sword alongside her dearest companion, Analiesa! @PerfectlyPeachy

Issued by the

DUCHY OF VALWYCK

On the 11th day of Vyzmey ag Hyff of 458 E.S

The Ducal Council of Valwyck deems it fit that there are certain roles to be filled by those who fit the particular expertise or description. If any of the below are of interest to you, send a letter and/or application to Franziska Baruch or Otto Gant. 

A list of available positions are provided below;

THE GREYGUARD

The Greyguard have served as the primary levy of the House of Baruch for generations. The position has previously been taken by men and women of the north, sworn to protect the family. They will be permitted a room and board free of cost within the village of Lallybroch, located beyond the walls of Lichestadt in exchange for their service and loyalty. Four greyguard are required.

THE MASTER-AT-ARMS

Tasked with training the children of the Duke and Duchess in combat is the Master-at-Arms. It is expected of the Master-at-Arms to be skilled in a variety of weaponry, from the blade to the bow. Patience is another requirement for any who wishes to take on the position as the children learn combat, and a short-temper would be ill-fitted for such. One master-at-arms is required.

THE TUTOR

The resident tutor of Valwyck is expected to be well-versed in any number of artistic and literary fields, though competence in the histories and Haeseni culture are imperative. Equally so, they must be capable of controlling the growing brood of the Ayrian nobility, who are renowned for their rowdy nature. Those of both common and gentle birth may apply, and shall be provided with lodgings in Lichestadt for the duration of their tenure. One tutor is required.

THE HANDMAIDENS

A handmaiden is expected to tend to their lady with an attentive and kind disposition, heeding their calls with a willingness to aid their counterpart. Not only must she be willing to lend a helping hand to her lady, but she must also be willing to lend her ear in the most trying of times. Simply put, a handmaiden must emanate loyalty in everything she does. After all, it is a position that, once obtained, is held for life lest the handmaiden obtains a higher station than that of the lady they are serving. 

Alongside the emotional support that handmaidens are expected to lend their ladies, ladies-in-waiting are expected to help their patrons dress for courtly events, apply their makeup, put their jewellery on, and so on and so forth. They might also deliver messages and pick out their wardrobe. Anything the patron requests of her benefactor, the handmaiden must oblige. In addition, these ladies can expect housing within Lichestadt for their service. Two handmaidens are required.

THE COURIER

While Lichestadt is equipped with an aviary, birds have proven to be rather easily intercepted by brigands and other ne’er-do-wells. This courier shall be expected to carry and deliver missives and letters from members of the Ducal family in a swift manner. It goes without saying that one must be comfortable in the saddle, and not averse to the use of violence to ensure none but the intended eyes look upon their contents. A horse will be supplied, as will lodgings in Lichestadt. One courier is required.

THE FISHERMEN

There has, recently, been a diminishment of fisherman manning Lake Voron. Evidently, the biodiversity of Lake Voron is vast and ever-expanding. Indeed, it is even theorised that there are hundreds of undiscovered species lingering in Voron’s depths. Nonetheless, the fauna recorded presently are confirmed to be unique to Voron’s environment alone, recorded solely by Duchess Isabel I over the span of her lifetime. The amount of fishermen required is not stated: any amount will be sufficient. 

BY MOUNTAIN, RIVER, AND COAL, 

Her Grace, Franziska Baruch, Duchess-Consort of Valwyck, Countess of Ayr, Viscountess of Voron, Baroness of Laval and Riveryn, Lady of Jorenstadt, Guardian of the Hanseti Coast

His Excellency, Otto Baruch-Gant, Lord Regent and Steward of the Duchy of Valwyck,

 Baron of Gant

franziska baruch gets very emotional!

BIRTH OF A DUCAL HEIR

Issued by

THE LORD REGENT OF VALWYCK

By the Grace of Godani on this the 4th of Msitza and Dargrund, 451 E.S.

VA BIRODEO HERZENAV E EDLERVIK,

It has been almost a year since Duke Valdemar left Valwyck in our care. During these months, we have served faithfully and tirelessly to administer and dutifully steward Valwyck, Lallybroch, and the encompassing lands that House Baruch has been granted to govern. During this time, we have begun preparations for the reconstruction and renovation of the Burgh of Lallybroch, we have further restructured and expanded in detail upon the Ducal council of Valwyck, and we have patiently awaited the birth of the Duke and Duchess’ firstborn child and heir.

It is with immense joy and great pride that we may announce the successful labor and birth of the firstborn child of Duke Valdemar and Franziska Baruch within the Castle of Lichestadt. Last night, under the shining stars that chart the course of Valdemar’s expedition, a healthy and lively daughter was born to the couple. 

The Regency Council was in agreement on the name of the child; to honor a former Duchess that co-ruled in her own right. The Child shall be named after the wife of Former Duke Eirik Baruch, who was appointed Co-ruler by her husband for the last few years of their reign; she served Valwyck and the Haeseni courts honorably for many years. the name and title of the child shall be the following

Her Grace, The Duchess of Valwyck, ANASTASYA RHONA BARUCH

While this does mark a milestone in the Regency, our service is not over. Until little Anastasya is of age to take over the Duchy in her own right, the Lord Regent and Council shall continue to carry out its duties overseeing Lichestadt, Lalybroch, and Greater Valwyck. We Pray for Godan’s guidance, and thank him for the healthy heir he has gifted his leal servants that reside in Valwyck.

BY MOUNTAIN, RIVER, AND COAL,

His Excellency, Otto Baruch-Gant, Lord Regent and Steward of the Duchy of Valwyck,

 Baron of Gant 

Her Grace, Franziska Baruch, Duchess-Consort of Valwyck, Countess of Ayr, Viscountess of Voron, Baroness of Laval and Riveryn, Lady of Jorenstadt, Guardian of the Hanseti Coast

His Lordship, Eirik Baruch.

11 minutes ago, meowcelina said:

Yetta Ruthern vogues the house down then says: "Chile i-".

"how peculiarly abstract." a certain ruthern comments. "what does 'chile' mean, girls?" @veganwalmart@ncarr

"A man in dames clothing?" Quearied the Ruthern, saged canvases looming closer and closer to the missive as the section dragged further onwards. The facial structure of Franziska seemed to transform to one of a more stern matter, two thin lines adorning the top of her forehead. As she passed a mirror, the juvenile came to an instantaneous halt. "Ea do niet look like a man in dames clothing..." Confirmed she, albeit the nature of her amour suggested otherwise!

Latterly returned from taciturn travels for over half a decade, a certain wistful abundance of exhilliration pervaded Franziska vas Ruthern at the notion of being reunited with her Mamej - her beloved family - once more. Avidly did the juvenile of a mere fourteen walk with a jump in her step towards the direction of Zoya vas Ruthern’s bed chambers, only to be greeted with a wholly gruesome sight. Franziska’s deathly mother sprawled across the length of her bed, loving friends and family surrounding her in vigorous suspense.

“M-Mamej?” Uttered the Ruthern astoundingly, but to no avail. Zoya vas Ruthern had succumbed to the ghastly fever. @veganwalmart