Archduchy of Lorraine

The Lotharingian Remnants gazed upon this particular announcement with intrigue. An heir to this fledgling-state, bearing the blood of d'Amaury, Pruvia, and of the Blood-Raven. Interesting indeed.

From abroad, those who maintained the true legacy and values of Lorraine and Lotharingia would look upon this document with intrigue...

 

Perhaps the Pruvians of Provins were the ones who might bring about a new age for the Archduchy, under the banner of the true and most-canonist Church.

21 minutes ago, axelu said:

(Empress-mother) Vivienne d’Amaury downed a glass of wine with (Queen) Anabel of Curonia, bubbly as ever as she spectated from above. “They don’t look like us at all,” the Auvergnian lamented, lips  furrowed into an enduring pout.

 

The various spirits of the main-line descendants of  Augustus d’Amaury scowl at the ‘Sow of Ardennes’, disappointed that even in death, she continues to be a prideful thorn in the side of the living.

 

 

LORRAINE-HAENSE ACCORD OF 1619

Issued and confirmed by His Highness Leufroy d’Amaury and His Majesty Stephen I Barbanov,

12th of The Grand Harvest, 1619.

 

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An enactment of unity in tandem amidst the denizens of the Kingdom of Haense and the Archduchy of  Lorraine by virtue of marital tie, military alliance, and the wardship of Lothaire, son of Hughes, and heir to the throne of Lorraine under His Majesty Stephen I, King of Haense.

 

Adjured through King Stephen I and Archduke Leufroy Augustus in the disposition of such ties are the following terms presented:

 

I. A marriage and conjoining of culture as Eleanor Alexandra d’Amaury and Otto Georg Barbanov are brought together in unison through marriage.

II. Instating Lothaire d’Amaury of Lorraine, son of Hughes, as a ward under the prominence of His Royal Majesty, King Stephen I of Haense.

III. The gathering of arms in times of hostility upon or for either nation, accompanied by expressly indispensable military aid in the call of war.

 

SIGNED,

 

HIS MAJESTY, Stephen of House Barbanov, King of Haense and Ruska Grand Prince of the Raev, Duke of Akovia, Krajia, Greymarsh and Alban, Margrave of Vanderfell and Adria, Count of Siegrad, Werdenburg, Kavat, Karovia, Torun, Owynswood and Kaunas, Baron of Vsenk and Wyrmwood, Defender of the Faith, Lord of St. Karlsburg, Protector of the Highlanders

 

HIS GRACE, Leufroy Augustus of House d’Amaury, Archduke of Lorraine and of Kaedrin, Prince of Savoy and Metz, Count of Amaury, Lord of the Goldfields, Defender of the Heartlanders and Warden of the South

 

 

 

The Privy Council of Lorraine

Issued and confirmed by order of His Highness, Archduke Leufroy Augustus d’Amaury,

4th of The Suns Smile, 1617

             The Privy Council of Lorraine is an administrative and administered body that acts as an extension of the Archduke’s own self and authority throughout the Realm. Each position is to be held by the citizen most qualified who has also demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the state of Lorraine. The council is composed of the Archduke-in-Council, Lord Chancellor, Lord Marshal, Lord Scrivener, Lord Treasurer, and Lord Mayor.

 

 

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The Archduke-in-Council is the font of authority from which all privy councilors derive their powers, and has the final word on matters of state. He may choose to create or destroy council seats at will, and dismiss or appoint qualified persons to council offices. The Archduke should be just, charismatic, and receptive to council without being beholden to it. The noble rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the rightful and justly-consecrated bearer of the title of Archduke of Lorraine:

-To create and enforce laws

-To hold court or appoint a regent to do so  in his stead

-To act as liege-lord of his vassals

-To create, destroy, or staff privy seats

-To create or destroy feudatories and grant noble patent

-To chair the privy council is reserved for the Archduke alone.

The Archduke of Lorraine is His Highness, Archduke Leufroy Augustus d'Amaury. ((Icarnus))

 

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The Lord Chancellor is the chief advisor to the Archduke on affairs of state, and his word is second only to the Archduke. The Lord Chancellor is the councilor entrusted with important diplomatic missions to foreign potentates and the Regency of the state should its rightful sovereign declare it so. The Lord Chancellor should above all else be loyal to the state, diplomatic in speech and manner, and well-appraised of the political machinations of the realm. The Chancerial rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Chancellor of Lorraine:

-To act as diplomat plenipotentiary while treating with foreign states

-To hold court if the sovereign is absent

-To hold the Crown regency if the sovereign is incapacitated

-To ensure the stability of the Kingdom through internal diplomacy

-To act as an agent of the Crown’s interests

The justly-appointed Lord Chancellor of Lorraine is The Honorable,

Pepin Augustus Ashford de Bar. ((omnipotent_rage))

 

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The Lord Marshal is the head of the Lorraine military. He is tasked with the protection of the realm from all threats foreign and domestic. Other than the Archduke himself, the Lord Marshal is the sole office with the authority to create and destroy military orders and lead the Archduchy’s armies into battle. The Lord Marshal should regularly drill the soldiers of all levies, to ensure the training of His Highness’ Army. The ideal Lord Marshal is disciplined, charismatic, and strategic. The Marshal’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Marshal of Lorraine.

-To  Create or Destroy military orders/levies

-To promote or demote officers of His Highness’ Armies

-To raise or lower the vassal levies

-To command the Armies of Lorraine in battle

-To strategically ensure the defense of the Lorrainian state

-To act as an agent of the state’s interests

The justly-appointed Lord Marshal of Lorraine is The Honorable, Balian Crast. ((Amyas_))

 

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The Lord Scrivener is the foremost scholar of the Archduchy, responsible for drafting legal edicts for His Highness and his Council, and he alone is entrusted with the Council Seal. The Lord Scrivener is further responsible for the promotion and maintenance of scholarship throughout the Archduchy. The ideal Lord Scrivener possesses a legal education, a mastery of the written word, and literacy in Horenite and Flexian. The Scrivener’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Scrivener of Lorraine.

-To protect and apply the Privy Seal

-To write and release royal and conciliar decrees

-To maintain a publically accessible chronicle of Lorraine’s history

-To maintain the traditions and culture of Lorraine through publication of cultural materials

-To establish a corps of scholars to promote the publication of such materials

-To act as an agent of the state’s interest

                 

 The justly-appointed Lord Scrivener of Lorraine is The Honorable, ___________. ((Seeking Member))

 

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The Lord Treasurer is tasked with ensuring cash flow into the Archduchy’s coffers, through feudal land taxation and supervision of industry. The Treasurer must ensure the financial viability of the Archduchy and keep substantial funds available for times of war. The Treasurer should be a shrewd businessman, a trustworthy servant of the crown, and a diligent book-keeper. The Treasurer’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Treasurer of Lorraine.

-To manage the state budget

-To collect feudal tax from His Highness' vassals

-To ensure positive cash flow into the state’s coffers

-To administrate Royal investments and industries

-To guard the secrecy and security of the vaults of Lorraine

-To act as an agent of the state’s interest

                                     

 The justly-appointed Lord Treasurer of Lorraine is The Honorable, Lord Nicolas Rubens. ((FlemishSupremacy))

 

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The Lord Mayor is tasked with the proper operation and management of the state’s municipalities. The Lord Mayor must ensure that the cities of Lorraine and their denizens remain active, productive, and law-abiding. The ideal Mayor is a friend of the people, accessible, inspiring, and innovative, committed to making the cities of Lorraine a destination for the Realm. The Mayor’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Mayor of Lorraine.

-To ensure the activity and productivity of the state’s cities

-To keep order in the state’s cities

-To ensure the livability and sanitation of the state’s cities

-To collect rent from the citizens of the state’s cities

-To act as an agent of the state’s interest

The justly-appointed Lord Mayor of Lorraine is The Honorable, Hamelin of Metz. ((Fylkirie))

 

 

Signed by His Highness, Archduke Leufroy Augustus d’Amaury

Lord Chancellor, Pepin Augustus de Bar

   

 

 

 

THE HONOR GUARD OF LORRAINE

 

 

Prestigious upholders of the law, conduct, and military tradition throughout the Southern Realms;

The Bannermen of Amaury

 

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“I shall find a path, or I shall forge one for myself.”

 

Archduke John d’Amaury in public audience to his court, date unknown.

 

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HISTORY

 

The united forces of Archduke John’s Honor Guard and the Courlandic host, date unknown.

 

The origins of the Honor Guard stem from the events preceding the Duke’s War, when Lord Marshal Augustus d'Amaury’s nascent noble house was granted a considerate holding in the former fiefdom of Adria. The hardened bannermen of the Lord’s personal retinue remained staunch servants to the strong leader, and continued to serve him in the newly formed county of Amaury as the first of his prestigious entourage. Garrisoned alongside their liege within the imposing keep of Summerhall, the veterans were offered service by the Lord Marshal- to form an Honor Guard with the goal of maintaining order in the county and protecting the House d’Amaury if need be.

 

This company of stalwart and honorable men consists mainly of the experienced cavalrymen and halberdiers that saw service alongside the King Hughes during the Ruthern Rebellion, though apt newcomers in search of virtuous employ are encouraged to join the ranks of the capable band. Serving the House d’Amaury as Metz’s peacekeepers and their liege lord’s elite bannermen, the Honor Guard is tasked with maintaining order in times of internal and external turbulence.

 

With the untimely demise of Hughes d’Amaury and the subsequent dissolution of the Grand Army of Lorraine, the Honor Guard finds itself placed in the competent hands of Leufroy d’Amaury, cousin of the Archduchy’s previous King Hughes.

 

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ROLE IN AMAURY

 

Portrait of Augustus d’Amaury, founder of the Honor Guard and the first Archduke of Lorraine, dated 1545.

 

Since the birth of the intrepid House d’Amaury, the Honor Guard have been charged with protecting the Archduchy of Lorraine and ensuring stability over their Lord’s holdings. Patrolling the burgh- oft on horseback - the brave men of Metz watch over their lands with a vigilant gaze, protecting the denizens of Amaury from ruthless bandits and savage marauders.

 

The men of the Honor Guard are also graced with the task of guaranteeing their the safety of their lieges, the honorable aristocracy of House d’Amaury. Acting as an armed escort and guard force when the need arises, the soldiers garrisoned within Metz city walls serve the Archduke and his kinfolk with zeal and ardor, upholding the virtues of their commander while protecting his family.

 

Comprised mostly of the tested veterans of the Ruthern Rebellion, the Honor Guard is gracious to bear a large number of weathered combatants under its service. The brave footsoldiers of a vicious and bloody conflict, the Archduke’s banner force boasts a capable number of courageous and valiant combatants who are well-suited to fighting wars with skillful organization and unfaltering loyalty.

 

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DUTY TO THE LORDS OF LORRAINE

 

Depiction of assorted Lorrainian nobility, date unknown.

 

In seeing the military largely centralized, lords who chose to contribute men to the Honor Guard are given more than just respect; they receive protection, save minae on wages, and save resources in our arming of these men.

 

Lords of the realm will receive, upon request, a number of men to come protect them. Patrols will be sent through the lands as well to ensure the continued safety of all fiefs who contribute men to the force. Men who have risen to the esteemed rank of Honor Guard will also serve lords personally, acting with the authority and regal manner of a knight, but with the servitude of a page. A lord may suggest someone to act as their first Honor Guard, but all subsequent Honor Guards in service to such a lord would have to opt into it.

 

Guardsmen will uphold the law of the Duchy wherever they are or are sent, and may actively garrison a fief if need be. Lords may approach the Commander to negotiate/make requests at any time.

 

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FEATS OF BRAVERY

 

Archduke Augustus leads the men of Oren and his Honor Guard in the siege on Barrowyk, date unknown.

 

Feats of Bravery are acts of an extraordinary nature that showcase the merits of the soldier who performed them as well as their willingness to fight against impossible odds. The Feat itself does not have to follow a strict format, but is often required to be an act of incredible daring or unsurpassable skill, such as being first over an enemy’s fortress wall or successfully capturing an enemy leader. Feats of Bravery are often rewarded with promotion, medals, or more fungible rewards such as bonus pay, all of which are determined at the discretion of the Marshal.

 

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CHAIN OF COMMAND

 

King Hughes d’Amaury leads the Grand Army of Lorraine - accompanied by the Bastard’s Band - in the Ruthern Rebellion, date unknown.

 

HIGH COMMAND

 

Marshal

 

The Marshal is the leader of the Honor Guard, and he has the final say in all matters. Though the Marshal is generally expected to leave the more trivial affairs of the Commander of the Guard, he may intervene as he pleases, and once he has spoken the matter is no longer up for discussion. Commanding a seat on Lorraine’s Privy Council, the Marshal also enjoys a great deal of political power, and thus must be able to navigate the murky and often dangerous political waters of Oren; in fact, he spends just as much of his time acting as the face and advocate for the Guard as he does overseeing its military matters. The Marshal answers only to the Archduke of Lorraine.

 

Commander of the Guard

 

The Commander of the Guard is the manifestation of authority in the Honor Guard, and is the principal overseer of the military and its progress. He answers only to the Marshal and the Duke, and is often tasked with leading flanking forces in battle. The Commander must not only be a skilled leader, but a master logistician; for wars are won by efficient supply more than they are won by acts of gallantry.

 

OFFICERS

 

Captain

 

The rank of Captain commands both respect and unflinching obedience. They are steadfast leaders who are expected to inspire the soldiers they lead and encourage the officers under their command to greater feats of bravery and wit. The Captain’s duties include leading the troops, recruiting new members, distributing the payroll, and overseeing disciplinary action. The Captains also serve as advisors to the Marshal and Commander of the Guard.

 

Lieutenant

 

A lieutenant is an officer who has proven, time and again, that they can excel in a leadership role. Lieutenants may command a detachment of soldiers, and are often responsible for leading training drills, recruiting, inspecting the troops, and assigning patrols and guard duty. A lieutenant may promote members of the enlisted - excluding the promotion of sergeants - with the approval of the Marshal. Additionally, officers of this rank are eligible to become quartermasters or drill instructors.

 

ENLISTED

 

Man-At-Arms

 

Often regarded as the more gifted and skilled counterparts to the footmen, the Men at Arms of Lorraine boast considerable competence and are proficient soldiers. A service of considerable longitude under the Lord Marshal is usually rewarded with this respectable ranking.

 

Footman

 

Those who have been tested as able-bodied and loyal levies of the House d’Amaury, the Honor Guard’s Footmen make up the auxiliary of the force, and carry out their duties with coordination and devotion.

 

Conscript

 

The starting rank of the Honor Guard. This rank is given to the fledgling guardsmen who have recently began their tenure within the Honor Guard, and as such they have yet to prove their aptitude and valor. As befitting of their fledgeling status, conscripts do not earn pay.

 

SPECIALIZED POSITIONS

 

Quartermaster

 

The Quartermaster is more of a role and necessarily not a rank as the quartermaster may serve as a fellow soldier while fulfilling his duties as Quartermaster at the side of Honor Guard duties. The Quartermaster is charged with the task of supervising and coordinating supplies and provisions in the garrison.

 

Standard Bearer

 

The Standard Bearer is an individual in the guard delegated with the esteemed task of bearing the Archduke’s own colors of Amaury - serving as a beacon to galvanize the men of the Honor Guard in

battle.                            

                       

                                    Vandalier

 

The Vandalier is a member of the guard responsible for documentation, management, and collective consolidation of forces and gear. A direct tepresentative of professionalism and organization throughout the guard.

 

Disciplinarian

 

The Disciplinarian of the Honor Guard is responsible for making sure the soldiers are disciplined and follow orders given by their superiors. The Disciplinarian would commonly be a Sergeant or a higher ranked commander. The Disciplinarian has the authority to hand out punishments to soldiers who break the Honor Guard’s Code of Conduct, as long as the soldier if below the Disciplinarians own rank. Should an Honor Guard from a higher rank break the Code the Disciplinarian would forward this to the High Command, preferably the Marshal.

 

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AWARDS AND HONORARY TITLES

 

A noble lady escorted by a mounted unit of Honor Guards, dated 1537.

 

Honorary awards or titles may be presented to men of the Honor Guard through direct service or through a vassal levy by the personal discretion of the Archduke. These medals serve to distinguish individual soldiers with the recognition they so well deserve.

 

Great Oak

 

The highest condecoration someone may earn. Reserved for those showing great valor in the field of battle.

 

St. Lothar’s Cross

 

The second highest condecoration in the military, awarded to those who have done great deeds for the realm or undergone courageous missions and survived.

 

Pendant of Valour

 

Awarded to those who put their comrade’s well being above their own and have shown themselves ready to sacrifice all for Lorraine.

 

Bannerman’s Pendant

 

Awarded to those who achieved the rank of Man-At-Arms. They’re often seen as the most experienced and reliable soldiers in the army.

 

Pendant of Service

 

Awarded to those who have completed their service of four years in the army.  

 

Ashford Sun

 

Ring of the golden ashford sun, symbolic in those who do great deeds in the name of Savoy.

 

Tab of Recruitment

 

Awarded to those expressing exemplary enlistment of recruits.

 

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LEVY ORGANIZATION

 

Each title bearing landowner shall be able to opt into having a levy. Each levy shall use the colours of the house which they’re under to identify and distinguish them from other levies of the guard. Those who do not serve any lord in particular and directly wish to serve his Highness may do so, they shall bear the colours of d’Amaury. Each Levy will proceed to follow the ranks, customs, and rules of the Honor Guard.

 

        A levy can consist of no fewer than four total men including the Leader, and they may only be commanded by someone of the rank or higher than a Footman.

 

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CUSTOMS

 

Saluting

 

Squeeze the right hand, forming it into a fist. Place the fist over your chest, keeping your arm bent at the elbow. Hold until you are saluted back or dismissed.

 

Addressing Nobles

 

When in the presence of a noble, whether of Lorraine or another, if you are unaware of their position you are to address them as ‘Sir/M’lady.’

 

Addressing Superiors

 

When speaking to those of higher rank. You always will address them as ‘Sir.’

 

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PAY

 

Pay is regarded on the amount of effort and time a soldier devotes to the Guard - regardless of rank or title.

 

Battles/Warclaims

 

Sixty minas.

 

Skirmishes

 

Thirty minas.

 

Guard Duty (Events)

 

Twenty minas.

 

Gate Duty (Events)

 

Ten minas bonus on Guard duty pay.

 

Honorable Recognition

 

One hundred minas or a special item or weapon..

 

Recruiting

 

Fifty minas (Recruit stays over one elven week)

 

The right to refuse pay based on service is granted to all Commanders.

 

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ENLISTING

 

OOC:

 

Minecraft Name:

Skype:
Do you have Teamspeak:

 

IC:

 

Name:

Age:

Profession:

Prior service:

 

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Lotharingia-Romstun Concord, 1615

Peace settled between the Crown of the South and the Principality of Skravia.

 

 

Issued and confirmed by His Majesty Leufroy Augustus d’Amaury and His Highness Deano Romstun. Penned by the Right Honorable Pepin Augustus de Bar, 16th of Malin’s Welcome, 1615.

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Message finds itself throughout the realm, heralded by the hooves of swift destriers.

 

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PREAMBLE

 

Let it be known to all both near and far,

 

It has pleased divine providence to spread the spirit of union and harmonious concord amongst the men of this dear newfound Empire, inspiring both the Crown of Lotharingia and the men of Romstun to allow for the solace of a most welcome peace to succeed the misfortunes of meritless havoc and bloody war. Remorse is presented for any hostile transgressions committed against the men of Skravia and the House of Romstun. The Prince’s peoples have proved their mettle and are by no means heathenous nor barbarous, as was most unduly chronicled by one of our dear subjects. Alas, we both find commonality in our shared kinship as sons of Horen - it was not we, our fellow brothers of man, whom we were meant to fight. 

 

Hence, we hereby do so declare our mutual agreement to cast aside all past misunderstandings and grievances in favor of beneficial correspondence between our two peoples in the noble pursuit of enduring peace and rapport.

 

Let this document serve as the legal affidavit to this mutual accord.

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THE TERMS OF PEACE

 

• Any and all aggressions between the Kingdom of Lotharingia and the Principality of Skravia are to cease immediately.
• Lands west of Metz - once governed by the Crown of Lotharingia - are hereby ceded to the Principality of Skravia.
• War reparations in form of a sum of thirty-thousand minae is to be transferred to the Principality of Skravia.

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LET US SEE NAUGHT BUT HEALTH AND PROSPERITY COME FROM THIS NEWFOUND PEACE

 

HIS HIGHNESS, Deano of House Romstun, Prince of Skravia

 

HIS MAJESTY, Leufroy I Augustus d’Amaury, King of Lotharingia and of Kaedrin, Prince of Savoy and Metz, Archduke of Lorraine, Count of Amaury, Lord of the Goldfields, Defender of the Heartlanders and Warden of the South

 

THE ROYAL ASCENSION ACT, 1615

An Act to provide for the welfare and security of the Nation, as well as the succession of the Crown of Lotharingia in the Amaury line.

  

 

Issued and confirmed by His Majesty Leufroy Augustus d’Amaury and Her Majesty Mary Elizabeth d’Amaury. Penned by the Right Honorable Pepin Augustus de Bar, 9th of Snow’s Maiden, 1615.

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A raven swoops into the gathering night, bearing message.

 

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PREAMBLE

 

Oh men of noble heart, lament! The King Hughes I d’Amaury’s cruel and untimely demise has struck naught but the most alarming of vexation in our fair people, being plainly unbefitting of the righteous man which he lived. Alas, thoughtfully was it that the late King considered the situation in which his Kingdom would lie should he perish while his successor is of tender year.

 

Hence, it is in the interests of the late Majesty - as prescribed in his will - that proper provisions for both the care and tuition of the persons of his progeny be ensured. Moreover, through thoughtful lucubration did the late Majesty stipulate to forebear the establishment of a regency council, being all too familiar with its inefficacious effects and the stagnation that it so breeds, especially in times of tumult. It is thereby that he wished, being of sound mind, that the Crown pass unto his trusted compatriot and nephew, Leufroy Augustus; and that whensoever as the aforenamed shall perish, the Crown of this realm shall descend to his Highness Lothar Augustus, the eldest son of his Majesty Hughes I Pierre, the late King of Lotharingia, or to any other children of his said late Majesty.

 

Thusly, let this document serve as the legal affidavit to this King’s newfound ascension to the throne and the succession that shall follow thereafter.

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THE TERMS OF THE SUCCESSION

 

• Given the minority of King Hughes I d’Amaury’s firstborn and heir apparent, his Highness Lothar Augustus, the Crown of the Kingdom shall be vested unto the capable hands of one Leufroy Augustus d’Amaury - the late King’s nephew.
• The Privy Council of Lotharingia shall proclaim His Majesty Leufroy d’Amaury’s ascension to the throne.
• His Majesty Leufroy d’Amaury shall be vested with every authority of the monarch, save the ability of royal assent to alter the line of succession. The late King Hughes I d’Amaury’s firstborn son retains, unequivocally, the title of heir apparent to the throne regardless of whatever progeny the current King may bear. Should his Highness pass, said status shall be bequeathed to any other progeny of his late Majesty.
• The Lotharingian Regency Act of 1614 is hereby declared null and void.

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GOD BE WITH THIS RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE

 

HIS MAJESTY, Leufroy Augustus d’Amaury, King of Lotharingia and of Kaedrin, Prince of Savoy and Metz, Archduke of Lorraine, Count of Amaury, Lord of the Goldfields, Defender of the Heartlanders and Warden of the South

ROYAL LETTERS FOR THE COUNTY OF NEW ASCELLA

Issued and Confirmed by His Majesty, Hughes d’Amaury, 14th of Malin’s Welcome, 1613

 

TO OUR BELOVED PEOPLE,

 

It has delighted the King to reward the service of one Tyrvane Vallark and his House, who has shown dedication and diligence to Our lands. He is so enfeoffed to the County of New Ascella. He and his legitimate lineage shall hold this land entrusted by the King for so long as they remain loyal to Our throne. They shall maintain the law as defined in the Royal Statue of Metz, abide peacefully, and rise to the defense of this Our Kingdom when called upon. In return, the King does so privilege them with the right to levy law and taxes upon their people.

 

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Hughes I Pierre of the House of Amaury, King of Lotharingia, Prince of Savoy and Metz, Archduke of Lorraine, Margrave of Kaedrin, Count of Amaury, Lord of the Goldfields, Defender of the Heartlanders, and Warden of the South

 

HIS LORDSHIP, Tyrvane Vallark, Count of New Ascella

 

A Lotharingian courier receives directions from townsfolk living among old Imperial ruins, 7th of Snow’s Maiden 1613

 

 

Following the Second battle of Rothswood, the world lurched. Men moved quickly to and fro opportunities arising from these turbulent times. Among them though, rode Lotharingian messengers, destined to a number of nations; bearing letters clad and closed with the coat of arms of Lotharingia, and House d’Amaury.

 

Addressed to Clement II, High Pontiff of the Church of Canon:

 

 

Addressed to High King Donovan of Norland:

 

 

Dually addressed to the Clan’s Grandaxe and Frostbeard of Urguan:

 

 

Addressed to King Stephen of Ruska:

 

 

Addressed to King Joseph of Courland:

 

 

 

Lastly, a personal letter addressed to the House Ruthern:

 

 

The Privy Council of Lotharingia

Est. by order of His Majesty, King Hughes Pierre d’Amaury, 1613

 

 

 

The Privy Council of Lotharingia is an administrative and advisory body that acts as an extension of the King’s own self and authority throughout the Realm. Each position is to be held by the citizen most qualified who has also demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the Lotharingian state. The council is composed of the King-in-Council, Lord Chancellor, Lord Marshal, Lord Scrivener, Lord Treasurer, and Lord Mayor.

 

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The King-in-Council is the font of authority from which all privy councilors derive their powers, and has the final word on matters of state. He may choose to create or destroy privy seats at will, and dismiss or appoint qualified persons to privy offices. The King should be just, charismatic, and receptive to council without being beholden to it. The royal rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the rightful and justly-consecrated bearer of the Lotharingian crown:

    -To create and enforce laws

    -To hold court or appoint a regent to do so in his stead

    -To act as liege-lord of his vassals

    -To create, destroy, or staff privy seats

    -To create or destroy feudatories and grant noble patent

    -To chair the privy council are reserved for the Crown alone.

The crowned King of Lotharingia is His Majesty, King Hughes Pierre d’Amaury ((solaries)).

 

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The Lord Chancellor is the chief advisor to the Crown on affairs of state, and his word is second only to the King. The Lord Chancellor is the privy councilor entrusted with important diplomatic missions to foreign potentates and the Regency of the Crown should its rightful sovereign declare it so. The Lord Chancellor should above all else be loyal to the crown, diplomatic in speech and manner, and well-appraised of the political machinations of the realm. The Chancerial rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Chancellor of Lotharingia:

    -To act as diplomat plenipotentiary while treating with foreign states

    -To hold court if the sovereign is absent

    -To hold the Crown regency if the sovereign is incapacitated

    -To ensure the stability of the Kingdom through internal diplomacy    

    -To act as an agent of the Crown’s interests

The justly-appointed Lord Chancellor of Lotharingia is His Highness, Prince Odo d’Amaury ((Jaicheff)).

 

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The Lord Marshal is the head of the Lotharingian military. He is tasked with the protection of the realm from all threats foreign and domestic. Other than the King himself, the Lord Marshal is the sole office with the authority to create and destroy military orders and lead the Kingdom’s armies into battle. The Lord Marshal should regularly drill the soldiers of all levies, to ensure the training of His Majesty’s Army. The ideal Lord Marshal is disciplined, charismatic, and strategic. The Marshal’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Marshal of Lotharingia.

    -To  Create or Destroy military orders

    -To promote or demote officers of His Majesty’s Armies

    -To raise or lower the vassal levies

    -To command the Armies of Lotharingia in battle

    -To strategically ensure the defense of the Lotharingian state

    -To act as an agent of the Crown’s interests

The justly-appointed Lord Marshal of Lotharingia is The Honorable, Lord John Frederick de Capua ((Gucko)).

 

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The Lord Scrivener is the foremost scholar of the Kingdom, responsible for drafting legal edicts for His Majesty and His Privy Council, and he alone is entrusted with the Privy Seal. The Lord Scrivener is further responsible for the promotion and maintenance of scholarship throughout the Kingdom. The ideal Lord Scrivener possesses a legal education, a mastery of the written word, and literacy in Horenite and Flexian. The Scrivener’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Scrivener of Lotharingia.

    -To protect and apply the Privy Seal

    -To write and release royal and conciliar decrees

    -To maintain a publically accessible chronicle of Lotharingian history

    -To maintain the traditions and culture of Lotharingia through publication of cultural materials

    -To establish a corps of scholars to promote the publication of such materials

    -To act as an agent of the Crown’s interest

The justly-appointed Lord Scrivener of Lotharingia is The Honorable, Fr. Alaric Hightower de Montfort ((Aetosion/Wyr)).

 

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The Lord Treasurer is tasked with ensuring cash flow into the Kingdom’s coffers, through feudal taxation and supervision of industry. The Lord Treasurer must ensure the financial viability of the Kingdom and keep substantial funds available for times of war. The Treasurer should be a shrewd businessman, a trustworthy servant of the crown, and a diligent book-keeper. The Treasurer’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Treasurer of Lotharingia.

    -To manage the crown budget

    -To collect feudal tax from His Majesty’s vassals

    -To ensure positive cash flow into the kingdom’s coffers

    -To administrate Royal investments and industries

    -To guard the secrecy and security of the Vaults of Lotharingia

    -To act as an agent of the Crown’s interest

The justly-appointed Lord Treasurer of Lotharingia is The Honorable, Lord Nicolas Rubens ((Belgianz)).

 

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The Lord Mayor is tasked with the proper operation and management of the Crown’s municipalities. The Lord Mayor must ensure that the cities of Lotharingia and their denizens remain active, productive, and law-abiding. The ideal Mayor is a friend of the people, accessible, inspiring, and innovative, committed to making the cities of Lotharingia a destination for the Realm. The Mayor’s rights and duties enumerated below are reserved only for the sovereign-appointed Lord Mayor of Lotharingia.

    -To ensure the activity and productivity of the Crown’s cities

    -To keep order in the cities of the Kingdom

    -To ensure the livability and sanitation of the Crown’s cities

    -To collect rent from the citizens of the Crown’s cities

    -To act as an agent of the Crown’s interest

The justly-appointed Lord Mayor of Lotharingia is the Honorable, Lord Humphrey Tullas ((Teahupoo)).

 

Signed,

His Majesty, King Hughes Pierre d’Amaury

Lord Scrivener, Frater Alaric Hightower de Montfort

Edict of the Lord Scrivener

Est. by order of His Majesty, King Hughes Pierre d'Amaury, 1613

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

By decree of His Majesty, King Hughes d’Amaury, First of His Name, the office of Lord Scrivener has hereby been established. The position, along with a seat on the King’s Council, imbues the office of Lord Scrivener with the following responsibilities and authorities:

 

• The responsibility to author documents for the King and council upon request.

• The responsibility to maintain and protect the privy seal of the King, and the authority to affix its mark to official documents of note.

• The responsibility to keep and maintain the history of the kingdom.

• The right to apprentice and train scribes of the realm to ensure vassals of his majesty also maintain quality documentation and histories.

• The right to maintain the office and dignities of Lord Scrivener.

 

These responsibilities and authorities are to be executed by a man of solid mind and scribal learning to ensure the authorship and officiation of important scribal documents, creating consistency in edicts and managing council workflow while simultaneously managing the history and lore of the kingdom. His Majesty, King Hughes d’Amaury of the Kingdom of Lotharingia, names Fr. Alaric Hightower de Montfort to assume the post of Lord Scrivener.

 

______________________________________________________________

 

Signed,

His Majesty, King Hughes d’Amaury of Lotharingia

Frater Alaric Hightower de Montfort, S.S.E.

 

WEDDING BELLS IN METZ

 

 

Thunderous sounds of an army returning victorious mixed with the ringing of the great church bells in Metz. A stream of veterans in blood-stained plate-mail and torn tabards filed back into Metz, chants of, “AVE, AVE! AVE RUTHERN! AVE LOTHARINGIA!” echoing off of the great stone walls. Ser Rosencrantz de Falstaff, Hangman of Courat, sat astride a chestnut steed, head held high and a smile underneath the beard that had grown in over the weeks on march. Instead of making his way to the tavern with his men at arms, he urged his mount towards the ringing of the Church bells.

 

After a curt order, his squire promptly set about removing his Master’s armor, packing it away atop his pack mule. The knight looked at his reflection in the stained glass image of St. Owyn’s Purification, feeling naked without his armor, and saw that what had lain beneath was something wild, coarse, and untamed. He did not see a gentleman preparing to be a wed. He ran a hand through his blood-soaked hair and beard and frowned, but then raised his eyes to the image of St. Owyn holding aloft the head of Harren, a glorious golden halo around the Exalted Saint, blood dripping from his sword, from the head. The knight’s gaze wandered to the limp and decapitated body of Harren at his feet, splayed out like a limp doll. He knew then that, though he wore a torn tabard that stank of battle, he also wore the most holy of knightly vestments, the blood of the slain heretic. Knowing this, he straightened, and pushed opened the great oak doors of the Temple.

 

His squire smiled and finished his duties, then walked out into the town, shouting, “TO BE WED, SER ROSENCRANTZ DE FALSTAFF AND LADY ALYDA D’VAWDRÉ! COME AND BEAR WITNESS TO THEIR HOLY MATRIMONY IN THE TEMPLE IN METZ.”

 

Regarding Knighthood in Lotharingia

 

 

 

 

By the official decree of His Majesty, King Hughes I Pierre d’Amaury, King of Lotharingia, and the Knights of the Circle, the state of knighthood and those eligible to title themselves as Ser is redefined herein. Their powers and responsibilities, the codes that they must adhere to and the obligations which they owe to the state of Lotharingia are thus named.

 

ARTICLE I

Knighthood and Elevation

 

There exists only one route for a man to take in order to be granted knighthood and all the respect that the title of Ser entails; this being:

 

• Being granted the office of Ser by the King of Lotharingia and the Knights of the Circle for an act of exemplary valour or courage, befitting of the title.

 

The previous form(s) of being granted knighthood are formally revoked and seen as an illegitimate means of being able to receive the title of Ser:

 

• Serving an existing Ser or Lord of the Kingdom as a squire for enough years to learn the tenets of knighthood.

• Being knighted by the King or any of his Lords without the consent of the Knights of the Circle.

 

In order for one to be named as a knight by His Majesty, the King, and the Knights of the Circle the following must occur:

 

• The hopeful Ser must show their honour and bravery through a valorous action and in doing such prove themselves worthy of the title - demonstrating to the Heartlander Crown both their dedication and understanding of chivalry.

• A man may be recommended by the Prince or any vassals beneath His Majesty, having previously demonstrated the aforementioned qualities, and placed before the Crown and the Knights of the Circle for consideration.

• The hopeful Ser must also swear oaths of fealty to His Majesty, the King, regardless of their title.

 

Any hopeful Ser must fit the following criteria to be considered:

 

• The hopeful must be a male, and of Human origin - no dwarven, orcish or other bastardisation of blood shall be allowed the title Ser.

• Noble blood, whilst oft desired, is not necessary; the candidate for Knighthood may be common, burgher or noble.

 

For a Knighthood to be considered valid, the ceremony with which a hopeful is made a Ser must follow certain steps:

 

• Both His Majesty, the King of Lotharingia, and a member of the Knights of the Circle, whoever should hold the position, must be present for the ceremony to occur.

• For the ceremony to be considered fully valid, both the aforementioned figures should be present as well as at least pair of other witnesses.

 

ARTICLE II

Gentry and Laws

 

Every Knight and his family are members of the gentry class, but only the knight himself holds the lowest rank of nobility within the Kingdom. No longer shall second sons or any proceeding receive privileges before acquiring both Knighthood and an Education. Defined herein are the tenets of such class, along with their styling:

 

• The title of Ser is not hereditary, nor subject to the laws of inheritance. Should a Knight die, no son of his shall take up his title.

• Knights are to be styled as the Ser [First Name] ‘The [Knightly Moniker], addressed in missive or conversation as the Ser [First Name].

 

We put our nobility to a standard higher than that of the realms abroad; all heirs are expected to squire and study until the completion of their training and studies. All titles will be held and managed by Both the King and his Seven until said heir has secured at least an Errant Knight’s status, and Bachelor’s education.

 

In order to uphold the honour of the gentry class and all knights, they are expected to uphold the following expectations*:

 

• Knights are expected to uphold the tenure of their fealty to His Majesty and His Majesty alone. They must adhere to laws, pay tax, and answer any call to battle.

• They must protect the commoners of the Kingdom, regardless of what Lord’s standard they serve beneath.

• All Knights are expected to act as an exemplar of justice and piety to all that live within the Kingdom.

 

*Adherence to these expectations is not bound by law, as later ones are, yet to disregard such shall bring shame onto a Ser and all of his kin.

 

The following crimes are worthy of death, unless otherwise pardoned by His Majesty, the King:

 

• Should a man claim to hold the title of Knight, or be of the gentry and noble classes, he shall be punished for breaking the King’s law.

• Impersonation of another Knight of the Realm, attempting to take on their name and garments, shall be punished just as strictly.

 

In order for the gentry and nobility to remain without stain, Knighthoods may be revoked:

 

• The right to revoke lies with His Majesty and the Circle, and extends across all Knighthoods. Such a punishment may be levied should the Knight break an oath, violate the chivalric code, or break the laws of the realm.

• The actions of a Knight that lead to his revocation shall be brought before His Highness and , who holds the right to charge the revoked Knight if said actions break the Laws of Lotharingia.

 

 

ARTICLE III

Regarding Knight Erranthood

 

Before attaining Knighthood, and ascending to join the Circle, one must first attain Knight Erranthood, articles of qualification are thus:

 

• Before a noble son and heir can hope to attain his Knight Erranthood, let alone any further titles, he must first have completed his tenure of study of history, reading and writing at the Royal Academy of Metz.

• Upon completing their tuition, one noble son must come to either one of the Circle or the King himself and request to become a Knight Errant.

 

A Knight Errant is expected to uphold the same expectations as a fully fledged knight.

 

ARTICLE IV

The Circle

 

The Circle exists as an Order for Knights:

 

• Every knight enrolled within the Kingdom of Lotharingia is a part of the Knights of the Circle and subservient to His Majesty.

• There shall only be several knights at any given time within the Kingdom of Lotharingia, no knight is above or below the station of another and are all equal within the circle.

• The Knights of the Circle are tasked with the direct mission of guarding His Majesty’s person and properties as if they were his own. Their oaths to him defeat all others and they must be available to serve him at any time when he desires it.

• Upon the death of a Knight of the Circle another shall be selected as his replacement through the means mentioned prior. A knight, before his death, may suggest a replacement but that does not assure the individual the title Ser upon the knight’s death.

 

 

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His Royal Majesty, HUGHES I PIERRE D'AMAURY, King of Lotharingia, Prince of Savoy and Metz, Archduke of Lorraine, Margrave of Kaedrin, Count of Amaury, Lord of the Goldfields, Defender of the Heartlanders and Warden of the South

 

Ser ADRIAN ROTHESAY the PROUD, Knight of the Circle

 

Ser ROSENCRANTZ DE FALSTAFF the HANGMAN, Knight of the Circle

 

Ser BORS TREVILLE the YOUNGER, Knight of the Circle

 

Ser SIEGFRIED D’VAWDRÉ the MAD DOG, Knight of the Circle

 

Ser BRYANT ALLARD the FERVENT, Knight of the Circle

 

Ser JONATHAN THEODORE VIMMARK the GREY, Knight of the Circle

 

Ser BERTHOLDT the BEAR, Knight of the Circle

 

THE GRAND ARMY

The Sons of Augustus; Lotharingian Guards

 

 

I will fill your mountains with the dead. Your hills, your valleys, and your ravines will be filled with people slaughtered by my sword. I will make you desolate forever; your towns will not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

 

 

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HISTORY AND PURPOSE

 

A Lotharingian soldier fighting at the Battle of Goldfields

 

The Grand Army is the primary military order in servitude to the Crown of Lotharingia. Led by the King himself, Hughes d’Amaury, they have many purposes: guarding the city of Metz and patrolling the Kingdom’s roads, providing a bodyguard to the King during times of conflict and peace, serving the Kingdom in times of war as its main fighting force, and upholding the honour of the Kingdom should it ever be required.

 

Although a nascent force, formed only recently from the veterans of past Lotharingian endeavours, it draws its customs and traditions from innumerable past orders in the lands of its officer’s forefathers. With such an esteemed military tradition, formed as it is from the crack Lotharingian troops that helped numerous war efforts come to a swift end, there is no doubt in the warrior’s abilities to perform their duties.

 

The Grand Army is currently based in the city of Metz, at the heart of the Kingdom and close to the King himself. The land’s verdant fields and rolling plains have left an impact upon the forces, spawning a deep respect for the power of heavy cavalry that has resulted in each man learning how to use a pike ably in his training.

 

 

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RECRUITMENT

 

For any desiring to join the ranks of The Grand Army at Metz, in the Kingdom of Lotharingia, they may either visit the lands ((x2888, z620)), taking the cart at the hub, or send their application via bird or courier. As long as each potential soldier is of fighting age and not a minor and passes a physical test, they may enroll.

 

APPLICATION:

 

[OOC]

Username:

Skype name:

Timezone:

 

[IC]

Name:

Race:

Why do you desire to join?:

Do you agree to PK if RP is done appropriately and well?:

 

 

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RANKS

 

For victory to triumph over defeat, and good to force out malice, discipline is required: a hierarchy of men who in the white-hot heat of battle stand shoulder to shoulder and listen to their commander - whose swords sing a single, unified song.

 

A lone trading ship tracks the Lotharingian shore upon the settling of Tahn

[HIGH COMMAND]

 

KING OF LOTHARINGIA

 

Paramount in matters of the Order is the coronated King of Lotharingia - his word is law in all the boundaries of his Kingdom and here is no different. All who serve in the ranks, even the Chevaliers, are bound by oath to obey him.

 

LORD MARSHAL

 

Beneath the King is the Lord Marshal - the most superior administrator and leader of the soldiers in times of peace and war. Other than His Majesty, the Lord Marshal is the highest ranking officer in The Grand Army.

 

BANNERLORDS

 

Beneath the Lord Marshal are the Bannerlords. Promoted from the most able of the troop they are able to lead convincingly, fight with a furious conviction, and can turn the tide of a battle. They manage disputes in times of peace, when tempers may boil over, and hold the line in the middle of massed combat. Feared or respected - their iron will is known by all Enlisted.

 

[LOW COMMAND]

 

SERGEANT

 

Sergeants train the mass of soldiers and lead them on small missions: patrols, guard duty, hunts or any other tasks that may emerge. Many are experienced soldiers who have proven themselves charismatic and competent and others are experienced noble youths.

 

[ENLISTED TROOPS]

 

MAN-AT-ARMS

 

Men-At-Arms are the most distinguished of all enlisted troops, a steel vertebrate that runs through the entire troop. Many have spent their lives in service of the King and fought in dozens of conflicts - it is the ultimate honour to serve amongst their number.

 

FOOTMAN

 

Footmen form the mass of soldiers, reliable warriors who relish their role as defenders of the Kingdom. They patrol, guard, battle, cleanse, and keep the King’s person safe.

 

INITIATE

 

Initiates are those who, aptly enough, are only recently initiated to the group. They have either served under two years or not been involved in a meaningful battle; they use their time to integrate with soldiers and earn their place amongst their comrades.

 

[HONORARY RANKS]

 

CHAMPION OF METZ

 

The finest warrior in the entire order, the Champion is chosen either by proving himself before the King - often in the most dangerous of circumstances - or at a tourney held to determine the most worthy to hold the post. The title is the greatest honour possible, and the holder is expected to always be the first to draw their blade, and the last to sheath it.

 

 

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TENETS, VIRTUES, CUSTOMS

 

Vigilance - Honour - Piety - Courage - Loyalty

 

A Vindicator of the Ashen Dawn in Old Felsen

 

Embedded at the heart of every armiger fighting beneath the Lotharingian banner are the core tenets that they must uphold with every passing day and in every action that they take. The soldiers, from the highest Chevalier to the newest Initiate, are sworn to uphold the following values:

 

VIGILANCE

 

Vigilance is to be the watchword of every man. The soldiers, guards of Lotharingia as they are, are entrusted with the protection of not only the kingdom and city’s borders, and the person of the King, but also with the protection of each of their comrade’s lives.

 

HONOUR

 

The Knights of the Golden Spur are not a band of brigands, or even a motley crew of peasant levies. They are the finest soldiers in Lotharingia, bearing the mantle of all the forces of both Lorraine and Savoy who have come before them. They behave honourably in their treatment of other Lotharingians.

 

PIETY

 

While the Knights are not a holy order in the manner which the old, saintly, forces of yore were, they should all embody pious values. They must defend the downtrodden, strike down the unjust, and purge the unclean who defy the Lord’s word.

 

COURAGE

 

If there is any one quality that fighting men should embody above all others, it is courage. In the blistering, ferocious, battles is true camaraderie forged and for a man to behave cowardly, or adopt a craven approach, is a betrayal of not only his oath to the King but also of his duty simply as a man.

 

LOYALTY

 

Fundamental to the conduct of all soldiers is their loyalty to the King. He leads the Knights, the Kingdom, and holds the final word. For a force which exists to serve Lotharingia, the ultimate virtue of each man must be his loyalty.

 

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Ascension of Odo d'Amaury, 1607

 

In the wake of the assassination of Philip Owyn  by Royalist forces, the d’Amaury Kingdom now finds itself represented by his cousin Odo d’Amaury, son of Jacques. With this declaration, let the following be known:

 

• All responsibilities entrusted of the King lay upon Odo d’Amaury.

• Issues pertaining to the vassals of the Kingdom will now find themselves represented by Odo d’Amaury, his new found authority to be used to secure the most favourable and just outcome in both direction and decision.

• Matters concerning prospect vassalage, Lotharingians abroad, and all other concerns that require representation of the Kingdom will only find Odo d’Amaury, or whomever he shall delegate as a representative.

• Upholding the functions of the Royal Administration, any responsibilities now seeing themselves left unserviced are now Odo’s and his advisory council to maintain.

• Following the traditions that were once integral to a more prosperous Lotharingia, the Church of Canon will be beckoned on to help us in our time of need.

 

Hereon after this decree, this shall serve as the legal document affirming this coming ascension. Under the guidance of God, with the approval of Philip I Owyn’s late council, and for the betterment of Lotharingia, may this regency see nothing but success in putting down the dogs that bark against peace.

 

Signed,

King of Lotharingia, Odo d’Amaury

Prince of Savoy, Hamelin de Savoie

Lord Chancellor, Robert de Anjou

Knight Paramount, Ser Bryce Vimmark

Castellan of the Royal Palace, Ian Highwind

 

Confirmation of Royal Lineage

 

King Lothar Augustus d’Amaury holding court - 1604

 

With the untimely demise of King Lothar Augustus d’Amaury, I Philip Robert, second son of King John I and Queen Charlotte Sophia, and rightful heir to Lothar Augustus, do send missive to all those within the Kingdom of Lotharingia, who enjoyed titles and lands under our late liege, to make their way to the Crowns seat of Metz. The reaffirmation of oaths and titles shall be conducted in the Palace, before the court and men of the realm.

 

Those summoned for this reaffirmation, are as follows:

 

1. Count Robert de Anjou of Cleves

2. All others who were granted title by King Lothar Augustus d’Amaury

 

The reaffirmation shall be held within the two saints days following this missives publication, any many aforementioned who does not reaffirm their oaths shall be stripped of title, land, and will be dubbed a traitor to the Kingdom of Lotharingia with punishment as suitable of such a charge carried out.

 

Signed,

 

His Royal Majesty, Philip Robert of House d’Amaury,

by the Grace of GOD, King of Lotharingia, Duke of Lorraine,

Count of Ostwick and Summerhall, Warden of the South

 

The Kingdom weeps.

 

The Kingdom's prayers lie with the good King of the West.

THE EDICT OF CLEVES, 1603

 

By the will and wishes of His Majesty, King Lothar d’Amaury and his privy council, it is hereby decreed that John VonSchlichten-Balain is to be stripped of his inheritance to the County of Cleves for repeated failure in swearing an oath of fealty to his King despite several requests being made for him and his House to present themselves at court. Henceforth, the claim of John VonSchlichten-Balain to the lands of Cleves is to be considered null and defunct and any attempts to re-install the pretender as Count shall be seen as illicit in the eyes of the monarchy and state and shall be dealt with accordingly.

 

In lieu of this, His Majesty and his council hereby deem it appropriate to grant the County of Cleves to one Robert Ashford de Anjou in recognition of his long and arduous tenure of service to the crown and country, as well as by virtue of his marriage to the former Countess Emeline Vonchiltenn-Balain. The County of Cleves hereby falls incumbent to the House Ashford de Anjou, to be held by Count Robert and his sons and their sons until the very end of time itself.

 

Signed,

 

His Majesty, King Lothar I Augustus d’Amaury

 

His Lordship, Count Robert Ashford de Anjou

 

 

The most noble King Lothar I Augustus of Lotharingia has fallen terminally ill, and has thus abdicated his position as King. Given the minority of his brother and heir, Philip Owyn, until such a time as the new King is within his majority and has attained his fourteenth year, Mr. Paul Burke, shall serve as Regent of Lotharingia-Savoy as decided by his brother and the Queen-Mother.

 

He shall be aided in his task by the Prince of Savoy and the rest of the Privy Council who serve in their tenure as aides to the Crown and in this time as an important body of advisors to help guide the new King until such time as he may be fully coronated in his own right and govern without any aid.

 

GOD SAVE THE KING! GOD SAVE PHILP I!

 

---

 

 

God Bless the King,

HIS HIGHNESS, Lothar Augustus d’Amaury

Paul Burke, Regent of Lotharingia and Savoy

 

A New Dawn, A New King Crowned

 

 

The dark veil of night - heavy and chill - made way for undeniable rays of sun which graced the land below with the warmth and light it so yearned for, heralding the break of dawn. Summer’s cool breeze swept deftly through amber waves of grain, grown lush and brittle in waterside winds. Past the gentle undulation of waves, across an oaken drawbridge, did a stalwart stronghold of humanity and faith sit, stationed high upon an island plateau. Brass bells tolled fervently with song from inside, and denizens of the city flocked to its heart, proud banners of green and yellow rippling in wind from atop jagged walls.

 

    Within the towering palace atop Metz, a gathering assembled to witness a prodigious occasion. Armed men donning white mantles emblazoned with the Lorraine cross stood stolid upon sides opposing, flanking the central aisle - ever vigilant. The congregation of noble and commoner alike spoke in whisper-like tones amongst themselves, glances of anticipation exchanged; and, positioned above on the dias, the High Pontiff Daniel IV and fellow men of the cloth. All awaited the forthcoming monarch.

 

    Silence overcame those gathered as Lothar d’Amaury swept into the hall with confident stride and august posture - hair golden as the wheat fields which surrounded the city. He carried an air of sobriety about him, though young he was, with bluish-steel eyes alighted. Then, with a bend of the knee and a kiss of a ring, began the coronation of the new King of Lotharingia.

 

“Lothar d’Amaury, do you hereby swear to the utmost of your power - in the sight of the holy Creator above and in the presence of his good people - to protect the people of Lotharingia from any threat, and to devote your life from this time forward to their well-being? Do you swear to uphold and defend the one true faith, and maintain the laws of God?”

 

“All this I promise, so long as I draw breath.”

 

“Then by the power vested in me, I, High Pontiff Daniel IV, hereby crown you King Lothar Augustus d’Amaury, Second of His Name, Ruler of Lotharingia and Protector of the Realm.”

 

 

A thundering of applause ensued as the golden crown was lowered, adorning the youth’s head. He rose thereafter, turning to address the congregation with impassioned words of an empowered humanity - one built upon liberty, unity, and faith.

 

“Deus Vult!”

 

“Ave d’Amaury! Ave Lotharingia!”

“Long live the King, long may he reign!”

THE LOTHARINGIAN CENSUS, 1597

 

 

In accordance with the wishes of the Privy Council and Her Majesty, the Queen-Regent Charlotte d’Amaury, acting on behalf of the young King Lothar Augustus, the Duke Arthur de Bar has been named Auditor-General and tasked with the role of executing a grand survey of the realm, taking note of: all holdings, their occupants, the forces garrisoned in the Kingdom, and the wealth of all its inhabitants far and wide.

 

Given this task he has taken it upon himself to summon the associated Lords of Lotharingia to the city of Metz where they are to meet with him and give a sufficient accounting of their realm, in detail, to the Auditor-General. It is their duty to reach out and contact him within the coming two years or face repossession of any lands they may hold - should they be unable to present themselves at the Royal Court then they must state such clearly and be visited at their own fief.

 

In order to prepare themselves for this census all landowners must take note of the following: the title they hold and the extent of the lands that this covers, their claim to this and their ancestry, the amount of men sworn to their banner and the equipment in their stores, the number of citizens inhabiting any fiefdoms and, finally, the goods produced within their lands and the wealth which they are able to raise by taxation.

 

SIGNED;

 

Her Majesty, the Queen-Regent Charlotte d’Amaury.

 

His Grace, the Duke Arthur de Bar of Drusco.

 

 

THE REGENCY ACT OF 1596

 

 

O men of honest hearts - lament!

 

The most noble King John I of Lotharingia has fallen, struck low by the hand of the Lord with illness. Given the minority of his son and heir, Lothar Augustus, until such a time as the new King is within his majority and has attained his fourteenth year the queen dowager, Charlotte Marie, shall serve as Queen Regent.

 

She shall be aided in her task by the Prince of Savoy, the Lord Chancellor and the rest of the Privy Council who serve in their tenure as aides to the Crown and in this time as an important body of advisors to help guide the new King until such time as he may be fully coronated in his own right and govern without any aid.

 

In order to further develop the cadre of advisors and enable the King to rule justly, the Queen-Regent also sees fit to appoint the following to the Privy Council:

 

Lord Chancellor: His Excellency, Aurelios Fournier [Clegg_] Acting as the chief and foremost representative of the King and the Crown, the Lord Chancellor is the Realm’s Prime Minister and Ambassador - holding the rarely granted authority to hold court should His Majesty be absent or incapacitated. Empowered with the ability to form a Chancery, he is charged with the insurance of stability in the Realm. It is a position that is appointed by both Prince and King.

 

Prince-Bishop of Metz: His Excellency, Jacques d’Amaury [Jaicheff] Representing faith in the Creator and Canonism in the Kingdom, he guides the laity towards a moral and righteous path. Ensuring the communication of Pontifical concerns, the Prince-Bishop must be Lotharingian and a resident of Metz. His selection comes about from the Church and the Crown. Holy Orders must be reviewed by the Prince-Bishop of Metz before they may legally operate in the Kingdom.

 

Chief Constable: His Excellency, Tyrras var Emrys [Chaotikal] Enfeoffed with primacy in the matters of military, the Constable promotes the growth of the Kingdom’s soldiery. Governing in times of martial law, he monitors the existence of all military orders and must be appointed from the membership of one.

 

Chief Scrivener: His Excellency, Beelzebub Basarab [Hunwald] Maintaining the Savoyard tradition of a powerful literary corps, the Chief Scrivener maintains records, drafts acts, helps in the production of laws and offers advice in the governance of the Realm.

 

Master of the Exchequer: His Excellency, Rhys Humbert de Bar [Jonificus] The master of coin, responsible for taxation and financial affairs within the Realm. In times of warfare or economic dispute he is granted the power to introduce emergency stops or additional taxes for the security of the Realm’s coffers. He is also entrusted with control of production and the promotion of industry.

 

Knight Paramount: His Excellency, Arthur de Bar [Fidens] Tasked with overseeing the Knights of the Realm and ensuring the legitimacy of all such men, he is entrusted with the creation of any Knightly Orders and sits as a representative of the gentry classes.

 

Magistrate of the Courts: His Excellency, Peter Bedevere [ryanheff] Oft known as the Lord Justiciar, they are entrusted with control of the law. The only figure beyond the Crown and the Chancellor who can grant pardon, he acts as judge over all matters and may appoint a subservient judiciary.

 

God Bless the King,

Her Majesty, the Queen-Regent of Lotharingia, Charlotte Marie