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Musings on the Astorans Vol. 2 Issued and averred by Prince Gareth of the Petra and of Astor An Explanation Ramblings My quest to understand my family has continued. While I know a great deal about the family and their culture, proper understanding continues to evade me. Thus I simply present the following findings. The False Frey The Intangible to the Tangible A snake in the grass, one who stands against learning, to oppose progress, to oppose all which is held dear. To become the False Frey is a sin of sins, something one ought to be shunned for falling into. Yet becoming a False Frey is something which one may come back from proving one’s self. There are many ways in which one may become such, most prominent is the sin of presumption and arrogance. With the cultural value of pursuit of knowledge, to act as though you know everything, that you are unable to learn more from others around you. The Casting off To cast off the False Frey one must undergo an ordeal, one specifically tailored to exactly how one has fallen into such, to show growth of character and tangible ability to resist such temptation of sin which was fallen for in the past. If one falls for the most common of presumption and arrogance, then one is to be forced to learn from scratch a new subject, one which will clash with their already known skill sets so that they must seek out others to learn from and work away the arrogance which has been built up. The Seat of Power The Hall A new site to Fir’steinn the hall is to be a central location for large events should there be any as well as a place to speak and tell stories to pass on knowledge. A central formal site of meeting is rarely used for Astorans, rather preferring impromptu sites and lessons. Yet one is not likely to be turned down as they still have uses for such as would anyone with formal responsibilities. The Salt Throne Found as a large slab of salt by the Astoran branch’s founder, Frey of Astor, in the year 1990 Imperial across the continent. It was hauled back to Fir’steinn by Pyngul of Astor using connections of his own in the year 2007. The efforts by various hired artisans to chisel out the shape of a throne from the multimeter large slab of salt led to the 2008 salt market crash within Ladyr where the price of salt became non-existent for a short period of time. Titles of Power Themselves The greater Astoran collective as a people operates as one large clan, an aette in their own words. It is despite this though that various splinter groups have taken up titles, meaningful or not. For the Astoran people it matters not if the member who holds the title earned is male or female, such is not worth denoting to them. As with how there is no past or future tense because the present is what ought to be focused upon for their people so too does a similar logic prevail. To focus more on the obtuse details of male or female with a title for them is ridiculous, the only measure by which they shall be titled is their earning of such and with such earning they will be known as the title, no distinctions needed or change in terminology between the individuals. Yet, male and female terms for positions of equal rank do exist within the language of the Astorans, why? Put simply it is a matter of respect for the people, that for their own cultural customs to be respected and the lack of differentiation between the changing of male and female terminology they must in turn respect the titles by which people are owed themselves. Old and New Astoran Food/Cuisine Astoran food traditionally has been made up largely of salted meat, root vegetables, small berries, and more items able to be found in harsh climates. The salted meats are primarily fish, salted for long term preservation. What would have traditionally been salmon has since been replaced by bass in the summer months and catfish with walleye during the winter months in accordance with what is available within the Petra and the first noble head of house’s obsession with the Petran Trout. Root vegetables too are had for their ability to persist in the cold, with radishes and onions making up a large part. The berries used by Astorans are particular and unique to their homeland of the frozen wastes indicating that such was brought with them. Known as Rev’trar’steinn, they are a red berry which has a sour taste which betrays the fact that eating too many in a short amount of time will easily cause one to grow violently ill. Yet, these food practices and traditions are not purely static. With the Astorans currently within the Petras having been away from their homeland for an extended time has come changes, notably one of these being the delicacy of the demon fish. While not an actual demon itself the demon fish’s temperament is what has gained it the nickname and made it a rare treat enjoyed due to the difficulty of procuring and preparing one. Further, since the taking over of the house by Jun of Astor, the current Baron of Aette Astor, they have sought to introduce new flavors into the diet of the Astorans of Fir’steinn in accordance to their Li-Ren roots. Things culturally imported include steamed buns, tea blended with alcohol, soup containing noodles, and spice in general. Astoran Music Astoran music is not a thing of genre or of a definable type. It is instead treated as an expression of the individual in some form or fashion. The first noble head of the house as an example used music in order to express his interpretation of people upon meeting them. This was an expression of his thoughts put in a way in which he could not do early on upon meeting people within the Petra as the common language was not his native tongue. The current heir of Aette Astor, Lian also has taken up song as part of their craft, using such to tell and enhance their stories, seeking to spread joy through such. Still struggling for understanding my S.O., Prince Gareth Lucius of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’Steinn, Castellan of Fir’steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

Issued and averred by the Gareth of the Petra and of Astor In the year 151 A.R.P Higher Duty Calls, It is with a heavy heart which I have received the news of my sister, Queen Adalia’s death. In the months before her death, she entrusted me with ensuring the well-being of Prince Therin and to the realm which he will inherit. Due to this it is only right for me to step down from my position as Lord Mayor in order to focus on such. In the coming Saint’s Days I plan to convene the River Council of Petra to gain a consensus on the direction which shall be taken in order to see the best possible Commonwealth possible for when Therin shall inherit. When such is done I shall see to the release of the plans to the public, so that the people may know of what we hope to undertake. There is yet hope, for the Commonwealth yet remains in capable hands. Have trust in the River Council and this Regency, for it is together that we shall overcome the hurdles left in the wake of the death of our beloved Queen Adalia. Lord Regent, Prince Gareth Lucius Temesch of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

Gareth sat in Fir'steinn, having a heavy drink for the first time in a long time. He now knew that Rowena and his dislike of how Adalia had described what had killed her in court was fully justified. It had taken her as it would have taken their mother eventually. He looked down at his drink, and the letter left to him, only full, and moved to pour it out into the fish tank behind the bar. There was no time now for this; he had been called to serve the Commonwealth, after all; Adalia wanted him to look after Therin. Therin was what mattered now, not him, not his grief at losing a sibling he hoped he'd have been able to reconnect with again one day. He needed to make sure the Commonwealth persisted to see to it that his nephew was taken care of. To ensure that, he needed a clear mind. He went to go and grab something that he thought would be a good symbol for himself for what was to come, the imperial breastplate his mother had given him in death, knowing he would deface such. "I understand a bit more now; no more shirking duty as I did when I was a kid and after getting married, no more running, no more room to do so." He said to both himself and what had once been his mother's.

The Salvian Gauntlet a Year on. Issued and averred by Lord Mayor Gareth of the Petra and of Astor Within the last year. Those who have been willing to work with me on the Salvian Gauntlet reached out. As of now half of the call has been answered. The spots which have been filled are as follows; First Hand of the People: Artair von Theonus Hand of the Academician: Jun of Astor Hand of the Laurel: Clemens von Theonus Hand of the Physiker: Thomas von Theonus Some may observe that the council, including myself, is made up of those in Astor and those in Theonus. The reasoning for this is simple, they are the ones that actually stepped up and expressed interest in helping Vallagne. To those who might point such out and claim bias I raise the following; half of the council remains unfilled and that half is still sought after, balance it out, do something about such and send me a bird to enquire. The positions still looked for: Second Hand of the People: (To be filled by one of the other representatives) Hand of the Faith Hand of the Maestre Hand of the Descendant Looking for the ambitious, Lord Mayor Prince Gareth Lucius Temesch of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’Steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

The First Petran Hunt Issued and averred by Prince Gareth of the Petra and of Astor A Summons Those of noble birth, of the Laurel, of the Swords of the Saint And any within the Commonwealth that would take up arms for her. I call forth those willing to help push back the beasts which roam within our lands, be it with blade, magick, or whatever other implements may be deemed necessary. When I was nearly done with my ecological survey of The Petra I brought to court the preliminary findings of it and was granted the ability to call the hunts I deemed necessary. That there were a number of creatures that are, to say the least, problematic. The first of these to be prioritized lurks beneath the capital, it is in our floors, it is in our sewers, it is eating our moles and occasionally a person. An Ooze as I understand it is in our sewers. To those groups within The Petra who are willing, I ask you to bird me so that I may see you to such beasts to slay. Let the hunt begin Awaiting answers to the summons, Lord Mayor, Prince Gareth Lucius Temesch of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’Steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

The Salvian Gauntlet of Gareth Issued and averred by Lord Mayor Gareth of the Petra and of Astor To the Requested. I as the mayor of Vallagne have had a rough bit of time within my first saint’s week at getting right footed. Yet it is at the end of this year that I call forth for an establishment of the next Salvian Gauntlet. Vallgne has lots of work to do in order to see her population restored to what it once was and to see this through there must be those dedicated and with ambition to the roles which may help such be done. Those Elected Those of the recent Garmont election. First People's Seat of the Petra: Artair von Theonus Second People's Seat of the Petra: Sorrel Tulpe Auclair Third People's Seat of the Petra: Aldo Arditi I ask for those on this list to make up my hands of the people, to see who I can rely upon as my first and second. It is you in part whom I will need to make sure I am following the will of the people in my actions as mayor, to make sure that I am held accountable by them before I make a mistake. To act on my behalf when I am not around, so that there is someone there when needed. Those in Institutions Next are the institutions which help bind our Commonwealth into what she is and to see that the health of our people remains good within our motherland. Thus we must make sure that this health and binding is firm in the capital, to ensure that naught will go awry without a proper response. The first to be asked is that of The Laurel. From such I request a Hand of the Laurel, someone who is able to speak on security, and the opinions of the order to ensure that all which is done remains in good standing with chivalric honor intact. The second to be asked is that of The Diocese of Casica. From such I request a Hand of the Faith, someone who is knowledgeable on spiritual matters, so that the spiritual health of the nation is in good order, so that the faith that binds many may remain strong and not be subverted. The third to be asked is that of the Vallagne Medical Society. From such I request a Hand of the Physiker, someone with good knowledge on the physical body, to see that the people of Vallagne have their physical health be looked after, to make sure that such is able to be accommodated. To the People Good Men and Women are in Need I seek three individuals from the people, those with drive, not merely ideas but the will to carry the tasks agreed upon out. Thus I openly ask for those willing to fill the following positions: Hand of the Academician I wish to see this position not as merely a person to assign literature or to ramble off stories but someone who seeks to make the next generation which we come upon have their learning be something tangible, to make it interesting. Further to push the envelope on what Petran scholars can do is something which is always appreciated. Hand of the Maestre The arts are ever important to the Petra, such should not change, I hope to see a revitalization of art coming from the Petra, be it in any form. Saddened am I that I do not see much poetry, paintings, or other such things being produced within the city. Hand of the Descendant To see new life breathed in, we must continue to understand those that come to our city. Such is a simple task to understand and yet hard to carry out at times. To work through the difficulties of cultural issues and differences and see that new blood is brought in. To those asked or interested, bird me. Trying to Kickstarting Vallagne’s Heart, Lord Mayor, Prince Gareth Lucius Temesch of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’Steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

Musings on the Astorans Vol. I Issued and averred by Prince Gareth of the Petra and of Astor An Explanation Ramblings In my quest to understand my in-laws, the family with which I have made my stake with by tying myself to their fate through marriage, I have found a lack thereof. A lack of understanding by myself in part due to not being immersed myself. I am one of them through bond of word, sacred bond confirmed through the church, marriage. I am also one of them honorarily, having gone through the tribulations of Freyfit in order to be accepted as Consort to Fir’Steinn. Yet I do not understand them or their ways, why drown, why adopt, why anything with this family. Thus the following document is to put to paper, to fact, to words that which I have learned, in order to fit it together like a puzzle and reach illumination and understanding. Perhaps in writing this those who also come into contact with my family will also be able to gain better understanding into why they are how they are. While many things in this may seem silly, these are legitimate things which I have been able to extract through my time with my in-laws The Story of the Astorans The First Few A long and cold march, continuous treks through the ice wastes they called home in an attempt to find seals, walrus, and small game to hunt and eat. They had and have not a name for these ice wastes they called home, I doubt to them that it mattered, it was merely where they thought they thought they would best survive. Or perhaps they remained in a frigid wasteland due to that being where they had been so far as they could remember, they could not think to survive elsewhere, not yet at least. The first and few were elves, held back by their being elves, as well as the harsh conditions, only able to produce few more, and even then with a rough chance of survival due to the conditions they found themselves in. To bring new life into the group was to demand more resources, food was and still is hard to find in the wastes. The Adoptions In a bid for more resources the first and now second turned to alternative means of acquiring what they needed to survive, raiding, killing, fleeing upon reprisal with their new goods. Upon the completion of one of these raids one of them managed to find a young adult still alive, beaten and down, yet not broken, not a drain on resources. They were taken in, forced to learn from the culture of the people who had just killed their own. This was the first adoption, more were to come, no matter their lineage, Malin, Horen, or whoever. It drew them further and further into conflict, to take resources was to take something which could be replaced, not without some effort of course but manpower is something far costlier to lose. Thus, the nomadic peoples of the ice wastes devolved into fighting, small skirmishes that would lead to one or two dead with others taken and being converted to their captor’s ways of living being a regular occurance until the Astorans were unmatched in the wastes. Reflection Upon their ascendency as the highest nomadic culture in the wastes they stopped, they settled in a valley with a nearby beach which seals rested upon, and they thought for a great while. A great dialogue came about, it being of what they had done, yes they had increased their numbers, yes they were no longer threatened, yes they had won glory in these fights with individual merit reigning true in the small engagements, and yes they had survived. Yet they had also lost much, many individuals had lost loved ones, an arrow here or there which met its mark true, a blade swifter than one of their own. Life gained though life taken. When they emerged they had changed their outlook, it was not worth to gain one through violence, they did not need to do such. From here on, they would still migrate, though settle in the harsher months, they would not raid, they would not kill without just reason, they would adopt without violence. The one who would oversee this change would be the first Astoran chief, Astor “The Watcher” of Astor, or Watcher the Watcher of Watching in full translation. To be Astoran Of course this new beginning of the Astoran people was not one which would be rainbows and sunshine, some wanted more, some wanted to aim for better. As the months allowed individuals would leave the main group in search of fairer land, a place to start a new group of their people. They needed not blood to expand the family, though such would always be appreciated and welcome, instead to become Astoran one would need to do something else. The name Astoran, I have yet to describe where the name for the people comes from. It comes from their word Astor; watch, observe, inspect. This is what is believed by them to make up what an Astoran is, to be of Astor one must watch, observe, inspect. They must do this not only with the culture they seek to join but also with the world around them. They name themselves not after their homeland but instead their actions, how they expect their people to act after their introspection. Traditions & Beliefs Freyfit Exercise, for hours straight, being yelled at the entire time, only to be lowered when exhausted into a barrel of water when exhausted and have the lid shut on you, only to be questioned upon emergence from the cold waters and then closed back in depending on the answer or lack thereof given. This is a rite of passage that all Astorans must go through. The Times/Freytimes The Times, the Freytimes (for the Petran Astorans), or the (insert name of the Astoran cultural progenitor in the area)times are a belief commonly held that the Astoran cultural group will have their group saved by their cultural progenitor in the land in which they inhabit. If their culture was able to evolve and change in response to wound left through struggle in the past then logically they should be able to rely on such in the future, that the one who is most closely related back to the original group will provide the illumination in how to overcome their current great struggle for survival against destruction. The Frozen Damning Frozen, cold, struggle for survival, the land which led to the evolution into the modern Astoran culture is also what many Astorans believe await them if they are to live without virtue. Though there remains one key difference between their initial cultural shift’s origin point and this afterlife of frozen misery, the afterlife it is believed one is alone, unsupported, without the others they had in life to support them, making it a lonely and nigh impossible existence. It is interesting to see that their homeland is truly believed by many to be one of the worst places that might happen to someone. The Great Honor A practice adopted by some of the Fir’Steinn Astorans through their founder’s proximity to Icathian remnants and their descendants. The great honor is the practice of when one has guests over at their dwelling, should they have the means and the honor of hosting someone of a high enough standing, that they will have the highest person of honor strangle one of the accursed demon fish. The Demon fish before this is to be beaten and exhausted so that there is no potential of harm able to be done to the guest of honor that is to strangle the fish. Education from Experience To cut yourself on a blade and to learn that it hurts is a valuable lesson. This is essentially the core of the ideas behind how to educate children for Astorans. In order for someone to effectively learn something, they need to experience it. Further, this experiential learning is in order to have positive and negative reinforcement leading to it being of their own actions completely to learn and come to the swift realization of if something is positive or negative. This does not necessarily only translate into children doing their own things in order to learn however. Parents are expected to take some active role in helping to bring the individual trying to learn something to a practical demonstration of such and thus to have them learn first hand. One such example would be for a person meant to become a head of house to accompany their leader to meetings so that they might gain insight into how these are acted out. Day of Foresight An important day for Astorans around the world the day of foresight, or commonly referred to as Gringhog day, is one which helps to bring portents of what is to come. When the day comes around each year it is customary for Gringles or another facsimile to come out of their abode in each Astoran place of dwelling and if they are to remain out and peaceful then such is a sign that there will be peace that year. However, if they do not come out or quickly move back in then that is the portent that there is to be conflict this year, that war should be prepared for. Wawa Lifting A highly lethal sport for the Astorans, wawa lifting is the lifting, or attempt of lifting a walrus without dying. Injuries and deaths are common with a broken arm and leg happening to most if one is not to go to their believed great freeze. Popularized by the sight of the first Astoran orc, Eadmer of Astor, lifting a walrus to save a child after it tried to turn them into a pancake many bragged that they could or would do the same. Thus with all the bragging and big talk a competition was held in which four died and seven more were crippled with Eadmer coming out on top. Struggling for understanding my S.O., Prince Gareth Lucius Temesch of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’Steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

A Cursory Study of the Petran Commonwealth’s Ecology Issued and averred by Prince Gareth of the Petra and of Astor Reasons for this study Growing up I found myself fascinated by the world around me. Much to my mother’s amusement I brought bagworm beetles from the countryside into the city, the things enjoying the grazing which I would lead and leave them to during the day. This love for such was strong enough for me to spend most of my time until now out in the wild much to my partner’s annoyance at times. This study would not be published however if not for the contributions of Carté Grauphier an outré individual as it defines itself. They were especially swayed to participation by a population of wild Snorgus they found and were immediately enamored by such. Additionally the focus of this survey for animals is meant to try and talk of the unique, what sets Petra apart, so aside from a one or two things it should be the less mundane. Grasslands of the Petra Map of Official Regions Map of Officially Named Landmarks Grasslands of the Petra Queen’s Meadows The Queen’s Meadows are vast and sprawling throughout The Commonwealth’s lands and claims. Long sweeping fields of grass and small hills populate it from as far north as Ladyr to as far south as Seviel and Renilcia. The rich and soft earth makes it perfect for the flowers and herbs which can dot the landscape with blissful and elf’s hair being able to be found. Homes and such can be found throughout the Queen’s Meadows, breaking up the natural habitats of the animals which live within such. Bagworm Beetles Of course, I cannot also not talk about the Queen’s Meadows without talking about our benevolent beetle population. The Bagworm Beetle population of Petra are stupid like all others. These beloved big beetles are friendly to a fault, unable to see descendants as threats and instead are able to be guided around by rope with ease. They graze and feed on the grasslands of the meadows, warding off predators with their natural armored plating. They will end up collecting various sticks and rocks wherever they are left alone. Ultimately this makes them excellent at assisting in collection of debris or clearing a tree blocking a road if left over time to their own choices, they are, I have found, to be the best little kleptomaniacs. In short, I love them. Forests of the Petra The Konnywald Named for the man who would go on to push for and popularize the concept of settling the Solland. The Konnywald is a moderate sized wood shaped like a capital C mirrored. The woods are made up of mostly birch trees with a few oak trees mixed in. Boars Descending from wild pigs which escaped their farmsteads as well as truffle pigs, the boars which inhabit the Konnywald have reverted to far more primal existences. Extremely violent and large these boars will not hesitate to attack any who might happen upon them. They have become such a nuisance in their numbers that I might recommend hunting them en masse on horseback in an attempt to dent their numbers to a point in which they do not destroy the undergrowth of the Konnywald. Giant Bird Rarely sighted but with enough similar detail to each report from locals in the Solland is the visage of giant birds. Said to pick up boars which have wandered into areas of the Konnywald with openings in the canopy. These might be attributed to a mystery type of large bird which last appeared to pick up and carry off a woman who was later saved. Though the idea of a large bird carrying off women may be concerning, notably the sightings of the birds to carry off the boars are smaller. Thus, they are likely to be the surviving descendants of the woman-abducting bird. The Cadaver Copse Named after the amount of bodies that show up in these winding woods, the Cadaver Copse stretched across multiple regions of the Commonwealth and her claims. It takes up parts of the Solland, most of Seviel and the center bottom of Renilcia. Multiple theories reign for why the woods are prone to bodies with Solland Lumberjacks telling stories of a crazed man in blue armor cutting them down without mercy with reports of these fading in recent decades after the Covenant war. Another leading theory is the proximity to the cave in which Queen Catherine was nearly sacrificed. Potentially meaning to attacks by the Deadmen upon unsuspecting people in Seviel. Much like the Konnywald the Cadaver Copse is made up of mostly birch trees with a few oak trees mixed in. Notably the Cadaver Copse is eerily silent throughout many parts of it with notably few animals being able to be spotted within such. Vultures A common occurrence within the Cadaver Copse, these birds are commonly seen to go after the frequent amount of bodies which turn up within the Cadaver Copse. Rarely have I seen a carrion bird which was not well fed within the woods. The average wingspan of these I best estimate to be somewhere around five to six feet,their wingspan being larger is likely to be due to their plentiful meals. The sounds of one of these birds is likely to be a welcome change of pace in one’s trip into the Cadaver Copse from the near unnatural silence which usually permeates this forest. The Ladyr’s Brake A part of a much larger wood, Ladyr’s Brake is the section of woods which Petra gained in the peace which came about as forced by the Covenant after the Veletz war. The woods are of pine trees which needle up into the sky, covering almost all of the western section of Ladyr. Parts near the paths of the wood have a layer of old undergrowth to them which makes traversing through some parts difficult as one must watch their step so as to not get your foot snagged on a root. Petran Deer A simple animal, the Petran deer has nothing which is special about it at all when compared to other deer. Perhaps the most interesting thing about it is the rareness of it outside of Ladyr’s Brake, though this is likely due to the barrier of the River Petra. Barring this, they still get up to the usual strange proclivities of other deer such as standing up on their hind legs and walking about occasionally while screaming as though a child is being murdered in the woods, thus unnerving any descendant spectators. While primarily herbivores they have been seen to at times pick at and eat small bits of carrion. Mountains of the Petra Mount Catrinne Before Aevos, Dame Catherine of Furnestock had dreams, ones which were to show the site of future prosperity of the people whom she had dedicated herself to. This future Dame Catherine was shown in these dreams were of the land in which Petra would find herself, the land she would lay claim to and take for her own on Aevos. It is for these dreams and the aid in finding the land in which Petrans now call their motherland that Mount Catrinne is named after the deceased Dame. In truth though Mount Catrinne is a C-shaped raising of earth and stone which plateaus out with a nice and flat top. In the center of the C-shape is the memory tree, a site of important cultural pride to the Petrans to have in their land as emphasized by its natural beauty. Plentiful are the rumors that there are fish people somewhere beneath the tree among older men and women who were involved with the military late in the reign of Queen Renilde I and early in the reign of Queen Catherine I. One such individual who can often rant about such being Sir Artel von Theonus after being separated from his wife for a non-inconsequential amount of time. Manticore The Manticores of Mount Catrinne are a threat to any who might venture through the area. The line of Manticores which have made the mountain their home have the body of a lion with horrifying lizard-like wings and a tail like a rattlesnake. Yet, the most disturbing feature is that of the humanoid faces the creatures have. Known to prey on the common working man, many miners have returned with reports of teams lost to these predators within the mountain's iron mine after having been cornered within by one blocking the entrance, leaving no way out without risking the beast’s wrath. While there have been decades of hunting them in order to eradicate the beasts, these hunts have only limited the number of beasts to a handful. To finish the job further measures must be taken so that more mining crews do not meet a grisly end. The Black Hills The Black Hills of the Mardonlands are a rocky set of hills, within which are deposits of Daemite crystals which fuel the industrial heart of the Commonwealth. Given the already difficult existence of plant life in the crag and crannies of the region in tandem with widespread settlement for mining operations, what fauna remains is of a hardy variety. In particular one notable determined plantlife is a type of lichen, a moss which clings between rocks, desperately trying to reach for any earth and nutrients it might find in the sparse sections of soil. Mountain Lions Smaller than their cousins across Aevos the mountain lions of the black hills commonly feed off of smaller animals such as snorgi and shrews. They rarely go after people who are simply moving through the black hills. Instead most encounters with them are either unknown due to the stalking mountain lion staying out of sight of the individual(s) they are following or are escalated due to the likely proximity that people have towards the cubs of the mountain lion, thus causing an issue and direct attack or display of aggression. Snorgi The snorgus is a long and slender creature, a bit like the body type of a ferret. They possess long whiskers and powerful limbs able to help them burrow into their rocky homes. These burrows help them to evade any creatures which may hunt them as while some creatures might be able to dig through dirt very few are specialized to dig directly through stone. Rivers of the Petra The River Petra The River Petra is another point of natural pride for the Petran people. Named such in honor of the previous River Petra back on Almaris. Situated in a deep ravine, the seabed of the river is covered in many parts with seagrass. If one is to look closely they can also see signs of deposits of clay and crystals at the bottom of the river. Trout Unable to write this in good faith without at least a mention of such due to the family I married into without threat to my wellbeing. The trout of the Petra are a fish which has largely rebounded from the efforts of previous Petrans. Cities of the Petra Vallagne Vallagne is host to a great wealth of nature with trees and shrubbery found in varying places throughout the city. It is this greenery which helps the city stand out in part, with the square being host to three trees hoped by many to stand the test of time. The diversity of plant life around the city doesn’t stop in the city with the outskirts being host to vineyards which stretch a portion of the western side of the city covered by them. Even the ever present underground of moleton is flush with lichen and mushrooms, making for an unique environment. Even the sewers of Petra and Moleton, which I have been in much to my spouse’s dismay, are filled with plant growth on the walls and spots of algal bloom. Vallagne is host to a whole assortment of mundane and normal animals, with a resurgent feline population in part due to a recent rat outbreak in which cats were released en masse to feast. Sewer Ooze Stalking in the sewers of the city and Moleton, the ooze, or perhaps multiple have found prey in the moles of Moleton and those who are not careful when within the sewers. It is not known how these things hunt or sense anything around them given their lack of any physical properties besides for the ooze which makes up its being. One must be advised though to avoid getting turned about and lost in the sewers and to avoid loud splashing through the sewage. The Moles The moles of Moleton are curious creatures, remarkably they seem to have some inkling of rationale to them as they have learned to coexist with the people of moleton, them being some weird amalgamation of something mixed in with them is likely to be the case of why however as somehow Moleton citizens have claimed they lay eggs. Chambery A small and hilly place, Chambery boasts a few small trees combined with very rocky foundations, quite literally as it sits just above the River Petra and under Vallagne. It is home much like the Black Hills to determined types of plant life along with a few trees which have their roots dig deep into the rock and land, going so far as to emerge in parts of caves within Chambery. In particular near the docks of Chambery one can see coral within the waters of the River Petra. Introduced by descendants however are the vineyards of Chambery, with the one in Chambery proper being used to create Wittenbach Wines which consist of a variety of reds, whites, and even a champagne. The animals of Chambery are mostly small urban ones which exist in plenty of other urban areas across Aevos. Mice, rats, and bunnies are most plentiful. Yet the river has her influence as well on the animals abound near and in Chambery. Birds of prey make their nests high up in the ravine, diving down to go after fish within the river with turtles relaxing on the close shores and even at times making their way into the caves of Chambery. Exotic Animals Demon Fish of Fir’steinn Within my newfound home of Fir’steinn a demon fish resides. It is not truly demonic in nature but the cost of upkeep and the temperament of it leads to the name. It tries to kill any and everything it comes across, with it even once spitting up a skull of what might have likely been a descendant once. It isn’t the worst to handle, provided you don’t get into the water with it, but one ought to keep it contained if able to at all times. Prince Gareth Lucius Temesch of the Petra and of Astor, Count of Theral and Baron-Consort of Fir’Steinn, Brigadier of the Bagworms

IGN: Coldestpepsi Discord: drew_doc Full Name: Gareth Lucius Age: Old enough Address: Fir'steinn/Dame Catherine VII Position Running For: Lord Mayor

Aimo grinned upon reading the official statement, proud of the action and decisions throughout the moments of the fight which allowed this to come to fruition. "A traitor's death for a traitor, ignoble and quick. Good thinking as well by Rowena, allowing the church to handle his remains was the right choice."

Aimo read over the open challenge nodding in approval after he finished. He thought for a long moment, history playing out back through his mind. "Our ideas were different, our ideologies as well. We almost never saw eye to eye but I can respect the loyalty." He set down the missive, content.

Aimo took a break between slugging his squire in the face in the name of training and practice to look over the missive, "When did this happen?!" he questioned.

Aimo tossed his room into disarray at his home hearing the news, going to throw the packed boxes he had still been too lazy to unpack around the place until he grew tired, only sparing the fishtank from his grief at the man who he had fought side by side with before's death.

Ending it Issued and averred by AIMO OF ASTOR By the word of Aimo of Astor It would not be wrong to call myself a controversial man. I have spent the past decades in service to The Petra. Through this time I have served through peace, war, and a mix of both. I have killed in battles those that personally called out the Queen, I have taken steps to preserve the relationship between Petra and her own at points. I have saw out reforms in order to best suit the Order of the Petran Laurel to serve the purpose needed at the time. Most important to me though I have overseen the increased numbers of the Petran Laurel. I have seen people whom I am proud of raise themselves up. I have also stumbled at points. I have atoned before, I will again. I also recognize that I am not wanted at this point. That the perspective on how I operate has shifted, that I am seen as something perhaps too dangerous to keep around now that I have served my purpose. I see this as if I were a tool, I have been used up to the purpose deemed fit, and now I am to be cast aside so as to not take up room that may be desired for another tool. So, I will not seek to be Knight Commander, I do not seek anything anymore in regards to my status as a knight of the realm bar two things. I first ask that I am not forgotten by history, that such is not allowed as some might wish. I second ask that I be allowed to continue on only to train Princess Rowena. I ask this second one out of my duty to her. It would not be fair to the princess if she were to be cast astray in the storm that can be squirehood. I wish to also leave one important lesson to those who might read and learn. It matters not what one’s blood is, it matters not if you are a prince, a noble, or a mere person on the street. Blood matters not, what you do matters, how you are remembered by those who also do matters. So, what I do is I seek an end to this all for the health of The Petra. I care more for it than I do glory, grudges, and many other things. I will still seek out my own judgment and penance by the Julians, it would be wrong to not do so. Some might call me a thug, a beast who deserves nothing which I have gained through my long service. To this I say the following; I was willing to put aside my own issues to not try and tear apart the realm. Continuing if allowed only out of duty to the Princess, His Lordship, Aimo of Astor, Baron of Fir’Steinn

Petra is not yet Lost! ArchDuke of Vallagne Gareth Lucius Declaration It has been declared today a child empire by people who claimed my and many other’s homes. I will not stand to see this. I declare a defense of The Petra, all who are true Petrans are welcome to join me in such. You need to only send me a letter to join in on the defense of our people and home. We will not bend the knee, we will not go quietly. Any who attempt a child empire in Petra will be forced out. Resisting imperials like my mother, His Serene Highness Gareth Lucius Temesch of The Petra, ArchDuke of Vallagne, Count of Theral, Protector of Bagworm Beetles, Architect of the Great Trial