Optimus420

"An excellent find! Tell the men, we are going huting!" said Leopold von Reuss to Athri

THE VELEN COMPANY Established 3rd of the Tobias' Bounty, 1888 MISSION The Velen Company is an organization of veteran soldiers and scholars from throughout the realm who have been cast aside by society and or otherwise forgotten by those whom they served. These men and women who served felt without purpose, without guidance other than faith. It was with their faith that led them to Leopold Ulrich von Reuss, an Aeldenic Mercenary wishing to establish a group of men and women from pious stock that seek to do good and serve the people around them. It is from his following that these pious men and women serve anyone the Company deems necessary. PAYMENT The Velen Company will house, feed, and equip its members based on their rank regardless of birth or social standing. Monetary payments of members of the company are handled by the Baron and his Duma, these payments are often through special merits, awards, as well as proper cuts from contracts. These merits and rewards act as the base form of payment for members of the company as contracts vary in price. CHAIN OF COMMAND UNOATHED Camp-Follower Those who are wishing to enlist in the company or who serve in non-combatant roles for the company are assigned the rank of Camp-Follower. Their responsibilities vary from medical care, smiths, cooks, and so on. They can be identified with a simple armband or pendant showing their loyalty to the company. Initiate Those who have stepped forth and begun the martial path of the company, they are assigned the rank of initiate as they have yet to be properly trained nor spoken the Oath of a Companyman. MEN-AT-ARMS Armsman Those who have completed their training and taken the oath to become a fully fledged member of the company. They make up a majority of the Company’s men-at-arms. They are entitled to compensation from contracts and are given proper equipment to arm and defend themselves. Vanguard The skilled veterans of the company who have been bled and are battle hardened. They act as mentors to the initiates aiding in their training to ensure they uphold the standards of the company. While on the field of battle, these men lead the charge and are the first wave into the fray. Sergeant Sergeants act as noncommissioned officers of the company and are veteran members of the company. They are given plate armor seeing as they act as the heavy infantry component for the company. These men are often given special contracts to guard and protect assets. OFFICER Armiger Armigers act as junior officers of the company’s chain of command. They are tasked with leading groups of soldiers of the company during contracts. The Armigers during off-times train initiates alongside their subordinates. Campmaster The Campmaster is the senior officer and the direct subordinate of the Baron. He has proved himself through loyal and dedicated service to the company, and the Baron himself. He is a skilled leader and masterful tactician. He is the second in command of the Company and is directed to find contracts and send them to the Baron for approval. The Baron The Baron of Velen is the head and proprietor of the company. He holds ultimate authority over its ventures while also hosting the company within his lands. The Baron holds final say over possible contracts of the company. ORDER OF SCHOLARS The Order of Scholars is the second path that those can take within the company, it is composed of alchemists, apprentices, adventurers, and so on. They can be told apart from their martial counterparts via their lack of armor. It follows a similar ranking structure to the martial path however with few minor differences. These men and women of the company are devout believers of the faith and seek to study and explore all there is to know in this world. They believe it best to know one’s enemy so that we may better understand it before it is slain. RANKS Initiate Those who have stepped forth and begun the path of the scholar, they are assigned the rank of initiate as they have yet to be properly trained nor spoken the Oath of a Companyman. Neophyte Those who have taken their oath to the Company and Baron. It is from here that a Neophyte may begin their path of knowledge and exploration. A Neophyte will be assigned to a Scholar so they may be further educated and accompany their mentors on assignments. Scholar After a Neophyte publishes their first work and study and has been approved by their mentor, they will be assigned the rank of Scholar. This name can have many different names however depending on which field they choose to study further. Scholar-Adeptus Those who have served in the Company for some time and have stocked the shelves full of their findings and discoveries are known as Scholar-Adeptus or a title befitting their field. They are veteran members of the company and wise people to study under. It is they who oversee the education and Oathing of Initiates. CONTRACTS Escorts Escort Contracts encompass VIP protection, Asset protection, Caravan Guards, Pilgrim protection, and so on. These contracts vary in price and time frames - all to be discussed between Campmaster and the Baron. Logistics Logistics Contracts encompass a few fields, mainly along the lines of production of weapons, armor, and supplies. However it is extended to the construction of offensive and defensive buildings and or fortifications. Auxiliaries Auxiliary Contracts is for those who are in need to hire extra swords, peacekeepers, or reservist forces. The company will act within its own bylaws as well as the employers to ensure the utmost effectiveness is in place. These contracts being the most time consuming, it is expected the employer supplies any extra equipment needed and to house the company to some extent. Search & Destroy Search & Destroy contracts are strictly to find and destroy any form of beast or any form of monster that plagues one’s land. The Company does not conduct assassinations against fellow members of the faith unless they are a well-known and proven heretic. Exploration Exploration contracts are often organized by the Baron and Company itself, however the company does extend its services via the Order of Scholars to aid in any form of exploration, discovery, or sites that require aid for further researching purposes. RECRUITMENT Any able bodied man or woman of the faith that wishes to do more with their lives are welcome to join up and enlist with the company. Name: Age: Culture: Reason for Enlistment: Experience (if any): ((MC Name)): ((Discord Tag)):

Leopold von Reuss would pat his token elf friend on the back after the missive went out!

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VELENIC DUMA Issued and Confirmed by His Lordship, Leopold von Reuss 11th of Owyn’s Flame, 1888 PREFACE The Velenic Duma or more simply, The Duma acts as the governing body of the Barony of Velen. It is composed of officials appointed by the Baron to aid him in the everyday governance of the Barony. POSITIONS OF THE DUMA The Baron The Current Baron: His Lordship, Leopold Ulrich von Reuss @Optimus420 The Baron is the ruler of Velen and acts as the head of state wielding ultimate authority over the government and Barony as a whole. The Magistrate The Current Magistrate: Fynn Reiner von Wexler @TheWaffleEater2 The Magistrate is the right hand man to the Baron and is tasked with being the head of the Duma and its affairs. They are also tasked to act as regent in times where the Baron is deemed unable to lead. The Campmaster The Current Campmaster: Marcus August von Reuss The Campmaster is one who oversees all the endeavors of the Velen Company. He is tasked with enforcing its standards and is responsible for passing along possible contracts for the Baron to approve. The Bailiff The Current Bailiff: Ravenna von Reuss @Fluff The Bailiff is tasked with overseeing all finances of the barony, whether that be selling of houses, creation of business and or guilds, and monitoring taxation. The Emissary The Current Emissary: Athri Emilienne Onfroi @GrowingIvy The Emissary is one who seeks out and holds good relations with other cities and groups, finding contracts and creating other sorts of documents. THE VELENIC DIET All those who seek to petition the Baron of Velen or members of the Duma may do so via the Velenic Diet, it is here where all of Velen, nobles and commoners alike gather to discuss the happenings of the Barony. It is at the discretion of the Baron to convene the Velenic Diet to hear his people, and it is up to his lordship to grant or deny any petitions spoken before him. CINIS EX SURGITE His Lordship, Leopold Ulrich von Reuss, Baron of Velen, Proprietor of the Velen Company, Protector of the Eisenwald

THE CHARTER FOR THE BARONY OF VELEN, 1888 Penned by Guy Sigmar von Reuss, Magistrate and Heir to Velen I: Foreword II: Lexicon III: On the Rights of Man IV: On the Rights of Gentry V: On the Rights of Lords VI: On Minor Offenses VII: On Major Offenses FOREWORD Three years have we been on these Almarisian shores and within the last year we have grown immensely since our dwindling numbers in Aeldin. With this being said, we do declare the opening and establishment of the Barony of Velen and open its gates to those who wish to dwell within its borders. It is of the utmost importance we ensure law and order is maintained. While our professions may follow the morally gray path of life, our kin and people who dwell within our lands must still remain safe and protected. With this thought in mind we do declare these unalienable rights of the people and laws of Velen. LEXICON Important Provisions and Definitions Lexicon: a book of definitions to help clarify all vague or otherwise unique words or phrases. Velen: the lands ruled over by the House von Reuss. The Baron: the current ruler of Velen and its enterprises. Gentry Estate: term used to organize those of gentry status pertaining to knights, landowners, and clergymen. Noble Estate: term used to organize those who are of nobility dwelling within Velen’s borders. Lex Velena: the official law codex of Velen. Ehre dem volk: the words of House von Reuss - it translates into common as ‘Honor The People’. The Velen Company/The Company: The official marital and scholarly body of Velen that is tasked with the protection of Velen. ARTICLE I: On the Rights of Man The Rights of Man refers to all rights and privileges afforded to the citizens or otherwise commonfolk dwelling within Velen. I. Citizens of Velen have the right to assembly. II. Citizens of Velen have the right to public and impartial trials. III. Citizens of Velen have the right to arm and defend their persons and property. IV. All Citizens of Velen must adhere to the tenets of one true faith. V. All Citizens of Velen shall not nor ever be forced into service of their liege or foreign power. VI. All Citizens of Velen shall be aligned in perpetuity to the House von Reuss and Velen as a whole lest they are exiled or executed for justful crimes. ARTICLE II: On the Rights of Gentry The Rights of Gentry refers to all rights and privileges afforded to those of Gentry Estate, which consists of knights, wealthy landowners, and clergy dwelling within the lands of Velen. I. Those who are of the Gentry Estate are afforded the Rights of Man. II. Those who have been knighted and dwell within the borders of Velen are afforded the title of ‘Ser’. III. Those who have been knighted and dwell within the borders of Velen are afforded the right to trial by combat. IV. Those who are landowners that dwell within Velen are only allowed their lands to be succeeded to their heir if he serves within the Company and or have their heir be knighted. V. Those who serve the Holy Mother Church are exempt from all and any secular courts within Velen. VI. Those who serve the Holy Mother Church and its respective sects are free to give sermons as they please within Velen. ARTICLE III: On the Rights of Lords The Rights of Lords refers to all rights and privileges afforded to those of nobility and those holding title dwelling within the lands of Velen. I. Those who are of the Noble Estate are afforded the Rights of Man. II. Those who are of the Noble Estate are afforded the right to don their House’s Sigil. III. Those who are of the Noble Estate are afforded the right to trial by combat. IV. Those who are of the Noble Estate are afforded the right to petition the Baron. V. Those who are of the Noble Estate are afforded the right to maintain hereditary property. VI. Those who are of the Noble Estate may only be recognized via Writs of Lordship from the Baron. LEX VELENA ARTICLE III: On Minor Offenses The category of Minor Offenses or Misdemeanors are crimes that are viewed in the eyes of Velen as petty or offenses that are not deserving of harsh or capital punishment, most often will result in fines or jailtime. Robbery Property Damage Defamation Disturbing the Peace Assault ARTICLE IV: On Major Offenses The category of Major offenses of Felonies are crimes that are viewed in the eyes of Velen as those that have surpassed the line of any form of deniability and those found guilty shall be given just and fitting sentences or capital punishment. Kidnapping Espionage Manslaughter Murder Treason EHRE DEM VOLK His Lordship, Leopold Ulrich von Reuss, Baron of Velen, Proprietor of the Velen Company, Protector of the Eisenwald

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg reads over this missive while enjoying his beautiful day on the beach, he says to his wife, "This is quite well written, I cannot wait to see what the Princess will do once he and Joseph ascends the throne!"

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg is thrilled at the news of his friends having yet another child, yet is slightly saddened they did not use the name he had suggested! He offers a small prayer for the child to be healthy. After that he goes back to enjoying his vacation and cigar smoking.

Having been on vacation, Ser Owyn de Ravensburg receives the missive of yet another marriage in Sedan, he smiles and says, "Good for them, I am glad to see more and more families come together." after reading it, he would go back to smoking his cigar and enjoying his vacation.

The Knight-Commander of Sedan, Ser Owyn de Ravensburg lights his cigar and began to smoke as he peered down at his father's lifeless body. He pondered for moment before saying, "Traitors never prosper. You called yourself pious and preached loyalty yet you were not loyal or faithful to your own wife, my mother. You were never a good man, but I know that GOD will judge you in the Seven Skies above." he then tossed his cigar onto the ground before stomping it out and going to meet his comrade-in-arms and good friend Ser Donny von Draco! @outcook

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg would cast his vote for the man with the outstanding mustache even if he did not know him.

Rescinded

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg while on a hunting trip with his children would receive the missive of the newly born royal twins. The knight would grin from ear to ear upon reading it, he turned to his children and say, "What a blessing it is to see that Augustina and Joseph have welcomed their children into this world. I see great things to come to my dear friends, perhaps upon my return I shall give some parenting advice!" he mused before writing a reply to send back to the palace in sedan to congratulate Augustina & Joseph and then carried on with his hunting trip.

Check out sedan! We are a very chill human settlement :) feel free to add me on discord: Optimus#9855 We would be happy to have you o7

“Quite right, but it is better than nothing at all. Wish he just had the balls or courage to say it to my face.” Commented Ser Owyn

Ser Owyn would nod as he folded the missive into his pocket, “Of course your highness, can’t wait to taste the fancy booze!”

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg reads the missive thinking this is a nice gesture but could’ve been said to his face and not through a letter. This only further proved his opinion that his father is a spineless coward and uses fear to control his family.

Ser Owyn would look at the missive, a smile appeared across his face, before turning to his wife, Winnifred, "All your hard work has finally paid off. I am sure your kin and ancestors are very proud." @Fluff

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg would cheer as the missives for the royal wedding were sent out!

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg is handed the treaty and smiles.

ORDER OF SAINT ALEXANDER AND THE HOLY GOAT ‘THE GOATS OF SEDAN’ “THROUGH GOD, WE WILL OVERCOME” (God. 6:3) REJECT THE SINS OF MODERNITY AND TRANSCEND Step into any fetid metropolis and take a single breath- the miasma fills your lungs, as if weights bear you down. The secular has come into vogue, the virtues of old dismantled in the name of progress. But winds are changing, even the lame can sense it. The second Age of Heroes fast approaches: but will you stand tall in the yuga which proceeds, or cower in the pleasured coddling of modernity? Many do not have what it takes to ascend in the latter days. But purification of the soul, the transmutation of sin into glory, can be achieved. To do so requires sacrifice, a libation given in honor for God’s Love. And what is the greatest gift to Him if not one’s very body, the hand-crafted vessel He Designed? Craft yourself into a temple worthy of His Love, mold your mind into a tabernacle capable of His Wrath. Through the pursuit of martial excellence, by the charism of initiation, you can transcend past the material plane and into the fields of Divine Ecstasy. Give yourself to the inner spark within your soul and all shall be laid bare in the Glory of the Creator. PURIFY THE SOUL AND WALK THE SEVEN SKIES AS YOUR FATHERS DID BEFORE YOU “I BOWED MY HEAD AND WORSHIPPED THE MAJESTY OF MY FATHER WHO SENT ME — FOR I HAD DONE HIS WILL, AND HE TOO HAD DONE WHAT HE PROMISED — AND THE GATES OF HIS KINGDOM OPENED, AND I MINGLED WITH HIS PRINCES, FOR HE REJOICED IN ME AND RECEIVED ME, AND I WAS WITH HIM IN HIS KINGDOM.” (Owyn 6:1-4) ----- THE LESSER AND GREATER ALEXANDRINE INITIATION “AND NO PLACE IS FORBIDDEN TO THOSE PERFECTED IN THE EYES OF GOD, FOR THE WICKED ARE VANQUISHED FOREVER.” (Aus. 3:10) [Redacted] The mysteries of the Alexandrine Initiation are a closely-guarded secret of the Goats of Ponce, revealed only to the most loyal and experienced brothers. ----- RANKS OF THE CHAPTER OF THE HOLY GOAT The Inner Council of Bailiffs CHANCELLOR-AND-PROPRIETOR - The de jure leader and figurehead of the Order, the Chancellor-and-Proprietor is the final say of command and authority. Typically, however, the Chancellor-and-Proprietor is mainly tasked with representing the order both to the Church and foreign nation-states in cases of diplomacy as well as the maintenance of properties and lands controlled by the order. The current Chancellor-and-Proprietor is Ser Joseph de Joannes. @Dogged KNIGHT-COMMANDER - Second-in-command, the Knight-Commander is in charge of keeping the Knight-Constable, Color-Bearer, and Master-Conservator stay in the right, as well as to lead in conflicts. The current Knight-Commander is Ser Owyn de Ravensburg. @Optimus420 KNIGHT-CONSTABLE - Marked with the golden whip of office, the Knight-Constable is third-in-command and tasked with the important task of drilling and training both recruits and brothers alike. The current Knight-Constable is Ser John Martin. @Robin01_boy COLOR-BEARER - The honor of carrying the chapter’s war banner into battle is reserved for the most capable warrior within the order at one time, named the Color-Bearer. The current Color-Bearer is Ser Donny Romstun. @outcook MASTER-CONSERVATOR - As chief quartermaster and lord of logistics, the Master-Conservator’s role is to keep in order the vast stockpiles and resources the chapter maintains. The current Master-Conservator is Ser Isaak de Joannes. @Blake0205 The Men-at-Arms EQUESTOR - The Knight of the Order is truly a fearless knight, and secure on every side, for his soul is protected by the armor of faith, just as his body is protected by the armor of steel. He is thus doubly-armed, and needs neither demons nor men. They are offered the title of 'Ser'. BROTHER-ARMIGER - Squire of the Order, known for how long they have been in the Order for. As most of them may be better fighters due to their age, most who hold this rank have earned it from their decades of loyalty to the Faith, Crown and the Order. BROTHER-CAPRANUS - Veterans of the Order, typically having years of experience under their belt. The Brother-Carpanus are tasked with acting as mentors to the Recruits and Brother's of the Order. BROTHER-SERGEANT - Those who have proven their loyalty to the Faith, Crown, and the Order, Brother-Sergeants are proven fighters of the Order who have risen above their Brothers in ranks. BROTHER - The core and bulk of the Order’s manpower, Brothers are those who have taken the first initiatory rites and have sworn themselves in faithful service to their fellow peers. RECRUIT - Inexperienced and untrained, Recruits are the neophytes of the Order who have yet finished their first year of service or made their oath to the Order and Crown. Extraordinary Ranks MEDICUS - Those who provide medical needs to the Order, the Medicus rank is given to those who have proven their medical proficiencies within the Order, their sole job to provide their Brothers’ in the practice of medicine. ALMONER - Any brother of the Order who has taken clerical vows are given the robes of the Almoner, tasked with the important duties of giving alms and aid to the poor and lame, as well as efforts in proselytization ----- ENLISTMENT AND APPLICATION To serve with the Goats of Sedan, one must be of at least fourteen years, a male, and a faithful member of the Church of the Canon. [[RP]] Given Name: Family Name: Age: Prior Occupation: Battlefield Experience: Reason for Interest: [[OOC]] Username: Discord:

Ser Owyn de Ravensburg while in the Sedan Tavern read through the missive, a jovial expression upon his face before speaking aloud to his comrades and kin, his voice bellowed so all those nearby could hear, "The time of union is near! A toast is in order! For we drink to this budding friendship between our realms, but to to the long awaited union between our Crown-Prince and the Princess of Balian! AVE SEDAN AVE BALIAN!"

Owyn de Ravensburg read the missive and nodded, “Things are finally coming together for us, to old friends and a prosperous future.”

I agree, though red pandas are very adorable too

Do you like Giant Pandas or Red Pandas more?