_RoyalCrafter_

PENNED, SIGNED & AVERRED. 210 ARP ✦ • ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ ✦ MAISON D’AUCLAIR - DYNASTIE VALOIS ✦ ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ ABDICATION OF JOYEUSE ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ • ───────────────────────────── • ✦ ‘Beyond the Dark, into the Light’ ✦ • ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ “ Honour, is our Laurel; Valour, is our Blade; ” Virtue but the hand, that wields them come the day. ✦ • ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • ✦ It has been a great journey leading the House of Auclair, from the turmoil of the war of Aevos, to the destruction of that realm to our arrival here in Azuras. Truth be told, as the youngest child of my mother it was never conceived by me that I would come to inherit leadership of this House, I was but a creative who knew little in administration and politics and such. However, the seat of the House came to me, and with the support of my loved ones. Without them Auclair would not have been able to endure and rise as it has. However, as an artist at heart, I must realise when to make way for new ideas and greater vigour. My most wonderful son, the pride of my heart, Jean-Baptiste has long shown to exhibit these qualities and possess a natural talent for administration, as well as show the same commitment to our beloved Petra as I have. Thus, it is with great pride that I announce my abidcation to my son, Jean-Baptiste @Lokvank, to inherit the titles and leadership of our House. May he continue to lead our great people and lands to further prosperity and glory, and dedicate his work in service of the Archduchy of Petra. ✦ WRIT & PENNED BY • ───────────────── • THE HONOURABLE, Guillaume Auclair, Viscount of Joyeuse, Baron of Rhénanie. HER LADYSHIP, Norellie Auclair, Viscountess-consort of Joyeuse, Baroness-consort of Rhénanie.

PURITY FROM TRUTH POWER FROM WITHIN 2065 I.T The Jorenic House of Whitewood, is one born of old lineage and proud figures. Its history of success and conflict is a testament to the enduring nature of the House’s character and ideas: to value the greater good and high virtues, but also to be guided by pragmatism for the sake of its people. HISTORY ANTIQUITY House Whitewood, or ceremonially Whitewood-Blaxton, descends paternally from the once influential House of Blaxton, which was brought to fame by Aylwin ‘Regicide’ Blaxton. Blaxton initially served as vassal to House Amador in the Kingdom of Haenseti-Ruska during the reign of King Marius I. However after the Great Northern War with the ancestral lands of the two houses being annexed by Courland, House Blaxton and Amador migrated to the Kingdom of Lotharingia and came into service under the Baroness of Ostwick, Anne of House Horen-Pruvia, the titular Princess of Pruvia. Owyn Amador, the Count of Mondstadt and the son of Anne, travelled to the Republic of Cacasca in hopes of acquiring a landed title. Aylwin later joined the ranks of Princess Anne's court, serving as her Chamberlain. As the Kingdom of Lotharingia continued to decline, Aywlin Blaxton schemed to put the Princess of Pruvia onto the Lotharingian throne, and succeeded with the assassination of Lothar I. Queen Anne only reigned for one year before her assassination in 1607, which subsequently led to the reformation of the Holy Orenian Empire under Peter II. The Blaxtons migrated to Pruvia following the Lotharingian civil war. Ser Frederick Augustus of Horen-Preussens, brother to Queen Anne and Prince of Pruvia granted Aylwin Blaxton the Viscounty of Dithmarschen in 1610, which was eventually renamed to Brabant. Aylwin constructed Castle Blackwell and was given a position in the Prince’s court as Chamberlain. They had come to re-vassalise under Amador following the Pruvian inheritance, who were imperial vassals. However Aylwin Blaxton and his spouse Erin Lockley were found dead in their keep of Blackwell in 1617, their cause of death is unknown. After the collapse of the 6th Orenian Empire in 1638, Amador and Blaxton returned to Haense. The autobiographical memoirs of Aylwin Blaxton were later reprinted in Haense in 1724; they became an important source of historic knowledge that detailed events of over a hundred years ago. RECENT HISTORY ROOTS IN ALMARIS Ser Sterling Whitewood, née Amador, was born in the year 1897 in the outskirts of Karosgrad, the capital of Haense in the realm of Almaris. He was an only child, raised by his mother, Emiliya Elisaveta Amador, with his father, Alex Ruslan Blaxton, having died early in his life as a soldier of fortune. After the passing of his father early in his youth, Emiliya and Sterling answered the call of the Amadorian matriarch, Olessya Amador, to build the house and restore their noble status. to rebuild the house and restore their noble status. Due to difficulty in finding opportunities in Haense. He was sent to squire in the Barrowlands under Ser Garen Glennmaer. He completed his knightly trials at the age of 16 and received a full knighthood in the Barrowlands. In the year 1924 at the age of 27, he was knighted as the personal Marian Knight of Queen Sofia of Hyspia, after having won a tournament in her honour. As a knight during times of peace, Sterling practiced poetry and astrology. As well as serving the crown as an ambassador, having brokered treaties between the Kingdom of the Barrowlands and Serene State of Lurin with Haense. Despite the accomplishments thus far, Ser Sterling would still come to earn most of his distinctions and fame during the Mori Invasions of Almaris, accomplishing great feats of strength by slaying cadres of Mori. But most memorable is when he dove from the head of a World Eater into water unharmed, earning him the moniker of ‘The Swan.’ ESCAPE FROM ALMARIS Once all nations had fallen, Ser Sterling was recognised for his particular efforts in establishing logistics for a safe refuge. The Queen of Haense granted him the position of Master of Agriculture, as he was tasked with securing food in the Underdark. Once the tunnels opened up to the Island of Failor, Ser Sterling used his acquired skills to quickly establish the first human holding upon the Island, Swan’s Keep. This holding quickly grew to house many refugees, and the keep itself housed the Queen, House Kortrevich and Amador. The pontiff of the time also resided at Swan’s Keep, and blessed the chapel High Pontiff Clement III. It was this Keep that gave Sterling the taste of independence and ambition. Seeing how he was able to put all his acquired skills to build a functional settlement, the idea to repeat such never left his mind. And It was at this time that Ser Sterling fell for the vampyric manipulations of his first wife, Allessandra de Vend. RISE IN AEVOS Upon the arrival to Aevos, Ser Sterling found that the Haeseni table of Knights continued to struggle with activity. His feelings of alienation grew upon the passing of the lieges to whom he was sworn to as a knight, and the revelation that his wife had been a vampire. An event he only discovered after reading it from missives, in which his wife was burned at the stake while late-term pregnant. Discrimination against his youngest daughter, who Allesandra de Vend had hidden from him, had forced Sterling to sever ties with the kingdom he once loyally served. Alongside all this, his house, the house of Amador, was going through difficulties of succession and regencies. All these reasons, along with other personal and social ones, resulted in Ser Sterling establishing his own holding outside the realm of Haense, which led to his disownment from Amador, and taking on the surname of Whitewood. He established The Marchdom of Lotusgrad in 1941 through a contract with the weefolk of Dunfarthing. The Marchdom quickly grew into a bustling community, welcoming disenfranchised and ambitious alike. People from the minority highlander communities in the neighbouring kingdom of Aaun began to migrate and live under Ser Sterling. With the rise of Henrik III Amador as the Baron of Mondstadt, relations between the houses were reforged with the White Phoenix Accord in 1954, recognizing the House of Whitewood as a cadet branch of Amador and rightful descendants and inheritors of the Blaxton legacy. Six years later, Ser Sterling received more land and was ennobled as Duke of Brabant in 1960, elevating his ancestral title of Viscounty to Duchy. However as the land grew in prominence it became an attractive target for darkspawn attacks due to insufficient defensive infrastructure, with undead targeting its church and razing it in 1968 by the necromancer dubbed 'The Vicar.' In response Ser Sterling organised the Silver Crusade against the darkspawn threat in 1968 which then received blessing from Pontiff Caius Primus. The Crusade ended with the final battle against the gargantuan cerberus Fenrir in 1975. Professor Albus Amador, Wizard of the Blackwell Tower, conjured a tornado to rip the beast to shreds, while the other combatants evacuated the area. Albus’ contributions in Silasia with his magic have helped popularise St. Avanel as one of the Patrons of Silasia. In 1979 the Duchy of Brabant gained its formal independence from the Shiredom and changed its style to the Grand Duchy of Silasia, taking on a name of Owynist origin as a symbol of their piety. The Grand Duchy then became properly recognised as a canonist domain with the coronation of Ser Sterling Whitewood by Pontiff Deunoro I in 1986. STRIFE AND DISSOLUTION Diplomatic success followed as treaties were signed by the newly formed Grand Duchy. Most notably, a treaty was signed with the neighbouring Queendom of Vikela. The Queendom however did not disclose its growing tensions with the Rexdom of Lurak, resulting in the Grand Duchy being immediately dragged to war in 1980, barely a year after Silasia’s independence. Silasia remained the only ally to not withdraw from the war despite having most cause to do so with Sterling’s pride as a knight refusing to break an oath signed, even though Vikela’s loss was foreseeable to all. With Vikela’s loss, The Grand Duchy of Silasia surrendered contested lands near Caruost, believing it a necessary sacrifice to preserve peace. Before the people of Silasia could breathe a sigh of relief and recover their strength, a necromantic plague spread across the land in 1993 spreading disease into the keep. In the same year The Grand Duke was slain by darkspawn as he was defending his daughter and grandchildren. In response Silasia immediately shut down in borders, forbidding anyone to enter as a security measure to prevent the spread of the plague and stop darkspawn infiltration. Ser Sterling’s second daughter Arowyn I inherited the birch throne. Later that same year the Luraki declared war upon the weefolk, claiming they were harbouring darkspawn and Vikelan refugees. This was a violation of a mutual defense agreement signed between Lurak and Silasia as the call for war was not sanctioned, and neither was the Luraki warpath through its closed borders. With the treaty violated and its territorial integrity threatened, the Grand Duchy hired mercenary groups to defend its borders and paid them with land. This caused outrage with the Kingdom of Numendil, the successor state of the Barrowlands, as they alleged the Silasian mercenaries were bandits. The demands sent by Numendil to Silasia were immediately followed by a declaration of war upon the same day, in 1994. This followed the most infamous battle in Silasian History, with the battle of Aylwin’s Bridge. While neither side was routed, the Numenedain army retreated. Grand Duchess Arowyn I was killed one year into her reign, having been cut down while attempting to escort children into the castle for safety while battle took place outside. Her eldest son Arturas I inherited Silasia at the unready age of 14 years old, and continued the conflict. During the battle a cleansing light shone nearby the bridge and the necromantic plague was dispersed. This was taken as a sign by Silasians of having holy favour in battle, which added to growing schismatic enthusiasm. Ever since the first war with the orcs, resentment grew towards the Canonist Church among silasians for its uninvolvement and further silence as there was now bloodshed between two Canonist nations. In 1995 the High Pontiff declared a full crusade against Silasia and the other trade states of Dunwen, Lurin and Vortice. In response prominent lay-preachers in Silasia such as Chilevy and Ramiel declared a formal schism. The third Grand Duke attempted to suppress the schismatics, and make declarations of repentance however these fell on deaf ears. With the loss of the Siege of Barnsley in 1996, and all the prior alliances now void, Arturas I formally dissolved the Grand Duchy before a siege could devastate its lands and people. REBIRTH IN THE EMPIRE The House of Whitewood and the Silasian diaspora remained in exile for over 20 years, with Arturas Whitewood building a manor in the jungles of Haelunor. He wedded Amalie Meriwa Vuiller in a church in Balian and sired four children with her. At that time he also learned the Breathing Arts from his mentor and knight Ser Ephrem Kervallen, which would then be passed down to his children. Following the Canonist Church’s victory over the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Covenant, in 2022. Arturas pledged his loyalty to Tiberius van Aert, Captain-General of the Holy League and soon-to-be King of Burgundy, with the angel St. Raguel as witness. With the acceptance under King Tiberius I and the formation of the Kingdom of Burgundy in 2023, Arturas re-established the Silasian people and secured a new place to call home. There, the Whitewoods regained noble status and restored Silasia as a Barony. Arturas Whitewood later followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by distinguishing himself in the Empire in the battles against the Mountain. With the techniques from the Breathing Arts he was able to not only destroy the Mountain’s constructs, but also heal injured soldiers after the fact. Later they vassalised under the Principality of Blackvale in 2043 being promoted to County and their historic titles restored. Later that same year Saint Lucian’s War broke out in the empire between the Archduchy of Drusco and the Principality of Myrine, an ally of Blackvale. While originally this conflict was due to tensions between Drusco and Myrine, it quickly devolved into a war involving multiple entities due to Drusco’s religious stance being in opposition to the Church of the True Faith. Under the command of Count Arturas, Silasia mustered its 40 horse riders, answering the call to battle by Blackvale, and fighting in the Battle of Lizard’s run in 2044. In 2055, with the descendants arriving on the shores of Azuras, the Comital House of Whitewood established their county with their capital holding of Berzynstadt. Tragically however, less than 6 years later the Count Arturas was killed in defense of his people by an assault of Kha and a darkspawn construct in 2061. His daughter Nuvilta Svajone Whitewood now succeeds him as Countess. Though Silasia no longer exists as a Grand Duchy, it carries the legacy of its past– one rooted in honor, sacrifice, and resilience. Though the borders have changed, the soul of Silasia endures in its people, traditions, values, and its unyielding belief in a better future. CHARACTERISTICS PHYSICAL BLOOD OF JOREN The members of House Whitewood are of Jorenic lineage, and trace their history far back into the old realms, with ancestors originating from the kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. As highlanders, Whitewoods commonly have dark brown or black hair, blue eyes, tan skin and tend to be around 6 foot tall. EVERGREEN LONGEVITY Curiously, members of this house typically live longer than most of their highlander counterparts and age gracefully, remaining very capable in their elder years with the prime exemplar being the Grand Duke Sterling I, who remained in active duty in his 100s, only dying in combat. This could be attributed to the hard work and healthy diets of Silasians, their healing practices or even a drop of adunian blood from their ancient ancestors. LONGING FOR WINTER The Whitewoods hail from snowy Haense and have blood from the boreal lands running through them. Though they are able to adapt to any environment, a habit they developed out of survival, they prefer the cold and are at risk of overheating during the summer months. MENTALITY HIGHLAND DIGNITY Whitewoods are proud of their Jorenic roots and find the highlander way of life to be preferable to others. Their history plays an important part in their sense of self identity and dignity. While this may cause them to look down on those from more urban towns and cities, they will always maintain cordiality with others. AKRASIAN DUTY Many times in the history of House Whitewood have their obligations and duty come to challenge, through either war or ideology. However the house has always adhered to the oaths they give, even when recognising that going against them would be more advantageous. This mindset has led the House to both prosperity and doom in the past. Remaining loyal and dutiful is a chivalrous virtue, but such must be given carefully to avoid being pulled into needless turmoil. HERZOGAS’ ALTRUISM While the Whitewoods enjoy their status as nobles, and even once royals, their origins are not lost on them. The memory of their common origins is fresh in their minds, and even though they rose to nobility by merit, they realise they are in a privileged position compared to those under them. Thus it is their duty as lords to be charitable, merciful and kind to the laymen of Silasia, and uphold their responsibilities for the greater good of the prostojau. HABITS LONG HAIR It is common for women of the House to allow their hair to grow throughout their lives without cutting it, and in parallel for men to allow their beards to grow. Both are considered as a mark of beauty and integrity. TEMPERANCE Whitewoods tend to avoid excessive drinking, preferring low-alcohol kvass as their favoured drink of choice. This was originally born out of Owynistic teetolar attitudes but gradually softened over time with exposure to cultures that favoured drinking and a growing alcohol industry. PRIVATE Members of the House do not openly share personal beliefs, convictions and politics with outsiders, instead remaining respectful. When interacting with others, they remain polite and formal. TRADITIONS BROAD EDUCATION House Whitewood raises its new generations to be well-versed in the three fields of education: Martial, Erudition, and Arts. Whitewoods are expected to have basic foundational knowledge in each of these fields, though particular specialisations are left to the individual members. This multi-disciplinary education allows for all members to be ready in times of need, which was especially pronounced in the past due to its history of strife, allowing any house member to step into a leading position when necessary. PNEUMOSTI Certain members of House Whitewood practice what they dub the Breathing Arts, or Pneumosti. These arts involve thorough meditation and philosophical and theological contemplation. Pneumosti was originally developed in the diasporic era of the House, after the destruction of Silasia, as a means to find inner peace, now it is passed along and evolved down the generations of Whitewood. Many family rituals involve pneumosti, and while these rituals and techniques may be private, the general fact the House practices these arts is not amongst Silasians. There are many ways to practice the pneumosti, but House Whitewood calls their methods the Ratan ov Siber. The second part of the Whitewood motto ‘Power from Within,’ is both taken from their old Blaxton legacy, but has also come to refer to these breathing arts. FIRST KVASS Whitewoods keep to the ideal temperance, thus they do not over indulge in heavily alcoholic drinks and avoid intoxication. However one exception to this rule is the Silasian drink of kvass, a fizzy drink low in alcohol made from fermented rye bread. When a child of the family is deemed old enough, they are given their first kvass to drink. This serves as a reminder to the bond between House Whitewood and the people of Silasia, as kvass is a drink for all. VILKO BERZA When a Whitewood is born, a birch sapling is planted in their honor, known as the ‘Vilko Berza,’ or ‘Welcoming Birch’ The tree grows with them. Something about the bond between silasian/whitewood and birch. Upon death, they are buried in accordance to the Silas Zohron rite of Silasians, though commonly the remains of the Whitewood are cremated, and a clay pot containing the ash is buried; a remnant of Owynist tradition. Trees are only cut down in the case of total disownment/disinheritment, a final act of stripping their status as a Whitewood in the most grave way possible. SUPERSTITION CURSE OF DANIEL When the House of Amador fled from Anthos to Asulon, Daniel Amador described an ill-omen or curse that followed the family, resulting in many deaths of the family. This curse seems to have been passed down to the Whitewoods, with it manifesting in each leader of the House thus far having died prematurely due to violence, either by darkspawn or war. The demon hound Fenrir which was slain by the Silver Crusade in 1975, was also known as The Beast of Daniel, and a negative association has been prescribed to wolves ever since then, being viewed as bad omens. HAESENI ASTROLOGY Having origins in Haense as far back as Almaris, astrological traditions from then have been carried on and preserved within the House, though overtime these have been changed to fit better Silasian cultural sensibilities. AUGURY Birds are an important part of Silasian culture, from the Whitewood swans, to the Falker falcons, Starling starlings, Isana magpies etc. Birds both represent individual freedom, and strength of community. As such, many superstitions are prescribed to the movements and appearance of birds. For example, one is fortunate if they see a migratory flock in the right season that is a good omen, however if their flight is very low it is a bad omen. HOBBIES HUNTING Hunting is a very common pastime for all Silasians, though it serves a functional purpose in providing food and maintaining healthy animal populations. Hunting solely for the sake of the thrill is frowned upon. FISHING From the very first fort of Swan’s Keep on Failor, to Lilenburg being built on the banks of Loch Duin, to Berzynstadt sitting on the Blackvale peninsula, House Whitewood has kept maritime traditions. As such fishing is a common hobby amongst the House. GARDENING It is typical for house members to maintain their own gardens and godswoods which are usually open to the community. This is also considered a pious endeavor as in the Silasian conceptualisation of the world, everyone lives in God’s garden, thus it is one’s duty to maintain it. HORSE BREEDING House Whitewood has maintained great lines of purebred horses dating from the first Coalition War of Aevos, the strength and beauty of their horses is a point of pride and an important source of revenue for the House. SWAN KEEPING Swans are kept as beloved companions and are seen as a symbol of the House for their gratefulness and strength. Though such strength can be rather dangerous, children are tasked with caring for them, to teach the lesson of not trifling with nature. POETRY House Whitewood distinguishes itself from its peers by its poetry. History is often recorded through ballads, and it's traditional to write a mourning hymn for a fallen Whitewood. RITES RITUS OV PNEUMOS The Rite of Breath is a custom that new heads of the House must undergo to prove their spiritual purity and worthiness in leading the house and Silasia. The ascending Lord or Lady is to isolate themselves for 3 days and fast, emulating the fasting done by the Exalted in order to cleanse the body and achieve a purer state of being. During the fast, a dried branch of a birch tree is kindled with fire, and the person undertaking the fast must prevent the fire from burning the branch to ash. The location of the fast and the method to preserve it are disclosed in secret. BAPTISM TESIONAI Newborn children of House Whitewood are initiated into the canonist faith through a baptism emulating the ritual performed by the Arch Angel Tesion unto Horen. The clergyman performs the baptism at a body of fresh water, preferably a lake or stream and pours water onto the babe with a horn. TRIAL OF RITTERIK From the House’s origins from a knight, to its historic political and military doctrines, chivalry has always played an important part in House Whitewood; one does not need to be a knight to act with chivalry. As such, on a Whitewood’s 18th birthday they are assigned a quest to complete to symbolise their coming of age. Upon the completion of the quest they are viewed as a responsible adult of the House, and receive their arkasan. LAW OF SUCCESSION PRAGMATIC HEREDITARY APPOINTMENT The House of Whitewood operates under a unique Silasian system of inheritance called Pragmatic Hereditary Appointment. In this system, the incumbent head of House, and thus holder of all its titles, may appoint their heir from amongst their legitimate children; with preference for the eldest child irrespective of gender. This particular law of succession has been practiced since the first head of House Whitewood, Grand Duke Sterling I, however was never officially formalised. This system allows for the incumbent to choose the most willing and capable heir from their children. In the rare case of the incumbent not having any children to inherit, the inheritance will go towards the nearest living relative as is common in other succession laws. PATRON SAINTS SAINT GERARD OF LEMON HILL PATRON SAINT OF DISCIPLINE AND LOYALTY SYMBOL: HORSE SAINT JOREN OF PARADISUS PATRON SAINT OF MOUNTAINFOLK, WINTER, THE IMPRISONED, AND HIGHLANDERS SYMBOL: IRON SHACKLES SAINT TARA OF PARADISUS PATRON SAINT OF CAPTIVES, WIVES, AND WILDERNESS SYMBOL: PEONY FLOWER HOUSE RELICS BONUM GIGAS The Bonum Gigas, or Good Giant, is the ancestral blade of House Whitewood. Originally it was a broken sword wielded by Tuosk the Undead, the terror of the adunian barrows of Almaris. Tuosk was slain by Ser Sterling at age 16 as part of his knightly trials, and the blade was kept as a trophy. Later on, during the times of Brabant, the metal scraps of the blade were reused to form the 60’’ starsteel blade. It was reforged by the elven smith Elarhil who enchanted the sword with Janite runes to help against the constant darkspawn threat around Brabant. After the death of Janus, the runes became inert but the blade remains in continued use to this day. CORONET OF BIRCH The ceremonial crown of Whitewood, woven by the Isana of the House of Isard. Though the house has gone extinct due to war, the crown endures in the hands of house Whitewood as a symbol of their former status among the princes of Canondom. The Coronet of Birch, as per its namesake, is woven out of birch twigs and adorned with 11 pawpaw leaves. The birch crowns found on Whitewood heraldry are a reference to this relic. SWORD OF THE PURE-HEARTED This battle-tested sword was wielded by St. Gerard, or known to Silasians in his life as Holy Ser Gerard Whitewood-Ouvrier. This sword serves as an important relic and due to its fragile state, it is not used in battle. St. Gerard’s aspects of discipline and loyalty resonate greatly with Silasian culture. ARMORIAL HOUSE OF WHITEWOOD The House has gone through many different arms, reflecting their status. However light blue and white are the dominant colours of the house representing the maxims of truth and purity. The current coat of arms is a blasted tree, counterchanged in light blue and white, with a crown of woven birch. All coats of arms representing the holdings and cadet-branches of House Whitewood have their unique horsehead style escutcheon, further recalling their chivalric history and ideals. COUNTY OF SILASIA The County of Silasia is the primary title of House, having gone through many changes across generations of Whitewood and Blaxton, originally being Viscounty of Dithmarshcen, granted to Aylwin Blaxton in 1612 I.T, then renamed to Brabant. Then reclaimed by Ser Sterling in 1955 I.T through the White Phoenix Accord with the House of Amador. Brabant was renamed to Silasia with the Grand Duchy’s independence in 1979 I.T. A white lyre on a cyan field with a diapering chainmail texture. The lyre is a symbol of harmony, cyan is the waters of the Loch Duin of Aevos and the chainmail represents defense. As the primary title, this arm also bears the crown. BARONY OF BLACKWELL The Barony of Blackwell was the keep and the immediate surrounding lands of the keep of Blackwell in the Viscounty of Brabant, which served as the home of the House of Blaxton. During the Grand Duchy’s independence, the Barony was granted briefly to Albus Amador as the Tower of Blackwell, to serve as the local school of magic. Albus Amador went on to heroically sacrifice himself in the campaign against Azdromoth of Aevos. BARONY OF LILENBURG The Barony of Lilenburg was the capital of the former Grand Duchy of Silasia. It was located by the coast of Loch Duin, in the great birch forest of Aevos. In 1997 I.T, the Grand Duchy was dissolved and the city evacuated before the forces of the Robertine Crusade could reach it. The empty city was eventually torn down and the ruins reclaimed by nature. The arms represent a duality between a city and preserving nature.. BARONY OF SWAN’S KEEP Swan’s Keep was initially just a castle holding built by Ser Sterling on the island of Failor to house the displaced refugees from Almaris. With the establishment of the Marchdom of Lotusgrad, this title was raised to a baronial rank. This arm served as both arms of the barony and the personal arms of Ser Sterling, with his knightly moniker being ‘The Swan.’ LORDSHIP OF STERHAL Similarly to Swan’s Keep, Sterhal was the castle built by Count Arturas in 2047 I.T on the Isle of Kaldur to serve as a refuge for everyone after the loss of Aevos to the Mountain. Sterhal served as a staging point of resource gathering and shipbuilding to continue the people’s journey towards Azuras. Though a few Silasians remain on Kaldur wishing to stay on the verdant island. LORDSHIP OF BERZYNSTADT Berzynstadt is the capital of the County of Silasia in the realm of Azuras. The County serves as an important agricultural breadbasket for the Principality of Blackvale, and it is neighboured by other highlander lords, such as Reinmar and Tarvanon. From Berzynstadt the Silasian people continue to rebuild their community while adapting to the new ways of the Empire. MARCHDOM OF LOTUSGRAD The Marchdom of Lotusgrad was the primary title of House Whitewood, established in 1941 I.T with their migration from Haense. This title remained in use up until the dissolution of the Grand Duchy. While all prior titles have been restored thus far, the Marchdom of Lotusgrad remains in abeyance as the current rank of the House Whitewood does not exceed it. Signed, The Right Honourable, Nuvilta Svajone Blaxton-Whitewood, Countess of Silasia, Baroness of Blackwell, Lilenburg & Swan’s Keep, Lady of Sterhal Matriarch of House Whitewood & Blaktonite Dynasty Protector of Silasians, Watcher of the Birch, Imperial High Emissary His Lordship, Kajus Joren Whitewood, Count of Silasia, Imperial Court Smith [!] Official Seal of House Whitewood

How many posts must be made saying grinding is bad before the system is changed? everyone knows its bad, no one likes it, why is it so difficult to change when feedback is always given in posts and in comments.

MAINTENANCE REVISED EDITION Penned by His Lordship, Kajus Joren Whitewood, Count-Consort of Silasia, Imperial Court Smith Revised from Armour Treatise I of 1927 I.T Published 85 A.D INTRODUCTION The importance of armour in the daily life of a soldier, warrior or even a civilian seeking to defend themselves need not be elaborated for it is self evident. However, even the most veteran of knights may find themselves in a moment of perplexity if they are without their squire to maintain their armour; or a fresh squire themselves not knowing how to take care of their knight’s equipment. Thus it is in the interest of this author to publish a practical treatise on armour maintenance, revising the works of the predecessor who wrote the original treatise. This guide, the first volume of a series of armour treatises, will cover typical steel and iron armour, as well as leather and gambeson with amendments from the original treatise on uncommon metals and other new insights. MAINTENANCE IRON AND STEEL ARMOUR PLATE The key to preventing the degradation of armour is to reduce its exposure to wetness. Thus whenever your armour becomes wet or damp, always dry it off, and never store it in a moist place. Keep it protected with special armour oils and wax, in order to prevent rust. Milking grease, a fine mineral oil, is particularly effective in protecting against rust. If one is to happen upon the herb Barrier Bush, it can be used to produce a hydrophobic resin one may coat their armour with it. In the case of rust, it is not advised to use vinegar or other acidic substances. They have a strong effect on rust that is true, but they also eat away at your metal, creating weak spots. You can use a whetstone of low grit for surface-level rust, or higher grit for deeper rust. Olive oil may also be used with care upon rust, but be sure to remove it quickly. For grime, dirt and other similar messes, it is sufficient to wipe them down with a rag. CHAINMAIL Much of the same that was said about plate armour can be said about chainmail. Keep your mail clear from wetness, moisture and humidity. Using mineral oils to wax and lubricate is also useful. Also, avoid acidic treatments. To treat it from corrosion by rust, one must place the chainmail in a barrel and add gravel and sand. After which the barrel should be spun and agitated in unorder for the rust to be pelted off by the materials inside. This process normally takes around an hour to perform. However, you should rarely need to do this, since the rings of mail tend to rub off the rust from each other if in frequent use. SCALE While scale armour provides more protection compared to chain, due to the nature of its construction it is much more difficult to maintain as it cannot be tumbled in the same way. Scale armour often requires the tedious replacement of individual scales or the rope that binds them if damaged. But for small amounts of rust, a heavy duty brush is recommended. JOINTS While rust is an important factor to consider in the maintenance of armour, one must keep in mind the abrasion caused by the movement of joints, as they suffer the most wear and tear due to constant use. While this is unpreventable, it can be mitigated by proper lubrication and it is advised to do regular inspections of joints and rivets. LEATHER Leather goods and equipment suffer the same weakness to humidity and moisture as metal. Only instead of rust, leather becomes afflicted with mould. Thus, store your leather gear in dry areas, and be sure to apply protective oil to it. Should there be any mould, first try wiping it off with cloth. If the mould is deeper, then one may try soaking it in vinegar; leather does not suffer the same affliction as metal as it is not eroded by the substance. However, it is best practice to replace materials when the damage is great enough rather than attemp to salvage it. This can be applied as a rule of thumb to most materials. For grime, you may simply rub it off with an oily rag or use a brush of medium bristle strength. Don't apply too much force at the risk of damaging the leather fibres and always wipe off any excess oils or leather treatments. GAMBESON When cleaning a gambeson, it is important to use cold water so as to not shrink it. It is best done by hand and gently too for the same reasons as leather. It is best to dry a gambeson in the shade as well, and not infront of a fire since the smoke can weaken the material. Gambesons will become coated by oil and gain a patina due to normally being worn under oiled up armour. This is not necessary to wash. You need only clean your gamebeson in case of foul smelling stains. OTHER METALS BLACK FERRUM Due to the carbonic coating of black ferrum, it is much less prone to rust than typical steel, as such one does not need to go to excessive lengths to ensure it against rust. Though one must still pay attention to regular wear from use. QALASHI STEEL Qalashi steel is an alloy between iron and kadrasi ore, and therefore like most alloys of iron, it rusts at a slower rate compared to pure steel or iron. However, the same considerations above are to be applied here. DAEMONSTEEL White daemite ore does not rust, daemonsteel, much like qalashi steel, is an alloy between daemite and iron and thus can rust. Beware of this fact however, since the rate at which daemonsteel rusts depends on the amount of daemite it has. Armour or weapons of daemonsteel would have small amounts of daemite, making them more comparable to regular steel, but you may be swindled if you are sold daemonsteel with high daemite content. This would make it more equivalent to low-carbon steel which is not suitable for combat. NORLANDIC BRONZE As bronze does not rust, there is little need in the way of oiling it. However, “raudrbrunn” or red bronze can develop a patina and become “myrkrbrunn” or dark bronze. To reverse this, you can simply polish the patina away. If one wishes to develop a patina instead quickly, one needs merely to soak the red bronze in an acidic agent.

kani and housemagic the best. a lot of flavour and creativity allowed if you have the capacity to be imaginative.

♬♬♬ SONG OF ARTURAS Oh young lord, why do you run towards fire? Oh young lord, the one with The white lyre. Dont you know, dont you know, That you will burn. Dont you know, dont you know, That the soil will churn. Oh young lord, where is your, family? Oh young lord, there they are laying still, under the birch trees. What use is there to cry, my lord You will also die, my lord What use is there to cry, my lord Your soul will fly, my lord. The bearded men are hiding, And their wives are too. On the fringes, They are waiting. To replant the fields anew. What use is there to cry, my lord Everything will return. What use is there to cry, my lord Your children, They will learn. The Count of Whitewood laid in the streets of Berzynstadt with his chest torn open and heart missing, beside him his leal companion Oswald, still alive and spared. With that his duty was done till the very end for Silasia. The ungodly monsters of fur and stone did their rituals and worship around him, but nothing could change what has been wrought. Before he could even ride a horse by himself, he had sacrificed his dreams of warm sands and love to fight for what was his home. Endured the trials and tribulations of knighhood and witnessed his people dead in the streets from arrowfire and pestilence, and amongst those were his own mother. But there was no time to mourn. And so he stood as the ships and musters of the enemy encroached on the groves of his people. A sapling sowed in different soil is better than a forest burnt. And thus he did so. The land was salted and the people scattered, but the seeds of Silasia were carried in the wind southward. The time to mourn then arrived, bitterness and grief came in powerful waves as visions of those who laid before him, tearing at him for his failure. Such is not a life worth living, and thus he had two choices: damnation or salvation. And the latter arrived not through any divine sign or miracle, but through the air and breath. To breathe Godan’s air and nourish your depleted lungs with the breath of faith, with this he was reborn and the sapling of Silasia took root in the soil once more, to be nourished in His garden. Arturas presented himself to the great powers, the soon-to-be Emperor, and His Immortal Justiciar with others, and Silasia was accepted once more into the fold of man. Though he knew the glory of the days of the Grand Duchy could never be recaptured in his life, nor that he would have the forgiveness of those who died under him, he could move on and serve the rest of his life in service to his people and family. He erred in life, wronged his kin and invited danger into his own home. For that he recieved judgement, which he accepted. And he continued in his duty with faith for his redemption. Count Arturas, the Last Grand Duke, the last Silasian who remembers the fatherland, was dead. But the seeds of prosperity he planned will live on and bloom. [!] A letter was sent to the House of Whitewood. [!] A letter was sent to public NOTICE OF PASSING 7TH OF HARREN’S FOLLY, 634 A.A It is with great sadness and remorse that the House of Whitewood announces the untimely passing of our late Count, Arturas Miklos Whitewood. The Count was found in the early morning in the streets of Berzynstadt with his heart missing from his body. The late count bravely fought against a Kharajyr warrior and a stone creature, saving the life of our citizen Oswald Kingsley. We humbly ask for the good citizens and fellow people of the Empire, along with the friends of House Whitewood, to keep the late Count in your prayers. His service for the sake of protecting his people to the last breath shall be an example which House Whitewood is proud to abide by. As per the late Count’s will, I, Nuvilta Svajone Whitewood, inherit the titles and lands of my father and humbly continue the fealties sworn by my late father. We thank you for your understanding in this difficult time as the House enters a period of mourning and makes the appropriate arrangements. Signed, The Right Honourable, Nuvilta Svajone Whitewood-Blaxton, Countess of Silasia, Baroness of Blackwell, Lilenburg & Swan’s Keep, Lady of Sterhal & Berzynstadt Matriach of House Whitewood & Blaktonite Dynasty Protector of Silasians, Watcher of the Birch [!] Official Seal of House Whitewood

We love you jade <3, here's to another year fun RP 🎉

The aging Lord Whitewood was sat cross-legged infront of Lake Tesion in meditation, when a Silasian Silver landed upon his shoulder.

If you're interested in a human character with a cultural community hmu on discord RoyalClouds. Can do anything from commoner to noble, with plenty other rp options

.Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag (Sea Shanty Edition) VOL. 1 - Fish in the Sea (Track 06) SEA FISHING EXPEDITION 12th of Horen’s Calling, 633 A.A With the arrival of the winter season, the fish by the shores and harbours retreat as the waters grow colder, but their oil and meat remain a necessity for the common man to make it through these harsh months. Thus the House of Whitewood invites all willing people to participate in a fishing expedition into the deep seas to haul in a great catch to feed the people of Silasia and the Empire. Sailors joining on this trip are encouraged to bring their own flotation devices. Her Excellency, Nuvilta Svajone Whitewood, Heiress to the County of Silasia, Imperial High Emissary His Lordship, Kajus Joren Whitewood, Imperial Court Smith [!] Official Seal of House Whitewood

COMITAL HIRING NOTICE 12th of Horen’s Calling, 633 A.A The effective governance of land and people is the duty of every lord no matter their station. However this cannot be achieved alone, for a strong and enduring society cannot be built by a single person, but it is achieved by the labour and counsel of many. Thus, the Comital House of Whitewood offers employees wishing to use their skills for the betterment of their fellows’ community and environment. POSITIONS MASTER OF AGRICULTURE - The various farms and natural resources of Silasia need to be administered to ensure abundant supply for times of winter and famine. Responsibilities include tavernkeeping, fishery and port operation, organising the harvest season and stockpiling. MASTER OF TOMES - The preservation of knowledge, historical, cultural and administrative is essential. Thus the archives of Silasia require to be kept in good condition for the sake of the people’s erudition. Responsibilities include maintaining the library, operation of printing presses, record keeping, etc. MASTER OF ARMS - Safety of the people is of utmost priority, and the Druzhina, the armed brotherhood of Silasia is the tool by which that safety is guaranteed. MASTER OF REVELS - It is the duty of the master of revel to ensure the growth of friendship and camaraderie amongst the people; achieved through festivity and delight. The master is responsible for feasts, dances, merrymaking and so on. TO OTHER TRADES All able-bodied and sound-minded labourers are welcome to ply their trade, from farmers to powers, smiths and artisans, to scholars and bards are welcomed. Fair arrangements will be made to all to ensure the prosperity of one’s trade. CONTACT Those who are interested in the offer of employ are welcome to reach out to Her Excellency, Nuvilta Svajone Whitewood or His Lordship, Kajus Joren Whitewood. Signed, The Right Honourable, Arturas Miklos Blaxton-Whitewood, Count of Silasia, Baron of Blackwell, Lilenburg & Swan’s Keep, Lord of Sterhal Patriarch of House Whitewood & Blaktonite Dynasty Protector of Silasians, Watcher of the Birch Her Excellency, Nuvilta Svajone Whitewood, Heiress to the County of Silasia, Imperial High Emissary His Lordship, Kajus Joren Whitewood, Imperial Court Smith [!] Official Seal of House Whitewood

The Grand Duke shed a tear as he watched from above the last blade join him in the seven skies. Eventually he came to meet him. "It has been too long Stephen" He offered the knight a warm embrace. "Rest easy now, its over." The Count of Silasia layed in bed, coughing up violently as his fevers came and went. "I hope they are well" muttered in between coughs. "the people... everyone" he reminsced about those lost, and those who were new.

Yeah, lots of changes happened to the submitted lore during writing of the beastiaries. it wasn't originally that they were meant to be ridable. It was sometime early last map when i heard "hyspians are riding solar stallions" i was like wtf. i confirmed with st management if they were meant to be ridable and they said yeah. I think it didn't matter since mechanically they were just horses you cannot use them in crp. I think there was a bigger focus on pets / mounts for aevos. funnily enough there is a ridable water horse from aevos on azuras as well, the hippocampus. this just further leaves the kelpie in an odd position. I dont think the beastiaries are given much attention.

dk if this is of much relevance to this, but for Aevos (and now azuras) i wrote the solar stallion which is a reskinned kelpie but it affects men. maybe you want to change both so both creatures affect both genders.

I like settlements, and think they should be readded. I dislike that lairs are the only way for groups to have land untied to nations and they are restricted to magic users basically. Settlements are a good solution for people with small-medium sized groups to do their own thing, and if they grow big enough eventually become a nation. Becoming a nation right off the bat for a group is too much work and pressure, speaking as someone who has been NL twice. I think what feels off about vassals is alot of them are pseudo nations with no actual loyalty to their realm at all. they are all just biding their time to break free while NLs benefit from the activity metrics and mina. It makes sense for a place like the EMPIRE OF MAN to have a lot of humans in it lol, plus not every single noble is landed there. While places like Krugmar and Numendil are housing nations in their own nations. I'm not criticizing them for this, this is just how things are done with the current ruleset and landscape. the more freedom there is, the more dynamic decisions can be made, the more unique outcomes can happen. Numendil is a mega nation born out of the settlement system when Seo made barrowtown, that alone is testament to the freedom and potential allowed by such a system. and if people are worried about dead settlements littering the map, well there is a new staff team on the block that could help deal with that wink wink. (please turn dead settlements into ruins and not a complete rollback of the region)

well yeah if you war every nation they are gonna have to go some where. where are you gonna put communities all in a shitty capital that not even the nation og's want to be in lol? This can also be fixed through warring, if a vassal is protected by different groups then pick a different target, them being protected or having good diplomacy that ensures their survival is part of RP. Just because something cant be warred immediately doesn't mean its bad. I will concede that the amount of vassals is high and everyone has a "i want my own thing" mindset, but I don't believe this can't be overcome by roleplay incentives, rather staff enforced rules.

1. I dont think there is any way to mechanically / with plugins, detect if a potential nation is worthy and active enough to be made into one. Not that there would be a point either since any method would have many flaws that dont reflect the nature of activity, it comes and goes based on countless factors. 2. the nation bloat "problem", which i was a part of as a leader of a small nation that got warred, literally got solved irp. All the tiny states got warred and destroyed, and I dont mind that. if you are worried about bloat again just war them, nothing is stopping you, its all roleplay. adding weird rules like if you are pro or a vassal or some other community or whatever other esoteric rule is pointless. if you and 25 friends want to go RP you should be able to do so freely. But also people can war you freely. Changing the amount of players or mina required is rather arbitraty. 25 is enough people, 25000 mina is enough. its hard enough getting that many people, mina is the easy part. I want to conclude basically that maximum player freedom should be the goal. People should be able to freely associate and form their own groups just as freely as other groups can war to destroy them. Like i reiterate, the nationbloat problem last map was fixed by RP without any staff intervention or anything. Only point to against maximum player freedom is recreating your nation after you got warred, I think it should be allowed but it is bad faith on the player's part, and if you do it preparred to be warred anyway. Settlements would be a cool idea. I miss Barrowtown, most fun i had on the server was jousting in the rain there.

thoughts on french onion soup

@ShadowSlashYT

— Garmont Session of 200 A.R.P — ATTENDANCE DUCHY OF VONENHEIM - Y COUNTY OF ANAIRGRID - Y VISCOUNTY OF FALKENSTEIN - Y VISCOUNTY OF JOYEUSE - Y BARONY OF VALDENFELDT - Y BARONY OF ROSALVERO - Y CHAMBERY - N MAYOR - Y FIRST PEOPLE’S SEAT - Y SECOND PEOPLE’S SEAT - Y SWORDS - N SUMMARY Three bills were submitted and all passed unanimously pertaining environmentalism, merchanting and garmont reform. The following are now in effect: — Protection of Previous Species from the Continent of Georgia — Proposed and Issued to the Garmont Assembly in 198 INTRODUCTION The Protection of Previous Species from the Continent of Georgia (PPSCG) bill is written with the intention of, in line with the intentions behind the Petran Survey of the New Lands Upon the Continent of Azuras (PSNLUCA), ensuring that the species preserved and brought over from the former continent are not immediately hunted to extinction by overeager hunters or bounty hunters. AIM OF BILL The purpose of this bill is two-fold. Firstly, it shall serve to introduce an addition to the Third Catherinian Code, Part Three (the Lex Pettres), Article III (of Crimes against the Petra). Secondly, it shall serve to create an independent Edict pertaining to creating and maintaining a list of Species Worthy of Preservation (SWPs). BODY As regards the addition to the Third Catherinian Code, Part Three (Lex Pettres), Article III (of Crimes against the Petra), the following shall be added: VI. Hunting of Species Worthy of Preservation The act of hunting, that being killing or intentionally harming, any member of a species as listed in the List of Species Worthy of Preservation. As regards the creation of the independent Edict of the List of Species Worthy of Preservation: MANAGEMENT OF THE LIST OF SPECIES WORTHY OF PRESERVATION i. The List of Species Worthy of Preservation shall be managed and published by the Office of the Lord Chancellor. ii. The Lord Chancellor shall be entitled to, at will, make amendments to the List of Species Worthy of Preservation. iii. The Garmont Assembly may through the passing of a bill make amendments to the List of Species Worthy of Preservation. THE LIST OF SPECIES WORTHY OF PRESERVATION i. The following species are considered Species Worthy of Preservation: a. Petran Trout b. Petran Deer c. Snorgi d. Bogworm Beetles e. Chambery Moles f. Black Hill Mountain Lions g. Konnywald Boars h. Cadaver Copse Vultures Introduced to the Garmont Assembly by Tomasz Valkonen van ve Karoswald on 9th of Sigismund’s End, 198 ARP. — THE FIRST STRAWBERRY BILL — Proposed and Issued to the Garmont Assembly in 199 ARP INTRODUCTION The amount of available mercantile property within Riviènse is already dire, despite only recently arriving upon the continent. This must be addressed properly by the River Council, and the Garmont Assembly intends to advise them to do so. AIM OF BILL To advise the River Council, namely the Treasury, to immediately begin the process of constructing more stalls for use by private companies and merchants. BODY The Garmont Assembly acknowledges the impressive speed at which merchant stalls and stores within Riviènse have been sold, and commends the Treasury for their considerable efforts in doing so. The Garmont Assembly, however, does express concern that this could result in a lack of available property for prospecting merchants and companies wishing to expand their business into the Commonwealth. The Garmont Assembly stresses the need for the potential market within the Commonwealth to be able to expand, and strongly urges the River Council to start the necessary progress to begin expansion of the Commonwealth’s available merchant properties. The Garmont Assembly suggests that such expansion could happen through the construction of market stalls outside the city proper, potentially on the roads leading immediately into the city, or through the construction of market stalls upon the city square. The Garmont Assembly calls upon the River Council to establish and clarify on rules pertaining to the renovation of the bottom floor of housing into a storefront. The Garmont Assembly affirms its faith in the capability of the Treasury to perform this task. Introduced to the Garmont Assembly by Tomasz Valkonen van ve Karoswald on the 24th of Harren’s Folley, 199 ARP — Garmont Efficiency Bill — Proposed and Issued to the Garmont Assembly in 200 A.R.P INTRODUCTION: In service to the Commonwealth and in recognition that an effective legislature is essential to the prosperity and stability of Petra, the following act is proposed to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness of the Garmont Assembly. This Bill seeks to ensure consistent participation, and strengthen the mechanisms by which the Assembly conducts its duties. AIM OF BILL: Introduced to develop procedures of the Garmont Assembly. BODY: ARTICLE I - QUORUM & ATTENDANCE 1. A quorum shall be defined as half of all sitting Garmont Members. 2. No vote, session, or motion may proceed without quorum unless otherwise provided by emergency procedure (see Article III). 3. Garmont Members who are not seen in attendance at least once in three sessions will be issued a formal warning by the Grand Speaker. 4. Garmont seats must be represented by an individual of at least 16 years of age, with the exception of title-holders or in the complete absence of an appropriate representative within the seat holder’s House/Estate/Instution. 4.A Representatives of Horen’s descent cannot exceed 80 years of age, with the exception of title-holders or in the complete absence of an appropriate representative within the seat holder’s House/Estate/Instution. ARTICLE II - SUBMISSION PROCEDURE 1. Bills must be introduced to the Grand Speaker at least 4 saint hours before the Garmont Assembly. 2. Bills will be brought up during the assembly in order of submission. ARTICLE III - EMERGENCY PROCEDURE 1. The Grand Speaker and Archudke may declare a legislative emergency 2. A legislative emergency may be declared only for matters concerning: * War or imminent threat * Sudden fiscal crisis * Natural disaster * EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES 3. During a declared legislative emergency: * Quorum may be temporarily reduced to a third of sitting Members. * Bill submission can be done at any time. 4. The legislative emergency is concluded upon the end of the crisis or simple majority vote of the Garmont Assembly. ARTICLE IV - PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY 1. All Assembly vote and attendance records must be published publicly within one saint week of their conclusion. Introduced to the Garmont Assembly by GUILLAUME AUCLAIR on 200 ARP Sun’s Smile.

Guillaume would sigh a breath of relief as a formal apology issues from Viola herself. A dinner between houses was long overdue.