CharmingCavalier

The Grass is Greener Issued and averred by the office of, Hugh le Gras, Former Imperial Treasurer 4th of Horen’s Calling, 653 AA -=- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of former Imperial Treasurer, Hugh le Gras, who died peacefully at his home last night at the age of seventy-five. Hugh was born in Lougras on the 2nd of Sun’s Smile, 578 AA to Herbert and Matilda le Gras, owners of the Le Gras Hay Company. He spent his formative years apprenticing under John de Unpeesi, a notable Illatian grain merchant in Whitespire. Upon his return to the family business, in 596 AA, Hugh introduced the famous “Red Band of Quality,” which now binds all le Grasian hay bales and has become a gold standard for heartlandic hay quality. Within three years of his financial innovations at his family’s business, in 599 AA, at the age of twenty-one, Hugh le Gras was appointed as Royal Treasurer for the Kingdom of Burgundy. Upon the establishment of the Empire of Man in 603 AA, he was elevated to the title of Imperial Treasurer, a position he held for fifty-four years. Hugh pioneered imperial heraldry, founding the Imperial College of Arms in 614 AA and serving as Imperial Chief Herald until 649 AA. His firstborn son, Guy le Gras, was then elected to the role in 650 AA. His wife, Agathe, predeceased Hugh two years ago. Le Gras is survived by his children: Emma, Alice, Guy, Herbert, and Walter. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. ✠ The Night Before ✠ The clunk of keys echoed through the clerk’s office as an elderly man pulled another set from his pocket. Once more, a thud. And then a sigh. “That should be all of them,” Hugh said in a pained voice. Timothee, the clerk, counted the keys aloud, “Forty-nine, fifty, fifty-one…” As he droned on, Hugh’s gaze wandered to the paintings of Tiberias and Hadrian. He remembered sitting in an office like this, decades ago, begging for a chance to serve the empire. They had given him that, but did they regret it? "Sixty-eight." The counting stopped, breaking Hugh’s thoughts. The clerk nodded, confirming the count, and said, "They are all here, sir. It has been a pleasure." He then gestured toward the exit. Hugh pushed open the heavy door, his arm straining. Muscles aching, he gripped the stair railing and spiraled upward, recalling that trips down to the dark vaults always seemed easier. He cursed the climb. Many moments later, he emerged to the moon’s glow seeping into the bank. He smiled, “Agathe always loved the moon,” he said to the bustling room paying him little mind. He stopped to admire a stack of newly minted coins, bearing another emperor’s face on each. Three emperors he had served, if only there was time to serve a fourth. Rittersberg was quiet, with only the sounds of two children at play ringing through the night’s calm. Hugh smiled in passing. Emma and Alice used to play like that. His heart broke a bit as he moved along. The hinges on his house door screamed as he struggled to open it. Inside, he hung his hat next to the one his father had given him, the one with the plume. The house was empty. Many years ago, there had been a family here: children, a wife, and grandchildren. Hugh slumped at the only table in the barren parlor and poured a glass of liquor. The heavy glass made his arm ache. Old age will do that. After a few sips, he took her portrait from his pocket. There was a woman he had loved, and a woman he had lost. Hugh propped his wife’s miniature against a book from a Petrine bureaucrat. He smiled, turning to his papers. Though retired, he meant to help his son with the family’s accounts. He circled some frivolous expenses to cut later, then squinted. The numbers were fuzzed, more than usual. His head lightened; he tried to stand, but couldn't. He stumbled and fell to the floor. His arm pounded with pain, and the weight of the world pressed on his chest. Walter found him in the morning, ink staining his hand. Under his arm, a mostly smudged message. Except for the ending, “I did my duty.”

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENT Appointments of the Treasury Issued and averred by the office of, His Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 4th of Aurelian’s Glory, 644 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ By this writ the Imperial Treasury, in service to the Imperial Crown, appoints Dame Noiye of Soloneshnoye to the role of High Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. By right of this office, the High Steward may exercise their right to administer the management, upkeep, and expansion of all properties and holdings within the capital walls and its outlying lands. Entrusted with levying local taxes and ensuring the prosperity of the Emperor’s seat, they serve as the Crown’s voice in all matters of urban governance and development while remaining in direct communication with the Imperial Treasurer. -=- By this writ the Imperial Treasury, in service to the Imperial Crown, hereby formally dissolves the Office of the Master of the Imperial Exchange. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer,

TREASURY ANNOUNCEMENT Open Positions in the Imperial Treasury Issued and averred by the office of, His Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer 3rd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 643 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ The Imperial Treasury is seeking two qualified applicants to fill the following vacancies. To apply, send a bird to Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer (CharmingCavalier). -=- ✠ The High Steward ✠ The High Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City of Rittersberg is charged with the annual collection of taxes and stands as the Crown’s voice in all matters of urban governance and development. They manage the expansion of all properties and holdings within the capital walls and its outlying lands in accordance with the Rittersberg Building Code. To complete this task they must regularly respond to inquiries about available properties, evict past due tenants, and maintain a staff of stewards capable of completing these essential tasks in their absence. -=- ✠ The Master of the Imperial Exchange ✠ The Master of the Imperial Exchange is charged with the maintenance of the imperial stalls and generating new, novel incomes for the Crown. This is to include maintaining a constant supply of resources to sell in the imperial stall in the capital and our treaty stalls in Petra and Idunia. The Master of the Imperial Exchange has access to several barns which can be used to breed horses, cows, and other livestock for the completion of their duties. Additionally, they are charged with maintaining a trustworthy staff to continue production in their absence. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Lord Treasurer,

TREASURY ANNOUNCEMENT Rittersberg Stall & Cart Auction Issued and averred by the office of, His Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer 7th of Harren’s Folly, 642 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ The Imperial City of Rittersberg has several centrally located carts and stalls that the Imperial Treasury now places up for immediate auction. Please see the rules below: ✠ Bidders may attach their bids to this post. ✠ Opening bids are listed for each property below. ✠ Any bid, beyond the opening bid, must increase the price of the bid by a minimum of 10ƒ. ✠ The auction closes in five saint’s days (ending: February 27, 2026 @ 11:59 PM EST). ✠ Payment is due in the tax barrel for the property 24 hours after the auction closes. ✠ Half of any bid will translate into a tax credit, applied to this property, rounded to the nearest ten. ✠ EXAMPLE: With a bid of 50ƒ, half is 25ƒ. Rounded up to 30ƒ as tax credit. -=- Steward's Way 3 Starting Bid: 20ƒ Annual Tax: 30ƒ Red Square Cart 2 Starting Bid: 20ƒ Annual Tax: 40ƒ Red Square Cart 3 Starting Bid: 20ƒ Annual Tax: 40ƒ Steward's Court 1 Starting Bid: 50ƒ Annual Tax: 40ƒ Steward's Court 2 Starting Bid: 50ƒ Annual Tax: 30ƒ Steward's Court 5 Starting Bid: 50ƒ Annual Tax: 30ƒ Steward's Court 6 Starting Bid: 50ƒ Annual Tax: 30ƒ Imperial Stall 3 Starting Bid: 10ƒ Annual Tax: 20ƒ Imperial Stall 4 Starting Bid: 10ƒ Annual Tax: 20ƒ Imperial Stall 5 Starting Bid: 10ƒ Annual Tax: 20ƒ AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Lord Treasurer,

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENT Appointments of the Treasury Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 6th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 640 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ By this writ, the Imperial Treasury appoints a temporary replacement for Her Imperial Highness, Marcella Antonella, Duchess of Lorraine and High Steward of His Imperial Majesty's City. Appointing hereunto until her return, Valentin Burgundy, to the role of High Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. By right of this office, the High Steward may exercise their right to administer the management, upkeep, and expansion of all properties and holdings within the capital walls and its outlying lands. Entrusted with levying local taxes and ensuring the prosperity of the Emperor’s seat, they serve as the Crown’s voice in all matters of urban governance and development while remaining in direct communication with the Imperial Treasurer. -=- By this writ, the Imperial Treasury aims to fill extant vacancies. Appointing hereunto Jerry Augustus Helene to the role of Warden of the Imperial Exchange, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. By right of this office, the Warden may exercise their right to oversee the collection of revenues from all Crown Enterprises, whether longstanding, novel, or newly established. The Warden directs those engaged in acquisition, transport, and refinement, ensuring efficient operation across mines, caravans, workshops, and market stalls, both foreign and domestic. They hold authority to charter trade, issue licenses, and prioritize essential materials in times of scarcity, their seal marking all sanctioned movement of imperial trade goods. These obligations shall be completed while remaining in direct communication with the Imperial Treasurer. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer,

TREASURY ANNOUNCEMENT Manors for Sale Issued and averred by the office of, Her Imperial Highness, Marcella Antonella Horen, Head Steward 3rd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 638 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ Previous judgement by His Imperial Majesty, Tiberias I, on the large manor houses of the Imperial City of Rittersberg restricted them to nobility carrying a writ of assent from the Emperor. However, under the direction of Emperor Hadrian I these limits have been lifted. Thus, the following properties are now open from public lease in the Imperial City of Rittersberg. If you are interested, please send a bird to the Head Steward, Marcella Antonella Horen (Discord: rainalyn) or contact a steward (@steward in the Empire Discord). -=- Babettenberg 2 A charming three-story manor house with classic stone foundation and patterned facade. Features an attached pavilion for entertaining, lantern-lit entry, and upper-level living quarters almost entirely furnished. Ideal for the wealthy burgher! ✠ No Down Payment Required! ✠ Comes pre-furnished ✠ 200ƒ per week (price non-negotiable) -=- Babettenberg 3 Solidly constructed using imported Alban granite, the rich red detailing on this house perfectly exemplifies elegance. The second-floor balcony offers exceptional views of the street and is perfect for private enjoyment. The third floor and attic are sealed off but can be opened up with renovation. ✠ No Down Payment Required! ✠ Requires furnishing ✠ 150ƒ per week (price negotiable) -=- Babettenberg 4 This distinctive corner house rests at the end of the Babettenberg neighborhood, showcasing bold timber framing, crisp white accents, and a dramatic gabled rooflines. Raised windows and room to garden create a cozy, yet sophisticated, feel. Includes a small patio area with three outdoor tables, suitable for evening refreshment or revelry. An excellent choice for artisans or families with children. ✠ No Down Payment Required! ✠ Mostly unfurnished, some upper room furnished. ✠ Garden space included (ask Treasurer for details) ✠ 170ƒ per week (price negotiable) -=- Babettenberg 5 A stately Johannian-era stone residence wrapped in lush greenery. Deep inset windows with thoughtful landscaping. Private entrance makes this home perfect for nobles or those commonly pestered by peasants. Also perfect for a guild residence or feast hall! ✠ No Down Payment Required! ✠ Requires furnishing ✠ 150ƒ per week (price negotiable) AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Lord Treasurer, HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Marcella Antonella Horen, Imperial Princess, Duchess of Lorraine, and Head Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City of Ritterser

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENT Appointment of the High Steward Issued and averred by the office of, His Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 2nd of Harren’s Folly, 633 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ By this writ the Imperial Treasury, in service to the Imperial Crown, aims to fill extant vacancies. Appointing hereunto, Her Imperial Highness, Marcella Antonella, Duchess of Lorraine, to the role of High Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. By right of this office, the High Steward may exercise their right to administer the management, upkeep, and expansion of all properties and holdings within the capital walls and its outlying lands. Entrusted with levying local taxes and ensuring the prosperity of the Emperor’s seat, they serve as the Crown’s voice in all matters of urban governance and development while remaining in direct communication with the Imperial Treasurer. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer.

Hugh le Gras let out a contemptuous harumph, throwing the crumpled document toward an overworked clerk. His voice carried easily across the vaulted banking hall. "The fool decries a 'bloated nobility' in one breath, and then in the next signs the document with a parade of nonsense he dreamt up! 'Prince of the Stars!? Lord Paramount of the Blood?! and Archduke of Eicher-' what even is Eicheria?! I suppose irony is lost on blue bloods." Hugh strolls off for a VERY important meeting with His Mighty High Lord Majesty, Peter II, Grand Vizier of Padooka, Lord Paramount of Azuristan and all the Fishes in the Sea, High Potentate of Horen, Imperial Divan of Ligma, and the Illustrious Master of Meaningless Titles.

THE TREASURY IS HIRING IN NEED OF HIGH STEWARD Issued and averred by the office of, His Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 8th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 632 AA ✠ APPLY TODAY ✠ The Imperial Treasury is seeking to appoint a High Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City of Rittersberg. The High Steward is charged with collecting taxes in the city, hiring stewards to allow purchasing of properties at all times of the year, maintaining the building code established by the Treasury, and evicting those who are tardy with payments. Additionally, an applicant must be an imperial citizen and over the age of 18. Previous stewardry or mercantile work is a plus. Apprentices considered with leave of their master. If you believe you would be a good fit for these roles please send a bird to Hugh le Gras (CharmingCavalier). AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer,

IMPERIAL EDICT Edict of Hadrianic Tibers Issued and averred by the office of, His Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer 3rd of Owyn’s Light, 631 AA ✠ First Tibers of a New Age Minted ✠ By this edict signed by the Lord Treasurer, and with the gracious assent of His Imperial Majesty, the Imperial Mint has commenced the striking of new Imperial Tibers (₮) to mark the beginning of a new reign. Struck in brilliant gold, the Hadrianic Tiber weighs four and nine-tenths pennyweights and bears a finely notched rim. Upon its obverse gleams the noble profile of His Imperial Majesty, Hadrian I, Emperor of Man, facing sinister. The reverse depicts St. Raguel, Aengul of Justice, standing in judgement over a rebel, bound inverted and set to the flame. Along the dexter edge runs the inscription “ILLE OMNIA VINCIT” - He conquers all. Citizens and subjects of the realm are assured that all previously minted Tibers remain fully recognized as lawful tender and shall continue to circulate concurrently with this new coin, without impediment. The introduction of this new tiber marks not a replacement, but an enhancement of the Empire’s currency in honor of His Imperial Majesty’s reign. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Hadrian I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt, Grense and Reutov, Baron of Pestilles, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer,

IMPERIAL EDICT Edict of Horse Sales Deregulation Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 5th of Owyn’s Light, 629 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ By public decree of His Imperial Majesty, and under the seal of the Treasury, the Imperial Edict of Horse Sales, which fixed the prices of and set conditions for the sale of horses, is hereby repealed in full. All within the Empire are free to sell horses at any price, with or without saddles, and without restriction or penalty. -=- IMPLEMENTATION The repeal of the Edict of Horse Sales shall go into effective immediately upon the promulgation of this edict (November 20, 2025). AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer,

IMPERIAL APPOINTMENT Appointments of the Treasury Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 4th of Harren’s Folly, 626 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ -=- APPOINTMENT OF THE HIGH STEWARD By this writ the Imperial Treasury, in service to the Imperial Crown, aims to fill extant vacancies. Appointing hereunto Peelf Treury to the role of High Steward of His Imperial Majesty’s City, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. By right of this office, the High Steward may exercise their right to administer the management, upkeep, and expansion of all properties and holdings within the capital walls and its outlying lands. Entrusted with levying local taxes and ensuring the prosperity of the Emperor’s seat, they serve as the Crown’s voice in all matters of urban governance and development while remaining in direct communication with the Imperial Treasurer. -=- APPOINTMENT OF THE WARDEN OF THE IMPERIAL EXCHANGE By this writ the Imperial Treasury, in service to the Imperial Crown, aims to fill extant vacancies. Appointing hereunto Willy Horen to the role of Warden of the Imperial Exchange, effective as of the promulgation of this missive. By right of this office, the Warden may exercise their right to oversee the collection of revenues from all Crown Enterprises, whether longstanding, novel, or newly established. The Warden directs those engaged in acquisition, transport, and refinement, ensuring efficient operation across mines, caravans, workshops, and market stalls, both foreign and domestic. They hold authority to charter trade, issue licenses, and prioritize essential materials in times of scarcity, their seal marking all sanctioned movement of imperial trade goods. These obligations shall be completed while remaining in direct communication with the Imperial Treasurer. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer,

IMPERIAL EDICT Edict of Horse Sales Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer 3rd of Harren’s Folly, 626 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ By public decree of His Imperial Majesty, and under the seal of the Treasury, the sale of horses within the Empire of Man is henceforth subject to regulation. The following provisions apply to all merchants who offer horses for sale upon the roads, in markets, stalls, businesses, or stables: ✠ A horse in full health or of utmost swiftness shall be sold for the fixed price of 90ƒ. ✠ A horse of lesser vigor and speed shall not be sold for a price exceeding 80ƒ. ✠ All horses offered for sale must be pre-saddled. Any merchant, be they foreign or native, in the Empire found in violation of this edict shall incur a fine of 500ƒ. Failure to remit payment, in full, within 48 Saint’s Hours shall empower the Imperial Treasury to seize such properties as are required to satisfy the debt. -=- IMPLEMENTATION This law shall go into effective 24 Saint’s Hours after the promulgation of this edict (November 4, 2025, at 10AM EST). AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Imperial Treasurer,

✠ Full Legal Name: Goldwin Brooke ✠ Age (Must be over 18): 35 ✠ Running for Which Seat (Bergman/Folkman of X): Bergman of Feldersberg ✠ Residence (Must be within constituency): Old Town 9 ✠ Are you in good standing with the Empire and Church? (Yes/No): Yes ✠ Provide a brief account (100-200 words) of your standing, trade, or service to your community, by which you claim fitness to represent them in the Witenmot: I, Goldwin Brooke, humbly submit myself before my peers for consideration to the Witenmot. I am a solicitor by trade, having studied under my grandfather since the age of fifteen. In the honest defense of my clients I have ever sought to uphold the Emperor's justice. I have offered counsel to farmers and craftsmen alike, mindful that those who have little may yet repay in time. Should I be judged worthy to sit in the Witenmot, I shall devote my service to the preservation of Imperial power, the prosperity of Rittersberg, and the good order of our nation.

IMPERIAL EDICT Edict of Mineral Wealth Issued and averred by the office of, His Imperial Excellency, Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer 3rd of Godfrey’s Triumph, 624 AA ✠ HEED, ALL LEAL SONS OF HOREN ✠ For the security of His Imperial Majesty’s realm and the continued production of valuable resources, the Imperial Crown hereby establishes in writing the long-held customary law that all mineral deposits, regardless of their location within the Empire of Man, are subject to the sole and perpetual authority and control of the Imperial Treasury. All obstructions to the entry of the Imperial Treasury - including, but not limited to, privately locked doors - must be removed within 24 Saint’s Hours of this notice. Failure to comply will subject the responsible parties to prosecution and, if found guilty, the penalties described in the Lex Tiberi for Petty Treason. AVE IMPERIUM H V M A N I T A S I N V I C T A HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, Tiberias I of the House Horen, by the Grace of GOD, Emperor of Man, Holy Imperator, King of Burgundy, Seventis, Salvus, Renatus & Oren, Duke of Middelan, Helena, Lorraine, Sunholdt and Reutov, Protector of Grense, Protector of the Heartlanders, Patriarch of House Horen & the Tiberian Dynasty, Captain-General of the Church, Defender of the Faith. BVRGVNDIA IMPERIVM HIS IMPERIAL EXCELLENCY, Hugh le Gras, Lord Treasurer,