Andustar

While recovering at the Palatio Arancione after the prior month, John Casimir was troubled by more distressing news. "Henry Haverlock has passed..." he muttered before turning to his wife, Kathryn. "Let's ensure our schedules are clear for the funeral." @MapleSunflower

“To Love and to Cherish” T H E U N I O N O F A S T E R A N D L I L A C ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ ISSUED BY Prince John Casimir Novellen and Lady Kathryn Atalia Virosi 17th of Sigismund’s End 134 B.A. ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ John Novellen and Kathryn Virosi in the Orange Groves of the Palatio Arancione 134 BA By the Grace of the Almighty and in the name of peace, prosperity, and enduring love, it is with great joy that John Casimir Novellen and Kathryn Atalia Virosi invite you to bear witness to their devoted union in the light of GOD. With great joy and reverence, we invite all subjects, near and far, to witness this blessed occasion and celebrate the covenant of love and duty that unites Prince John and Lady Kathryn. The mass shall be rooted in the tradition of Balian Culture, shaped by the tablets written by Saint Lothar. The Holy Ceremony shall be hosted and officiated by Cardinal Ivan Lotharia within the Cathedral of the Holy Supernals. ✧⥼─────────༻❁༺─────────⥽✧ The evening shall begin with the entry of the bride and groom. They will accompany each other down the aisle and towards the altar, hand in hand. By entering together the couple cross over the threshold of the church as equal partakers in their unfolding journey of love. The focus is on the couple coming together under GOD but not the bride or groom individually. Before the vows, the couple are offered a glass of wine. The wine is used to symbolize the blood that runs through Balianite veins but also the future that holds bitter yet sweet moments of life that the couple will share together. During the exchange of the vows, the couple shall exchange simple rings as well as their votive sashes. These sashes are adorned with depictions of momentous moments of the wearer’s life, and thus the exchange declares their souls intertwined in duty and devotion to the other. Once the vows have been spoken the couple are crowned with either wreaths The crowns are to symbolize the honored martyrs who shed their blood and gave their lives for GOD. The crown is the prize of marriage, a crown of sacrifice and self-giving. Following the Ceremony, all are invited to celebrate in the Palatio Arancione with the newlywed couple. Food and drink shall be provided. FORMAL INVITATIONS ARE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING: His Holiness, Ro’eh Tzon, High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon His Eminence, Cardinal Ivan Lotharia, Cardinal-Regent of Balian and the Citizenry of Balian His Royal Majesty, Marius III, King of Hanseti-Ruska and His Royal pedigree Her Royal Majesty, Adalia I, Queen of the Petra and Her Royal pedigree Her Royal Highness, Frederica I, Princess in Reinmar and of Sutica and Her Royal pedigree His Royal Highness, Leon II, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz and His Royal Pedigree Her Royal Majesty, Xiomara I, Sovereign of Hyspia and Her Royal pedigree His Royal Highness, Earoslav I, Sovereign of Ravenmire, and His Royal Pedigree Her Royal Majesty, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of Númendil and Her Royal Pedigree His Lordship, Vangelis Mareno, Regent of Grense and his esteemed pedigree President Levi Summers of the Republic of Salvo, and representatives of the Senate Her Royal Highness, Ariadne Casimira, Viscountess of Tuvia, and her noble pedigree His Grace, Marcel Vuiller, Duke of Aquiliae, and his noble pedigree Her Grace, Viktoria vas Ruthern, Duchess of Reutov, and her noble pedigree The Right Honorable, Achillius d'Arkent, Count of Salia, and his noble pedigree The Right Honorable, August Benedict Temesch, Count of San Adriano, and his noble pedigree The Most Honorable, Colette de Lyons, Regent of Enderoca, and her noble pedigree The Honourable, Paloma Galbraith, Baroness of Cascanova, and her noble pedigree His Excellency, Viktor Gotwa, Constable of the Kingdom of Balian The People of All Canonist Realms PERSONAL INVITATIONS ARE SENT TO THE FOLLOWING: His Royal Highness, Alexios Michael Novellen, Count of Caluzzo Her Royal Highness, Helena Casimira Novellen, Countess of Senna His Royal Highness, Hadrian Constantine Novellen Lady Yelena Virosi Her Royal Highness, Milena Anastasya, and her noble pedigree His Lordship, Sigmar var Ruthern His Highness, Thorin Rhostova, Prince of Ravenmire Isabel Donadado His Lordship, Samuel de Lyons Her Ladyship, Lorelei Mairi Alstion, Countess of Enswerp, and her noble pedigree His Lordship, Joseph Frederick von Preussens Constantine Haverlock and his esteemed pedigree Rylee Malgath Amaya Kortrevich Astraea Lujza Korvacz Lhoris Sebastian Eros Gisli Sifsøn Stefan Ludovar Perris Villorik Fellow Soldiers of the Regiment of Saint Lothar Signed, His Royal Highness, JOHN CASIMIR BAUDOIN NOVELLEN, Prince of Monterosa, Duke of Atrus Her Excellency, KATHRYN ATALIA VIROSI, Camareiro of the Courta Cometa, Scribe of Cardinal Ivan Lotharia, Chancellor to the Royal-Legate

FAITH & SANCTUARY: The Symbolism of the Holy Tabernacle Scribed by John Casimir Baudoin Novellen 16th of Lothar’s Gift, BA. 134. The Scroll of Gospel, bestowed unto Exalted Godfrey in his dialogue with GOD, recounts the genesis of humanity and the reign of Exalted Horen. Horen led his people unto the plains, where they laid the foundations of their civilisation, constructing homes of wood and cloth and temples wrought from stone. Amongst these constructions stood the Holy Tabernacle, described as a tent; a modest dwelling. Throughout the Book of Horen, the Tabernacle bears an aura of protection men often associate with castles and strongholds, serving as a sanctuary to Horen’s wife Julia and their three children in his absence. 19 Thus informed, Julia went into her family’s tent, their holy tabernacle, and she gathered their three sons. 20 She bade them to remain in the tabernacle as she walked the camp, looking for Iblees. One might ask, why does something so simple, fashioned of cloth and timber, bear this significance? Why did Horen not construct for himself a castle, fit for a king, its imposing shadow looming over the land and its subjects? Men easily take for granted the endurance of stone, believing constructions wrought from it will shield us from ruin and torment. A mighty keep might repel a bloodthirsty host or even the bombardment of cannon fire, but not even the sturdiest walls can withstand the poison that infects the hearts of men. The poison that is sin. Yet, though a modest dwelling, Horen’s Tabernacle, resisted the disease wrought upon his encampment by Iblees. The Book of Horen tells us that those led astray by Iblees, through the deceit of Saul, besieged it, but to no avail. The Tabernacle bore a radiance that repelled evildoers and protected the occupants within. 39 So Horen was inspired with the Word of GOD, and he returned to his people. 40 He went into his camp and found that two thirds had fallen into iniquity, and they embattled Horen’s tabernacle but could not enter it. One might query how such a simple construction could withstand the wrath of the deplorable. The answer in truth is simple, for it was not the materials that repelled evil, but rather the faith of the righteous in its divine purpose. Though humble and unassuming, Horen’s Tabernacle was home, and one’s home is not just a construct but rather a concept. Within a home, we envisage sanctuary and tranquillity, and there is no truer home for mankind than GOD’s embrace. When Horen returned from the Grotto of Gamesh, he bore the light of GOD, and so the sinful could not approach him, just as they could not approach the Tabernacle. Horen and his wife, Julia, had placed their faith in GOD, and so not even the wickedness sewn by Iblees and the deceiver, Saul, could bring upon them harm. GOD’s grace is greater than any fortress of stone, no matter how high its walls or deep its moats. For whilst walls crumble under the weight of sin, the Lord is good and shall shield those who keep faith. 41 Among them lay Saul, uncovered and foul, trampled by the sin he wrought. 42 And Horen glowed with the light of the tabernacle and of GOD. 43 Horen wept for his people, for the sinful could not approach him. 44 He went into the tabernacle and spoke with his wife, who advised him of the sin that corrupted the world. Although the events of the Scriptures occurred long ago, the principles and core values they instil serve a crucial purpose to the flock. They teach us that so long as our faith in GOD remains steadfast and enduring, he will grant us sanctuary against corruption, ruin and sin. Keep your home rooted in the unbreaking foundation of GOD, for it is He who granted us life, and unto Him we shall return to serve a higher purpose.

Take care, Reece! I hope all goes according to plan, and I hope you'll poke your head in to say hello every now and then.

"Alas, this is not the end," John Casimir mused as he recalled the battle in Ailmere. "There will be more fights to come, and I shall press onward. For the love of Balian!" Still, his mind dwelt upon the warrior he slew in that frozen waste, who met an end by his ebony blade. If the foe they had yet to face bore as much spirit as their fallen comrade, then perhaps they would prove more resilient than he had previously imagined.

John Casimir wiped the blood from the Fang of Cloudbreaker. The black sword claimed the life of one whose soul was tarnished, but whose heart was not without valour. In his final moments, he had but one request: To be laid to rest in the tide's embrace. "You fought well," the Prince mused in solitude. The waves washed over the fallen warrior, carrying him unto his final judgment.

Upon hearing of the Queen's passing, John Casimir felt a pang of sorrow. "My deepest condolences to His Majesty and their children," he muttered, proceeding to pen a letter.

[!] The missive reached the Palatio Arancione on a warm night, delivered to the young man who recognised the familiar crest. "Our allies call for aid?" John's attention fell upon the horizon, across the verdant landscape of the south and towards the mighty northern glens. "We promised to aid them against this threat, and I shan't betray my word, nor neglect the vows sworn by my people." Hands that were once soft and shaken, now calloused and steady, reached for the hilt of his weapon - a honed longsword. Neatly folding the missive, he departed for the Holy Estate, seeking an audience with the Cardinal-Regent. @Wavey

I think you raise some good points as to how a lot of the narratives we develop on Lord of the Craft are now shaped outside of roleplay. Nowadays, there are many more instances of communities being opposed to one another based on lines that were drawn in OOC, and the toxicity that comes with those divisions is enough to put anyone off playing for a considerable length of time. Whereas before our interactions on the server had a significant impact on our choices playing the game, Discord has undermined that in a way Skype and Teamspeak never really could, perhaps due to a lack of accessibility by comparison. That said, I'm not certain this is a new thing altogether, but rather something that has become more pronounced in recent years with changes in how we use social media. Going back to Vailor, I can recall a lot of 'rep-farm' posts being put up during the Dukes' War and the later rebellions during the time of the Fifth Empire. Nation leaders have always been targets in said posts as well, as many people consider them the face of their overall community. It would have been harder for people to distinguish who exactly the nation leader (the player behind the persona) was years ago, but the herd mentality, and the narrative that this faceless individual was 'cringe' or needed to be wiped off the map, I do recall quite vividly. The cliques that expected a specific trend in roleplay were also present, they just weren't as immediately obvious as they may appear to be now. The infamous 'Coal Miners Union' is often referenced as the prime example of back door schemers, though perhaps this is somewhat overplayed as a bit of boogeyman. It's a matter of size and visability in my opinion - Discord servers platform larger friend groups with greater ease, whilst simaltaneously making them more visable than your typical Skype chat. The easiest solution would appear to be for people to come to an agreement on enforcing higher standards. Yet, we have seen with the recent application of the metaplay rule that people frequently disagree on what exactly these standards should be. They grow hostile to one another, point fingers and then let the tensions feed into whatever OOC disagreements already exist. Character-bleeding then occurs and the OOC hostility translates into roleplay animosity. Honestly, I think the better question to ask sometimes is why are people so attached to this server? What does the experience it provides mean to them as individuals? An easy thing to say at face value, and two questions I should definitely ask myself often enough. In short, I think that as the standards for creativity have grown, so too have people come to view Lord of the Craft as less of a silly game and more a passion project. A creative outlet which we, as a community, inevitably get defensive over in the same way you would treasure an original painting.

"A title you did not earn and thus shall not receive," John stated bitterly, scrunching up the missive. The Prince was incensed. "I told you once, Artyom: Loyalty is its own reward. Yet, in death, rather than right the follies of your ancestors, you prove yourself an opportunist. If it were family you cared for, you should have encouraged them to define themselves beyond titles..."

In his final moments, a lost soul often wondered what became of those he grew up alongside. King Alexander I's ward, later the Queen of Balian, stood among such people. Albert recalled bearing sympathy for Andromeda, amidst the controversies at court. He remembered the many times in which she confided in him, expressing her anguish and frustration. He also recalled his disdain for the woman, having grown suspicious of her closest confidants. The war he swore to fight had determined much of his mortal life, and the knight was willing to set even friendships aside in an effort to stamp out the draconic plague. Yet, his commitment to duty did not exclude him from harbouring regrets. "Andromeda... Where is she now?" He asked no one in particular, adrift in shadow. Perhaps, instead of condemning the old Queen, the better course of action would have been to simply sit down and talk. He had been fighting for so long that such a concept seemed almost alien. Now, at the end, with his soul threatening to burn out like an exhausted candle, he sincerely wished he had more time to merely speak his mind alongside familiar faces. "Perhaps in another time, another life, we'll meet again. I have hope..."

"A deserved appointment. I suppose congratulations are in order for Her Highness," John stated, reading over the missive with approval. He then took to his study, intent on writing a letter.

"A fascinating study, though it's a shame the noble Houses of Balian were not included," John considered with a sharp sigh. "Perhaps I'll reach out and share our records. It never hurts to ask."

I think a lot of what you say is true @ThatFunkyBunch. All journeys must come to the end, else the cycle repeats itself and ultimately we encounter the same stagnant formula again and again. This is actually a theme we encounter in the Dark Souls series, with the climax of the third game revealing that the perpetuation of the cycle has done more harm than good. Everyone is condemned to repeat the same mistakes as their predecessors, save for a few who manage to escape the mold. With LotC, one of the issues I have encountered is the lack of stakes revolving around the progression of the world itself. It has been a while since we had a continental antagonist that presented an existential threat to everyone, regardless of their race or allegience. We did have Xan and Azdromoth clash recently, but that event was more so limited to the Paladin and Azdrazi community, and their allies, respectively. What happened to antagonists on the scale of Setherian and his Black Scourge? And yes, we still have major end of map events, like the recent Mori'quessir incursions. However, we never really could put a face to our enemy. I would argue that antagonist had little time to develop beyond a conquesting army. One day, we got attacked by giant insects, a hydra, and cannibal elves, and that was pretty much it in many respects. In my view, a lot of the arguments we see in the server's politics are fated to stem from the same recurring issues. Worse still, it seems we just cannot agree to put an end to it and leave each other alone to our own devices. There are always old scores to settle between someone or another for a multitude of reasons. Some new players unwittingly get invested in these squabbles as well, and so the next generation strike each other with the same venom as their predecessors. Maybe we have reached the end point on LotC in some respects. Though I will say that perhaps our discontent with the state of things stems more from the perspective of having been around for a long time. There are still opportunities and stories to be had in this world, as old as it may be. Every once and a while, someone comes along with fresh ideas and injects something new into the formula, and so people continue to have fun and return for new experiences. Unlike MMOs such as World of Warcraft, LotC is very much crafted by its dynamic playerbase, who continue to add their own contributions atop of those that were set in stone years ago. Granted, the stone itself might be running out of room for new etchings. Perhaps starting fresh would allow new things to step out of the shadow of what came before. The question, however, is would you really be content with throwing out what was once there, where it can no longer be looked upon or revisited? Warhammer AoS made that mistake, and it took years for them to find their own niche. What's more, even when it did, people kept asking for the Old World's return. Whatever the solution may be, careful consideration needs to be taken in how we respect the server's past and ensure it has a legacy.

"Heed reason," John Casimir echoed as he read the declaration, "I pray the Silasians will, for the sake of all." He wondered if there would be respite at all in the days to come. The shadow of war cast a long shadow, threatening to engulf great swathes of the realm. "Alas, reason is in such short supply these days..."

John Casimir viewed the missive with a furrowed brow, "I cannot say I'm surprised by this outcome." History was a subject of great fondness to the young man, and he knew all too well of the consequences that came with laying claim to the legacy of the Flayed Man. "I pray Arowyn will see reason and expel these upstart brigands, before it is too late..."

An ancient soldier of the once proud Gold Corps, William of Carnatia, rolls in his grave.

"A truly pious family, represented by a noble lady," John Casimir stated as he reviewed the House of Virosi's history. "May they continue to guide the way."

"So it shall be. I must tread the path of penance, to seek absolution for my sins." John persisted in his journey, the Cardinal of Lotharia's words ever on his mind. "O'er the hills and under trees. Through summer's streams and winter's frost..."

"Ser Sterling..." John Casimir lamented the old knight's death, sorrow gripping tight. "You once said I would make good king, given time. I wish I could've proven you right, before the end." Still, the youth had an obligation to fulfil. He swore to protect those now at the mercy of the insidious. "Your sacrifice for Silasia and your people shan't be in vain. I'll honour my pledge, and do all that I can in the battles to come."

". . ." John Casimir scrunched the missive in his hands, with a wrath he scarcely felt before now pulsing throughout him. He then turned to his brother, Alexios. "I'll make preparations. They will pay sorely for this; our counter-attack will hurt them!" @SmartScout

"You are wise, Cardinal. I only wish I'd sought your wisdom sooner. Perhaps we might've averted this crisis," John muttered in quiet contemplation, checking over his equipment for his northern expedition. "Nevertheless, I will carry on. I will honour my pledge of penance."

"A plague, in Silasia..." John Casimir murmured softly as he received a missive. "I swore to my mentor, Astraea, that I would be a healer before a warrior. I cannot very well stand by and watch her people suffer," he declared, proceeding to then scribe a letter of his own. To His Excellency, August Temesch @__Stal27, I request the support of the Regency Council and the Duana in providing aid to our allies in the Grand Duchy of Silasia. Whilst my experience in such matters may be limited, I believe we cannot afford to stand idly by and watch as a plague grips the land. Whatever support you may provide, I will gratefully accept. Sincerely, John Casimir Novellen

Uncertainty and apprehension. Anxiety and fear. It was inevitable that these emotions would haunt the days to come. John was no stranger to fear, having walked in its shadow countless times as the sun fell across the horizon. It clung to him throughout recent events, shameful as it was. And whether people believed he was a sincere yet foolish youth or merely a pale reflection of his disgraced father, he could not deny vicious mockery undermined his family. The consequence of his own misguided actions. The conclusion of the trial and the judgment that followed brought an ironic peace to the Prince. He now knew what was expected of him. All men are fallible, but it is a sign of strength to humble yourself and seek redemption. A foreign judge sought to remind him that, shortly after the proceedings. But still, a great fear lingered in his mind’s eye. A sense of dread that had perturbed him since the earliest days of his youth. His night terrors never eased with age. Even as he emerged as a man-grown and true, John awoke with sweat upon his brow and trembling hands. He often wondered, what was so terrifying about the same recurring dream? The tightening loneliness perhaps as he found himself stumbling amidst a sinister fog, feet unsteady against the ground of scattered rock and ash. No, absolutely not. It was what lay beyond the murk, watching him with an ever-present sense of curiosity, that truly terrified him. The dragon’s serpentine form slithered between the rocky valleys, stones trembling beneath its heavy feet. The air was dry and scorching, hotter still than the tropical south to which he was well acclimated. John often sought to pursue it, only to lose his balance as its flapping wings cracked the air like thunder. It was toying with him, never granting John the satisfaction of knowing what it wanted or why it lingered. “Coward! What’s your game?!” He bellowed in yet another failed pursuit, the beast’s silhouette fading into the fog yet again. He had tried everything from chastising it in rage, to meek attempts at diplomacy. The answer was always the same, and yet… A roar echoed across the valley, “Do you fear?” John was stunned - this time was different. The dragon spoke, and it demanded an answer. “Yes, I am afraid. I fear failure, not merely in fulfilling a birthright. I fear that I may abuse the faith of others. Of those who still consider me capable of something.” John paused for a moment, his heart pounding within his chest. “I fear no good may come of my endeavours. That I’ll doom them to share in my disgrace, when they believe I might yet deliver hope.” It listened intently, keen to ensure that nothing was left out. Then it replied, “You said it yourself. Fear is a powerful motivator.” Words John had uttered to Prince Anorhil barely a month ago. In the absence of fear, the spark of courage cannot exist. Courage is what propels us to conquer our mistakes and rise above them. Now more than ever, he needed to remember that. “You know what drives you. You know what is at stake. Do not sit idle in disgrace as it all crumbles away.” The dragon’s wings clapped, and the blinding clouds broke overhead. This maze-like landscape John had wandered for so long was revealed in its entirety, as was his witness. Perched upon a mountain, it looked down upon him, fire in its eyes. “Climb towards the light, or skulk in the dark. Reach the summit and take flight, or languish in the dirt. Which do you choose, young Prince?” John pondered, “Kathryn, were you right all along? Were these dreams not an ill omen but a gift in disguise?” Perhaps the hand of fate was at work, or maybe all of this was merely an elaborate illusion conjured by a troubled mind. It did not matter, for the Prince’s answer was the same. He began the climb.

Fantastic lore - very well written.