beetle

"What went wrong?” “Everything.” The lady ran through the farmlands of Jerovitz, trying to escape the deranged woman who was chasing her down. Reaching the steps of Dame Primrose’s chapel, she left a bloody handprint on the stairwell, hoping someone would pass by and see. She muttered her last prayer, entering inside. “You’re the reason why he’s dead!” "No, it’s the beast’s! I had nothing to do with it!” Unfortunately, her attacker had caught up with her. Déjà vu had hit her, realizing they had been here before. For the same reason as now. In another kingdom, decades ago. “It should’ve been you.” "You’re right, it should’ve been me.” The guilt started to wash over her. She couldn't do it anymore, she didn’t want to fight back. He was gone, how could she live on? How could she live in peace? This was it. Her story ended here. Esmee’s body slumped over the floor, laying in a pool of blood. Somewhere far far far out, another lady seemed to be having the time of her life. As if she was relieved from burdens. Maybe this was one of them. So, she waited for him, alongside Shortcake, Strawberry, and Berrycake. Perhaps the Mondblume and their cows could meet him again once more. Sadly, they waited forever. And ever.

The Viscountess of Venzia immediately went experiment new drinks and pastries for the wedding - she was excited!

A certain Kortrevich let out a quiet laugh, "Oh Godan - a silence Ren! Have you read this? Pour a new glass!"

"Just like mamej," hummed Esmée Kortrevich, an ex Head Steward of the kingdom.

Despite it all, Esmée Kortrevich was proud of her family and how far they've come.

CLOSED! Thank you all for the entries! Winners will be announced in the following weeks. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated. Please contact me over the forums or through discord (dove#8701) to a schedule a time and date for you to collect your prizes!

The youngest Vilac shoved wedding invitations into the faces of Balian citizens, "MY BROTHER IS GETTING MARRIED TO A P R I N CE S S! BE THERE OR ELSE!"

♪♫♪ Welcome everyone to the very first ever LotC-Tober 2022 Contest! Similar to InkTober, we wanted our community to partake in something similar. There are 13 prompts for you to choose from, leading up to the S P O O K Y day of the month. Shoutout to our beloved Story Team for their suggestions and input for the prompts! RULES + INFO ☆ Deadline is on November 3rd, 2022 ☆ You do not need to do all 13 prompts, you can pick one or two ☆ Must be your own work, it cannot be someone else's It can be either something old or new as long as it's yours ☆ Must submit either a skin or an art piece of one of the prompts ☆ Must submit it in the proper format and in the comment section IGN: Discord: Skin/Art: PRIZES FIRST PLACE ☆ 500 Mina ☆ Creative Wizard Tag ☆ Map Art/Skin will be showcased in Cloud Temple ☆ Submissions will be posted to LotC Social Media Accounts SECOND PLACE ☆ 300 Mina ☆ CT Exclusive Item ☆ Map Art/Skin will be showcased in Cloud Temple ☆ Submissions will be posted to LotC Social Media Accounts THIRD PLACE ☆ 100 Mina ☆ CT Exclusive Item ☆ Map Art/Skin will be showcased in Cloud Temple ☆ Submissions will be posted to LotC Social Media Accounts

Ada Natalya Colborn, Elia's younger cousin also the maid of honor, sat in the front row with a baby goat. Both of them cheered and cried for the newlyweds.

Despite being ill, Esmée Kortrevich celebrated with joy, cheering on her daughter from her room. "House Kortrevich will continue to thrive," she mumbles softly as she folded up the missive.

The Colborn heir frowned as she read the missive, recovering from a recent attack. ".. I wore my family's armor. Honoring my farfadir's work, I was trying to carry his legacy..." she mumbled softly, shaking her head. "I'm a knight, nejt a lady. Hell, I even fought in the Krusev woods, slaying the undead the night before. Nonsense people, I swear. Maybe they should try defending their own nation once and awhile then write stupid nonsense." Ada threw the missive over her shoulder, "Causing havoc? Nonsense. It was injustice!"

Changed Status to Under Review

Changed Status to Denied

Hi friend, your application has unfortunately been denied at this time due to may errors and mistakes. You can always reapply with the right corrections! Here are the mistakes you need to fix if you wish to reapply: ⚘ Please fix all grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in your application to the best of your ability. I recommend using a free grammar checker such as Grammarly. ⚘ Your Roleplay Definition is a little short, please add more detail. ⚘ Your Character Biography is using lore that is NOT from our server. Please add an LotC lore reference. Please take a look at the following links to see the lore of the server: Almaris | Races | Nations ⚘ Your Personality Traits/Quirks is a little short, please add more detail. It needs to include at least one significant negative trait. This can be anything that is a fault in their personality. This can be your persona’s fears, how they act around people, how they typically feel, etc. ⚘ Your Character Achievement is too short and should be at least two sentences long. Please explain why and what your character wants to achieve in greater detail. ⚘ Your Character Fear is too short and should be at least two sentences long. It should also explain why your character developed this fear in greater detail. ⚘ Your Roleplay Scenario should include at least one action. Please make sure to add one. It also needs at least one piece of dialogue surrounded by quotation marks. Please be sure to add one. The response must be in the 3rd Person. ⚘ Your Skin is not up to LotC standards. Please take a look at our Skin Archive for references and free skins that you may use if you’d like: Skin Archive Site After correcting the above things, you may re-apply at any time. If you have any questions you can message me through the forums or message me through discord: dove#8701 Or you can ask for help in the LOTC Discord

A certain Oxenstierna's life could've been better, only thanking a certain elf for her efforts.

Changed Status to Under Review

Esmée Kortrevich, the new Countess, screamed from the top of her lungs - running to her husband with the letter in hand. "NIKOLAI! WE DID IT! WE'RE FINALLY A COUNTY! MON DIEU!" @Phersades

LA MASCARADE DE L’AMOUR PENNED ON THE 2ND OF MSITZA AG DARGUND OF 443 E.S. [!] A sketch of a masquerade mask done in pink ink. _________________________________________________________________ VA VE EDLERVIK, As lifstala begins, I wish to invite all participating suitors and debutantes, no matter the status, to come and enjoy The Masquerade of Love. The event itself originates from deep Auvergnian roots, especially within my family of the Oxenstierna’s. It sparks friendships and familiarity without being judged or pushed aside due to the masking. Everyone is encouraged to wear a colored mask corresponding to their personality (see below for more details). THE DANCE The first dance is all about finding your other half, someone wearing a similar colored mask. Once found, invite them for a dance, get to know them. The second dance is all about finding the opposite color of what one is wearing. Just like before, chit chat and have fun on the dance floor. DRESS CODE A basic mask will do fine but no half mask or animal mask. It must go over both eyes. As for clothing, everyone is expected to wear formal attire. Long gowns and clean robes. The color of the attire does not need to match the mask. If anyone is struggling to make or find a mask, please seek out Lady Tatyana Ludovar or me. We'll be happy to make some for the guests. COLORS RED: Love and Devotion ORANGE: Cautious and Strong minded YELLOW: Cheerful and Happy GREEN: Calm and Generous BLUE: High Confidence and Adventurer PURPLE: Artistic and Curious PINK: Youth and Playfulness WHITE: Strictly for Peers, Consorts, and Other Married Adults _________________________________________________________________ SIGNÉE PAR, THE HONORABLE, Esmée Gabrielle Kortrevich, Viscountess-Consort of Krusev

__________________________________________________________________________ And the Summer Skinning Competition comes to an end! Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated. Please contact me over the forums or through discord (dove#8701) to a schedule a time and date for you to collect your prizes!

Changed Status to Denied Hi friend, your application has unfortunately been denied at this time due to may errors and mistakes. You can always reapply with the right corrections! Here are the mistakes you need to fix if you wish to reapply: ⚘ Please fix all grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in your application to the best of your ability. I recommend using a free grammar checker such as Grammarly. ⚘ Your Roleplay Definition is a little short, please add more detail. ⚘ Your Character Biography is missing, please add one. It also must be in the 3rd person. Please take a look at the following links to see the lore of the server: Almaris | Races | Nations ⚘ Your Personality Traits/Quirks is a little short, please add more detail. It needs to include at least one significant negative trait. This can be anything that is a fault in their personality. This can be your persona’s fears, how they act around people, how they typically feel, etc. ⚘ Your Character Achievement is too short and should be at least two sentences long. Please explain why and what your character wants to achieve in greater detail. ⚘ Your Character Fear is too short and should be at least two sentences long. It should also explain why your character developed this fear in greater detail. ⚘ Your Roleplay Scenario should include at least one action. Please make sure to add one. It also needs at least one piece of dialogue surrounded by quotation marks. Please be sure to add one. The response must be in the 3rd Person. ⚘ Your Skin is not up to LotC standards. Please take a look at our Skin Archive for references and free skins that you may use if you’d like: Skin Archive Site After correcting the above things, you may re-apply at any time. If you have any questions you can message me through the forums or message me through discord: dove#8701 Or you can ask for help in the LOTC Discord

Changed Status to Under Review

And just like that, Esmèe Kortrevich started to write a piece on the newest Duma guide for the Bull Post!

VE KORTREVICH SAMYZEK POZSKA VOLUME ONE: EDITION FOUR TWO MINAS AVAILABLE IN NAUVMARIAN PER PAPER WALDENIAN AND AUVERGNIAN ________________________________________________________________________ WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY ESMÉE GABRIELLE KORTREVICH THE VISCOUNTESS-CONSORT OF KRUSEV & ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR THE COUNTESS OF OTISTADT ON THE 9TH OF VZMEY AG HYFF OF 442 E.S. ____________________________________________________________________________ THE CONCLUSION OF THE AGE OF PROGRESS [!] The crest of the Kingdom of the Haenseti-Ruska. The Kingdom of Haense has been a busy place since the last Edition of the Kortrevich Bull Post. For one, the Centennial Anniversay celebrations marking 100 years of Haeseni Independence have come and gone - most prestigious and wonderful affairs, the writers are told. These writers’ predictions have turned true since the last Edition. The most popular Morrivi Prikaz Auction saw the popularity of our predicted garments #5, #8, & #10, and luckily for Her Majesty each and every item on sale was sold for several hundred mina each. Furthermore, these writers’ prediction that “The Hearsay of Hanseti-Ruska” shall bring about its grand return for the social season came true - albeit not on its semisequicentennial anniversary as we had hoped. Lastly, the time is coming for Lifstala to finally commence! The Queen’s Council have been working hard to compile the events for the busy two year period, each of the lords and ladies of-age are brushing up on their manners and dancing in preparation to present themselves in front of the Queen and her Court, and the Grand Prince of Kusoraev has finally come of age to begin looking for his bride. Polish up ladies! Your time to impress Prince Georg is now. WRITTEN BY ESMÉE GABRIELLE KORTEVICH Pg. 1 & ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR ____________________________________________________________________________ A COURT TO BE PROUD OF [!] An inspired portrait depicting one of the most prestigious of recently published-about Royal Headdresses. Following up on our past praisings of the Mistress of the Robes, several magnificent “Moda i ve Kort”s have been published in recent memory. These include; the incredibly detailed “Cosmetics”, the centennial celebratory history of Haeseni fashion - “Karosgrad Trends” - and the latest edition detailing the “Royal Headdress Collection'' of head adornments - from the Coronation Cap to Queen Emma’s iconic Ruby Emerald Kokoshnik. Such works populate the mind of every aspiring young lady of the Courts in her efforts to appease the Queen - a feat which the Mistress of the Robes should be pleased of. Her team work around the clock to outfit the Royal Family, and provide detailed writings of culture to the Haeseni populace. Haense applauds you, Mistress of the Robes. Furthermore, the Queen has recently advertised her wanting of a new Palace Custodian after the recent filling - Lady Zoya vas Ruthern - stepped down. She is also looking for a new Curator of the Crown Jewels - a most fascinating position for the gemstone-inclined. Of course, with the incoming Lifstala Social Season, the Queen’s Council are also awaiting volunteers to be a part of Her Majesty’s Lifstala Committee - involved with planning and writing events for the generation’s busy Courtship Season. Lastly, for young Lords and Ladies looking to be a part of the Social Season but having not yet written into the Queen’s Council, they are encouraged to do so posthaste to ensure they are not missing from the list of the Season’s suitors. Pg. 2 WRITTEN BY ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR ____________________________________________________________________________ AULIC RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS [!] A portrait of Lady Palatine Johanna Barclay and her dog, Rusalka Barclay in the Palatine’s Office. It was by no means a surprise when our beloved Lady Palatine, Isabel Baruch, published her resignation letter. After all, she recently posted a Palatial notice calling out for Palatial Kommissars to begin the process of taking over her workload in the office in preparation for her replacement. This section is dedicated to the hard work of Haense’s second Lady Palatine - the writers in particular appreciate her dedication to the various Haeseni Peoples via appreciation posts, her diplomatic ventures to make peace with foreign powers, and her wisdom in leadership and diversity. Haense will miss its Lady Palatine, however she has been replaced by another. Duchess of Reinmar, Johanna Klaudia, has succeeded the Duchess of Valwyck in her position as Lady Palatine and the Bull Post could not be more pleased for her. Since her appointment she has overseen the addition and formation of “Ve Ibor Konkil” (The Iron Council), a secondary Council managed by the Palatine and Grand Maer to operate some of the more minor institutions of the nation with greater cooperation and dignity. Furthermore, the first Komptroller of Settlement - Iulius Vernhart - has also stepped down from his honourable position and into retirement. Firr Iulius has been working hard in the background to welcome in new citizens to the Dual Kingdom, and these writers thank him for such efforts. The Kingdom is watching the Crown intently in anticipation of its next appointment to the position of Lord Komptroller. Lastly, prior to Lady Palatine Baruch’s resignation, she had been integral in the reinstitution of the Office of the Justiciar. Countess Adele Ludovar was appointed as Lady Justiciar, continuing her hard work. The wards and the Lady Justiciar herself worked hard on the newest curriculum, allowing new and current wards to gain more experience and exposure for their career. The passing of the Golden Bulava, as the head of the Aulic Council, is always a notable event in the Kingdom, inviting in a new era alike that of the passing of the burden of the Crown, and the Kortrevich Bull Post has decided to dub this now-ongoing period “The Age of Freedom”. WRITTEN BY ESMÉE GABRIELLE KORTREVICH Pg. 3 & ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR ____________________________________________________________________________ NOBLE NEWS BY BARUCHS AND BARROWS [!] A painting of the village outside of Vidaus. With Duke Ruthern taking on the mantle of the Grand Lord under Her Majesty in the Capital, it has come to the Duke’s spouse to take on a few of his duties while he is away. As such, it is no wonder that the oldest Ducal House of the Kingdom has continued to flourish under his and his wife’s leadership. Duchess Margrait Ruthern née Baruch has brought a special touch to the icy lands of Vidaus. And for her efforts she has been rewarded with the responsibility over Druzstra and newly constructed Branhavn as the Duchess in her own right - a prestigious status to achieve as a Peer’s Consort. Thinking of Branhavn, the new settlement has certainly grown popular since its inception a few years ago. The Black Company has substantially grown, employing a vast protective force to watch over the village, and the Ducal Couple have begun advertising their various ventures via a helpful noticeboard in the center of the hamlet. The children of the Kingdom often frequent the Ducal village for parties, festivals, and other goings-on - no doubt including extensive quantities of alcohol. Furthermore, the honourable House of Ruthern recently published their History of House Ruthern, detailing the House’s origins under Ruther Bonebreaker, and its rise to prominence later under King Petyr I. The long document recounts the long and extensive history of the Ducal House, its Traditions, notable Relics, and various members of the family of note Despite the success of their village outpost, as published recently by the Duchy, the internal House of Ruthern have come down with a bout of illness soon after an across-family feast with the Comital House of Ludovar. As of now, it appears that only Ruthern Lords and Ladies have come down with the disease, and the Kingdom extend their thanks to both families for volunteering to quarantine themselves in their respective Keeps until free of infection. Luckily, the family have since recovered, however they have unfortunately lost four of their members to its hold, and for this the Kingdom mourns. Rest in Peace, Joren, Zoya, Rhys, & Milena Ruthern. WRITTEN BY ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR TRAGEDY STRIKES BETHLENEN [!] A painting of the Colborn Keep. Despite the sorrowful death of Lord Godric Colborn as mentioned in the previous Edition, further tragedy has struck the most recently elevated Baronial House. The Baron of Bethelenen, at a well-anticipated Colborn Feast, apparently fell down the stairs and has remained comatose since that day. His powers and duties have passed to one of his grandsons, now-Baron Maric Colborn, until the younger generation are ready. According to this writer’s sources, Lord Adrian Colborn is being tended to dutifully by his family and servants, and the Kingdom is praying for a swift recovery, and for the future prosperity of the unlucky Baronial House. WRITTEN BY ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR SOME GRAND WORK [!] A painting depicting HSH The Grand Prince of Kusoraev. Along with the Grand Prince coming of age and being invested by his Father, and sworn to by the leaders of our Kingdom’s various factions, he has also begun branching out - alongside the Heir of Ruthern - to publishing his own writings. This writer notes the promising quality of writing, clearly the Prince and Ruthern pair have had excellent governors, and the similarity in his publishings to the early works of His Majesty before he ascended to the throne. This writer fondly remembers the King’s recount of dueling etiquette, and now the Royal Librarians can add the son’s works next to the father’s for future generations to read. The works of a boy destined for Kingship should be a fascinating read, and a must-read for any and all interested Haeseni jousters. This writer looks forward to reading any and all future writings from Grand Prince Georg. WRITTEN BY ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR NOBLE EXPECTATIONS [!] The symbol of the Royal Duma in light of recent publications. In her works as the Royal Inquisitor - the manager of Noble conduct - Duchess Johanna Barclay recently published an extensive survey on the expectations of nobles, and an evaluation of noble House ascension. Such a document has done well to highlight the current state of nobility in the nation, and should surely be of great assistance to Houses of present, and House leaders of future to understand what more they can do to increase their status and standing in the Haeseni ecosystem. Furthermore, it is this writer’s opinion that these writings should be read by all noblemen and women, as it will embed into them the responsibilities placed on them for their Crown-given privileges. It is hoped that such mandatory readings will help to negate the stagnancy and idling of recent generations, spurring them on to work hard to support their House. Pg. 4-7 WRITTEN BY ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR ____________________________________________________________________________ AN UPDATED MAP OF THE KINGDOM [!] A section of the newest map of Haense, made by Wilfred Proudfoot IV. Recently, King Karl III commissioned a renewed map of the Kingdom with updated names, titles, and territories. The artistic map includes the recently obtained Silver Isles, along with the extensive Attenlund marsehes, and the newly claimed Grenz region. Wilfred Proudfoot IV, cartographer of the map, took the well-appreciate liberty of labelling each Haeseni Vassal’s keep, and various other landmarks such as Halfling Honeyhill, Hallaburg - designated to the Knights, Excitor Manor, and abandoned Krusev Keep. Luckily, Mr Proudfoot has agreed to update the labelling and symbols as the map for an ensuing 20 year period. The Citizens of Haense wanted to extend their thanks to the studious hard work of Mr Proudfoot for providing them with such an informative and true-to-life map. WRITTEN BY ESMÉE GABRIELLE KORTREVICH Pg. 8 & ADELE EMMA LUDOVAR ____________________________________________________________________________ HONORABLE MENTIONS Honourable mentions go to the newest Reform of the now-4th Brotherhood of St. Karl, The marriage between Ser Conrad Barclay and Lady Viktoriya Franziska vas Ruthern, The second Church Gala being held by Her Eminence, Matriarch Katerina of Jorenus, The completion of the Reinmaren village of Rozenfeld and its accompanying tourney, The signing of the contract between Haense and the Viceroyalty of Hyspia, The construction of a Haeseni naval shipyard, And the disownment of Ilya Ludovar. Pg. 9 ____________________________________________________________________________ MORE INFORMATION Ve Kortrevich Samyzek Pozska is looking for writers and reporters. If this is something that interests you, please send a bird to Esmée Kortrevich or Adele Luodvar.

Changed Status to Accepted

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to Lord of the Craft! Now that you’re accepted, you will spawn in Cloud Temple as a player and be able to interact with the world around you. If you need any help, you can message me in-game by doing /msg worldeltaii Or if I’m not online, you can find me on discord: dove#8701 If you need any guidance in-game, and I am not around, please do: /creq I have just been accepted and would like a Wilven Monk! Another Community Team member will come by and assist you. Or follow the signs heading to the Tutorial Island. And lastly, I highly recommend you join the LOTC discord using the invite link: LOTC Discord And checking out the New Player Guide: New Player Hub Post Happy roleplaying friend!