Dramatude

The Baptismal, Coming-of-Age, and Funeral Traditions of House van Leuven Scelera non nostrorum. Issued by Firress Adelina Claire van Leuven on the 8th of Tov ag Yermey, 526 E.S. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─────────⊰ ✶ ⊱─────────⊰ ♱ ꒱ In the heart of the intertwining Savoyard and Raevir cultures lies a captivating narrative of heritage, adaptation, and evolution. Within the fabric of the van Leuven family, these rich traditions have melded over time, birthing a tapestry of unique customs and rituals that resonate with depth and meaning to us. Central to this fusion are the Three Pyres - its terminology derived directly from Savoyard culture - acting as symbolic markers echoing the significance of life's pivotal moments: baptism, coming-of-age, and funerals. Through the lens of these profound ceremonies, we embark on a journey of exploration, delving into the intricate layers of tradition that bind generations and shape identities. Baptisms: The Pyre of Birth Ve Nascufeu In the tapestry of van Leuven tradition, baptism emerges as a sacred rite deeply rooted in both Jorenic Canonism and Savoyard beliefs. Drawing inspiration from the vast expanse of waters, reminiscent of the Jorenic concept of purification and renewal, the baptismal ceremony embraces the symbolic strength of immersion. Families face a choice: to gently submerge their infant into the water or to opt for the preferred tradition of tossing them into the depths, symbolizing resilience and fortitude. This intimate moment is reserved for family and close friends, a sanctified bond between the child, their kin, and the divine. For the van Leuvens, baptism holds profound significance, intertwined with the notion of original sin and the imperative of cleansing. Reflecting Savoyard doctrine, it is customary for infants to be baptized within their first year, ensuring their spiritual journey commences untainted. Attendees honor this sacred occasion by bestowing gifts of wine, cheeses, and other delicacies upon the parents and babe, symbolizing abundance and goodwill. Yet, for heirs destined to inherit the mantle of leadership, the baptismal journey takes on added layers of tradition and ceremony. While the initial baptism remains a private affair, celebrated within the familial enclave, it is expected that the household head hosts a grand public ceremony to announce the future heir's union with GOD. Thus, many heirs undergo two baptisms: one intimate and personal, the other a grand spectacle, adorned in traditional attire bearing the house insignia and the names of saints, symbolizing their sacred lineage. Following the sacred rites, jubilation ensues as the van Leuvens and their esteemed guests gather to revel in the joyous occasion. Inspired by Raevir peasant customs, festivities often spill outside the church or into taverns, where refined Savoyard delicacies mingle with the spirited rhythms of Raevir dance. Before the night's revelry reaches its crescendo, the baptism dance commences, a cherished tradition wherein family and friends encircle the babe in a bassinet, weaving a tapestry of blessings and aspirations. With each participant representing virtues and qualities, the infant's reactions are interpreted as omens of their future path, imbuing the celebration with a sense of divine guidance and familial legacy. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─⊰ ✶ ⊱─⊰ ♱ ꒱ Coming-of-Age: The Pyre of Adulthood Ve Avancuadé The coming of age ceremony in the van Leuven household is a sacred tradition, steeped in symbolism and ritual. As the child approaches adulthood, they don the attire symbolic of the stag, embodying strength and grace. Wrapped in a deer hide cloak or adorned with a hussariyan cross made from antlers, they stand ready to embark on their journey of transition. The ceremony begins with a solemn church service, where the child is re-baptized, reaffirming their commitment to their faith. Following this, they embark on a pilgrimage, ranging from three months to a full year, seeking tasks to fulfill or volunteer opportunities to demonstrate their loyalty to the church and their community. This usually comes in the form of traveling to another Kingdom or Principality which follows the Canonist faith and requesting a task at the behest of the Bishop or other clergy positioned there. Upon their return, the Feast of Fire awaits, a celebration marking their entrance into adulthood. For heirs, it's a grand affair, with a feast fit for nobility and festivities tailored to their personality. Donned in one of the house colors - blue, white, or gold - or attire inspired by their lineage, they engage in games, songs, and dances, symbolizing joy and unity. The highlight of the feast is the ceremonial dance around the bonfire. Family members encircle the flames, performing traditional dances or personal choices. As the flames flicker, the debutante casts aside three items from their childhood, symbolizing their readiness to embrace the future. With a leap over the flames, they demonstrate their resilience against evil, supported by prayers and the collective spirit of their family. In the culmination of the ceremony, the household head presents the debutante with a token representing their individuality, a cherished memento of their coming of age. Additionally, they receive a gold ring adorned with a polished sunstone, bearing the insignia of the household—a symbol of their lineage and the journey they've undertaken. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─⊰ ✶ ⊱─⊰ ♱ ꒱ Funerals: The Pyre of Life Passa di l’arci In the intricate preparation leading up to the funeral ceremony, the family meticulously honors both Savoyard and Raevir traditions. The process begins with the solemn act of hunting and killing a male deer, known as a stag, symbolizing strength and resilience. Concurrently, a new sword is forged, engraved with the name of the departed, signifying their valor and legacy. As the family readies themselves for the funeral, they meticulously prepare a sumptuous feast and procure formal funeral attire, adhering to the solemnity of the occasion. The course of the funeral unfolds with deliberate symbolism and reverence. Amidst a gathering of loved ones, the feast commences, with a closed coffin serving as a poignant reminder of the impending farewell. This ceremonial meal echoes the sentiment of the "last supper," a final communion shared with the departed. Following this somber repast, the stag, hunted and killed with purpose, is emptied and laid on its back. Within its hollowed confines, the deceased is placed, adorned in new attire, embodying a departure from earthly ties. A pristine sword, never before wielded by the departed, is nestled in their hands, a testament to their journey beyond mortal realms. Two gold coins, adorned with sun motifs, rest upon their eyelids, guiding their passage into the afterlife. As the funeral ceremony unfolds, prayers are offered, and final words spoken, carrying the weight of collective grief and remembrance. The culmination of the ritual arrives with the purification of the body, enshrined within the stag's form, consumed by cleansing flames. Amidst the pyre's blaze, offerings are tenderly tossed, each item meticulously chosen and imbued with significance, symbolizing the depth of love and reverence for the departed. The ashes, now purified and sanctified, are reverently buried, often beneath a blanket of flowers, a silent tribute to the beauty and impermanence of life. In a final gesture of communal farewell, the Last Drink of Death is shared, a symbolic act of unity and remembrance as the fallen van Leuven rests beneath the earth. Through these sacred rites, the family honors their unique fusion of traditions, paying respect to both histories of their bloodline. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─────────⊰ ✶ ⊱─────────⊰ ♱ ꒱ Signed, Firress, Adelina Claire Van Leuven Matriarch van Leuven Firress, Mahaut Marie Van Leuven

Akeketah Luceran neatly folds the letter and places it down on the table, maintaining a calm demeanor. "Worry niet, this miscreant will answer to the gods. Only cowards threaten the lives of children." she says to her daughter with a devilish smile. Mama bear has been released once more. Adelina Claire van Leuven opened the letter from her friend whom she has not seen for some time. Her eyebrows raise as she reads it over, a grimace forming on her face. "Why must adults be so annoying. Get a REAL job and leave ve children ALONE." she scoffs. With haste, she pulls out a parchment and quill to pen a response to the Luceran girl: My friend, Thank vy for informing me of this nasty being. Ea shall inform ve Brotherhood to be on the look for him. Us children must protect one another! Sincerely, Addie

NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS MONTH! Hi friends! April 1st marks the beginning of National Stress Awareness Month in the United States! However, stress is obviously something that affects people around the world! I am very passionate about mental wellbeing awareness, and have years of training and experience with educating on the topic! It has become my purpose in life to spread kindness and joy to make the world a better place. So, this is your reminder to take care of yourself and do what makes you happy! Life is short and it is a lot more fun when you aren't stressing about the small stuff! Healthy Ways to De-Stress: Take Breaks from Social Media, the Internet, and all electronics - yes, this includes LotC too. Drink lots of WATER!!!!! Read a book! (or three) Eat a healthy, hearty meal - comfort foods increase serotonin and reduce stress Journal!✍️ Meditate! 🧘‍♂️🙏🎶 Connect with communities that make you feel naturally COMFORTABLE! Avoid harmful substances! I hope everyone uses this month to begin taking extra time out of the day to focus on yourself, and build yourself up into the person YOU want to be. Purge all of the unnecessary stressors, even if it happens to be a person (we don't want no negative energy around here!) Taking care of yourself first is NOT selfish. Don't ever be afraid to reach out for help. April is also Counseling Awareness Month!! If you don't know who to turn to for help, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reach out to me on discord! I don't care if we have never spoken - I am always around to be a friendly ear! Know that you are loved and appreciated by someone in this world, even if you don't know it! If you haven't heard it in a while, I love you and am proud of everything you have accomplished, no matter how small! ❤️ Feel free to share how you like to de-stress after a long day! Stay kind, Dramatude💚

this is such a funny april fool's joke! ya almost got me!

thank you lotc fam for making me feel seen <3 <3 <3

Buy Our Cookies. Scelera non nostrorum. Issued by Adelina Claire van Leuven and House van Leuven on the 14th of Gronna ag Droba, 523 E.S. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─────────⊰ ✶ ⊱─────────⊰ ♱ ꒱ In the face of an impending disaster, there's a glimmer of hope that can sweeten the darkest of times – a cookie fundraiser! As our city braces for the imminent threat of a comet hurtling towards our beloved homes, we're rallying together to raise funds and support our community in its time of need. Our cookie fundraiser isn't just about delicious treats; it's about coming together, standing strong, and showing resilience in the face of adversity. With every purchase of our delectable cookies, you're not just indulging your taste buds – you're contributing to the survival and rebuilding efforts of our city. Each bite of our irresistibly chewy raisin oatmeal cookies or our melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter patties represents a ray of hope amidst the uncertainty that looms ahead. Together, we can turn our city's darkest hour into a triumph of unity and strength. But it's not just about the cookies; it's about the camaraderie and compassion that come with them. Whether you're sharing a box with neighbors, colleagues, or loved ones, you're spreading a message of solidarity and support that transcends the confines of our city. So, join us in our mission to sweeten the stormy skies and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow – one cookie at a time. Together, we can weather this cosmic catastrophe and emerge stronger, sweeter, and more united than ever before. ❁ The Cookies ❁ Barbanov ‘Smores Baruch Shortbreads Ruthern Raisin Oatmeal Ludovar Lemonades Colborn P-Butter Patties Weiss Thin Mints Amador Adventurefuls Kortrevich Samoas’ Volkonens Toast-Huzzays Kovachev Toffee-Hoffey-Tastics … and though not of noble pedigree, Leuven Raspt-berry Rallies Support commerce, support the economy, and most importantly support OUR KONGZEM! - damned be to the comet. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM ꒰ ♱ ⊱─────────⊰ ✶ ⊱─────────⊰ ♱ ꒱ Signed, Matriarch, Adelina van Leuven

[!] A sealed envelope, containing a neatly folded handwritten letter, is delivered to the House Valkonen. It is addressed only to Dame Rosalind Valkonen. Dame Rosalind Valkonen, Read my words well. As a mother, I understand the instinct to protect one's children. However, I never thought it appropriate to involve oneself in the trivial disputes of the young. Is it truly necessary to intervene in children's affairs? My child has shared her perspective on recent events, and I assure you, she is not dishonest. It's regrettable that she wasn't entirely hospitable to your daughter, but it's an important lesson that not everyone will be friendly. This is a reality I've taught my daughter, and perhaps it could be a valuable lesson for yours as well. The Haeseni people are generally known to not be so thin-skinned and weak, is this not so? My daughter has faced her share of insults and threats, yet I chose not to retaliate against those children. Even in the instance of a group of Haeseni children threatening to cut out her tongue for a careless remark she made, and apologized for. Instead, she has learned to mend those relationships on her own. I have instructed my daughter in the importance of kindness, respect, and the necessity of apologies when she errs. She has faced the repercussions of her actions but will not apologize for misdeeds she did not commit. I am indifferent to your title or any other; we are all Haeseni. Despite being a commoner, as you've pointed out, my contributions to our kingdom are significant and warrant respect for my family and me. Remember, it is the commoners' hard work that sustains our kingdom. Your offer of mercy is not something I seek. As her mother, I, alongside her guardians, bear the responsibility of disciplining her. Should Petra find herself in trouble, please inform me, Lady Marian Weiss, Lady Ophelia Weiss, Firress Makaela Mondblume, or Forgemaster Rakhnar Uristson. Any attempt to punish my daughter on your part will be met with a much worse fate for yourself. This is not a threat but a promise. I once regarded you as a friend, but your recent actions have breached a trust I cannot easily forget. It is the adults who attempt to harm a child that truly act barbarously. I hope you will reflect on this as you move forward. Warmest regards, Firress Esmeray Luceran

The eldest van Leuven child, Adelina, swung about her wooden sword, striking down tall posts and weeds as she pretended them to be the micreant childnapper. "That'll teach vy! Ve van Leuvens and Haense children are niet to be messed with! We will bite vyr head off!" Indeed, the notorious children of Haense were a fierce, sometimes scarily violent group of little people who would absolute chew off an enemy's head. . . what did the Haeseni put in their milk?

Adelina van Leuven had skipped happily through the neighborhood, excited to share the stories of her day with her beloved parents. Though, instead of being met with the smell of warm cookies, she was met with the smell of burning wood and flesh. "MEA HOUSE!" she cried out for all around to hear. "Nie!! Where es mamaj ag papaj!" All she could do was cry out as onlookers came to her aid. Through her sobs and grief, she still made sure she was with all of her siblings, and that each of them were safe. "Es ordak, es ordak," she reassured them. "Eam here, ea promise. . . ea shall keep up safe. . . we shall stay together." Her words trembled through her cries. The eldest van Leuven girl held her siblings close to her, making a vow to never let them be harmed and to always protect them with all of her power. She was now the Matriarch of her family. It was her responsibility as the eldest to care for all of her younger siblings, and she took this responsibility seriously. This one, tragic, event would change the young girl forever. No longer would she be the bubbly, outspoken, and friendly girl; she would now be a child of seriousness and driven by the expectations and duty placed on her.

Adelina van Leuven reads over the will with a proud smile. Though young, she was already beginning to step into her duties as the future Matriarch of the family. "Ea shall be ve best Matriarch, mamaj!"

Adelina van Leuven, the Lady Emissary for the Cookie empire cracks her knuckles, "Et es time for me to be a dip-womat!"

Esmeray Luceran sat by her window, reading over the letter with a mixed expression of shock and concern. "This is niet just a disinheritance. . . this is a disowning! How dare they do this to such a good young man! The Varoche family has lost all my respect and surely the respect of others for this." The woman shook her head in disbelief and tossed the letter into a burning fire.

The pious, young Adelina Claire van Leuven would jolt out of her sleep, her heart racing as she gasped for air. For a moment, she sat up in her bed and looked around the room. Her body relaxed as she realized it was just a dream. Adelina gasped and jumped out of bed, running to her mother to tell her of the dream, "Mamaj! Ea think ea had a dream of an Aengul!"

Adelina van Leuven would hold the invitation up towards her mother's face, "MAMAJ LOOK! Es mea first invitation to something! Ea bet all mea friends will be there!" Quickly, her response was penned and sent.

Esmeray Luceran sat at the table in her residence reading over the missive with much interest. "Just the change ea need. . ." She fetched a parchment and began to write her letter to the Lord Emissar.

Esmeray’s silhouette melted with the twilight as she stood on the edge of the weathered dock. With her gaze fixed on the horizon where the sea kissed the sky, rocked lightly with excitement, the sound of the creaking wood beneath her being tuned out. For months she had awaited this day - the return of the love of her life. She had grown accustomed to the feeling of anticipation of reuniting with her love. Derek had frequently taken these saint’s year long fishing voyages around Aevos, and every time, Esmeray would see him off at this same spot and see him arrive right back after the saint’s year. During their time away, they always made sure to exchange letters sent by birds. The salty air played with strands of her light hair, each wave a whisper of promise of Derek’s return. Each vessel that sliced through the waters brought a surge of anticipation, but as they drew closer, her hope would dissolve as quickly as it had appeared. None bore the distinctive sails of Derek’s ship, the sails that had once billowed like proud flags as they set off toward the unknown. The lantern in Esmeray’s grasp was more than a beacon in the encroaching darkness; it was a symbol of her enduring spirit. Its glow battled the shadows, a lone star against the encroaching night. “May my mighty light guide my love home,” she would think with a giggle to herself. She imagined Derek, guided by its luminescence, steering through the treacherous embrace of the unforgiving sea, ignoring all other light, but that of her own. As nightfall draped its cloak over the day, Esmeray’s heart grew heavy with the silence of the sea - a silence broken only by the lapping of waves that carried no news of Derek. “Maybe he is just off schedule. . . I will remain patient and wait another day. . .” she reassured herself. With no ships arriving, she took to rest within the city's inn and returned again the next day. Though again, she was not met with the arrival of Derek. “Derek Saltman, where are you. . . It is time for you to return home,” she sternly whispered out to the sea, hoping its waves would carry her message. An entire saint’s week passed with no arrival of the adventuring fisher. Anxiety and worry began to overcome Esmeray’s mind. “Perhaps, I should check to see if he sent a bird speaking of an extension of his trip?” Though no letter had arrived for her. She sent a bird inquiring of his location and update on his arrival home, but no word returned. “No, no. I shall not lose hope. There are any number of reasons he has not arrived or communicated through birds. The circumstance is less than ideal and odd, but surely mea Lifst [common: my Love] is safe and sound somewhere. . . he just has to be.” Her words rambled quickly as she paced the dark, wooden floors of her bedroom. Her pacing ceased as her eyes gazed through her mirror at her reflection, a single stream of tears falling down her rosey cheeks. With a firm nod she wiped the tears from her eyes and declared, “I must keep faith and hope for his safety and return. I MUST.” Esmeray would return to the dock every other saint’s week to light 3 prayer candles: a candle depicting St. Julia of Paradisus, representing the love the two share with one another; a candle depicting St. Daniel of Al'Khazar, for the hope of him traveling safely; and a candle depicting St. Lothar of Balian, for the unwavering faith she held in GODAN. Though an ounce of hope remained, those around her would detect her usual warm, bubbly presence shift to one of heartache and anxiety. Faith - a powerful force. But is faith enough to bring Derek home? What happened to Haense’s beloved Master of the Pantry and Esmeray’s loving partner, Derek Saltman? With hope, answers would be had soon.

Esmeray Luceran read over the missive with a soft smile, "It's been ages since the kingdom has held a proper ball; this shall be a grand event!" With haste, she fetched a parchment and began writing her RSVP. Dear Host, I am delighted to accept the gracious invitation to attend the Ball of Bleeding Heart. I am thrilled for Lorena's Lament to be hosted within Castle Morteskvan. I look forward to an enchanting evening of elegance and celebration. Signed Graciously, Esmeray Luceran

✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ AUDITIONS: LORENA’S LAMENT, A PLAY IN THREE ACTS. ISSUED BY THE ON THIS 15TH DAY OF TOV AG YERMEY OF 514 E.S. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ THE ESROVA PRIKAZ COURT is seeking talented souls to grace the stage of our great hall. We seek actors and bards of all kinds to bring life to our stories and merriment to our evening. The Esrova Prikaz Court will be hosting a theatrical performance of The Valiant Adventures of Ser Arthur: Lorena’s Lament - a play written by Ludvika Sofya Ludovar. We seek actors to play the following roles: LORENA: A dishonorable noblewoman of low standing who rebelled against her home state to stand with the Duke of Adria. Cladded in Adrian red. SER ARTHUR: A Noble Marian knight and brother to Lorena. Captures, imprisons, and buries his sister. SER VANHART: A ginger-headed Marian knight obsessed with honor and protecting his kingdom. AMELTH/GUARD/VILLAGER: First a Ludovar warrior. Then a prison guard. Then an onlooker to the execution. JAKOB/GUARD/VILLAGER: First a Ludovar warrior. Then a prison guard. Then an onlooker to the execution. LITTLE BOY/VILLAGER: First the son of a rich Margravine who gets lost. Then an onlooker to the execution. MARGRAVINE/VILLAGER: First a rich Margravine who loses her son. Then an onlooker to the execution. All interested should prepare a short monologue or showcase of your acting or musical ability for auditions. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ Her Royal Majesty, AMAYA OF VENZIA, Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-Consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duchess-Consort of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margravine-Consort of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Countess-Consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscountess-Consort of Varna, Baroness-Consort of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera Firress, ESMERAY LUCERAN, Lauzya and Royal Scribe of the Esrova Court

Esmeray Luceran read over the marching order while wrapping the deep gash on her arm from the last battle. "And so the story shall continue. We will niet stop until the entire realm of Aevos is safe from Veletz. For GODAN and the REALM!" The proud I-Lady called out, donning her iconic uniform.

CALLING ALL TALENTED PEOPLES ISSUED BY THE ON THIS 15TH DAY OF TOV AG YERMEY OF 504 E.S. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ t is the duty of all Haeseni peoples to ensure the culture of our good kingdom thrives. In doing so, we remember the customs and traditions of those that have come long before us, while continuing to build a greater culture for the future. The Office of the Arts is delighted to announce a Talent Showcase for all of Haense! We seek those who have a skill you consider to be a talent, to come and share it with all in our kingdom. Whether you be a master at singing and dancing, or a skilled poet, we welcome all to the stage. For those who wish not to share their talent, we urge you to come and enjoy the show, and cheer on your favorite performer. It shall truly be an eve of entertainment! May the most creative and favored talent receive the praise of the kingdom. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ Her Royal Majesty, AMAYA OF VENZIA, Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-Consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duchess-Consort of Carnatia, Karosgrad, and Vanaheim, Margravine-Consort of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Countess-Consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscountess-Consort of Varna, Baroness-Consort of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera Firress, ESMERAY LUCERAN Lauzya and Royal Scribe of the Esrova Court