critter

Georgina Helaine, who always preferred the Balian climate, emerges from her seclusion to assume the role of wingwoman.

The work of his son is pinned upon the bedroom walls of one Fabian, who sheds a proud tear.

Half a decade? Half a decade? The young Lord Amador cuts a cigar with a resonating thunk, considering the bookshelves of Mondstadt with furrowed brow.

& 7th of Vzmey & Hyff | 502 E.S ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀I⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ VA EDLERVIK, Even in the coldest winter can the warmest friendships bloom – and alliances forge. A generation ago, the union of Bull and Phoenix began when Lord Aleksandr Kortrevich took the name of his wife, Nataliya Amador, Baroness of Mondstadt, in a matrilineal allegiance that ended in tragedy. We of both Houses are delighted, however, to once more find affection flourishing between two young hearts certainly fated for a much happier destiny, and do announce: Irena Kortrevich, Baroness of Koravia, and Gabriel Amador, cousin to the Baron of Mondstadt, shall be wed after their eighteenth name-days, upon which Gabriel shall take the name Kortrevich and join his wife in the leadership of their House. In exchange the Lord Amador accepts a groom price of exotic additions to the house menagerie and a selection of excellent hunting dogs. SIGNED, His Lordship, Henrik III Edvard Amador, 11th Baron of Mondstadt, Patriarch of the House Amador, High Archivist to the Royal Valdev Library. Lady Liridona Ingrid Amador, The Gem of Amador, Lady Custodian of Hanseti-Ruska. Her Ladyship, Irena Stefaniya Kortrevich, 11th Baroness of Koravia. Lord Fabian Otto d’Arkent-Kortrevich, Regent of Koravia, Archivist to the House Lord Gabriel Lukas Amador

Henrik Amador prepares to cast a proud vote for a brother-in-arms.

Henrik, preparing to depart on other business, swiftly stows a copy in his travel-bag for later review and absconds without further comment, inexplicably red-faced.

A nearly-fledged Amador patriarch peers at the missive - having signed the last for posterity purposes, and given it a firm scribe's editing. Buttoning his coat, he nods - "oh, de Vend - good, aye." - "De Vend." - "Best keep sure they keep jotting it that way, aye? - Aye. Looks fair better writ so, anyhow," to the courier, baffled.

1350 A.H. - Present ─── From Ashes, We Rise EST 143 E.S. - Present | 1590 A.H. - Present ⋅ ───⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─── ⋅ 8th of Gronna & Droba | 500E.S ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀I⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ VA EDLERVIK, The following is an objective account of a tragic series of misfortunes at the Mondstadt estate in the month of Gronna & Droba, 500ES. It is published for the purposes of transparent explanation of the threat posed. ARRIVAL & INITIAL ENCOUNTER A small company of guests arrived at the Mondstadt estate around midday with Liridona Amador. Among them was William Temesch, who went with Lord Amador when a rattle sounded at the gates; there they found a creature of undoubtedly darkspawn nature, proclaiming himself Draugr, carrying a red shield emblazoned with a serpent entwining an eye, and who claimed right to the lands. William Temesch claimed this duel as his own, in Lord Amador’s stead, and requested to undertake it alone. He was last seen following the Draugr North, away from the riverlands. SEARCH & SECOND ENCOUNTER Accompanied by Amaya of Venzia, Laurissa Kort, two respectable gentlemen of the Heartlands, and a youth of Valdev, Henrik Amador rallied a search party into the Northern mountains. When the search raised no evidence of the duel’s grounds nor where the Draugr and Lord Temesch may have gone, the party returned to Mondstadt to weather the night and wait for further word. While Lord Amador secured the premises, the Draugr returned to the gates with the mutilated remains of William Temesch, where he was confronted by the assembled. He departed after opposition and threat of further resistance from the Queen-Consort, his destination unknown. ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀II⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ THE DEBT I OWE surpasses all languages. It was Lord Temesch’s last wish for his family to know he loved them, and it is my life which is owed to Lord Temesch’s sacrifice for a boy he knew by nothing more than name. I cannot undo what has been done – I can only ensure it does not happen again. Accordingly, I, HENRIK EDVARD AMADOR, vow a solemn oath, upon which I stake my name and honour: NEVER AGAIN WILL ANOTHER MAN FACE A CHALLENGE IN MY STEAD. We were so newly acquainted that I do not know William Temesch’s next of kin, nor where to reach them. If this finds their eyes, contact me of your own volition and in your own time if you wish any further information on the deeply unfortunate circumstances which unfolded this last Saint’s Day, the fine details of which are best kept from broader publication. The beast which slayed the valiant Lord Temesch shows no indication that its efforts will end with this. Follow-up missives from the Office of the Abstract and further investigation into the identity and threat of this abomination are ongoing; to speculate would detract from the tragedy of the loss. I am further prepared to offer generous reward for any literature regarding the history of Svarland and/or the combating of and defense against the Undead. GODAN watch over us all. PETRAVEZK IV VATRAGAN, His Lordship, Henrik III Edvard Amador, 11th Baron of Mondstadt, High Archivist to the Royal Valdev Library Lady Liridona Ingrid Amador, The Gem of Amador, Regent of House Amador, Lady Custodian of Hanseti-Ruska.

1350 A.H. - Present ─── From Ashes, We Rise EST 143 E.S. - Present | 1590 A.H. - Present ⋅ ───⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─── ⋅ 5th of Wzuvar & Byvca | 500 E.S ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀I⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ VA EDLERVIK, It is a long-held custom that an Amador’s first coin is a precious thing. Our house’s history of merchantry and trade-crafts is in our very roots, and it is always a day of joy when another joins our practice with their own skills and passions. With the unending blizzard upon Valdev, winter bites at the fingers and throats of all. With skill and artistry, Lady Poppiya Amador seeks to provide a fashionable defense against this great Northern winter in the form of ladies’ scarves, earmuffs, gloves, and mittens, lined with Valdevian sheeps’ wool and expertly knit into fine textiles. THE PHOENIX’S FLEECES The wares designed and woven by Poppiya are available on the 3rd floor of Crown Ave VI. Those interested in custom earmuffs, scarves, or gloves are further invited to contact the young Lady Amador directly for further discussion. The accessories currently on display, third floor, Crown Ave VI. PETRAVEZK IV VATRAGAN, His Lordship, Henrik III Edvard Amador, 11th Baron of Mondstadt, High Archivist to the Royal Valdev Library. Proprietor of the White Cross Trading Co. Lady Poppiya Sosina Amador, Craftswoman of the White Cross Trading Co.

Fabian is incredibly proud of his son for his revelatory work — and further sets a fluffy blanket by the fire, planning a reconciliation letter to a particular Lord of Lions.

Henrik Amador reviews the missive by the hearth of the Royal Valdev Library, recalling with a sour grimace the shame of watching his mother handle their own vampyr issues when he was but a child. Though on the other side of the continent, he eyes his blade laying by the flame, and the young soldier knows he will raise it when his Balian friends call. Especially for darkspawn.

The Investiture of the Baron of Mondstadt ─── From Ashes, We Rise EST 143 E.S. - Present | 1590 A.H. - Present ⋅ ───⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰─── ⋅ “As the legacy of the Amadors flourishes, we welcome a new generation, a beacon of hope and the embodiment of our cherished lineage. The Baroness and Baron-Consort are thrilled to introduce His Lordship…” - Nataliya & Aleksandr Amador on the birth of Henrik Amador, 482. 5th of Vzemy & Hyff | 499 E.S ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀I⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ VA EDLERVIK, After fourteen years of regency, the time at last dawns for Henrik Amador to lead in his own right the Barony of Mondstadt and the House of Amador. Honours are in order for Lady Liridona Amador, aunt and regent, whose steady hand has stayed the course these long years: celebration is in order for all the rest, and all are invited to enter the gates of the near-constructed Mondstadt to celebrate this new era of an ancient family. ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀II⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ THE RISING The Baron will present, in accordance with Amadorian tradition, a retelling of his namesakes Henrik I, Henrik II and Edvard Amador. He will then assume his place at the head of the Mondstadt table, where all are encouraged to indulge in drink and delicacies and exchange stories of their own ancestors before the fire. Those who wish to test their endurance may attempt to cross a bed of coals; the baronial courtyard shall be open to good-natured sparring and archery, while the Great Hall will be kept alive for dance and festivities. CELEBRATIONS OF JROTHIK The celebrations shall then move to the Capital farmlands in observance of Jrothik, the Feast Day of St. Joren and St. Tara, in honour of the fifth-hundred year since the Sigmundic ascent. An artistic imagining of the Barony alight with celebration. ⋅ ───────────────⊱༺⠀III⠀༻⊰─────────────── ⋅ FORMAL INVITATIONS are sent to: His Royal Majesty, Aleksandr II, King of Hanseti-Ruska and his royal pedigree His Princely Grace, Manfred Barclay, Duke of Reinmar and his noble pedigree Her Grace, Roslin Baruch, Duchess of Valwyck and her noble pedigree His Grace, Viktor var Ruthern, Duke of Vidaus and his noble pedigree The Right Honorable, Otto Ludovar, Count of Otistadt and his noble pedigree The Right Honorable, Anabel Colborn, Countess of Malkovya and her noble pedigree The Honorable, Walter Weiss, Viscount of Novkursain and his noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Katrin Stafyr, Baroness of Thurant and her noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Alyona Godunov, Baroness of Verskaya and her noble pedigree Her Ladyship, Irena Kortrevich, Baroness of Koravia and her noble pedigree His Highness, Cesar II de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia and his noble pedigree PERSONAL INVITATIONS are sent to: Lady Gwenyth Vilac and her kin Lord Johan Vuiller and his kin Surgeon General Eureliphis Tawarenion de Melphestaus and the staff of St. Amyas Lord Sterling Whitewood and the House of Whitewood ((Friday Oct. 20th, 3PM EST | 7PM GMT. MOVED TO SAME TIME SUNDAY 22nd.)) PETRAVEZK IV VATRAGAN, His Lordship, Henrik III Edvard Amador, 11th Baron of Mondstadt, High Archivist to the Royal Valdev Library Lady Liridona Ingrid Amador, The Gem of Amador, Regent of House Amador, Lady Custodian of Hanseti-Ruska Lord Murtagh Matyas Amador, The Protector of the Phoenix, Commander of the Amadorian Wardens, Master of the Wardrobe of Hanseti-Ruska Professor, Albus Amador, Chronologist of the House of Amador

Fabian d'Arkent-Kortrevich at last retires to his chambers, utterly complete.

6th of Wzuvar ag Byvca | 499 ES The fields of Jerovitz, 475ES. As of this dawn, I have held the post of Grand Lord for twenty-three years and one day; precisely one day more than I have lived without it. Tomorrow balances the scales. No ink or paper could capture all I have become in the Halls of the Palaces. In the distant, fallen courts of Esfir of Jerovitz, I first learned to be a courtier. In the traveling, settling retinue of Sofia of Hyspia, I learned to be a shepherd. In building Amaya of Venzia’s hearth I, at last, learned to be a Northman. The Courts of Hanseti-Ruska stoked in me a spirit I did not know I possessed – taught me, in every sense, the importance of our traditions and the wonders of our people. It was my first sketch of a chart which is now mirrored throughout the Courts of Humanity; a system honed at the right hand of the brilliant women I have served and which now thrives in our Ember Palace. I will only admit to faltering in my duty these last, most recent years, and only for the treasonous inclinations of my ailing health. Not once has my loyalty wavered, and not once has my passion waned; still, who better than a gardener to know when a wilting vine must be pulled? It is the Queen’s will that, after me, Lady Marian Blackwood Weiss shall rise to Grand Lady: my daughter, though not in blood, in all other regards. If there are better hands into which to place the Rose Bulava, I do not know of them. The Viscountess is wise beyond her years; Haeseni to her very soul; and, if I might indulge in a bit of arrogance, spectacularly well-educated. The hearth of the homeland shall be in the best of care. As for the rest. May all who keep these courts have patience; compassion; a stern will and a gentle hand. May they wake each day inspired by the wealth of wonders which bloom in the loveliness of Haenseti-Ruska, and tend to each hallowed tradition with joy and pride. The Courts are the very beating heart of our Kingdoms, the torch with which our Queen guides us. Their shepherding is not to be taken lightly, and to be in Her service is a distinction above most others. I retire to the post of governor; to the rearing of my children, nieces, and nephews; and to my own garden, which I must admit has grown as wild as the younglings in these last years. I give my thanks to all who I have served alongside – those who reared our great courts from their very roots. My colleagues, my friends, my kin – you are seen. You are known. You are loved. Above all I thank Her Royal Majesty, Amaya of Venzia, whom I shall always love as if my sister and serve as my rightful Queen. Every moment has been a privilege. Burn always, Regalie. With duty, comes honor. SIGNÉE PAR, His Supposed Excellency, Fabian Otto d’Arkent-Kortrevich, Very Much Retired Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska, For GODAN’S Sake, Don’t Let Me Take It Back, My Wife Will Never Let Me Hear The End Of It, Regent of Koravia A culmination of Fabian’s portraits throughout his court service. P.S. There are approximately a half-dozen ‘whoopie cushions’ scattered throughout the Prikaz. Best of luck!

Fabian d’Arkent-Kortrevich stole his foster mother’s reading glasses. For her own good.

A CALL FOR WRITTEN WORKS Issued by the HIGH ARCHIVIST On this 18th day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 499 E.S. For the many gifted authors of Hanseti-Ruska, the works of remarkably few are found on the shelves of the Royal Valdev Library. How should a towering institution claim any influence, one worries, over the education of Haeseni people when its primary contents are not of Haeseni writ? If you are in possession of any written works about the Haeseni people or written by Haeseni authors, consider donating to the Library. Blank journals are also more than welcome for scribing purposes, and any interested in working as scribes or librarians should please write Lord Henrik Amador with haste. A large chest sits outside the Library (if one is facing the palace, starboard) to secure any donations, and the patrons have my heartfelt thanks and, surely, the thanks of scholars to come. Transcriptions of familial or historic works are welcome, so long as they are rightly attributed. ARCHIVIST’S LOGS UPDATES TO THE ROYAL VALDEV LIBRARY: Locked the downward lift to avoid civilians entering the warzone currently comprising the stacks. Met with Lady Godunov to discuss further donation action. Stripped all shelves of their tomes for reorganisation. Began cataloguing and re-categorizing tomes. Arranged for the creation and delivery of scholarly equipments, courtesy of the White Cross Trading Co. UPDATES TO THE ROYAL VALDEV MUSEUM: Scribed copies of Lord Gant’s biographies of the Kings up to and including Heinrik II. Secured originals. Installed the biographies of the Kings up to and including Heinrik II. VIKTY ES LEKONSKED, His Lordship, Henrik III Edvard Amador, Baron of Mondstadt and High Archivist

Henrik Amador preserves a copy of the King's Letter for its place among the annals of the Royal Library.

The grief at the desk of the Grand Lord is a familiar burden. Letters lay written and unwritten upon his desk, creased and uncreased, until at last he presses, in quivering hand, the pen to the page one last time - Al, Find him.

The adolescent High Archivist stands among rows upon rows of royal shelves: heavy with dust, light on tomes, and awaiting the fruits of monumental labor. He has never smiled so widely.

Fabian d'Arkent-Kortrevich chokes on his tea, and on base instinct, furiously rings the bell above his desk meant to summon the palace gardeners from the greenhouse, the last safe haven in Valdev's blizzardy plight. A congratulatory bouquet was in order: and more importantly, a hearty cheer for his younger cousin.

Fabian Kortrevich radiates unending pride.

Fabian d'Arkent-Kortrevich decides a dinner with the in-laws is looming.

A young baron stoops over texts upon texts, furiously jotting cures for the ailments of the cold.

Glass bottles littered a moss-covered stone. Sister Vine stooped over the papers which sometimes found their meandering way to her, and paused. Ithelanen. Distantly did she recall memories of the last Ithelanen to write and speak of Bronze, almost as distant as last she called seeing any she might call brethren. It had been far too long for her to assess this supposed state they were in. A visit, perhaps, was due.

1350 A.H. - Present From Ashes, We Rise 16th of Wzuvar & Byvca | 498 E.S VA EDLERVIK, A sixteenth name-day is no small achievement for an Amador son, particularly in these frigid times of strife. It is with pride that Henrik Amador sees his own sixteenth winter and, in accordance with the customs of his House, shall join VE FITSK I HAES. He will wield the Halberd, the likes of which he has forged for his own use, and in lieu of celebrations instead requests donations be made to the Brotherhood of St. Karl or St. Amyas’ Hospital. He himself puts forth 837 iron ingots 34 cowhides 2 ½ bales of fletching-grade feathers and his own pending enlistment as an initiate. A portrait of the young Baron. IV JOVEO MAAN, His Lordship, Henrik III Edvard Amador, 11th Baron of Mondstadt Lady Liridona Ingrid Amador, The Gem of Amador, Regent of House Amador, Lady Chamberlain of Hanseti-Ruska.