carebear

Calla von Theonus locked herself in her room for days, weeks, perhaps even months. All she knew was that her sister and brother-in-law were dead and gone. She remembered their adventures together; the battles against the Mori, the quiet moments in the refugee camps, watching Eloise and Artel fall in love with each other, raising their children together. The aging woman wept, then. Though she did not weep too hard, for she knew she would join them soon. Through her tears, her gaze rested upon a large painting, depicting her dearest friends and family. All of them were gone, except for her. "I will see you all soon, I promise you that..." ~~~~~~~~~~ Dame Rowena's heart hurt. Though she knew old Uncle Artel was not long for the world, the loss of her sister and dear uncle in such a short amount of time was brutal. She knew Artel would not want her to cry and stay frozen in grief, but she could not help collapsing from all the loss she had experienced. She stayed with her children, keeping them company and watching over them. ~~~~~~~~~~ A wild red-haired woman bounded towards Artel and Eloise as they arrived to the Seven Skies. Nikoletta Colborn greeted them with open arms, overjoyed that her surrogate father had finally come to keep her company.

Dame Rowena stared at the letter in one hand and the missive in the other. She knew that this was coming, Adalia had been sick for years. In this moment, she felt just like that scared child who watched in horror as her mother passed before her. All at once, something inside her broke. The Queen, her sister, whom she had sworn to protect was gone. Rowena retreated to her private chambers as sobs overtook her. She thought of her young nephew, left to the fate that seemed to befall their family. He needed help, and guidance. "Long Live the King..." She whispered under her breath between her tears.

Dame Rowena smiled the sun’s smile as the Petran-Haense alliance proved itself to be unstoppable once more.

Dame Rowena smiled the sun's smile as she read the missive, glad that the new Knight Commander was taking action already.

ITS GLORIUS, ITS BEAUTIFUL! HE ******* COOOOKED!!!!!!!!!!

Dame Rowena knelt in the Vallagne Church, praying silently and contemplating the events of that night. Although she knew she had followed what the Cardinal had wished, to protect the others in the group, she still felt she had failed her duty immensely. The Dame rested and recovered from her injuries sustained in the brief scuffle with the undead, but she would have her revenge for the beloved Cardinal Rhosyn. She would not rest until she had destroyed those undead that had so brutally and awfully snuffed out the life of the brave and devout Rhosyn.

"GOD bless their Eminences for pulling this off. Peace in our time, at least for a few more years." Dame Rowena sighed in her office, then stood up to get a drink, celebrating this freshly signed peace.

congrats on your one year. i haven’t been around very long either, my 3 years passed last june, but i’m so so glad i met you!!! you’re such a great roleplayer and a great figure in Petra’s community. here’s my question, how do you feel about the socioeconomic status of Aevos and do you like hamburgers or cheeseburgers more?

Rowena of the Petra looked at the missive with confusion. ”When did Ellie get married?” Clearly she hadn’t kept up with her other siblings’ escapades

Issued and averred by 192 of the Second Age Atstana de Regne Petrère 133 As Petra celebrates its newfound independence from the Heartlands Confederation, so too do two young individuals celebrate their blooming love. PRINCESS ROWENA OF THE PETRA and SER ALTEON GWYNADAR joyfully announce their upcoming union. Originally childhood friends interested in each other's squireships, their friendship grew into a blossoming romance over the past several years. The couple have walked through life together as partners, supporting and loving each other in both the good and bad moments of life. And now, the pair wish to invite family, friends, and citizens of Petra, Numendil, and their allied nations to this wondrous occasion. The couple shall be married in the Abbey of St. Edmund in Vallagne. Following the rites, a reception and feast shall be held in the Palace for all attendees. Wedding gifts for the bride and groom are not mandatory, but they are of course appreciated. A portrait of Dame Rowena and Ser Alteon, circa 1988 [Art by Eli] Formal Invitations are sent to the following: TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PETRA Her Royal Majesty, Queen Adalia I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, and her royal pedigree His Grace, Aurel von Theonus, Duke of Vohenheim, and his noble pedigree The Right Honorable, Friedrich von Augusten, Count of Hohengarten, and his noble pedigree The Right Honorable, Adelyn Reinhold, Countess of Anairgrid, and her noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Katrin Eryka Stafyr, Baroness of Feldkirch, and her noble pedigree Their Lordship, Jun of Astor, Baron of Fir’steinn, and their noble pedigree All Knights of the Petrine Laurel All Citizens of the Commonwealth of the Petra TO THE KINGDOM OF NÚMENDIL Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalionath, Queen of the Númenedain, and her royal pedigree His Lordship, Ser Glyndwr of the House Glennmaer, Lord of Garenbrig, and his noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Ser Maerîl of House O'Rourke, Lady of Al’Ildic, and her noble pedigree All Knights of the White City All Citizens of the Kingdom of Númendil TO VARIOUS ALLIES His Holiness, High Pontiff Deunoro I of the Church of Canon His Royal Majesty, Marius III, King of Hanseti and Ruska, and his royal pedigree His Royal Majesty, Alexander II, King of Balian, and his royal pedigree Silver Lubba, Gundanat’Vukh of Lurin, and his esteemed pedigree Grand-Magister of Hohkmat, Faeryel the Scholar, and her esteemed pedigree All Citizens of Allied Realms Personal Invitations are sent to the following: TO FRIENDS & FAMILY Her Royal Majesty, Juliya of Reinmar, Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, and her royal pedigree Her Royal Highness, Ser Eriantiel Esteleth Caranethiel of the House Arthalionath, and her royal pedigree His Royal Highness, Ser Arathor Erenion Caranethion of the House Arthalionath, and his royal pedigree The Right Honorable, Achillius Aurelian d’Arkent & Esfir Artemisia Amador, Count and Countess-Consort of Salia, and their noble pedigree The Honorable, Erik & Emma Kortrevich, Viscount & Viscountess of Krusev, and their noble pedigree His Excellency, Matthew Smythe, Master of Blades of the Swords of St. Emma, and his pedigree Her Excellency, Dame Amelie Auclair, Lady Chancellor of the Petra, and her pedigree His Lordship, Ser Baldric Vourkehardt, Baron of Cadiz and his noble pedigree His Lordship, Sir Konstantin von Theonus, Lord of Bingleberg, and his noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Josefina von Wesenburg Her Ladyship, Svetlana vas Ruthern His Lordship, Sir Aimo of Astor His Lordship, Artair von Theonus His Lordship, Artel von Theonus Her Ladyship, Dame Monika Stafyr Thegn-Conan and his noble pedigree Nezukai Kikurage Sir Karol Walewski Miss Noma Miss Aurelia Easworth Mister Petsch II of the Heartlands Mister Jay Amaranth HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Dame Rowena Ivanna Temesch of the Petra, “The Valorous”, Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel, Princess of the Petra, Countess of Clermont Ser Alteon Gwynadar of Garenbrig “The Bold”, Knight Commander of the Pyre, Knight of the Realm

— THE REVIVED ORDER OF THE — — PETRINE LAUREL — Issued and averred by Her Royal Majesty Atstana de Regne Petrère, 133 With the untimely end of the Heartlander Confederation, so too comes the end of our joint knight order, The Order of St. Peter. As such, Knighthood shall once again fall into the individual nations of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun. Henceforth, The Knighthood of the Order of St. Peter shall dissolve, and the Knights of Petra will once again become the Knighthood of the Petrine Laurel. The Knights of Aaun are free to install a new leader and create their own Order. All Petrans who were squires under Aaun knights are free to stay within the Petrine Laurel, granted they are reassigned to a Petran knight. All Aaunites who were squires under Petra knights are also welcome to stay in Petra, as well as any Aaun knights who wish to stay within the current system. Talent is recognized in all places, especially in a chivalrous nation such as Petra. THE PROCESS OF KNIGHTHOOD The process to become a knight remains the same from the Order of St. Peter. Therefore all squires and pages, new and old, may continue their training as promised. Pages Although the process of being a page is not a mandatory part of the path to Knighthood, it can help a child understand the gravity and importance of knighthood. Pages are assigned to knights, who they will become assistants to. These children will receive etiquette lessons, basic combat training, and an education from their assigned knight and the knight’s squires. A page must be the age of 10 or below and, unlike an older squire, is not required to join the Swords of St. Emma Squireship To be a squire, a candidate must be age 11. There is no age limit to be a squire. Unless a candidate was a page previously, squires will be chosen from the ranks of the Swords of St. Emma. A candidate must serve in the Swords of St. Emma for 2 years before their squireship officially begins. Besides being part of the Swords of St. Emma, a candidate must be in good standing within both the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Canonist Church. They will be assigned to a knight, training and living with them. Squires will be trained in the following skills: I. Squires will become proficient in their skill at arms, working under the tutelage of their knight to learn and master their skills. II. Given the expanded role which a Knight of the Petrine Laurel plays, any squire shall learn how to firstly read, and secondly how to properly write. Be it a missive, bill for the Garmont, or the etiquette of personal correspondence. III. Horsemanship shall be learned, and a good squire will learn how to maintain and care for a warhorse properly. IV. Speechcraft shall be learned too, given the role which a knight plays within Petra. This includes how to properly address a citizen, lord, or foreign dignitary should the need arise. V. The Commonwealth of the Petra is a pious Canonist realm, and as such any squire shall learn the tenets of Canonism, and how to act in accordance with this. VI. Following this tenet above, a squire shall undergo a pilgrimage alongside their knight and an accompanying priest, connecting further with the spiritual aspect of their profession. A knight is not only a warrior and a scholar, but also a good Canonist. VII. All squires shall also undertake the pursuit of an art of their choosing, such as mastering the art of speechcraft, woodworking, alchemy, or any art approved by their knight. Once all these trials and trainings are complete, a squire will undertake the Knights Quest. The Knights Quest A Knight of the Petrine Laurel is an exemplar of the values of Petra, and as such must accrue a degree of renown throughout Petra for their deeds. This journey is not a one-off process, instead being the sum total of many efforts spent aiding those within the realm. Their story must be one which does not ultimately only contain the slaying of a monster, for any sell-sword could do such if well enough prepared, instead, this story must demonstrate the qualities of the knight. Should the knight under which a squire pursues their Knights Quest perish during its duration, the squire shall be overseen by the Knight Commander and allotted the rest of their time under their tutelage. Should they fail in their quest, they shall be required to squire once more under another knight until such a time they feel it fit to be given a second chance. Ultimately, whether the story of renown any squire is worthy of ascending to the mantle of Knight of the Petrine Laurel rests amongst the members themselves. Once a squire has completed their Knights Quest, a meeting of the Round Table shall be called. Each knight shall review and judge the story of the prospective knight, with a majority of three-fourths of the vote being required to admit a new knight to the Petrine Laurel. Once a squire has been voted in, the Monarch is made aware and a knighting ceremony will be held. On the night before the ceremony, the squire will undertake a vigil in the Temple of the Exalted Prophets of the Canon to prepare themselves spiritually for the task of becoming a knight. The squire will be required to fast and reflect on themselves in silence. Once the vigil is completed, the squire is ready to be knighted. Knighting Upon completion of all steps required of a squire, the Knight Commander shall present their legend before the Court or Monarch. Once the tale has been told, the Monarch, Regent, or Chancellor presiding shall knight the squire, bestowing upon them a Moniker worthy of a Knight of the Petrine Laurel, and the legend that they have told. THE PLEDGES OF THE KNIGHT THE FOUR CHIVALRIES I swear to be Valiant in the face of all Odds. I swear to be Fearless in the face of Uncertainty. I swear to be Loyal to GOD and Country. I swear to be Dutiful to Family and my People. THE PLEDGE OF SEVEN MERCIES I swear to Feed the Hungry. I swear to give Drink to the Thirsty. I swear to Clothe the Naked. I swear to Harbour the Harbourless. I swear to pay Visit to the Ill. I swear to allow Meetings to the Imprisoned. I swear to Bury the Dead. KNIGHTS KNIGHT VALUES All Knights of the Petrine Laurel are held to a high standard of honor and loyalty, dedicating their lives to upholding the values of chivalry and the laws of the realm. Alongside the oaths that they swear upon their knighting, their duties are as follows; I. To protect the Royal Family of the Petra II. To uphold Canonism and its beliefs III. To protect the defenseless, and the people of Petra IV. To act with honor and chivalry V. To work to dislodge and keep out darkspawn and evil from the lands of Petra KNIGHTLY CHAPTERS The Order of the Petrine Laurel contains three chapters within it. These are the Chapter of Rapids, the Chapter of Brooks, and the Chapter of Waves. I. The Chapter of Rapids stands as a military and armed force, upholding the laws of chivalry, their pledges and duties. II. The Chapter of Brooks stands as a literary and civil force, upholding governmental and civil institutions, history, and literary works. They may be asked to fulfill duties of the Chapter of Rapids if they are capable. III. The Chapter of Waves stands as an honorary position, achieved either after retirement from either the Rapids or the Brooks, or granted by the Monarch for exceptional service to the Commonwealth of the Petra. KNIGHT DUTIES & RULES The Knights of Petrine Laurel are not only well-trained combatants but may be utilized in many different ways. I. Certain Knights may be assigned as Governors of the different regions of the Petra, to watch over the homesteads, settlements, and vassals that live there. These knights are called Seated Knights and make up an advisory council to the Knight Commander, called the Round Table. Seats are granted to knights who have proved their loyalty and exceptional service over many years. Seats are a privilege and can be taken away from a knight who breaks their oath or remains stagnant in their position. II. The Monarch may ask the Knights to sit as advisors on their Council, with their view from their direct experiences among the Heartlands III. Knights will be called upon to act in defense of both the Commonwealth of the Petra and its allied nations in conflict, generally seeking to end bloodshed. The Knights will work closely with the Swords of St. Emma in this matter. IV. Each knight is expected to seek out a successor, whether they are seated on the Round Table or not. Knights may only have one squire at a time. V. Knights may be expected to go on missions and investigations for the Crown or Nation. If they must be gone for a long period of time, they may temporarily allow their squire to train under another knight until they return. VI. If a Knight has not actively gone on patrol, participated in tournaments, or gone to knight meetings for 5 years, they will be stripped of their Knighthood unless the Knight Commander is made aware of the reason for their absence. If a Knight breaks their oath, they are also stripped of their knighthood. If it is a severe infraction, there may be more consequences VII. Knights are required to retire at the age of 75, although they are allowed to retire earlier if they wish. SEATED KNIGHTS Seated knights are an integral part of the Petrine Laurel, as they make up the Round Table. The Round Table is the advisory council to the Knight Commander and is trusted to help make decisions along with the Commander. This council does not serve as a higher authority than the Crown, as decisions made by the Round Table cannot override any orders issued by the Monarch. The Round Table is made up of 5 seated knights, who are each granted Governorship over different regions of the Heartlands. These knights will protect and serve the region they are assigned to, communicating with any vassals or towns that may inhabit the region. Seated knights are also expected to help any patrol that goes through their region, either from the Petrine Laurel or the Swords of St. Emma. The regions and seats are subject to change and expansion as time goes on. These 5 Governorships are as follows; The Seat of Ladyr, the northern region across the river from The Acadamy of Hohkmat and the base of the military and knights. This seat is to be held by the current Knight Commander. The Seat of Val De Lagne, the capital of the Commonwealth of the Petra. The Seat of Mount Catrinne, the mountain region surrounding the Memory Tree. The Seat of Solland, the area directly south of Val De Lagne and Mount Catrinne. The Seat of Mardonlands, the eastern border of Petra, hugging the river. KNIGHT COMMANDER The Knight Commander is the head of the Petrine Laurel and is in charge of the Round Table, having the final say over the Laurel. The Petrine Laurel shall vote for their preferred choice of Commander and it shall be confirmed by the Monarch or a Regent. S I G N E D, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Adalia I, By the grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Princess of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch, Torm Marian & Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore & of the Phoenixspire, Knight of the Realm, The Dawnmade, Chosen of the Stars, First Gem Among the Stones & Defender of Liberty HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Dame Rowena Ivanna Temesch of the Petra, “The Valorous”, Knight Commander of the Petrine Laurel, Princess of the Petra, Countess of Clermont

Rowena of the Petra celebrated Petra's freedom as her sister returned from her meeting. "Peace! At last! Perhaps now I can finally get married!"

Dame Rowena nodded as she left the meeting room, walking to her room in the palace. "Hopefully, we will have peace within the Heartlands soon."

Atstana de Regne Petrère 131 To the Esteemed Citizens of the Petra, On the recent confrontation in Enswerp, the Petran Crown addresses the apprehension of the latest plot by the Usurper, a man whose greed and selfish ambition sought to usurp the Throne of Garmont from its rightful ruler, Queen Adalia I. A brief but decisive skirmish ensued, a ten-versus-ten resulting in the loss of only one Petran life, while one Enswerp participant was captured, one escaped, and the rest were put to death. Found cowering in Fort Alba was the traitor himself, captured by the leal Asbjorn Carthaig who fought and defeated two other men before securing the fate of the disarmed renegade. Following the brief fight, the disowned former-prince was transported from Enswerp to Vallagne. There, he faced a gathering of outraged Petran nationalists, incensed by his heinous acts – the wanton killing of his own daughter in the recent fire of Courteis Hale, the attempted destabilization of our secure nation, and his selfish quest for importance. Unconscious and weakened from the battle, efforts were made to rouse the traitor so that he might be coherent for his final moments and utter his last words. This foiled coup was halted before it could gain a foothold within the Petra; these scoundrels possess neither power nor force, only cutting remarks and unbridled acquisitiveness. The Petra remains strong, safe, and a beacon of unity under the leadership of Queen Adalia I, as her name was chanted into the air following the execution of the King for a Day. We also extend our apologies to Prince Marcus Antonius for denying him the opportunity to duel the False King. However, we are certain the opportunity would not have arisen, given the Userper's notorious lack of honor in all things he participated in. The Userper has faced the glorious justice of the Petran Crown, who put a swift end to this short lived madness. The remains of the Usurper have been entrusted to the Order of Saint Jude, who will deliver them to the Pontiff, thereby confirming to the realm that he is indeed dead. Let it be known that the Petran Crown harbors no animosity towards the Aaunic Crown, as we recognize that Charles II would never condone such reckless actions by his brothers or their vassals in his presence. This decisive action should serve as a stark reminder that the Petra will not condone any further threats to our citizens or challenges to our throne. The swift and unwavering response to the traitor’s treachery underscores our commitment to preserving the security and sovereignty of our nation. Let it be known to all who harbor ambitions against the Petra that any attempts to disrupt our peace or undermine our rightful rule will be met with resolute justice and an unwavering defense of our realm, and our Queen. EVER UNWAVERING UNDER THE SUN, HIS GRACE, Aurel von Theonus, Margrave of Marignan, Count of Sigiswald, Viscount of Karlstadt, Baron of Raustyn, Lord of Vissingren Castle, Patriarch of Theonus. Her Royal Highness, Dame Rowena Ivanna ‘The Valourous’ Temesch of the Petra Knight Commander of the Order of St. Peter, Princess of the Petra, Countess of Clermont Queen-Emeritus, Renilde of the Petra

Dame Princess Rowena of the Petra laughed loudly as she read the ABSURD claims of the disowned bastard Paul Moere. "I was seven when Adalia was born, even I knew that Mother was pregnant! I knew we should have executed him when he wore illegal regalia, Adalia was too kind to this degenerate."