Ni’leya

“Comport the Soul towards the One, and reap Perfection.”

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The Argent, inverted tear drop symbolizes Purity, as its physical manifestation. The Black Orb in the middle represents the Soul, and the Blue Rising Sun represents the pursuit of Knowledge. 

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History

The rise of Talonnii Ni’leya can be traced back to the times of Malin - specifically, to the exodus that occurred when the Silver Lady, Larihei Lohmanih left with like minded individuals after her discovery of the Golden Pools - the Genesis of elMali’aheral.

One of those like minded individuals, was named Sarndir Ni’leya - dubbed a nuisance by the Elves of Old Malinor for his constant inquiry. It is rumoured that in the bustling streets of the Old City, he would climb atop anything that would give him vantage - be it a box or cart, and he would begin to critique society, to the displeasure of many around him. It was at this time, that he encountered Larihei herself - He was captivated by their likeness - she too, questioned and as such, was seen as a nuisance by others - this prompted Sarndir to join her in her efforts.

By trade, Sarndir was nothing more than a Philosopher, he excelled in the critique of ideals and policies and this inquisitive - logical mind, he would pass on to his young son - Braxus. Kayda, a young Elfess, bore no resemblance to Sarndir - the two in fact, were quite the opposite. Where Sarndir wished to critique, Kayda wished to console. Not much is known about Kayda Ni’leya, other than the fact that she eventually married Sarndir and bore several children, the eldest of which being Braxus.

Growing up, Braxus was told many stories of Larihei and her ways, by his Father and Mother - this sparked in him, an unquenchable thirst to emulate her - hence his radical attitude towards Purity and maintaining it.

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Physical Traits

A Ni’leya typically stands between 6’1 and 6’6. In line with their natural inclinations, they are of slender build, although they retain power - their frames sturdy and upright. Their eye’s range from Deep Purple to Light Blue. They do not differ much from their kin - their skin is rather pale and smooth and their hair color ranges from Light Blonde - to Silver/Platinum. 

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Mental Traits

A Ni’leya, has instilled in them from a very young age, a love of Wisdom. To a Ni’leya, the cultivation of Mali’aheral virtues is fundamental to their very being - They are a Talonnii who values Purity over anything else - This is something they strive to maintain. They are scholarly and their main pursuits are Philosophical in nature. While different families may pursue the sciences or arts to further elMaehr’sae Hiylun’ehya, the Ni’leya’s prefer to do so by debate and Philosophy. 

Not only is a Ni’leya intellectual, they are also loyal - familial relationships are the basis of Haelun’orian society and they recognize this and understand the importance of the family unit. As such, they tend to be rather close-knit, siding with their family over others.

Given their intellectual nature and closeness of family, it should come as no surprise that a Ni’leya is typically quite stubborn and proud - arrogant even. If a Ni’leya believes something, they believe it to the greatest extent and will ruthlessly rebut any and every argument that poses a threat to their beliefs - they wield the pen, as opposed to the sword and view intellectual superiority as a greater asset than physical superiority.

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Family Tree

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Etymology

While much of the Ancient Elven language is lost, the most common interpretation of the name is that it is a derivative of a word for Graceful or Beautiful. Modern holders of the name attest to its meaning something along the lines; “Of Grace” - Leyu being the word for Graceful.

A notice is posted around the city and handed out to citizens
 

To Request a Trial

Issued 14th of the Deep Cold
Year 48, S.A
 

Recently, I, Okarir’san Braxus Ni’leya, was threatened in the presence of elOkarir’tir, by one of Miss Chiyo Osser’s constructs. An Earthen creation who acts as oem Sillumir and carries out the enforcement of the law, as later confirmed by elOkarir’tir and Miss Osser. I decided to confront Miss Osser, instructing her that she either alter the constitutive elements of her creation so as not to threaten and harass elMali’thill, or her creation would be destroyed, or removed from elCihi. Miss Osser was kind enough to inform me that her creations had in fact, threatened other Mali’thill within elCihi. She claimed that she would not change her creations because I had threatened their destruction, going so far as to refer to them as her children and so I instructed her that the construct would be destroyed or at least, removed from elCihi, given her refusal.

Shortly after, I was in conversation with oem Mali’aheral by the name of Luthriel. We were beginning to discuss my latest writing, The Tripartite Soul, when Miss Osser confronted me, followed by another one of her constructs, so named Pharos. She informed myself and those present, that she was here for an apology for threatening her “children” and by extension, her person. Not only this, but that she had brought along her creation so that she may be entertained by the violent conflict that she was about to instruct her construct to commit against my person, unless I apologised. This threatening behavior ought not be tolerated within the State, and by law it is not. After I had approached her, she ordered her construct to approach me and commanded that I greet it, the very thing she brought to the city to inflict physical harm upon me. I refused and told her to dismiss it, to which she refused. As a preventative measure against any physical harm - an act of self-defense, I drew my weapon, ensuring her that if she did as she intended, if she attempted to set her construct upon me to inflict physical harm, that I would respond in a manner that would constitute self-defense, as is my right, assured by The Silver Law, under CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 1.

Shortly after this, elOkarir’tir approached. Miss Osser informed the Okarir that I had broken several laws and drew a weapon upon her. She asked the Okarir'tir whether or not this constituted my guilt to such a degree that she may be justified in setting her construct (who according to her and elOkarir’tir, is oem Sillumir and possesses this power), upon me to physically remove me from the area. Without considering my side of the story, the Construct did as it was commanded by its creator and without any regard for the crimes committed by Miss Osser, adhered to her every word and physically assaulted me. Miss Osser, in this instance, usurped an asset of the State and used it against one of its blessed Citizens in an attempt at bravado, humiliation and an usurpation of power, proving herself above the law, so long as she has one of her enforcers present to do her bidding. This act, of using one of the States’ assets against a citizen, constitutes a great threat to the State and this ought to be treated with the utmost seriousness.

Thus, I implore elSohaer Kolvar Uradir to select elParir’tiran and to summon Miss Chiyo Osser to stand trial so that she may face justice and be charged for her crimes against myself and the State. Let Miss Chiyo Osser stand as charged, with breach or incitement to breach the following laws:
 

• CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 1.     The Blessed Residents of The Silver State of Haelun’or will not tolerate the ineffable natures of violent beasts.
• CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 2.     The Blessed Residents of The Silver State of Haelun’or will not tolerate the barbaric and threatening words of the uncivilized.
• CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 10.   The Blessed Residents of The Silver State of Haelun’or will not tolerate the willful spreading of false or misleading information.
   

The Facts of the case are as follows;

• Miss Osser’s Earthen Construct threatened my person physically in the presence of elOkarir’tir. Later, Miss Osser’s Fire construct physically removed me from the area. As their creator, and at her behest, did her creations, who are loyal to her, act. Miss Osser is fully responsible for their actions. This constitutes a breach of CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 1.
• Miss Osser threatened violence against my person at the hands of her constructs. This constitutes a breach of CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 2.
• Miss Osser willfully spread false and misleading information to elOkarir’tir, instructing him that I was in fact, the one who was in the wrong - who had broken the law, which then gave Miss Chiyo her justification to have her Fire construct physically assault me. This constitutes a breach of CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 10.  

Maehr'sae Hiylun'ehya

 
Signed, 
Okarir’san Braxus Ni’leya
 

The Tripartite Soul

Braxus Ni’leya

14th of The Amber Cold,

Year 48 S.A

Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya

As I previously wrote in The Silver Soul, elMali’aheral are endowed with a Silver Soul. This is the cause of their directedness and affinity for perfection, as we understand it. Perfect knowledge of the world can only be attained by a vessel built to attain such knowledge. And this, dear lliran, is the Silver Soul. As I wrote my last piece, I could not help but ponder several ideas, especially as I considered several objections to my work. One of these ideas shall be the main focus of my writings here, and that is on the partition of the soul - the Triparition of the soul.

Firstly however, it is vital that we discuss further, the nature of the soul. There are certain things we know by experience, what it is like to be rained upon, the vile stench of the Uruk, the firmness of a voluminous text within our blessed library, et cetera. However, there are also things that we simply just know. This is fundamental to our existence and without any prior experience, we can ascertain truth. For example, it is known to us without experience that a bachelor is an unmarried man. This is necessarily true. Two, plus Two, equals Four, is another one of these necessarily true propositions. We can discern these kinds of truths naturally, as it were. This is because it is the SOUL which is the knower, if you will. It is our soul which retains this kind of knowledge. 

Now then, to the main point of this endeavor. It is quite common for one to both desire something at time ‘x’, and then to not desire it at the same time ‘x’. For example, suppose I am sitting in the inn supping my mint tea. I am enjoying this tea and would like more, however if I have another cup, I shall be late to the symposium. I both want, and do not want another cup of tea. Yet how is it possible for the same thing - the soul, to both want and not want something at the same time? This, I say, is no great challenge to meet. I have reasoned that our Silver Soul is not merely one entity, for lack of a better word, but rather Tripartite in nature - it is three in one. That part of me that so greedily wishes for another cup, that I may commit a most serious sin of showing up late, is ordained by one part of the soul - the appetitive - this is what orders my desire and gives my desires energy. That part of me that does not want to be late, that wants to further his understanding of ‘x’ topic by engaging with learned friends at the aforementioned symposium, is ruled by the rational part of the soul - the analytic part, the one who reasons. Then there is another - the spirited part. This is the part responsible for the higher emotions, perhaps one can call them the virtues, such as courage, indignation against evil, et cetera. And reason is the most fundamental of the three, the soul ought to be ruled by the rational part.

Perhaps an example, to solidify my thought;

Suppose a charioteer is racing with two horses. One horse, ebon, the other - white. The ebon horse, is the appetitive, it listens not to its master, it runs in all directions and chases blindly, its desires without thought. This horse is wild and untamed. It is the charioteer, or reason, which pulls the horse back onto course and orders its desires. It is the ebon horse that will deceive me into drinking more tea. The white horse is the opposite. It is well mannered and does as it is ordered. It is noble in nature and always listens to reason.

Another example that will aid;

Consider love. There are several forms of love, love of the body - erotic love being the most base. When the appetitive part rules, love is confined strictly, to the sexual. It serves no higher purpose than this - a sad affair. However, when reason, in hand with spirit reigns in this ebon horse, one’s aims are higher and their love is transformed from the bodily, to the heavenly - to knowledge - perfection.

It is the wisest and most beloved of our kin who are ruled by the rational part of their silver soul. This is what we all must aspire towards. Throw off the shackles of your appetites and desires, let reason rule so that we may soar.

The Silver Soul

Braxus Ni’leya

13th of The Amber Cold,

Year 48 S.A

Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya

Malaurir Kalenz Uradir encourages, in his Abstract of The Valleian’acal of Larihei and the Effects on the Physical Body, that “all of Malin’s pure children” bathe in the Golden Pools - the physical manifestation of the genesis of our kindred souls. 

Why? Because it fosters both the prior - Maehr, and the latter half of our driving Philosophy - Hiylun. It is imperative to our people that we remain healthy - pure. The focus of this work, shall not be on physical health, nor on Purity, but rather that element of bathing in the Golden Pools, which remains to this date, unspoken of until now - The Silver Soul. However, as a brief note, I believe it important to say that Purity, as has previously and commonly been described as no more than a check-list of things one ought or ought not to do, is much greater than this. This is a foolish conception, for if that were the case, then anyone could claim purity by acting like Mali’thill - No, I say. Purity is a gift, maintained by elMaehr’sae Hiylun’ehya. Bathing in the Golden Pools did not merely make us fairer, taller, more intelligent, et cetera, but it fundamentally altered the very nature of our Soul. Before I discuss this, I shall expound briefly on what I mean by ‘soul’.

The soul, as it is classically thought of, is the animating force of all living creatures. It is that immaterial thing within us that brings us to life, as it were - that gives us a directedness. Other races will have more or less to say on this topic, but for our purposes, this is the definition that I shall use and it is the latter proposition that I am primarily interested in.

The four brothers are necessarily ensouled, for they drew breath, inhabited, and walked among the creatures of the world. As brothers, the essence of their souls were alike, for one cannot birth offspring whose fundamental nature opposes one another. As such, we can conclude from this, that the souls of the descendants of the four, are mutually the same, in nature and essence.

Corporeally, we differ very slightly from others. We have, as do all descendants, limbs and organs, differing shades of skin, et cetera - in this then, we are similar. However, what fundamentally sets us apart, is not our ability to write poetry, or to think in the abstract, for other, lesser races can do that to some degree - but rather, we differ in kind, as opposed to degree - it is the nature of our soul that excludes us. Following the betrayal of Larihei by Malin, she set off with like-minded allies and discovered the Golden Pools, they bathed in them and received the gifts which would become the hallmark of elMali’aheral. One of these gifts - the most important gift, was the altering of our very soul - enshrined in all ‘thill, is The Silver Soul. 

As I mentioned earlier, the soul gives to the ensouled, a 'directedness'. Each Mali’aheral has within himself, an innate sense - a drive, an urge even, towards perfection. He feels it pulling him in a similar way a pigeon can always find its way home no matter where it is set free - it is a sense that we have and we give to ourselves as we undertake our journey, the tool of elMaehr’sae Hiylun’ehya. Now to those who will rebut, “Ah, but I am a Mali’aheral and I do not have this sense - in fact, I am drawn to the vices of the world and exclaim that I am impure!”, I say to you - your Silver Soul has tarnished - it has degraded, fret not however, it can be repaired. Furthermore, in anticipation of another objection born from my previous point, I say that while a soul tarnished can be repaired, a lesser soul cannot transcend to that of a Silver Soul, which is necessarily, Mali’aheral in nature.

Children of Larihei, separate yourselves from those lesser. Return to your people and reinstate your Nation among the leaders of the world. Revive in yourselves, a sense of superiority, for you are ‘thill. Disregard not, the gift you possess - your Silver Soul, but follow it’s call - flock home. 

The Braxian Reforms

Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya

Authored by Braxus Ni’leya

On the 3rd of Snow’s Maiden 

Year 48 of the Second Age

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Following recent developments within our blessed state, I have undertaken to produce a series of social and political reforms, to Strengthen The Nation. 

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Tarnished Silver Will Break

I have witnessed a heightened sense of impurity festering within the minds of many who claim to be pure. These defects shall be ironed out of all Mali’aheral who dwell within the blessed walls of Haelun’or. Their taint shall be removed, or they shall be removed. It is thus, that I beseech those who rule over our blessed city, to recall into service, the institution of elEvarir’thill il’cruan, with the greatest immediacy.

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Stagnant Leaders Will Fall

I have witnessed a stagnant, Silver Council. An empty, Silver Council. A Silver Council unfit for purpose. This must change, or those few who maintain power, shall be removed from power. They shall topple unless a working, efficient and pure Silver Council is formed within Three Elven Weeks of the publication of this missive.

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The Inevitable Reassertion

I have witnessed a great despair overcome the Pure of Haelun’or in recent years. It is in the nature of the strong to lead the weak. As the blessed of our Kindred, we must reassert ourselves and our culture as superior. We must, recall under our dominion, those of Bronze and Onyx, to be ruled by Silver. The State must regather its ambition for Mali’aheral supremacy.

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A Harrowing Necessity

I have witnessed a great lack and an even greater need, of and for, those willing to sacrifice their lives - those willing to end life, for our blessed city and the ideals of Larihei. Our people cannot survive if our walls are not manned and foreign threats left poised to strike at our gates. Those who have the ability to safeguard our way, must do so. It is their charge and call, and they must answer. A review of our Defences ought to be undertaken post haste and our Weeping Blades must be strengthened.

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Heed my words, Strengthen The Nation.

Signed,

Braxus Ni’leya.

[!] Several large posters would be found pinned to various buildings around the Silver City [!]

The Empyrean Pronouncement

Authored by Braxus Ni’leya, 

On the 17th of The Deep Cold,

 Year 29 of the Second Age

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Contents

Preface

Article I - Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya

Article II - Lesser Peoples

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Preface

It is not the fate of, nor is it woven into the destiny of Haelun’or and its blessed denizens that they should succumb to mediocrity and stagnation. It is not Larihei’s will that her people retreat to a life of worldly hedonism and base tendencies. It is her charge that we, in her absence, overcome the intelligible. No other peoples, no other Nations, are burdened by this charge. No other peoples or Nations could succeed if they were to try.

 Mali’aheral, are corporeally and ontologically superior to all others. Such is obvious and needs no expounding upon. They possess in their very nature not only a proclivity towards, but an insatiable hunger for perfection.

Hence, to sacrifice one's physical purity, is a grave evil. It is to willingly sacrifice one’s great imperative to become a diminutive being. Hence, to sacrifice one’s inherent passion for progress, is a grave evil. To forfeit one’s intellectual potential is an evil paralleled only by the former. It is to lay down Larihei’s charge and abandon your kin in-purpose.

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Article I

Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya

It is these words which evoke, in all Mali’thill, an unwavering, insatiable hunger. These words serve as a guiding principle for our people - ‘Health and Progress.’ However there is a deeper duality, of great metaphysical importance beneath the surface of this principle. It serves as both an ideal and a judge. For which Mali’thill shall claim epistemic perfection? Which Mali’thill has become omniscient? These are part of our aims, yet they are a judgement, laid upon each of us - a reminder that we are not what we could be - a call to perfection!

eMaehr’sae Hiylun’ehya, is the lifeblood of the Mali’aheral. It is what we live and strive for. The importance of elMaehr’sae Hiylun’ehya transcends that of individual importance - it is a common, guiding principle that all Mali’aheral are called to follow. It is an aim which all Mali’thill have in their sights. As such, as a people, we must do what we can to preserve this aim and to actualize it in its entirety.

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Article II

Lesser Peoples

It is imperative to all Mali’thill, that we do not forget who we are. It is imperative to all Mali’thill, that we do not forget what we are. 

We are SILVER. 

We are PURE. 

We are called to PERFECTION. 

As such, we must carry ourselves accordingly. Do not allow those of lesser standing to belittle or abuse us. We stand tall and proud. We are superior to all others. This is why they despise us. They are envious of our existence and our charge. They cannot bear the fact that they are not what we are. They will always hate us. This is why we shall never yield to them, we shall never cede to them, we shall never lower ourselves to their pitiful level.

To those lesser people who acknowledge our greatness, we must welcome them as allies - but not equals. They serve a pragmatic purpose in our ability to fulfill elMaehr’sae Hiylun’ehya. Befriend those willing to aid in our cause, for they are the enlightened among their kin - rare.

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Marcelius Hearth smiles as he signs the agreement, he then shakes the hand of His Royal Highness, the Prince Edmund Ralph. “It is done.”

“I sincerely hope that they capture this... Maurelius. The poor, sick man must be terribly confused. I hope he is brought  back to his institution post haste.” Marcelius Hearth, formerly Staunton, remarks from the confines of his home, periodically sipping from a porcelain cup of mint tea. 

Andrew Tobias Hearth would be nearby, playing with his siblings.

Writ of Dissolution
13th of Sun’s Smile, 1747

I, Marcelius I, Serene Prince of Evreux, of the Elder House of Staunton, direct descendent of King Joseph I of the Kingdom of Courland, hereby declare the dissolution of House Staunton, with immediate effect. 

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Portrait of Henry Staunton, first Prince of Evreux
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It is with heavy heart that I pen these heavy words. My doing so is not undertaken with pleasure. But by necessity.
 

For many years now I have witnessed the destruction of this House by those whose characters have fallen far from what is to be expected of a Staunton, the virtues which once made House Staunton respected, can no longer be found in those bearing the name. No longer, shall this House be sullied by those undeserving of bearing the name. No longer shall the legacies of greater men be tarnished by wastrels living off of the success of those who came before. 
 

From humble wine merchants, have I descended. With the guidance of Percival, the first Count of Courland, we rose. Through the might of Aleksandr, we crippled an Empire, bringing it to its knees and formed a Kingdom. Under the leadership of his son, Tobias, we rebelled once more and rested, the greatest Kingdom of man the world has seen. Alongside the struggles of Joseph, straddled the breaking down of the Kingdom, and with the visions of Frederick, the Kingdom drew its last breath. 

Scoff not at the achievements of this House, for there are few Houses which can claim such accolades and history. There are few Houses which will ever live up to that of House Staunton, both its heights and its lows. 
 

As the natural and only legitimate patriarch, whose line of descent is the sole line recognized by both man and GOD, I invoke my princely prerogative and the authority afforded to that stature, endowed upon me by the most supreme - GOD - to dissolve this House. The titles of;
 

King of Courland,
Serene Prince of Evreux,
Margrave of Ostmark, 
Duke of Curon, 
Duke of Courland, 
Duke of Eruthos, 
Duke of Cascadia, 
Duke of Fredrica, 
Count of Westmark, 
Count of Hearth, 
Count of Sundhold, 
Count of Beauclair, 
Count of Wett, 
Count of Eastmark, 
Count of Curon, 
Count of Aleksandria, 
Count of Riga, 
Count of Gotha, 
Baron of Fjordham, 
Baron of Eastcliffe, 
Baron of Kraken’s Watch, 
Baron of Vsenk, 
Baron of Geatea,
 

Are hereby destroyed, consigned to the wrinkled pages of dusty tomes and the musings of bards. My children and their descendents are forfeit from the reclamation of House Staunton and her titles. Furthermore, they and myself, shall bear the name of HEARTH, a once defunct cadet branch of House Staunton. The House of Staunton, with what little vestiges of respect and authority it commands, is pronounced dead.
 

The White Eagle of Courland soars no more,
Ad Mortem Staunton
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Signed,

Marcelius Hearth. 
 

The Folk Nazarov

Chronicled on the 14th of The Amber Cold, 1745

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‘Beneath the ground, can moy rest’

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The Chronicling of the Folk Nazarov begins with Filo, the firstborn son of two labourers, Karolina and Frederik, born in the year 1695. Kaidrik Nazarov, the second son, was born in the year 1726. The family lived on a petite ‘Ruskan Isle’ - The township they inhabited was so named Muscovy and it was there that they toiled. Frederik tended mostly to the construction of the township, starting towards the end of 1715, his mother tending to matters of house and of herbiage. A daughter was born to Frederik and Karolina a year later, they named her Anna. 

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Karolina toiling away within the Nazarov home

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Life, for young Kaidrik, was difficult. His day-to-day consisted mainly of tiresome, manual labor, assisting his father, brother and the other Raevir men. His education consisted in the stories that his mother would tell him at night time and his wisdom came from the grumblings of old men as they toiled during the day. He learned how to fight from his brother and the other ruffians who comprised the township - his was a life of simple proportion. 

Just two years after the Muscovian people had adorned their thresholds, war ensued - The War of Two Emperor’s. Under the leadership and vision of Dragoslav Romanovich and his brothers, a mercenary group was assembled - The Kompanyia Muscovia - the year, 1717. Filo with little hesitation joined the group and was trained in combat. He soon found himself fighting alongside the armies of the Marnantine Emperor. It was betwixt the ranks of those men and his own, that he would perish.

In their entirety, the Nazarov’s were taken by a grief so unspeakable, harboring the ferocity akin to that of a wild animal being caught in a trap - the sudden release, almost deadly. And it was that very same grief which followed the family Nazarov to Availain, alongside their people.

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Muscovian settlers mixed in with the Curonian population of Avalain, rather poorly as they are prone to drunken brawls

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This was a place of wealth and luxury, of good tidings and clean confines. Life here improved for the Nazarov’s. The widower found a new persuasion, that of tending to the needs of wealthy women. Be it preparing clothing or food, pampering or cleaning, at least she was occupied. Young Kaidrik was not spared - his youth laboriously continued. Under seemingly auspices circumstances, he found himself under the tutelage of  a warrior merchant. A master of the fist once learned that compared to the sword, he was naught and so it was, through blood, sweat and tears, that this youth began to flourish, a sword at his hip and a coin purse in hand. Affluency did not follow him as he returned home in the evenings, but his horizons began to expand as each day, he became more of a man - adopting more responsibilities of both house and occupation, and with this growth, came a thirst for more.

It was here, in Avalain, that Kaidrik first met love - what a devilish and tricky companion love was. He found it at the age of 16 - another Muscovian who he had not noticed as a boy in the township. Her name was Anastasia.

A hard people, the Muscovian’s are. Prideful, hard working, and accustomed to woe. They weren’t the most intelligent, nor were they the most charming, but they were loyal and valued community and tradition over most. It was these exact attributes which led to their departure from Avalain, for it was one of Muscovy who must lead.

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The Ruskan and Raev peoples of Muscovy set out from Avalain to find a new home, following the lead of Dragoslav Romanovich and his brothers

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Trailing at the rear of a band of Raevir, was now a young man. He belonged to no Royal House nor had he any sense of grandeur about him. His beginnings were humble, his life simple - a labourer of meagre proportions, a jack of all trades, master of none. Yet his future awaits him. Around his arm, he cradled his love, Anastasia as they walked alongside troops of men and women, of differing shapes and ages, and they were in exodus, leaving behind in their muddy tracks, the Kingdom of Curonia, the year 1744.

Over a year later, the settlers came to a halt. They had found a land which they believed they could call their own, over which they could preside, and they named it Rominsk. Between a forest and the Orcish plains lay a fertile and verdant valley, this budding idyll, its flora alluring, its fauna abundant, is where the Folk Nazarov now call home - a new dawn rising.

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At last staking claim to a swath a land, a new beginning for the Muscovians - Rominsk

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OOC:

Hey folks! Looking for some family members for a new House!

Father (68), Mother (64), Sister (18), Wife (19).

If you’re interested, just hit me up with a DM ?

Sick post!

Of Legitimacy and Succession

17th of Snow’s Maiden, 1745

I, Marcelius I, of the Esteemed and Elder House of Staunton, ennobled in the Year of Our Lord, 1476 as Lords of Courland, do solemnly announce the following decree.

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Annulment of Privilege

One

Accorded to me upon birth, a most Princely and Patriarchal prerogative, I invoke such now to declare that the legitimacy of lineage and succession to the Crown of the Kingdom of Courland and all her subsidiary titles befall a singular line of descent - namely from that of Henry Staunton, born in the Year of Our Lord, 1611, son of King Joseph I, born in the Year of Our Lord 1594 and Queen Marie d’Amaury, born in the Year of Our Lord, 1594. 

I further declare that the line of Humphrey Staunton, born in the Year of Our Lord, 1612, son of King Joseph I and Queen Marie d’Amaury disinherited from succession to the Crown of the Kingdom of Courland and all her subsidiary titles.

The same declaration shall be applicable to the line of Alexander Staunton, born in the Year of Our Lord,  1665, son of King Joseph I and Queen Marie d’Amaury disinherited from succession to the Crown of the Kingdom of Courland and all her subsidiary titles.

This declaration is such that it extends to all other branches of the House of Staunton and Cadet Houses, save for those mentioned in article three.

_______________________________________________________________

Line of Succession

Two

I now endeavour, having laid out those lines duly disinherited from succession, to establish the only legitimate line of succession to the Crown of the Kingdom of Courland and her subsidiary titles.

Line of Succession

In the event of the death of the Serene Prince of Evreux, or if occupied by the same individual, the Sovereign of the Kingdom of Courland, the closest male relative to the Serene Prince or Sovereign immediately assumes the throne. The reigning Serene Prince of Evreux traditionally bestows the title of Duke of Eruthos upon his heir and crowns him within a year of his becoming eligible to inherit. Or, if Sovereign of the Kingdom of Courland, the title of Serene Prince of Evreux is traditionally bestowed upon his heir and crowns him within a year of his becoming eligible to inherit.

- Serene Prince of Evreux, Marcelius I.

- Duke of Eruthos, Prince Andrew. 

- Prince Theodric.

- Baron Seth Aurelius Baden, of Fredericksburg.

- Thomas Aldis Baden.

_______________________________________________________________

Regarding Cadet Houses

Three

Those cadet houses to be recognized as lawful and in line of succession include and are limited to the Houses of Hearth and the of Baden. No other house may claim inheritance or succession to titles to be formalized in section four of this declaration, although may be acknowledged as owing their lineage to the House of Staunton.

Hearth

Formed by Edward Staunton after the Treaty of Anapalis of 1560, House Hearth was seen as the brief successor of House Staunton after the failed Staunton uprising against John II. Welcomed back under the Holy Orenian Empire under their new name, they saw success in the Arch-Duchy of Lorraine, serving as a prominent vassal as the Counts of Hearth. Although Count Svenald Staunton enjoyed a strong personal friendship with the Arch-Duke, John Louis, he conspired with his younger brother, Tobias, during the Eagle’s rebellion and had his levy serve as his brother’s main fighting force during the Battle of the Gorge. Their victory there, alongside their dwarven allies, would help Sven convince John Louis to side with the rebellion, aiding in the eventual collapse of the 60 year old Imperial State. The House of Hearth was to be inherited by Svenald’s eldest child, Meric Staunton, however his assassination in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska has left the House without a successor for around 40 years. It is likely to become extinct after the death of Svenald, due to the lack of a male heir. 

Baden

A relatively new house, the House of Baden was formed by one of the more controversial Stauntons, Frederick Baden. Frederick was rewarded with the County of Trier during his brother’s reign, and served his brother’s successor, King Joseph Alexander, throughout his reign. After the death of Frederick during the Santegian rebellion against the Principality of Everux, Thomas Baden has acted as the Patriarch of the family and has achieved success in the Holy Orenian Empire, serving as the High Magistrate for many years.

Devereux

The House of Devereux is the current ruling family of the Kingdom of Curonia. The family was founded by Charles Staunton, third born son of King Tobias I of Courland who made his way as Duke due to his niece stepping down as Queen of Courland after a year of them taking back Aleksandria which he then took the name of Devereux.

Arden

The House of Arden came to be in Arcas, situating themselves in the Pinemarch of Arcas. They served the Kingdom of Norland for numerous years, Richard “White” Staunton, a bastard, established himself as a Count and then Duke. His reign would be cut short after joining the Staunton Uprising, bringing an end to the Duchy of Nevaria and Richard I Arden. The house would scatter into the wind before being restarted by Kjartan Arden in Nordengrad.

Sudholt

The House of Sudholt was founded by John Stefan, the first count of Salus.

Beauclair

The House of Beauclair was founded by Queen Charlotte Staunton of Courland following the dissolution of the Kingdom in Axios. The former monarch deemed it wise to formulate a name and house that her own descendants might bare. The members of House Beauclair have yet to hold any landed titles.

_______________________________________________________________

Titleage Accorded to House Staunton

Four

The titles which are de facto acknowledged to be afforded to the patriarch of the House of Staunton, by right of birth and divine bestowment, are as follows;

King of Courland,

Serene Prince of Evreux,

Margrave of Ostmark, 

Duke of Curon, 

Duke of Courland, 

Duke of Eruthos, 

Duke of Cascadia, 

Duke of Fredrica, 

Count of Westmark, 

Count of Hearth, 

Count of Sundhold, 

Count of Beauclair, 

Count of Wett, 

Count of Eastmark, 

Count of Curon, 

Count of Aleksandria, 

Count of Riga, 

Count of Gotha, 

Baron of Fjordham, 

Baron of Eastcliffe, 

Baron of Kraken’s Watch, 

Baron of Vsenk, 

Baron of Geatea.

_______________________________________________________________

This decree takes immediate effect

Signed,

His Serene Highness Marcelius I,

Serene Prince of Evreux, Margrave of Ostmark, Duke of Curon, Duke of Courland, Duke of Eruthos, Duke of Cascadia, Duke of Fredrica, Count of Westmark, Count of Hearth, Count of Sundhold, Count of Beauclair, Count of Wett, Count of Eastmark, Count of Curon, Count of Aleksandria, Count of Riga, Count of Gotha, Baron of Fjordham, Baron of Eastcliffe, Baron of Kraken’s Watch, Baron of Vsenk, Baron of Geatea.

Alea Iacta Est

13th Malin’s Welcome, 1741

Ad Rem

We fear the other because we fear ourselves - we are the other,

We throw ourselves at vulgar, primitive escapes as we cannot handle reality,

We rise to anger when even friends seek only to comfort,

We take pride foremost in our own being,

We cast stones at the weak to please the strong.

We speak often and listen rarely.

Brothers and sisters, why have you forsaken your GOD given capability of reason and intellect? Why is it that you thwart such a divine gift by tarnishing it with corrupt ends and greedy appetites? Why is it that you abandon your virtuous nature for a sterile, docile and facile existence? Why is it that you revel from within halls of Gold and towers of Ivory when the barefoot yearn for crumbs outside your gilded thresholds? Are you not embarrassed? Are you not disgusted at each moment? You adorn yourself  in gems and trinkets capite ad calcem, thinking yourself above the mean. 

Actiones Secundum Fidei

Dare none seek to contradict my observations for I, as well as you, thrive and live in, and among them daily and without fail.

We cheat the poor, we despise our loved ones, we envy our friends, we deceive our followers. Tell me now, what man now values most in his life? Is it wealth abounding? Is it insurmountable power? Is it incomparable fame? Such is vanity - All is vanity. Your nature has soured, your very being - now spoiled - caustically. What good has come from this? Look at the world around you. Constantly enveloped in war, bloodshed, theft, murder, misery and more woe. Is this truly the inheritance befitting our children? 
 

I Recoil When Facing You

Ad Astra Per Aspera

Yet here I am, bearing fruits of opportunity. The opportunity to redeem yourself. A means of return to blessed ways - a path of righteousness and virtue - an end to the sufferings of the world in which none can currently escape. Should we succeed in the following, we shall enjoy the fruits of such a toil till the end of time.

The solution, we all know, yet we have subdued it to the confines of our cavernous hearts. We MUST habituate the virtues of;

Courage - Owning one’s fate, even when such a fate bears ill will;

Aid your fellow soldiers on the battlefield - Face not the army alone.

Temperance - Indulging modestly in worldly pleasures, never treating one as a mere means, but as an end in and of themselves;

Drink a glass of wine in good company - Empty not the store, tip generously the server.

Patience - Knowing when to act and when to do nothing;

Commit diligently to a meticulous plan - Rush not into the fray or succumb to stagnation.

Justice - Giving to each, what he deserves;

Discern rightly - Sentence not the innocent.

Wisdom - The instilling of the above virtues and acting virtuously;

Know thyself.

Signed,

George Galloway

I haven't been active on LOTC for many, many months now and it has been even longer since I've played a High Elf. This news is actually quite sad as some of my most fun and memorable experiences on this server has been in Haelun'or, as a High Elf. Here's my two cents.

I think for High Elves, stability is imperative and given the cyclical nature of High Elven culture*, this isn't necessarily do-able. For instance, you'll always have the clash between 'Old Helves' and 'New Helves'. Simply put, they can be categorized into two different philosophical schools. The old High Elf will adhere to a more classical, isolationist, conservative view of the world, whereas the new High Elves follow a more romantic, globalist, liberal view of the world. 

Speaking from experience, and I started playing a High Elf way back in the day when they were a relatively new subrace, what made High Elves unique were there notions of grandeur and purity. This is what set them apart from every other race and what defined High Elven culture. Snobbery and arrogance were to High Elves like bread and butter. Now, arguments can be made that this kind of Role Play isn't really accessible to a lot of people and that it can be difficult for new High Elves to kind of adopt for two reasons.

The first reason is that it can be difficult to RP as something which in real life, you might be completely at odds with. I know for example with myself, I found it hard to be racist and cold to those who weren't Pure High Elves. This is a legitimate issue, perhaps especially for younger people who role play as High Elves. On a similar line, the second reason is that, at least back in my time, as a new High Elf, you will be judged very quickly as to how you role play out your character. For this reason, many people might be thrown off of the idea of playing a High Elf and I almost was. 


In my opinion, liberal High Elves are like any other branch of Elves. There isn't really anything which sets them apart other than their appearance. If you want to see High Elves return to when they were at their peak (Arguably, The Fringe), then you need to start going back in time and adhering to the strict and rigid, cold and purity mad nature that worked so well for them. High Elves back then were extremely fun to play, very active and thriving. All is not lost!

* High Elven culture usually sways between two extremes for certain periods of time. On one hand, they are very liberal and on the other, very conservative.
 

Hello my friends. Due to the Forum's templating and general lack of appealing formatting, please refer to this link to view my Character Sheet. Enjoy!

https://tinyurl.com/yalkqdq3

Wiki Link;

https://wikia.lordofthecraft.net/index.php?title=Prince_Henry_Richard

Decent oul lad, one of the better ones. +1.

On Nature

Preface

I must state several things pertaining to this endeavour from the onset. I am aware that the initial conceits in each of your minds upon reading further will develop into thoughts of ill intent on my part, however, I assure you that I, dear reader, am a firm believer in GOD. Let this undertaking be seen as a plea.

Upon reflection, I have stumbled upon a particularly difficult notion and I now find myself in a state of aporia. I shall structure this piece in the following way;

1. The Origin of this quandary,
2. The Nature of this quandary,
3. The Conclusion of this quandary

The Origin

Several weeks ago I found myself sitting within a most humble abode, the morning was in its early hours and throughout the night I had been partaking in an internal dialogue, the topic of which was GOD. It had appeared to me that I had acted in an immoral way and this troubled me greatly for I try to live in a morally good fashion. Following this, I asked myself two questions.

The Nature

1. Where does goodness come from?
2. What makes an action good?

In response to my first question, I formulated what seemed to be a sound answer. Goodness is an extension of GOD’s very being. As GOD is omnibenevolent, he is not only the source of goodness, but also the objective standard of goodness. That is to say, without GOD there would be no good in the world. Goodness is dependent upon GOD.

It is in response to my second question that I now find myself at a mental roadblock. Initially, I had said that what makes an action good is that it was in line with GOD’s very nature. This is to say that whatever GOD wills, is good. We are morally obliged to adhere to GOD’s will, therefore we are adhering to ‘the good’. In other words, morality is based on the commands or character of GOD and the morally correct action is the one that GOD commands. Herein lies my issue.

GOD, if he so pleased could at any one moment will it to be, that the murder of the lame was indeed a morally good action, thus making it required of us to kill the lame. GOD could will it to be that alms were in fact morally wrong. If this is the case, then morality and goodness is ultimately, arbitrary. That is to say at any one moment, it could change. GOD who is omniscient and omnirational would not decide something based on a whim - for no reason. GOD would decide something based on his omniscience and omnirationality.

Conclusion

We now find ourselves at a crossroads, a dilemma per se. Either morality is arbitrary and by extent GOD, or morality is independent of GOD and he is subservient to ‘natural’ morality. This dilemma poses serious ramifications at either end of this binary spectrum, for if morality is arbitrary, potentially anything is morally permissible. If morality is independent of GOD, then GOD is subservient to natural morality and is not omnibenevolent, nor is he omniscient, omnipotent or omnirational. This logically follows as in order for GOD to be omnibenevolent, GOD must be the objective standard of goodness. GOD cannot be omniscient for if GOD acts in an omnibenevolent fashion, then GOD must know the best possible actions he could take. GOD cannot be omnipotent due to him being subservient to another ‘entity’ i.e nature. Lastly, GOD cannot be omnirational if GOD does not know everything.

Signed,

Ældrick Galloway.

6th of The First Seed, 1644

As someone who has been playing an Anti-Mage since the early Fringe, I have to say that I am really impressed with this re-write. One thing though that I am not too happy about is the loss of a soul sacrifice. This is really what set the magic apart from others and what made it not only difficult to procure, but also helped shape peoples' characters. So far, this is my only qualm with the re-write.

Okarir'tir:

Carvalon Maeyr'onn [ ]

Abstain [X]

Okarir'kaliri:

Vuln'llyt Fi'talareh [ ] 

Abstain [X]

Acastus Thill'leh

"Maehr'sae Hiylun'ehya!"

Cheers Acastus from the cozy confines of the inn. He raises his cup of mint tea and proposes a toast.

"To Haelun'or!"

he grins as he clinks cups with several of his companions present. 

"Absolutely disgusting and abhorrent. You could not consolidate your tyrannical power and hide in your council chambers anymore so you attempt to destroy the nation?!"

Comments Acastus Thill'leh.

Whitelist application has been accepted, player is now whitelisted in game.

Moved to Accepted Applications Forum. Player whitelist pending.

Hello! If you're reading this, it means that your whitelist application has been accepted and you will very shortly be able to log on and start your adventure here on Lord of the Craft! On behalf of not only the Application Team, but all of the Staff Teams and the community, Welcome!

While you're waiting, feel free to browse the forums to further familiarize yourself with the community and the lore.  
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Finally, if you have any questions pertaining to any aspect of Lord of the Craft (From Lore to Races) feel free to shoot me a PM!

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