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THE ABDICATION OF MIKHAIL I AND MARGRAIT I Issued by the HOUSE OF RUTHERN On the 4th day of Tov ag Yermy of 446 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, It is the will of the Duke and Duchess of Vidaus that we rule over these lands no longer. We hereby abdicate all titles, save for the Viscounty of Greyspine, which shall be held by us, the former Ducal couple, until our deaths. As such, the Baron of Rostig now assumes rule over the domain of House Ruthern. He shall be known henceforth as His Grace, Aleksandr var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South. We have the utmost faith in our son to rule with strength and serve the Crown honourably. GOD BLESS ALEKSANDR I. LONG MAY HE RULE! DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Viscount of Greyspine His Grace, Aleksandr var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South The Honourable, Margrait Floireans Ruthern, Viscountess of Greyspine

"If a man has the gall to wear a crown he ought to fight his own battles," lamented the Duke of Vidaus as he thumbed through coin after coin of a hefty ransom. "When will a war be fought between two parties? There is nie thrill, nie honour in this."

TO PROVE ONESELF Issued by the HOUSE OF RUTHERN On the 13th day of Msitza ag Dargund of 443 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, As the children of House Ruthern age, traditions both old and new have seen the light of day. Our heir has grown into a respectable Baron after proving his worth at Druzstra, his twin has dedicated his life to the Crown and squirehood, and our youngest has proven a proficient swordsman in his own right. While the ambition of them all is undeniable, I yet find myself restless. Have I not provided ample guidance to the other fledglings of my house? It is with this announcement that I make it known that those of my blood shall not wander without purpose. Those who wish to prove themselves virtuous must do just that. No longer will complacency be ignored. To take one’s place in the world it must be earned, trueborn or not. Any Ruthern or Barrow of our blood that has yet to make something of themselves shall undertake a series of trials to prove their worth, beginning on the eve of their eighteenth nameday. These trials shall exemplify the following; I. LEADERSHIP To be noble of birth is to stand above the commons. That is to say, any Ruthern in name must be capable of commanding respect from his lessers. It is the way of our fathers to do so in battle, be it in our Black Company or in service to the King. Those who attain a position of prominence, leading men and showing prowess in battle are most worthy of their prestigious blood. Some are not destined to take up the hammer, as is God’s will. Yet, these warriors of ink and quill may still prove their worth. Vidaus is among the greatest of the vassals, yet our domain must always be maintained and developed, our subjects guided. A particularly shrewd steward or gifted architect is of as much use as the strongest swordsman. II. FERVOUR The faith of our Haeseni kin is paramount. In many cases, to forsake it is to forsake life itself. Subjecting oneself to a life of chastity, humility and prayer is not customary for the men of our House, though it is a commendable path. There are many ways to express one’s faith, however, for God’s word may be spread by tongue or the sword. III. STRENGTH Proving one’s strength is a straightforward ordeal. There are many routes for the swordsman who seeks to spill blood. Among them are the chivalrous orders of the Crow and Marian. To squire and be dubbed Ser is to bring great prestige to oneself and House Ruthern, and shall be respected by all our blood. Lesser feats of strength carry that same virtue, be it winning a tourney, a duel, or service as a sellsword. IV. WILL A true Ruthern is unbending, unbroken. This strength of will, derided as madness by the weak, does indeed run in our blood. Though, one cannot claim strength by inheritance alone. It must be proven. One must forgo comforts and luxury for an extended period to demonstrate resolve. It is customary for a Ruthern to undertake a year-long voyage, to cast aside the comforts of home and see the lands beyond our own. This is oft done by boat, though a journey over land comes with hardships of its own. A year’s time must pass for a Ruthern to have proven themselves capable of survival by their own will. V. WIT The House of Ruthern is a storied one. Our history has been chronicled for centuries, our deeds written into the story of Man. Without the scribe this would not be so. To write in the Tome of Rutherns is a great honour, bestowed upon only those most gifted in the literary arts. These men who labour over ink and parchment oft demand reverence. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Floireans Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine and Lady of Druzstra

TO DEFEND THE FAITHFUL Issued by the HOUSE OF RUTHERN On the 17th day of Gronna ag Droba of 443 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, It is the will of GOD that I face trial for my sins. But I shall not be dragged before a Karosgradi court. My penance is to be battle, GOD willing my sins shall be drowned in vampiric blood. My beloved wife Margrait, Duchess of Vidaus, will assume sole rule of our domain until I return from this Crusade. I am no craven, nor am I a fiend. Any man wishing to answer the call of the Church may ride alongside myself and my retinue. To those who seek my prosecution; TAKE THE FIELD OR STAY YOUR TONGUE. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South

NOW TO MOURN THE FALLEN Issued by the HOUSE OF RUTHERN On the 12th day of Vyzmey ag Hyff of 442 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, The plague that lingered in the halls of Druzstra is no more. All those afflicted are now free of illness, be it in life or death. I thank GOD for my own survival, yet it brings me little joy. What this fever lacked in tenure it held in potency. My House mourns. These are our fallen; JOREN VAR RUTHERN (378 E.S. - 441 E.S.) Son of Harren. Champion of the Feud. Joren was a wroth man and a fine swordsman. He was one of five, including myself, who took the field against the champions of House Barclay. For this I am forever grateful. The fever took him on Joma ag Umund. He leaves behind two legitimate sons and a bastard. ZOYA VAS RUTHERN (401 E.S. - 442 E.S.) Daughter of Boris. Grand Maer of Karosgrad, Kastellan of Stewardry, Palace Custodian. While Zoya and myself were not close, she was a great asset to her family and fine company by all accounts. Few in recent memory have served the kingdom so dutifully. The fever took her on Jula ag Piov. She leaves behind a husband and four young children. RHYS VAR RUTHERN (381 E.S. - 442 E.S.) Son of Ailred II. 7th Duke of Vidaus, Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska, Champion of the Feud. One needs only to read the Tome of Rutherns to see the dedication of my predecessor, my father, to our House. As he lay dying of plague, Rhys had a quill in hand. For his service as Lord Speaker to the Royal Duma, the Crown is indebted to him. For his lands, his titles, and his unwavering loyalty, so too am I. I pray he reaches mother in the Seven. The fever took him on Vyzmey ag Hyff. He leaves behind a great and mighty house. MILENA VAS RUTHERN (428 E.S. - 442 E.S.) Daughter of Mikhail I. Milena was the fourth of my true born children, second of my daughters. A shy girl, though delicate and caring. I wish not to write of her further. The fever took her on Vyzmey ag Hyff. I invite any who wish to pay their respects to Druzstra. I will not allow this sickness to spread once more. As pox still marks the corpses of the dead, I shall see them burned on a pyre. Those servants who catered the feast with House Ludovar are to be broken by hammer in the square of Branhavn following the funeral. An amendment is attached below for those stricken late by the fever; BARBAS BARROW (431 E.S. - 442 E.S.) Bastard Son of Dorothea. Barbas was a sickly, frail boy. He seemed not long for this world when he arrived at the gates of Druzstra, though in these last years of his life he seemed to grow stronger, brighter. I suppose it was for naught. The fever took him on Tov ag Yermey. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Floireans Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine and Lady of Druzstra

ON THE SICKNESS IN DRUZSTRA Issued by the HOUSE OF RUTHERN On the 11th day of Joma ag Umund of 441 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, In the days which followed a feast between the House of Ludovar and Ruthern, the family of His Grace, Mikhail I, has been stricken by a most terrible fever. Those afflicted are gaunt and hollow, their skin drained of all colour and plagued by rashes resembling the pox. None have yet passed, though His Grace has been left bedridden, and his bastard withstood a great fall from fatigue that resulted in a brutal head injury. His Grace extends his warning to his Comital guests in particular. The diseased Rutherns shall remain sequestered in Druzstra. Any who have found themselves in proximity to the Duke and his family should follow suit, lest this fever take root elsewhere. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Floireans Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine and Lady of Druzstra

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Mikhail var Ruthern cracked a thin smile as a manservant hung the final piece he commissioned, a portrait of himself, above the mantle at Druzstra. "A dobry painting of a dobry man," he stated proudly as he waved off the strelt in order to admire the work in peace.

A SUMMARY OF THE TOURNEY OF 441 E.S. Issued by the DUCHY OF VIDAUS On the 5th day of Jula ag Piov of 441 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, It is a bittersweet thing to pass on one’s titles to their heir, and so I extend my thanks to all those men and women of Canondom who journeyed to Branhavn on this momentous day. For those who could not, or simply did not, I have penned this summary of the day’s events with haste. We shall begin with the melee. It was won by the team consisting of Ser Grigori Vyronov, Ser Flemius, Loran von Draco and Kren, though truly two men stood out from their peers on this day. The first of which is the young Lord Loran von Draco, who, out of the eight men his team faced, brought six to their knees. The second, my son and heir, the now Baron of Rostig, brought down three men of four in a single clash. The joust was won by Ser John of Sedan, who dehorsed Seaxburh of Arichsdorf following a series of bouts and claimed the title Champion of Druzstra. The knight held the favour of the Imperial Princess, Octavia Helen, youngest sister to the late Frederick ‘the Usurper’ of Oren. One cannot help but mention the tilt between Lord Hamish Kortrevich and the Arichsdorfer, which ended in a spectacularly contested single combat on foot. Seaxburh narrowly defeated the Bull, driving him to the ground with a swing of a hammer and shattering the young Kortrevich’s wrist. In a turn of events few saw coming, our Princess Analiesa mounted a destrier and took to the tiltyard. She skillfully dismounted the young ward, Giovanna Florentino, before doing the same to her own brother and heir to the realm, Grand Prince Georg Sigismund. I pray for His Serene Highness, for he cleaved the head from his own steed in a fit of rage following his loss. Wrath is a curse, this I can attest to. As for the favours bestowed upon the gallant men of the tourney, I shall list them briefly; I. Her Imperial Highness, Octavia Helen granted her favour to Ser John of Sedan, Champion of Druzstra. II. Lady Esfir Kortrevich granted her favour to His Serene Highness, Georg Barbanov-Bihar. III. Her Royal Highness, Analiesa Barbanov granted her favour to His Lordship, Aleksandr var Ruthern. IV. Lady Marcella Ludovar granted her favour to Lord Hamish Kortrevich. V. The bastard Viorica Barrow granted her favour to Her Highness Analiesa Barbanov. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig and Lady of Druzstra

OF 441 E.S. Issued by the DUCHY OF VIDAUS On the 3rd day of Msitza ag Dargund of 440 E.S. With the coming of my son and heir Lord Aleksandr var Ruthern’s sixteenth nameday, I do wish to bestow upon him the title of Baron of Rostig, as my father did unto me. Though, unlike my father, I shall not simply hand this boy my title by virtue of age alone. Every man ages, it is no feat. He who holds a title must possess the strength to maintain it. I CALL UPON ALL MEN OF CANONDOM. Present yourselves to my holdings at Druzstra. This shall be a day of combat unending. Should my heir survive this ordeal I shall not hesitate to dub him Baron of Rostig. Fret not, for those who prove themselves most adept will receive their prize in the form of minae. The day shall proceed as follows; Wzuvar ag Byvca 441 E.S. I. THE JOUST All men in attendance shall be fit into a bracket, through which they shall rise if they prove victorious in their bouts. He who unsaddles his opponent may invite the favour of a lady in attendance, and she who is asked may give to him her colours to bear for the remainder of the tournament. The final victor shall be awarded a purse of 150 minae and a set of golden spurs. II. THE MELEE Those men wishing to fight may divide themselves into teams of four who shall face one another in group combat. The team who emerges victorious will be awarded a total sum of 300 minae, to be split amongst themselves as they choose. HEATHENS AND NE'ER DO WELLS NEED NOT SHOW. BY BONES AND BARROWS, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig and Lady of Druzstra

OF 440 E.S. Issued by the DUCHY OF VIDAUS On the 11th day of Gronna ag Droba of 440 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, Long has the Black Company stood guard over the lands of House Ruthern, existing in some form or another for centuries. In this time they have served both their lords and the Kingdom valiantly, for it is they from which the Brotherhood of St. Karl may claim its ancestry. Yet this historic company has slid into stagnation, its banners unraised in recent memory. With the persistent threat posed by brigands and heathens in the marchlands, His Grace has deemed it necessary to breathe life into this once prominent order. As per the Haurul Caezk, specifically Jura I Szlata VII which concerns the duties of a Ducal peer, the House of Ruthern is permitted to field a guard of retainers. Thus, it is hereby decreed that the Black Company of 440 ES be established. Any Haeseni wishing to take up the banner of Ruther are to present themselves before His Grace at his seat of Druzstra. A BRIEF HISTORY The Black Company was founded by Rhys I, Count of Metterden, approximately two centuries ago to date. Under the Lord Ruthern’s adept command, his Company quickly grew to become the largest levy in the Dual-Kingdom. Perhaps rather dangerously, the strength of the Helmholtz-based band eclipsed even that of the standing army of the King. At the behest of the Count, the Black Company did battle against the enemies of his King, notably in their many engagements with the nefarious Vaeyl Order and in service to the Crown at Karl’s Hill. For his leal service and martial prowess, Rhys I was titled Lord Marshal of Hanseti-Ruska and reformed the army of His Majesty as the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. While the Black Company waned in importance from then on, of those first members of the Brotherhead the majority were drawn from its ranks. DUTIES AND PAY The Black Company is to act as the personal retinue of the Duke of Vidaus, protecting his person and family, as well as his domain and subjects. They are expected to rally at the behest of House Ruthern whenever called upon and to carry their banners into battle without hesitation. Unlike the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, which any man of the Black Company may enlist in as well, bannermen are not paid a yearly salary. Instead, they are paid a sum upon cutting down a man in defense of House Ruthern. The amount of said sum is to be a year’s wages of an Oathedman in the Brotherhood, per head. At the discretion of His Grace, they may also be paid for dutiful service STRUCTURE AND PRIVILEGES All men donning the armour of House Ruthern are equivalent on the field. That is to say, the Black Company is devoid of hierarchy, save for the Duke or those appointed by him to command his banners. He who is deemed worthy to lead the Company by His Grace shall sit on his Ducal Council, the Obberat, and oversee the defense of his domain as a whole. All men of the Black Company are entitled to the following; I. Arms and armour befitting his duty. II. Training in combat, should it be needed. III. Lodgings in castle Druzstra and the Black Barracks. IV. The favour of House Ruthern. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig and Lady of Druzstra

ESTABLISHED 440 E.S. Issued by the DUCHY OF VIDAUS On the 10th day of Gronna ag Droba of 440 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, With the blessing of His Majesty, King Karl III, the peers of the realm once more embrace the feudal traditions of old. Lords shall no longer suffer the humiliation of being relegated to ruling over naught but the dirt surrounding their fortified manors. By my right as Duke of Vidaus, I have ordered the construction of the village of Branhavn beyond the walls of castle Druzstra on the northern road to Karosgrad. Many years have passed since this decree, and it is with pride that I announce its completion. I extend my thanks for the efforts of my wife Margrait, our son and heir Aleksandr and my aunt, Angelika. Without their labour Branhavn would have remained a frozen hill. It is the hope of myself and the House of Ruthern that this village serves as a bastion of the Raev and the jewel of the northern marches. The gates have opened and shall remain so for any northman seeking to dwell or do business in my lands. Any inquiries are to be directed to myself, the Duke of Vidaus, until the streltzy elect one of their own to handle such. The village as depicted by HIH Octavia Helen; GOD BLESS BRANHAVN DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig and Lady of Druzstra

AN EDICT AS PROCLAIMED BY HIS GRACE MIKHAIL I Issued by the DUCHY OF VIDAUS On the 11th day of Vzmey ag Hyff of 440 E.S. SANGKRUV I RUTHER, As my duties as Grand Lord have called me to the Morrivi, the throne at Druzstra oft sits empty. This is to be no longer. I do hereby elevate my wife, Margrait of Valwyck, from Duchess-Consort to Duchess in her own right. She has offered me wise counsel throughout my reign and I trust her wholeheartedly not to abuse this power or my subjects. The terms of the ascension of Her Grace, Margrait I, are as follows; I. That Margrait Ruthern be hereby named Her Grace Margrait I, Duchess of Vidaus jure uxoris, to rule alongside myself until her death or abdication. II. That the inheritance of all titles held by myself shall not be altered by the ascension of Duchess Margrait, in that the House of Baruch shall hold no claim to the titles presently held by the House of Ruthern. III. That should either myself or Her Grace die, the survivor shall not wed another. GOD bless Margrait I, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig and Lady of Druzstra. Let any man who barks at this edict be known for the limp-wristed dog he is. DRUZ GJERNZ AG GRYVNZ, His Excellency, Mikhail var Ruthern, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South Her Grace, Margrait Ruthern, Duchess of Vidaus, Countess of Metterden, Viscountess of Greyspine, Baroness of Rostig and Lady of Druzstra

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Mikhail var Ruthern contemplated jumping from a tower of the Morrivi.

The Duke of Vidaus raises a glass to his newfound allies.

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Mikhail var Ruthern shared a glass of wine with his wife on one of the many balconies in his grand castle. The noises of their six legitimate children and his two bastards echoed throughout the halls. He smiled as he looked down upon his vast tracts of land, knowing his line was secure, his pockets fat, and his peasants poor.

ELECTION OF THE MILITARY TRIBUNE OF 429 E.S Issued by the OFFICE OF THE LORD MARSHAL On this 10th day of Gronna ag Droba of 428 E.S OXTZENZ I VE KOENG, In accordance with His Excellency the Lord Speaker’s most recent reforms, the office of the Lord Marshal is to appoint a man to the position of Military Tribune. He who holds this title is permitted to sit upon His Majesty’s Duma, acting both as a voice and a vote for the will of the Brotherhood of St. Karl. With the untimely passing of His Princely Grace, Lord Marshal Johann Barclay, the officers of the Brotherhood assume the mantle of the office of the Lord Marshal and declare any soldier who has taken the oath eligible to nominate themselves. Ser Emil Barclay has been appointed by the officers of the Brotherhood of St. Karl to serve as the first Military Tribune, and shall serve in the upcoming session of the Royal Duma. This is to be the extent of his tenure as he will be replaced by the candidate elected by the soldiery at the next sitting. The election will take place during Gronna ag Droba, 429 ES. For a soldier to nominate themselves to the position of Military Tribune they must satisfy the following eligibility criteria; 1. Candidates must be at least sixteen years of age; 2. Candidates must not have a criminal record; 3. Candidates must not be a titled peer or regent; 4. Candidates must be a serving member in the Brotherhood of St. Karl. 5. Candidates must have attained the rank of Oathedman in the Brotherhood of St. Karl. 6. Candidates cannot bribe potential voters, or otherwise purchase votes; 7. Candidates’ eligibility is subject to the investigation of the Electoral Commissioner and the Officers of the Brotherhood of St. Karl. The Officers of the Brotherhood of St. Karl strongly encourage ALL nominees to campaign in some shape or form. Lord Filip of House Amador has graciously offered to open his holdings at Mondstadt to the soldiery on Joma ag Umund, 428 ES, and invites all prospective nominees to deliver speeches before their brothers and sisters, as well as all Haeseni interested in the election of the Military Tribune. KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM, His Grace Mikhail var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Protector of the South and Lord of Druzstra His Lordship Filip Amador, Baron of Mondstadt

THE BLACK COMPANY OF 428 ES Issued by the, DUKE OF VIDAUS On the 5th day of Vyzmey ag Hyff of 428 ES Long has the Black Company stood guard over the lands of House Ruthern, existing in some form or another for more centuries. In this time they have served both their lords and the Kingdom valiantly, yet the company has slid into stagnation for much of living memory. With the most recent feud with the House of Barclay, and their march on Vidaus, His Grace Mikhail I of Vidaus does see it necessary that this be corrected. As per the Haurul Caezk, specifically Jura I Szlata VII which concerns the duties of a Ducal peer, the House of Ruthern is once more permitted to field a guard of retainers. Thus, it is hereby decreed that the Black Company of 427 ES be established and any Haeseni wishing to take up the banner of Ruther are to present themselves in Druzstra. DUTY AND PAY The Black Company is to act as guardsmen in the lands of Vidaus, protecting both the tenants and family of His Grace with their lives. Their duties are not purely defensive, however. They are expected to rally at the behest of House Ruthern whenever called upon and carry their banners into battle without hesitation. Unlike the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, which any man of the Black Company may enlist in as well, bannermen are not paid a yearly salary. Instead, they are paid a sum upon cutting down a man in defense of House Ruthern. The amount of said sum is to be a year’s wages of an Oathedman in the Brotherhood, per head. At the discretion of His Grace, they may also be paid for dutiful attendance when called upon. STRUCTURE AND PRIVILEGES All men donning the armour of House Ruthern are equivalent on the field. That is to say, the Black Company is devoid of hierarchy, save for the Duke or those appointed by him to command his banners. All men of the Black Company are entitled to the following; I. Arms and armour befitting his duty. II. Training in combat, should it be needed. III. The right to live and do business free of tax within the soon-to-be erected hamlet beyond the walls of Druzstra. BY BONES AND BARROWS, His Grace, Mikhail Tuvya var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South

A COMITAL COUPLING Issued by the HOUSE OF RUTHERN On this 14th day of Gronna ag Droba of 423 ES To the citizens of Hanseti-Ruska and honourable invitees below, With the war now but a memory, the promise of union between the Houses of Ruthern and Baruch may finally be satisfied. Count Mikhail var Ruthern and Lady Margrait Baruch shall take not a moment longer to sanctify their bond through rite of marriage. The couple hopes those familiar will attend both the ceremony and the festivities following it. I. CEREMONY Though some believe it a bad omen to wed in this most bitter month of the year, Joma ag Umund of 423 ES, the Count of Metterden and his betrothed are to be bound in both name and heart in the eyes of God. They shall exchange their vows in the Basilica of St. Henrik before the subjects of His Majesty and the eyes of God. II. REVELRY AT DRUZSTRA Following the exchange of vows between the Count and his future Countess, His Lordship invites all those in attendance to accompany him to the Duchy of Vidaus for a day of celebration. At the grounds of Druzstra a tournament shall be held, with any man or woman willing to pick up a lance free to enter themselves into competition, be they of noble or peasant stock. The tourney shall be followed by a game, dubbed the Lord of the Barrow; a contest to keep one’s footing upon a mound of dirt as they fight for their place against their opponents. Those who emerge victorious in these events shall be entitled to a purse of minae, among other rewards, all of which shall be presented by the Count himself. For the less violent among attendees, a small market shall be erected on the lands surrounding Druzstra. Here, one may purchase goods and portraits, or, should they be interested, receive a prophecy told by the Oracle himself. As the evening comes to its end, those close to the couple or bearing gifts are invited into the keep for the customary feast. FORMAL INVITATIONS ARE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING: His Royal Majesty, Sigismund III, King of Hanseti-Ruska and his noble pedigree His Princely Grace, Johann Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and his noble pedigree His Grace, Rhys var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus and his noble pedigree Their Graces, Eirik Baruch and Anastasya Isabel, Duke and Duchess of Valwyck and their noble pedigree The Right Honourable, Johann Ludovar, Count of Otistadt and his noble pedigree The Honourable, Nikolai Kortrevich, Viscount of Krusev and his noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Sorina Luceafâru, Baroness of Richtenburg and her noble pedigree His Lordship, Filip Amador, Baron of Mondstadt and his noble pedigree His Royal Highness, Otto Morovar, Baron of Ghaestenwald and his noble pedigree Her Serene Highness, Renata Ashford de Savoie, Princess of Savoy and her noble pedigree His Lordship, Viktor var Ruthern, Baron of Marsana and his noble pedigree BY BONES AND BARROWS, His Excellency, Rhys var Ruthern, Lord Speaker of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra His Excellency, Eirik Matyas Baruch, Lord Palatine of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Valwyck, Count of Ayr, Baron of Gant, Laval, and Riveryn, Lord of Jorenstadt, Guardian of the Hanseti Coast The Right Honourable, Mikhail var Ruthern, Count of Metterden Her Ladyship, Margrait Floireans Baruch

The Count of Metterden read over this proposal with great interest. "Perhaps the House of Luceafaru should handle matters relating to their own succession. Was it niet the House of Barclay who opposed the meddling of the Crown in such matters when the Karenina was proposed?" he pondered aloud in his study.

Mikhail var Ruthern slapped the servant that brought him the latest edition before snatching it from his hands. "Ea do niet care who mea coz be- Oh..." he mumbled, a frown coming to his face as he read over the article dedicated to his sister. "Oh nie."

Ser Viktor Baruch smiled, then promptly frowned upon noticing the font of the title.