alienescence

ISSUED BY THE DUCHY OF LORRAINE On the 13th of Harren’s Folly, 647 AA Penned by the hand of HL, Eirene of Myrine HEED, LEAL SONS OF HOREN It pleases the House d’Amaury to announce the completion of its new holding. Nestled within the freshly conquered Goldleaf forests, an inaugural celebration to honor the establishment of the newly erected castle is to take place upon the 17th day of the Sun’s Smile. All Imperial citizenry and allies are invited to partake in the revelry the day shall offer. TOUR OF LORRAINE Hosted by the Ducal family, a tour of the Duchy’s newly erected keep shall ensue foremost, displaying the large swathe of land freshly claimed by the House d’Amaury. Guests are warmly invited to indulge in the bountiful riches the land has to offer. THE GOLDLEAF FEAST The lands of the Goldleaf forest were not won through peaceful means, but by conquest. To christen these newly claimed lands, a commemorative feast will be hosted in honor of the victories won. Music, refreshments, and other such pleasantries shall be continuously provided throughout the eve of celebration. A BOUT OF BAKING The House of d’Amaury is renowned for the splendor of its pastries. Shortly after the conclusion of dinner, attendees are invited to partake in a baking competition, overseen by the Duke of Lorraine and his family. The victor’s dessert will promptly be served to guests thereafter. His Imperial Excellency, Sir Lothar ‘the Mustang’ d’Amaury, Grand Knight of the Empire and Duke of Lorraine Her Ladyship, Eirene Mareno, Lady of Myrine Her Ladyship, Olympe Amalia d’Amaury, Lady of Lorraine

I N T O T H E W I L D A STUDY OF THE FAUNA OF RITTERSBERG •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• W R I T T E N B Y O L Y M P E O F L O R R A I N E P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E N O R T H E R N G E O G R A P H I C A L S O C I E T Y O N T H E 17 T H O F S U N ’ S S M I L E , 2 0 6 9 •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• OPENING TO THOSE OF THE IMPERIUM who are interested in the wildlife surrounding the Imperial Capital Rittersberg, I have ventured long and far to compile a written collection of what dwells in our forests and waters. May my work shed light on the life that lives in the lands surrounding our great capital. It is important to remember that there are countless creatures beyond Rittersberg, which may not be listed here. •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• FOREST CREATURES TREE SQUIRREL THESE NOBLE CREATURES, KNOWN COMMONLY as tree squirrels, often spend time feasting upon acorns atop the branches of Rittersberg’s forests. The food they most consistently feast on are wild nuts and seeds. These particular squirrels have very unique characteristics. One of the most notable are their strong front teeth, which allow them to eat hard foods with ease. Their sharp claws aid them in easily climbing trees, allowing them to hide from other fauna such as hawks and raccoons. Furthermore, it is not easy to spot a tree squirrel. That is because their brown and white fur blends in with the tree bark, allowing them to remain well hidden. It is important to be mindful of suddenly approaching these creatures, as they are easily frightened and will run if you get too close. DEER DEER ARE OFTEN POINTED OUT by their white tail and spots. Although deer can look different depending on their gender. The female, known as a doe, does not have antlers like the male, known as a buck, does. The does also appear smaller in stature compared to the buck. Deer often eat plants within the forest, and sometimes fruits such as apples. Both does and bucks tend to be particular about their choices, but there is a variety of plants they consume. These creatures are very alert. When frightened, they freeze to look out for danger. RACCOON RACCOONS OFTEN DWELL IN THE forest, usually found in trees or in rock crevices. It is common for them to linger near ponds or lakes to hunt for fish, insects, and drink water. It is not unusual for raccoons to wash their food before eating it. They have a very diverse diet, usually eating berries, insects, acorns, frogs, fish, and fruits. These creatures are well known for their intelligence, quickly able to solve problems that may come their way. When they feel threatened, they quickly resort to violence, hissing, or biting. To avoid getting sick, one should always keep their distance, as raccoons carry diseases. FOREST RABBIT FOREST RABBITS ARE FOUND ALONG meadows and woodlands within the forest. They usually have light brown or gray fur. They are well known for their long ears and hind legs, which allow them to jump and run long distances. These rabbits feed on berries, grass, and leaves. Because their front teeth never stop growing, they have to chew on bark to wear them down. Furthermore, their burrows are often found under fallen logs, sheltering them from the weather or other animals. FOX FOXES HAVE A STRIKING APPEARANCE. They have reddish-brown fur with white spots and a thick tail. Their pointed ears give them an alert appearance, while their thick tail gives them balance as they run. Foxes often hunt birds and insects, occasionally feasting on berries and other fruit. The forests allow foxes to easily hide and hunt. Their dens are often in hollow trees or burrows, which allow them a safe shelter to raise their babies, known as kits. WOODPECKER WOODPECKERS ARE KNOWN FOR DRUMMING on tree bark repeatedly. They do this to locate insects and sap, which is their main diet. To reach through crevices to get sap, they have long tongues that stretch outwards. The drumming is also used for communication. Their beaks are made to withstand the constant drumming, allowing them to stay consistent. Woodpeckers are persistent creatures, sticking to their well-known habits. They are very solitary, usually living alone and protecting their territory. Despite this, woodpeckers can be found all over the realm. FOREST OWL AS STATED IN THEIR NAME, these owls live in the forest. It is not usual for them to be near water, as they prefer dry and grassy areas. Their nests can be found in tree hollows, which allows them to be safe from the weather and serve as a sturdy home. Forest owls have a unique appearance in comparison to other owls. Their feathers can be a variety of colors, from brown to gray or white, and allow them to blend in with the tree bark. •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• WATER CREATURES WATER EEL WATER EELS LOOK VERY DIFFERENT compared to other water creatures, with a snakelike form. This unique form allows them to wiggle into tight places and move quickly. These creatures can be found in rivers, lakes, and the sea. When water eels are first born, they start in the sea and are transparent. As they grow older, they will go to the rivers and lakes, and their backs darken in color. They tend to eat all that they can find, using their great sense of smell to hunt other species. TROUT THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF TROUT, such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout. Rainbow trout, to no surprise, are the most colorful trout out there. They can be found in rivers, lakes, and the sea, making them easily adaptable creatures. They typically eat small fish, snails, and leeches. Brown trout have black, red, and orange coloring. Additionally, they tend to be larger in size, like the lake trout, compared to other trout. Their diet consists of small fish and insects, but they are also able to adapt. Lake trout are the heaviest trout, making it hard for them to be caught. Their colors are typically gray with some green spotting. These large creatures tend to stay at the bottom of lakes to remain cold. Unlike many other trout, they can eat bigger fish, while also eating insects. PIKE PIKE ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR long bodies and have dark green and gray colors. They can be easily spotted in the shallow waters of rivers and lakes, although they can often blend in with the riverbeds and rocks to avoid being seen by other fish. Pike are aggressive hunters with sharp teeth that allow them to strike quickly; furthermore feeding on small fish. They are very solitary creatures, meaning they will not hesitate to protect their territory. Additionally, they can thrive in different environments. RIVER FROG RIVER FROGS ARE BROWN AND olive, with a white or gray stomach. Their skin is rough to the touch, unlike that of other frogs. They are typically found by river streams, sitting on rocks or logs. These creatures are more active at night, hunting for insects and other small plants. Their webbed feet allow them to swim quickly, and they are also capable of jumping very high on land. Because of this, they can adapt to their water environments. SNAPPING TURTLE SNAPPING TURTLES ARE AGGRESSIVE CREATURES that live in ponds, lakes, and rivers. Their dark-colored shells allow them to blend in with their muddy surroundings. Additionally, whenever they feel threatened, they can deliver harsh bites. Because of their strong limbs, these creatures are fast swimmers, but are slower on land because of their heavy shells. They are often seen enjoying fish and plants as a part of their diet. •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND my thanks to Lady Manon for inspiring me to want to learn new things. Her guidance will forever be appreciated. I encourage everyone to treat all fauna with kindness, as each of them has an important role to fulfill in nature that is beyond our own understanding. It is our responsibility to protect the wildlife. It is my wish that this study remains a guide for people to remain compassionate to these creatures, to ensure they thrive for generations to come. •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────• SIGNED, Her Ladyship, OLYMPE AMALIA D’AMAURY, AUTHOR Her Ladyship, DAME MANON YVAINE VON VOLKRICH, SUPERVISOR Dame of Arts, Lady of Deguise, Baroness of Guise and Distrugestadt, President of the Northern Geographical Society P U B L I S H E D U N D E R T H E A U T H O R I T Y O F T H E N G S “ A D T E R R A S N O V A S ” THE VIEWS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF ITS AUTHOR(S). THE NORTHERN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY CONTENTS. •─────────────────•𖥠•─────────────────•

NAME: Sister Frederica VOCATION: Nun TRIBE / CULTURE: Reinmaren BIRTH YEAR: 2038 ORDINATION DATE: 2054 ORDINATOR: Magister Godfrey CURRENT DIOCESE: Apostolic See of Lemonshire ASSIGNMENT: Physician WRITTEN WORKS (please link): OOC: USERNAME: alienescence DISCORD: alienn2

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WITHIN THE ABBEY OF VENERABLE ANTON Issued by Sister Frederica 15th of Owyn’s Light, 630 A.A. THE INFIRMARY OF ST. AMYAS OF YORE IS A PLACE OF HEALING WITHIN THE ABBEY OF VENERABLE ANTON. The healers of St. Amyas are committed to providing support to travelers, pilgrims, and their fellow brothers and sisters. The purpose of the infirmary is to treat illnesses and injuries, provide herbal treatments, and provide charity for the poor. ROLES OF THE INFIRMARY OF ST. AMYAS Head Physician of Ven. Anton - Sister Frederica The highest authority over the infirmary. Oversees all healing practices, discipline, and training. Senior Physician Experienced physicians who take on more life-threatening cases and train others. Physician Physicians oversee illnesses, treat wounds, make remedies, and patient recovery. They focus on more moderate cases compared to the Senior Physicians. Surgeon Surgeons care for more severe wounds, performing procedures such as stitching and other operations. RECRUITMENT We invite individuals who are interested in joining the monastic order of Venerable Anton and are willing to adhere to its rules. They must be pious, human, men or women, with a willingness to serve GOD and tend to those in need with discipline and humility. We will provide food, shelter, and guidance as befitting a member of the order. If interested in this opportunity, write a letter to Sister Frederica. SISTER FREDERICA, OVA Head Physician of the Abbey of Ven. Anton

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Sister Frederica recalled her last conversation with her grandmother; she had seemed off. And it all made sense in the moment the news of her passing had reached the nun. Frederica placed Wilhelmina's lorraine onto the altar, lowering her head in reverence.

Ludolf prepares for the jubilant Kretzenfest.

Frederica prayed for the soul of her aunt.

THE ABDICATION Issued by the Baron of Brandthof In the year of our Lord 2053 FOR AROUND TWENTY-ONE WINTERS, I have held the title of Baron of Brandthof. By writing this, I acknowledge my abdication in favor of my youngest son and heir apparent, Edwin Johann von Brandthof. I will continue, however, to provide my service to my Chieftain as a Ritter of the Order of Saint Tylos. Alongside my heir apparent, we constructed our first landed keep on the continent of Azuras. I hold a firm belief in his capability to serve with loyalty and honor, as those who have served before him have done. WER RASTET DER ROSTET HIS LORDSHIP, LUDOLF, Baron of Brandthof, Ritter of the Order of Saint Tylos, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE ERNSTBURG FEAST Issued by the Baron of Brandthof In the year of our Lord 2052 AS WE SETTLE INTO OUR NEW LANDS, the kin and kith of Brandthof invite the Empire of Man and its allies to break bread in the halls of the newly constructed keep, Ernstburg. When the guests have taken their seats, the Baron and Baroness shall offer their welcome and proclaim that a small wooden lion lies hidden inside one of the meat pies served to everyone. Whoever finds the wooden lion shall be named Chief of the Feast and granted the right to issue harmless commands, such as raising a toast, swapping seats, or anything that amuses the hall. However, if someone wishes to claim that title instead, they can call the Chief of the Feast to a small challenge of their choosing. INVITATIONS His Imperial Majesty, Tiberias Horen, and his Imperial Household The Empire of Man and its vassals His Princely Highness, Erwin Barclay, and his Princely Household His Grace, Theodemar von Kanunsberg, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Aerik von Wesenburg, and his Noble Household The Reinmaren Tribe WER RASTET DER ROSTET HIS LORDSHIP, LUDOLF, Baron of Brandthof, Ritter of the Order of Saint Tylos, Seneschal of the Heather Court HER LADYSHIP, MATHILD, Baroness of Brandthof, Hand of the Bailiff

ᛏᚻᛖ ᛋᛏᛁᛚᛚ ᚠᛚᚪᛗᛖ What say we ride beyond the walls? You will learn to fish in the river as your forefathers did. JOSEFINA remembered her childhood as one that was untouched by sorrow. The streets of Kretzen that were filled with her laughter as she ran down them, as well as the wooded trails of the Ferdenwald. A time that was untouched by the grief that would later weigh on her. Death was mentioned only during sermons. It did not feel real, and Josefina believed it would always be that way. But as she grew into adulthood, it felt more real. Her first true encounter with death was the sudden loss of her mother. Josefina believed she could have done something to prevent that werebeast from killing her. Her father succumbed to his grief only a few months later, becoming yet another memory for Josefina. She clung to her prayers, not because they would be answered, but because they provided her refuge—as did the priesthood, into which she would be ordained some years after her parents' death. In her later years, that old joy returned. The smell of incense, beekeeping, and laughter. It remained that way for many years. Until it no longer did. She was growing old. The tightness in her chest and the shaking of her hands had been ignored until she could no longer dismiss them. The illness slowed her steps, though she refused to stop walking. Her flock was her main priority. Though in time, it was not that easy. As she lay in her final days, her thoughts wandered, not to sacraments or rites, but to Kretzen, the Ferdenwald, her parents, and the Franklands that had welcomed the Reinmaren once more. During her last breaths, she found peace. Not because she could face death, but in remembering the life that came before it. BISHOP OF GELIMAR 1965-2042 Issued by the Bishop of Gelimar My son, OSWALD VON WESENBURG, I am leaving you a pendant I commissioned for my aunt Gertrude. My grandsons, EDMUND AND AERIK VON WESENBURG, I leave both of you a vase that I have kept, one I designed with Aerik, to be kept in your family manor. My nephew, PRINCE ERWIN I, I leave you my dirk, which I received from my mother after her death. It was the first weapon she learned to fight with. It is my wish that you pass it down to your successor. My niece-in-law, PRINCESS WILHELMINA, I leave you my many pieces of jewelry. My cousin, FATHER WITMAR, I leave you my golden rosary. My friend, CASTIEN VON EHRENWALD, I leave you my books on medicine that I have never read. My friend, SIR ARN HONEYWINE, I leave you the rest of my honeycomb. My friend, SIR CAROLUS, I leave you the following letter. HER EXCELLENCY, JOSEFINA, Bishop of Gelimar, Prelate of Reinmar

Bishop Josefina sought the security and comfort of her home, Reinmar, whilst reading the missive. She tucked it away carefully before returning to prayer.

Bishop Josefina sends the Father Bert Drusco a big smiley face in the mail.

THE UNION OF THE LION AND ELK Issued by the Baron of Brandthof In the year of our Lord 2034 KIN AND TRIBESMEN, Following a period of courtship and with the approval of their Chieftain, Baron Ludolf von Brandthof and Mathild von Reinhurst have been wed in holy matrimony, officiated by the Baron’s uncle, Bishop Godfrey, at the Kapelle der Drei Heiligen in Holsord, Reinmar. During the ceremony, the Baron cut a portion of his hair and gifted his spear to Mathild, a tradition that symbolizes one's growth as a tribesman. The bride is to keep the spear until times of war or battle. WER RASTET DER ROSTET HIS LORDSHIP, LUDOLF, Baron of Brandthof, Ritter of the Order of Saint Tylos, Seneschal of the Heather Court