esotericas

Maristela frowns at her lack of a personal invitation...

FLAME, FAMILY, AND FAITH

The Traditions of House Godunov, Restored.

Published 14 of TOV ag YERMEY, 530 E.S.

Though House Godunov has called Haense its home for generations now, little has been described - or invented - in respect to the family’s unique practices. In the spirit of the reinvigoration of my House, I seek to change this. Below is an incomplete exploration of the traditions, practices, and values of the family, some over a century old, and some developed only in recent years. It is my hope that by writing them down and publishing them, they will last for centuries longer.

I

NAMING TRADITIONS

The patronymic (or matronymic) surname has been tradition in House Godunov since its official founding. Alongside the typical family name, all Godunov’s take a modified form of their primary parent’s name, as a marker of their parentage. The children of the peer shall take the peer’s name as their own, and those of branching families will take their father’s name. This practice was put into place to remind Godunovs not only of their connection to their family and history, but also their bond and devotion to their immediate family. As well, it serves to remind members of House Godunov of their Raevir roots, as the giving of a patronymic surname is adapted from ancient Raev tradition. For those curious, a complete description of the construction of a patronymic is described below.

II

DETERMINING INHERITANCE

As I have described in past publications, I am of the firm belief that primogeniture is an outdated system of inheritance, and that leadership of the family should pass on to the most worthy family member, not the eldest. With that in mind, I have set out a system of inheritance to be employed by my own kin going forwards. It is simple, and I hope it will be agreeable.

When the peer either dies or abdicates their titles, they will specify which of their descendants the title will go to. It may pass to a grandchild, but they must be a direct descendant of the current title-holder, for the sake of clarity when looking backwards, so that a line of inheritance may still be easily traced from parent to child. The peer is expected to describe their wishes for inheritance in their will. In the occasion that the peer does not select an heir, or wishes to relinquish the choice, inheritance will be decided by the past consort. Should there be no consort, the regent will choose. Should there be no regent, the rules of primogeniture will then take effect, and the oldest child will claim the title. Only a family member considered adult according to family tradition (described below) may be considered as heir. Should none qualify, a regent will maintain the house until the descendants of the peer come of age.

I believe that avoiding primogeniture will prevent many of the gravest sins of family power; namely, ego. Heirs of houses often tend towards a sense of superiority as they wallow in the power of their future role. By preventing the guarantee of any one child becoming heir, this vanity is also prevented. This system will also encourage friendly competition among the siblings, not only for their parents’ affection, but also to become the most qualified for the task. I advise that the decision of inheritance be left secret until the abdication or passing of the peer, but I would not set that into stone. 

III

HEIR’S PILGRIMAGE

Before the new peer may assume their title and their duties, they must take on a task to prove and solidify their faith, and their dedication to their new role. The heir must select a patron Saint, and make a pilgrimage on foot to a shrine to said Saint, so they may pay their respects. The heir must light a lantern at the beginning of their journey, bring it with them on their travels, and keep the flame lit until they return home. When they arrive at the shrine, the heir must use the light from their lantern to light a candle in honor of the Saint. To ensure their candle stays lit, the heir may not carry flint and steel, matches, or any other fire-lighting implement with them on their journey. The lighting and maintaining of the lantern stands as a symbol of the heir’s unwavering devotion to their family and to their faith, a dual-value that must be held strongly in the hearts of all Godunovs, but especially in that of the heir. 

IV

COMING OF AGE

In parallel to the inheritance pilgrimage, all members of the household must complete a similar, if smaller, task before coming of age. A Godunov who wishes to officially become an adult must embark on a journey into the icy Haeseni wilds with a lit candle, and return home the next morning with the candle still alight, to be considered truly an adult. Typically, this practice occurs the night after the child’s Hauchmetvas, if they choose to have one. The child must, with the aid of their loved ones, be they friend or family, craft their own candle to use on this journey, and select a patron Saint to guide them in their night in the wilds. At moonrise, they must set out into the snows, and not return indoors until the sun has risen the next morning, and they must return with their candle still lit. 

Similar to the heir’s pilgrimage, this trial is a test of faith, perseverance, and survival skills. Although at the time of writing this, House Godunov is a house of tradesmen, it was once a house of soldiers, and remembering the skills one must employ to survive a night in the wilds is absolutely necessary to connect us to our past. If the child’s faith is strong, their candle will stay lit and their patron Saint will guide them on their journey. 

The child must be at least sixteen to embark on this journey, though they may choose to wait until they are older. However, even a Godunov who is legally considered an adult may not marry until they have completed their coming of age.

V

CANDLENIGHTS

Traditionally celebrated during the winter and summer solstices, Candlenights serves as a reminder of the passage of time, and of the necessity of faith to sustain us through even the most difficult of times.

During Candlenights, the children of House Godunov and its guests craft wreathes of pine branches, and make candles to set into them. They then light these candles, and wear the wreaths atop their heads to light their way, leaving their hands free for other work; namely, the serving of their parents. In a display of devotion towards family elders and family history, the children serve the adults at the Candlenights feast, carrying food out to them with the wreaths atop their heads. Only after the adults have eaten may the children do so as well. Once all have enjoyed the feast, the children remove their wreaths, and throw them into a single bonfire outdoors. Once the bonfire has been lit, guests are encouraged to keep it alive by burning other objects, especially sentimental items, or symbols of unhappiness that celebrants wish to leave in the past. The bonfire must burn until the sun rises once more, and celebrants are expected to keep a vigil around its flames through the whole night. During the winter, this tends to be a more sober, serious event, as the family sits awake in reminder of the hardships of winter, and the warmth of summer ahead. In the summer, however, and owing to House Godunov’s history of levity and mirth, the “vigil” often takes the form of a party, with alcohol, music, and dancing lasting until dawn. 

Regardless of its seriousness, Candlenights stands as a reminder of the passage of time. Someday the children serving dinner will be the adults being served at the table, and someday the adults at the table will be gone, alive only in our memories of them. The celebration serves as both a memento mori and a memento vixi. Additionally, Candlenights may sometimes be celebrated at the funeral of a deceased peer, celebrating the happy memories of their life, and letting the unhappy ones burn in the flames.

Though I know it is impossible to force a tradition to truly take root, it is my hope that these five may at least form a guide for future Godunovs, and, if mine don't suit them, encourage them into developing traditions of their own.

 Krusae Zwy Kongzem.

Maristela beamed down at the invitation, and bustled off to show it to her husband...

୨⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✧𓅂✧⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯୧

୨⎯PUBLISHED BY THE HAESENI LEDI COMPANY⎯୧

VOL 6, RELEASED 11 OF VZMEY AG HYFF, 526 E.S.

୨⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✧𓅂✧⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯୧

THE HAESENI LEDI MAGAZINE returns from its extended sabbatical, reborn and renewed, just in time for the rebirth of the Haeseni capitol. Enjoy seven new fashions, carefully designed for both men and women, in bright jewel tones. 

Bidding closes:

TUESDAY Apr 23 @ 10pm EST

ANTI-SNIPE: For all bids placed within 15 minutes of auction closing, bidding on that item will extend by thirty minutes. This will only apply once.

୨⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✧𓅂✧⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯୧

I

୨⎯MINTY MAJESTY⎯୧

II

୨⎯RED RESPLENDENT⎯୧

III

୨⎯COZY CERULEAN⎯୧

I

୨⎯PLAYFUL PINK⎯୧

II

୨⎯STUNNING SAPPHIRE⎯୧

III

୨⎯MAGNIFICENT MAUVE⎯୧

IV

୨⎯PURPLE PRINCESS⎯୧

Bidding for each outfit starts at 150 minas / 10 USD.

୨⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✧𓅂✧⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯୧

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Regardless of currency, all bids must be at least 10 mina (or equivalent in USD) over the previous! This does not apply to starting bids.

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Published by

and signed by,

Her Ladyship, GALINA GEORGINA ALYOVNA GODUNOV, 

Baroness of Verskaya, The Pride of Paradisus, 

8 hours ago, Laeonathan said:

when will Raziel and Grandma go on funny adventures again

She's dead bestie

So like. In heaven I guess

18 minutes ago, zuziee said:

Omg eso I remember when you first joined!! You’ve gotten cooler fr 

 

what’s YOUR favorite skin you’ve made (all time)

(That is not hard. I was so so far from cool when I first joined.) 

I think my most technically proficient skin - and one of my prettiest - is Galina's barbie pink look. I don't know what I did but I COOKED. (this one https://www.planetminecraft.com/skin/primadonna-6128214/) 

My two other favorites are this one of Alasdair's (https://www.planetminecraft.com/skin/personal-5870469/) and a Manon skin from her mid 30s. (https://www.planetminecraft.com/skin/personal-5776620/)

The Alasdair one is one of my most technically proficient skins from that era - I still can't really recreate what I did on the sleeves, it was a total fluke. I really loved his very simple, almost austere style in his teens, it was so fun to skin for. 

The Manon skin is one of my favorites purely because of the memories I associate with it. Her early 30s in Celia'nor were some of my favorite times in her life, and this was her outfit during that era. I just have so many fond memories from that time, that I can't help but get attached to the skin she wore as well. (Also, it was one of my first really brightly-colored skins, which feels significant, considering my current style.) 

Just now, Cheese said:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! Can't believe I've known you for almost two years. I remember our shenanigans in Oren like it was yesterday.....

 

What's something you're glad you've learned from your time here, and what's one thing you regret?

I think one of the most important things I've learned on LOTC has been how to keep myself separate from my character. It was something I had a really hard time with in my early days, and every IRP rejection or insult felt incredibly personal, and were highly anxiety inducing. Learning to keep those things at arm's length has really helped me play more interesting characters, and feel more comfortable telling stories that have genuine consequences. 

I think my biggest regret is not letting Manon's story end earlier. She's so dear to me as a character, and after about her 40s, most of her life just got... really drawn out, and kind of boring. It was really upsetting to me while I was rping her, because I'm so attached to her, and I wanted her to have a really nice, narratively sound ending. But I didn't let her die at times that I could (or should) have, so it ended up just sort of... going on forever and ever, after her story was done. 

Oops... definitely didn't forget to do this two weeks ago. 

I joined LOTC my freshman year of High School, in the first full year of Covid, and now here I am, a month and a half away from graduating. Crazy how the time flies, right?

Anyways, questions.

I don't know how you're supposed to write one of these, so I hope this is sufficient.

SPRING CLEANING PT II

Two announcements from House Godunov.

Published 3 of Joma ag Umund, 525 E.S.

Following my elevation to Baroness of Verskaya, I find it necessary to cleanse my house of sin. This comes at a great cost to my own heart, but it must nevertheless be done, if House Godunov is to persist.

Therefore, I see fit to declare my brother Anatoliy, his wife, and their entire lineage disowned, in keeping with the Edict of Cleansing. None of them, in life or in death, may ever again claim the Godunov name. I will only make an exception to this should his children choose to return to Haense, and renew their devotion to their homeland within the next two years [Apr. 29], as directed by the Haeseni Crown. If any or all of the Betrayer’s children elect to return home, they will be under my protection and guardianship, and I will raise them as if they were my own. Nevertheless, they will be the descendants of a betrayer and a heretic, and thus can not be trusted to inherit the Barony. The prodigal children will be secondary members of the family, with no claim on the title.

Furthermore, I must also trim away the disease from other branches of my family tree. My uncle Valerian, his wife Eadwynn, and their descendants are all similarly disowned, due to their abandonment of their homeland. None of them may claim the Godunov name ever again. 

Thus the inheritance of Verskaya falls on my shoulders, and on those of my children. I will state my intentions clearly here: I have seen the flaws of primogeniture. I know them firsthand, as does Haense. The eldest child will not always be the fittest to lead. Therefore, I will state clearly that at the time of my death or abdication, I will personally select my heir from the whole of my children, based on worthiness, not birth order. 

Know that this news of disownment comes from a heart heavy with loss, but I find it nevertheless necessary to cleanse a wound before it infects the body whole. 

 Krusae Zwy Kongzem.

Galina Georgina Godunov, first of her name, and now Baroness of Verskaya, felt a swell of pride when the missive arrived on her doorstep. Finally. 

It was time to get to work.

"Finally, some proper news - and endorsed by the Church! Dobry!" Observes one pink-cheeked Godunov matron, during her carriage ride to Valdev... 

[!] A missive is posted across the various realms, penned in warm, fiery hues.

✩ MADAME LULU’S FANTASTICAL FORTUNES ✩

•─────────────────────•✦•─────────────────────•

SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS TO the questions you keep asking yourself, to no avail? Unsure of where to go next? Looking for advice? 

Well,

Simply write to Madame Lulu, and let her cards show you the way!*✢

•─────────────────────•✦•─────────────────────•

Singular fortunes - 5 mina

Consultation appointments - 40 mina

A singular fortune is limited to one question, and one pull from the tarot deck. 

A consultation may involve a deep-dive into one specific question.

•─────────────────────•✦•─────────────────────•

Write to Madame Lulu at the address below to schedule an appointment!

*Madame Lulu’s fortunes are based on chance and she is not responsible for any potential harm caused by the following of her advice.

✢Madame Lulu is not a heretic. Her fortunes are not witchcraft, nor does she claim to be a religious authority. Fortunetelling does not replace or in any way act against religion.

•─────────────────────•✦•─────────────────────•

Madame Lulu prepares her cards...

A worn, tired sailor found the missive on the desk of his captain's quarters. He read it in silence, unreceptive to the calls from his crew, or the whipping of the wind beyond the wooden walls of his ship. 

The ink bled beneath spotted saltwater tears as Alasdair wept silently for the death of his friend. There were no words for this moment, nor was there anyone to say them to. 

A sly fortune-teller prepares her crystal ball...

"Don't go getting any ideas, now..." Said a wary Alchemist, eyeing her clockwork servant from across the room.

"Enrico has nay told his family about us?" Murmured one Galina Georgina Godunov, scanning over the missive. A frown was spread across her round, freckled face. "That is nay like him... perhaps it is the grief." Then, she glanced over at the most recent bouquet he'd brought her, still standing fresh on the countertop. "Hrm," Was her eloquent conclusion. "Ea ought to write and make sure he's okay..."

Far across the continent, a timeworn Alchemist reads through the missive, her brows furrowed. She wonders, somewhere tucked in a corner of her mind, what might have been.

Galina Georgina knelt beside her bed, and praying for the soul of her brother's wife. "May she rest well in the Skies."

Galina Georgina emerged from her sewing room just long enough to read the letter from her friend. "It's happening!" She said, unable to restrain herself. "Praise Godan, it's finally happening. Ea must finish quickly-" And so she returned to her work, merrily stitching away at her best friend's wedding gown...

MC Name: esotericas

Discord: esotericas

Image: 

Description of Image: a fancy portrait of my persona and her fiance :)

Dimensions: 2 wide, 2 high