Sebbysc

The personal invitation was received with immense gratitude by the heir of Senna. Ledicort made great effort to show it to his one and only sister, Cyrene. "It looks like Lord Garen thought of us!" The Sun's Smile formed across his face as he thought of the day at hand. "The only problem I have is trying to figure out what to get him." The next few months leading up to the celebration would be quite busy as he searched for a great present. @Parasolii

At the very same balcony from where he originally heard of Lord Adrian's ailments, Ledicort would read of his demise. He would immediately reach for letter and ink, for the conversation from before urged him to do so.

William of Aaun remained there in the Seven Skies as he awaited the arrival of his children. His hope, in his last days, was for his children to succeed him where he could not. His hope was that his children would not seek vengeance but instead would live fruitful lives; however, he would greatly understand the drive for glory and redemption that forced his own hand throughout his whole life. In his youth, he lived as an orphan in Haense with his brothers before the realm's desolation at the hands of his House's enemies. He was indoctrinated by the ideas of the Republic of Salvo and lived his middle-aged years as a Ranger, a bandit. Once the ideas of his youth died at the hands of a changing world and the birth of his children he would come to seek a different life for himself and his family. As he took upon the psuedo-surname of di Ves in honor of his mother's house, he would align himself with the Empire who brought destruction to his father, the deposed and everything but unrecognized Apostolic-King Marcus. It was upon assignment as an ambassador to Norland that he met his end at the hands of darkspawn prowling the northern pine. His dreams, his burdens, and his fate were now passed to his eldest son.

The young boy trotted through his father's office and was likely peeking through many of the documents brought across his desk. One particular letter stood out and caught his eye. As he read the invitation Casivian remembered earlier in his life when his cousin asked for his father's blessing. He had prayed that night for their success, and it appeared that it has finally grown fruitful. He'd have to drag along a friend or two for the special occasion.

A cooing child may be considered the greatest joy that the Creator may bestow upon the descendents of Horen, especially when it comes from a boy who was so rotund that it would ache the elbows of either parent. Ledicort Casivian of Edessa was a charming baby, or so he’d likely be told the rest of his life. He was responsive, opinionated, and always sought the attention of whichever bystander was fortunate enough to capture his attention. The unfortunate part of his birth is that he was brought into a world of chaos. War thrusted itself upon the enemies of man during his first few years of age. Forces of evil reigned over the northern, icy stretches of Azuras. Excursions of the dark forces attacked many strongholds within the Crownlands. How would this lordling fair in these times? Thankfully, he was innocently ignorant of these matters, for now.

Hi, I'm here to add to the spam. I won't make a big case or anything, and you can always DM me for more info. I have a character you could play. It'll be interesting. My discord is the same as my IGN. Thanks.

The missive reached the desk of the Princeps, and with a gleeful smile he'd leap from his church. "The LORD GOD has granted us favor in our hour of need. I shall continue to pray for the success of the Ivorian people and my closest Margrave. Perhaps this war will be bountiful. He'll surely require a reward for his great work." Henrik returned to his seat to brew upon the idea as the battle freshly rested on his thoughts.

Hey man, you were one of the first people I met on this server. It was fun interacting with you, and I wish I would've done more on Loys with the 2023/2024 Norland community as a whole. Roleplay during that time was the most organic I've experienced. Some of what you've said I can 100% relate to. I hope you do well outside MINEMAN LARP.

Name: Henrik Keen Affiliation: Principate of Ivoria, Kingdom of Burgundy Relevant Titles or Aliases: Princeps of Ivoria

It was upon his knees that Henrik prayed for the intercession of the Saints and the Creator's Aengels over the lives of his King's children. His prayers continued deeply through the night as he thought of his own children, that they might come to greatly serve the mantle set upon mankind and those who would take such a burden. To him, this next generation would bring a bountiful harvest to the world and strike back against the enemies of the Creator.

THE PRINCIPATE OF IVORIA A KEENLY WEDDING THE WEDDING OF HENRIK & SUNNHILD Published by Henrik Aurelius Keen Issued on the 16th of Horen's Calling in the Year of our Lord 2024. O’ FAITHFUL OF GOD, WITH JOY AND JUBILATION DOES THE HOUSE KEEN ANNOUNCE THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING ANEW. The courtship between Lady Sunnhild of Cliffhaven and His Highness Henrik Keen of Ivoria has unfolded into a matrimonial union. We wish to extend our gratitude to those that supported the couple during their courtship and provide a moment of celebration for all to enjoy. The wedding shall be held within the Principate of Ivoria at the Blessed Temple of Saint Lucien in the month of the Sun’s Smile. As all weddings that have come before and all that shall come after, the union will be followed with a joyful feast with prayer & merriment in celebration of the Lord GOD’s plan for the couple. INVITATIONS LORDS OF THE CROWN: His Royal Majesty, Tiberias van Aert, King of Burgundy, and his Royal Household His Royal Highness, Owyn Rostova, Crown-Prince of Ravenmire, and his Princely Household His Royal Highness, Erwin Barclay, Prince in Reinmar, and his Princely Household His Royal Highness, Adrián d'Asturia, Infante of Asturias, and his Princely Household. Their Royal Highnesses, Cecily and Edward Alstion, Dukes of Alba, and their Noble Household His Grace, Sigmund Ludovar, Duke of Kvasz, and his Noble Household His Grace, Duncan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Istvan Ivanovich, Baron of Basarab, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Leonid Othaman, Baron of Valles, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Arturas Whitewood, Baron of Silasia, and his Noble Household LORDS OF IVORIA: His Lordship & Her Ladyship, Ser Meili and Arya Altwegg, Margraves of Avistra, and their Noble Household. His Lordship, Lamentation Vindelion, Earl of Zweiberg, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Bastian Zenher, Baron of Zenher, and his Noble Household His Lordship, Alistair von Treuberg, Baron of Treuberg, and his Noble Household GENERAL INVITATIONS: House of Keen, all that bear the name of Keen Ivoria, all that reside within the Principate or deem themselves of the Ivori culture The Faithful, all allies of the Kingdom of Burgundy and members of the Holy Mother Church’s flock PERSONAL INVITATIONS: To Her Sister, Lucrezia Agnise of Cliffhaven The Most Honorable, Konstantin Leon von Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz, and his Noble Household His Lordship & Ladyship, Franz Edmund von Augusten & Aloisa Marlene von Augusten The Honorable, Konrad Wolff, Oberst of Ivoria and his Household The Honorable, Niklaus Sonnacht of Ivoria and his Household To Her Ladyship, Einin O'Rourke, the Bard, and her Noble Household IN NOMINE DEI, His Royal Highness, Henrik Keen, Princeps of Ivoria, Count of Carolustadt, Baron of Ames and Kensford, Knight of Ivor, Protector of the Ivöri people, Steward of Mount Vindicta, Seneschal of the Black Mountains Her Ladyship, Sunnhild Adelais, Lady of Graubünden

An invitation arrived for the Princeps Henrik, and as he reviewed the document, a warm smile crossed his lips. "How pleasant! I never expected an amicable interaction from the Ruskan. Perhaps GOD has changed their minds regarding the Ivori." He waved down his squire Peregrine and extended the document to him. "See to it that the horses are prepared for the trip." @Pepp1no

THE PRINCIPATE OF IVORIA A CALL TO THE FAITHFUL AN INVITATION TO A NEW LIFE Published by Henrik Keen Issued on the 15th of Godfrey’s Triumph in the Year of our Lord 2023. O’ FAITHFUL OF GOD, THERE IS A SEASON FOR ALL THINGS, AND UPON US IS THE SEASON OF REDEMPTION. As witnessed in the days of Ex. Godfrey, the Lord GOD’s faithful have triumphed over the deceit of the foul Iblees. Just as Reynard of Renatus witnessed the bounty of the Lord, you too may come to enjoy his bountiful provisions during this time of upheaval. We call upon the faithful of the Lord GOD to join by our side, within the valleys of Mount Vindicta, to seek penance for one's SINS against GOD and his Kingdom. All that are willing to turn from their wicked ways and seek refuge amongst the Ivöri are welcome to partake in GOD’s plan for our people. The Ivöri have suffered persecution by the servants of Iblees for many generations. Most recently we have suffered at the hands of the anathema who sought to destroy all that we are. They wished to pillage our city and erect false idols in the name of their lords upon our mountains. Lies, slander, and railing accusations were made against the character of our people and my Father, Atticus Keen. Many of the Ivöri suffered at the hands of these fiends and even died for our Lord GOD’s name. Despite this persecution, through the grace of the Lord GOD, we have thrived to the point where we may in turn offer GOD’s treasures back to the flock of the faithful. It is the responsibility of the faithful to answer GOD’s plan to aid the prodigals in their return to the faith. No matter your descent, the only requirement to take refuge within our community is that you place GOD and his word first within your life. All else will fall into place. The Ivöri offer many things such as food, shelter, and a place to grow within your faith. You may be persecuted by those that you leave behind, those that cling to the dead ways of Iblees, but do know that you may have life abundantly amongst the Lord GOD’s faithful. We not only seek out individuals to join the Ivöri, but we extend our hands towards families who wish to leave behind the toil & tribulations of the past. Homes and opportunities to work will be presented to all that come to the Ivöri. For the merchant, shops and stalls are readily available for you to procure your wares to the faithful. For those interested in lordship, land agreements & leases may be acquired to fulfill your needs. Within our cheese vaults the faithful will be able to produce their own cheese based on the refined culinary skills of the Ivöri. Let not fear or anxiety cast doubt upon your search for the Lord GOD and let us assist you as you turn from the wickedness of the west. Our lands lie within the east before the Duchy of Burgundy and the Holy Lemon Hill. You will find us along the borders of the lowlands. Any and all correspondence may be directed to me. Additional missives you should consider: Newcomer Guide Detailed Culture Guide Military Service Opportunity IN NOMINE DEI, His Royal Highness, Henrik Keen, Princeps of Ivoria, Count of Carolustadt, Baron of Ames and Kensford, Knight of Ivor, Protector of the Ivöri people, Steward of Mount Vindicta, Seneschal of the Black Mountains

One of the Princep's scribes procured a copy of his Father's work for Henrik's daily reading. He settled into his seat outside of DAS WUNDERBAR that overlooked the valley below. His eyes began to scan over the document with interest. A profound feeling took upon the young Lord, for he witnessed the very actions referenced in this missive. Within the city of Valdev his family was harshly thrown out and their name tarnished by the Raev slander. If it was not for the grace of his Lord GOD then he would've been slain within their gatehouse by faceless guards. He held no personal disdain for his brothers in faith, but he couldn't help but continue to recount these transgressions. A long list was saved in his memory, and this list would be close to his heart in the near future.

"May GOD have mercy upon us all..." It was upon his knees that Henrik Keen, the Princeps of Ivoria, prayed to the Lord GOD at a chapel before the summit of Mount Vindicta. As the world was in chaos & conflict, it was the Ivöri people who lived under the ultimate peace of the Lord GOD. He gave his prayer of thanksgiving, and upon its conclusion he stood to begin his descent towards the city of his chosen people.

THE DEATH OF VINCENZO P. VAROCHE The Johannian Confluence, the body of water to the north of Alba, was a popular spot for the aging Varoche. This was often the place where he caught oysters ever since the great exodus from the lands east of the Langkette mountain range. Shadows from the mountains’ peaks drifted down towards his rowboat like outstretched claws. It was a foreboding sign for the amateur fisherman, but he was able to shake the feeling away with the thought of isolation. Isolation was a peaceful thing for the introverted Varoche. The busy-life of the city wasn’t something he was quite ever accustomed to. Instead, he grew up within the countryside of Napoliza and Adruzzo. This Confluence brought imaginations of nostalgia to him, reminders of times long past. These waters also often brought an opportunity for him to rest his mind from the issues of the world. With his fisherman’s best, he would begin rowing out towards the center of the waters. He chose to be alone each trip he took. The nonsensical prattle of a relative or servant was not a joyful noise on these trips. He of course learned that the hard way when he brought his youngest, Montelliano cousin on board. That was a regret he may never recover from. This dingy raft swayed back and forth as the waves tossed him about. A foreboding feeling returned to the pit of his stomach, and he would reach down for his prized bottle of Varoche Red. It was the only alcoholic drink he’d partake in, and it was something he kept hidden from the world. With a swig & gulp he’d muster the courage to continue rowing out towards his fishing spot. Upon his arrival to his prized location he’d stumble up to his feet. The waters were often finicky, like a child throwing a tantrum. It would be a thrill for any fisherman. It kept Vincenzo from maintaining a proper, safe position within the boat. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be the first time he fell overboard, and even when he did it hadn’t been fatal thus far. A man can only be lucky so many times. With a sudden burst of wind, his boat tipped just far enough to toss him into the waters. A gasp for air was what he sought as he thrashed his way up towards the surface. After each paddle he outstretched his hands as he attempted to grasp along the slick siding of the boat. This time would be different from the previous accidents. Something brushed against the lower half of his body. At first he believed it to be his imagination set in by the adrenalin of the moment; however, as he reached out once more he felt a hard push against his gut. In a moment’s notice a sharp pain shot through his right leg and up his torso. He glanced down, but all he could see was the dark form of a creature before it began to thrash violently. Vincenzo would be pulled underneath the waters and into this creature’s domain. In a panic, he reached for a knife on his side, but it seemed he had forgotten it in the boat. This would be a fatal mistake on his part as his attempts to throw his fists at the beast failed to stop it. Blood began to mix with the waters that surrounded them both, and in that desperate moment he would notice the dark skin of a shark. The fight didn’t last long. The Varoche had survived into his forties and lived a quiet life. There wasn’t much of a fight left in him. A servant of Castrogiovanni wandered down towards the coast of the Johannian Confluence. His lord’s vessel, that dingy raft, managed to float its way onto the sandy beach just down the hill from the keep. It was there that Vincenzo’s half-mangled corpse would be found.

Within the halls of Castrogiovanni roamed the Vice-Chancellor of this land called Alba. His time was often occupied with minor issues of governance or his work within the Elizabethan Trade Guild. This news took him by surprise as a result. His heart ached as he heard of these on-goings between the Balianites & Albans. Balian held a special place in Vincenzo's heart as he spent some of his early childhood within its capital. It was the land of his mother. His dearest sister studied there for many years, and he was even a witness at the Monarchs' wedding. As he pondered over the future his thumb brushed the pin that was attached to his chest, one of a crest with a golden coin in its center. Many conflicting thoughts brewed within his mind.

The Sundown (2004 Remaster) The fading sun lingered low over the stony peaks. Its last rays flickered in the sky, casting shades of red and gold across the rugged expanse. The winds carried the thick scent of dust and the sound of hooves beating upon a rocky path. A band of eight guided their steeds up a narrow pass, where it twisted through a land only the craven or desperate would call their home. Vadim knew the Orenids were both. Whispers of their blood-steeped deeds had long propagated throughout the Heartlands, even if the Mother Church had haphazardly decreed their existence a myth. Recent disappearances and assaults confirmed beyond any doubt – with all clues pointing towards the road he and his companions now traversed – the Orenid threat too corporeal to be considered fiction. A battle trophy – a face mask now clipped to his belt – was all the additional proof he needed. He glanced across his shoulder through the encroaching darkness, and at the retinue riding behind him. Not too many in number were they that their hunt would be deftly evaded, nor too few that they might just vanish without a trace, but just enough to arouse interest. He was proven right when a masked figure, garbed in a blood-red cowl, emerged at the end of the path. “You are far from home, Sons of Horen,” drawled the Orenid, voice ringing across the pass. From behind the rocks were heard the faint clicks of crossbow cranks. One by one, a dozen more cowled forms emerged, flanking the entourage’s sides. “Did you come to gift us your skins, o’ slaves to the Aenguls?” “I have come to duel you, Son of Saul,” Vadim bellowed in his Naumariav tongue. “I have felled one of your kind already.” He tore the mask off his belt and raised it towards the man. “Godan willing, you are next.” He maintained his cold glare, but inwardly hoped, with all his might, that the knowledge he was given was true - that certain conventions and superstitions dictated the sensibilities of these wayward heretics; among them the propensity for ritualistic single-combat. “Before the sun fully sets, I will fight you, Son of Horen,” the masked Orenid declared after a moment’s hesitation. “I am Silas. When I prevail, I shall leave only one of you alive to relay my name to your fellow slaves.” No more than a moment was wasted as the Orenid stepped forth and drew his black blade, the namesake of many of these wretched Saulites. Vadim constituted grimly that this Silas had no intention of abandoning the higher ground. He dismounted, and with a brisk motion of the hand, urged his companions to remain in their saddles. If I fall, some might make it out alive, he thought. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword for a second before he unsheathed it in a wide arc. There would be no flourishes, no wasted movement – just the resolute will to kill. The Orenid champion beckoned him forth, and their deadly dance commenced. Vadim resolved not to leave Silas any room to breathe. With a flurry of strikes, his sword crashed against the Orenid’s, and Silas responded in kind with fierceness well-expected of his sort. Steel rang against steel just as a hammer would strike an anvil. Vadim countered the Saulite’s advantage with a relentless push, a gamble that Silas could not compare to Ruskan wit and strength. He beckoned the Orenid with his gaze, trained upon the formless void of his darkened eye slits, daring him to make a single misstep… And when the sun finally faded from sight, Vadim knelt in the final flash of light and slashed across the Orenid’s black garb. Silas lost the grasp on his blade, and began sliding down the slope; Vadim pressed the Saulite with his boot, and pointed the tip of his sword upon his throat. Now was the real moment of truth – would the Orenid’s compatriots cow to tradition, or crown the dusk with a massacre? Silas’ mask showed no emotion, but Vadim understood that the Orenid had already resigned himself to death. “Cease, Son of Horen!” The call came suddenly from the nearest stone. “What would you have us trade for his life?” He had no time to think twice; death was still on the table if he worded his offer poorly… Vadim came with seven companions. He was the eighth. “Nine lives you shall give me for his,” he decreed. Silence reigned over the pass for many moments, and a hand drenched in sweat still held a firm grasp on the blade pointed at Silas’ neck. A commotion could be heard from the peak, and soon enough, an Orenid emerged with a ninth – a dame, long forgotten by most, carried in its arms as her crimson-hued tresses weighed down…

NAME: Henrik Keen CHARACTER AGE: 19 NATIONALITY: Ivoria and the Pontifical States

Vadim tapped Velemir's shoulder as they approached the fork between the Heartlands & Norland. "Senartz! Maybe we visit Heathens, da? Ea need reason to show skill in hammer." A childish grin flicked across his face as he looked to the swamps at the edge of the All-Father's lands. @MonoGreenElves

Vadim revealed the invitation to Velemir as they were crossing the border of Haense, likely in their search of the unknown. "Olga did it! All moy do now is.. Get gift?" He'd look to the elder man as they continued to ride along the road that was full of potholes. "Ea nie know what gift to give this Weiss-Man, but Olga get goat." @MonoGreenElves

Issued by the Chancellery of Alba On the 18th of Harren’s Folley, 2014 LO UNTO THE PEOPLE OF ALBA AND OF THE HEARTLANDS, The Office of the Chancellory first wishes to extend our gratitude to the Lady Mayor Antonia de Lewes for her service to the City of Elizabeth and the Duchy of Alba. Surely, without her support, the city would not have prospered to its current state. Through the collective work of her office, the city has blossomed from its humble beginnings into what it is today. With this in mind, the Office of the Chancellory now declares the Office of the Lord Mayor vacant. The election for this office shall begin on this day of our Lord, 18th of Sun’s Smile of the year 2014. Candidates have until the month of Horen’s Calling to submit their candidacy and campaigns to the Office of the Chancellery. They shall submit their names into the drop boxes in the center of town for collection. The minimum requirements for candidacy are as follows: The Candidate must be of at least eighteen years of age. The Candidate must be a permanent resident of the City of Elizabeth. The Candidate must not be a title-holder or peer of the realm. The minimum requirements for the right to vote are as follows: All voters must be of at least eighteen years of age. All voters must be a permanent resident of the City of Elizabeth. All voters must not have any outstanding tax-obligations or criminal records within the Pontifical States or the Duchy of Alba. The election for the Office of the Lord Mayor will extend until the month of Tobias’ Bounty, and upon the last day of the month, ballots will be collected & counted. Drop-boxes will be placed within the center of town along with blank ballots so that the residents of Elizabeth may vote. A winner will be determined and declared publicly on the 24th of the Sun’s Smile in the year of 2015. S I G N E D, HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, First Earl of Dover, Groom of the Stool HIS EXCELLENCY, Vincenzo Varoche, Vice-Chancellor of Alba, First Baron of Piacenza, Gentleman of the Privy Chambe

❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅ The Elizabethan Mercantile Record, founded in 2014, is a collection of annuals set to inform the merchants of the Duchy of Alba on matters of trade, taxes, and craftsmanship. Within this first issue, the following will be established in writing: I. Principles of the Elizabethan Trade Guild II. Membership fees and guild badges III. Future goals of the IV. The Merchants’ Witan solution to the Salvian stock market crash V. Transcript of the first annual gathering of the Elizabethan Trade Guild ❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅ I. PRINCIPLES OF THE ELIZABETHAN TRADE GUILD The trade guild is a unified body of merchants & traders that seek the same goal: FREE AND UNRESTRICTED TRADE that both benefits participants and the local communities. Competition is a cornerstone belief of the guild, as without competition merchants would not benefit from the fruits of their labor. In turn, the guild offers limited transparency to those outside of the guild as to protect the interests of its paying members and the nature of said competition. As a unified entity the trade guild will advocate for the interests of its paying members in all aspects of governance & trade such as in the Diet of Alba, the Lemon Hill Board of Trade, and foreign entities that take interest in the Duchy of Alba’s merchants. ❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅ II. MEMBERSHIP FEES AND GUILD BADGES With membership, one will be awarded the ELIZABETHAN TRADE GUILD PIN: a coin centered in an orange crest. Members are expected to bring this to meetings to display their association, distinguishing them from the everyday citizenry of Elizabeth. To acquire this pin, members will be required to pay the guild’s entry fee of 10 minas. Payment may be provided at the beginning of every guild gathering or in advance with written notice. ❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅ III. FUTURE GOALS OF ELIZABETHAN TRADE GUILD The primary focus of the trade guild is to provide the merchants of Alba a unified voice when dealing with entities both internal and external. Along with this, the guild of course wishes to improve upon the revenues of its acting members. It is our hope that the city of Elizabeth, and the Duchy of Alba as a whole, will become a fruitful land for merchants & trade. The first prerogative of the guild will be to establish relations with the other members of the Pontifical States, the Trade Board, and interested investors. The Pontifical States has witnessed a resurgence in trade due to the recent establishment of the LEMON HILL TRADE BOARD, which the merchants of Alba wish to both adhere to and work with in the future. ❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅ IV. THE MERCHANTS’ WITAN SOLUTION TO THE SALVIAN STOCK MARKET CRASH The SALVIAN STOCK MARKET CRASH OF 2010 was a heavy blow to all Waldenian traders. Companies like Alstreim Ventures and Steel lost their supply of quality Salvian products as a result of the embargo imposed by the Syndicate. Commonly favoured items such as roasted coffee beans, Fausteni chocolate or the famous Salvian cigars, regrettably became unavailable, and although many substitutes were and still are available in other nations where raw materials such as tobacco and cocoa beans grow naturally, they cannot compare to the quality that Salvian products provided to their customers. As a result of this exasperating state of affairs, the Elizabethan Merchants’ Witan has vowed to find a solution and will do everything in its power to find or manufacture cigars similar to those that were unfortunately lost in the embargo process. ❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅ V. TRANSCRIPT OF THE FIRST ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE ELIZABETHAN TRADE GUILD VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Welcome, all, to the first official meeting of the Elizabethan Trade Guild. At this meeting, we shall establish membership guidelines, long term goals of the guild, and our response to the Lemon Hill Trade Board's establishment. Before that, however. If you are a merchant, will you please make your presence known by stating your name and associated business? We shall move from there.” FRIEDRICH ALSTREIM: “Friedrich von Alstreim, representing Alstreim Ventures and Steel.” OCTAVIA GALBRAITH: “I am Lady Octavia Galbraith, Lady Librarian and head of the Alban Wordsmiths Printing Press. I intend to sell and distribute Heartlandic works.” GEORGE ALDERSBERG: “George Aldersberg of the Aldersberg Atelier.” WINIFRED HALCOURT: “In place of my head-of-house, Charles of the Halcourt Smithing Company.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Vincenzo Varoche, representing the Golden Merchant Company of Ves.” EDWARD ALSTION: “I suppose I've dabbled in such to be called a passive merchant. As such I might represent the goods and wares sold on behalf of our Ducal Coronet and that of Alba.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Sounds like a merchant to me, your Highness. Now, like any proper guild, we will outline the requirements for membership into the guild. This includes membership fees, proof of property and business, and the establishment of an acting representative from each business. Does anyone have any questions?” CONRAD VANDERRECHT: “I have a question for the Prince of Merryweather.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “You may ask.” CONRAD VANDERRECHT: “Will the Guild assist Waldenian craftsmen and merchants in the wake of the Diet stock collapse? What of the losses incurred by the Salvian embargo? And a follow-up question - will the Guild facilitate and subsidize the import of cigars from alternate sources?” FRIEDRICH ALSTREIM: “Matters of Salvus are not of any concern to us, right now, but ja, we will make sure to provide all Waldenic and non-Waldenic smokers with a supply of quality cigars.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Yes, Lord von Preussens?” JOSEPH PREUSSENS: “I would like to inquire as to how the leadership of the guild shall be decided. I have no doubts of the men before me now, yet for what may become a long-standing institution of the Duchy of Alba, I am curious as to how long one shall lead, and by what means we might choose the next head of the guild.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Thank you for the question. So far, it has been established that all members of the guild will have a single vote. This will act in a similar fashion as the Waldenian Diet. Leadership will be decided by a majority vote. This voting session shall take place within the next four years so that we may establish the groundwork for the organization. In the articles established for the guild, we shall provide provisions so that leadership is not held by a single member that may lead to the unfortunate stagnation of the guild. I pray this is sufficient, my Lord. If I might add, leadership will not be a lifetime appointment.” JOSEPH PREUSSENS: “Indeed, this is most sufficient, yet, if I may implore, how shall members be chosen for the guild, and what qualifications shall be required?” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Thankfully, based on today's agenda, we will establish those guidelines today. The initial idea is that members will consist of active businesses, merchants, and similar enterprises. For example, the Golden Merchant Company of Ves will participate as an acting member with a single vote and single representative. However, this is if the company meets the requirements established today. So far we believe that businesses must be Alban. We shall not allow foreign entities into the guild. From there, we will require proof of residence and property within the state of Alba. We will not allow bums into this guild. In addition, a small, one-time fee is required for a business to join the guild.” EDWARD ALSTION: “Aye, and what might be done with the coinage attained from a member's fee? Might we expect an event or such to be carried out with these funds?” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Indeed, your Highness. All records of transactions, such as the collection of said fees, will be public knowledge for all acting members. The fees will be used to pay for any guild sponsored activities. This would include events, expansions of the guild, and so forth.” EDWARD ALSTION: “Thank you, Lord Varoche, I hope our questions have not delayed the proceedings of this meeting - please, do proceed.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Not at all, your Highness! This is the very reason we outlined our agenda as such, for we're here to establish the guild and answer any questions associated with such. Do you have any additional comments I may have missed?” GEORGE ALDERSBERG: “Baron Placentia.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Yes, Lord Aldersberg?” GEORGE ALDERSBERG: “Perhaps a designated pin must be worn to meetings, akin to that of the Alban Wordsmiths' Society to signify membership.” OCTAVIA GALBRAITH: “I am obliged to offer my assistance in producing a pin from the man I commissioned it from.” FRIEDRICH ALSTREIM: “Ja, that can be arranged. As Lady Octavia said we can visit Balian soon to ask Lord Ashford to design and ship new badges to us.” EDWARD ALSTION: “A most beautiful pin it shall be then.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Yes. We have discussed this topic somewhat, but thankfully we can have such arranged. We suspect it'll cost around five mina to purchase said pin, which will be a piece of the membership fees.” GEORGE ALDERSBERG: “Very well. That will be all from me.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Thank you, Lord Aldersberg. Would you like to speak upon the goals that we have in mind for this guild, cugino?” FRIEDRICH ALSTREIM: “Ja, of course. Firstly we want Alba to become the merchant hub of the Pontifical States and what follows the Heartlands as a whole. We keep in mind the recently established Lemon Hill Trade Board and wish to operate with respect to the rules it established, as a faithful vassal state of His Holiness.” EDWARD ALSTION: “GOD willing we shall.” FRIEDRICH ALSTREIM: “Bolster the local trade and what follows, the incomes of Alban merchants. We also hope for future trade deals between our merchants and possible foreign investors to further expand our trade range and market reach.” VINCENZO VAROCHE: “Hopefully, in turn, this will bring further popularity to the state of Alba and establish it as a MUST SEE location within the Pontifical States.” FRIEDRICH ALSTREIM: “This meeting was planned to only outline the principles. Now with all these ideas we have discussed, all those who have attended and stated the name of their business will soon receive an invitation to the next meeting where we will officially sign the articles defining our Guild and her purpose. Danke all for attendance, and may GOTT almighty protect you throughout the rest of this Saint's day.” END OF SESSION. ❅⊱ ─────────────── ♖ ─────────────── ⊰❅

Issued by the Houses of Aldersberg & Varoche On the 20th of Horen’s Calling, 2011 LO UNTO THE PEOPLE OF ALBA & THE HEARTLANDS, It is the pleasure of the Houses of Aldersberg & Varoche to announce the betrothal of not one, but two couples of the noble households. The first betrothal announced between the two houses is His Lordship, Vincenzo Paolo Varoche, and the honorable Lady Mary Henrietta Aldersberg. The two have served the Duchy of Alba and its people well, and whilst crossing paths have determined it is right for their courtship to blossom into a blissful marriage. In a similar motion, the second betrothal announced between the houses is that of His Lordship, George Charles Aldersberg, and the reputable Lady Fiorenza Varoche. The two met similarly due to Lady Fiorenza’s visitations to the Duchy of Alba. ITINERARY THE CEREMONY The ceremony will take place within the confines of the Abbey of St. Catherine in the City of Elizabeth, the capital province of the Duchy of Alba. FEAST & RECEPTION Within the City of Elizabeth, a feast will be held throughout its festive streets & main square. Food & drink will be provided by the Houses for all to enjoy. INVITATIONS THE PEERAGE OF ALBA Their Royal Highnesses, Cecily & Edward Alstion, Princes of Alstion, Dukes of Alba, and Their Royal Pedigree Her Ladyship, Lorelei Mairi Alstion-Enswerp, Countess of Enswerp, and Her Noble Household His Lordship, Joseph Frederick Preussens, Count of Osterland, and His Noble Household His Lordship, Friedrich Wilhelm Alstreim, Baron of Corwinsburg, and His Noble Household MEMBERS OF THE PONTIFICAL STATES His Holiness, Ro’eh Tzon, and His Holy Flock His Grace, Atticus Keen, Princeps of Ivoria, The Citizens of Gottenthal, and the Ivorian Flock The Papal Duchy of Burgundy and The Citizens of Grense THE PEERAGE OF RAVENMIRE His Highness, Earoslav I, Sovereign of Ravenmire and His Princely Pedigree His Grace, Constantine Leopold Haverlock, Prince of Sedan and His Noble Household His Lordship, Godefroy d’Amaury, Count of the Rhoswood and His Noble Household His Lordship, Gaspard Winburgh, Baron of the Isles and His Noble Household FRIENDS OF THE LOWLANDS & PONTIFICAL STATES His Royal Majesty, John II, King of Balian, and His Royal Pedigree His Royal Majesty, Therin I, King of Petra, and His Royal Pedigree His Royal Majesty, Karl IV, King of Hanseti-Ruska, and His Royal Pedigree PERSONAL INVITATIONS His Lordship, Freiderich Hans Augusten, Margrave of Schwyz, and His Noble Household His Lordship, Mateusz Sarkozic, Count of Aldersberg, and His Noble Household Her Ladyship, Esfir Artemesia d’Arkent, Countess of Salia, and Her Noble Household His Lordship, Sir Charles of Verbant, of the House Vilac, and His Noble Household His Lordship, Charles Philip Halcourt, and His Noble Household His Lordship, Odrin Falkner, and His Noble Household His Lordship, Antoine Philippe Lewes, and His Noble Household Her Ladyship, Philippa von Reuss, and Her Noble Household S I G N E D, HIS EXCELLENCY, George Charles Aldersberg, Lord Chancellor of Alba, First Earl of Dover, Groom of the Stool HIS LORDSHIP, Vincenzo Varoche, First Baron of Placentia, Gentleman of the Privy Chamber HER LADYSHIP, Mary Henrietta Aldersberg Mistress of the Wardrobe HER LADYSHIP, Fiorenza Varoche Damigella de Ves

A copy of the Letters Patent was now hidden away within his home in Alba. It shared the space with the likes of other family heirlooms, all misplaced during the GREAT VAROCHE EXODUS. A warm smile approached his lips, "It's all going to plan." Vincenzo Varoche then stepped out of his home and made his way back to the diet hall.