CopOwl

Lady Justiciar Adele Ludovar hears the news by the avenue of her militaristic daughter, Tatyana. She bows her head in respect for the fallen, lighting a candle on her desk that night. "Spasiba for vyr sacrifice in the name of Justice..."

Scyfling Culture: Traditional Fashion Published from the Viscounty of Venzia ISSUED ON THE 10TH OF GRONNA AND DROBA, 453 E.S. A STUDY ON THE RESURGING HANSO-SCYFA STYLES OF FASHION Penned by the hand of Her Ladyship, Anabel Elia Colborn, Keeper of The Book "Igenom en roken’s egas." - Scyfling Proverb "Through a raven’s eyes." - In death, we all see through a raven’s eyes O’ GUD, VOR HJELP I GYNE ERE, With the returning prominence of the Viscomital Scyfling House of Colborn, their styles of dress have become more common an appearance in the Courts of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. As such it is my duty - as the Keeper of the renowned Book of House Colborn and its ancient histories - to write an expansive study on our culture’s costuming customs to explain to new eyes their significance, and to create a snapshot of this moment in our long history to be studied by future generations’ scholars. While to the untrained eye, it may seem as though Hanso-Scyfa styles of dress are remarkably similar, particularly when Scyfling peoples are adopting the most popular styles at Court in the Capital (e.g. Ruskan styling), several notable differences set them apart from other similar garments. What eventually came to be known as “Scyfling” culture originated from a great many different unincorporated clans which each bore their own traditions. Once the Scyfling clans united, their various traditions of dress frequently combined and the origins of any particular style became lost to time. Only after years of research have the original names and details resurfaced to be included in Scyfling writings. Similarly, the Scyfen language has changed drastically since its clannish years, and the names of such old fashions may be different to the manner in which the Scyfen tongue is spoken by modern Scyfling Houses such as House Colborn. These considerations must be made, however, the original identifiers of these garments have been preserved in order to illustrate the fluidity of growing cultures over lengthy periods of time. KVINNOMODE - Women’s Fashion I. THE BUNAD A treasured portrait of the famous Colborn Matriarch, Loviska Amsale Colborn, wearing the traditional Bunad. THE BUNAD DRESS originates from the village of Vჹllr - named for its Vallar kirkja (church) which was built following the Slesvician conversion to Canonism by St. Carr - however, variations of the Bunad dress have been cited from many different old Scyfling villages. In modern times, the Bunad dress has been repopularised by Ladies Anabel and Ada Colborn who have sewn and worn these garments - however, they also own much older dresses as gifts from their ancestors. The Bunad dress itself is a well-preserved tradition, and the design of many modern gowns have not changed from their original conception. Bunad designs were very localised to their origin village, however, they are typically elaborate. Most bunads have intricate embroidery of flowers or other natural images, and they are very often worn with scarves, shawls, and hand-made jewellry in aurum or silver called sølje. Depending on the village of a Bunad style’s origin, it may differ in colour, fabric, embroidery, jewellry, cut, and the headwear associated with it. Most Bunads have their own allotted name, and most families choose their Bunad by their own or their ancestor’s origin. Many of these strict Bunad regulations have relaxed during the in-between years when Scyfling fashion was uncommon, however different families will still often prefer one style of Bunad for their daughters over another. Unless a cultural occasion necessitates otherwise. Often, the Bunad would have an accompanying pair of Bunad shoes, and a Bunad purse, and when wearing the Bunad dress, ladies used to be discouraged from wearing earrings or heavy makeup although not enforced. THE THELIRBUNAD was originally the favoured Bunad of the birth clan of St. Carolus of Carrenhall - one of the four Founders of Haense - and has, over time, become integral to his descendants in the House of Colborn as their preferred Bunad for casual wear. The Bunad itself is named after the region of Thelir, one of the territories of Aegis’ far north. This style of Bunad is commonly characterised by a white undershirt with an overdress of mostly black fabric accompanied by red embroidered embellishments on the outer parts of the overdress. They also typically have an orange or red belt made of more ribbon-like material. Lastly, the Thelirbunad is almost always worn, when formally donned, with a large aurum or silver circular brooch and often studded with intricate metallic carvings, pearls, or, for the especially high-class, diamonds and other precious gems. In the coldest months of the year, the Thelirbunad will also be worn with a black or navy overcoat over the chest to keep the wearer warm. A small painting of a young noble girl wearing the Thelirbunad. THE GORESBUNAD is the most well-preserved over time of all Bunad styles, due to it being native to the Vჹllr village, and as such is likely the most reminiscent of the original Bunad design. The Goresbunad is widely considered to be one of the most simplistic Bunad designs, inherent in its age. The Vჹllr village was one of the most southerly villages of the Slesvik region where the Scyfling and Gorundyr peoples originally came from, and for this reason, they are typically made from thinner material and with fewer layers due to the increased Southern heat. The Goresbunad is characterised by a white undershirt with large airy sleeves while being worn underneath a singular - often black - overdress. This Bunad is usually reserved for the lower class due to its simplicity and inexpensive materials. Other than the colours associated with the Goresbunad, it is remarkably similar to the Ruskan peasants’ wear. However, the Ruskanwear usually has significantly more embroidery in its material than the Goresbunad which has only minimal amounts. This style of Bunad will often be worn with a matching jacket during the winter which is characterised by ornate embroidery accompanied by simple metal buttons. The belt and jacket of the Goresbunad are ideal for wearing with badges, brooches, and any other items of sentimentality to the wearer (e.g. Lorraine cross). However the iconic trait of this type of Bunad is the embroidery and styling of the belt it is worn with - thin, red material tied at the waist and often bearing striking threading which indicates which family the wearer comes from (e.g. House Colborn Goresbunad belts are embroidered with either a tree or a raven). A rare portrait of the Goresbunad being worn with a jacket. THE SCYEBUNAD is a blended style of Bunad from several different villages in the Fjord of Hardanger. Following the conversion of Scyflings to Canonism by St. Carr, the church clothing of the people of this region became well-known and grew in popularity. While the currently prominent Scyfling House of Colborn is not known for wearing the Scyebunad, it is still a very popular style among other Scyfling people. The Scyebunad commonly features a black or navy skirt and a black or red bodice worn over a white blouse with embroidered cuffs and collar. It is very often worn with a coloured apron, bearing embroidery towards the bottom. The embroidery on the cuffs is dependent on the wearer’s ancestry, but it is always sewn using the technique exclusive to the Scyebunad known as “Hardangersøm” in Scyfen - this technique is passed down from mother to daughter. The Scyebunad is also the only prominent style of Bunad that is frequently worn with a cape. The women from Hardangerfjord were known for their headwear which used to indicate their marital status. Married women wore the “skaut” which was a piece of thick white cloth delicately formed into a particular shape on the lady’s head, whereas unmarried women would wear the “roggeband” - meaning “rye band” - which are long and narrow ribbon-like pieces which are wrapped very tightly around the hair and placed on the head alike a headband. These headpieces are older traditions which were localised to the Hardangerfjord region, however - alike the Ruskan Kokoshniks - they are making a recent resurgence along with the wearing of veils for married women. A painting of a married Slesvician woman wearing the Scyebunad and Skaut. A Colborn wearing the Thelirbunad. A Colborn wearing the Scyebunad. II. BRIDAL ATTIRE A famous Wedding portrait of Irena Colborn in her marriage to Edward Audemar, forming the ancient House of Alimar. THE WEDDING ATTIRE of Slesvician women has changed drastically over the years. In Ancient times, Scyfling raider clans valued the hair and crown that the Bride would wear as more notable than her dress. The longer her hair was, the more appealing she was to prospective suitors. This idea of keeping a lady’s hair long has mostly persisted into the modern day and many young women still choose not to cut their hair short. Often, a lady will wear quite casual clothes to her wedding. However, her bridal crown will always be the most ornate thing she wears. This is because Scyfling Houses often pass down a bridal gown and crown specific to their heritage through the generations to be used by many of their daughters and sisters. It is uncommon for the bridal gown to be white, as is the tradition in Raevir cultures, and instead, it is usually made out of bright materials of different colours such as pink, blue, red, green, and even black. Each old Scyfling clan would have had its own style of bridal crown unique to its heritage, however, there are also lots of churches and chapels that will have their own wedding dresses and matching bridal crowns, which bridal parties can rent out for their wedding ceremonies if they aren’t wealthy enough to purchase their own dress and headdress. Modelled after the crown of renowned virgin Scyfling chieftess, Agneta the Abstinent, the Bridal Crown signifies the purity, innocence, and chastity of the Bride. A PEASANT’S HEADDRESS is, in contrast to a noblewoman’s crown, often formed with flowers as opposed to precious metals such as aurum or silver. However, they would still often be paired with bronze metals interwoven with brightly coloured woollen strings to bring a lightness of colour, and a certain metallic sparkle to appeal to the eyes upon the bride’s head. Favoured flowers for the bridal headdress include pink and white roses, camellias, white dryads, Haeseni mullein, gulliva flowers, and more. Certain ancient Bridal Headresses were woven elaborately with straw and wheat, before being garlanded with the above-mentioned flowers. Several sources also describe Headdresses formed in a crown-like shape, adorned with pints ending with crosses and clover leaves alternately. This style of Bridal Headdress is also regarded to have been inset with certain crystals and bearing red and green silken cords. A rare portrait of an affluent peasant Bride bearing a flower-adorned Headdress. THE TRENČIA CROWN is one which has fallen out of frequent use for a long time. It is most frequently recognised for the long and intricately embroidered ribbons that hang down from the crown itself which is made of beads painstakingly sewn together to form beautiful patterns. Alternatively, the Crowns were made of textile cloths folded together and coloured with a range of dyes or intricately embroidered to create a beautiful array of colours and textures. The origin of the Trenčia Crown is difficult to track down, as this style grew to encompass a large region and appears to have originated from a possible ancient Scyfling Kingdom, records of which are all but lost, however, some wedding traditions of this region surrounding the Crown have survived. The Bride and her married female relatives would spend several days before her wedding creating her Bridal Crown, and the wreaths for her Bridesmaids. They would often weave flowers into the Crown symbolising blooming youth and spring-like bursts of fertility that come with marriage, however, with the integration of Canonism, the flowers also came to represent the Bride’s virginity - alike other Bridal Crowns. These headpieces would also be decorated without fresh flowers and herbs, however, other regions would utilise the abundant evergreen branches, or they would sew textile flowers into some material - often the ribbons. The usage of flowers and herbs often represented various aspects of abundance and fertility, to wish these things for the Bride in the next step of her life. In contrast to other Scyfling regions such as Slesvik, following the wedding, the Bride would be sequestered into a private room by her female family where her Bridal Crown would be removed and her hair would be combed and pinned up in the married woman’s style. Her hair would then be covered by the married woman’s cap, called the czepiec, and her hair would be cut short to symbolise the loss of her childhood and her place in a new community. The symbolism of the Trenčia Crown is complex, but to sum it up it is a symbol of a blessed rite of passage, and the crowning of an intermediary time when the Bride’s life is about to change entirely. A lot of these traditions are no longer followed, unless by choice. An old sketch of a Trenčian woman wearing her Bridal Crown before her wedding. THE VǪLLR CROWN, originating from the Village of Vǫllr where St. Carr was born, is part of a group of music-making Crowns. These Crowns often feature, attached to the Crown itself, lots of beads and spoon-shaped bangles which dangle around the Crown. When the Bride moves her head, these bangles will make music by tinkling against one another and the body of the metal Crown. It was believed that this music would ward off evil spirits. This was particularly important after the wedding when the newlywed couple would dance together. The bangles would make music while they dance, and this would keep spirits at bay to ensure that nothing spoils the bride’s happiness. From the adjacent village of Vosse, the Bridal Crown is round and flat atop the Bride’s head. Instead of spoon-shaped bangles, Vosse Crowns are adorned with irregularly-shaped golden ornaments which perform the same role as those of the Vǫllr Crown. This Bridal Crown group is often accompanied by matching ornaments attached to the clothes, and/or an aurum necklace to ward off unholy spirits from harming the wearer. Despite originating from the region in which St. Carr came from, the modern Scyfling House of Colborn that has not adopted this style of Crown, instead favouring another for its daughters… THE SCYFE CROWN originates from the Fjord of Hardanger alike the Scyebunad, and is by far the most traditional crown-shape of the Bridal Crowns. The Bride frequently wears them with a red ribbon tied around her chin to keep the valuable heirloom atop her head. Red is the traditional colour of this region, however, the colour has over time become exclusive to the Bridal Crowns and Costumes rather than its Bunads. Alike many of the other Bridal Crowns, its shape is meant to represent the Bride’s purity and virginity on her wedding day - in homage to Agneta the Abstinent. The Scyfe Crown is one of the most expensive versions of the Bridal Crown to create, as it requires the undivided attention of a talented craftsman or blacksmith for a long time, and is also crafted from high-quality aurum and bejeweled with extravagant precious gems. In addition, the Scyfe Crown is also commonly attached to a long veil requiring many hours of a talented needlewoman’s time to create. These lavish stipulations add to the reasons for which Bridal Crowns are passed down the generations and treasured as family heirlooms. The costs of the Scyfe Crown cause it to be something that not everyone can afford, making it a display of economic status and a family’s prosperity. This is the Bridal Crown style of choice for the Viscomital House of Colborn. A young Colborn woman admiring the family’s Scyfe Crown before her wedding. A Colborn wearing the House Colborn Wedding Attire - the Scyebunad and the Scyfe Crown. III. COMMON ACCESSORIES OF SCYFLING FASHION A recent portrait of Viscountess Ada Natalya Colborn wearing the traditional garb upon her ascension to the rank of Matriarch of House Colborn. SCYFLING FASHION stems from the same original location and culture despite Scyfling People now being spread widely across Nations and Continents, and for that reason, it often features certain similar features of fashion. Particularly in the accessories, it is easy to identify the common ancestry of these pieces and many of them have, luckily, lasted through the years to be included in this Study of Traditional Fashion. Many localised Clans and cultures have developed their own fashion styles - as evidenced by the priorly mentioned location-specific Bunads and Bridal Headdresses - and several of their accessories have developed down that path, while others have remained set in the historic precedents across lots of individual Scyfling Clans. THE SCYFLING BONNET is a remote, yet widely used item of clothing. Many Scyfling women wear the Scyfling Bonnet as a part of their wardrobe and, other than the Bridal Headdresses which are reserved for Weddings, are the closest Slesvician substitutes for the majorly popular Ruskan Kokoshniks. It is often worn for the same reason as veils for Ruskan women; as a sign of respect when entering a Holy place such as a Church. The Scyfling Bonnet is a broad category representing any and all simple cloth items worn atop one’s head accompanying a Scyfling style of dress. The Scyfling Bonnet is most commonly represented as a plain or patterned cloth worn over the head and tied simply under the chin, however, it also applies to a different variety wherein the bonnet wraps around the skull with a seam at the chin to secure it. The Bonnet often bears intricately embroidered patterns such as flowers, plaid, stripes, dots, etc., and any other stylings that the wearer prefers. Elsewise, they may wear it plain as a variably coloured cloth - or even a dull white cloth. A married Colborn woman wearing a patterned red Scyfling Bonnet. SCARVES AND SHAWLS are often the choice for many Scyfling women to keep themselves warm, particularly for those now living in the frigid temperatures of Hanseti-Ruska. These Northern women often wear scarves made of thick goat or sheep wool to insulate themselves, and they are often worn over the head in place of a hat - especially during winter snowfall. However, this is not to say that more Southerly-inclined Scyflings do not wear Scarves or Shawls. For them, the wearing of these garments is more to do with brightening up an existing outfit with fresh patterns rather than the insulating purposes commandeered by their Northern cousins. As discussed, Scyflings are known for patterning and embroidering a variety of their clothing. This is no less the same for the Scarves and Shawls, which are very often brightly embroidered with different threads to excite the eyes of any viewer. Alike veils, they are commonly thrown hastily onto the head when stepping into a place of God as a display of respect. Scarves or Shawls can be seen in an undefinably vast range of colours, bearing a similarly wide range of patterns; plaid, striped, spotted, floral, and more. Most Shawls and Scarves also bear tassels on their ends, and they are made of different materials based on the affluence of the wearer. Poorer families most often utilise their own sheep’s wool for their garments, while more wealthy homes afford their women luxurious silks or expensive lambswool. A young Scyfling girl wearing a blue Shawl with floral patterning to keep her warm. A Colborn wearing a red Scarf. A Colborn wearing a Shawl. IN SUMMARY, Scyfling fashion is a vast subject of much cultural intricacy. All of its facets are characterised by traditional integration, with a multitude of tribally-originating differences, and it is truly a fascinating topic requiring more study and writing on the subject. In my role, I intend to do as such and personally write - or ensure that it is written - further studies of Scyfling traditions, even those not of my own House. I would also encourage more curious women to branch out in their clothing choices to wear more Slesvician fashion styles, or to speak to me if they have further interest in the topic and any clarifications requiring aid. Any writings on a cultural subject provide but a portrait of that culture at the time of its publishing, but put together these portraits and they can illustrate a breadth of ever-changing civilization for the eyes of the resilient Scholar. SKRALI VOR GUD, Her Ladyship, Anabel Elia Colborn, Keeper of the Book

THE CROWS’ VOWS THE MARRIAGES OF TWO LADIES OF HOUSE LUDOVAR Issued By THE COUNTESS OF OTISTADT & BARONESS OF JULIKSBURG On the 11th of Vzmey ag Hyff, 453 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, Two wits of equal sharpness were matched between parallel Countesses of North and South lands, and it has produced a fruitful and amicable agreement. Following years of lengthy negotiations between the Countess of Aquilae - Matriarch of the Balianite House of Vuiller - and the Countess of Otistadt, and following the pursuance of permission from His Majesty, Karl III for an international union, all provisions have been made for the arrangement of marriage between the long-partnerless Heiress of House Ludovar and titular Baroness of Juliksburg to Lord Samuel Vuiller, brother to the Southern Countess. However, as part of the agreements with House Vuiller, it has been decided that Lady Liliyana Sonia Ludovar shall in turn marry Lord Godric Ivan Vuiller - the heir to the Balianite House - to pay them back for sacrificing their honorable Brother away from the Southern Lands. The Unions of these two Comital Houses is one of a magnitude rarely matched among noble societies, not lightened by the unlikely match of two pairs from two nations divided by a vast Continent. The Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady Emma Henrietta Ludovar, and her betrothed are glad to invite all to witness their holy matrimony. This shall be held on the 10th of Tov and Yermey, 454 E.S., in the Chapel of Bl. Robert Lothar located within their Comital Estate of Otistadt. The reception thereafter shall be held at the frozen lake of Otistadt where the newlywed couple shall gladly accept any and all gifts presented from their honored guests. OPEN INVITATIONS ARE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING: All Citizens of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, and the Kingdom of Balian FORMAL INVITATIONS ARE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING: His Royal Majesty, King Karl III, and his Royal Pedigree His Princely Grace, Duke Wilheim II Barclay, and his Noble Pedigree His Grace, Duke Aleksandr II Ruthern, and his Noble Pedigree His Grace, Duke Valdemar I Baruch, and his Noble Pedigree His Highness, Margrave Loran I von Draco, and his Noble Pedigree The Right Honourable, Count Matviy I Kortrevich, and his Noble Pedigree The Honourable, Viscountess Ada I Colborn, and her Noble Pedigree His Lordship, Baron Aurik I Bishop, and his Noble Pedigree His Highness, Viceroy Cesar I de Pelear, and his Noble Pedigree His Lordship, Baron Sviatoslav I Godunov, and his Noble Pedigree His Royal Majesty, King Aleksandros I, and his Royal Pedrigree The Most Honourable, Viscount Peter IV d’Arkent, and his Noble Pedigree The Most Honourable, Viscount Viktor III var Ruthern, and his Noble Pedigree The Most Honourable, Viscount Drako I Darkwood, and his Noble Pedigree The Most Honourable, Viscountess Catherine I Huntshill, and her Noble Pedigree The Honourable, Baron Lucius I Galbraith, and his Noble Pedigree The Honourable, Baron Constantine I Malenos, and his Noble Pedigree The Honourable, Baroness-Regent Freyja Mösu, and her Noble Pedigree His Serene Highness, Prince Frederick II, & His Royal Highness, Prince-Regent Peter de Joannes, and their Royal Pedigree PERSONAL INVITATIONS ARE EXTENDED TO THE FOLLOWING: His Serene Highness, Grand Prince Georg Sigismund Her Highness, Princess-Consort Niamh de Joannes Her Grace, Duchess Analiesa var Ruthern Her Ladyship, Lady Anabel Colborn, Keeper of the Book Her Ladyship, Lady Elizaveta Barbanov-Bihar Her Ladyship, Lady Mischa Lesanov Her Ladyship, Lady Manon de Falstaff Corporal Samuel Woods and his Honourable Pedigree TIZ LIFST DLUM HAESIY, Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour The Right Honourable, Matyas Isaak Ludovar, Count-Consort of Otistadt, Lord of Alban Her Ladyship, Emma Henrietta Ludovar, Baroness of Juliksburg, Heiress to House Ludovar and Titles Her Ladyship, Liliyana Sonia Ludovar Her Excellency, Johanne Alstromeria Vuiller, Countess of Aquilae, Viscountess-Consort of Renduzzo, Matriarch of House Vuiller and Darkwood His Lordship, Samuel Vuiller His Lordship, Godric Ivan Vuiller, Heir to House Vuiller and Titles

Adele Ludovar solemnly signs the Lorraine... "May vyr rest be long and plentiful, mea friend..." She murmurs quietly, not allowing a single tear to slip from her reddened, tired eyes. "Spasiba for everything." A candle is left out for the Count-Kortrevich in the Countess of Ludovar's office that evening.

SUMMONS TO THE AULIC COURT OF HANSETI-RUSKA: FIRR HENRY VON HALSFIELD Issued by THE LADY JUSTICIAR ADELE LUDOVAR On the 5th of Jula ag Piov, 452 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, Following the filing of a Civil claim regarding the supposed crimes of the accused, the Office of the Justiciar sees fit to summon Firr Henry von Halsfield to the Aulic Court of Hanseti-Ruska. The event in question involves the theft and subsequent profit made off of stolen livestock belonging to the Plaintiff, Firr Fickle Waterlight. As such, the Office of the Justiciar sees it fit to summon him to appear before the Aulic Court to state his case on the events. Should he fail to attend Court, the Crown will consider such an admission of guilt and the presiding Jovenaar shall issue their sentence wherein he shall be considered a criminal within our lands. The defendant, Henry von Halsfield, shall appear before the Aulic Court and answer for the following charges: IX Let he who steals the property of another be guilty of Theft. XVI Let he who trades in goods stolen or defective be guilty of Fraud. I swear the contents of this summons to be true and accurate to the best of my knowledge before Godan. MONN TAMORT OE SPARVEED, Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour

A STUDY ON THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOL Written by LORD ATILAN BISHOP On the 11th of Gronna ag Droba, 451E.S. The topic of being under the influence of alcohol is a truly fascinating moral dilemma when it comes to doing criminal actions; the actions of which exist in the purview of the Jura i Krima. Morally or ethically, there is a substantial number of arguments claiming that an accused who definitely did the crime was drunk, and that his drunkenness should be taken into account. The Law does feature a clause in which one’s drunkenness can offer a level of reduced sentencing, or the ability of the man to not be charged due to Article III of Jura i Krima. On the other hand, others argue the opposite; using Article IV of the same Jura i Krima to claim that it is irrelevant. Laws in Question: JURA I KRIMA III Let he who is of unsound or simple mind be free from punishment. IV Let he who commits a crime through carelessness or recklessness be guilty of Negligence, to be punished as if they had committed the crime itself. So, what are the two real viewpoints here? Firstly, no one is arguing whether or not the accused truly did the crime. In this situation, the man without reasonable doubt did the crime. It is instead his liability and culpability that this Study seeks to question. This paper accepts that, and this is not the focus of the Study but rather this is more focused on what the Law has to say on the matter, and where arguments and counterarguments can be made in the event of committing such crimes under the influence. Let’s begin with those who could argue that the accused level of drunkenness should be taken into account for their sentencing. For them, the Law does have a provision in Article III for if they can successfully argue such a point in a Court of Law. As stated in Article III: “Let he who is of unsound or simple mind be free from punishment”. Some can argue that alcohol can make one of unsound mind. To address that: it is important for the man’s degree of drunkenness to have been noted and taken into effect. For example, his behavior, any slurred speech, if the man threw up, etc., should be taken into account when determining how drunk he was, and thus of how much his unsound mind can be attributed to his actions at that time. Though, it is also important to understand the nature of the crime and who the victim was - if there was one. For instance, drunkenly assassinating a man versus drunkenly punching him may well carry different weights, and also provide questions of his drunkenness. If a Lawspeaker can argue such a defensive point well, he might even be able to get the man relieved of his crime, but it would have to depend on these factors which the Jovenaar must take into consideration when issuing their judgement. Now, let’s turn to the opposite perspective. Luckily for the opposing side, there is Article IV, which states as follows: “Let he who commits a crime through carelessness or recklessness be guilty of Negligence, to be punished as if they had committed the crime itself”. One can argue that a man who drinks could be guilty of negligence. As drinking, and then committing a crime such as assault or drunken murder, can be seen as an act of carelessness and recklessness on the man’s part. This also includes property damage while drunk, and also slander. For those using this aspect of the Law, the level of drunkenness is not as relevant since the crime in question was still committed. But again, Article III can still be used to rebut such a claim. However, if the Lawspeaker argues his points well, he can convince a Jovenaar to swing in his favor, and to charge the man with his committed crime - and Negligence on top of it. So, now where does these notations leave this Legal Study? Well it leaves behind a quandary. A conclusion can be reached that both Article III and IV can be utilised in a Court battle, and fight against one another well when it comes to matters of drunken crimes. So thus, we have two conflicting laws in this matter. So, as to this matter at the end of the day, it will come to the arguments presented by both Sides, and who can win using his arguments more effectively. And, of course, the presiding Jovenaar and how he chooses to rule on such a case, especially as his job is to navigate conflicting Laws and legal quandaries such as these. MONN TAMORT OE SPARVEED, His Lordship, Atilan Viktor Bishop, Ambassador to Balian, Ward of the Office of the Justiciar Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour

A STUDY ON THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOL Written by LORD ATILAN BISHOP On the 11th of Gronna ag Droba, 451E.S. The topic of being under the influence of alcohol is a truly fascinating moral dilemma when it comes to doing criminal actions; the actions of which exist in the purview of the Jura i Krima. Morally or ethically, there is a substantial number of arguments claiming that an accused who definitely did the crime was drunk, and that his drunkenness should be taken into account. The Law does feature a clause in which one’s drunkenness can offer a level of reduced sentencing, or the ability of the man to not be charged due to Article III of Jura i Krima. On the other hand, others argue the opposite; using Article IV of the same Jura i Krima to claim that it is irrelevant. Laws in Question: JURA I KRIMA III Let he who is of unsound or simple mind be free from punishment. IV Let he who commits a crime through carelessness or recklessness be guilty of Negligence, to be punished as if they had committed the crime itself. So, what are the two real viewpoints here? Firstly, no one is arguing whether or not the accused truly did the crime. In this situation, the man without reasonable doubt did the crime. It is instead his liability and culpability that this Study seeks to question. This paper accepts that, and this is not the focus of the Study but rather this is more focused on what the Law has to say on the matter, and where arguments and counterarguments can be made in the event of committing such crimes under the influence. Let’s begin with those who could argue that the accused level of drunkenness should be taken into account for their sentencing. For them, the Law does have a provision in Article III for if they can successfully argue such a point in a Court of Law. As stated in Article III: “Let he who is of unsound or simple mind be free from punishment”. Some can argue that alcohol can make one of unsound mind. To address that: it is important for the man’s degree of drunkenness to have been noted and taken into effect. For example, his behavior, any slurred speech, if the man threw up, etc., should be taken into account when determining how drunk he was, and thus of how much his unsound mind can be attributed to his actions at that time. Though, it is also important to understand the nature of the crime and who the victim was - if there was one. For instance, drunkenly assassinating a man versus drunkenly punching him may well carry different weights, and also provide questions of his drunkenness. If a Lawspeaker can argue such a defensive point well, he might even be able to get the man relieved of his crime, but it would have to depend on these factors which the Jovenaar must take into consideration when issuing their judgement. Now, let’s turn to the opposite perspective. Luckily for the opposing side, there is Article IV, which states as follows: “Let he who commits a crime through carelessness or recklessness be guilty of Negligence, to be punished as if they had committed the crime itself”. One can argue that a man who drinks could be guilty of negligence. As drinking, and then committing a crime such as assault or drunken murder, can be seen as an act of carelessness and recklessness on the man’s part. This also includes property damage while drunk, and also slander. For those using this aspect of the Law, the level of drunkenness is not as relevant since the crime in question was still committed. But again, Article III can still be used to rebut such a claim. However, if the Lawspeaker argues his points well, he can convince a Jovenaar to swing in his favor, and to charge the man with his committed crime - and Negligence on top of it. So, now where does these notations leave this Legal Study? Well it leaves behind a quandary. A conclusion can be reached that both Article III and IV can be utilised in a Court battle, and fight against one another well when it comes to matters of drunken crimes. So thus, we have two conflicting laws in this matter. So, as to this matter at the end of the day, it will come to the arguments presented by both Sides, and who can win using his arguments more effectively. And, of course, the presiding Jovenaar and how he chooses to rule on such a case, especially as his job is to navigate conflicting Laws and legal quandaries such as these. MONN TAMORT OE SPARVEED, His Lordship, Atilan Viktor Bishop, Ambassador to Balian, Ward of the Office of the Justiciar Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour

Anabel Elia Colborn beams as she receives her invite. "Ohhhh!!! Niamh-!" She screeches with excitement. "Finally - !!!"

Adele Ludovar, Tatyana's mother, breathes a relieved sigh as she spots her militant daughter traipsing home that evening. The beating snows of Otistadt pull at their respective cloak and gown, however Adele still hurries out to the gates of Ricksburg to greet her second eldest daughter. She pauses in front of the young woman's reddening face, brows furrowed, as she scrutinises her for a moment before the Countess reaches up with her thumb to wipe away some of the dirt from Tatyana's forehead. "Yam so pleased vy have returned, mea dear." She murmurs to the soldiering girl, sympathetic of the horrors of battle which she knew her child would have encountered. She presses a light kiss to Tatyana's forehead before letting her come in to rest at home.

The now-older Adele Ludovar curses as she hears the news. Iulius had always been there when she was a child - one of her first memories of Karosgrad (which the older man had highlighted, to her embarrassment, years later) was of crouching behind her father's tall legs for shelter, and peeking out at the strange scholarly man he was speaking with. Her presence had distracted the Count, of course, but Iulius had still been there watching. Even if she didn't know it as she grew, he had always been watching over her from afar. And now he was gone - not only a figure of support and guidance, but one of her most dutiful Jovenaars. One of the last relics of her Father's full legacy was now gone, and she hadn't even thought about it until the news reached her. That night, Adele set aside a note written for the deceased scholar, and left a candle lit in his honour.

THE OPENING OF LUDOVAR BITS N BOBS Issued by THE COUNTESS OF OTISTADT On the 24th of Vzmey ag Hyff, 448 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, Over many generations of Ludovars, dozens of miscellaneous items - of varying value and history - have accrued deep in the vaults of Ricksburg. Discontent to allow them to sit dormant, it is the Countess of Otistadt’s decision to offer them up for sale to those who might find value in these historic relics in the shop owned by House Ludovar located in Karosgrad. Such categories of goods on offer include garnered aged alcoholic beverages, recipes for various ancient delicacies, weapons of renowned warriors, and several other personal effects that have ended up, over the years, in Ludovar hands. Furthermore, any young entrepreneurial Ludovars have also been provided with a space to sell their efforts - as has already begun with young Lady Tatyana’s masquerade mask-selling business which is based in Ludovar Bits n Bobs. Upon the Countess’s orders, Petra’s Market II was remodeled to fit her vision, and has now been refitted with its goods on sale. The selection of Bits n Bobs will rotate often - patrons never know what they’ll find inside its four walls - and Countess Adele also intends to take commissions for seeking out ancient relics if customers so desire. Lastly, after the social struggles of the past Lifstala Season, Ludovar Bits n Bobs now offers handmade “Kits for Couples”, such as: a deluxe box of chocolates for a young couple’s date, an accompanying date picnic basket, sweet-smelling peach candles, and a pack of cards with the purpose of providing topics of conversation. The hope is that such items shall encourage closer connections between lovers - the perfect gifts or resources for any significant other. Furthermore, Ludovar Bits n Bobs is now the only location offering the award-winning coveted House Ludovar Pinot Noir wine. TIZ LIFST DLUM HAESIY, Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour Her Ladyship, Emma Henrietta Ludovar, Heiress of House Ludovar and Titles, Baroness of Juliksburg

Adele Ludovar blinks at the publication. "Who is this???" She speaks aloud in confusion before shrugging. "Well, anyway ..."

New Mother, Anabel Colborn, ventures in fatigue down to the shores off Hyspia, accompanied by her disfavoured Husband - Sebastien Olivier - and rambunctious toddling baby son, Erik Edvard. The absolute exhaustion one feels when parenting - nearly single-handedly - an energetic toddler is immeasurable, and even as Anabel arrives at an inn down south where they were to stay for the occasion she finds herself wishing her own fate onto dear Elia, her sister and the bride. Nevertheless, she steels herself the morning following and bears a bright grin onto her face as she watches her adored youngest and only sister marry the man of her dreams - despite her own private reservations about the man in question. "I'm so very happy for you, my favourit-est systir-!" Spoke the Mother to the Bride after the ceremony. "I love you, dear Eli. Gudi luck in married life."

AN UNTIMELY DELIVERY Wails rang out through the long halls of Vorenburg - a surprise new baby had been born. It still didn’t quite sound real to her ears as she pressed a hand to her swollen pregnant belly. “I don’t- I-I don’t think I’m ready, Sebastien.” Whispered the Colborn woman to her husband. The diligent Squire leant down to cup her cheek. “You will make an excellent mother, don’t worry so much.” Came his reply, echoing in her ears. Anabel Elia Colborn sat upon the bed in their bedroom as a doctor sent from Karosgrad to attend to her bustled in and out of the room with towels and various other preparations. Accompanying the doctor was a young apprentice - still branded by the telltale expression of timidity; he had not delivered a baby before. To be fair to the boy, neither had the expectant Mother and she awaited news with baited breath - even such minor reports as the baby’s position or other provisions. Events had conspired so fast in the past few months, and with such secrecy, that on occasion Anabel herself would lose track of what had been agreed that they could and could not tell outsiders. The bedroom was different though, it was separate; it felt normal. All newlyweds have to deal with the unfamiliarity of suddenly living in direct contact with another, and the joint possession of a singular bedroom and a singular bed. Such mundane items of interest - however, every married man or woman had dealt with such gripes and that fascinated her. Anything to take her mind off of this was good enough. Josefina hovered anxiously to her side, her hand gripping Anabel’s tightly. The Kortrevich was there in substitution of the absentee Sebastien. Unfortunately for the newlyweds, the Husband had been called away to attend to his Knight’s Quest just as his wife was getting along in her pregnancy. As Anabel’s closest confidante, Josefina had been beckoned upon and confessed to in order to take care of the young Colborn in her latter months in case Sebastien found himself unable. The date of her delivery was certainly a worry - she was concerningly early, even for a first birth. Despite this, her size was colossal and she appeared to struggle however she attempted to shift herself. A great shout had gone up that morning from the gates of Vorenburg; Josefina bore Anabel’s arm over her shoulder as they clawed at the gates. The pair had gone out for an early morning walk, as they usually did, and when they were halfway through their standard strolling route, the preterm Mother reportedly let out a painful cry and collapsed onto the grass as she clutched at her pregnant belly. In the commotion, it had taken the Baronial family some time to notice the ambiguous substance pooling at Anabel’s feet. “W-what if she doesn’t make it?” Spoke the Mother on the bed after a conspicuously long time had passed since her last contraction. She asked Josefina, the Doctor, and the Apprentice, but in reality she was posing the question to Godan and the Forces that Be - anyone who would listen. Etched into her question was the ongoing debate between the parents-to-be, wherein Anabel was determined that the child would be a girl - she had a feeling - however the missing Father was in turn adamant that they would bear a boy. They had already held a lengthy discussion around the decision of names for each eventuality, despite each of their respective certainness. Erik Edvard, or Karyna Rezalina, whoever they would end up being, was surely taking their time. The time elapsed between contractions was growing worrying now, especially for a woman so far in front of her estimated date of delivery, and the Doctor took pause in order to investigate the unusualities with an examination. He concluded that they should continue to wait patiently - as difficult as that might be. “He is your son,” Began the Savoyard’s voice in her ears, coinciding with the moment that Josefina squeezed her hand with her best estimate at a reassuring smile. “Of course he will make it.” Only now did the hour come about, sending shock waves of searing pain through the Colborn woman’s lower half and causing her to loudly cry out from the anguish. The Doctor was to her side in an instant, gently reassuring her for a moment before barking instructions for the Apprentice to note points down that she couldn’t catch in her agony. As her mind refocused on the Physician’s voice, she took a deep breath and counted along with him as he counted her through the paces. Her eyes brimmed with tears of regret and fear. Why had they done this? Why had they been so foolish? Was it even worth it? Anabel hadn’t even known if she actually wanted children, but by the time she figured out that such was a question that needed answering, it was too late. She hadn’t felt prepared for marriage, either. And she had accepted that. Well- It wasn’t even that part, it was that as soon as she attempted to take a second to consider the decision more deeply, his face had contorted to show disappointment and she couldn’t bear that. Maybe she had said yes out of a want to please him. It wasn’t that she didn’t love him, she did, but Marriage had approached so soon that there was very little to consider about it before it was upon them and she had taken too long. She had always known that Marriage would come, it was just when that had caught her off-guard. So suddenly. But all of that was behind them as the young Colborn cried out, her screams of pain filling the empty spaces of Vorenburg and filtering out to the Courtyard below where she lay. She would birth the youngest Colborn to date, and Adrian would become a great-great grandfather on this day - possibly the only of his kind in the Kingdom. She should be feeling happy, and proud of her achievement - her child would be the oldest of the House’s coming children. And yet … The entire thing was stained by mistake after mistake, and the grief those mistakes brought. Anabel had always loved literature more than caring, and she may never escape the latter. The responsibility over her Great-Grandfather’s health had weighed on her shoulders since a very young age, the task of looking after her youngest cousin had degraded her, and once Adrian had fallen into a coma she had driven herself mad with caring to his every need, day-in & day-out did she care. And now she would forever hold the burden of protecting a son or daughter. She would never escape the duty of care - even once the children grow enough to no longer require her guidance, she shall have to handle her accident-prone husband. The realisation fell on her like a ton of bricks; that today may be the last day without direct responsibility over another person. “Where is Sebastien?” Cried the labouring woman, “He’s nejt- he’s nejt here!” Sobbed she as tears coated her features. Clutching at her stretched belly, her fingers tightened. “You can’t come yet-” She whispered to the child; hopelessly, “I-it’s too early- please…” Poor Josefina’s countenance contorted in misery and sympathy for her friend, holding onto her hand and gently shushing and crooning to her in affectionate attempts to calm and comfort her. Most unfortunately for the Mother however, nothing will interrupt the baby when she has decided that now is her moment, and the Doctor steeled himself for a difficult delivery as they all worked late into the night together. Wherever Sebastien was, it wasn’t here. He had abandoned her in her moment of greatest need - perhaps this was what her Nattrvaskr was always destined to be; her greatest trial. But it wasn’t his fault- He was gone. And what if he never returned? This was never Anabel’s choice, and yet he was going to leave her to raise the child all by herself. Such cruelty from a man, that she could do nothing but attribute it to his God-given hubris. Perhaps Elia was right in the end. Still, even darker thoughts encroached on Anabel Colborn’s mind. It would only be a matter of time until the Squire - her Squire - would return to Bethlenen with no eyes. He would be forbidden from seeing her or their daughter. Or he would come back without arms. He would be forbidden from holding her or their son. And one day he would be taken back without a head. Oh, why did she let him go? By daybreak, they had a breakthrough. As opposed to the screaming cries of Anabel that have penetrated Bethlenen throughout the night, the sunrise was accompanied by the tiny, pitiful wailings of a newborn - they had made it! Josefina wiped Anabel’s brows with a damp cloth, her own eyes stained by dark circles after the long and unending night. The Doctor breathed a thankful sigh of relief, issuing his Apprentice with instructions to clean the Mother up following her ordeal. He clutched the child in his arms, wrapping the bawling bundle with a thick baby’s blanket, before checking it over and then gently rocking back and forth for a moment. As soon as a wave of relief had hit her, the Mother had sat back out of sheer fatigue - heaving great sighs to catch her breath. Nevertheless, her eyes soon found themselves trained intently on the bundle gripped in the Doctor’s arms and he soon obliged her motherly stare of animosity, gently handing off the child to her mucilaginous grasp where she finally clapped eyes on her bundle of joy - accompanied by the Physician’s murmurings. “Congratulations, Lady Anabel. You are the new Mother of a healthy baby boy.” The child in her arms habitually wore an expression of distress, however once within the warmth of the blanket and her embrace her seemed to calm down. His howling softened as she dotingly rocked him back and forth, her eyes now wide at the sight of the being she had carried and provided for over the year preceding. As the Mother-Son pair finally united, each found themselves at home with the other and fully imbibed with love - and, in the female’s case, responsibility & protectiveness - for the other. “He’s perfect…” As Josefina watched this exchange she, in her maternal inexperience, acknowledged the modest size of the newborn. He appeared so very small in Anabel’s arms, and he looked nothing like either of his parents. The only notable feature identifying the boy to his bearers were his sparkling light-coloured eyes - clearly denoting the child as one of his Father, though no doubt the baby’s eyes would change with time and growth. “Hej, little Erik Edvard Colborn,” Greeted the Mother to her Son for the first time in his life. A few days past, Ser Sebastien ‘The White Sun’ de Savoie came clattering into the Vorenburg Courtyard on horseback. Huffing and puffing, his red face betraying his worry, he dismounted and began to rush inside before a cry of lamentation gave him pause. The young man, turning his body towards the source of the noise, appeared to almost collapse at the sight he saw before him. Anabel emerged from the internals of the Keep, one maid shooting her a momentarily concerned glance, bearing a white bundle in her now-stronger arms. The babe looked to be crying from the sudden gust of cold, and his arm reached up - into Sebastien’s view - for his Mother’s smiling face. The Knight’s sword clattered to the ground beside him as his face lit up and he rushed towards his wife - as best as a one-legged man could - then taking her in his arms. “Ana!” He cried in relief just as he kissed her rosy lips. The couple then exchanged their stories back and forth, collectively admiring their new son - the family was reunited once more.

Anabel Colborn, wife of the Squire, frets terribly as soon as the missive makes its way to her. Her now-pregnant belly swells with growing life, and she hurries outside at the sound of Sebastien's clinking armour in the courtyard. Sniffling, she kisses his forehead as a blessing to send him off. "Come home soon..." She whispers as the young man gallops off to take on his Quest.

Adele Emma Ludovar stares daggers at the invitation sent to Ricksburg for Marcella. The Countess frowns thoroughly before scrunching the piece of parchment up, and tosses it into the Feast Hall's fireplace. "Ridiculous." She scoffs, "Nie honourable Ludovar would attend such an event, ea forbid it." She hisses sourly.

A CONCEALED UNION THE MARRIAGE OF LORD SÉBASTIEN ASHFORD DE SAVOIE TO LADY ANABEL COLBORN ISSUED BY LORD ADRIAN ERIK COLBORN & LORD LUCIEN ASHFORD DE SAVOIE On the 3rd of Msitza ag Dargund, 445 E.S. A weathered letter penned by an aged yet experienced hand reads as follows. To secure the future generations and to establish a relation between those I respect and have respected, it is my hope that you both, namely Sébastien & Anabel may be wed after the conclusion of your courtship, approved by both Lord Lucien and I, Adrian Erik Colborn. Lucien and I have known and respected each other for a long time, and while he might not be around as much as he once was, I hope Sébastien can find a family in us. I watched as you both attempted to find your way in life, lost amongst the great pines of the woodland of life, to bring you both together I hope to secure your roots, so you both might no longer be lost and instead support each other through and weather any storm. May this letter be my confirmation of Betrothal as well as my blessing for marriage. As per the conclusion of my first letter this letter would only ever arrive should my life transpire before I can formally set this up in person, all you need do is sign, for this marriage contract to go into effect. While my last letter urged you both to court, I and Colborn believe not in a loveless marriage, as such, should neither of you wish to continue on I will even respect it in the high heavens. But by the time this letter finds you enough time should have passed for such a decision to be made. I implore both of you to consider your future and make a thoughtful decision, I can only hope it is one from the heart. May you both find your place in life and your path forward together, may you both find happiness and may you find joy. That is all I wish for. Yours Truly, Adrian Erik Colborn VA KOMYNZ AG HAES, This Lifstala Season has presented a certain challenge to select few of its attendants, no less for Lord Sébastien Olivier and Lady Anabel Elia. The Barony of Bethelenen, and the House of Colborn, suffered much loss before the Season even started - the Kingdom will remember the fateful Potluck where the beloved Baron Adrian Colborn suffered a fall from the stairs and was relegated to a comatose state which persists to this day. Soon after the accident, letters of the Baron to his loved ones were discovered and distributed to their respective recipients - one of which was received by Lord Sébastien and announced his agreed betrothal to Baron Adrian’s cherished Great-Granddaughter, Lady Anabel. The unsuspecting pair agreed to keep their betrothal a secret between the two of them as the Season commenced and they began to kindle a loving kinship together. Now, the time has come for Sébastien Olivier and Anabel Elia to be bonded together in matrimony before Godan, at the assent of a delayed letter from the soporose Lord Adrian. The couple would like to invite just their friends and family to the delightful occasion which will be held in St. Carr’s Chapel within the walls of Vorenburg Castle. The Wedding will take place two Saint’s days from the exchange of these invitations, on the 7th day during the months of Wzuvar and Byvca. INVITATIONS ARE ONLY SENT TO THE FOLLOWING: The House of Ashford de Savoie His Royal Majesty, King Karl III @GMRO Ser Conrad Barclay @ColdestPepsi Ser Darius Halcort @Nord Firress Viorica Barrow @sarahbarah The Baronial House of Colborn His Serene Highness, Georg Sigismund @gusanoarentonio Lady Niamh Baruch @Roza Lady Josefina Kortrevich @crazedpudding Lady Tatyana Ludovar @MissToni Lady Marcella Ludovar @tadabug2000 FAMILJ IGENOM ELD, His Lordship, Lucien Ashford de Savoie His Lordship, Sébastien Olivier Ashford de Savoie His Lordship, Adrian Erik Colborn His Lordship, Ser Maric “The Steadfast” Ared Dietrick Gerard Colborn, Baron of Bethlenen Her Ladyship, Ada Natalya Colborn, Heiress of House Colborn and Owner of the Goat’s Lookout Tavern Her Ladyship, Anabel Elia Colborn, Keeper of The Book

The Lady Justiciar blinks, getting completely blindsided by such a vicious attack in the Hearsay publication! "Ea did niething to House Ruthern. Ea feared that they had purposefully attempted to harm mea family - after all, Matyas fell ill soon after. But ea have since dismissed that - nie one has heard of this from me in years - !" Her brows furrow as she reads on, shaking her head. "Ea have decided to let mea biases against mea cousins go - it's what Aedymamej would have wanted. And shame on the Hearsay to berate a sick man-!" Her eyes soften in hurt for a moment, being truly innocent or misunderstood in all they accuse her of. "Furthermore, mea inclination to prosecute Duke Ruthern was at His Majesty's instruction, and it has since been put down. Only future offenders will be punished for such a crime." She places the paper down for a moment, then pausing and chucking it into the fire - allowing the flames to lick and blacken the parchment. "This is cruel and unneeded."

A Doctor's Phantom, and A Friend stands at Emma's side as she passes on - entirely invisible to the eye if not for her whispers on the outside wind. As the Queen-Mother's eyes flutter shut for the last time, the Ghost's emotions get the better of her and she releases a great, shrieking howl of despair. The wind whistles aggressively, rattling the windows as the body is prepared. Emma will be missed for all eternity by one who cannot pass on to Peace.

ADDRESSING THE THREAT AT HOME EMPOWERING THE CANONIST CHURCH TO COMBAT THE ABOMINABLE Issued by THE LADY JUSTICIAR ADELE LUDOVAR On the 22nd of Vyzmey ag Hyff, 445 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, Following both the address from His Holiness, Pontiff Pontian IV, and the Royal Proclamation of His Majesty, King Karl III, it has been decided that further protections to the Nation must be made in order to prevent the spread of the influence of the cursed darkspawn through our home ranks. As such, at the welcome suggestion of Viktor Cardinal Nescia, the Office of the Justiciar hereby grants authority to the Canonist Church to conduct mass testing among the Haeseni population under the watchful eye of the Lady Justiciar. This includes, but is not limited to; Officials of the Aulic Government, members of the Knightly Orders, members of the Brotherhood of St. Karl, Royalty of the House of Barbanov-Bihar, and any other suspicious individuals. This testing shall be done with proper morality and honour in private to ensure no embarrassment is created. All people are equal in GOD’s eyes. Citizens of Hanseti-Ruska, as good Canonist folk, are expected to aid the Church in this task to ensure a brighter future where all may live without fear. Those who are found to be servants of Iblees shall, unless they resist, be detained unharmed. Those who attempt to flee or otherwise refuse to be tested shall be detained by force. Following arrest, they shall be seen to by the Lady Justiciar or a Jovenaar who, with spiritual guidance, shall decide what should be done with such sinners. IT IS SO ORDERED. "So I am the Most High, and in pursuit of My Virtue, I bid my faithful this: You shall not blaspheme My Word, nor any thing that is holy.” (Scroll of Virtue 1:8) MONN TAMORT OE SPARVEED, Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Lady Handler of Hanseti-Ruska, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour TMR, His Eminence, Viktor Cardinal Nescia, Vice-Chancellor to His Holiness Pontian IV

The Ghost of Adrianna watches tearfully over her old, old friend. She will miss her terribly once she goes!

Adele Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Haense, pumps air!

A STUDY ON CHURCH AND KINGDOM Naf Lendyy i Kongzem De Ecclesia et Regno Written by LORD TEARLACH GANT On the 10th of Tov ag Yermey, 443E.S. The Church of the Canon and the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska is a partnership essential to the temporal and spiritual fulfillment of all Haeseni people. As the High Pontiff is a spiritual shepherd for all Canonists, a shining paragon of virtue shielding us from the evils of Iblees and their Daemonic brethren which serve ever to tempt the immortal souls of the Descendant Races, so too does the King of Hanseti-Ruska serve as a temporal shepard to the Haeseni people, protecting us from the depredations of foreign invasion, and providing the Realm with the stability and guidance needed for prosperity. The Church assists the Kingdom in providing for the spiritual needs of the Citizenry while the Kingdom assists the Church in rooting out the vile evils of the lands. The relationship between Church and Kingdom is evident in the laws of the Haurul Caezk. Jura I Kongzem XXXI states "The faith of the Kongzem shall be Canonism, and no other faith shall be practiced." In turn the Codex Iurius Canonici Book VI Title III Chapter 3 Section 3 states "The purpose of a Canonist prince is to rule virtuously in keeping with the Canonist faith, for the good of his subjects" for which a Canonist Prince is defined in the following Section 2 as ''The form of a Canonist prince is the Canonist ruler of a realm possessing sovereignty, or a Canonist ruler owing fealty directly to such a prince." It should be noted therefore that both the King and the Peers of Haense are held to the same duties outlined in CIC.VI.III.3.1-11. Both Canon and Civil Law acknowledge the general relationship between the entities as mutualistic. The Book of Honor incorporates many aspects of Canon Law into its wording, beyond the proscription that the Faith of Haense is the Faith of Canon. The structure of Sections 1-3 of Jura I Krima, that someone shall not be guilty of crime that is not of competent mind from age or ailment, parallels Codex Iurius Canonici Book V Title I Chapter I §1 - §6, though the Church in its infinite spiritual mercy allows for the Negligent Ignorance of Man that the Kingdom does not. Likewise, the Church acknowledges an age of limited competency, defined as twelves years of age, whereby some culpability is applied but not to the fullest extent of Canon Law (CIC.V.I.1.2) which is not present in the Civil Laws of the Kingdom. The mercy of the Crown and the mercy of the Church flow in different ways. Indeed much of Jura I Krima draws from the Codex Iurius Canonici. Murder (HC.J.Kr.VII)(CIC.V.II.1.6), Contribution (HC.J.Kr.VI)(CIC.V.II.1.12), Sacrilege (HC.J.Kr.XVIII)(CIC.V.II.2.4), Heresy (HC.J.Kr.XVIII)(CIC.V.II.2.1), Desecration (HC.J.Kr.XIX)(CIC.V.II.1.4), Fornication (HC.J.Kr.XXV)(CIC.V.II.1.2), Misgenation (HC.J.Kr.XXVI)(CIC.V.II.1.8), Dark Witchcraft (HC.J.Kr.XXXI)(CIC.V.II.1.3), and Abomination (HC.J.Kr.XXXII)(CIC.VI.VI.0.4) all are written in parallel, to safeguard the spiritual sanctity of the Kingdom. Of note, not all Civil Law crimes bear the same name as their equivalent Canon Law crimes. Canon Law defines Sacrilege as "A person who is gravely irreverent of a corpse, sacred place, sacred object, an individual suitable for veneration, or a relic," while the Civil Law of the Book of Honor states that Sacrilege is "He who undermines or challenges these teachings". Canon Law’s definition of Sacrilege is Civil Law’s definition of Desecration while Civil Law’s definition of Sacrilege is one of Canon Law’s crimes against the Unity of the Church, akin to heresy. Some Civil Laws of the Haurul Caezk are logical extensions of the Codex Iurius Canonici. The Church of the Canon defines Matrimony as a holy union of a man and a women in the model of Exalted Horen and Saint Julia (CIC.IV.I.2.1) and prohibits carnal relations outside the bounds of Matrimony in all forms (CIC.V.II.1.2). Therefore the Civil Law against Homosexuality (HC.J.Kr.XXVII), while not explicitly derived from the Codex Iurius Canonici, is implicitly derived from the logical combination of CIC.IV.I.2.1 and CIC.V.II.1.2. Other matters of Matrimony are explicitly referred to the temporal authorities, that is the Kongzem, as stated in CIC.V.V.1.1 as long as they abide by CIC.IV.I.2.1-14. This would include much of the inheritance laws stated in HC.J.Sz.XIII-XVIX. In conclusion, Canon Law and Civil Law are parallel systems that seek to exist in harmony to protect and foster the spiritual and temporal wellbeing of the Canonist Haeseni. It should be encouraged for all members of the Judiciary to familiarize themselves with the Codex Iurius Canonici as it bears such influential weight upon our own Haurul Caezk. In addition, there are three minor proposals to take away from this study. 1. Redefine Sacrilege and Desecration to more accurately reflect the Codex Iurius Canonici, as these crimes are spiritual of nature and therefore we should defer to the Church’s teachings. 2. Consider incorporating the age of reason (12 years of age) into the law system for the purpose of sentencing and punishment. 3. Ensure the participation of the Church, through its Clergy, in the Investiture of both the King and his immediate feudal vassals, so as to guarantee the sanctity of their office and title. MONN TAMORT OE SPARVEED, His Lordship, Tearlach Raibeart Gant, Ward of the Office of the Justiciar Her Excellency, Adele Emma Ludovar, Lady Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Countess of Otistadt, Viscountess of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg, Lady of Ricksburg, Lady Handler of Hanseti-Ruska, Kastellan of Domestic Trade, Kastellan of Labour

Anabel Elia pauses in thought as her sister shoves the missive into her hands, instructing her to audition. "Well..." Her eyes glance to Elia's hopefully face. "I-if you want." The young woman nods then.

Dame Lynette Mendez smiles the sun's smile as her mentor and first Commander joins the joyful soldier's reunion in the Seven Skies. "You finally made it, Sir!" She beams, the elderly man reminding her of the memories of her youth - before knighthood, before martial-hood, before The Resolute. On the other hand, the phantom of Adrianna Darkwood whistles around the corner and up to the roof - her muted spirit watching the exchange between Grandfather and Boy. "Onkle Fritz..." Whispers her mourning voice, crying out for the comfort he provided them before he retired. She would never ascend to the Seven Skies, she would never see or talk to him again after they bury him. "DON'T LEAVE." Commands her angry, maddened voice - driven to insanity by her restless form. "Ich said nein." She states finally, translucent fingers clawing at his decaying body as he lay alone - but finally at peace. His quest completed. And she was left with One to wait on.