GMRO

Karl squinted at his review, then turning to his wife. @shay"Didn't you get my outfit commissioned?"

Karl smiled at the great book of history as he glanced down its pages. "Finally a name for that war that makes sense, Sinners war over War of the Wigs anyday."

KARL III’S ADVISORY COUNCIL “Ea byk zwe zanyotskyr zweer ea ter petravezker.” “I would have perished had I not persisted.” As so the son does inherit the responsibilities of the father, so too with such comes a changing of the guard. The King, His Majesty Karl III of Hanseti-Ruska, does issue the following to form a new government upon the beginning of his reign so as to bring fresh blood and ideas to aid the Crown in its administration. With that being said, the King does thank his father’s previous advisors. It is the hope that those who follow them shall rise to the challenge and perform their positions as dutifully as the previous incumbents who did so for a number of years. The larger advisory council comprises two smaller councils, being that of the Aulic Council and the Boyars Council. The first of these is that of the Aulic Council, the chief officers and advisors to the realm which oversee its daily runnings, ultimately overseen by the Palatine, the King’s head of government. The second is that of the Boyars Council, composed of unofficial advisors that are specially handpicked by the King himself for their specific expertise on certain topics, or their undoubted loyalty to the state. Those that acquire these positions of renown do so by a number of basis. The ideal traits of the courtier elevated to the position of councillor are that of competency, loyalty, and perseverance. Further, it is hoped that those wishing to be elevated to these positions have a great understanding of this most renowned kingdom, including its history and its overarching values. As his forebear, King Sigismund II and Sigismund III did aim to give a broader understanding of the structure of their respective councils to the peoples of Hanseti-Ruska. It is so too the wish of King Karl III that this document does alleviate misconceptions of his government. THE CROWN HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, KARL III SIGMAR, KING OF HANSETI-RUSKA THE AUTHORITY ABSOLUTE Born under the Haeseni zodiac sign of Morrighein during the month of Jula ag Piov, Karl III is the third eldest of the union of Sigismund III and Emma of Jerovitz, proceeded only by his stillborn brother and his sister. The boy would be raised amidst relative peace within Karosgrad, though as the Tripartite war raged, the violence would eventually spill into the boy's life as family was lost to the ever-growing body piles. This violence caused a martial spirit to be drilled into the young Prince Karl from an early age as directed by that of his father, Sigismund. Whilst his father did pay keen attention to the knighthood, Karl sought to do as well being inducted into the cult of honour and holding the belief that a gentleman’s word is his vow. This belief and training in swordsmanship was educated by that of Ser Flemius, one of Sigismund’s most loyal knights. Further education was sought in the classics of philosophy, languages and statecraft all intensely watched over by that of his father who warned of the weight of the Crown from when Karl could walk. A man bound by duty developed with this ever present looming burden, yet also one who still sought to find life’s little joys where he could without the ever watchful eye. This burden of a Crown is the first in a long array of kings of Hanseti-Ruska to be passed to one so old, with many kings inheriting the crown before reaching adulthood properly. With such, a certain expertise of governance is already expected, with the then Grand Prince having already partaking in diplomacy, governance and councils in lieu of his father on several occasions. Yet now it stands for a new generation to take hold, with the old having clung for so long. A look to the future is required, with the interest of teaching new generations to rule as opposed to looking to the previous entirely. The King himself looks skywards, with a keen interest in prophecy and the stars to dictate the future. HER ROYAL MAJESTY, AMADEA OF SUSA, QUEEN-CONSORT OF HANSETI-RUSKA Born under the allying sign to the Morrighein, Osbjor, Amadea Ulyssa is the youngest born of Alina of Susa and Wilhelm of Carrington. Although raised within the Imperial Courts, the ever curious girl frequented the Haeseni capital, during which she became well acquainted with the then Grand Prince. Their friendship was maintained extensively throughout their youth, blossoming further when the two were wedded in 424. Studying within both courts, she gained an understanding of both sides of the pressing conflict that stretched throughout the majority of her youth. Warding under both Empress Anastasia I and Queen Emma of Jerovitz, Amadea was groomed extensively for her future position as Queen. Building off of the legacy of her predecessors; the Queen, holding a specific interest in the arts, wishes to propel the Haeseni Courts into a long-standing golden age. THE AULIC COUNCIL “Va Eyvize ve Krawn” ‘To Advise the Crown’ The AULIC COUNCIL (New Marian: EUYLIK KONKIL), or officially known as the AULIC COUNCIL AND PRIVY COUNCIL OF THE CROWN, is composed of commanding members of several Aulic Offices, who hold authority over the Kingdom’s legislature, military, law, interior affairs, treasury and foreign affairs, second only to the Sovereign of Haense, and advises the Sovereign on matters of varying significance. Historically, the Aulic Council has been composed of several trustworthy advisors who oversee the Offices of Palatine, Marshal, Speaker, etcetera. In most cases, those born of nobility have held a seat on the Council although there have been cases where members of the gentry have also held a seat on the Council. As per tradition, these Aulic Councillors [...] ‘are distinguished by the unique bulavas forged using different metals to symbolise where their authority reaches in the Kingdom. The reign of King Petyr I saw the creation of the first Aulic office, the Lord Palatine (f. Chancellor of Haense) which has since been occupied by many under the reigns of the Haeseni monarchs.’ Since Petyr I’s reign, the Aulic Council has emerged as a flourishing body of Haeseni government. History has seen the addition of various Aulic offices to advise the King in matters such as stewardry, foreign affairs, and more. Presented below are these offices and who currently holds them at the leisure of the current reigning monarch, Karl III, in ranking of authority. OFFICE OF THE PALATINE ‘Bar Maan Ovare Syr’ (Only Death is Fair) “The Office of the Palatine shall serve as the office of the head of government and assume responsibility for the efficient functioning of the Aulic Government and Haeseni systems and institutions.” - Aulic Edict, 341 E.S. XXXIII PALATIN Isabel Baruch, 7th Herzenas van Valwyck Isabel Baruch, 7th Duchess of Valwyck 426 E.S. - Present | 1873 A.H.- Present @sarahbarah Monarch(s): Karl III Lady Palatine, Isabel Baruch since the year 426 E.S. has been entrusted as ‘the penultimate authority of the realm, second only to the Sovereign of Haense, and leads the realm as Head of Government and first aide to the sovereign at his/her behest.’ (Palatines of Haense) Isabel Baruch ascended to the role of Palatine in the year of 426 E.S. upon the death of King Sigismund III and her father’s abdication of his office. Since her childhood, Isabel has dutifully dedicated herself to the study of Haeseni culture, history, politics, and philosophy to prepare for a role on Karl III’s cabinet. Throughout her tenure, she hopes to encourage the further expansion of Haeseni culture and ensure that the government’s inner-workings are efficient and just. OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER ‘Va Yprezide Awvr ve Ylegizlatyre’ (To Preside over the Legislature) “The Office of the Speaker shall serve as administrator of the legislature of the Aulic Government, his Majesty’s Royal Duma, and oversee the integral functioning of the body and its frequent meetings.” - Aulic Edict, 341 E.S. XIII HERZEN Maric Baruch Lord Maric Baruch, Duke-consort of Valwyck 426 E.S. - Present | 1873 A.H. - Present @Demavend Monarch(s): Karl III Lord Speaker, Maric Baruch, since 426 E.S. has been entrusted as the presiding officer of the Duma. [...] ‘responsible for calling forth sessions during each term and facilitating the deliberation of the Duma, and for delivering legislation to the Crown and the Kingdom of Hansti-Ruska to receive royal assent.’ (Speakers of the Royal Duma) For most of his life, Maric Baruch has dedicated himself to his work in the Duma. In his childhood, he warded under the Lord Speaker Rhys var Ruthern to prepare himself for a position on Karl III’s advisory council. Additionally, he expanded his knowledge of Haeseni politics and culture with extensive tutelage in his youth. Maric, like his fellow councillors, demonstrates perseverance in his work and an undeniable loyalty to the Kingdom. OFFICE OF THE MARSHAL ‘Fitsk dlum ze Birodal’ (To Fight for the Realm) “The Office of the Marshal shall assume sole responsibility for the management of the Royal Army of Hanseti-Ruska, ensuring the protection of the Kingdom and surrounding Haeseni realm from hostile pretenders.” - Aulic Edict, 341 E.S. XVIII HAUCKOMANDANT Johann Barclay, 5th Herzen van Reinmar Johann Barclay, 5th Duke of Reinmar 398 E.S. - Present | 1845 A.H. - Present @Frymark Monarch(s): Sigmund III, Karl III Lord Marshal, Johann Barclay since 398 E.S. has been entrusted as ‘the commanding member who holds the authority over the Kingdom’s military orders, second only to the Sovereign of Haense, and leads the realm as the head of Defence of the Haeseni realm.’ (Lord Marshals of Haense) During his tenure, Duke Johann has undoubtedly proven himself worthy of his position as the Marshal during the Tripartite War and beyond in maintaining the health of the army. Additionally, during his youth, he regained his ducal title through pure persistence. He extols the virtues of Hanseti-Ruska, as demonstrated in his own perseverance. OFFICE OF THE TREASURER ‘Va Meynage ve Kongzem’s Tryzery’ (To Manage the Kingdom’s Treasury) “The Office of the Treasurer shall assume responsibility for the management of the Royal Treasury and the economic and fiscal affairs of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska.” - Aulic Edict, 341 E.S. IX ARANYIAZ Ser Grigori Vyronov Sir Gregory Vyronov 426 E.S. - Present 1873 A.H. - Present @mkLouis Monarch(s): Karl III Royal Treasurer, Grigori Vyronov since 426 E.S. has been entrusted as ‘the ranking member who holds the authority over upholding the Kingdom’s economic affairs, second only to the Sovereign of Haense, and leads the realm as one of the Heads of Economics and first aide to the Crown in all economic manners.’ (Royal Treasurers of Haense) Knighted as a Marian Knight at the young age of seventeen for leading the vanguard during the battle of Eastfleet, Ser Grigori Vyronov has proven himself to be a devout servant to the Kingdom of Haense. It was he, with his brothers in chivalry, who charged the palace of New Providence to capture the Anathema. But now that the war has come to an end, the Ser has fallen under the Office of the Treasury, in hopes of revitalising the Haeseni economy now that bloodshed is no longer in sight. As per the Marian Edict of 417 ES, whilst once a Marian Knight, Ser Grigori now acts as a bachelor knight being a part of no order until such a time as the king dictates. OFFICE OF THE SENESCHAL ‘Va Meynage ve Kongzem’s Lunds ag Bodrs’ (To Manage the Kingdom’s Lands and Houses) “The Office of the Seneschal shall serve as interior administrators of the lands, services and infrastructure within the lands directly administered by the Crown within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska.” - Aulic Edict, 341 E.S. XXI STYUARD Dracomir Rorikov Firr Dracomir Rorikov 413 E.S. - Present | 1860 A.H. - Present @__DeusVult__ Monarch(s): Sigmund III, Karl III High Seneschal Dracomir Rorikov since 413 E.S. has been entrusted as ‘the ranking member who holds the authority over overseeing the administration of the Kingdom’s land, land record-keeping and infrastructure, second only the Sovereign of Haense, and leads the realm as one of the Heads of Land and first aide to the Crown in all interior administration manners.’ (High Seneschals of Haense) For a number of years, Dracomir Rorikov has dedicated himself to the service of stewardry at the King’s behest. Serving under monarchs Sigismund III and Karl III respectively, Dracomir continued to work diligently in his field of expertise: stewardry. He exudes the Haeseni value of persistence, as any Aulic councillor should. OFFICE OF THE ENVOY ‘Atsk az ve Krawn’s Ropryzentav’ (To Act as the Crown’s Representative) “The Office of the Envoy shall assume the diplomatic responsibilities of the Aulic Government through international correspondence, the broaching of international treaties and pacts, the establishment of Haeseni embassies internationally and the hosting of allied ambassadors within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska.” - Aulic Edict, 341 E.S. X SZARA Matyas Baruch Lord Matyas Baruch 426 E.S. - Present | 1873 A.H. - Present @Chris (Acaele) Monarch(s): Karl III Aulic Envoy, Matyas Baruch, since 426 E.S. has been entrusted as ‘the ranking member who holds the authority overseeing the Kingdom’s foreign affairs, second only to the Sovereign of Haense, and leads the realm as one of the Heads of Diplomacy and first aide to the Crown in all diplomatic manners.’ (Aulic Envoys of Haense) Serving the Crown as the Haeseni Ambassador to the Vale of Nevaehlen and as a squire in the Order of the Crow, the Lord Baruch’s quick advancement speaks volumes to his passionate commitment to the Kongzem. His tact, good-nature, and unwavering loyalty paired with his perfectly comprehensible accent make him a more than able diplomatic lead for Hanseti-Ruska. OFFICE OF THE GRAND LADY ‘Va Obdrazl Ameneir ag Steandik’ (To Uphold Manners and Decorum) “The Office of the Grand Lady shall assume oversight of the Queen’s Council alongside the Queen herself to maintain the quality of the Royal Courts and the social events held within them.” XIX HAUCHERZENAS Georgina Barclay Lady Georgina Barclay, Duchess-consort of Reinmar 404 E.S. - Present | 1851 A.H. - Present @kaylaa Monarch(s): Sigmund III, Karl III Grand Lady, Georgina Barclay since 404 E.S. has been entrusted as ‘the ranking member of the Queen’s Council who enforces courtly etiquette to the highest standard and oversees the workings of the Custodian of the Palace and the Court Chamberlain, ensuring the quality of the events that they hold.’ (Positions within the Court of Hanseti-Ruska) Following in the footsteps of Grand Lady Rosalind Amador and Grand Lady Adalia Ruthern, Lady Georgina has dedicated herself to the upkeep of courtly etiquette and the oversight of the Queen’s Council. During the length of her tenure, she has maintained the quality of the royal courts, hosted a most successful Lifstala season, and much more. Subsequently, her ambitious and hard-working nature make her a good fit for both the Aulic Council and the position of Grand Lady. OFFICE OF THE KNIGHT PARAMOUNT ‘Va Lanzsk dlum ve Birodal, iv Staal ag Caezken’ (To Live for the Realm, in Steel and Chivalry) “The Office of the Knight Paramount shall assume the duty of overseeing the knight’s table and all knighthoods in the kingdom. These most chivalrous individuals act as the chief representative of honour within the kingdom, ensuring both the crown’s protection as well as cultivating new squires to continue the traditions set from the kingdom’s foundations.” XVII KOSSAROWAIN Ser Reinhardt Barclay Sir Reinhardt Barclay 413 E.S. - Present | 1860 A.H. - Present @Capt_Chief26 Monarch(s): Sigmund III, Karl III Knight Paramount, Reinhardt Barclay since the year 413 E.S. has been entrusted as the ‘First Knight of the Table, who watches over all other Knights and Squires in the course of their duties and ensures the Order runs with unquestioned integrity.’ (Knights Atlas of Haense) Serving as acting Knight Paramount following the honourable discharge of his predecessor Ser Karl ‘the Humble’ and in the footsteps of his father, Knight Paramount Cedric Barclay, Ser Reinhardt Barclay has overseen both the Order of the Crow and the Marian Retinue for most of his adult life in some capacity. Sworn in as First Knight of the Table once elected from amongst and by his fellow knights of the table in the foundational Steel Pledge (Ve Staal Preztja) following King Sigismund III’s knightly reformation. OFFICE OF THE KOMPTROLLER OF SETTLEMENT ‘Va Paumz ve Nauedlervik’ (To Aid the New Haeseni) “The Office of the Komptroller of Settlement shall assume the duty of overseeing the movement of new denizens into the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, ensuring that these individuals are housed and employed at the behest of their respective administrators of the Kingdom.” I KAUNTROLER Iulius Vernhart Sir Iulius Vernhart of the Lily 427 E.S. - Present | 1874 A.H. - Present @tcs_tonsils Monarch(s): Karl III Komptroller Iulius Vernhart since the year 427 E.S. has been entrusted as the ‘ranking member who specialises in aiding those who have just immigrated to the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, with oversight of employment opportunities and housing arrangements, at per appropriate coordination between their fellow Aulic councillors.’ Serving as the first Komptroller, Sir Iulius has proven himself to be a worthy candidate for Karl III’s council. Seeing as he started his career in politics as a Jovenaar, Iulius was well-versed in law and thus was hand-picked to be part of the new government formed under Karl III during his respective reign. His ambitious nature and loyalty to the Crown makes him an appropriate fit, especially in such a new office as this. THE BOYAR COUNCIL The BOYAR COUNCIL (New Marian: Ve Boyar Trevva) is a group of councillors, often with a singular particular focus or a range that the monarch calls upon for informal advice and suggestion in addition to that of the Aulic Council. Those that reach the office are often chosen for their personal loyalty, diligence and competence to the monarch themselves. Created during the reign of King Sigismund II and once more formulated and codified during the reign of King Sigismund III, the council continues to sit with the intent to bring prosperity to the kingdom. The Duke of the Rothswood | Advisor General His Royal Highness, Sergei Aleksandr Barbanov | Coolcod77 Patriarch of Jorenus | Pontifical Chamberlain His Eminence, Klaus Cardinal Jorenus | Fionn__TWG Duke of Vidaus | Court Record Keeper His Grace, Rhys Mikhail Ruthern | CheekyNolan Knight Aspirant | Advisor General Lukas Vyronov | MioII IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

THE FAITHFUL RESPOND KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the THE CROWN On this 9th of Joma ag Umund of 426 E.S. VA BIRODEO E HERZENAV, In recent days, a missive from our most pious brothers in GOD, the von Alstreims was delivered to our doorstep, detailing the defense they seek from Canonist nations to ensure the stability of the Southern holy sites and churches that have recently come under threat. Seeing as the new nations of the South are jostling for supremacy and land in the wake of the most saddening disbandment of our once most leal friend, Savoy, we find that time is of the essence in such a matter, especially considering the risk of threat to Canonism as a whole. It is our duty as both a Canonist nation, as well as a previous ally to Savoy, that we seek to further the continuation of their duty by protecting the Southern borders of this Canonist realm. Whilst we do not yet know the nature of these apparent heathens in the South, whether they may be as dangerous as claimed, we do not wish to act foolishly and without caution. We do therefore implore the Lord Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska, Johann Barclay, as well as our most formidable knights to formulate a band, and protect the churches, as well as investigate these claims, and if they do be true, act as necessary. IV JOVEO MAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

Letter to the Royal Duma: ON NOMINATIONS FOR LORD SPEAKER KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the CROWN On this 4th day of Gronna ag Droba of 426 E.S. VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ALDYLEVAR The Crown writes this letter as a request for the Royal Duma to select nominees that the Crown may review and select the thirteenth Lord Speaker from amongst them. It is the will of the Crown that this be done in accordance with the procedures of the past, most recently in the reign of Josef I, as to better reflect the wants of the Royal Duma. The Crown also resolves to rid the limitations on who may be eligible for the Lord Speaker position, allowing nominations of any status to be valid and not merely those noble peers as was outlined in the Voron Edict of 383 E.S. This comes in light of the twelfth Lord Speaker Rhys var Ruthern’s wish to retire following the death of his wife and Koeng Sigismund III as well as his twenty-nine year long tenure, the longest of any Lord Speaker. The Royal Duma is asked to nominate multiple individuals for the king's consideration who may serve as the thirteenth Lord Speaker at today’s session. IV JOVEO MAAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

SPEAKER ELECTION REFORM , 426 E.S KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the THE CROWN On this 6th of Gronna ag Droba, 426 E.S. VA BIRODEO E HERZENAV, As the new king, His Royal Majesty, Karl III, does ascend to the most high office of King of Hanseti-Ruska, he does see fit to reform some aspects of the Royal Duma in relation to the Lord Speaker so as to find the best suitable candidate. The Crown does therefore make the following amends to the Haurul Caezk: Chapter III, Section XII shall now read: XII All nobles, whether titular or kin to a landed Lord, shall: Be entitled to squire in the Knightly Order of the Crow, Be entitled to seek private audience with the Crown, Be encouraged to hold employment in at least one institution of the Kongzem, Be entitled to further their bloodline through marriages of worth, Bear the unique heraldry of their House, Be entitled to be executed by way of beheading, Choose to elect a Champion to fight on their behalf in a Trial by Combat, And choose to settle disputes both legal and personal through a battle between Houses, Chapter III, Section XX shall now read: XX The Grand Peer of the Kongzem, appointed amongst the Peers at the Will of the Crown, shall ensure all members of the Noble Class act with honour and integrity, and shall fairly voice their concerns. Chapter III, Section XXI shall be removed from the Haurul Caezk. Chapter III, Section XXII shall now read: XXII If there is alleged dishonour on the part of a Noble, the Grand Peer may convene a Court of Honour to determine the truth. IV JOVEO MAN His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Fidei Defensor, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

TO RISE WHERE ONE HAS FALLEN Splish… Splish.. Splish… The shallow water of Lake Voron quietly shivered as flat stones bounced along its surface before enveloping them beneath cold, slow waves. A Prince stood alone at the shore, eyes surveying out over the rows of mountains crowned with ice. The behemoths of nature which stood watch over their natural kingdom of the Attenlund. They stood vigil over the man, an insignificant visitor in their rocky kingdom that would last a thousand years more. Despite the Haeseni spring thawing the blankets of snow that covered the kings of stone, they persisted. Here was a good place of respite to think under the watchful gaze of giants. The king was dead. Long live the King. Those words which echoed through the breeze that had proved to be ones of equal jubilation and melancholy. His father, Sigismund III, was dead. It was no surprise. The man had always known to hear the words one day, and he had known those days were fast approaching as he saw his father wilt day by day through coughing fits and weakening strength. It was still surreal, nevertheless. It was sad, he had to feel sad. He was supposed to feel heartbroken, and yet he was not. He could not force himself to feel anything overtly so. The king was dead, but his father, for all the attempts of the king to play him, was long gone. Mostly, anyway. You must be ready to bear the weight of the Crown. You can not make a mistake. It can cost you everything. The lessons had come fast for Karl as a boy from when he could walk all the way through to his teenage years. It was a necessity for his father, he understood. Everything had almost been lost before his father due to overindulgence, excess and cruelty. The lessons were necessary to prevent calamity and loss. In response to the dangers of the past, Sigismund III was created and fashioned against the rot to revive the kingdom. He had done so, the kingdom was thriving. Was it now a necessity for Karl Sigmar to similarly be destroyed, and Karl III constructed? Are you afraid, Karl? Or merely insisting you are not? The words of his bedridden father hours before followed him. Was he afraid? He had said no at the time, but now as he did truly stand upon the precipice: he was. Did he really have to kill the previous man he was, and be remade into something else? Did all who similarly stood upon the cliff-face think the same? The need to expunge all weakness from oneself? Did he truly want that? The whole thing sounded rather difficult. Splish… Splish.. Plop. Know I will be watching, and niet as a king. I will niet look for your strength, or your glory. I will look for your happiness, that which I could never have in life. There was another way. It was elusive to his father, and so he had deconstructed himself yet now upon his deathbed, he had seen his father return from a long hiatus. The way forward to have a kingship and life worth living was not to attribute such weight to the crown, because it would inevitably crush you. It was to search for happiness within it. His father had been stained with duty that overburdened him to straining, but there was more to life than simply that. It had only taken his father’s life to impart the lesson properly. When you lie on your deathbed, wherever it may be, it is not the glory of Eastfleet I think of, or the strength of the nation. It is not vanquished enemies or land. Not a proud army, or Knights. It is your mother and your siblings. Those I called friends, those whose lives I helped change, and they returned in kind. Karl had been afraid not because of necessarily the responsibility of the crown, but in comparing himself to those that came before. He understood his father a tough act to follow, and the worry had briefly consumed him before the realization of the truth offered by his father. Happiness did not come from the achievements made, the battles won, but the friends aided and the family created. His senses returned to him as he found himself once more by the lake, a billow of wind rolling over the lake to meet him. He tugged at the furs laid upon his shoulders to avoid the cold. Those same mountains had seen all, their faces of stone and snow ever so slightly contorting as the sun ebbed out of the sky to call forward the cold once more. The man knew then his position, and what he sought. To be worthy of his position, but have a little fun. He would not forget his duties, for they were a necessity. Yet he would also not forget how to smile, nor how to live. He gave a final glance to the mountains of old and grinned, whistling a tune as he returned to begin his reign.

What's a project from your past on LOTC that you would like to go back to? What's something that LOTC has taught you over the many years of play? What's something you're proud of from LOTC?

NOTICE ON THE BIRTH OF THE DUKE OF ALBAN KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM Issued by the GRAND PRINCE On this 6th day of Msitza ag Dargund of 425 ES VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ELDERVIK The heavy weight of the Crown in the history of the kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska has often resulted in a monarch assuming the throne before coming of age. Kings would rarely see their own children grow up, let alone see grandchildren whilst they reigned. It is most thankful then that the house of Barbanov is blessed that this is no longer the case. On this day, under the constellation of the Wopperklaw, my wife has given birth to a healthy son with a hearty set of lungs that will be sure to keep the palace awake for some time. The line of my father Sigismund, and in time myself, is secured. I have chosen to name him in honour of both my father for the efforts and success that he brought to his station. I further name my son in honour of two great statesmen of an earlier age, those being the Georg Alimars. One being a palatine before becoming the Cardinal Jorenus, the other stabilizing the realm after the fall of Marius II. It is with great pride then that I call for you to celebrate the birth of my heir: HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF ALBAN, GEORG SIGISMUND BARBANOV-BIHAR @gusanoarentonio Pray for him, people of Haense, for the future of our Kongzem rests upon his shoulders. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM. IV JOVEO MAAN His Serene Highness, Karl Sigmar Barbanov-Bihar, Grand Prince of Kusoraev Her Serene Highness, Amadea Ulyssa Barbanov-Bihar, Grand Princess-Consort of Kusoraev

IN SEARCH OF A ROYAL MESSENGER The ideal messenger, a man who glides over the road as though they could fly! VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG EDLERVIK, From the youth of the Grand Prince of Kusoraev, Karl Sigmar has been one for sending letters to keep in contact with others. When many of his friends were found abroad or otherwise preoccupied, the best way to contact them was through letters. A simple bird is not possible, for a bird is easily drawn to bird feed, distraction, or worse. It is therefore necessary that the best means to send a letter is, ideally, through an official courier. The ideal courier is a person of great speed. First, they should be an expert of mountain climbing, a proficient horse rider and even able to swim. A letter must arrive on time, and never late! Secondly, the ideal courier is a discreet one. They should not seek to pry into the personal business of a letter, but rather they should do their utmost to keep the contents of a letter secure. The courier should never be in question for their loyalty for the contents of their message may be of paramount importance to the realm! Finally, a courier must be brave. Whether travelling through idyllic countryside or wartorn realms, the letter must arrive. They should be prepared to always be brave and travel the road no matter the cost. The Grand Prince is in search of several couriers, and so to apply to the position one must prove themselves able to do so by finding him, as a courier generally will have to do so in their role. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Serene Highness, Karl Sigmar Barbanov Grand Prince of Kusoraev

Karl Sigmar was very excited for Borris Kortrevich particularly, and sent him a congratulations letter!