Kebab

Reflection (2015) - Self-portrait in compressed charcoal.

The Raphaelite Brotherhood Sigil of The Raphaelite Brotherhood A serendipitous meeting Some call into question the reality of fate, is it mere chance or perhaps the execution of God’s will upon our being? No matter what it is, one serendipitous event soon became the hallmark of your life. It was on the 15th of The Deep Cold, 1542, that you received a letter from a man you’ve yet to identify. The contents of the letter directed you to a small, weathered building in the suburbs of Riga which you entered with a fervent curiosity, despite your apparent suspicions. A frail man of grey hair rests his palette atop a rich mahogany end table, his skin wrinkled as its years were long overdue, whilst his posture mimicked that of a dying elk yearning for a final glimpse of God’s beauty that surrounds its being. As you crept deeper into the damp room, the taps of a light drizzle catch your ears, its fragility you likened to that of the seated, old man. Nothing of him suggested even an ounce of life, yet the canvas before him could not be contested by even the mightiest of warriors in its energy. The richness of its color, the fervour of the depicted, the explosiveness of the brushwork. As you approach the man, naught but one question came to mind- “What is this place?”, you eventually asked. Unable to utter the words he so desperately desired to, he simply pointed to the sign plastered onto the walls. The markings had long faded, yet you were able to decipher but a few words: The Raphaelite Brotherhood. It finally struck you. The grandeur of the room hidden underneath its veil of dust, all about you were paintings of an age forgotten, some hung along the walls while others simply awaited under the sheets for a keen eye to appreciate its beauty once again. You knew of this group, a revered guild of artists that rose to prominence in the outbreak of war with Urguan. Its name frightening to behold, but its values the envy of saints. For decades was the Guild slandered by the prominent for one reason and one reason alone, the sincerity of its work. Through the arts, the group spoke true of the cruelty faced by the low-born, the devastation felt by those who could barely live, and the futility of war. Its strongest asset was its bane. The works As you wandered about the room, longing to behold the beauty around you in its fullest, a few paintings that hung by the windows allured your sight. The following- Reflection (1576). Self portrait of the Guild’s founder, Hendrick Rembrandt. Oil paint on canvas. 84cm x 66cm. The Eagle’s Vigil (1543). Painting by Hendrick Rembrandt, depicting the Rigan guard force during the time of war. Oil paint on canvas. 147cm x 181cm. Negligence (1541). Portrait of the Rundstedt family by Johannes Alphenberg. Oil paint on canvas. 167cm x 172cm. Peasant Girl (1553). Portrait of a young peasant girl by Henry Seymour. Oil paint on canvas. 84cm x 107cm. The necessity of expression You return to the man’s side, his body was shivering in the merciless iced east winds that pervaded the room but his arms remained still as he struck the canvas with a dark grey hue. You desired not to interrupt him, but your heart burned with inquisitiveness. Then, without hesitation, a few words escaped your lips, a question- “What is the necessity of expression?” T’was a simple question to the mind of any artist, yet the answer remained unfathomable to you. The necessity of expression. The need for art. It did not occur to you that such a frivolous question could cause great distress as you fidgeted about, awaiting the answer. A single word was muttered by the old man with great difficulty. “T-T-Truth.” he stutters. “Truth?” you thought. “What in God’s name could he even mean?” A sudden realization then came to you. Truth. The clearest expression of one’s emotions, of one’s soul. Truth. To unlock the chains that once strangled you and open yourself to the world, to find the inherent beauty in one’s surroundings, to understand one’s being. As you look back at those five paintings that had first intrigued you, you begin to feel the emotions surge through. The darkness of the self portrait gave you a bitter sense of anguish, enhanced by the emotions of the portrayed. The shadow that loomed about the group of men brought out the idea of futility. It was then that you understood art was not merely to be framed on the walls of an aristocrat’s home, but to be felt as if someone were speaking to you. Art’s importance lies in its honesty. Art is truth. An artist’s obligation You look back to the markings on the wall, reminiscing of what you believed to be the Guild’s past when you made out but a few other words. A motto, you supposed it was- “A people’s expression..”. Such a sentence, you thought, was befitting of the Guild for they were famed amongst the masses as an outlet for their sufferings. They served none but the low-born Orenian masses who lacked the means of expressions that they flourished in. They were obligated through emotion to speak out for the injustices faced by those amongst them. An artist’s specialization While oftentimes do artists venture into various mediums, in search of a style that compliments the artistic integrity of its practitioner, only the immensely experienced choose to specialize, believing in the full merits of their chosen medium in enhancing their ideas. It is this belief that separates the talented from the masterly. The following are but the most common specializations- Painter Perhaps the most prominent of art specializations, the painter commonly uses a palette of brushes to aid his artistic expressions, though knives have rose to prominence in recent times. The painter utilizes the innate power of color to spark emotion whilst allowing his subject matter to create intimacy with his audience. Sculptor A sculptor is called upon to capture the beauty of human physicality in his work, and thereby expressing the anguish in his heart or perhaps the pride of his loyalties. Sculpture has long been a tool for nobility to boast the might of their arms and the beauty of their women, while depicting the sufferings of those who serve them. Ceramicist Perhaps the least notable of all specializations, the ceramicist plays a cardinal role in the depiction of one’s wealth. His creativity comes primarily from the form of his works, and his skill in the handling of such fragile mediums. Architect The architect’s categorization as an artist is a debatable one, yet his role in sending messages throughout an entire society is unparalleled. History has confirmed the role of buildings in showing political and military might, as well as the modesty of the low-borns. The architect’s role has never simply been to shelter those who ask for it, but also to create an experience that one feels whilst walking through a building. Writer In place of brushes and knives is the infinitesimally complex language that the writer holds at his disposal, and through the manipulation of words, he speaks truth of the reality that has befallen on him and that of his kin. The writer is truth-seeker and a protester. He shall and will not surrender to authority, his artistic and humane integrity is absolute and cannot be undermined by any force. His body shall grow weary, but his mind shall not. He will die with age, but his ideas shall not. Poet Much like the writer, the Poet manipulates words to speak out, words that penetrated even the most pragmatic of defense. His works shall venture across the lands, his ideas shall be ingrained within the minds of peasants as they seek to find a commonplace in this world.

The Duke of Courland, His Grace, Richard of House Staunton has commissioned the reconstruction of the Northern Capital of Riga. We're looking for builders experienced in Messy Medieval and having the time/are wiling to help build an entire city from scratch. More detailed information on the build style, city layout, and theme will be provided upon your application being accepted. Wages will be discussed once you're accepted. Application [RP Application] Applicant's Name: Applicant's Age: Applicant's Race: Experience with Messy Medieval: [OOC Application] Minecraft Username: Skype: Can you use Teamspeak:

House name: Falkenrath House Patriarch: Count Octavius Falkenrath Patriarch’s Heraldry: To be added House Sigil/Motif: To be added House Standing: Nobiles Nova House Holdings: County of Laria and the Township of Alsace House History: Founded upon the backbones of war, the Falkenraths who were traditionally an Auvergnian family, had sworn their extreme loyalty to House de Sola in the midst of the bloodied Duke’s War. Serving in both diplomatic and military roles within Dour Watch, the family soon grew to prominence as the war carried on, and were eventually granted the County of Laria by the late Titus of House de Sola, former Duke of Istria, for their unwavering loyalty and dedication. With the end of the Duke’s War, the Falkenraths, who were fiercely dedicated to the betterment and maintenance of legacies of House de Sola, had greatly sought to ameliorate the domestic situation within the Duchy of Istria. As such, they headed the founding of the Township of Alsace, aimed to improve the Duchy’s populace, as well as the Istroit Mercantile Company, which sought to improve the economic situation. Family Tree: Octavius (Patriarch), Arstide (First-born son), Alexander (Second-born son), and Augustus (Deceased brother).

The Istriot Mercantile Co. http://foto.ilsole24ore.com/Editrice/ILSOLE24ORE/QUOTIDIANO_INSIDE_ITALY/2015/04/08/Quotidiano%20Inside%20Italy/ImmaginiWeb/03_MEDIOEVO.jpg “Patria Et Pertinacia!” (Country and Determination) The Istriot Mercantile Co., whose formation was ordered by the Ducal Council after the naming of His Grace, Guile of House de Sola as the Duke of Istria, serves as a testament to the industriousness of the Istrian peoples, and is based on foundations of loyalty and meritocracy. The Company’s mission, as stated by the Right Honorable Count Octavius of House Falkenrath himself is simply “to ensure the prosperity of the County of Laria, and therein the Duchy of Istria through the employment of skilled tradesmen.” Our efforts will be directed towards the economic and political amelioration of not only the County of Laria, but in turn its neighbouring regions within the ducal borders, serving the Duke faithfully. In our endeavours, we shall seek to provide an abundance of wealth and resource for her lands, and in our hearts, we shall pray for a rejuvenated Istria. Company Administration The Istriot Mercantile Co. shall be run through an oligarchy where in a sole proprietor will hold control over the company, but must seek the approval of the council with regards to any major policy or command unless given by the Ducal council otherwise. This company council shall be selected by said proprietor and/or the Ducal council based on merit, capabilities, etc. In the case that selections made by said proprietor is deemed unfit by the Duchy, leaders of the Ducal council may exercise the right to veto said selections. Worker/Tradesmen Rights All persons whose membership applications have been successfully accepted, and thereby expected to serve the Company faithfully, holds the right to accommodation and housing in lands under the Company’s dominion. Employees whose tasks should require it shall be provided with Company owned tools and resources solely for work purposes. Employees shall be given a fair amount of wages according to prices set by the Company and the amount of produce presented per member. However, prices may be open to negotiation for cases in which the company’s council deems fit. Employees shall hold the right to seek assistance from higher authority should he/she deem a task and/or a co-worker unfit. Employees whose roles require it shall be granted access to county owned areas designated for farming and animal husbandry. The Istriot Mercantile Co. shall not hold responsibility for the actions of its employees unless proven that said actions are the result of orders made by its managerial staff. Company Code of Conduct Any company member who is reported to have stolen from or attacked another member will be punished accordingly once proven guilty. A company member should remain active and involved with the company and warn of prolonged leaves of more than one Saint’s week. Contracts that remain unfinished up to a saint day after the agreed upon date will become void and a small fee will be charged for wasting company time and resources. Any company member found to be embellishing or stealing from the company will be punished accordingly. Any member who is late upon their fees with no talk of solution to the issue will be removed from the company one Saint’s day after and will receive two Saint’s days to find new accommodations. The company reserves the right to terminate relations with any members for any reason without prior notice. Worker/Tradesmen Roles: To finance this abundance of wealth and resources, many workers are to be hired by the company in hopes to work the lands of Istria and provide its needs through their toils. The Company hires the following vocations: ;https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Rondel_dagger_merchants_small.jpg The role of the Farmer entails tending to the grazing pastures of Istriot soil and reaping its crops for the progression of agricultural industry within the duchy. The role of the Breeder stands to raise Larian livestock until they reach an age suitable for the slaughterhouse, or until purchased by an outside source. The role of the Lumberer is meant only for some of the strongest Istriots within Orenia, for it is the Lumberer who must hack down the towering pines within Laria and Pompourelia to collect wood. The role of the Artisan is to shape the raw lumber into furniture or other practical uses. An artisan is also expected to be a stonemason, chiseling the rocks and ores the miners retrieve into pieces of Istriot artwork. The role of the Miner entails plunging one’s self into the deepest nooks and caverns unbeknownst to the naked eye where they may carve from the earth’s crust precious minerals and ores. The role of the Blacksmith is thought to be another vocation requiring strong Istriot arms, as they are those who tend to the melting fires of the forge to process raw ore into weapons and armor manifold. Payment and Contracts Workers of the Istriot Mercantile Co. make what they merit based on what contracts have been completed. There is no routinely wage for any smith or breeder, but instead there is what the client has offered. The agreed upon sum between the company member and the client will then be paid to the company itself and cut given to the member taking into accord of the services the company has given the member. Application: (Rp) Character Name: Race: Age: Profession(s): Applying for role of: Current Home: Do you accept the terms outlined in the Company Code of Conduct: Are you be willing to take residence in the County of Laria?: (OOC) MC Account Name: Skype: (Send a PM to Cararax or ZipZapMan with regards to any questions and/or inquiries)

The Right Honorable Count of Laria and the Steward of the Duchy of Istria, Octavius of the House of Falkenrath swears fealty to the Imperial Crown. ((I accept.))

Out-Of-Character Information Please do your best to correct spelling and grammatical errors, this is an RP server and writing is the main form of communication! What’s your Minecraft Account Name?: Liamssy How old are you?: 18 Are you aware the server is PG-13 (You won’t be denied for being under 13): Yes Have you applied to this server before? (Please link all past applications): No Have you read and agreed to the rules?: Yes What’s the rule you agree with the most?: The rule against cyber-bullying. Are there any rule(s) that confuse you or don’t make sense?(If so we can help clear it up! You will not be denied for having a question on the rules): No How did you find out about Lord of the Craft? I was introduced to Lord of the Craft by a friend (His character name is Adeon of Rhoswen Definitions Feel free to Google the answers or browse our forums, but make sure that you write the reply in your own words, not those of another website or person! What is roleplaying?: Role-play refers to the performance of a particular role, commonly found in the theatrical arts and/or MMORPGs What is metagaming?: In role-playing games, metagaming refers to the act of using knowledge that is not available to the character to change the way he/she is being played. What is powergaming?: Powergaming refers to the interaction with games or game-like activities wherein a player performs an action that would force others to react and doing something that should be impossible In-Character Information Now you actually make your character - be creative but stay reasonable! Make sure they make sense and that they follow lore. Try to come up with a character that you actually want to play. Character’s name: Reynard of Felsen Character’s gender: Male Character’s race: Human Character’s age: 23 Biography (Please make it a decent two paragraphs long. Remember to add server lore, and events that happened to your character so that they don’t contradict history.): A young man clothed in a finely embellished tunic approaches the mighty gates of Felsen. He was human, born of Auvergnian blood. Many, in his now scattered family, believed him to be a blessing for the lands for his birth was followed by a period of peace and prosperity between the Kingdom of Akovia, Mardonic League, the Dwarves and the Orcs. His identity was unknown to most in the great city, save the few who dwelt in Aldersberg in the days of his youth. As weary as he was, he crossed under the city walls on the back of a good-hearted deer hunter who had found him, marveling at its sheer beauty and immensity. Buildings had always intrigued him. From a young age, the man had aspired to be an architect, travelling around the Old Lands to explore new sights and pursue his passion for building. Countless beautiful sights his eyes has gazed upon. Leuvaarden, Petrus, Karovia, Owynswood and far more. In his travels, he has apprenticed under many masters, and gaining knowledge for his craft with an undying spirit. However, like most others, this young man eventually chose to flee to the lands of Vailor for refuge, abandoning his family name, carrying with him only the clothes on his back and a few vague memories of his loved ones for him to reminisce. The young man’s arrival in Vailor wasn’t quite what one might call a smooth ride. Having stowed away on a rickety ship which had then shipwrecked near a beach after a pirate attack, he found himself on an unfamiliar coast with no food or water with little to spare for survival. He walked for miles upon across deep valleys and snowy peaks, savagely beating critters along the way to nourish himself and keeping his thirst in check with molten snow. He was found after months of travelling in some woods north of Adria by a couple of deer hunters on horseback who proceeded to clothe him and carry him to Felsen. He was fatigued, but conscious, as they approached the gates of Felsen. A number of guards halted them to inquire his name and as the deer hunters spoke, they wrote his lie: ‘Reynard of Felsen’. As the light shone on his face upon entering this beauteous city known as Felsen, his lips gave way to the word he could no longer contain, ‘heaven’ as a tear slowly fell from his eye and onto the cobbled streets. As he awoke, lying on the bed of his savior, he was surprised with a new world and a clean slate, despite his aching muscles and the frostnip in his toes, he knew one thing was for certain; the Isles of Vailor awaited and he would take them by storm. Personality Traits: Charismatic, friendly, but ambitious. Ambitions: Architecture and design Strengths/Talents: Charisma, designing, and intellect. Weaknesses/Inabilities: Combat Appearance (List the extra details of your characters appearance, IE; height & weight): As you stride along the alleyways of Felsen, voices of cheers filled the air as men and women alike rejoice in celebration of their recent victory. The atmosphere was one of jubilance and glee. You were always too shy to partake in such joyous celebrations but it almost seemed irresistible not to this time. However, as you made your way to the heart of the city to parade, you notice a young man dressed in a finely bedizened brown tunic.You had never seen this young man before in your time in Felsen, but for some unknown reason, he seemed to catch your eye in an almost congested city hub. The setting sun shone on him with love and warmth. His blue eyes though covered by strands of his hazel hair, gleamed with ambition as they roamed around, looking at the buildings of the town that he was to now call ‘home’. His face was sharp and shaven, and it reminded you of a nobleman though it was highly unlikely that he was one. As his eyes chanced upon your gaze, you were helpless to turn away, as he dictated an aura of authority about him. “Who is that young man, his face is unfamiliar to me,’ you asked a nearby merchant. “Reynard of Felsen” he replied. “Though he is unknown to people around here, he is once part of a town named Aldersberg. I knew his mother, Elanar when we lived there, though it has been a time since we last spoke,” the merchant replied. “Last I heard he was travelling the land to learn the craft of architecture,” he added. As the merchant finished speaking, you gazed at the young man with inquisitiveness, as you had seldom met people who commanded such charisma. Yet, as you gazed, you also noticed that he was deep in thought. You could not help but approach the young man to ask what he was thinking about. “The buildings, my friend. I have always been intrigued by them,” he replied. “I am Reynard of Felsen” he adds as he raises his arm to shake your hand. It struck you that his hands had a rough texture. “I suppose we'll be seeing more of each other, my friend” he says as he leaves the city centre. Height: 1.87 metres, Weight: 67 kilograms Appearance, please provide us a screenshot of your character’s skin (If you need help, see our screenshot guide here):