Nooblius

On the 16th day of Sigismund’s End of 1923 “And Ishtar calls forth three deceivers in the guise of servants, and their wings are of obscuring smoke. They are called Famine, and Toil, and Defeat. And before the commoners, the first condemns temperance, and gluttony is exalted. And the second condemns diligence, and sloth is exalted. And the last condemns faith, and doubt is exalted. So the world is a pit of suffering. But there are yet faithful.” ~Ex. Sigismund Carrion In recent years, one could be forgiven for forgetting to stop and take a moment to enjoy the simpler pleasures life bears. Throughout war and impending doom, the graces of life can fall by the wayside. It is important to declare when a joyous occasion is at hand, especially so in turbulent times, so that we might remember Godani jest Weizki. For the past four years, Markus Marie Sarkozic has been on a quest across the lands. His work and diligence, a bastion of Adrian principles in these troubled times. He has endeavored to remember virtue and joy in spite of the multitude of perversions. Thus he has chosen to extend his hand to his beloved, Oksana Marusya Ivanovich, to join him in completing the noble work of restoring Raevir-Carrion culture in Adria. For their unbreakable bond has flourished greatly over these past years, and they rejoice in announcing their forthcoming marriage, to be held after the war's end. The couple beckons the folk of Adria and companions of the pair to a grand revelry within the Castle Emalinhrad of Veletzia, a celebration of their love's betrothal, with merriment aplenty and celebration of their shared Raevir roots for all to join. … Courier sent letters of invitation to the following; ✶ His Grace, John II, Duke of Adria, and his host ✶ The People of Adria and its Heartlands ✶ The Grand Librarian of Balian, Sarson and one street beggar of his choice ✶ Father Arnaud de Novellen and his acolyte ✶ Their Royal Majesties Tar-Uriel & Tári-Orelia of the Barrowlands ✶ Ser Alwyn, Knight of the Barrowlands ✶ His Excellency, Sir Franz Sarkozic of Pompourelia and his host ✶ His Esteemed Humbleness, Caius Godwin ✶ Her Royal Highness, Princess Elena of Balian ✶ Her Ladyship, Cressida Marie of Aldersberg [May 12th @ 5 EST] Signed; The Right Honorable, Markus Marie Sarkozic, Count of Aldersberg Miss Oksana Marusya Ivanovich

The Count of Aldersberg speaks at length with the Duke of Adria within his office. He leaves the room flanked by another Raev, and wielding a signed paper. He sends a letter to Caius Godwin Alstion.

@milkyi Markus yelped as she slapped his head. He gives her a glare before continuing to wipe down his armor- covered with mud and slime from the tunnels of the Petra. "Can niet write some great letter than niet back it up on the roads."

“And Vargentgotz calls forth three deceivers in the guise of messengers, with wings of cold fire. They are called Justice, Glory, and Reward. Before the priests, the first exalts wrath. Before the kings, the second exalts pride. And before the merchants, the last exalts avarice. So the world is the possession of cruel men. But there are yet faithful.” ~Ex. Sigismund Carrion It is no secret to my comrades within Adria that in the onset of the war, I held doubts on whether it was a just cause. It seemed to me at the time that bloodshed had erupted out of nowhere, where once there was a strong unity and peace. I was young, and in youthful foolishness was tempted into the lie of Neutrality. This shadow of doubt was broken by the specter of Adria’s past, which challenged me to a quest in pursuit of truth. I was ushered to learn the history of my people, realizing the threads woven within the Tapestry of Man and the greater context of the four Holy Scrolls. I was commanded to respect my fellow Man as he is due, and to learn the ways of piety and wisdom. I am a virtuous Canonist, and seek before all else the Glory of God. It is for this reason that I rebuke neutrality, and take up instead the grueling challenge of confronting reality head on. The position of the Coalition to insist on continuing a war on the basis of Canondom and Virtue yet overtly ignore and deny offers of peace or any diplomatic talks for that matter is utterly indefensible. Generous terms of a Ceasefire have been eagerly offered, an invitation for clerical inquisition extended and a request to cooperate against the Ibleesian Mori’quessir; but still the deceiver ‘Justice’ has seduced them to its cause! Beware, numerable hosts of the enemy: Do not mistake the pursuit of peace for weakness! Virtues such as Temperance and Patience strengthen our resolve, and the Greycloaks shall fight for every last inch so long as the grace of Godanistan remains on their side, and continue to win. I will humbly submit one correction to the righteous Caius Godwin; Not a single Adrian has contested nor lambasted me for signing the commitment to discuss matters of Aldersberg with Cressida Marie with scribes of Aaun present. The only regret shared between me and my comrades has been that I did not plaster the proud Sarkozic Coat of Arms on the top of the document, and for traveling so dangerously in the first place. Let there be Peace; else may God damn you by our sabre. The Right Honorable, Markus Marie Sarkozic Count of Aldersberg

A tower looms over the roads of Adria, warm yellow light spilling from its windows and battlements as Greycloaks within share a drink. They had monitored their territory with great success, meeting new friends from across the Heartlands and sharing stories about the terrible War. With some encouragement, James agreed to make a publication in the Heartlands. I am James, son of Cosima and Peter von Augusten. I am a proud patriot of the County of Hohengarten and the United Kingdom of Aaun, of which my family is tied. I am a virtuous Canonist, and seek before all else the Glory of God. The Glory of God is not in this war. The Duchy of Adria has not acted unreasonably given the course of War, and having submitted itself to penance of the Church of Canon. Despite this, war escalated- but the Duchy of Adria was able defend itself and through victory achieve independence. Since then, they have offered terms of peace that are reasonable. There is no justifiable feud that is in the interests of Aaun and her vassals. It would be in the best interests of Aaun and her vassals to pursue peace. James von Augusten

Death of the Macecatcher 18th of Horen’s Calling, 1922 “Attend, brothers, and record my revelation: Behold, and the shadow of GOD is cast thrice upon the land, and thrice the light of instruction is obscured, and men tread the sea in its wake.” ~Ex. Sigismund Carrion The Heartlands burn, its smoke casting a darkness across the lands that obscures the noble traditions of Velec. In the intense struggle against an existential threat to the Duchy of Adria and her folk, many are so exasperated that they doubt the obligation of Raev piety. Why care for a Heartland which has forsaken us? Let us not plunder it as Bandits and take the spoils as Reward! Such interpretations are not entertained. Fritjof Maor was an international mercenary, a Westron outsider hired into the ranks of the Greycloaks for a chance of honor, redemption and resolution for his own personal grudges. His tongue swore himself to Adria, and he donned himself in the proud colors of the Greycloaks, but his hand did not follow. This renegade guided his actions not according to the history of Adria and its principles but instead acted in pursuit of radical violence. This made him a skilled combatant, achieving great Glory in many battles; but untempered bloodlust leads only to ruin. It was reported that Fritjof Maor violated the Duke’s conduct of war, attacking a member of the cloth who interfered in a road arrest. He was immediately crucified. Let it be known to all of the Duchy of Adria, the Heartlands and beyond that such acts of uncontrolled wroth will never be tolerated. The Ducal Coronet of Johanes is committed to the righteous culture of Adria, especially in times where it is challenged from within and abroad. IN NOMINE DEI His Grace, Johanes van Aert, Duke of Adria, Count of Veletzia, Count of Varoche, Defender of Dumacracy, First Citizen of Adria Markus Marie Sarkozic Count of Aldersberg

In a study within St. Emalyne Castle, a young Raev read through piles of books, maps and scrolls. Occasionally he would scribble some new notes to his own journal, and reference what he had already jotted down. Glancing over his notes, Markus Marie Sarkozic taps his pen on a name of interest as he contemplates a plan. "That Greycloak sure did well on the first hunt."

From the examples you gave, I would say no. Fundamentally though, the answer is yes in that obviously any Roleplay choice made is the choice of the player to Roleplay in that way. The key difference is that people need to make a judgement on separating Roleplay from OOC. I think it's certainly a far too prevalent problem that people will justify their character goals and actions based off of OOC, and although I like to presume this doesn't relate to topics like their characters being explicitly oppressive of other groups, I do think it sometimes begs questioning if someone can't separate a minecraft war from genuine OOC vitriol, are they mature enough to separate their other Roleplay? I'm with critter that you need to presume people aren't acting on OOC vitriol, and I'd go further to say it is fundamentally just as much OOC projection to accuse someone of acting OOCly to justify not responding to their Roleplay normally as it is to act OOCly in the first place.

Markus wipes the sweat off his brow as he left Minitz. "Y was starting to worry that was going to go really differently. Hopefully Cressida's niet dissappointed," he mused.

The young Sarkozic Count understands the news with some optimism. "Good to see such rooted from the libraries before corrupting the youth."

The Trophies of Aldersberg 10th of Harren’s Folly, 1920 The County of Aldersberg is rightfully restored to its Raev founders through the inheritance of the late Countess Austina I, her son Markus Marie Sarkozic. In commemoration of this, the new Count of Aldersberg calls for a festival in Velec on the 14th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1921 [Saturday 29th, 3 PM EST]. Leading up to the celebration shall be a series of hunts to collect trophies from across central Almaris. Tournament There shall be a great tournament at the festival dedicated to the martial tradition of Adria and in training against the formidable foes of the vile Mori’Quessir. The First Bout shall be open to all attendees, from veterans to novices of combat to participate for a chance of a grand prize of a trophy from the preceding hunts and a sum of 200 minas. The Final Bout shall be a jousting bracket between all who participated in the hunts, with a grand prize of a special forged weapon and a sum of 400 minas, and offered a place of honor within the County of Aldersberg with its own respective rewards. The Hunts Thrice a host of hunters shall rally at Velec before riding out to claim spoils, hunting great beasts spotted by scouts. Their hides shall be taken for capes to reward the greatest of hunters, and their claws taken as trophies for Aldersberg. At the end of each hunt, the host shall return to Velec to make merry in the tavern and be compensated by the Count. The First Hunt shall be the 15th of Horen’s Calling, 1920 [Wednesday April 19th, 2:45 PM EST] in the forests of the Heartlands, testing the courage of the hunters among the darkness of known haunted woods. The Second Hunt shall be the 15th of Sigismund's End, 1921 [Tuesday April 25th, 3 PM EST] in the rolling hills south of the Cloud Temple, testing the endurance of the hunters under the sun across the wide fields. The Third Hunt shall be the 15th of Horen’s Calling, 1921 [Thursday April 27th, 3 PM EST] in the snowy fields of the north, testing the spirit of the hunters against the fierce elements of snow and wind. Count of Aldersberg

The young Count of Aldersberg begins to worry about his housing accommodations.

Markus Marie, the Son of the late Countess of Aldersberg Austina, wonders how his cousin Cressida Marie is doing. The young count determines to write a letter of invitation to her and all folk of Aldersberg, too young to know of whatever politics existed regarding the matter. He was sure to learn quickly.

The Rhun Oathed are the participants in a list of oaths made to the Rhun and the Brathmordakin under the guidance of the Rhun Prophet and his apprentices. They are not the sole sect of dwarven faith, but rather a group of zealots who have placed a dwarven philosophy called “the Rhun” at the center of their faith and history. This leads to a massive emphasis on supreme craftsmanship, inspiration and omens. They are not known to assert themselves over other dwarves, though often in private will describe themselves as the supreme followers of the Brathmordakin, and view skeptics to their traditions as foolish. It would not yet be common knowledge the traditions of the Rhun Oathed besides their existence and a rudimentary rumor of what the Rhun was. Students who sought to learn more would be wise to contact the Rhun Prophet Durin Akrakthrein Hammerforge and or his apprentices in their travels. [OOC: Not public info, do not metagame. Contact Nooblius#4534 / Noob3738 or Tabby64#7754 / Taby3738 to join or ask questions!] THE RHUN OATHED No Kings but the Silverbeards, No Gods but the Brathmordakin, Glory to the works of the Worldmaker. [Music] DOCTRINE OF THE RHUN ᚨᚴᚱᛟᚾ ᛞᚨ ᚴᛁᚱᚴᛃᚨᛗᚨᚱ'ᚢᚱ'ᚱᚺᚢᚾ Worldmaker and Rhun When being had not yet become and the only existence was Vuur’Dor and the primordial essences within it, there was no purpose nor design; only disorder. Then came the sound of a terrible boom as the hammer of the Worldmaker fell all at once across eternity. With its fall, chaos was wrought into meaning, and intricate form came upon creation in a design only the Worldmaker could give. The Worldmaker used His infinite might to compose reality into His greater design, and it was the Rhun. The Rhun is the elaborate form of all creation composed by the Worldmaker Yemekar. All that has design and meaning is a part of the Worldmaker’s intricate plans and greater themes. These themes manifest through divine personas, together making up the Brathmordakin, the highest court of holy authority within the Rhun. Each commands their respective domain, the Worldmaker Yemekar Himself commanding over the domain of creation and craftsmanship, as well as His place as father of the Rhun. Belief in the Rhun is not only recognizing the greater meaning of creation as designed by the Worldmaker, but also dedicating oneself to be in accord with that great plan. This is referred to in common as the Campaign; a great journey towards realizing the Worldmaker’s Rhun within one’s self and community. All doctrine of the Rhun Oathed is built around the purpose of the Campaign, of edifying creation to be in accord with the Rhun. Khaz’A’Dentrumm The last of the Worldmaker’s shaping was the composition of the eternal palace of the Brathmordakin to be placed above the rest of mortal materium; Khaz’A’Dentrumm. Here all honorable souls ascend to feast forever with their patrons and venerated ancestors, gazing on the world beneath them from the shining silver halls. Traditionally the moon is declared to be a sign of Khaz’A’Dentrumm, a distant image of the hallowed halls of the Gods. The hierarchy of Khaz’A’Dentrumm is headed by the Worldmaker Yemekar and his Brathmordakin, and bolstered by the greatest ancestors of the dwarves; the Paragons. The most ancient of these Paragons who presided over the elder clans and First Era of dwarfdom are referred to as the Ancestor Lords. Supreme Craftsmanship Dwarves are placed in a special place in the Rhun as the chosen inheritors of Yemekar’s mission, the greatest of craftsmen amongst the descendents. Their capacity for supreme craftsmanship is not just a blessing, but with knowledge of the Rhun an obligation. Dwarves must reveal the intricacies of the Rhun in all their works, recognizing the deep meaning in all things and never settling for a simple effort. Omens The Rhun is not just a matter of cosmic scale, but also the local level in which the dwarves inhabit. It is the duty of the Rhun Oathed not just to know of the places of the Brathmordakin and nature of Khaz’A’Dentrumm, but also to consider the Rhun when witnessing historical events both great and small. Because events both fair and foul can be Omens of the Rhun, its cult can determine meaning from Triumph and Anguish. Not all success is earned by the honorable, and certainly not all suffering deserved by atrocious acts. Nonetheless, the more one faces Triumph or Anguish respectively, the more one can be confident of an omen, and therefore the will of the Gods. This teaching thus emphasizes productivity and prosperity, not faith alone, in order to best worship Khaz’A’Dentrumm. TRADITIONS OF THE OATHED ᚴᚨᚱᛁᚴ ᛋᛁᚱᚴ'ᚴᚨᚡ ᛟᛉ ᚡᛖᛚᚨᚴ'ᚱᚺᚢᚾ Obligation The most important tradition for the Rhun Oathed is the initial oaths to join the group. This is a powerful symbol and recognition of the obligation to the Rhun upon truly acknowledging its existence and importance. If one wishes to orient themselves towards the Rhun and gain the graces and blessings of the Brathmordakin, they must fully partake in the Campaign. This does not mean that their every action must be in direct service to the Rhun Prophet (far from it) but that they must be an active participant so long as they are able in honorable work. This can mean dedicating oneself to their crafts zealously and honoring the Rhun in those crafts, or the more explicit service to the Rhun within the priestly caste. The members of the Rhun Oathed often communicate with another and the higher ranks of the group to keep each other oriented with the Rhun, even if through means beyond the order’s command. Tome of Triumph Too often have the dwarves held themselves back and down by fixating on remembering solely the wrongdoings done to their ancestors, and not instead the triumphs and accomplishments! Hard work and success is important to the Rhun Oathed, who thus place a special emphasis on recording the current tasks of its members and remembering their progress. Feats of Glory accomplished by its members, be it the compilation of a long list of tasks or a truly heroic action, are specially notated and celebrated as Triumph within the Rhun Oathed. Grudgelore Even the most optimistic of dwarves have a hardened heart and stubborn mind, remembering wrongdoings done to them. Those of the Rhun Oathed are no different in this fundamental tradition, though they vary in execution of Grudgelore. Firstly, dwarves are expected to remember the grudges of their kin and their community before they would those of random dwarves, acknowledging the limits of their bitter memory. If a grudge is so distant that it is forgotten and uncared for, it is dishonorable to pretend to revere it. Grudges are also atypically written in books, and instead carved into the stone of the hold to force the dwarves to actively see that the grudge is resolved else it is forgotten. Hierarchy of Kin ᚱᛁᚴ-ᚱᚺᚢᚾ’ᛁᚾ Rhun Prophet Cultural head of the Rhun Oathed, respected with absolute authority insofar as the Rhun Prophet is triumphant in his endeavors. ᚱᛁᚴᚴᛁᚾ Overseer Appointed assistants and commanders of the Rhun Oathed, able to give tasks and initiate more to the Rhun Oathed. Not necessarily a member of the Venidmordakin. May lead a cult or company in association with the Rhun Oathed. ᚡᛖᚾᛁᛞᛗᛟᚱᛞᚨᚴᛁᚾ Cult of Rhun Priestly Caste of Dwarves, able to officiate more initiates into the Rhun Oathed as Trialmasters. No centralized hierarchy in the early years of the Rhun Oathed beyond respect for another and acknowledgement of the Rhun Prophet. They go under special training, oaths and trials, often specialized to the individual. ᚱᚺᚢᚾ’ᛁᚾᚱᚢᛗᛗ Rhun’s Folk Full-fledged members of the cultural group known as the Rhun Oathed. Able to fully participate in its cults and companies and their hierarchies. Expected to uphold the rules of the group and commit to a task to be recorded in Tome of Triumphs. ᚱᚺᚢᚾᚴᛁ Initiates Dwarves who haven taken at least the oath of Yemekar and are in process of taking the seven other Oaths of Rhun. Are expected to respect the Rhun and its traditions insofar as they are educated else they will be forbidden from joining. THE EIGHT OATHS OF RHUN ᛞᚨ ᚨᛏᛏᚨ ᛒᚨᚱᚨᛉ'ᛞᚱᛖᚷᛗᚨᚱ ᛟᛉ ᚱᚺᚢᚾ The Eight Oaths of Rhun serve as an elaborate filter to refine the initiates into the culture. The oaths are centered around the Rhun as a means of honoring the Worldmaker Yemekar. Because the Brathmordakin are divine manifestations of the themes of the Rhun, likewise the Rhun is understood and oathed through their names. Each Oath is a recognition of a member of the Brathmordakin and their place within the Rhun, followed by an obligation to honor their core principles. After the initiate has undergone all oaths, they are officially a full member of the Rhun Oathed, and gain greater access to the hierarchies of the group’s companies and cults. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Yemekar, Worldmaker and Forgefather, Who composed creation in the Rhun Which is the Supreme Order of All; ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I shall keep my hands busy and harden my heart, So that I might hone my soul in honor, And be your agent upon the World Anvil. The trial of the first oath is an obligation to finish the other seven. Yemekar is master of, not participant to, the Rhun. He is beyond measure even to the other Brathmordakin. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Rhun, Deposit of the Destiny of Creation, Mighty Hammer of the Worldmaker, Through which chaos is conquered; ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I shall orient my actions towards the Campaign, That I may weigh my soul with works, and bring Balance to eternal entropy. The trial of the second oath is to forge from ferrum a sturdy ring and to have the oath overseer engrave the runes of the first oath into its sides. This is a symbol of the cohesion in honoring Yemekar through the Rhun, and it will serve as a reminder to the initiate for all his years. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Anbella, Hearthkeeper and Oathbinder, Who wards mountainhomes from Chaos, And the comfort of our weary souls. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I will honor life and the hearth of home, And tend the sacred hearth of yours, for all souls are forged within the Rhun. The trial of Anbella is to have your own home established by hosting the Trialmaster for a feast, and to forever treat all guests with respect. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Grimdugan, Hoardkeeper and Greed King, Who hides his glittering wealth for our kin, And the righteous blade of the darkness. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I will quest for your hidden spoils below, Strike the Earth to feed my treasure hoard, And keeping the secrets of your Shadow. The trial of Grimdugan is to venture into the deeproads and return with a gemstone, rare ore or otherwise treasure retrieved from the darkness. This can be done solitarily or with another initiates, though typically not with help of Trialmasters. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Armakak, the Sun and the Great Traveler, Who weighs pockets with coins and gems, And the walker of roads untraveled. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I will Indulge the way of the merchant, That fruits of the Mountain’s Industry Return prosperity to my kin and Hold. The trial of Armakak is to sell an object given to the initiate, crafted by the forge-priests, master smiths of the Rhun and associated apprentices. They will return half the minas to the trialmaster. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Belka, the Storm and the River, Who incites passion in the meek, And the rivers that converge into one. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I will spread joy and passion in my Hold, To keep spirits and companionship high, And celebrate the Triumphs of kin. The trial of Belka has the initiative venture from the Hold with a keg of dwarven drink. They go to a foreign land and supply a tavern with dwarven drink to share with all tavern participants, and in turn they take 2 bottles of foreign drink back home. One they shall keep, the other shall be given to their Trialmaster. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Ogradhad, Loremaster and Rememberer, Who knows all that was written on stone, And guides innovation and scholarship. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ I will honor the past and look to the future, So that our stories shall never fade, And their secrets are not forgotten. Ogradhad’s trial is to contribute to the collection of dwarven writings of the world, finding common knowledge amongst the books across the realm and reconciling it with knowledge of the Rhun. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Divine Dungrimm, Guardian of the Souls, Who ferried my ancestors to the Halls, And commands the Auction of the Dead. ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟᛚᚤ ᛋᚨᚲᚱᛖᛞ ᛏᛖᛪᛏ ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚺᛟ Inspire me the reverence and duty of Death, So that I violate the Villains of the Hold, And find my honored soul to be Sold. For the trial of Dungrimm, the Trialmaster has a mask forged for the initiate. Wearing only this mask and a cloak, the initiate is instructed to “honor the Hold” and is then beaten by as many Rhun Oathed as possible, all in their own masks. If failed, the initiate must wait two years before trying again. THOSE ANCIENT DAYS ᚨᚴᚱᛟᚾ ᛞᚨ ᚴᛁᚴᛃᚨᛗᚨᚱ ᛖᚱᛟᚾ ᚱᚺᚢᚾ The Old Ways In those ancient days of reigning Silverbeards and prolific Rhuncraft, the dwarven folk had no need for omens nor prophecies for there was an unbroken covenant with Khaz’A’Dentrumm. Each king succeeding Urguan would inherit the title of Silverbeard and its Divine Authority, and would have access to many of the divine magics of Khaz’A’Dentrumm. Their story is held in special regard by the Rhun Oathed, as they are believed to have been closer to the Rhun in a very real way. [Kings of the Old Realm] The study of the history of the dwarves is very important to the Rhun Oathed, who see themselves not as a rejection but true fulfillment of its course. They consider the vast story of the Grand Kingdom’s in the context of its shifting neighbors, and lament the War of the Beards as a Second Blood Age. [History of the Dwarves] The Expedition The Iron Hills (dw: Khron’Hundmar) is a watershed moment in the history of the Rhun Oathed where they became defined and clearly established as their own group, though with little organization or hierarchy. Lord Overseer Darek Irongrinder led an expedition out to the brutal northern wastes, isolated from any infrastructure out of disdain for the Urguani administration. From these Iron Hills the identity of a unique view of dwarfdom was forged, and in bitter rivalry with the Mountainhome which they self exiled a sense of pride and duty renewed. The shared background of Yemekar’s Workforce amongst the inhabitants further cemented the idea of supreme craftsmanship as integral to the philosophy of the Rhun, as the folk became fixated on projects and hard work as a cornerstone of the culture. [Strike the Earth!] The fortress would last about two decades before the lack of foundation and preparation came to bite them, and the hold collapsed in failure under the watch of the Rhun Prophet Norli Starbreaker. He went on to resign his post in favor of Durin Hammerforged, proclaiming him ‘Akrakthrein’ and swearing to return with glorious plan and purpose. [The Rhun Redemption] Current Day The dwarves of Khron’Hundmar largely returned to the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, and quickly assimilated back into its hierarchy and ranks. This did not happen without controversy, as having returned from a shared mission that many felt was incomplete, there was a divide between those who swore themselves to the Rhun and those who were only just beginning to talk about it. Despite this, the Rhun Oathed do not define themselves as antagonists to the rest of dwarfdom but the self-proclaimed fulfillers of it, and are often working among the other dwarves of Urguan with little issue beyond the occasional religious debate.

Markus Marie scowls as the Official Goblin Courier of the Adrian Duma declares a Canonist League against Adria! "And to think, I considered the warnings of Papozky! Violated holy ground- never again will I doubt my Duke, my papej!"

Dwarf Zealot Cult about Supreme Craftsmanship and spreading a philosophy across the dwarves through schemes and indoctrination, and using the group to create massive feats of craftsmanship. You have my discord, sir.

A younger and foolish magistrate of the trial once told the story otherwise, but after spending a month in Room 101 of the Dwedcorp-sponsored Charles the Bald Ministry of Lore, he now correctly recalls that everything occurred just as the scholars of Clan Hammerfist have documented.

Markus Marie Sarkozic's eyes bulge out in cartoonish fashion upon reading about his father's alleged infidelity to his wife and thereafter excommunication.

depexed (evil) mio

After thoroughly reading about it and giving it some thought, I consulted my economics homework and have returned with the principle of unintended consequences: I agree with the principle, and the analysis of the effect the difficulty to attain magic has on making people reluctant to PK. I do also consider Islamadon's analysis that PKing doesn't correlate as strongly to quality RP as we often think. Nonetheless, the issue is that this doesn't actually help spread lore, just addresses willingness to PK, and not to mention in a way that isn't necessarily good faith as now people are PKing not for story but because they know it has less threat of disrupting the comfort of their RP (they can still do a certain magic, and on the more niche ones they basically get a free ticket back into a community). As Xarkly states, this really does only affect the people who already have "inroads" so to say within Lore groups. I do think there's an important question to ask about how we spread lore and how the way we manage it logistically effects that spread. On LOTC, mechanics are tied to culture. There's debate whether they should or shouldn't be, and I always find it a bit ironic as the current popular verdict seems to simultaneously be against having a magic tied to a culture while denying magics on the basis of no culture for RP. Due to this dilemna, it's hard to tell people to spread RP when they're also having to make a judgment call about the culture of their community, both OOCly and RPly. We can't put the cart before the horse; a culture/avenue of RP is the main goal of magic. But the avenue of RP means aesthetic more than it does actual mechanics, and often it's very hard to deviate into multiple aesthetics within a single magic despite that being an intended goal. Were I making a magic system from the ground up, I would have it be that there are many basic mechanics/spells you can pick and choose from that are altered in aesthetic and minorly impactful capacity by a culture/technique of doing magic. This removes the problem of "gatekeeping" whilst still allowing people to Roleplay cultures and unique aesthetics, but would require a change on a scope larger than the Lore Games (shudder), so it's not a very good solution. At the very least, I think self-awareness is the first step in considering a solution to spreading lore, so we need to ask and understand in depth how the player community, magic management systems, lore criteria and lore writing itself all affect lore spread. On another note I disagree with the idea that magics need to be faster to master because you want as much meaningful character development as possible. Where I would absolutely agree is that it should be made less dependent on a TA to control their student's learning, because frankly it's definitely possible and maybe even better to learn without a TA but instead through the Lore and Guide directly. We on the LT know how many times word-of-mouth lore traditions come around, and we also know the times we've been guilty of it. I'm almost universally opposed regarding this and don't think I've found a single person to agree with me though because it pulls into question our entire system of MA management. I posit that our system provably doesn't work.

of my long time on Staff and previously as NL, I agree with absolutely everything Price has said.

I'm late to the party but I would like to add that from my witnessing a couple of these conversations that it was genuinely something the admins have been concerned with for a while, not just trying to appease people after an outcry. There is some sort of necessity for tracking activity to monitor truly dead settlements if we want to have a freeform system where people can create settlements easily. I'm hopeful for the system they're designing, and hope they continue to take into consideration factors like: Travelers who don't have a home, Potential adverse side affects of having a plugin automate this more, Scaling realms next map, don't want to be too generous to where it's very easy to control a lot of land by gaming something alone, etc.

Stoneback actives his dwarf vision in the depths of the labyrinthine Barrowton undercroft, easily navigating his way around hurdles an elf was simply incapable of surpassing. He was simply built different.