AndrewTech

“Oh no... You too, Aleksandra?” The late King Andrik IV’s eyes would widen as he comes to a halt in his daily routine in the Seven Skies, taking note of her presence through the window from below. “A shame, my dear cousin... Truly a shame. I’m saddened to see you here so soon.” Biting at his lip, Andrik could only imagine what Maya was going through in the realm of the living. She had already lost so many... To lose her closet friend and confident would no doubt weigh heavily upon her soul. He would pray for her tonight from the Seven Skies, perhaps with his little sister. Letting out a deep sigh, Andrik continues to speak. “While Tiberius Barrow and Otto Sigmar were fighting the last days of the war, you did a truly admirable job of managing the home front with my wife. You beautified my city and undertook so many countless projects to better the lives of the Haeseni people following my death. You have done so much for my kingdom, and I am proud to call you a true Crow. GOD knows that you deserve this lovely reprieve.” Pausing for a moment, he adds, “But... You’ll forgive me when I say that I hope that chair remains empty for a while longer! I do believe that it’s intended occupant still has a purpose in the realm of the living.” ======================================= Sir Konrad Stafyr simply sighs as he hears of the news of Alekandra’s death. Ordering a nice, big vat of Carrion Black from the Crow’s Hearth Inn, he begins to start toward the Stafyr manor with the intent of comforting his cousin, the young Count of Nenzing, and his children.

The Last Frontier An Ethnographic Study on the Kingdom of Haense 23rd of the Grand Harvest, 1760 | 14th of Gronna and Droba, 313 ES BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF CIVIL AFFAIRS I.) Introduction When I first arrived in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, I must admit that I found the culture of the Highlands to be quite different than that which I am normally accustomed to in the south. Despite my Highlander heritage, I fear I did not expect the striking differences between the cultures of the north and the Imperial heartlands... ...But that striking difference is what has made Haense into one of the most prosperous provinces of the Empire: A thriving kingdom that has become one of the grandest bastions of mankind. As the daughter of both a Haeseni Highlander and a Helenian Heartlander, Haense has always held a special place in my heart. Although I was raised as a citizen of Helena in the Imperial Crownlands and thus was initially unfamiliar with the specifics of the Haeseni culture, Reza was my birthplace. Even to this day, my brother and I continue to fondly think of it as our childhood home. The first of what will hopefully be many studies on the realms of the Holy Orenian Empire and of greater Arcas, my study on the Kingdom of Haense is one which I am eager to release to the public at large for their own personal enlightenment. II.) Culture and Values The Haeseni way of life is quite an anomaly. Nowhere else in the Empire does a people so value a code of honor as Haense. Tradition is of the utmost import to the Haeseni, and thus they are quite proud of their way of life. They subscribe to a number of practices and institutions that run parallel to that of the Empire’s. For instance, while the Haeseni people subscribe to using the standardized Imperial Calendar on a daily basis as in the south, they also often refer to the Siegmundic Calendar in many of their local publications and legal documents. Another of these unique institutions is that of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. The military tradition of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl is quite a distinct one. Battle hardened from over two decades of constant warfare with the infamous AIS, the soldiers of this realm are more like a family than a formalized military. Their loyalty to the youthful King of Haense is unwavering, and is something that is not to be taken for granted. It should be remembered that not thirty years ago the King of Kaedrin barely managed to ward off an attempted coup by his own military offices during the Lorraine Revolt of 1729. Not all levies within the Empire have always exhibited the same loyalty as the Brotherhood or the ISA, and the unwavering loyalty of the Haeseni military is to the Crown of Haense’s credit. Such a revolt against the legendary House of Barbanov would be unthinkable; thus, the Kingdom of Haense’s political and military stability is a credit to its legacy. As to the Haeseni people themselves, I have never once been mistreated while I have been staying here in Reza. They are very welcoming to outsiders, although the Kingdom of Haense is much more homogeneous in nature than the great Imperial City of Helena. The crime rate in the north is significantly lower than in the south, likely due to this homogeny and the more rural nature of the province. In Haense, the Jeremic Liberties are beloved above all else. Every Haenseman believes that: “To each freeman is his own life, to take it is to be a thief, To each freeman his own time, to take it is to be a slaver, To each freeman his own sword, to take it is to blind him, To each freeman his own wife, to take it is to injure him, And to each freeman his own farm, to take is to make him no man.” A Haenseman is never afraid to get his hands dirty, I have learned. Hard work and determination are two of the most highly praised values in the Kingdom of Haense. Competence is key, and is often rewarded to those who can prove themselves. This is something that I myself can appreciate, being a woman of humble, common stock. Finally, my last observation is that a Haenseman is very reluctant to allow a debt to stand. During my time in Haense, I was forced to use my skills as a physician to tend to several patients at St. Michael’s hospital. One was a small boy, under the care of an anonymous noble couple whose names I shall not specify. After healing the terribly injured lad and setting his bones, the two insisted that I be awarded a sum of 200 minas for my troubles. Although I attempted to decline the donation, they insisted that I receive compensation for the services that I had rendered. In the end, I did relent, using the funds to purchase navigational equipment for the next leg of my journey, as well as a gift for my younger brother back in the south. III.) Government & Politics The domestic politics of the Kingdom of Haense are an interesting phenomenon, to say the least. While the King of Haense is the man from which all authority in the kingdom is derived, his Lord Palatine is expected to form a Government and an Aulic Council in his name to run the affairs of the Kingdom. Its members include: The Lord Palatine The Exchequers of the Realm The Herzen of the Duma The Lord Marshal The Lord Justicar The High Steward The Lord Treasurer The Headmaster of the Royal Academy of St. Catherine The Royal Duma, which is composed of a select number of elected officials and the lords of the realm’s nobility, serves as the Kingdom’s legislature. Having existed in its modern form for over fifty years, the Duma is perhaps the longest lasting democratic institution in all of humanity. Aside from the Crossbenchers, who act as independently voting members within the Duma, the body contains within it two loosely knit political factions that each identify with a specific ideology: The Feudalist Bench, which believes in the further delegation of power and authority to the nobility as the best way to maintain the strength of the nation and the Crown, as well as to preserve the rights of the nobility, and, The Centralist Bench, which holds true the belief that concentrating greater power in His Majesty’s Royal Government is the best way to maintain the kingdom’s prosperity and efficiently administer its functions. Both benches are loyal to His Majesty, the King of Haense, and are supposedly meant to work in tandem with one another in order to better the kingdom as a whole. Although the temporary proroguing of the Duma left me unable to see a session of it, I have found it to make up a rather large part of life in the kingdom. It is the way in which the nobility expresses themselves, and has become a part of everyday life since its inception. IV.) Interactions with the Haeseni People In the city of New Reza, I spent my days observing and talking to pedestrians that traversed the streets of the kingdom’s royal capital. I spoke with commoners and noblemen alike, including with the Herzen of the Royal Duma and with Prince Otto Rupert, brother to the late King Andrik IV and uncle to the current King of Haense. One bright young woman and her husband who shall remain anonymous were especially kind and helpful to me during my stay in Hanseti-Ruska. While members of an ancient Haeseni noble family, they are not title holders. They have been blessed with a young child, whom they seem to love very dearly. From what I have been able to gather, this couple is fairly representative of the average Haeseni family. They are feudalists, although they say that they will allow their children to decide their own political orientations. The husband is a member of the Brotherhood; the wife is a member of Her Majesty’s court. They were cordial and kind to me at all times, welcoming me into Reza and treating me with the utmost dignity. We even exchanged information about our respective realms with one another! Truly, if this couple was any indication, the Haeseni people are an honorable, compassionate lot. But they can often be a boisterous lot as well. A Haenseman is never afraid to fight for that he believes it, sometimes to a fault. If there is any criticism to be had of the Haeseni people, it is that they can sometimes come off as arrogant, defensive even, when they believe that they are in the right. As for Prince Otto Rupert, I have never before met a royal so humble and willing to entertain the common man as he. Together, we spent hours discussing the Athera Expedition which I so unfortunately was unable to go on. If the kindness and the patience that he exhibited toward a mere commoner girl such as myself is any indication of the sort of people the Barbanovs themselves are, then the Haeseni royal family must be made up of good people indeed. The nobility and the commoners interact with each other quite often, although there are still many clear social distinctions within the Kingdom of Haense. One’s family name is everything. It is a person’s identity, a reflection into their history and even into their very soul. This was reflected in my many conversations with the people of Haense. V.) Conclusion My stay in the Kingdom of Haense was quite a pleasant one, and will hopefully be the first of many excursions to come. The Haensemen are hardy fellows, more blunt in nature than most. They are fighters, never choosing to give in. Even when things seem to be at their grimmest, a true Haenseman never gives up. It is the trait to which I would most attribute their success over the years. In conclusion, the north is a lovely place, and I shall be sad to leave it as I continue eastward on my journey across the Empire and into the provinces of Kaedrin and Curon. -Authored by Celestine E. Herbert

An elderly Almannir senator smiles as he hears of this news on the streets of Reza. Sir Konrad Stafyr had not known peace since before his resignation as the Palatine of Haense. Upon hearing of Morsgrad’s signing of the Treaty of Novellen from a senatorial aide, he breathes a sigh of relief. At long last, the end of the war was on the horizon. Finally, that which he so yearned for over the course of so many decades was about to be had: An end to the fighting, and an end to the senseless bloodshed. “Peace is coming,” He remarks to nobody in particular as he starts out of the city’s gates to head for the Imperial capital.

At long last, Sir Konrad Stafyr KM has finally returned from fulfilling the obligations he had to the Athera Expedition! Upon entering the chamber, an aide would tell him of everything that’s transpired. He also informs him of a pending censure vote, long awaited by the chamber. With this news, Sir Konrad curls his lip. The vote is at 3-2, and were he to vote no, the Vice Chancellor would have to break the tie, if none of the other senators chose to cast ones. Clearing his throat after several moments of obvious hesitation, the Junior Senator from Haense would vote AYE on the approval of the Writ of Censure with some reluctance.

As his ship arrives upon the shores of Areas, a few kind supporters in Reza would take a moment to inform Sir Konrad of that which has transpired. ”Ah... Well how kind it is of him to offer up a concession speech that continues to attack my honor, even after the people have made known their will.” He snickers as he enjoys a Carrion Black with his campaign staff in the Crow’s Hearth Tavern. “The lad’s got spirit, I’ll give him that, but he’s got a lot to learn. The thumping majority that I have received has shown that the Haeseni people are more than satisfied with the job I have done thus far, and his words will never be able to pierce my armor nor sully my many decades of service to the Crown. But regardless, at least he has the courtesy to admit his defeat.”

After countless hours of endless running, Ser Konrad Stafyr had once again found himself back at at Haeseni base camp. He had not dared to show his fatigue, his shock, his grief in front of the younger members of the expedition. He and Primrose were two of the most senior knights on the voyage, sworn to protect the King of Haense and his kin. Collapsing at the side of his favorite pond, Konrad silently took hold of his fishing rod. Casting it into the waters, he was quiet for a good, long moment. And then, he began to tear up as he remembered Primrose Kortrevich. She was the wife of his mentor, the mother of his godchildren, and one of the few remaining friends that he had from his youth. He had not felt so empty since the death of Harold Bell, so devoid of optimistic feeling since Erich Stafyr, his cousin and lord’s, untimely demise. “It should have been me, brave thunderchild...” Konrad murmured to himself, the rod slipping out of his hands as he buried his face within them. Perhaps, had he acted a moment sooner, he could have saved Dame Primrose from her untimely demise. But he had not been there, having remained near the flank of the convoy to guard the expedition as they ventured further into the cave. And now, Primrose was dead. She had given her life to fulfill the vow she had given to her King, but he had not. But there was one thing that echoed throughout Ser Konrad’s mind above all else, which he murmured to himself as tears continued to stream down his cheeks: ”...What am I going to tell Kamilla?”

A Response from the Stafyr Campaign To the People of Haense, Do you not see the vitriol, the hatred that has been showered upon a popular Lord Palatine and a father of three? A man who has served the Crown for his entire adult life, a seasoned veteran that has fought in decades of wars and even killed a live DIREWOLF by his own hand? And now the opposition candidate has the audacity to question Sir Konrad’s heart after so many years of serving the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska? For TWENTY YEARS he labored tirelessly for Haense. Sir Konrad has fought on the battlefield for Haense in every war and military, guarded the royal family with his own blade, led troops into battle against Godric of Morsgrad, and yet the opposition still has the audacity to question his mettle as a knight by calling him as “Ser” instead of a SER! The missive released by Mister Tibor is not a debate on policy. This is a personal attack on Sir Konrad’s honor, a man who was born the son of a cobbler that had chosen to live like the common man. Konrad earned everything he has through hard work, and has made many personal sacrifices to be able to represent the Haeseni people in Helena. This is an attempt to dilute his accomplishments and negate his many decades of service to the Crown in the eyes of the public. There is no doubt that Sir Terrence and Lerald Vyronov were both great statesmen, good friends of Sir Konrad in fact, but let that not detract from his own service to Hanseti-Ruska. The Campaign to Re-Elect Sir Konrad Stafyr has never made the same sort of accusations against Mister Tibor that he has seen fit to release against Sir Konrad. In our previous campaign release, “A Better Tomorrow is Nigh”, we simply and truthfully pointed out Mister Tibor’s lack of political experience and reiterated our candidate’s triumphs. It was never our intention to question the opponent’s personal honor and integrity as a man. This is not the Haeseni way. Henceforth, from this moment forward, this Campaign shall refrain from engaging in such petty quarrels, and we call upon the opposition candidate to do the same. Northern Honor demands it. But, enough of this matter. The Stafyr Campaign has vaunted the credentials, the honor, and the integrity of the Senator enough. Anyone who has ever spoken to Sir Konrad in the Reznian streets knows that he is a man of the North, a loyal servant of the Barbanovs, and a true Haenseman. A vote for Sir Konrad Stafyr is a vote for the Jorenic Rights and Northern Honor, strong representation through pragmatism and moderation in defense of Haeseni values! There is still much work to be done in the Imperial Senate. Vote for Sir Konrad, and you will not be disappointed. GO TO THE POLLS AND VOTE TO RE-ELECT SIR KONRAD STAFYR KM! This Message Is Approved By Lady Johanna Stafyr, Chairwoman for the Campaign to Re-Elect Sir Konrad Stafyr Paid For By the Northern Resilience Association.

A Better Tomorrow Is Nigh, 1758 As of late, there have been whispers in the streets of a rising politician that has sought to challenge Sir Konrad Stafyr KM, the Junior Senator for Hanseti-Ruska, in the election of 1758 for his seat in the Imperial Senate. His name is Aleksandyr Tibor, a relative unknown who has seemingly appeared out of nowhere to challenge the incumbent. Of course, Mister Tibor has chosen to do so as the brave men and women of the North, Sir Konrad included, remain engaged in an expedition of the utmost import. He has clearly chosen to capitalize on the Senator’s absence in choosing to run for the Senate at this juncture, a dishonorable and ghastly attempt to seize power from a man who won his seat on the backs of the very Brotherhood soldiers and the “common man” he claims to champion. The Campaign to Re-Elect Sir Konrad Stafyr will now explain why the Senator is currently absent, what he has accomplished since entering office, and what he shall do should the people of Hanseti-Ruska choose to re-elect him for a second term. Ordered by His Majesty, the late King Andrik IV as he lay on his deathbed, this expedition is a once-in-a-generation occurrence that an elite crew of the most loyal and skilled men and women in the Kingdom of Haense have chosen to embark on. Among those men was Sir Konrad Stafyr, who returned from his travels in the aftermath of his retirement to serve the King and the House of Barbanov as per his oath as a Knight of the Crow and as a long time personal servant of the royal family. Before running for the Imperial Senate, Sir Konrad Stafyr answered the Call. He promised his King and his Country that he would risk life and limb, a comfortable career in Haense and the Crownlands, to serve out a promise to the family he has sworn to serve. Sir Konrad’s challenger has spoken about “looking to King Andrik III” for guidance during the time of the troubles, reminiscing about the strength and reign of Andrik the Battler. Indeed, the late King Andrik III was among the greatest monarchs the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska has ever had, and those of us who remember him continue to see him as a grandfatherly figure who rebuilt our nation and led it to prosperity. However, Aleksandr Tibor has seemed to have forgotten that Sir Konrad was the very hand of Andrik III, implementing his will in all that he did. As his Palatine, the Stafyr Government presided over the most successful years of King Andrik III’s reign. The city of New Reza was constructed, the Brotherhood of Saint Karl grew expeditionally, and Haense’s economy became more prosperous than it had been in decades. The streets were filled with travelers and newcomers, and we had finally established ourselves as the stronghold of the North. By any measure, the pre-war Stafyr Government was a success. Sir Konrad delivered for the Haeseni people and implemented the will of King Andrik with almost unquestionable loyalty, first as Herzen of the Duma and then as Palatine, for nearly 20 years. Now, what has Mister Tibor done for Haense? In his manifesto, he cites no credentials whatsoever besides being a “man of the people”, which Sir Konrad has clearly already proven himself to be. He has no legal background, no background in business, nor even a background in His Majesty’s Royal Duma. He wishes to represesnt the people of Haense in the Imperial Capital, but by what means? Would the Haeseni people be better off with Mister Tibor instead of Sir Konrad? Would more legislation be delivered to help improve and benefit their lives? Would they be properly represented in an efficient, effective manner? Already, Sir Konrad has authored and passed the Imperial Exchange Program through the Senate, to be signed into law upon the Emperor’s return. Next, he shall focus on legislation to assist our veterans and encourage the sciences. Do not listen to demagogues. Do not let yet another do nothing Senator fool you into thinking that he’ll be more successful than a man who has clearly proven his ability to deliver. Vote to Re-Elect Sir Konrad Stafyr in 1758! This Message Is Approved By Lady Johanna Stafyr, Chairwoman for the Campaign to Re-Elect Sir Konrad Stafyr Paid For By the Northern Resilience Association

SURNAME: Stafyr FIRST NAME: Konrad ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: County of Nenzing 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?: N/A ((MC NAME)): AndrewTech

In the Seven Skies, a certain man of Raevir lineage would find himself playing a game with his sister. They had built a snow palace together, a most elegant one of the highest degree. Figures of courtiers surrounded the building, with the young child playing with a figurine that resembled the late king’s wife, Maya of Muldav. “What do you think, Tiberius? I think that Maya’s figurine looks exactly like her!” He asked of the aged knight standing next to him, his gaze shifting over to the deceased Lord Regent. For even now, his top knight continued to guard him in death as he did in life. Suddenly, King Andrik IV would look up from his work, realizing that someone new is standing before him. “Winnie...” He offers her a saddened smile, although a hint of sadness can be seen in his eyes. “I’m sorry that you had to join me up here so soon. You really should have sought help from the doctors sooner, when you initially learned of your ailment. Surely if I had, I might still be alive today. But no matter-“ He pauses for a moment, beginning to stand. “-You’ve done well, Dame Winifred. Your life was spent defending the kingdom which you loved so much, and you exhibited the highest degree of honor expected of a knight. You pulled yourself up by your bootstraps, and you never forgot the humble beginnings from which you came. I am proud of you, my cousin. You were a true Crow in life, as you were a true friend.”

The Junior Senator from Haense strokes his beard in a thoughtful manner, his gaze shifting between Senators Rutledge and Christiansen. Finally, the aging statesman chooses to speak up, standing and moving over to a nearby podium. “I would like to second the nomination of the Senior Senator from Helena, and announce my intention to cast my vote in favor of him to succeed Sir Terrence in this contest. Although his time the halls of the Imperial Senate has been short, he has demonstrated a remarkable acumen for legislative affairs and an equally powerful drive to see this body succeed. He has the utmost respect for the institution of the senate and an unquestionable understanding of parliamentary procedure. I think that his youth and energy would no doubt help bolster the integrity of this body and see it into a bright new era.“ And with that, Sir Konrad returns to his seat.

Sir Konrad Stafyr, the junior senator for Haense, was silent as the President Pro-Tempore spoke. Upon hearing news of his resignation, he would let out a simple sigh. Rising to speak as Terrence sits down, he says, “The service of my colleague, the President Pro-Tempore, shall not be forgotten. He has done much to strengthen the institutional integrity of this body over the years, and I applaud him for his hard work and diligence in making the Imperial Senate a strong and stable institution, and helping to foster its growth to become one of the longest lasting in recorded human history.” Clearing his throat, he adds, “And as to myself, I would like to thank the Honorable Senator from Curon for her warm welcome.” He offers her a soft, friendly smile, folding his hands behind his back as he continues to speak. “My constituents, the Haeseni people, have seen it fit to send me to Helena as one of their elected representatives in the Imperial Senate. I look forward to working with my most honorable colleagues to make this Empire a better place for all of it’s subjects. To do so is based on the mandate that I have been given by those whom elected me, and I shall see it through.” Sitting back down, Konrad goes silent once again, folding his hands on top of his desk.

Sir Konrad Stafyr KM looks up from a copy of the proclamation. Grinning, the elderly knight says to a pair of nearby Hussars, “Time to finish up this fight, lads.” Shortly thereafter, he saddles up his horse to prepare for the battles that are yet to come. King Andrik IV of Haense can’t help but to sniffle, wiping away a tear as he catches wind of the Palatine’s statement on behalf of his son from the Seven Skies. ”You’ll do well, Otto Sigismund, for history will remember that our side of this war was the side of that which is right. The men of the North shall yet prevail!”

A Manifesto for a Better Tomorrow, 1754 For far too long, the junior senators of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska have failed to adequately represent this realm in the Imperial heartlands. Our junior senators in the Imperial Senate have done an admirable job of representing the will of the people of Haense in Helena, if the term “representation” is meant to infer that their mandate is merely to vote either aye or nay on bills pertinent to this kingdom’s interests. However, in the parliamentary tradition of our great realms of humanity, this term infers so much much more than that. It calls upon the elected representatives of a constituency to legislate, as well as vote. This is a duty that has been abdicated by many of our previous representatives in Helena, and one which can be ignored for no longer. While Sir Terrence May of Valwyck has done an admirable job of representing our interests in the Heartlands, he has now found himself to be a busy man, as President Pro-Temp of the Senate. It is therefore now more crucial than ever that our junior senator be a man who can legislate in our kingdom’s interests while Sir Terrence fulfills his duties to the greater Empire. Thus, I am as of today announcing my candidacy to stand for election that I might be able to serve this great kingdom in the Imperial Senate. I am Sir Konrad Stafyr KM, a denizen of the County of Nenzing and a retired civil servant. Many of you already know who I am, but for those of you who do not, I shall cite my credentials. I am an Imperial Knight of the Order of Merit, as well as a Royal Knight of His Majesty’s Golden Hussars. While the former honor was given to me for my contributions to the development of governmental and parliamentary apparatuses, the latter one was bestowed upon me for my military service. I have served my country in every single conflict it has faced from the War of the Two Emperors onward, and am proud to call myself a veteran of this great land. As to my civil career, I first began my service to this kingdom as the clerk to Prince Georg Stanimar, one of the earliest pioneers of our democratic institutions. Together, we laid many of the foundations for the body and engineered much of what is recognizable as His Majesty’s Royal Duma today. After serving as the late prince’s chief of staff, I later represented the House of Stafyr in the Duma. During that time, I did not merely vote on bills presented before the body, as many representatives in it often do. Instead, I proposed landmark pieces of legislation such as the Great Medical Reform Act that have often been lauded as some of the most successful in our democratic history. No bill that I have ever proposed to the Duma in nearly 35 years has failed a vote, and all have received royal assent. Due to my immense knowledge of parliamentary procedure and respected nonpartisanship, I was named as the Royal Herzen of the Duma by the late King Andrik III. I served in that position for eleven years, never failing a quorum and implementing many reforms to the body that have turned it into the institution that it is today, such as the then controversial bench system, the use of the Lord Palatine’s Questions to hold the Government to account, and the creation of the position of the Leader of the Opposition. I later became the Palatine-Aspirant to Terrence May during his short, although respectable, time as Palatine of our great kingdom. I was later called to form a Government by the late King Andrik III and served as the Palatine of the Realm for nearly a decade before my eventual retirement to spend more time with my wife and my three children. But of course, experience alone is not a reason to elect an Imperial Senator. I thus pledge to implement my agenda through the introduction of the following legislative endeavors in the Senate, reasonable goals that can no doubt be achieved: The Creation of a Haeseni Chess League at the Imperial Level Our culture is a rich one, characterized by many proud customs and traditions. If elected to serve as your Imperial Senator, I will strive to share our culture with the other realms of the Empire and increase awareness of it abroad. As such, I will propose a bill in the Imperial Senate that will call for the establishment of an intervassal Haeseni Chess League within the Empire. This recreational activity has already spread across Oren as far west as the Barony of Selm, so why not commission a league to allow teams to compete against one another in a friendly manner? The Establishment of an Association of Veterans for both Social Activities and Charitable Causes at the Imperial Level As a veteran of the War of the Two Emperors, I understand firsthand the sacrifices that our men and women in the Three Ezreds and in the Imperial State Army offer up each and every day to ensure the safety and stability of the Empire. If elected to the Imperial Senate, I would seek to establish an Association of Veterans, one which would recognize the services of these great men and women in the proper way that our veterans deserve. Under my plan, veterans that join this society would be able to engage in regular social activities within provincial chapters.Veterans from each of the provinces of the Empire would be able to shape their chapters as they pleased underneath this umbrella, which would organize events and charitable activities at will. The Endowment of an Imperial Society for the Arts, Exploration, and the Sciences As we look to new horizons on both the high seas and in the natural world, we must encourage our intellectuals to reach for the stars and expand our knowledge of GOD’s creation. I therefore resolve to propose the endowment of a Society for the Arts, Exploration, and the Sciences which, like the Association of Veterans, would have multiple branches across the provinces of the Empire, able to be managed as the people of our realms see fit. The Implementation of a Cultural Exchange Program for the Youths of the Empire As I have previously said, our culture is a beautiful and rich one. However, many outside of our borders are unfamiliar with the beauty of our northern traditions, and we too are unfamiliar with those of our southern and eastern neighbors. My eldest daughter made me aware of this issue some time ago, and it is in her honor and for youths like her that I pursue this. In the Imperial Senate, I would wish to pursue the implementation of an exchange program that would allow Haeseni youths the opportunity to live and study with a family in a province abroad. Likewise, youths from provinces abroad would be able to live and study in Haense in return to learn more about our own culture and traditions. The program would be entirely optional, to be sure, with youths able to enter at will for the period of a year. As a teenager, my daughter did something very similar and has been very glad that she did so to this day. My promise to the Haeseni people is this... Should you choose to send me to Helena, I pledge to deliver at least two out of these four proposed pieces of legislation I have described to the Haeseni people. The nature of the Imperial Senate and it’s busy docket may prevent my entire agenda from being pursued during a single term in office, but I solemnly promise to bring about results. I will work with Senator May and others to deliver meaningful legislation that will improve the lives of the Haeseni people and provide greater opportunities for my constituents and the people of the Empire as a whole. And, while I will reach out to our brothers that hail from other realms of the Empire, I will always represent the interests of my constituents first and foremost, above all else. Others may claim that they could do better than I at delivering these very same things for Haense, but I urge you not to listen to these demagogues. You will never see their bills enter the Imperial docket, nor will you see the results of their efforts. If you truly want success, then vote for Stafyr. You’ll get it, if it’s the last thing I ever do. If, on the other hand, you wish for the continued stagnation of the promotion of our interests, then vote for someone- Anyone, else.

SURNAME: Stafyr FIRST NAME: Konrad ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: County of Nenzing 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?: N/A ((MC NAME)): AndrewTech

Of Crows and Courage Deep within the Ekaterinburg Palace, the King of Haense and his generals were hard at work. Toiling without rest in the chambers of the Aulic Council, they worked through the night. As Andrik eyes glazed over the plan that had been made by his generals, a sickening feeling had consumed him. The feeling that had overcome him was not one of fear or dread, but of worry. He worried for his wife, who had been kidnapped at swordpoint before his very eyes, and for his children, fearful that they might not ever see their mother alive again. In the days since Maya of Muldav had been kidnapped, he and his councilors had tirelessly attempted to discern her location. In the end, a blade found hidden away in one of the crevices of the King’s balcony provided the clue necessary. The chipped blade bore the sigil of a direwolf, reminiscent of House Vyronov, and so began the council’s planning. “...We’ve got to draw them out. Then, once they’ve left the keep, we’ll have the King distract them with some banter while the Barayans flank the bastards and take them by surprise,” Ser Tiberius suggested aloud with a grin. “Good idea,” The Lord Marshal, Erwin Barclay, replied to the Knight Paramount. “Once the Queen has been secured, the Brotherhood and I will lead a full-on charge on the ranks of those deserter bastards.” A bit more time was spent discussing the plan’s details, although Andrik remained silent throughout much of the conversation. Despite having been educated in the art of war from an early age, he had never been a soldier like his father. Besides, his mind was clearly elsewhere during the conversation... A restless night passed before the King and his men set off for Graiswald Castle, the ancestral home of the Vyronovs. It had lain empty for many years, deserted after Stefan Vyronov moved to Reza to become the King’s ward. The castle had fallen into disrepair over the years, the Vyronov retinue and servants both having deserted long ago following the execution of the Duke of Carnatia. In the early hours of the morning, the King emerged from his tent. The men were assembled before him, forming a battle line that awaited the inspection of his careful eye. He gave a speech to the soldiers, a rousing one by any estimation. He inspired the men, telling them exactly what they faced: Deserters, former brothers who held such a hatred for Haense in their hearts that they would target an innocent woman in order to satisfy a grudge. And so, the plan was set into motion. Lukas Vyronov, a long lost cousin of the lords of Graiswald, used his key to the castle’s gates to allow the expeditionary force inside. From there, everything went to plan. The deserters were drawn out of the castle by the King’s rhetoric, their leader incensed by the monarch’s words. Out he came with his band of traitors, a blade held at the Queen’s neck. Her hair had been cut short, and the woman whom the Haeseni loved so dear was bruised, battered, and starved from weeks of neglect. The Barayans immediately jumped into action, flanking the deserters from the right and managed to pry the knife away from the Queen’s throat. Thereafter, the Brotherhood charged, engaging the band and making short work of the vagabonds. But as for Andrik himself, he found himself face to face with their leader. For the better part of an hour, the two men dueled. However, the King’s rage would be his undoing. While allowing the elderly captain a pause in the fight, a blow was struck on the king’s side. Although Andrik managed to take advantage of the opportunity to deal his own blow upon the deserter leader, a fatal one much worse than his that would lead to the man’s instantaneous death, the damage was grave… Andrik’s officers found him bleeding profusely in the aftermath of the battle, a nasty gash from the traitor’s sword having cut deep into his flesh. A medic would hastily patch up his wounds for transport back to Reza, where the doctors at St. Michael’s Clinic would do their best to heal him. Days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months as the King struggled to recover. The wound itself was not fatal, but the illness which followed definitely was. It sapped at Andrik’s very strength, leaving him bedridden and unable to perform his duties. He had been forced to name a regent to govern the kingdom in his name and, if need be, his son’s, yet his friends and councilors still came. Some days, Andrik felt as though he was on the upswing. On others, he felt like he was at death's doorstep. Knowing that he might not have much time, the King took this opportunity to set his affairs in order and spend time with his wife, his children, and his friends. At long last, the night came for the Dance of the Crows to take place in the Royal City of Reza. Andrik had been looking forward to the occasion, happy to hear that his daughter would, at long last, be presented before his people. His wife had been sure to dress him in his finest robes before it, setting the Crown of Haense upon his head. It was a heavy piece of metal, but Andrik had always appreciated its weight. It reminded him of his responsibilities, his duties, and his burdens as the King of Haense and the leader of his people. Andrik had insisted upon being allowed to watch the ball from the balcony above, despite his wife’s urgings to remain in bed. This ball was in his honor, after all, and he would not be absent for it. As he watched the guests dance from his balcony seat, the King’s eyes began to grow weary. He felt cold and tired, the pain in his side had recently been coursing throughout his entire body. As they began to drift shut, the King began to have a vision… ...In the distance, he could see his father in Sigismund’s Square, the town center of the city of Reza. Although the sun was rising in the distance, he was surrounded by mist, saddled atop one of his finest warhorses. Clad in full battle armor, the King’s deceased father offered him a soft grin. “I’m proud o’ ye, son,” Andrik Lothar said to Andrik Petyr, words that his father had never uttered to him in life. “Ye took a bit o’ time with it, but yer dyin’ fer yer country and ‘er honor. Always knew ye would. Now come on ye stutterin’ *****, your sister’s waitin’ for ya beyond the mist.” And with that, the King’s father rode off toward the city’s gates, vanishing into the veil that lay before them. For a moment, Andrik hesitated, but he somehow knew that what was to come was inevitable. And so, taking one last look at Ekaterinburg Palace and the land that he loved so dear, he proceeded to follow his father into the midst. “Andrik?” Maya of Muldav, the Queen of Haense, approached her ill husband. He now found himself lying down in his bed. She, the Lord Regent, and the Grand Prince of Muldav were all at his bedside. His breathing was shallow as he lay still in it. She tried to tug at his arm, but his eyes would not open. He did, however, take her hand in his and utter something in his delirious state. “He was w-wrong. K-Kings… Do have hearts...” And with that, the King drew his last breath, his hand falling limp. RIP King Andrik IV of Haense 1729 - 1754 *The Lord Regent of Haense would find a stack of letters to distribute in a drawer of his desk, as per the King’s request. Each and everyone one of them is sealed in golden wax, bearing the seal of the House of Barbanov. Addresses are provided and instructions are left for Ser Tiberius to follow in the mailing of them across the kingdom, as well as the greater empire. However, one of the many letters is made public by the King, one addressed to the Haeseni people:*

AndrewTech#1007 Amber Gown – 1.5k Haeseni Style Red – 1.5k

EDICT OF REGENCY Jula and Piov 305 ES | 1752 Va Birodeo Herzenav ag Edlervik, Upon the incapacity of His Majesty King Andrik IV, pursuant to the conventions of authority as decreed by the aforementioned, the Royal Government hereby declares the appointment of a regency until His Majesty has either recovered or the lawful heir, Grand Prince Otto Sigismund, comes of age in accordance with the bylaws of succession of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. In so doing, we hereby name His Excellency, Tiberius Barrow, as Regent and Protector of the Highlanders to fulfill the King’s duties as the provisional Head of State. We hereby invest the powers of the Crown in the execution of law and governance thereof, investing him the sole executive prerogative. In his capacity as Regent, Tiberius Barrow shall form and maintain a government in the name of the Crown. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, King Andrew IV of Hanseti-Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, and Kaunas, Baron of Rhysburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of Alban, Reza, Markev, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera

Royal Writ of Titular Affirmation Issued and Confirmed by His Royal Majesty, the King of Hanseti-Ruska Andrew IV Peter, Iv Joveo Ehr 10h of the Amber Cold, 1751 VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, The Crown of Hanseti-Ruska’s attention has been brought to the disappearance of the Lord Markanz and his heir-apparent in recent years. At the request of the Baron’s liege lord, the Count of Metterden, we see it fit to bestow the title of the Barony of Sigradz upon Erwin of House Barclay as Markanz’s next of kin. It is to be held by him alongside the Barony of Freising and the County of Reinmar. With the consent of the Crown, all titular rights associated with the title are, therefore, hereby transferred to Erwin Barclay. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, King Andrew IV of Hanseti-Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, and Kaunas, Baron of Rhysburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of Alban, Reza, Markev, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera His Lordship, Erwin Barclay, Lord Marshal of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Reinmar, Baron of Freising and Sigradz His Lordship, Konstantin Ruthern, Lord Justicar of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, Count of Metterden

Royal Writ of Ennoblement Issued and Confirmed by His Royal Majesty, the King of Hanseti-Ruska Andrew IV Peter, Iv Joveo Ehr 10h of the Amber Cold, 1751 VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, By the Majesty and Grace of GOD, the Crown of Hanseti-Ruska rewards the service of our leal subject, Erwin Barclay, with titular enfeoffment to the County of Reinmar. They and their legitimate issue are enjoined to maintain the law of Our realm, to abide peacefully by Our rule, and to rise to Our defense when necessary. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Royal Majesty, King Andrew IV of Hanseti-Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Videus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, and Kaunas, Baron of Rhysburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of Alban, Reza, Markev, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera

An aging Konrad Stafyr would be surprised to learn of his bestowment of an Imperial knighthood as a courier delivers his letters to him in the highlands of Nenzing. “His Imperial Majesty has seen it fit to elevate me to the Order of Merit on the advice of the Archchancellor?” He remarks, truly taken aback to learn of this revelation. “I... Am honored to be recognized by the Imperial government for my innovations and many decades of public service. Truly, I did not expect such recognition.” After informing his daughter and wife of the news, the former of whom had always held a special place for the Crownlands in her heart, the middle aged man would set off on horseback to ride for Helena. Intending to stay with his good friend Sir Terrence May for the duration of his time in the Imperial capital, he would be sure to don his best formal when he comes before the Emperor to recite the required oath: “I swear to be true to the Emperor and the realm and not to maintain silence about any evil that I may know which is being contemplated against them. I swear to work tirelessly to the betterment of the Empire and the Orenian people that comprise it. I swear also not to eat or drink with traitors and not to have anything in common with them, and always to defend the honor of the gentlemen I serve. This I swear by the Holy Scrolls.”

While being quite pleased to hear of the results of the Church’s report as he reads through a copy of it in his office, Andrik IV would let out a deep sigh as he reads of Milena’s condemnation. Despite all that had transpired over the past few months, he still found that he loved his mother, and the King of Haense resolves to pray for her sin laden soul to the best of his ability.

King Andrik IV of Haense would resolutely take a public oath to preserve and uphold all the ecclesiastical laws published against the wickedness of heresy by the most Holy Church of the Canon, as per the doctrines of the Sixth Golden Bull.

Heh, joke’s on you. In reality, I wrote that up in five minutes myself and posted it on the spot. You don’t know anything about me or what I’m trying to do, Narthok. You don’t know my history, you don’t know my heart, and you sure as hell don’t know my community.

I fully endorse this post that you’ve made, Eddy. I too agree that IC business should be left IC and that we should be slower to get angry. OOC issues should be resolved in smaller group chats and shouldn't be turned into huge shitstorms. As I don’t idly post on the forums very often, so I am well aware that people may not know much about why I returned to LotC. I’d like to share my story regarding how I came to Haense and my own view on the community that we cherish so dearly. When I initially returned to the Lord of the Craft following a three year hiatus, I didn’t know a soul. Many of my old friends had disappeared and those I knew didn’t really care to hang out with me. The Haense community took me under it’s wing and gave me a group of tightly knit, fun loving friends in an environment that was among the chillest that I’ve ever seen on LotC. If it weren’t for Haense, I would have likely left the server forever after the old members of House Stafyr went inactive. But I fell in love with it and with it’s players, and I promised to try to help them however I could. It reminded me of the server of old, and I loved Haense. I still do. But we do have a problem. There’s no doubt about it, and I too will no longer condone OOC attacks on one another within this community. It’s not right. And this isn’t why I rejoined LotC. This vitriol isn’t why I’ve stuck around for so long through the hardest semester I’ve ever had in college to help a mineman nation on a server that I had thought I had outgrown. Life’s too short to be at each other’s throats. When I became the NL of Haense, I promised myself and this community that I would end this sort of infighting. I stand by my promise and will continue to work however I can to do so no matter my role within it. I encourage each and every one of the players in it to do the same, within and outside of the leadership of Haense.