RaijenStars

Love and Happiness [!] The late count, working himself until he can not anymore He loved many people. He loved his father, he loved his mother, he loved his siblings, he had a special place in his heart for children, almost adopting each one he saw. His love burned bright. He used the fire to show his family the way out of that dark, dark cave. He loved them so much that it hurt, he loved them so much that he could lose sight of everything because the fire burns so bright. He believed they could all be happy together, all they needed was to love each other. What other satisfaction can this world provide but the love of a family? A smile of a little sibling, a laugh of your very own child. His heart pounded everyday only for them, only for those little satisfactions, nothing else. He just wanted to be happy. Or rather - he wanted his family to be happy. If he could ensure they are happy, then nothing else matters. Only they matter. Only them. He would throw his life away any day without shutting an eye for one smirk, one good night sleep for them, one more hobby they could enjoy. In the end, as the fire slowly burnt out, he felt nothing but sorrow and regret. Was it worth it? Are they happy? Did I fail them? Did I fail her? He would never know. He wasn’t sure he really wanted to know. Not now.. Not on his deathbed.. But only…. Only one question. Only that he had to know. “Tell me… Are you… Happy?” Johann asked his family with his last breaths, tears flowing all over his face. He knew the answer. He knew they would lie. He wished he could have done more… Could he have done more? Did he not sacrifice enough? Was he slacking too much? Could he really ever ensure their happiness? As he closed his eyes, he felt relieved. Finally, He could get the eternal rest he longed for for so long. He finally did not have to care about anything anymore. He did not owe anything to no one. No one could make horrible rumors about him… Or at least he wouldn’t know if they did, so it doesn’t matter. Finally, this miserable life is coming to an end. Finally, he is free. “I hope I did well, GODAN. Please, let me live peacefully in the heavens or perish into nothingness, maybe then, I can finally take my rest.” He wished to god as his soul was slowly leaving his body, and this miserable being has come to an end. [!] Among the late count’s belongings his family can find many drafts of legal documents, study papers but also.. A letter. One that seems to be not new, but rather has been written years ago. “To my dear family. If you read this, it means my illness won in the struggle, and I am now on my way to GODAN. I am deeply sorry I couldn’t do more for you, I hope you will enjoy the life I worked to provide for you so far and thanks to my work, you can lead a calmer life than mine. My children, I love you deeply more than anything. I failed you many times… I wasn’t always the father I wanted to be but know all I did was because of my love for you and to protect you. Everything was for you. My nieces and nephews, my love for you shines as bright. Don’t ever forget you were also my family and I you will always be, love yourself as much as I love you, even if I was not always the uncle I wanted to be. I still cherish you and you will forever be dear to me. Pyotr and Sibylla, thank you for being there for me and the family. You are people I love and trust and I can leave with a safer mind knowing you are a part of this family. My brothers and sisters… my grandkids… I am sorry I will not be able to spend more time with you. You know I cherish every second I got to be with you and I am glad I had you. Please tell my many wards I am proud of them, tell them I entrust the office I worked so hard on to them and I anticipate great things to come and hope they will take my office to new heights. And to Iulius, I am sorry I wasn’t able to teach him more. He was a good friend. I hope our families will keep our close ties for many more years, even after I am gone. Thank you, to everyone who trusted and was by this miserable being’s side through my life. I hope I did enough for you. I love you, I really do. Goodbye.”

"And vy said we should niet obsess over how we die" he let out a saddened chuckle as tears started pouring "Dravi, mea friend. Ea will meet again vy soon"

Johann Ludovar sighed deeply before looking away from the missive "This is one bet Ea did niet want to win"

Who's your favorite Johann?

Raijen Stars, the man who provided flowers for the kingdom for many years feels betrayed

Justiciar Office Report to the Royal Duma OFFICE; The office of the High Justiciar CURRENT PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONS; The office serves to ensure justice is kept within the kingdom by solving disputes according to the law and bringing consequences to those who deserve it. REFORMS MADE DURING THE CURRENT TENURE; My biggest focus since I took the position was on rebuilding it’s manpower with qualified people and trust of the public in the Aulic Court, so they feel they have who to turn to and report crimes and use our help with disputes. Right now, the office holds four Jovenaars (not including the Justiciar) and five wards in training to work under the office. I have built a wardship program to ensure those who work on those sensitive and important topics are well trained and know how to do the work properly. I have ensured my wards are people who learn and evolve, and each was given their own topic to make a study on with the support and advice of the Justiciar. I have also worked on making the court more accessible and transparent, publishing simple informative documents such as “The Prosecution Guide” and “Court for Beginners”. FUTURE PLANS OR GOALS FOR THE OFFICE; I plan to build further transparency. I have a document in the works to make the policies and terms of the office public. I will also work to further involve wards and young Jovenaars in the works of the office in various ways. SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Viscount of Sezwesk, Lord of Kazstadt

A loud, sorrowful wail could be heared through all the lands of Otistadt. Full of regret, pain and longing. "I should have been there... I should have been there... I should have saved her or... or... at least held her hand in the last moments" the tears would not stop as the weak count banged his head on the walls of his his room. His dear sister... his dear Marie... memories filled him, from their early years, the bright, energetic chaotic girl she was, to the later years full of different chaos in her life... One not as bright. Nothing but regret filled Johann's heart, he knew she was not happy. But he did nothing... he always thought he will have another day to come along and be by her side... but he doesn't. She is gone. Does she know he loved her so much? No, he does not deserve it. He does not deserve her to think highly of his love after all those years... The count locked his room and crawled in his bed like a ball, crying endlessly "Marie... Yam so sorry.... Ea miss vy..." his quiet whisper was all that was left in his big, empty and lonely room...

Official Summon to Court For Rani Var’suuth Omec Stormheart Issued by the HIGH JUSTICIAR On this 16th day of Joma ag Umund of 424 E.S. In light of the recent accusations against Rani Var’suuth Omec Stormheart, the crown sees fit to summon him to court to face the accusation and state his case on the events. May he fail to show up to court, the court will consider such an admit of guilt and he will be considered criminal within our lands and he may be treated accordingly. The defendant Rani Var’suuth Omec Stormheart shall appear before the Aulic Court and answer for the following charges; VIII Let he who harms another outside of battle be guilty of Assault. XI Let he who forges money or mark be guilty of Forgery, as shall he who presents himself as another. XII Let he who wrongly slanders the name and honour of another be guilty of Defamation. XV Let he who conspires to bring harm against the Crown, Royal House, or the Kongzem be guilty of Treason. I swear the contents of this Summons to be true and accurate to the best of my knowledge before Godan. SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Lord of Kazstadt

A Springtime Flower Festival As spring ramps up in the frigid lands of Haense, we decided to invite everyone to celebrate the blossom and beauty of nature together. All are invited, whether young Or old, to a festival all centered around flowers and the cultivation of our nature! THE MEANING OF FLOWERS To give us some knowledge, we invited Raijen Stars, an experienced florist to teach us about the various meanings of flowers so we all know to choose our flowers better! PLANTING THE GARDEN To enrich the view and fields we will provide everyone with flowers and go all together to plant them. FEAST AND GIFTS PREPARATIONS After all is done, we will sit for a light picnic and with the flowers we have left prepare gifts for our friends and loved ones to warm the hearts SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Viscount of Sezwesk, Lord of Kazstadt

Court for Beginners In recent years trials have become more and more common in the lands of Hanseti-Ruska. During those years the office of the Justiciar has recognized a need for the common man and woman to get a proper source of information about the process and policies of the procedures of courts. To solve this problem we bring you this document, summing everything one needs to know about trials from beginning to end. What is a court? When is one held? A court of law is a body with Judicial authority given by the crown with the purpose to solve disputes of law. As the definition may suggest, we hold a court when a dispute is brought up before a Jovenaar in an attempt to solve it according to the law of the kingdom. The purpose of a court is not to punish, but to bring justice, meaning, in some courts there might not be a punishment at all as sometimes it is not just. For example, if it turns out the defendant was framed or if someone hurt another but it was a case of self defense. It is important to note that holding a court is not the only way a Jovenaar has to solve disputes, sometimes a Jovenaar would only act as a mediator in a meeting, for example. Who can request to bring an issue to court? How? Anyone may request to bring an issue to court by contacting a Jovenaar. The Jovenaar will then look into the case and decide if there is a court needed or not. Examples of cases where we would decide not to hold court are if a person who is not related to the issue reports, yet the parties involved do not wish to take it to court. Another case would be if while investigating the issue the Jovenaar determines it was a misunderstanding, or it becomes clear without doubt to all parties that the defendant is not guilty. I called for court, what now? To answer this question, we will sum two terms we use in the legal system - Criminal and Civil court. If you wish to learn more, you can read the study that was done relating to those two terms. But for our case, we will sum them this way - Criminal court is a court held, as the name suggests, when a crime, as defined by the book of laws of the kingdom, was committed. In these cases, even if you were the one directly harmed by the crime, the prosecution will be a representative of the crown, usually a Jovenaar. So you can lay back and let the Jovenaar do the work (While, of course, cooperating with the investigation.). The second term, a Civil court relates to a dispute that is not defined as a crime by the book of laws. In these cases we will have the plaintiff, the one who was allegedly harmed by the actions of the defendant, on the seat against that defendant. As the plaintiff, you would need to bring evidence to prove your case in court. To explain everything you would need to know, we would need to write a whole other document detailing what to do and how. Luckily- we did. To get more information on that, you might want to check the prosecution guide published a few years before this document. The three types of court The Haurul Caezk provides us with three methods we may use in courts of law; Trial by Plea, Wits, or Combat. The most common one is Trial by Plea. It is what most of us think of when we think of a trial, a court with two sides seated before a judge bringing witnesses and evidence to prove their claims. An old traditional way to solve disputes, which now is also considered a form of a trial is Trial by Combat. The two parties duel to solve the dispute and determine the guilt. The third and most unique way of trial is Trial by Wits. This kind of trial has two similar forms, one, the parties playing a game of luck, such as tossing a coin, leaving the choice by GODAN's hands to determine the guilt. The other form is a game of wits as chess in which through the results of the game the guilt is determined. The type of court is chosen by agreement of both parties. In cases where agreement can't be reached, trial by plea is chosen by default. I was called for court, what do I do? What will happen to me? Our first and most important advice to you would be to cooperate. The more cooperative with any part of the case from investigation to the court itself, the better off you will be. The more incooperative, the worse off it will be. Next, we would advise you to gather your own evidence to protect yourself. The prosecution guide applies very much to the defendant as well, so we would advise reading it. If you feel like you were wrong in any part of the process up to the trial, you should bring it up at court. The judge was not involved in any part of the case up until the court itself so they will not know what happened unless you bring it up. While it is common to allow the defendant to bring someone to represent them at court with them, the law does not require the Jovenaar to allow and especially not to provide it themselves. But cases where a request to bring a representative with the defendant are rare, so you should not worry too much. If you feel like you were wronged in court, you may send an appeal, bringing the issue to be handled by a higher ranking official. The Aulic Court aims to be as transparent and fair as it can be. If one feels like they need aid or have been wronged in any way they may always contact a Jovenaar who will do their best to help. If one feels like there is information that they need or is missing, our office’s door is wide open to accept suggestions, advice, or any request to make the process of court easy, transparent, and just. SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Viscount of Sezwesk, Lord of Kazstadt

Johann Ludovar huffed with a chuckle as for once, he was mentioned, yet not in a bad light

Jakob Vernhart wonders if they accept toddlers as well

The Prosecution Guide The Prosecutor is a representative of the crown in criminal courts. The prosecutor will collect evidence before the trial and as he is certain he has the required evidence to call out a person for his crimes he shall contact a Jovenaar to hold a trial. The prosecutor will state the charges and give the opening statement at the beginning of the trial. After the defendant gives their opening statement, he may present his replies and evidence, call witnesses and so on. The exchange of submissions will continue until both parties rested their cases or the Jovenaar determines so. Forms of Evidences that may be used are submissions in the forms of; I. Testimonial Evidence - when a person comes forth and shares about something he has seen, heard or experienced that relates to the issue. II. Real Evidence - also may be called physical evidence. Those will usually be items or objects you are able to physically hold and inspect. This kind of evidence may at times be followed by Testimonial Evidence. III. Demonstrative Evidence - This kind of evidence will usually follow a Testimonial Evidence, it might be a map of the crime scene, a graph that demonstrates the financial damage that was done and so on. IV. Documentary Evidence - as the name might suggest, this kind of evidence relies on documents such as letters, contracts, diaries and so on. The documents must be authentic and trustworthy or else might not be admissible. The Authorized Prosecutors who may take the position at court are the following: High Justiciar Johann Ludovar Lord Palatine Eirik Baruch Lord Marshal Johann Barclay Jovenaar Iulius Vernhart Justiciar ward Nikolai Kortrevich Justiciar ward Eleanore Morovar Justiciar ward Adele Ludovar Justiciar ward Matyas Alban SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Viscount of Sezwesk, Lord of Kazstadt

That's my nieceeeee woohooooooooo Kirsty most friendly person on lotc, I honestly envy how easy she makes making friends look sometimes

Announcement of Change and Support Of the New Heiress to the House Issued by the The Count of Otistadt On this 10th day of Vyzmey ag Hynk of 419 E.S. VA BIRODEO EDLERVIK In recent years I, Johann F. Ludovar, have spoken to my son and heir, Aleksey, about his future and the future of our house. Aleksey sounded his wish to give up his position to me, in pursuit of his true passion - researching birds. In my youth I suffered greatly from the responsibilities that landed on me without any place for personal joy or passion, even my only hobby was buried by the many papers I had to write. I do not wish the same fate for my children, if it is not their wish. I do not wish to force onto my son a responsibility he will not wish to take, for his sake and for the sake of our house. In recent years a great change has occurred in our kingdom in the form of the Karenina Law. From the next generation forward, the oldest child, no matter if man or a woman, will be the heir to the house. After speaking to the three of my children, we reached the conclusion - Why wait? My beloved daughters are just as capable and wise as any man and I trust with their hands a bright future will await the house of Ludovar. After the talks between the count’s children and with the approval of the crown we reached the following conclusions; I. Aleksey Ilya Ludovar will be no longer heir. Not disinherited, but moved down on the line of inheritance according to his place as the youngest son, according to the Karenina Law. II. As Amicia Valerie De Joannes, the eldest daughter of the count, has married out of the family and became a princess of Sedan, according to the law she will be disinherited, hence, she will not become the new heiress of the house. III. Because of the reasons above, Adele Emma Ludovar, second daughter of the count, will now become the heiress to the house and her father’s titles. IV. In support and acknowledgement of Adele Emma’s new position in the house, Johann Fredrick Ludovar bestows upon her the title of the Baroness of Juliksburg. V. The four mentioned, Johann Fredrick, Amicia Valerie, Adele Emma and Aleksey Ilya are all aware of and accept this change. May GODAN guide us on our new path and may our house continue to thrive, by the hands of the new heiress as much as it did and more than under the hands of the count. SIGNED, His Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Viscount of Sezwesk, Lord of Kazstadt Her Highness, Amicia Valerie De Joannes, Princess-consort of Sedan Her Ladyship, Adele Emma Ludovar, Heiress to the County of Otistadt, Heiress to the Viscounty of Sezwesk, Baroness of Juliksburg His Lordship, Aleksey Ilya Ludovar

An Investment Offer Issued by the The Ludovar Foundation On this 3rd day of Jula ag Piov of 419 E.S. After the founding and settling of the orphanage between the Haenseni walls, the Ludovar Foundation is now searching for the next endeavor to support and develop our kingdom and its people. The Foundation wishes to donate money and advice out of years of experience in the business industry to one person or a group who wish to open a business, with a unique idea or the will to fulfill a need that our kingdom’s current industries does not. The Ludovar Foundation will supply money, guidance and a proper building to establish the business within the walls of Karosgrad. The Foundation does not seek much in return but cooperation and to see the idea grow and succeed. If the chosen person or group will not show the proper devotion as our foundation to the creation of the enterprise the foundation will seek another applicant to invest in. In order to apply the person or group’s representative should meet the following requirements: I. The applicant must be a citizen of or move to Haense. II. As the Foundation seeks to invest in new blood, the applicant must be under the age of 35. III. The applicant does not manage or own a shop prior to the investment. IV. Common men and women will receive an advantage in the choice process over those of noble or royal blood. V. The idea must be unique, plain shops only supplying regular materials such as wood and iron would not be considered. The foundation reserves its right to decide to not invest if they see no unique idea fitting for the investment, or, on the other hand, invest in more than one idea if they see fit. SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt,Viscount of Sezwesk, Baron of Juliksburg, Lord of Kazstadt

Johann Ludovar tsks as he shook his head to his nephew's words. He loved his family deeply, and he had great hopes for his sister's son. But it seemed that the son learned only from his selfish father rather than his beloved sister. disappointed and with heavy hurt he made his way to Vidaus, to speak with his sister before he will take a stance on the matter.

Official Summon to Court For John Aurelian Novellen Issued by the HIGH JUSTICIAR On this 9th day of Wzuvar and Byvca of 419 E.S. In light of the recent accusations against John Aurelian Novellen, the crown sees fit to summon him to court to face the accusation and state his case on the events. May he fail to show up to court, the court will consider such an admit of guilt and he will be considered criminal within our lands and will no longer be welcomed by any means to our wall. The defendant John Aurelian Novellen shall appear before the Aulic Court and answer for the following charges; VIII Let he who harms another outside of battle be guilty of Assault. XII Let he who wrongly slanders the name and honour of another be guilty of Defamation. XV Let he who conspires to bring harm against the Crown, Royal House, or the Kongzem be guilty of Treason. (Jura I Kirma) I swear the contents of this Summons to be true and accurate to the best of my belief before Godan. SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Baron of Juliksburg, Lord of Kazstadt

Johann Ludovar, squints seeing the letter of a man not from his office summoned a man to court without speaking to him. He sent for his Jovenaars to investigate nonetheless and prepared to teach then Barclay a lesson about the law system.

Johann Ludovar squinted reading the missive, he was not suprised, from his past experience as Justiciar with the Ruthern, that his brother in law's ego would not let him acknowledge mistakes, yet was glad to receive a partly, even if obviously biased, broader view of the occurances. He decided to send his appointed Jovenaar who was on standby to now actively investigate and get the true big picture. @tcs_tonsils_

Johann Ludovar happily prepares himself in case this case is taken to court. Then he realizes he can't be the Jovenaar of this case since it is his dear nephew who is involved, so he goes to ask his Jovenaars who would like to take the case @tcs_tonsils_ @Phersades

Johann Ludovar huffed in anger seeing what was written of his daughter "This court clearly does not understand true beauty!"

A Writ of Passage For Wilhelm Lucius Issued by the HIGH JUSTICIAR On this 3rd day of Tov and Yermey of 418 E.S. VA BIRODEO EDLERVIK The Kongzem of Haense recognizes the importance of family bonds and the wish to support those dear to us in the pursuit for love and marriage, even in times of war. Therefore, in order for Wilhelm Lucius to accompany his daughter, Amadae Ulyssa d’Arkent-Carrington, who is well accepted within our society for long in the upcoming events of Lifstala, the High Jusiticar recognizes the importance of the presence of family members on such an exciting season and issue this writ of safe passage into the Kognzem and Karosgrad so that he may be beside his daughter. Wilhelm Lucius shall be permitted entry into the Kongzem unarmed and with no malicious intent, and in return the Brotherhood of Saint Karl nor the Knight’s Table shall hinder this passage, and all Haeseni subjects shall oblige him with the traditions of Haeseni hospitality until the end of the social season. SIGNED, HIS Excellency, Johann Fredrick Ludovar, High Justiciar of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Otistadt, Lord of Kazstadt

Raijen Stars sat in his small office in his lonely manor after hearing the news. Another one has left the world... His once loved one, then a dear friend and buisness partner has passed from this world... The cold air that always seemed to surround his quiet house seemed to be even more bothersome especially today. How has times changed... The days they were all young and energetic, they all had their aspirations and dreams... He missed those days. Maybe he even regrets a little not pursuing what his heart wished for a little more when he still could... Maybe everything would have been different then. Maybe then his cold home would have been a bit more warm and lively, maybe then they would not die one by one sad and alone... He would have paid all his fortune to see such future... but it is too late now. "Goodbye, Dianna. I will never forget you. I am sorry I did not do more for you..." He sighed, taking a few more seconds looking at the roof aimlessly before putting his hands on the table to use for aid to get up as he did not have the power he once had. He left his house for yet another day at work at the farm. Another day at the exact life he tried to run away from about forty years ago.

Johann Ludovar read the first letter he received from his daughters throughly, the letter from the daughter he was more worried about after her visible protest and difficulty to leave for the journey. While reading the letter his smile grew wider and wider, while he showed confidence, he was very warry if the expedition will even bear fruits as this tradition was never done before in the family, but this was way more than he ever imagined. The words of his daughter touched his heart, hearing how she both grew to accept herself and determine her future, he was of course excited to hear as she wished to follow his own footsteps but more than anything - he was glad to hear of her love for the family. There was not a single thing in this world Johann cares more about than his family, and he struggled through his youth wishing his family would feel the same. With this letter he felt he did a good job educating his children and building an enviroment his family would enjoy and like to stay in, unlike previous generations. With that, he proudly went to start preparing for the return and coming of age ceremonies of his daughters.