House of Weiss

ISSUED BY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 13th of Joma & Umund | 566E.S ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ HIS LORDSHIP, VIKTOR MAXIMILLIAN WEISS 476 - 566 IT IS THE GREAT REGRET of our House to announce the passing of Lord Viktor Maximillian Weiss, son of the Viscount Audo “The Raven” Weiss and Her Highness Verónica de Pelear. IN HIS TIME, Viktor witnessed the fall of Almaris and rise of Aevos. He served valiantly as a lieutenant in the Brotherhood of St. Karl and as a mentor to the generations of House Weiss which were honored with his patience, compassion, and wisdom. He is survived by his children, Hektor, Tatiana, Viktoriya, and Kazimar Weiss; his four grandchildren; his great-grandson; and a slew of nieces and nephews who loved him as dear as any father. ⋅───── ⊱༺༻⊰───── ⋅ HIS LORDSHIP’S FUNERAL SERVICE will begin with a private gathering of the family at Staalgrav Keep. The service shall be conducted at the Basilica of St. Joren and the Broken Chains in Valdev, Hanseti-Ruska. All those who wish to say their farewells are welcome to join said service to commemorate this most mournful of occasions. ⋅───── ⊱༺༻⊰───── ⋅ LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF VIKTOR WEISS Transcribed from a document in his hand, signed and dated to the 9th of Tov & Yvermy, Ehr Sigmunda 561 and “[submitted] to be enacted upon [his] timely or untimely death.” To Viscount Karl Weiss & … Sabine Weiss, I leave the following: To Lady Nadya Weiss, I leave the following: To Lord Petyr Weiss, I leave the following: To Lord Aydin Weiss, I leave the following: To Lord Eryk Weiss, I leave the following: To Lady Azja Weiss, I leave the following: To Lady Verena Weiss, I leave the following: To Malna, I leave the following: To Her Royal Highness, Princess Wilhelmina, I leave the following: The remainder of my belongings shall be stowed away or passed down to any with the Weiss name at the discretion of Viscount Karl Weiss. ───────────────────────────── LEKONSKED VA VE LVINYY, The Right Honourable, SABINE WEISS, Matriarch of the House The Right Honourable, KARL WEISS, Viscount of Novkursain and Baron of Zvaervauld Lady, VERENA WEISS, Chief of Surgery and Lady Chamberlain of Valdev

A copy of this document is kept in the House of Weiss archive.

ISSUED BY THE HONOURABLE 5th of Joma & Umund | 565E.S The Horse Breeds of The Weiss Thundered stomps on fields roam, The great beasts of man’s own, To whence they ride they know not, If it be of war, or joust, or of cot, Yet still they go, our dear friends, Without question or buckle or bends, For it is in their nature, is it not? To be the closest ally we have got, So when again you mount your steed, Do not forget how they bleed. Va Birodeo Herzenav ag Edlervik, Historically, we Weiss have revered the art of war and, once upon a time, that of cavalry. Our companionship with horses was started by the indomitable spirit of the hussar-turned-lord marshal, Felix Weiss. We have taken great pride in our specially bred horses: on full display, we take to our stark white steeds - Comets that race across the land. It is to his legacy that we all aspire, his hussarian oath engraved in the very warhammer left to us who remain so that we may not be permitted to forget the humble roots whence we came. This breed of horse, the White Comet, rapidly took hold in Aevos after the loss of our Zvaervauld Great and Lesser Horses back in the land of Almaris. From the dutiful hand of Ser Audo Weiss, the Zvaervauld Great Horse was born and by his hand, too, were borne the White Comet and Mityan Striders. His dutiful son, Lord Viktor Weiss, with the aid of the late Lord Marus Weiss, further maintained the contemporary horse stock. Between their minds and dedication, they have given us the final breed to date: the Black Comets. This shall aim to summarise the current collection of Weiss breeds for the sake of historical record, and to remind that what happened to our prior breeds ought not be permitted to happen again. The White Comet The once premium steed upon our lands, The White Comet, is a proud yet graceful creature. With large hooves to fill, they have a strict regimen of training. However, the White Comet has benefitted from the experience gained from their predecessors: dangerously intelligent yet kindly in nature, they make for exceptional partners on the battlefield. Acting as an extension of one's self, a properly trained and maintained compaion will react quickly and decisively to commands. Named after the old mythological figure ‘Tova’, The White Comet, the breed is said to give prosperity and luck to those in battle, to let them and their steed be the last alive on the battlefield in victory. Standing at an average of 16 hands height, there is little difference in the morphology between males and females. As their name suggests, each white comet must have a distinct and unmarred pearlescent coat, along with their mane. Typically, the grace and elegance of the breed is captured by the curls which gently roll through its mane. Their hooves lack any feathering, and a noticeable dip follows along their spine. However, they are not free from a horse's inherently prey nature. Like other horses, they can and will be spooked by strange and unpredictable noises and sights. To avoid this, the White Comets are subject to intense training before sale to acclimatise them to loud noises, unexpected contact and rider error. Resulting from this are hardy, cooperative and fierce war horses. *New horse owners are advised that intelligent horses require a firm hand, lest they decide that they are in control. The Mityan Strider Named after the Mare of the East, ‘Mityan’, these horses are not truly intended for battle but are more suited to work. However, they are sure to prove efficient and effective at their tasks. Mityan Striders are a category of work horse. Each Mityan Strider takes a draft-like build with feathered hooves. Their primarily heavy and hefty build makes them exceptional at work which requires them to move heavy loads, making them dutiful in the rolling Haeseni fields. In line with their large build they, at average, stand roughly 18 hands high, but rarely some individuals have been known to reach 20 hands high: truly monstrous proportions. Lacking the intelligence of the White Comets, Mityan Striders are far more easy to handle by inexperienced hands though their sheer size lends significant danger to any mishandling. While they are often inherently more friendly, it is strongly advised that any buyer maintain wariness about such hefty steeds, and treat them with the due respect called for regardless of their intended purpose. The Fallen Comets Fallen Comets vary widely in coat, coming in browns, greys, blacks and whites with a myriad of markings. Along with their varied coats, they have varied ability with some proving exceptionally swift, while others carry larger than average bulk. In order to best suit Fallen Comets to their potential roles, they are largely generalised into three categories, which are listed in more depth below. Fallen Comets stand with well-proportioned features, pronounced withers, a notably straight profile and a deep chest. Similar to certain thoroughbred builds, their bone structure is hardy and is a defining feature in their further sub-labels: Massive-type tend to be large and rough. Those with oriental-type structures are the most appealing by far. Overall, they are better suited to carriage-driving and herd-keeping than war though the oriental-like ones can perform exceptionally. Oriental-type are lighter and more elegant. Somewhat more fussy and demanding, they tend to demand more of their handlers in training and feed. Agile-type are well-muscled but largely athletic overall. They typically out-pace other Fallen Comets. The Black Comet Black Comets serve as a contrasting counterpart to White Comets, and were named after the black Comet ‘Ybis’ before they became the Fallen Comet. Much like their namesake, they are profoundly brave when well-handled. Upon looking into our own horse history, the lost Zvaervauld Great Horse was said to be as black as night and as fierce as a lion. In an effort to capture a glimpse of the past, a programme was undertaken to create something similar, resulting in the Black Comet. Generally this breed proves gentle, calm and eager to learn, making them somewhat more easy to maintain than White Comets. Fit to be a destrier, these horses stand between 15 and 17 hands high. They are powerfully muscled at a glance, and bare subtle feathering upon their feet. Bearing long, arching necks and short, stocky ears their profile can appear quite striking. Their manes and low-set tails are generally wavy naturally, albeit a braided style of mane is often how they are first sold. Owing to their naturally high step, these horses are trained with an extra, loft gait between a trot and a gallop known as a ‘tolt’. This unique step makes them quite the show-horse, and a smooth comfortable ride. *Black Comets require a firm and experienced hand to be properly maintained for their battle and show prowess. Given our extensive breeding programmes, the diversity of Weiss horses far exceeds all else on the market. White Comets, Black Comets, Mityan Striders and Fallen Comets are sold at The Foundry in New Valdev. While White Comets are considered a premium breed, Mityan Striders will always be sold at a competitive price and of varied capability to suit your requirements. Iv Joveo Mann, Her Ladyship, FELYSKA AMÉLYA WEISS of Staalgrav

ISSUED BY THE HONOURABLE 14th of Joma & Umund | 564E.S ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⊰⋅────────────────⋅⊱ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ THE Farfolk ancestry of House Weiss is among its points of pride: its lineage traces back to roots as regal as Cesar de Pelear, the founding Viceroy of Hyspia, and as humble as the Viscountess-consort Marian Weiss, a commonborn woman who rose to hard-won recognition. The House Weiss itself came from common Waldenian roots, and rose to nobility through the labor of Felix Weiss and his children. Over the generations since its culture has become a unique, if woefully undocumented, blend of Haeseni; Hyspian; Waldenian and, in some facets, entirely original custom. As such we seek with this missive to establish some traditions onto the written record, and to create rites of passage and symbols which our descendants may bear for many more proud generations to come. - Sabine Weiss, Matriarch of the House ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⊰⋅─────────────────────────────⋅⊱ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ MANY-STRANDS BRAID The Weiss peers wear one braid for each title held by the House, and one strand for each Weiss to hold it before them. For example, Karl Weiss, the fifth Viscount of Novkursain and Baron of Zvaervauld, would wear two five-strand braids. These may be woven into other designs, such as the consort’s coronet, and beaded. Should a Weiss peer be the first honored with a new title, a dreadlock or a strand of hair wrapped in silk (the choice depending on hair texture) shall be worn in lieu of a braid. CORONET BRAID Worn by consorts, the coronet braid encircles the entire crown of the head where a kokoshnik would rest. The hair is first parted down the center; then begins from the right rear of the head and is woven around and over both ears until it meets itself in the center rear. The coronet braid symbolizes the consort’s dedication to leadership of the House; honors the House’s noble status, regardless of their own origins; and acknowledges their participation in the yet-unbroken cycle of House leadership which they joined by virtue of their marriage. It can be worn in any hair texture, and may be combined with other styles so long as the coronet is always the highest braid on the head. WARRIORS’ BRAIDS Though first and foremost a matter of practicality, warriors – most Weisses, in their lifetimes – are to wear their hair braided tightly against the scalp on at least the sides but preferably the entirety of the head. This not only provides enemies less grip should the Weiss be without a helmet, but ensures better fit of said helm, clear vision, and protection of the hair itself. For tighter curls and coils, dreadlocks are also a fine choice; however the recommended width is about equal to one’s little finger, and if long then they are best kept braided loosely down the back of the head. ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⊰⋅─────────────────────────────⋅⊱ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ IVORY EDELWEISS To earn an ivory edelweiss, a Zvaervauldian must come of age. The edelweiss, official flower of the House of Weiss, can only be found by scaling a mountain: in this way it is given to recognize that one has scaled the mountain of youth, and now moves into new heights within their life. The wearing of the ivory edelweiss symbolises strength, integrity, and discipline. It may be carved from the bone of an ancestor’s fallen foe if not true ivory. BULLSHORN AIMSBEAD A white bead carved from bulls’ horn or elk antler, the aimsbead is earned when a Zvaervauldian accomplishes a noteworthy victory. The ‘victory’ unto itself may be defined by the victorious themself: they are not awarded when one overcomes great outward challenge, bu given by an elder member of the House of Weiss to symbolize that one has proven themself worthy of their own ambition. The white beads therefore symbolize pride of accomplishment: their wearing indicates that the bearer is a devoted practitioner of their chosen trades and striving towards success. LILAC HEARTBEAD A golden bead bearing a lilac flower is earned when a Zvaervauldian performs a grand act of chivalry. Bearing the iconic flower of Zvaervauld, the heartbead is given by an elder member of the House of Weiss to honor great compassion and generosity. The golden lilacs therefore symbolize an honorable heart: their wearing indicates that the bearer remains humble, values kindness, and keeps to the code of honor which should bind all good Descendants. LION WARBEAD A golden bead bearing a lion’s head is earned when a Zvaervauldian proves victorious on the field of battle. Whether this battle is on the floor of the Duma Hall or a field of war, they are given by an elder member of the House of Weiss to honor great strength and ferocity. The golden lions therefore symbolize a warrior’s valor: their wearing indicates that the bearer is an exemplary keeper in the Zvaervauldian traditions of battle, and has tested their mettle against a great challenge for each bead. GLASS OATHBEAD A golden bead enamelled in blue glass (except for the remaining silhouette of a crow) is earned when a Zvaervauldian takes the oaths of the Brotherhood of St. Karl. Another oathbead, each of solid blue enamel, may be worn for each promotion they earn thereafter. The oathbead symbolizes loyalty to Hanseti-Ruska and commitment to the martial tradition of House Weiss. SAPPHIRE HONORBEAD A sapphire bead is earned when a Zvaervauldian wins a duel of honor. There is no way to earn a sapphire bead except to engage in a lawful duel and prove victorious. Furthermore sapphire honorbeads are the only of the Zvaervauld beads which can be lost; for to lose a duel indicates a great shame indeed, and so a sapphire earned must be taken. ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⊰⋅─────────────────────────────⋅⊱ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ Across Haeseni and Highlander cultures, veils historically symbolize piety and womanhood. Veils, wraps, and weaves may be worn by Zvaervauldian women and girls of all ages, depending on their color, patterning, and material. Earned beads may be sewn into veils by those who wear them, or strung and worn around the throat or waist. SILK WEAVES Silk is the favored material for all silks and wraps worn by daughters of the House. Veils, wraps, and weaves worn by Ladies Weiss are almost always to be of silk, though their weight, pattern, and length may vary. White veils symbolize piousness, as is the broader custom; however, they may be worn beginning as early as five or six, as they also serve to protect young hair. Blue veils symbolize loyalty to the House of Weiss and may be worn by any Zvaervauldian woman. Blue silk veils trimmed with gold may be worn by Ladies of the House. Black veils symbolize mourning, and are not to be worn outside of the mourning period. Ladies of the House may wear mourning veils trimmed with blue and gold. WRAPS AND OTHER ORNAMENTATION Any silk which may be worn as a veil may also be wrapped around the entirety of the head, or silk strips may be woven into braids and locs as further adornment. These adornments abide the same rules of color as full-length veils, though are generally preferred by warriors and crafters as they are less likely to get in their way. In the case of a headwrap, beads may be worn on pins and brooches. If woven in, beads may be strung on the silk itself. LACE WEAVES Lace veils may be worn by any Zvaervauldian girl who has reached her fifteenth summer, in honor of the House Weiss’s descendance from the Royal Family of Hyspia. White lace veils may be donned over a bride’s face on her wedding day; furthermore, gold or turquoise lace veils may be donned on by an eldest Weiss daughter at her Hauchmetvas. ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⊰⋅─────────────────────────────⋅⊱ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ LEKONSKED VA VE LVINYY, The Right Honourable, LORD KARL VARON WEISS, Viscount of Novkursain and Baron of Zvaervauld The Right Honourable, SABINE EMELYA WEISS, Matriarch of the House Weiss Lord KAZIMIR AUDO WEISS of Staalgrav Lady NADYA HELOISE WEISS of Staalgrav Lord ERYK LEOPOLD WEISS of Staalgrav

A copy of this report is kept in the House of Weiss archive.