AndrewTech

[!] A sealed envelope bearing the crest of a Compass Rose would find it’s way into Tanith’s hands. To Mrs. Tanith Toov: Greetings! My name is Celestine E. Herbert, President of the Northern Geographical Society and chief proprietor of the Museum of Hanseti-Ruska. Having read your interview with the Ministry of Civil Affairs that my good friend Edward Napier published some time ago, I must say that I would be absolutely overjoyed if you might consider working for my Society. You are a witness to an incredible period of human history, and it would be our honor to have you with us as a caretaker at our humble institution. We have need of such domestic management skills and, should you have an interest, we would also be willing to employ you as an exhibit writer or as a special guest lecturer at our museum. We are currently based out of the Kingdom of Haense, a rather rustic province of the Empire that you might come to feel right at home in. Should you wish to learn more about this employment opportunity, please pen a letter to the Tower of Alaric in the city of New Reza. Sincerely, C. E. Herbert, President of the Northern Geographical Society [AndrewTech#1007]

“Thank you, Mister President.” Sir Konrad would rise, clearing his throat as he moves to approach the lectern. As he places his speech down upon it, he offers a cordial nod to May. The elderly statesman then begins to speak. “Honorable colleagues, I am privileged to have been bestowed the great honor of serving as the Leader of the House of Commons by my peers. There is no greater an adulation that a man can receive than to guide this House and set its agenda as we continue to pioneer this experiment in constitutional democracy. But I digress. I shall keep this speech of mine short and sweet, as I know that we are all eager to get down to business.” Folding his hands behind his back, the elderly statesman continues. “During this session of the Imperial Diet, we shall be discussing a multitude of legislative proposals. These shall include a Josephite plan to establish a Ministry of Education for the Empire and a bipartisan bill to regulate the establishment of private mercenary companies. We shall also debate an Everardine proposal to impose political restrains upon judicial office holders. In addition to these legislative endeavors, we shall also be conducting hearings for Armande de Falstaff and Leufroy Falkenrath to be confirmed as judges to the Central Circuit Court. This shall be a busy yet ambitious session of the House of Commons, but I am confident in the ability of this House to legislative for the Orenian people. Thank you, and may God Bless the Empire.” With that, Sir Konrad returns to the Josephite Bench, taking his seat.

Discord: AndrewTech#1007 Skin: Royal Blue Victorian Bid: 6.1k (I got up at 7 AM just to do this, please do not irk me further.)

Well if that’s so, Discord: AndrewTech#1007 Skin: Royal Blue Victorian Bid: 5k JUST in case bids without discords aren’t legit.

Discord: AndrewTech#1007 White Nightdress: 1k

Royal Blue Victoria : 5k

Red Female Tailcoat: 2.5k Royal Blue Victorian: 2.5k

Upon receiving the invitation at the NGS Museum in New Reza, a reply would be briskly penned by Celestine Herbert to the Sohaer and his council. Sealed in an envelope bearing the sigil of a Compass Rose, it would read as follows. To the Silver State of Haelun’or: The Northern Geographical Society would be delighted to accept your most generous invitation to return to the City on a Silver Hill. As a career anthropologist, I would be delighted to be able to explore the Eternal Library in greater depth and hopefully, in doing so, learn more about the culture of your magnificient civilization. I, along with a sampling of my fellow scholars, shall endeavour to travel to the Silver City shortly. Once again, we thank you for extending this invitation to our humble organization. Sincerely, Celestine E. Herbert, President of the Northern Geographical Society

Sir Konrad Stafyr KM sweats as he attempts to select his favorite vest from the closet. “KAMILLA! Green or yellow?!” The elderly man cried out to his wife. She, of course, suggested that the former Lord Speaker wear the green one. And so he would prepare to join in the festivities at Vasiland!

Sir Konrad Stafyr grins as he reads over the missive on the streets of New Reza. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, Terrence!” He remarks to nobody in particular before continuing on the campaign trail.

The City on a Silver Hill A Human’s Visit to Haelun’or 16th of the Sun’s Smile, 1764 | 19th of Tov & Yermey, 317 ES A REPORT BY THE NORTHERN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY This last Saint’s Day, I had the tremendous good fortune to be invited by the King of Haense to accompany his encourage on a visit to the Silver City, the majestic and curious home of the High Elves, for a tour of the realm that had been offered to the Haeseni royal family. Upon our arrival in Haelun’or, we were greeted by a High Elvish woman by the name of Adeline. She informed his Majesty, the King of Haense that a trial was underway, and invited him to witness it. The King accepted, and so we were thus led into a chamber where we found Sulraell, Sohaer of the Silver City, sitting upon his throne in a gleaming chamber adorned with the finest marble imaginable. King Sigismund was invited to stand on the dais with the Sohaer, a high honor afforded to him by the leader of Haelun’or. He accepted the invitation, and thus the trial began. Adeline: “You will become present in a trial of the Silver Council, Valah lliran. We, the Mali’thill, appreciate your presence and collaboration of the current procedures.” A High Elven man soon entered the chamber. Muriel Uradir: “The verdict has been set!” He flicked his staff toward Hengest. “The mali’ata is to undergo the path to purity, adorn at all times an amulet to display his impurity… Until his degenerate progeny is hunted down, doused in acid, and killed! The mali’ata will be pronounced pure once more following these procedures.” Alaion Miravis: “Maehr’sae hiylun’ehya! Justice, as always.” Everyone present began to shout this phrase. I had initially thought it to be similar to “Iv Joveo Mann” in the New Marian language. Later, a bystander suggested to me that maehr’sae hiylun’ehya meant “progress and health” in the elven tongue. Muriel then proclaimed that the trial had been concluded. Another high elf by the name of Alaion Miravaris declared that an acal pendant was to be forged swiftly, to brand the defendant as a “mali’ata” until they had re-earnt their place in society. It was described to be a “most sulian outcome”. Thereafter the conclusion of the trial, another High Elf addressed the gathering. He brought his hands to his chest and performed an ever so slight bow to the King of Haense, before saying, Aerendyl Lor’demar: “The city of Silver welcomes you, llir. Before you on the dias stands Elheial’thilln, the silver council. Ehya-, upon the throne you will find Sulraell Visaj and Azorella Elibar’acal. ElSohaer and ElMaheral respectively.” In response to this explanation, the King offered everyone present a few bows, the Sohaer one last out of the utmost respect and then settled back into his chair. In response, he said, King Sigismund II: “I thank you for the invitation, Sohaer, Maheral. Though I am entirely oblivious to your customs, names, culture, identities - I hope that this visit will allow me to garner a greater understanding of your people.” Godwin: “If any Haenseman has questions for someone who may be more relatable, I speak both languages and fully understand both cultures.” Sulraell: “A g-generous offering, Ahernan… Make sure they are kept safe. Perhaps a tour would be a good way to extend your citizenry’s horizon, and knowledge of our own people…” King Sigismund II: “Of course, I am in your home, at your invitation. I shall respect the wishes and suggestions of the occupants of this realm.” Aerendyl Lor’demar: “A splendid idea! Marayla, favored lliran, with introductions now out of the way, allow us to begin the tour! We now stand in the Silver Citadel, Home of the Silver Council and all administratorial and government-related affairs of Elcihi’thilln. Trials, public assemblies, and council meetings are all hosted within - this is where the Silver City’s future is decided.” King Sigismund II: “Ah… So if I were to compare this to my homeland… This would be considered the palace, or a courtroom, da?” Godwin: “It is, your Highness.” Sulraell: “Quite so…” Aerendyl Lor’demar: “Allow us to move on- There is much to be seen here.” As we moved out of the Silver Citadel, the King’s entourage proceeded deeper into the city’s interior. We came upon a beautiful marble building, coated with neatly kept foliage. Aerendyl Lor’Demar: “Closing in and around us is the main trade district. The bank, auction house and shops selling finely made items can be found at each and every door. In fact, I do believe there are some Haeseni imports, in case you feel homesick yet!” King Sigismund II: “So this would be Sigismund’s square…” The King compared the trade district to the main square of the city of Reza. Godwin: “This is our trade district, the square you passed through on the way in is the same as the main Haense square.” King Sigismund II: “I’ve been informed of certain Haeseni merchants attempting to sell their wares in the Silver City. It is good to see that trade flourishes.” Aerendyl Lor’Demar: “If you wish to browse, you are more than welcome to do so- we shall wait! If not, we can move on.” While the Princess Alexandria wished to explore the city in further detail, his Majesty suggested that doing so might hold up the tour for too long and suggested that the group continue. The princess however agreed with her brother in a saddened manner, suggesting that she would have to return at a later time. As we moved onto the renowned Eternal College of the Silver City, we came into a marvelous room filled with maps, books, and other sources of scholarly knowledge. Aerendyl Lor’demar: “The main hallway of the Eternal College: The bond of institutions that our two nations share! Large orations are held within this main hall Narne il’laye.” King Sigismund II: The King looked in wonder upon the architecture as we entered the main oration chamber. “I couldn’t even replicate this in Reza, even if I had a wish to do so.” Princess Alexandria: “Oh, if only mother could see an academy like this, Lya!” She said to her sister. Alaion Miravaris: “A place of education, a thing that we can both agree is most essential. The malithill pride ourselves on both our architectural grandeur, as well as practicality of such! Such progress is required by our culture.” As we moved out of the Eternal College, we now moved to enter the Eternal Library of the Silver City. So vast was it and so filled with books that I could not help to gaze upon the scene with awe. Nothing like it exists in all the Empire. Aerendyl Lor’demar: “This is the main hall. What this great library started with and built upon. We now only house fiction in this wing, our treasured collection residing down the lift!” King Sigismund II: “Both my royal library and the Alimar library do not come close to amounting to the texts in here. Perhaps even the entire collections of the Empire even!” Aerendyl Lor’demar: “There is an additional section of this library. It is however restricted and closed off for now, unfortunately.” A knight inquired as to why the section was restricted. Godwin, our cultural liaison, replied that it is where the high elves kept their books on magic. Alaion Miravaris: “Blessed visitors; as you can see, this library holds wealth in knowledge uncontested. The pride and joy of the Mali’thill. One can pour eons into abosorbing all that our blessed library has to offer!” Muriel Uradir: “We are mali’thill… Champions of elmahr’sae hiylun’ehya.” Aerendyl Lor’demar: “Our collection now approaches nearly two thousand tomes!” Two thousand tomes? So amazed was I that I could not help but to be paralyzed in shock! Alaion Miravaris: “A query, Lor’demar- you travel often. Do our visitors have a library of their own?” Aerendyl Lor’demar: “I am uncertain.” I interjected that there is a grand library in Reza, one of the finest if not the finest in all the Empire. However, it is dwarfed in comparison to the great library of Haelun’or. The princesses were amazed to find that there was, within the Eternal Library’s halls, written works on the House of Barbanov and the Holy Scrolls in the anthropology section, which of course was the favored part of the library that I myself was the most intrigued with as a career anthropologist myself! We could have spent weeks exploring this vast labyrinth of knowledge, but alas, we continued on our tour. As we continued out of the library, Aerendyl continued to give a tour. Aerendyl Lor’demar: “The Road to the left takes us to the extensive residential district which, apart from its architecture, is not notable enough to be part of the tour. Through the tunnel, and with this small opening in the square, we find more commercial stalls- ehya, if you’d follow me, we walk toward the acid pit!” As we entered the room which contained the acid pit, we found ourselves in awe as we gazed upon a flowing fountain of the fabled liquid. Silvos Sythaerin: “Welcome royals of Haense. Look upon the glory that is our acid pit! As its inventor many centuries ago, I am open for any questions you may have. If you wish, I can even grant you a demonstration!” Sigismund II: “I’ve heard the stories of the acid pits - an ancient Orenian King, Andrik Vydra, was executed in one of these. Quite interesting.” Sigismund II: “Well… Ancient by my standards…” The Haensemen were thrilled to request a demonstration. The King himself expressed a great interest in watching, as Silvos- The inventor of the acid pits, held in his hand a potted plant. Aerendyl Lor’demar: “A clean, quick and painless method of execution - for those to whom salvation is no longer an option.” He proceeded into the chamber blow, which was separated from us by a wall of reinforced glass. With the plant in hand, he slowly threw it into the flowing fountain of acid. And almost immediately, it began to boil the plant away, aggressively consuming it as a large puff of gas burst out of the pool. Soon, the plant disappeared without a trace. Having instantly been dissolved at a moment’s notice, the Lord Palatine remarked that the demonstration was most impressive. The King himself remarked that this method of execution was much more efficient than that of an executioner’s blade. The Sohaer remarked that there was no waste, nothing to clean up… It was perfectly manifested. No mess, no fuss, no pain. No funerals required for those criminals who have committed acts so horrendous as to warrant the ordering of their demise. As we left the execution chamber, we now proceeded onto our final destination: the tavern. Here, the Haensemen were treated to a fine sampling of mali’thill wines. They were, to be frank, some of the most delicious that I have ever tasted, even as fine as the grandest brews from across the Empire. The rest of the guests were excused so that the Silver Council and the royal family of Haense might dine together, and so concluded the tour. During the dinner, the Haeseni royal family- The princesses and the King included, expressed great thanks for being offered the tour. The Silver Council admitted that they had not had human visitors in quite some time, and expressed great joy at being able to receive into their halls a cultured people to come and enjoy the Silver Halls. The Lord Palatine expressed wonder at the city’s grandeur, remarking that he did not believe that he had ever been to a city that boasted such fine architecture as that of Haelunor’s. I decided to excuse myself after the royal family of Haense took their seats around the table, but I will not soon forget our trip to Haelun’or, nor shall I forget His Majesty’s kindness in allowing me to tag along with the Haeseni delegation. It is, of course, my hope and the hope of all that this shall be the start of a new, flowering relationship between the humans of Haense and the elves of Haelun’or! -Penned by Celestine E. Herbert, President of the Northern Geographical Society

Upon hearing of the passing of the great Otto Sigmar from his nephew Alaric, a tired and elderly Sir Konrad Stafyr slumps deeper into the velvet of his armchair. He had fought many battles alongside the Grand Prince over the last fifty years, some of them martial and others political. While they had never been the closest of friends, Otto had played a very important role in his life, before, during, and after their time together in the Government of King Andrik III. As Konrad further reflected upon his passing, he began to realize that one of the last Haeseni veterans of the War of the Two Emperors besides himself had perished from Terra. Upon the revelation that he himself might now be one of the last men in the kingdom to have fought with Joseph Marna, the old man lets out a deep sigh. The end of an era was coming, and the passing of the Grand Prince of Mudlav may well have marked the beginning of that era’s end.

Sir Konrad Stafyr KM prepares to offer his legal services to the two Haeseni gentlemen in defense of these outrageous charges.

Name: C. E. Herbert Race: Human Age: 25 Discord#: You’ve got it already.

The Northern Geographical Society The Great Crest of the Northern Geographical Society c. 1762 Background & History Established in 1762 by the traveling anthropologist Celestine E. Herbert, the Northern Geographical Society (NGS) is an organization devoted to the pursuit of anthropological and historical learning, as well as the safeguarding of the heritage of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. The idea for the Society was first conceived after the publication of C. E. Herbert’s first ethnography about the the Kingdom of Haense, part of her work as a writer and research consultant employed by the Imperial Office of Civil Affairs. An anthropologist by trade, she had taken a great interest in the Haeseni people and saw a grand opportunity to pioneer the establishment of a museum in the northernmost frontier province of the Empire. So entranced was she by the rich and diverse history of the North that she decided to use her own personal funds to open a society and museum dedicated to the preservation of Haeseni history and heritage, as well as anthropological knowledge in general from across the whole of Arcas. Celestine E. Herbert, M.D. On Expedition the Jungles of the Spice Islands, c. 1757 The Museum of Hanseti-Ruska One of the core missions of the Northern Geographic Society is to showcase the rich historical and cultural heritage of the North to both the Haeseni and the greater imperial public. The museum itself has an emphasis on the Haeseni people, although the Society collects artifacts from across both the Holy Orenian Empire and the continent of Arcas. At the Museum of Hanseti-Ruska, the Society also takes great pride in its Natural History Exhibit, which illustrates the rich fauna and flora of the north and greater Arcas for the general public. Our world famous taxidermists have taken great steps to preserve a variety of different creatures, which can be seen on display on the second floor of the Tower of Alaric. The Northern Geographical Society is a proud supporter of the arts in the region, providing employment as well as a safe haven for historians, naturalists, anthropologists, archeologists, and others. The current President of the NGS is C. E. Herbert @AndrewTech with the current Vice President being Stephen Carolus @Aedephon and the current Curator of the NGS Museum being Otto Wittenbach @Etow. Employment opportunities within the museum’s hierarchy are as follows: Curator: The Curator of the Museum is charged with administering the day to day operations of the museum building. This includes the cataloging of artifacts, training of museum tour guides, orchestrating special exhibits and events, and the management of other museum staff. [CURRENT CURATOR: Otto Wittenbach] @Etow Tour Guides: These knowledgeable volunteers are dedicated to offering comprehensive, in-depth tours of the museum and its various exhibits to the general public. While tour guide positions are unpaid, these men and women are nonetheless vital to the daily operations of the Museum of Hanseti-Ruska. Guides are expected to retain a professional and friendly demeanor at all times as the face of the NGS to the public, or face dismissal. [HELP WANTED] Research Specialists: Academics who assist in the authoring of exhibit displays, as well as the cataloging of artifacts and the careful upkeep of the Museum. They may be paid on commission by the NGS for their work, depending on the quality and quantity of their projects. [HELP WANTED] Field Agents: These anthropologists, archeologists, and adventurers who work for the society but have not yet been confirmed to sit on the Society’s Circle are entrusted with gathering artifacts, written records, and cultural information for the Society and its outposts. They are compensated for their endeavours and are held to the Society’s high standards of academic integrity and excellence in their work. [HELP WANTED] Sales Manager: When visitors come to see the NGS’s Museum of Hanseti-Ruska, many of them have a wish to take something back with them. That is why we maintain gift shops for visitors to be able to purchase trinkets to take back with them! The manager runs the shop’s supply line and keeps it stocked, receiving a proportional amount of pay for his goods based on what is sold. Sketches of the Museum Hall & Natural History Exhibit The Society’s Circle This elite group of adventurers, explorers, historians, natural scientists, anthropologists, and archeologists regularly meets at the very top of the Tower of Alaric. The Circle is chaired by the President of the Northern Geographical Society. All members of the society, save for the President and the Vice President- His or her direct second, are to be considered equals while within the Circle’s meeting hall. Many of the Circle’s members will pursue their own projects independent of the NGS. It is, however, a body of peers whose knowledge and skill sets members can draw upon for their own endeavors. The President chairs regular meetings of the Circle to act as a forum through which the member’s endeavors may be discussed. On occasion, the President may also sanction an NGS expedition in which members of the Circle may assist or participate in. Membership in the Circle is strictly managed by the President. He or she must invite all new members, or else be proposed for entrance into the society by a member of the Circle. The President has the ability to veto such nominations. Sketches of the Society’s Meeting Hall Valued Patrons, Awards, & Friends of the Museum Citizens who have rendered valuable services to the Museum are bestowed the title of “Valued Patron”, nominated either by the President himself or another member of the Circle. These nominations are considered and voted upon at each meeting of the Circle, although they may be vetoed by the President. Special awards may be given to persons of renown by the President at his or her discretion, the nomination process again running through the Circle with the ability of the President to veto. Finally, Friends of the Museum are special donors or allies of the Northern Geographical Society who have been awarded a bust in the Hall of Statues. This is either done to recognize exemplary services to the Society or large donations of 5,000 or more minas. Each donation for Friend of the Museum privileges must be accepted by the Circle and may be vetoed by the President. Only available while statue slots last! Joining the Northern Geographical Society & Museum New employees are always being sought by the Northern Geographical Society and Museum, although members of the Circle must gain recognition before receiving an invitation from the President to join this echelon of the society. Those who wish to seek employment with the NGS Society and Museum may pen a letter to the President of the NGS. ((AndrewTech#1007))

“The grandest example of journalism I’ve ever seen!” Sir Konrad remarks with a smile, the old man reclining in his arm chair as he reads the latest issue of the Chronicles, sipping from a cup of his favorite Haeseni tea.

A Better Tomorrow Has Come 13th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1762 | 17th of Gronna and Drobba, 315 ES Over the course of the last eight years, I have had the great honor of being able to serve as the Junior Senator in the Imperial Senate for the Kingdom that I love. The people of Haense have been gracious enough to send me to Helena twice now, and this great honor is something that I shall truly cherish for the rest of my life. Together with my friend and colleague, Sir Terrence May GCM, we have worked in lockstep to fight for a ‘Better Tomorrow’ for the Haeseni people at the imperial level of government. These last four years have been filled with great legislative successes, any more so than during any other session of the Imperial Senate throughout its entire history. Much of the work that Senator May and I do in the Imperial capital is done without pomp and grandeur. Hence, not many of our bills are reported on back in Haense, although every bit of the work that we do is transparent and can be found in the public archives of the Imperial Senate. Some of the bills that we have passed included the following: The Scholastic Subsidization Act, a bill which I authored in its entirety and put to the floor of the Senate. It was passed just a few Saint’s Days ago and now awaits assent from the Imperial Crown. When given, it shall allow Haeseni scholarly institutions such as the Royal Academy of Saint Catherine and the Royal Library of Reza to apply for imperial treasury grants to bolster their ability to provide an education for both our children and the general public at large. The Amyas Act, which I co-authored with Senator May to provide greater resources for our hospitals and clinics. As a member of the Royal Duma, I am proud to say that I passed the Great Medical Reform Act in our great kingdom during my youth, and this piece of legislation at the Imperial level has given our medical system, which is already one of the finest in the Empire, more financial resources to buy equipment to doctor our citizens and military veterans. The Goblin Act, which stripped these degenerates who have sought to have King Sigismund slaughtered like an animal of their personhood. I cosponsored this bill along with my colleagues in the Imperial Senate in retaliation for that barbaric attempt on His Majesty’s life, without hesitation nor delay! The Railroad Act, a bill which I spoke out strongly in favor of on the Senate floor. It has provided easy bandit free travel to the denizens of the Empire, and has fulfilled an infrastructure goal which I have been a proponent of for decades. Best of all, the relative cost to the Haeseni people is practically negligible, and the benefits for trade and civilian travel boundless. Furthermore, we have nominated and confirmed two strong Haeseni judges to the Western Circuit Court during this last term alone that will help to safeguard our Jorenic Liberties on the bench for years to come. Yet there is still more work to be done. A better tomorrow has come today, but I ask of the Haeseni people that they bestow me the opportunity to try to make that tomorrow just a bit brighter yet. If re-elected, I pledge to pursue: The establishment of an Empire-wide criminal registry that shall be accessible to all provincial officials for the purpose of securing greater law enforcement, The creation of state-sponsored homes for the needy for those less fortunate members of our society, Continued nominations and votes on strong judges that will rule fairly and justly across the Empire, and A continued policy of maintaining provincial autonomy and our personal liberties while continuing to work with the other provinces of the Empire to create meaningful legislation to better the Haeseni people. We are doing good work, and I would like to continue serving the Haeseni people as their elected representative to do so a bit further. VOTE SIR KONRAD STAFYR FOR A BETTER TOMORROW AND FINISH THE JOB! https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/190421-senate-election-second-round-haense-1762/

The late King Andrik IV of Haense was whistling a cheerful tune as he and his sister traversed the grounds of his favorite garden in the Seven Skies. “I think I’ve done it, Alexandria. This time, I know that I’ve-“ Suddenly, the deceased King comes to a stop in his tracks. Gazing upward at the cottage where Aleksandra’s gaze overlooked the beautiful meadow below, his eyes would widen as he takes note of another silhouette in the window. “-Alex, it’s her!” Andrik cried out in shock as he caught sight of the shadow through the window. “She- No, she should have won that fight! She’s was always so strong... Ugh!” Dashing away, the King vanished from sight. He rushed to his gardens, which the amateur botanist had tended so loyally in the Seven Skies for so long. The man fumbled around in the foliage for that which he was searching for until he found it. Content, he picked it out of the patch of flowers and began to move toward the cottage. His emotions were mixed. Sigismund was a man now, a regnant King who would be able to care for his sibling. But on the other hand, his girls were just children... And Nikolas was even more of a child than they were. But they were Crows, and they would endure as all Crows did when they were forced to leave the nest. He was sure of it. Rushing into the cottage, Andrik came to a halt. Maya and Aleks’s backs were turned to him, and he knew that they were enjoying their time together. But nonetheless, the hobbyist naturalist held the flower up that he had taken from the gardens: A perfect red tulip, bred to the utmost perfection. Something he had been working on for the last six years in the Seven Skies, waiting for the day that he and Maya would be reunited. He had known that it would be a long journey for his best childhood friend and closest companion, but he had prepared himself for the day that he would have to greet her. “Maya?” He tries to garner her attention, a soft smile coming upon his face. “I have something for you...”

Reserved.

Of Thistles and Roses An Ethnographic Study on the Commonwealth of Kaedrin 6th of Harren’s Folly, 1761 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF CIVIL AFFAIRS I.) Introduction Departing from the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, I decided to continue my journey into the easternmost provinces of the Holy Orenian Empire. Accompanied by a new friend that I had made in the north, the Lady Angelika Vanir, we made our way across the famed Hangman’s Bridge and entered the Commonwealth of Kaedrin. While not as densely populated in nature as the provinces of Helena and Haense, Kaedrin is far from desolate. In a new age characterized by surprising realities, the once thriving metropolis of Ves has since been converted by the Commonwealth government into an agrarian market town more representative of traditional Kaedreni culture. Although the new town of Owynsburg may not be as lively as the famed Golden City, it is a respectable countryside settlement that appeals to those who seek to live a more rural lifestyle. The Kaedreni countryside was quite beautiful, and it was refreshing to escape the musty air of the western metropolises as I proceeded through the Empire’s eastern frontier. II.) Culture and Values A Traditional Kaedreni Harvest Festival, c. 1760 Unfortunately, many in the Empire are unfamiliar with what it means to be a man or woman of Kaedrin. The Kaedrini people generally prefer to keep to themselves, rather than expressing themselves to outsiders. However, during my time in Kaedrin, the Lady Vanir and I learned much about the Kaedreni people through our observations and my interviews with the people of the province. Before traveling to the province, I took the liberty of researching in greater detail the subcultures that exist within the Commonwealth of Kaedrin, which I shall summarize briefly: Kaedreni - When one thinks of the Commonwealth of Kaedrin, these are the inhabitants of the province that most come to mind. While there are some Auvergne influences on the mainstream Kaedreni culture, the clear Highland influences on the Kaedreni culture make it entirely unique from any of the other human cultures in Arcas. A passive, stoic people, they are nonetheless blunt and are rarely afraid to speak their minds. They practice the utmost amount of military-style discipline in almost every aspect of their lives, for this is what it means to be a Kaedreni. Harrenites - Descendants of the ancient Adunian people, Harrenites are just as apparent in the Commonwealth of Kaedrin as they are in the southern province of Helena. Initially a hybrid species of elf and human, Harrenites have since become almost physically indistinguishable from primary bloodlines of humanity. Since the rebellions of old, many Harrenites have gone on to accomplish great feats in the fields of science, art, literature, and finance. Many Harrenites feel quite comfortable in the province of Kaedrin, enjoying the more agrarian lifestyle as opposed to the urban bustle of the Imperial capital. Westerlanders - These people are quite prevalent throughout the Commonwealth, boasting a strong presence in the province. However, while similar to Waldenians in terms of their language syntax, their culture is very distinct from that of old Aesterwald or of the Hansetians. They share the same military-style discipline as their Kaedreni counterparts, stoic in nature with a tendency to frankly express themselves and shy away from conversation. A new cultural group has also recently immigrated to Kaedrin, one which seems to have claimed “Carnatian” heritage from one of the most important duchies within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. However, due to their relatively recent arrival in the Commonwealth, I have decided to defer a further examination of their culture. Many of the interactions that I had while in Kaedrin were with the third subculture of the Commonwealth that I have listed, the Westerlanders. However, the high level of discipline that the Kaedreni are renowned for was quite apparent throughout my conversations with many of the citizens of the province. Although the Kaedreni way of life is less feudal in nature than the Kingdom of Haense, the Kaedreni are in many ways much more conservative than their western counterparts. In Kaedrin, the Church is the supreme moral authority that governs the Kaedreni people in their everyday lives. Clergy officials are widely revered throughout the province, and although the town of Owynsburg is very agrarian in nature, the Kaedreni have nonetheless devoted an enormous amount of resources to the upkeep of a magnificent monastery that serves as a center of good works and theological learning for the Church of the Canon. The Kaedreni are far more wary of non-human outsiders than the denizens of the Empire’s western provinces. Often, they view members of the other races with skepticism and caution, slow to trust those who do not share Horen’s blood. However, the election of Senator Urrigon Drumm has shown that outsiders of other races can come to be tolerated within the Commonwealth, and the presence of Drumm Hall, which is built into the side of Mount St. Catherine, is another testament to this. Saint Thomas’s Day is one of the most important local holidays in the province of Kaedrin. This holiday recalls the kingdom’s ancient heritage that can be traced back to the days of the First Empire and the Order of the White Rose. During this holiday, the Bishop will normally give a sermon to mark Saint Thomas’s achievements. Afterward, the men will normally don red hats and shirts while the women weave crowns of roses to place upon their heads in order to celebrate their heritage. This celebration is widely enjoyed during the autumn season and is greatly loved by the Kaedreni people. Regarding the values of the Kaedreni people, I distinctly recall a conversation that I had with a gentleman during my time in the Commonwealth. While he shall remain anonymous, he described himself as a hunter by trade who had moved to Kaedrin from the Imperial Crownlands to join his cultural brethren. He spoke with great knowledge on a variety of different topics relating to the hunt and the use of military grade weaponry. When I asked him to describe to me in his own words what he believed it meant to be a Kaedreni, he responded to me in an amazing way: “Discipline. Loyalty. Tradition. Honor. Our language and our faith is sacred. They have set the foundations to our strong society which has hierarchy. Our men are taught to accept hierarchy as the natural structure of civilization. They are happy to work.” It was truly remarkable how the hunter described the values of his people with such eloquence, and I do not believe that I could have summarized the spirit of Kaedreni culture better myself. The “natural structure of civilization” is indeed very important to the people of Kaedrin, as are the traditional customs and rules by which they live their lives. This belief in adherence to hierarchy and the social order helps to explain the extreme self-discipline exercised by the Kaedreni people, with rules being ingrained so deeply into the Kaedreni culture that to stray from the beliefs and rules of that hierarchy is unthinkable to the average citizen of the Commonwealth. III.) Government & Politics An Assembly of the Kaedreni House of Electors, c. 1744 The Commonwealth government is very unique in nature, quite different in structure to those of the other imperial provinces. The King of Kaedrin, for instance, is not a hereditary monarch that rules through right of birth, as is the case in the Empire’s other monarchies. Instead, he is elected for life by the peerage of the Commonwealth through the upper chamber of the Kaedreni Diet, the House of Electors, and can hail from any House, so long as he can claim his lineage from one of the ancient Houses of the Empire. The House of Electors consists of: His Grace, Robert Castor of the House of Helvets, The Duke of Cathalon The Rt Hon., Richard Victor of the House of Helvets, The Count of Rochefort The Hon., Sir Fredrick of the House of Armas, The Viscount of Rillsworth At this time, the Holy Orenian Emperor concurrently holds the title of King-Elect of Kaedrin. In the aftermath of the death of King Adrian I, he was elected to rule over the Commonwealth for the remainder of his days. He has since designated a Governor-General, Prince Henry Frederick Helvets, to rule the province in his name. The Governor-General’s cabinet consists of three senior Secretaries of State, under which exist a number of junior Secretaries of State with vague responsibilities defined in the Kaedreni constitution. These permanent senior secretaries include: The Secretary of State for Internal Affairs The Secretary of State for External Affairs The Solicitor General It is noteworthy to mention that the other chamber of the Diet, the House of Commons, has been in a state of dissolution since 1740. The town of Owynsburg, which serves as the seat of the province, sits in the shadow of the renowned Palace of Varoche. This is where the High Pontiff and provincial monarchs agreed to reform the Holy Orenian Empire several decades ago. The seat of the province itself is quite small and compact, a cozy countryside settlement run by the Mayor of Owynsburg and his council. To the west of the town lies a grand cathedral, presided over by the Bishop of Kaedrin as the representative of the all-important Canonist Church in the province. In recent years, the Commonwealth government has pursued a more decentralized approach to governing the various regions of the province. According to an aide of the Bishop of Kaedrin, the Commonwealth has taken a more “hands off” approach to managing day-to-day affairs, investing power in the local authorities to do so in its stead. As such, local government plays a huge role in the lives of the average Kaedreni, perhaps more so than anywhere else in the Empire, although the recent appointment of the new Governor-General may lead to a change in the province’s political landscape. IV.) Interactions with the Kaedreni People A Portrait of a Typical Kaedreni Family, c. 1761 During my time in Owynsburg, I was afforded plenty of opportunities to interact with many citizens of the Commonwealth. The Kaedreni are industrious people with a strong work ethic, and I found most of the men that I encountered hard at work, either tilling the fields or assisting in the construction of new buildings for the town. Although the citizens that I interviewed were, for the most part, very rigid and disciplined, I was treated with the utmost courtesy and respect during my stay. While the population was sparse, the people that I encountered were quite hospitable and more than willing to answer my questions. One such man, the aforementioned Westerlandic hunter, explained to me that the Kaedreni take great pride in their battle prowess and military history. During the Rubern War, the shocktroopers of the Commonwealth of Kaedrin were renowned for their tactics and roadside victories against the AIS. While the armies of Kaedrin may not be as strong as they were several decades ago, they are nonetheless quite competent and adept at the art of warfare. I also encountered a woman who was a denizen of the Commonwealth of Kaedrin, one who had many friends from the province and had lived there for a good bit of her life. Her name was Mariana Dubois, and she graciously granted me permission to name her in my study. While she was the daughter of a couple that claimed Auvergne and Santegian descent, she possessed an incredible knowledge of Kaedrin that I found to be highly useful during my travels. When I asked her about the change in the province’s atmosphere from metropolitan to agrarian in nature, Miss Dubois replied that the Kaedreni people had simply not felt a connection with the urban environment of old Ves. It was against their nature to live in such a city, she had explained, for a beautiful rural paradise was what the Kaedreni people yearned for. She reaffirmed the hunter’s remarks about Kaedreni adherence to the social hierarchy of mankind. Miss Dubois summed it up by saying that if everyone within the province of Kaedrin acted like lords and generals, then there would be no wheat or milk available to feed one’s family. Each man is bestowed his own purpose in life, although at the end of the day, all are equal in the sight of God. These citizens were quite hospitable, and seemed to take great pride in beautifying their lands and creating improvements to strengthen the majesty of their agrarian paradise. V.) Conclusion The Commonwealth of Kaedrin is a proud realm, one with a rich culture and an even richer legacy of military heroics. While perhaps not the most bustling of provinces, Kaedrin has the unique quality of exemplifying a simpler, more rural form of life. I have begun to notice a pattern in my studies as I traverse the realms of the Empire. It would seem as though the provinces each have their own “cultural anchor”, a single value that forms the foundations of their societies. In the Kingdom of Haense, I found that anchor to be the northern honor that every Haenseman follows, summarized and safeguarded by the famed Jeremic Liberties. However, in the case of the Commonwealth of Kaedrin, I would say that the cultural anchor of the Kaedreni people is an adherence to tradition and hierarchy above all else. Without the social hierarchy that governs the Commonwealth of Kaedrin, there could be no Kaedreni culture. And without the rich traditions of mankind, there could not be a Kaedreni people. As I leave the province of Kaedrin to travel further eastward into the Kingdom of Curonia, I do wonder what I will observe the “cultural anchor” to be in the Empire’s easternmost province. -Authored by Celestine E. Herbert

SURNAME: Stafyr FIRST NAME: Konrad ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: County of Nenzing, Kingdom of Haense DATE OF BIRTH: 5th of the Grand Harvest, 1701 Are you registered and eligible to vote in the province of Haense?: Yes. Do you have any other title, peerage or public service that may conflict with becoming an Imperial Senator, as per the Edict of Establishment (1736) or Edict of Election (1736)?: No. If yes, do you understand that you will be required to resign or abdicate from this position should you be elected to the Imperial Senate, and if this does not occur your seat shall be considered to be vacant?:Yes. ((MC NAME)): AndrewTech

“Oh Maya...” The late King Andrik IV smiles brightly as he observes architects putting the finishing touches on the new academy building from the Seven Skies. “...How truly grand! I always did want to see something like this created in life, when human resources were scarce and the war was of the utmost import. You’re doing GOD’s work, educating the younglings of Haense, and I am ever so proud.”

“Ah... And so the day has finally come!” The late King Andrik IV remarks from the Seven Skies, grinning from ear to ear as he watches his eldest son prepare for his coronation day. “‘Sigismund II’... One has to admit, that name has quite a ring to it! A strong and fitting name for a King of Haense. You’ll do well, son; I know you will.” =================================================================== Sir Konrad Stafyr KM continues to iron out his favorite dress shirt, the aging senator excitedly preparing for the coronation festivities!

I like the idea of an Option C, but only if it’s done right. Splitting the world up into like, three different islands like in Axios would actually be rather cool. I honestly think that keeping the server whole would be for the best, but if we go with Option A then it’ll only hurt it a lot more in the long term. Hence, a division of regions in a way that makes IRP sense might actually be for the best.