Sander

An Everardine’s view on emancipation for racial minorities. I remember very clearly the brief, yet important, conversation I had a few years ago. It was at the opening of a new exhibition at the museum of the Northern Geographical Society, the person I spoke with was a Wonk. He was a kindred spirit, level-headed, politically engaged, knew what he was talking about too. He, along with some of the others present, wished to hear my views as a politician upon emancipation for his kind, the Wonks. He argued that, as he was an intelligent, non-violent race, capable of contributing to society as he currently so proves, he is owed equal rights to that of humankind or elvenkind. Not too long after that, another Wonk by the name of Zulom Toadicus, wrote an open letter to the House of Commons, arguing the exact same point. If it hadn’t already been apparent from hearsay, it became overly clear then, from the reactions expressed about the letter by members of both political parties, that the consensus amongst the political class was one of agreement, Wonks deserved emancipation. Why is it then that now, several years later, we still do not have this equal position for Wonks, or, in a broader sense, Wonks and Kharajyr? There are in fact a few reasons for this in my view. For one, the current inefficient state of Parliamentary politics plays a part in this. In the current state of affairs, there’s little getting done due to a lack of engagement from party members, poor scheduling of committee meetings, many being on leave and a general dwindling of parliamentary spirit. Another reason in the same category is that the House of Commons is currently being overwhelmed with an abundance of bills and bills in the making, many of which take a long time to debate, stretching across multiple sessions. This means that there’s few politicians looking to add another big bill like one of emancipation for other races. A different kind of reason for this, is the subconscious fear amongst members of both parties of alienating some of their more conservative voters by proposing a thing like equal rights for Wonks and Kharajyr. I feel that, while this isn’t a major reason, it still plays a role and thus ought to be mentioned. However, aside from these issues holding back the passing of such legislature, there is a much bigger underlying problem with this policy. For a second, let us say we can legislate unanimous emancipation, equality reigns, and yes it’s great. But we cannot cure prejudice or racial hate. So where do we go from here? Racial tensions or segregation? Denying minorities rights is a problem, but we can’t address a question if we do not have an answer. For centuries, Kharajyr have either been treated as animals and hunted down by humankind, or reluctantly allowed into our society, but frowned upon with racial preconception. While there exists less of such a sentiment towards Wonks, there still exists some. We cannot rid the population of these feelings through a simple piece of legislation. If we don’t give these racial minorities a special status, there will be those who will take measures against their equal place in our society, possibly violently. Yet if we were to segregate these minorities, they would still not know equal societal status. Thus, if we are to grant Wonks and Kharajyr equal rights and liberties, we are faced yet again by another, even greater, question. And I don’t pretend to know the answer, but the question is real. Your Obedient Servant, K. Amador

Goin' once, goin' twice, SOLD! Adventurer – NOT SOLD Musketman – Sold to Drew2_dude for 1.5 grand! Hungarian Brown – Sold to GoodGuyMatt for 1.5 grand! Gambeson Soldier – Sold to MadOne for 1 grand! Frederickian Blue – NOT SOLD It was Walpole – Sold to Caranthir_ for 1 grand! Labourer – Sold to 1_Language_1 for 1.1 grand! Easterling Flower Dress – Sold to GoodGuyMatt for 1 grand! Blue Frock Coat – Sold to GoodGuyMatt for 1.1 grand! Those who bought a skin will be contacted by me on discord! Anyone interested in either of the two unsold skins or a commission done by me is free to contact me at Sander#0004

An Open Letter on the Abolishment of Indentured Servitude Bill To the Honourable Miss Angelika Bykov and her colleagues of the Josephite Party, As the recently introduced bill on abolishing the practice of indentured servitude now sits tabled and awaits further discussion by the House of Commons and I wasn't able to offer my opinion on the bill during our sitting, I shall do here on paper, in clear language, so that any man or woman that considers themselves a spectator of our work, this theatrical performance that the Josephites call governance, can read it. For it doesn't take many words to string together to accurately depict what this bill is about and what my personal view on it is. This bill is, by all practical means, useless. Now before you, your colleagues or anyone reading this condemns me to be a slaver, a racist or an oppressor, let me explain this statement. During the past campaigning season, you, Miss Bykov, and your colleagues, campaigned on the promise to abolish slavery and indentured servitude like the heroes thee are! Truly, none could wish for a more just and proper bunch of politicians! Coincidentally, this could of course bring in a lot of votes, but that can't be what drives such an honourable politician as thee. There is but one problem with the pretty promise of criminalizing indentured servitude, and that is that it is already illegal. What heaps of work thee could've spared yourself, your colleagues and the rest of us if only you'd read up on the Orenian Revised Codex a little better, because slavery or involuntary servitude is already illegal under part 202.093 of the ORC. And yes, as said during the House of Commons' last session, some changes ought to be made to this law, as it could be improved upon. But, if that is what thee were out to do, then thee should've just written up an amendment to the law and not a bill to abolish something that was abolished long ago or a perfectly legal practice. There are two forms of indentured servitude; slavery and forced labour, which are illegal under the aforemention act, and servitude one is bound to through a signed contract, the latter being a practice that is legal and functions as a means sometimes used to rid oneself of debts, involving consent from both parties involved. So, assuming you and your colleagues weren't out to criminalize a legal financial practice with which there's inherently nothing wrong, that leaves us with a few options. For one it could be that you, Miss Bykov, and the entirety of the Josephite Party were unaware that practices like slavery and forced labour were illegal, which would suggest of a terribly poor grasp of our law Codex. What could also be the case is that this bill was merely something sweet to campaign on and win votes with, informing the public you'll make a hated practice illegal, capitalizing on the fact that a large part of the masses are unaware that said practice is already illegal. If your goal was to fix some of the minor issues with the law in the Orenian Revised Codex, you would've written a bill to amend the law, not a bill to abolish indentured servitude. This suggests to me that that was not your goal and instead one of the two scenarios above are the case. Combine this wih the fact that the bill included much poor and improper wording and that equates to a useless bill that isn't worth discussing. It is for these reasons that I condemn this bill to be utterly useless and a waste of my time, your time and that of all of our honourable colleagues. I am not a slaver, a racist or an oppressor, I am firmly opposed to indentured servitude, just like I am firmly opposed to pseudo-legislation that wastes everybody's time and either has no purpose or serves to decorate one's resume. Therefore, I humbly request that you and your party withdraw the submission of this Commons-unworthy 'bill' and instead focus your efforts on writing up a proper amendment to perfect the law in the ORC. Your Obedient Servant, K. Amador

As of lately, I've gotten more into making skins, and I figured I'd do one of these skin auctions to see if people liked them and were interested in buying them! Also I do commissions now to a limited extent; pm me on discord if interested! Rules: The bids not following these rules will be ignored and seen as invalid bids. You can not edit a comment, please make a new one so that it is easier to keep track. Bidding starts at 1000 minas. All bidding will be increments of a minimum 100 minas. You MUST be able to pay the amount required as soon as the auction ends. Bid format: Discord: Skin(s) and bid(s) (Label clearly with the skin name and list seperately if multiple): Skins: Adventurer: Musketman: Hungarian Brown: Gambeson Soldier: Frederickian Blue: It was Walpole: Labourer: Easterling Flower Dress: (Note: White skirt is see-through but that's not visible here) Blue Frock Coat: Happy biddings! EDIT: THE AUCTION WILL END ON 1st OF JUNE, MIDNIGHT CEST (6PM EDT)

Teykh Syndicate 880 Exploring the cradle Finance: Expenses (49,500 G) -The Scientific Syndicate is funded: Research is done twice as fast (-5000 G) -4 Azuweth Legions are conscripted (24,000 G / 4 AP / 2000 manpower) -2 units of Teykh Engineers are conscripted (10,000 G / 500 manpower) -1 Town is built along the river (15,000 G) Trade Trade is conducted with the following nations: -Ishikawa -Amarantic Dominion -Anaxes -Pérasmani League -Ascalon -Samalstraza Technology Research (45,000 G) Slot 1: Research continues on the Printing Press. (10,000 G) Slot 2: Research continues on the (Repeating) Crossbows. (20,000 G) Slot 3: A foreign investor has hired the Teykh Scientists and Engineers to pioneer technology that will help stabilize weaponry on ships. They start tinkering on a Gyroscope. (15,000 G) Passive Research: - The Scientists Syndicate continues researching ancient steam power contraptions. Magic (40,000 G) -A Mage is hired. The Mages Syndicate starts working on a Communication Rune spell Diplomacy: -An envoy is sent to Wyom, seeking to establish a line of correspondence between the two nations. ((If accepted, hmu on discord))

Karl Amador nodded approvingly with a big smile as he read this "Let us be known as the party of action and getting things done. Its a long way to progress and prosperity, but at least we have people to pave it!”

Karl frowned deeply as he was told of Karolina's passing, signing a Lorraine cross as he lowered his head in sadness. He looked out across the coast where the naval battle was fought, a soft whisper escaping him into the wind: "...Pro Patria Mori...”

Teykh Syndicate 879 Building a Nation Finance: Expenses -470750 G -The Guilds Syndicate is funded: -5% building cost (-500 G) -52 Civilian Manufactories are built. (-370500 G) -1 Commercial District is built. (-9500 G) -1 Trade Depot is built. (-9500 G) -Resilient Stone Walls are built in Teykh. (-23750 G) -4 Mines are built (-19000 G) -4 Heavy Manufactories are built. (-28500 G) -2 Farms are built (-9500 G) Finance: Trade Trade is started with the following nations: -Ishikawa -Amarantic Dominion -Anaxes -Pérasmani League -Samalstraza -Ascalon Finance: Technology Research (25,000G) Slot 1: Having heard of devices like this that greatly bolster book production being made in various nations like the Pérasmani League for example, the Scientist Syndicate sets to work on developing a Printing Press. Slot 2: The Azuweth Legion decides they need better ranged weaponry than regular bows to defend the city from possible attacks. They call in the aid of the research department to develop a different kind of bow they've heard of: the Crossbow. Slot 3: With the Grand Syndics recent investments in Teykh’s heavy industry, engineers set to work on improving the production of iron and steel. They make plans to replace the old Osmond process of refining with the Finery Process. (+1 Steel from Mines?) Passive Research: - The Scientist Syndicate takes interest in and a closer look at descriptions of a steam machine once made by their peers of the Atem Empire, setting to work on attempting to make a scale model to see what they can do with it. Finance: Magic (10,000 G) The Mages Syndicate set to work on mastering the basics of Runemancy and Golemancy and hire an Adept to join them. Actions: (will do more next turn, but its late and I wanna finish this up + I’m just startin out) -Men are sent out to survey the Teykh lands and search them for interesting resources(looking for Rare Minerals and Rare Goods) -The Teykh Constabulary is established to police the city, beginning to gather information on disloyal subjects and subversive or covert activities. -Some scouts are sent out westwards with a hunting group to observe eastern Wyom for border defences and troop stationing.

Karl Amador, closed his eyes with a frown and lowered his head to mutter a soft prayer before saying to those beside him "A great statesman passed away today... Lest we forget.” Meanwhile, in the Seven Skies, Henrik Amador and the other Sanoist comrades put on their Blue Berets, standing to attention and saluting Fabius as after many, many years, he at last would join them.

Discord Name; You got it Nation Name: Teykh Syndicate Government Type: Confederation of technocratic syndics Magic Type: Runesmithing Leader: Grand Syndic Emanuel Culture: The Teykh Syndicate has no very dominant culture, as its inhabitants mostly consist of immigrants from all over the continent, though it boasts both a significant Atemic and a considerable Wyomian culture group . Aside from Atemics and Wyomians, the Syndicate boasts sizeable populations of people from Salvus, Alean and the Aldemaric League, commonly referred to as the ‘Chtorian’ population of the country. These Chtorians form a diverse majority within the small country, though the Atemics and Wyomians are only a minority by a slim margin. All in all, the country is very diverse in culture, forming a melting pot of cultures. History: Long ago, during the times of Atem, a trading post was set up on the banks of the river where the Syndicate now stands. Over time, this trading post, which attracted merchants, guilds and ‘free thinkers’ (scientists and mages) from across the Sea of Chtor, grew into a city. Originally, the post was ran by a dynasty of merchant governors, the Abelman dynasty, who essentially ran the city of Teykh as petty Kings over a city state. As the number of immigrants increased and the power of guilds and merchant and magical organizations grew though, the petty Kings of Teykh struggled to maintain their rule over the city and its surrounding lands. Eventually, after a few years of economic hardship and famine, King Heber IV was killed by an angry mob, and the Abelman dynasty was ended. What replaced it was not a new dynasty, but a completely new system of government altogether. Those with any influence within the citystate, mainly the merchant factions, guilds, scientific organizations and magical orders organized themselves in four groups called ‘syndicates’, named after their leaders; the ‘syndics’ or administrators. These syndics seized power within the small country, establishing a confederation of syndics. Every four years, the representatives of all four syndicates would elect one of the syndics to serve as Grand Syndic, the leader of the newborn country. Depending on which syndicate this Grand Syndic had a background in, the country would be lead in a certain direction. A Grand Syndic from the merchant syndicate would focus his policies towards trade and being open to foreigners. One from the guilds syndicate would typically focus on growing the production of goods and Grand Syndics from the scientific and magical syndicates would focus the nation on innovation and technology or magical understanding and learning respectively. Grand Syndic Emanuel of the Scientific Syndicate (7 Leadership, 5 Charisma) Recently, with large Empires on the rise all around the Teykh Syndicate, and war brewing in the east between the Choranic Empire and the Kingdom of Ascalon and in the west between the Chicahtoc Empire and the Pact of Wyom, the cry for a strong leader figure to become Grand Syndic has been larger than ever. In the last election, the representatives elected Grand Syndic Emanuel from the Scientific Syndicate, who won by a landslide due to his charismatic yet firm character. He was granted an emergency mandate by the council of syndics, which gives a Grand Syndic far-reaching authority to guide the country in times of trouble or impending threats. With this mandate, the new Grand Syndic set to work on guiding and shaping the nation in his image; one of scientific and technological progress. Thus adapting a slightly different form of government in which all syndicates worked to further the research effort and syndics were appointed based on their technological expertise; the Confederation of Technocratic Syndics. Groups of interest: The syndicates of merchants, guilds, scientists and mages, each running their respective part of the government, the guilds syndicate being the largest, divided into smaller syndicates that represent the different guilds like the tailors guild and the smithing guild. Places of interest: The City of Teykh, capital and namesake of the Teykh Syndicate. The Vaser River and its valley, in which the city and the heartlands of the small country lie. It is densely packed with farmlands and smaller towns functioning like suburbs to the larger city. Key Figures (3 people with points): Syndic Absolom of the Magical Syndicate (1 Leadership, 11 Arcane Skill) The oldest of the current Syndics, Absolom the Mage has devoted his life to practicing the Arcane art, having made his way up the ranks of his syndicate as a result of his knowledge and skill with the art of magik. Commander Isaak of the Syndicate’s Azuweth Legion (Leadership 3, Martial 8, Agility 1) Commander Isaak has served as an officer in the Azuweth Legion for nearly half his life, having gained considerable martial skill. With the election of Grand Syndic Emanuel, he saw himself being promoted to Commander of the Legion. Syndic Alphus of the Guilds Syndicate (4 Leadership, 1 Martial, 3 Charisma, 1 Arcane, 3 Agility) Syndic Alphus has, though being a young man, proven himself to be an effective leader and a jack of all trades, having worked for nearly all of the major guilds in the past. He aligned himself closely with the technocratic view of the new Grand Syndic. Point Distribution: Technology 10 Economy 10 Military 2 Loyalty 1 Sea-Faring 2 Size 0 Magic 5 Nat Idea: “Four Syndicates” - Can choose 1 out of 4 syndicates to fund each turn: -Merchant Syndicate; Trade income +5% -Guilds Syndicate; -500g, Buildings are 5% less expensive -Scientific Syndicate; -500g, tech research is done twice as fast -Magical Syndicate; -500g, magic learning is done twice as fast Unique Units (3): Repeating Crossbowmen -Size: 200 -Cost: 7000 -Classification: Crossbowmen -Cap: 4000 Azuweth Legionaries: -Size: 500 -Cost: 1 AP + 7000 -Classification: Medium Inf -Cap: 7500 Teykh Engineers: -Size: 250 -Cost: 5000 -Classification: Misc. -Cap: 3000 (Cost and Cap is ofc subject to change from mod) Starting Location: Where this river flows into the sea, on either riverbank. What is my Favorite color?: This shade of gray, obviously

The Great Everardine Tour ---[+]--- The Everardine Party is coming to a city near YOU! To get in touch with its loyal supporters throughout the Empire, the Everardine Party has decided to organize a great tour through the Imperial lands. Rallies will be held in Kaedrin, Haense and Helena before the next election, where speeches will be made and the public can ask questions to Everardine Party Officials! (Dates for each location below). The Everardines encourage attendees to show their support en masse by coming out in droves and wearing blue, the party color! These rallies will be a place where one can get in touch with the Party proper, to break down the wall between politics and people. Hence we hope these rallies shall strengthen the bond between them and become known as a shining example of democracy being practiced! Locations and dates of the rallies: Kaedrin, Rambling Rose Tavern, The Grand Harvest, 1766 ((Saturday May 2nd, 4 pm EST)) Haense, Weeping Wick Theatre, The Grand Harvest, 1767 ((Saturday May 9th, 2:30 pm EST)) Helena, Varoche Hall, The Grand Harvest, 1768 ((Saturday May 16th, 4 pm EST)) ((Note: Exact time of rallies might change, refer to this post to stay up to date))

I hope you get well soon! And know that your nursing efforts are appreciated!! Stay strong!

On a bench in the Haensetian countryside sat an Everardine. It was his favourite writing spot, and while he planned on writing something for the Party, he didn't know what. An itch came up in the back of his throat as he inhaled a foul air during his scribbling. He let out a nasty cough, looking up from his paper at the factory in the distance with a look of disgust at the smell and smoke it released into the air. He knew what he was going to write about. Progress and Devastation Huge manufactory chimneys, in each lovely place, Belch out their foul smoke over nature’s fair face. The soot of the furnace begrimes the Spring bloom, The reeking ‘Plant’ taints every blossom’s perfume. The streams, that were crystal, pollution imbrowns With the refuse of ‘Works’ and the sewage of towns, And the angler no more strolls along on the brink Of the once pleasant river that now is a sink. For the fish they are poisoned, trout, grayling, roach, dace, From pike down to minnow, the whole finny race. And the spirits too of many a drowned hath fled The banks now by rats alone haunted instead. Vast chemical workshops on all sides abound, Diffusing the breath of corrosion around; And their fumes, worse than locusts in swarms on the wing, Blast, utterly, tree, herb, and every green thing. If the struggle for life, our engrossing employ, All that makes life worth living at length must destroy, Cannot our men at least save some verdure and flowers To last the short time that remains to be ours?

Karl furrowed his brows “Sad to see them explicitly recognize there’s many people who are discontent and unsatisfied, and then say immediately afterwards that they will not do anything with that fact... We will work on our vision.. Yeah, not exactly what those discontent and unsatisfied people ask of you.” He sighed, putting the paper down.

Gilondir shook his head at how the Savins quarreled. "Pathetic.”

"Very well said. Couldn't have concluded in a better way, myself...” Karl muttered to himself after reading the missive.

[!] On the bottom one might find some fine print: *Opportunity means opportunity for some, namely those on the Josephite side. **Stability refers to the Stability of old which we slowly erode away with controversial Liberal ideas that half of the Empire despises. ***Education; a tool to induce Liberal propaganda upon the younger generations. ****Progress as in progress for US above all. *****Health as in the thing Ser John toasts to twenty times a day ******Improvement is what we call a society of interbred people that don’t adhere to the True Faith or any faith; their choice *******Thriving is something the Empire hasn’t done since the first of us came into power. ********Employment is what Angelika Vanir desperately needs after a dozen or so failed elections and her husband wanting her out of the house for his peace of mind. *********Strength; something we see in the other party but not our own.

The Coming of Spring Festival of 1764 -=- ________________________________ ________________________________ The House of Amador invites her friends and family for a festival celebrating of spring. We welcome all to the Barony of Mondstadt, just outside the Haensetian capital of New Reza. There will be a reception with drinks and spring-themed snacks, as well as a pyre-lighting following ancient Waldenian tradition and various other games and fesitivites including an Egg Hunt and Haeseni Chess. Those wishing to attend are expected to come dressed up in fine, brightly coloured clothing, and if possible bring something to share with the others. Women are encouraged to wear flowers in their hair and men are encouraged to wear a boutonniere. The festival will take place on the Sun's Smile of 1764 ((OOC: Sunday the 12th of April, 4pm EST)) ________________________________ Signed, Karl Amador

Karl Amador would laugh at the accusations in the newspaper, ensuring his friends that it was all a joke before going home to write a letter to Otto: “They’re onto us! Time for Operation Unthinkable!”

Karl would walk into Reza at five in the morning in his bathrobe and flip flops, his eyes still half closed. “Got to make sure I get my favourite newspaper before they’re all bought out...”

Karl smiled after having read the latest work of his favourite poet. "This will make a fine addition to my van Jungingen collection.” He said to himself as he put the poem on the shelf with the others "I should really get a hold of that man some time... Would love to meet him.”

SURNAME: Amador FIRST NAME: Karl ADDRESS OF RESIDENCE: Barony of Mondstadt, Kingdom of Haense DATE OF BIRTH: 3rd of the Sun's Smile, 1734 Are you registered and eligible to vote in the province of Haense?: Yes. Do you have any other title, peerage or public service that may conflict with becoming an Imperial Senator, as per the Edict of Establishment (1736) or Edict of Election (1736)?: No. If yes, do you understand that you will be required to resign or abdicate from this position should you be elected to the Imperial Senate, and if this does not occur your seat shall be considered to be vacant?: Yes. ((MC NAME)): SanderWarrior14

All roads come to an end, even the ones that are really long and full of adventure. ((https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdW5-uJqCV)) Henrik Amador was born in 1682, the son of Katherina Amelia Amador and Bastian Grayson. Young Henrik was a bit of a timid child, preferring to spend his time reading rather than playing with the other kids. He was asthmatic and all in all his health was a bit weak. This didn’t stop the boy from seeking the adventure of his forefathers though. As an Amador, he’d read about the stories of Amadors of the past, great traders who sailed the seas to earn riches. Thus Henrik took an interest in sailing. By 14 he’d made his own little sailing ship and regularly took it out on the rivers of Atlas. All in all, the boy lived a life that was quite peaceful and quite alright. He was quite a devout canonist and it seemed that in the future, the life of a priest would be laid out for him, something he looked forward to. When he turned around 20 though, his life started to change rapidly. His granduncle Ruslan II, who had taken care of Henrik for the latter part of his youth, passed away without an heir. Suddenly, the 20 year-old found himself the Patriarch of House Amador, a House on the brink of ruin during these waning days of Atlas. He was determined to make things work however and restore that which he had inherited to the status and glory it had known in the days of old like his books had described it to him. That’s all in a past long ago and far away though. Since then, he’d married a wife he loved very much and with whom he had four wonderful sons. Henrik had managed to regain nobility status for his House and lost it again as he fell ill with a lung disease which saw him and his family sail away to Aeldin in search of medical aid. Upon returning it didn’t take long for the Amadors to regain their status again however, along with which they gained some land in the form of a barony. Henrik didn’t rule over this land for long however. By now he was an old man in his seventies. “The times they are a-changin...” He said to his housemaid one silent day. “I feel less and less capable to stand my ground in this ever-changing land… Haense has changed. When I grew up it was a quiet land of good men, peacefully tucked away in the snow and cold of the wilderness… These days, it’s a bustling place of great men, in the middle of worldly affairs in a sunny land of open fields and clear skies… The Empire as a whole changed… People dress differently, act differently, use different customs… Traditional culture and values are sometimes hard to find... Not only the world around me though, my old road itself is rapidly aging...” He smiled grimly. “I feel old… I feel it every day… In my back, of course, but also in my head… I feel confused sometimes.. Disoriented… I believe it is time for the next generation to take the wheel..” ((https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHer-rGfTco)) Not long after that, the old Amador had abdicated his baronical title to his eldest son, Ruslan. He retired, enjoyed the simple things in life for a while out in his mansion, in his rural barony. He took his time to go to church every morning to pray for an hour, something he took great joy in. The old Lord managed to read a lot of books and once or twice a week he’d pick up his cane, leave the house and leisurely stroll out to the city. He couldn’t enjoy this peaceful retirement for long though, as soon after his abdication, he fell ill again. This time, it was even worse than it had been in the past, and he was almost entirely bound to his bed. “W-Who are you? Wh-” The sick, old father asked, having just woken up as some young man brought him soup. “I got you lunch.” Henrik looked at the young lad for a moment with a confused frown before smiling slightly “Thank you, kind man...” He sat up with the young man’s help before bursting into a coughing fit like he’d been having for weeks. The past few days, his coughs were getting softer and weaker though and the young man by his bedside frowned before leaving the room. After a moment Henrik regained his breath and carefully began eating his soup, then the same young man returned with a handkerchief. “Ah! Karl! My boy! Where’ve you-cough-where’ve you been, son? There was this kind gentleman here a moment ago who gave me soup...” Karl simply gave his father a meek smile. As he had looked back on the past few years, he had realized Henrik had been suffering from dementia for a while, though his sickness had made it all the worse. A week later, it wasn’t just Karl by the old Henrik’s bedside. His sons, nephew, daughter- and niece in law were there, as well as his servants and a priest. Some of them were crying. “Don’t cry….. All roads come to an end… Even the ones that are really long and full of adventure...” Henrik muttered out softly in a moment of clarity. He hadn’t slept or eaten for days due to his overly frequent coughing fits and it was clear his time had come. He coughed softly before shifting his gaze over to his sons and nephew. “I feel like… Like I’ve forgotten your names..” Henrik muttered as a tear rolled across his face. “...but please make sure I’m not forgotten… And remember… Whatever you do in life… Make sure the people you love are there to see it… For until you go to the Seven Skies where GOD loves you, there’s no greater love than that of family and friends...” He closed his eyes and began coughing again for a solid ten minutes, though by the end of it, no sound was heard anymore, simply the slightly shocking movement of his body. And eventually, that too came to an end, after which he laid there. His body laid there.

SOCIETAS ILLUMINATVS HAESENI Hansetian Illuminated Society “COGITO ET BIBO, ERGO SVM” Hereby, the establishment is declared of Societas Illuminatus Haeseni, the Hansetian Illuminated Society. The Society serves as an association of the brightest minds within Haense and the rest of the Empire through which they can learn and discuss together and enjoy themselves together. Much of the ongoings within the Society will remain exclusive to members only, though what follows will be a basic explanation of the functioning of the Society and a sample of the activities it hosts for its members. The Praesidium welcomes a new member In Societas - - - Firstly, to explain what a Society like this one entails and to show to aspiring members what they are getting into, an explanation of the Society will be given to create a basic understanding. Praesidium The Praesidium is the leadership of the Society and consists of three members: -Praeses: The Praeses or Chairman is the leader of the Praesidium and the allround leader of the Society. He is tasked with giving shape to and presiding over the Society as well as organizing events for its members. (Current: Karl Amador/SanderWarrior14) -Abactis: The Abactis or Secretary is the Praesidium member in charge of keeping record of memberships, what is said at meetings and gatherings as well as keeping the agenda of the Society and forwarding complaints and requests from members to the Praesidium. (Current: Angelika Eleanora Vanir/AnonymousFalls) -Quaestor: The Quaestor or Treasurer is the member of the Praesidium that is tasked with the collection of membership fees as well as managing the budget of the Society. Everything concerning money within the Society is dealt with by the Quaestor. (Current: Ivan Kortrevich Vanir/erictafoya11) Once a member of the Praesidium leaves their position or is voted out by a majority of the Society’s members, the rest of the Praesidium picks a new candidate for the position before having him or her approved by a vote in the General Members Assembly. Schachten Any aspiring new member of the Society first becomes a ‘Schacht’ (plural: Schachten) for a while during the ‘Schachtenzeit’, a hazing period. During this period, they will be tested and tried in various ways by either the Praesidium or members designated to do so by the Praesidium, to see if they deem the Schacht fit to become a full-on member of the Society. Inauguration & Socius Once the hazing period is over for the Schacht, they will either be deemed unfit to join the Society or they will be inaugurated by the Praesidium in a church, before the sight of GOD, as a member of the Society AKA a ‘Socius’. The Inauguration (depicted above) is the most important ritual for anyone within the Society, as it was the point onward from which they were truly a part of it. A Socius has several rights and privileges within the Society that a Schacht doesn’t. Firstly, they can no longer be hazed by the Praesidium and other members. Furthermore, they are now entitled forward complaints and requests to the Praesidium, form Commissions or organize events by the grace of the Praesidium and also are eligible for positions within the Praesidium. Members participate in a Cantus Oblectamentum - - - Next follows a sample of the events the Society will host for any aspiring members: Dispute: A Dispute is an intellectual discussion on one of various topics. A Dispute can be organized to read and discuss important literary works for example, or to discuss national, imperial or international politics with other intellectuals. These will typically be hosted at the Society building over a cup of coffee or tea. General Members Assembly: Once in a while the Praesidium will call for a General Members Assembly, typically when there is an important matter to discuss regarding the Society. This can be to discuss important complaints or requests, to pick a new Praesidium member or, for example, make a large purchase or decision the Praesidium wants members’ views on. Cantus: A Cantus (shown above) is a drinking and singing festivity. It is either led by the Praesidium or a mockup Praesidium and will typically be held at a tavern. Attendees are handed a booklet by the (mockup) Praesidium which contains songs and, if not verbally explained, rules. What follows is a feast of song-singing and an evening-long drinking game in between these songs which follows the priorly laid out rules. The (mockup) Praesidium makes sure these Cantus rules are followed and hands out punishments when they aren’t, these punishments usually consisting of downing a drink in a way that is amusing to everybody except the person drinking it. Dies Natalis: A small or large feast, depending on the number of attendees, organized by the Society every five years to celebrate the five year birthday mark of the Society. It is typically held at the Society building and what the event consists of differs from Dies to Dies but is highly secretive and for members only. Membership The membership fee of the Societas Illuminatus Haeseni costs 100 minas a year but is subject to change. This fee will be used to pay taxes on Society property and spending on member activities and luxury goods for Society members. To become an aspiring member (Schacht), one must adhere to certain requirements. NOTE: Even if all requirements are met, one might still get rejected. One must always: -Be a citizen of the Empire -Be more than 14 years of age And either of the following options: A: Be royalty of Haense or the Empire (In the end it is them we serve, but no special treatment is to be expected once they are a Schacht or Socius) B: Go/Have gone to St. Charles College or be part of some other educational institution within the Empire. C; Have proven yourself to be an intellectual through a career in writing, art, politics or government. (Approval from the Praesidium is needed) ((OOC:)) Copy this part and fill it in below to apply for membership! Character name: Age: Username: Discord: Requirement option (A/B/C):

Henrik would nod in approval. “A young, bright mind with her heart in the right place. Furthermore, she’s a proper Feudalist who doesn’t need Royalty to endorse her candidacy. She’s got my vote, I trust her to do well. I might niet be a baron anymore, but I hope the endorsement of an old, experienced Haensetian still counts.”