GMRO

Discord & IGN Usernames: GMRO ✠ Full Legal Name: Father Ailred Ruthern ✠ Age: 25 ✠ Residence (Must be within Rittersburg): TBC (Currently moving House OOCLY & IRPLY!) ✠ Provide a brief account (100-300 words) of your standing, trade, or service to your community, by which you claim fitness to represent and govern them as Lord Mayor: TBC ✠ Share the link to your campaign post (you must post separately on the forums!): TBC

Ailred signed the Hussiyaran for his little cousin. “He’d always been the brighter of the two between his brother. I fear for the future without him.”

Ailred prepared to baptise another child, hopefully with less theatrics.

THE HAMMERHEAD, EDITION V Issued as of 633 E.S., 653 A.A., or 2080 A.H. Published by the Theodosian Society “Black Company Trading was founded more than four centuries ago by Rhys I var Ruthern, Count of Metterden. Since its initial founding as a vassal levy, its trade has significantly expanded outward to include several businesses, including restaurants, mercenaries, shops, and a crier’s sheet, ‘The Hammerhead.’ Since the fall of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, the Company has sought to adapt to our Continental Empire and to the modern reader. This publication has been written in collaboration with, and as part of, the Theodosian Society.” Herald of the Hammerhead GOD WILLS IT Penned by Father Ailred The crusade in the south, called by His Holiness Pontiff Caius II continues its preparations to strike out at the foul forces of evil, those of the Black Sepulchre and those who denigrate the sanctity of the church by naming themselves “the Black Church.” Such play will surely be punished righteously and forthrightly by God through His willing servants, the men and women of the whole of the Empire of Azuras. His Holiness has hosted a series of wargames throughout the Empire to bolster its frontlining men, the cream of the crop, to ensure that the crusades smash through any meagre defences the forces of darkness may attempt to prepare. As His Holiness himself said in his proclamation, “The Holy Mother Church shall not abide the conquests of the servants of Iblees,” and so the Church shall continue to welcome donations to its war chests in preparation to rid us of these dastardly creatures once and for all. We pray for our troops in the coming fighting to undo those who seek to blaspheme and stand against the will of GOD and our Emperor. Are you doing your part? THANHIUM ON THE WATER Penned by Andrey Barrow Black sails under the sun can mean nothing but ill tidings, as it is with recent sightings from about the southern shores. Reports made to the Hammerhead by those brave sons and daughters of the Empire, whom of course, are in the midst of carrying out God’s will, seem to indicate the appearance of a strange sort of galley. This small misshapen vessel, which bearing both the cross of the Lorraine and a most foreboding black skull, is probable; in accordance with scholars of the eminent Theodosian Society, to be a scouting vessel originating from the Empire of Aeldin or some such associate. Those most learned among us will recall the atrocities of the nefarious Empire in Savoy so many years ago, which left a ruinous blight on the southern coast of Almaris, of which only in recent memory does the devastation of Johannesburg compare. Our scholars had pointed to a text of these Aeldenic mercenaries, citing, "the blood of Ashford is one that is stained with rebellion and dishonour, akin to those of the first Horenic Houses of the Empire." One must wonder then, what interest these villains, with their Thanhic bombs and other unfamiliar weapons of war, may have in our own golden shores. We advise any citizen of Azuras to keep their wits about them when visiting the coast. And, to keep a watchful eye out for any similar ill tidings. THE IMPERIAL WEDDING OF 632 E.S. Penned by Lady Anastasya Ruthern née Galahar Within the Imperial Palace’s throne room, a monumental collection of nobility and citizenry gathered to witness the nuptials of Her Imperial Highness, Pontia Vesta Horen, and the future Duke of Valmont, Remus Aurelius Helane. A Ducal heir and Imperial Princess is sure to make a powerful match. The event was held in two parts: first, the procession; second, the feast. The nuptials were executed with precision and grace. It was as if every movement, a glance, a breath, and a smile were all rehearsed to perfection. Much akin to a dance, the moves were sharp and practised, but there was an air of effortlessness still hanging in the air. Father Lothaire Cardinal Montcollier, an esteemed member of the Imperial clergy, carried out the procession of marriage rites. The feast was bountiful and packed with attendants. The newlyweds were swarmed with eager congratulations and well-wishes, which took up most of their time. It was not until the event began to wind down in numbers that they were able to make their rounds to greet any outliers. This writer has sympathy for the couple, as they surely had no time to feast while their food was hot. To long-lasting devotion and the beginning of a new life together. Congratulations to the new husband and his wife for their wedding, and their babe! THE MONTHLY ALMANAC For the Northern Regions of Tarnarvon, Ghaestenwald, and Kvasz. Wzuvar ag Byvca ☼ Jula ag Piov ☼ Vzmey ag Hyff ϟ Gronna ag Droba ❅ϟ Tov ag Yermey ❅ϟ Msitza ag Dargund ❅ Joma ag Umund ❅ For the Imperial Capital, Alba, Trost, and further abound. Horen’s Calling ϟ Owyn’s Light ☼ Godfrey’s Triumph ☼ Aurelian’s Glory ☼ Sun’s Smile ϟ Harren’s Folly ❅ϟ Dragon’s Roar ❅ GREYE TRADING Penned by the “Faithful Father’s Finest Finds” As I wandered around the Imperial Capital of Rittersburg, my eyes often glanced through the storefronts of many spots with unique shopping opportunities; none stood above that of the Greye Trading at Stewards Way I. There is no greater way to furnish one’s home than with a carpet, and there is certainly no alternative for design in such intricate stylings than at Greye’s Trading. To those who caution buying due to their feline companions, fret not! The weaving of their rugs might as well be blended with carbarum itself, for it ridded my cat of its pesky claws. And yet, I still have not even spoken of the paintings, wherein we picked up a map of Azuras at a most affordable rate. Butterflies, Azuras, other… Such paintings and trappings. In truth, if you have no other means by which to make your two-meter-by-two-meter Orcish yurt homely for those cold nights, it’s probably the best you’ll be able to even afford. If you’re planning to decorate your home, it’s our advice that you stop off at Greye’s Trading for any needs you might have! AHEAD OF ITS TIME Penned by Alric var Ruthern, Burgher of Ghaestenwald The newly instituted Burgherraad sat for its first official meeting in the Imperial capital of Rittersburg, but was met with a great surprise. The very first bill to be debated within the Burghers’ chambers was to be one prompting the return of the widely used and storied A.H. dating system, dating back to the Ascension of Horen himself, and a mainstay on official documents across many Empires and realms for centuries. Many hoped to see these dates honouring Horen returned to the Imperial Proclamations and edicts of our own great Empire. The bill received widespread popular support in the chamber when first suggested in preliminary meetings, but when the time came to officially discuss it, the bill was vetoed, with no further explanation for the veto. Burgher Oliver Napier, who originally put forward the bill, maintained a stiff upper lip despite the setback in a good show of decorum, had this to say regarding the matter: "I am disappointed, but I understand the reasoning. It was a controversial matter, and I do wish to raise the subject again in the future. Respect for our history - not just the Empires, but Humanities, is a cause dear to me, and from what I have come to understand, dear to many others. You shall not hear the last of this, that I can promise." Troubling times ahead for the burgeoning Burgherraad as it attempts to set out its democratic course against Imperial power, or will a middle ground be found? We wait to find out. CROW’S COUNSEL Penned by Lady Marjoreya Galahar, Baroness of Ghaestenwald Privej! I am Lady Marjoreya, wife to Franz of Galahar, Baron of Ghaenstenwald. I like to think myself well-versed in the histories of all peoples, not just my beloved Raev, and I think I have the right of how things ought to be. Some have called me a traditionalist. Others, an extremist! Is it truly that extreme to believe that Man ought to dominate all of Azuras? Would an extremist believe that those dwarf rats got what was coming to them? I think not. I am simply a reasonable woman. To you, our beloved readers of human stock, I offer my sage counsel. Send a crow bearing your ills to Ghaestenwald, and I shall respond… Right here! Our first submission comes from an Alban noblewoman. “Good morrow! Mine husband hath of late taken unto himself a most strapping young man for his squire, one with long, lustrous, locks of gold, fair enough to shame Saint Julia herself, I daresay. Oft do they depart upon hunts most long… aye, exceedingly long. Methinks he spendeth more hours in the company of his squire than beside mine own self. In truth, I fear the squire mayhaps possesseth greater beauty than I. My lord husband is ever occupied with his knightly duties, and neglecteth the matter of our House and lineage. To speak plain, he spurns me, and shall not sire children upon me. What counsel hast thou for a troubled lady wife?” Listen well, Alban. Your husband shall take many hunts, with many squires, while you waste away in the empty halls of his hold. You, as his wife, must fulfill your duty to his House. It is your responsibility to raise his heirs, and see that his lineage continues. You ought to find a squire of your own that understands such things, preferably one who shares the blood of your husband. Does he perhaps have a younger brother? This next submission came in from the capital itself, an Imperial soldier. “Ave, pig-Raev. I am a Man. I am the Emperor’s chosen. I am a servant to our Imperium, and I love nothing more than to relish in the death of the enemies of Man. The touch of my wife brings me no joy. I only feel when I hear the tortured screams of a subhuman facing the Emperor’s righteous justice. The warmth of their filthy blood excites me beyond expression. I have not changed my gambeson since the days of the War of Crown and Crozier. I remove it to relieve myself, on occasion. These garments have felt the touch of the Restorer, ever Tiber. I shall not wash away the Touch of the Dragon. How can I cleanse the blood of the impure from my garments without washing them? As you are a woman, I feel you would be well-versed in such menial tasks. Ave Imperium.” I know a ‘Renatien’ when I hear one. Come to Ghaestenwald, say this to my face. I’ll flay you myself and fashion a fine burgundy cloak of my own. Try salt for your rancid, disgusting rags. I have found it draws even the most stubborn blood from any fabric. And, the final submission for this publishing, a woman who claims to hail from Valwyck. “Every night my husband drinks himself into a stupor at that damned Bear Trap! I tell him he’s a drunk, and he tells me - well, honestly, I don’t really know what he tells me. I can’t understand these people! Something about his culture, and that in his great-great-grandfather’s day, I wouldn’t be so uppity!? What in the Hells is he talking about? Last night, I complained that he stunk of Carrion. He soiled himself, for God’s sake! He struck me with a large tree branch. Over, and over. I think he’s going to kill me, please help!” It is the right of every Highlander to drink as we please. Godanistan has given us ale, and He has given us mouths. Have you, perhaps, tried caring for your husband when he returns from this Bear Trap? Fulfilling your sworn duty as his, I presume, baseborn (and homely, on account of your not joining him in the tavern) wife? After reading your nagging drivel, I fear he may be right. In the golden age of our kind, you would be worth, at most, a handful of almonds and three sheep. I fear you have only two options: remember your place, or strike him in turn. Both involve you to cease your beyond endless whinging. If my lord husband placed hands upon me, he’d no longer have hands. That’s all for this edition. If you have penned me a letter and you have not yet seen a response in Crow’s Counsel, fret not. Unless it was terribly boring, I will likely respond in the next edition of the Hammerhead! God preserve the Empire of Azuras! Godani Jest Wielki! That concludes the edition of the Hammerhead. We wish to thank our readers who remained loyal to us through the changing of the seasons and history. We implore those with stories worthy of note to send us word by crow, or dispatched to any of the Bureviy Host that you encounter, wherein it shall make its way back to us. God save the Emperor.

Full name of Man: Nikolas Barbanov of Pomeranz Date of Birth: 2060 Bride name: Maya Othaman Date of Birth: 2061 Location of Ceremony - Chalons Keep, Valmont Date of Ceremony: 2080 Clergyman: Ailred Ruthern

Ailred hummmed and hahhed over the fine details of the document before it was finally published. “Hopefully it will be up to standards for others to join.” He said with some hope.

Father Ailred sent the missive to his colleague, Cazmich Irvanko. "From smallest beginnings, may yet grow a mighty tree. We can endeavour to help them in their task as a new scholar! For if not us to help, then who?" @Fionn__TWG

Full Name of Man - Franz Galahar Date of Birth of Man - 2044 Name of Woman - Marjoreya vas Ruthern Date of Birth of Woman - 2051 Location of Ceremony - Church of the Wardfather Date of Ceremony (Year) - 2079 Name of Clergyman who performed ceremony - Father Ailred Ruthern

Ailred gave a big fat thumbs up.

make it a human heart

Ailred signed the Hussiyaran Cross.

Ailred wished the best for the Princess he had met once. “She’s a strange one but I hope they are quite happy together.”

Preface: It is my great hope to join the church to do something of worth with my life. I must admit that I have little training as an acolyte, if any, currently. I believe in scholarship and debate, and it is my sincere hope to cause change in the manner of my writings and, hopefully, one day, preaching. I write this thesis as I notice the lack of Imperial Cathedral days ahead of the coronation of Marcus I. I humbly hope that during his reign, we may debate the manner of church building before constructing a church that brings glory to GOD through our creation that which he gave to us. - Ailred Ruthern A Thesis On: Ecclesiastical Decoration And Structure of the Sacred Architecture “There he Horen drove the stakes of his tabernacle into four corners, and they became the boundaries of the holiest city.” Scroll of Gospel, 3:8 “Finally, Horen and his tribe built homes of wood and cloth in the plains, and they built temples of stone, and had many children.” Scroll of Gospel, 2:13 As devout faithful, it is our most holy purpose to keep to the will of GOD. Within the scrolls, there is no single explicit command regarding the decoration of sacred space; instead, there is a tension between the command for ordered holy architecture and the dangers of material excess. With the creation of the holy space of Horen’s holiest city, of which temples aim to recreate with their consecration today, and the command to build temples in strong material such as stone, the canon reveals that the creation of divine architecture is not merely functional, but an extension of divine command in the material world. This thesis shall argue that ecclesiastical architecture should reflect the glory of GOD with great splendour and ornament, as extensions of virtuous labour and divine hierarchy. This thesis shall also examine the counter; however, through simplicity and humility, we may steer ourselves away from excess that would give way to idolatry and worship of the material over the spiritual. “For I have blessed you with My miracle of creation, and you shall draw nearer to My throne by your labours.“ Scroll of Virtue 4:6 It is through the command of GOD that, through our labours, we would draw nearer to his throne. To further that, we should not be idle, the chief construct of worship in the creation of works in honour of GOD, namely, temples, we may grow closer to GOD. These temples are not merely places of worship, nor should they be ultimately any place of random before their consecration, such as a tavern or castle storeroom, but places built with holy purpose and set aside for such. Whilst Horen did set his four corners where he would similarly reside, one might argue that this came out of necessity over explicit need, and so we should avoid chapels within castles and the like unless this space has been specifically designed for such. No more should architects cram or find use of a small space in their castles and fill them with a temple or chapel, nor should the clergy consecrate them. A temple of any sort should be designed in mind to give GLORY to GOD. We must further stress that, by our works growing closer to the throne of GOD, these works are made of stone. When Horen and his tribe had their first materials, they built homes of material with no importance as wood and cloth. Temples were built of stone, with finality and greater cost than to them. By this same standard, we must ensure that the temple is the rock of all towns, villages and settlements in its finality. A temple may not be made of materials that can denigrate, and by the cost of the time, should be made to honour GOD through the cost of its materials. It is of import therefore, we lavish our temples with the strongest materials and the most costly, for to do so is to honour God's will and his design. “And by His Word the planes were rendered, and His Throne was in the Seventh Sky.” Scroll of Gospel 1:3 Through GOD'S divine creation, his design is ordered and created with a specific purpose. As the faithful seek to replicate and extend GOD’s holy works, we must build similarly with intent as GOD had done so. His throne, or altar, should be placed in the high point of the temple as the symbol of the highest prestige. None may be above the throne in their pews or seats as some have come to build in their temples. Through the use of the throne, it extends the symbolic idea of a great king that is similarly continued throughout the scrolls. This further argues in favour of the use of wealth to be imbued within the temple with items of worth, such as gold and other precious materials. It must be further stated that, from a perspective of conversion, precious metals helps the point of conversion for the poor and uneducated, with high symbolism, statues and and points of education through paintings, the masses may be better educated than the simple which, whilst may be better for those seeking deeper contemplation, hampers the ability to allow a temple welcoming of all rather than the select few. Those who believe in the more austere temple will argue that whilst sacred structure is permitted, they should be careful to avoid too much luxury or pride within their building. To restrain in ecclesiastical decoration avoids the faithful from seeing the visible with the divine. Rather than adding to their faith, items of great splendour may be objects of corruption. “They did not wish to reject the soft beds and good wines… Nor the finely worked jewelry.” Scroll of Gospel 2:26 Indeed, oftentimes sin is often cloaked in the disguise of the divine, such as Saul disguised as Horen. The faithful must therefore be wary that these great religious works are done in service to GOD, rather than done in pride. We must aim to replicate GOD’s holy works, but within creating holy architecture, it must reflect the glory of GOD and those who bring glory to him rather than that of ourselves. Whilst these buildings may be points of pride in the towns and where they are built, they must be done so with the mind to not lead us to corruption or the worship of false idols or ourselves. The Scrolls recognise such an issue, stating: “You have been proud and called my work your own.” Scroll of Gospel 7:21 The faith is one of built-in hierarchy, and sacred architecture must reflect this. We must ensure to bring glory to GOD through our ability to create, and there is no greater holy mission than to build temples within GOD’s sacred order, as well as to decorate them with works that further show GOD’s mystical awe to inspire the faithful, convert the wicked and replicate in what mediums we can of GOD’s holy grace. Yet, these must be done with the right purpose. Within, we must not stray into corruption, nor let these decorations sway others into Iblees’ corruption. We must be wary of those who build great designs, not for GOD’s grace, but rather for their own selfish means. In practicality, therefore, when building our temples, we must follow the instructions of the scrolls. Our temples should be built with strong materials, for they are the pillars of our communities and our faith. As when houses were built of cloth and wood, our temples will be built of stone. These buildings should bring honour and glory to GOD’s holy works, and so should our temples be ugly; they should be torn down as against GOD’s divine order. I believe there is still room for debate on the decorations between temples and monasteries, the house of GOD must reflect his glory, but man’s vanity. A monastery for those who have already learned and seek further contemplation shall be different to one of the unread or uneducated masses. It is the belief of this thesis, however, that they should be decorated to show awe and bring God's splendour to the world to honour him. However, it is of great importance that we address the issue of the corruption of faith within some ecclesiastical architecture. Temples built by families, named in honour of their ancestors, and the worship of their families within the centre, is certainly a corruption of faith. For whilst an ancestor may be blessed or a saint, to centre those temples around one’s ancestors is certainly more honouring oneself than GOD. Thus, while there does exist a level of danger that excess can lead to corruption for the faithful as they may be lost to the great splendours of wealth wherein they choose to worship the false, or the material over GOD, there is of greater import to GOD’s work. Our temples should reflect the highest glory of GOD, not our palaces or those places of hero worship wherein we worship our ancestors, whether pious or not. Our churches must be built as our pillars, our great bastions, for in a world where the Emperor’s peace has permeated, it is not the castle that stands assaulted, but rather our minds. Our churches must be adorned with the purpose to convert those wayward in faith, those lost, or those who seek malignant powers, such as those we fight in a crusade. The church, with its adornment, will stand as the chief power in our great realm. Meanwhile, those smaller places of faith, such as monasteries for quiet contemplation, shall be less adorned, where one can truly find God's holiness. To state simply, where God's beauty is found within his great works, this thesis argues that it shall not corrupt, but rather inspire and reveal the truth of GOD’s glory.

Ailred sat looking at the invitation, and then at a map nearby. “Weddings are the best for getting everyone all together.”

looks pretty cool actually

Wishing you all the best Turbo through the good and the bad, you’ve been a good little ray of sunshine whenever i’ve seen you

bring back free build, don’t let them declare any wars

Ailred groaned awake as he recovered from drinking the ***ht before, putting the missive over his eyes to go back to sleep. “I’ll get to it, Justinyn, just give me five more minutes.”