juliaINC

„I know I intend on living to at least a hundred.” „Oh, so do I. At the very least.” „Should neither of us fall in battle, we will be old women together.” „Verily. Either we die together- spears in hand, or that.” Weakly did fall the shoulders of the tall, bulky shieldmaiden, the image and sound of the two women laughing over a shared alehorn fading from her mind. Isolde’s eyes, once bright and curious, had long since dimmed. Those same eyes had met Adalfriede’s dark and watchful gaze on the day she had given her schwur to yield her own life ere her Fürstin should give hers. Now, they were sunken and weary. “I should have been there, a shield to my Fürstin. A friend to Adalfriede.” And in that weak moment, Isolde felt herself to be a shield to none, and a friend to but few.

THE FIRST MARTIAL TOURNEY DIE ERSTE REINMAREN WEHRTURNEI | THE FIRST REINMAREN MARTIAL TOURNEY Issued by the Princess in Reinmar, the Princess of Minitz, and the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 2003 Two warriors of the tribe engaging in a friendly duel. ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, WITH THE TOURNEY GROUNDS NEWLY RAISED, all you warriors, craftsmen, farmers, and lords, are bidden to prove your prowess by competing in a contest of strength and endurance. To ensure fairness among all men and women, contestants shall lay aside their weapons and fight bare-fisted. Those bold enough to stand this challenge shall vie for a prize of two hundred gold coins and a finely wrought metal chain. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE VON HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lady Vandalore, Lawspeaker of Reinmar HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Baroness of Sigradz and Hussen, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE TALE OF INTRACTABLE GUNDELIND DIE GESCHICHTE DER WIDERSPENSTIGEN GUNDELIND | THE TALE OF THE INTRACTABLE GUNDELIND Issued by the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 2002 A coal rendering of Gundelind’s runestone. ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, HARK THESE WORDS THAT FLOW FORTH FROM THE LAND, for there I had uncovered this tale, etched upon ancient stone in the Reinmaren runes of old. ᛁᚾᛏᚱᚪᛣᛏᚪᛒᛚᛖ ᚷᚢᚾᛞᛖᛚᛁᚾᛞ Intractable Gundelind Gundelind being cast from her father’s tribe. ‘Tis what the heading reads, revealing the contents of this tale. The author’s name had been lost, but the mention of the sacrifice of Oswald points to a time shortly after the tribe’s turn to Canonism. Let it be cautionary to those of you, o lads and maidens of the tribe, who might allow external temptations to lead you astray from your virtue and your kin. IN THE DAYS OF YORE, after the tribes proclaimed God as their one and only Lord, there lived a Chieftain by the name of Waldemar. His tribe was strong, his warband numerous, his cattle and horse healthy, and his daughter the fairest and most merry in all the Land. She bore the name Gundelind, and many men of the tribe came forth to seek her hand. First came Aldemar, the wisest scholar of them all—but Gundelind deemed him too old. Second came Edelrad, her father’s closest hirdman and most trusted advisor—Gundelind found him too pious and proper. Third came Hildebrand, the fiercest warrior in Waldemar’s warband—but Gundelind turned from him, for he had sacrificed his beauty in battle for the tribe. Last came a man from lands far and strange, whom Gundelind had not heard of. His name was Drazhan. He was young, of free and frivolous spirit, and he was the most handsome of all she knew. Gundelind’s heart was swayed by this foreigner. “Wed that man, intractable daughter, and you shall wither,” bade Waldemar. But Gundelind was heedless, and so she wed Drazhan, who took her from her father’s tribe. In time, Drazhan said unto Gundelind, “My heart is yours, wife, yet you would make me happiest if you painted your eye to appear younger, as the women of my land do.” And Gundelind painted her eyelids, which grew red and swollen, yet Drazhan was content. Again, Drazhan spoke to her: “My heart is yours, wife, yet you would make me happiest if you wore the light, revealing garments the women of my land wear and dance around as they do.” So Gundelind adorned her neck with gold and her figure with the lightest silks she could find, and danced, and her body twisted and shivered from the cold, yet Drazhan was pleased. Once more, Drazhan sought to ask something of Gundelind, but three men stood in his way and struck him down, for he cherished too much the beauty of his face and the smoothness of his hands, and had never wielded a sword. Bereft, Gundelind fled back to the land of Chieftain Waldemar and cried unto him, “Father, it is I, Gundelind, and my husband is no more. Take me back into the hearth of your home.” Yet she had been made into a foreign woman, with her body and eyes swollen, and her father did not know her. He bade his men to cast her from the tribe, for what has once ripped itself from its roots, no force will sew back together. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court REFERENCES 1. Aelfwin von Kretzen, HRH Frederica Barclay and HE Nikolaus von Kanunsberg, The Tale of Osmund, Principality of Reinmar (1973)

Wilhelmina von Brandthof reached forth her hand to pluck yet another parchment from the sizeable pile of missives and letters upon her desk. "Mm." Came a murmur from the woman, as, even upon inspecting the back of the letter, she found no signature inscribed. Never had she heard of this newly risen Republic, nor had she met with it's envoys, and thus she returned the letter to the bottom of the pile.

THE DIE BARCLAY UNION | THE BARCLAY UNION Issued by the Baron of Sigradz and Hussen and the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 2002 Wilhelmina passing a goblet of ale to Erwin. ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, BEHOLD THE GRAND AND JOYOUS CELEBRATION through which the unity of House Barclay shall be bound yet closer by the sacred vows of marriage, with God as our witness. We extend our invitation to the tribe and beyond so that all might join us in these solemn rites within the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs in Kretzen. TURNIER Following the sacred ceremony of this union, a grand tourney shall unfold upon the grounds newly constructed for such noble contests. Those brave warriors and riders who seek to contend stand a chance to claim a prize of five hundred gold coins. FEST To further rejoice with the newly wedded, and upon the tourney’s end, all are bid to attend the grand feast within the walls of Heather Palace. There, the victor of the tourney shall receive his or her prize, while our esteemed guests break bread, savor the finest delicacies of our tribe and drink from our choicest ale. THE HOLY MOTHER CHURCH His Holiness, FLEEPER, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Clergy of Clement and Evaristus. TO THE REALMS OF CANNONDOM His Royal Majesty, MARIUS III, King of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. His Apostolic Majesty, MARK, King of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Aaunic peoples. Her Royal Majesty, ADALIA, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Petran peoples. His Eminence, IVAN, The Cardinal-Regent of the Kingdom of Balian and the Balianite peoples. Her Royal Majesty, TAR-CARANETH, Queen of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. ATSUKO, Shugo of Sakuragakure and the Oyashiman people. TO THE WALDENIC DIET Her Highness, JOHANNA, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim. The Most Honourable, LEUFROY VON REUSS, Elector of Velen. The Most Honourable, AUREL VON THEONUS, Elector of Vohenheim. The Most Honourable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Elector of Hohengarten. Envoys of the Salvian Syndicate. The Waldenian Peoples. TO THE ALLIES OF THE PRINCIPALITY Her Excellency, ILLYRIA, Princess of the Principality of Celia’nor and the Celia’norian people. TO THE TRIBESPEOPLE His Grace, THEODEMAR VON KANUNSBERG, Duke of Kanunsberg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, OTTO VON LANGENKIRCH, Burgrave of Langenkirch and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, VARIK VON WESENBURG, Lord Regent of Wesenburg and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, ANSELM VON BRANDTHOF, Baron of Brandthof and his noble pedigree. The Reinmaren Peoples. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HIS LORDSHIP, ERWIN BARCLAY, Baron of Sigradz and Hussen HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE REINMAREN TAVERN NIGHT DIE REINMAREN TAVERNENABEND | THE REINMAREN TAVERN NIGHT Issued by the Princess in Reinmar, the Princess of Minitz, and the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 2002 Princess Frederica bidding tribesmen to drink. ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, ALL ARE CORDIALLY BID TO GATHER WITHIN OUR TAVERN, which stands in the heart of Kretzen. Princess Frederica, Princess Adalfriede, and her courtly Council extend their call to rejoice together, accompanied by ale and music. The attendants shall have the chance to display their knowledge of the history and culture of our tribe in a contest of wits, and likewise the prowess of their endurance in a contest of drinking. Furthermore, Princess Adalfriede shall speak a tale of old unto the people, and in return, they shall share tales of their own. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE VON HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lady Vandalore, Lawspeaker of Reinmar HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE CRAFT CIRCLE DIE HANDWERSKRUNDE | THE CRAFTING CIRCLE Issued by the Princess in Reinmar, the Princess of Minitz, and the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 2002 The craftsmen and craftswomen of Reinmar. ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, LONG BEFORE OUR TRIBE SETTLED, when the people dwelt in tents and makeshift huts, herding steed across the vast fields of their Land, the men and women practiced various crafts and perfected their techniques, leaving a legacy of applied art. Let it be known, that man whose hands, blessed by God, create beauty for the eye of his kin to cherish, and provide commodity for his kith to enjoy, is a Shqiptar, as were those before him. We seek to continue the long tradition passed unto us by our forefathers and to share it with the Haenseman, who is our cherished ally. Thus, we extend an invitation to join us in the Handwerksrunde, where we shall eat, craft, and rejoice in the Palace gardens. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE VON HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lady Vandalore, Lawspeaker of Reinmar HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

In a dim chamber, lit by but a candle, an aged shieldmaiden slouched over the letter proclaiming the death of yet another of her dearest friends. One that she had seen blossom in the early years of her marriage, and wither in the last of her life. With one hand wrapped tightly around her lips, and the other squeezing the lorraine pendant upon her neck, Isolde cried for Johanna.

THE APPOINTMENT OF A MASTER OF HUNT AND HORSE DIE ERNENNUNG EINES MEISTER DES HERDES UND DER JAGD | THE APPOINTMENT OF A MASTER OF HUNT AND HORSE Issued by the Princess of Reinmar and the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 1999 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, BE IT KNOWN FROM THIS DAY FORTH, that Sir Otto Stroheim, Burgrave von Langenkirch, is hereby appointed to the office of Master of Hunt and Horse. He shall henceforth be charged with hosting hunting events for the men and women of Reinmar and overseeing the Palace stables. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

THE SECOND REINMAREN UR TOURNAMENT DAS ZWEITE REINMAREN UR TURNIER | THE SECOND REINMAREN UR TOURNAMENT Issued by the Seneschal of the Heather Court In the year of our Lord 1996 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, TWENTY YEARS HAVE PASSED since the last tournament of the beloved game of Ur, when it was reintroduced to the tribesmen by the Princess of Minitz, Adalfriede, and the then Baroness of Sigradz. The game of Ur was first put to paper by Johanna Barclay, Duchess of Reinmar. After its revitalization it has become a favored and well-loved pastime across our land. The victor of the tournament shall receive the second Ur Championship Cup and a cash prize of 150 mina. The second-place winner shall be awarded a runner-up ribbon and a cash prize of 100 mina, whilst the third-place winner shall receive a cash prize of 50 mina. All are most welcome to attend, and those who wish to participate are directed to send their names to the Seneschal of the Heather Court. The final call for entries shall take place upon the day of the tournament. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, FREDERICA, GMSTSR, Princess in Reinmar of Sutica, Duchess of Reinmar, Countess of Freimark and Kretzen, Baroness of Madvon and Freising, Lady of Sankt Johannsburg, Wilheburg, Erwinsburg, Freiburg and Rozenfeld, Chieftess of the Reinmaren HER LADYSHIP, WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court

Wilhelmina read the missive once again in the solitude of her home. "If it be God's will, so shall it come to pass."

THE TRADITIONS OF REINMAREN BURIAL DIE TRADITIONEN DER REINMAREN BEERDIGUNG | THE TRADITIONS OF REINMAREN BURIAL Issued by Wilhelmina von Brandthof In the year of our Lord 1992 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, FROM THE DAYS OF YORE, before the punishment and conversion of Chieftain Osmund to the One True Faith, Reinmaren tribes did venerate the spirits of forests and waters and believed that upon passing, a soul enters the realm of spirits. As the forefathers did prepare to undertake that last journey in the Age of Legends, we prepare to enter the spirit realm and the Seven Skies this day. DIE VORBEREITUNG Galswinthe prepares to bury her husband with their son, Rodimar. Before the days of Osmund, the departed was laid within his coffin and garbed in his finest clothes, along with any earthly possessions he might have needed on his journey to the spirit realm, ranging from spears and shields to stallions. This tradition continues to this day, as many elect to have their belongings consigned to the flames along with them. The coffin is next placed before the funeral pyre. In the age when the tribes still worshiped spirits, a close female relative kept vigil for three days and three nights beside the body of her kinsman. It was believed that a new entrant could fall victim to deceitful spirits who would try to lead him off his path. Women were regarded as doorways to the spirit realm, so they were capable of peacefully guiding the deceased’s spirit through his last journey. DAS BRENNEN Shieldmaiden Runhild on her funeral pyre. Once the necessary preparations have been made, kin and kith of the deceased gather around the pyre. His brothers and sisters lift his body upon the pyre and set it alight. It is of great import that he is remembered by the tribe for his deeds, and thus words and tales of his life are shared for all to hear while the pyre burns. The ashes of the deceased are therefore preserved within a crypt. DAS GEDENKEN A runestone being erected in the name of a fallen warrior. It is the Reinmaren way, to do anything that can be done to honor and venerate the ancestors. To preserve their memory, should this not have taken place before their death, a runestone will be raised in their honor, within the hallowed Ferdenwald. Descendants of the deceased will for years to come venture out to this runestone to commemorate and learn about their forefather. Such is also done by singing songs, recounting tales, lighting candles, and prayer. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET WILHELMINA VON BRANDTHOF, Seneschal of the Heather Court REFERENCES 1. Aelfwin von Kretzen, HRH Frederica Barclay and HE Nikolaus von Kanunsberg, The Tale of Osmund, Principality of Reinmar (1973) 2. HRH Adalfriede of Hexenwald, The Reinmaren Woman, Principality of Reinmar (1974) 3. HRH Leon Barclay and HRH Frederica Barclay, The Veneration of The Ancestors, Principality of Reinmar (1983)

Ambitious and eager, Wilhelmina had long hungered for the position of Seneschal - ever since she entered wardship under Frederica. Now, as head of the court, she felt it to be her greatest accomplishment yet.

Isolde lit a candle for Robert’s soul. She remembered him as a complicated and senile, but worthy man.

Isolde von Kanunsberg stood in the doorway of her home, looking out towards the Wesenburg manor. The cigarette she held between two fingers of her hand, which hung limp on her side, was barely touched. As it was burning out, she thought of Roland. She had never truly known that man, seeing him more as a distant figure to admire than a brother. On this day she regretted the distance that parted them for so long.

Wilhelmina Barclay took her seat beside her father. She watched him prepare his weapons for battle, knowing that soon she too would take up the spear in the name of the Tribe and the Church.

Isolde von Kanunsberg prayed for the passed High Chieftain's soul in the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs.

Isolde von Kanunsberg nodded in approvement of such a well made match for her nephew.

Isolde von Kanunsberg visited Peter's old forge. Same as she did for the past thirty years each afternoon, be it to share the freshest piece of gossip from around the city or to seek advice. Servants had already started to empty the building. Isolde stayed at the forge long after the servants left. She sat on the ground, in the weak heat of dying fire from the furnace, once dancing lively around metals Peter shaped into intricate weapons. The dim light reflected off a crinckled poster with a jolly "Wer Rastet, Der Rostet" painted across, that she was clenching her fist around. She shed a tear, got up, and walked away.

Isolde von Kanunsberg read the whole thing once, and then once again. She beamed in admiration of the hard work Adalfriede had put into the study, and began to read it aloud to her son. Theodemar was of course, too young to understand anything, but she made sure to show him each picture.

Isolde Sturmweber put together a poster depicting the Reinmaren and Koyo-Kuni friendship and alliance!

Isolde Sturmweber hummed the hymn of the Host of st. Johann whilst sharpening her spear!

Issued by Isolde Sturmweber and Adelmar von Kanunsberg In the year of our Lord 1971 A portrait of Adelmar and Isolde enjoying a horse ride near in Ferdenwald. In the year of our Lord 1967, Adelmar von Kanunsberg and Isolde Sturmweber begun the period of their betrothal. Now, after four long years the pair have decided to wed. Their holy matrimony will take place this year in the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs in Kretzen, with God, family and friends as their witness. Invites are delivered to the following: His Royal Highness, Leon II, Prince of Minitz and Reinmar His Royal Highness, Alfred, Prince of Sutica and Reinmar Her Royal Highness, Adalfriede, Princess of Minitz and Reinmar The Honourable Frederica Barclay, Baroness of Sigradz Her Ladyship, Ravenna Barclay of Reinmar His Excellency, Roland von Wesenburg, Baron of Wesenburg and his kin. His Excellency, Gregor von Langenkirch, Baron of Langenkirch His Excellency, Wilhelm von Berkhoven His Grace, Gottfried von Kanunsberg, the Duke of Kanunsberg and Baron of Fernweh and his kin The Honorable, Sir Varik von Wesenburg Lady Viktoriya Leiselotte Weiss Hirdman Mariola Sturmweber All Burghers and Tribesmen of Reinmar SIGNED, Isolde Sturmweber Adelmar von Kanunsberg