critter

Fabian Kortrevich is pleasantly surprised to receive a personal invitation, having been drafting similar for his own impending matrimony. He beams, delighted for the long-awaited union of his cousin and the Baroness, and at once begins elaborate gift plans heavily featuring fresh cuts of poppies and kaffa lillies.

Peals of delighted laughter disrupt the quiet of a Kortrevich's reclusive garden, as his very own invitation is waved triumphantly in the air. "At last!" The Grand Lord cries - before the enormity of the oncoming festivities hits him, and his laughter gains a far more manic, exhausted edge, face soon buried in his hands. "And, oh, Godani - already..."

Player Appreciation May 2023 It’s that time again! Player Appreciation is a unique tradition of the Haense community as a means of recognizing someone who’s hard work and passion makes this space what it is, both IRP and OOC. May’s Player of the Month has certainly contributed both, particularly in this busy period on the server. Whether choosing to play a character who’s kindness and generosity brightened the refugee camps of Savoy, working long hours on the Haense build server, or sending their nightly fun facts (always with a cookie), this player takes every opportunity to create a welcoming, warm experience for all who meet them. It is my honor to give thanks by introducing May’s Player of the Month… SmolBean @Smol Anna is such a bright light and never fails to brighten anyone’s day. I love that she always reminds others that they are appreciated and goes out of her way to be kind to others. She is a pivotal part of our community and I appreciate all the work she does. She truly is a hardworking and kindhearted individual that I admire and am grateful to call my friend. @sarahbarah DUDE, YOU ARE AWESOOOME. You CARRY the library, and you’ve put so much work into the rebuild. Both the systems, and the actual build itself. Don’t go thinking we haven’t noticed!!! That, and you are an awesome friend. You go out of your way every night to wish people goodnight, with a fun (or slightly terrifying) fact. It makes my day, seriously. You earned this gwurlie, go get it! @CasChaos An incredible player with great talent and drive that she puts to the community, always writing posts or planning events. One of the best RPers I've met, I can roleplay with her for hours without pause and she has a great understanding of characters and what makes good character interactions. I am grateful she is part of this community, and my friend. Truly dedicated, and a hard worker. @VerminHunter Please join us here in giving Smol some well-earned thanks and appreciation, and tune back in next month for another awesome player in our community! Another highly-nominated player for this month was the much-beloved @tadabug2000, a marvelous leader who has put in a world of effort playing Haense’s Queen Consort. If you’d like to drop Tada some well-earned kindness and gratitudes, please add onto her player appreciation post here!

Fabian Kortrevich reviews the work of his dearest friend, cackling at memories of a misspent youth. "Well done, Ams!"

Fabian Kortrevich is, in fact, terribly colorblind. For those willing to profit, though, this has only made his BEET QUEST all the more frenzied.

A simple missive on rough, handmade paper and painted in faint inks circulates the realms of Failor. SEEKING THE BEET-EN PATH If this missive finds you, it is from a man with a most simple request. I will trade most any Valuables and Wares in exchange for knowledge of where to find Beets or for Beets or for Beet Seeds upon the fair lands of Failor. I shall Find These Missives; do leave a Note attached if I might meet with you in regards to Beets. His Excellency, Fabian Otto Kortrevich, Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska

Fabian Kortrevich furiously knits a nice tunic for the occasion.

Fabian Kortrevich, thinking of no one particular family member, repeatedly and methodically thumps his forehead against a rough-hewn kitchen table in the sunny lands of Failor.

Fabian Kortrevich was never meant to be a soldier. Too thin; too sick; too soft, down to his beating, loving heart. And yet, fate. He had fired and he had fought alongside better men. He had tended their wounded, sat soaked in their blood and murmuring unheard prayers. He had followed Amaya, a someday-Queen, as loyally as his own hunting-hounds once had. He had called to Baldrum Colborn with such glee - reporting that one of his sons would live, was healed, hoping to give the man one more reason to fight. Later, in Savoy, it would fall to Fabian to arrange Ser Baldrum's memorial. Later, in Savoy, it would be the same hands never meant to pack a cannon that would pass wood-scraps along the builder's line; that would till the soil for some small garden; that would stock pantry-shelves, and pass around candles. Later, in Savoy, that which Aleksandr had foretold would begin. Slowly. In small ways. A cold bottle of Carrion. A driftwood Lorraine. Matters which felt more right, more natural, to the Kortrevich; means, however small in the grand shadow of the threat they faced, of rebuilding.

Fabian Kortrevich recalled a good man; a good knight, and, in the quiet of the refugee camps, sobbed for the brave life lost.

Fabian Kortrevich reviews the horoscope as he readies his quiver and his healer's bag on the door of war. He nods, with a steadying breath, and slides his helm on.

Fabian Kortrevich smiles to himself, having won a wager of words on John's second-borns, and at once sends for his shears to arrange a congratulatory bouquet - pondering, meanwhile, if he shouldn't write the twins' loveliest aunt to offer babysitting assistance.

MC Name: Cr1tt3r_ Discord: Critter#2059 Image: Description of Image: a tea-stained chart of the morrivi court system Dimensions: 2 x 1

Somewhere, deep in the holds of the Song, Vines felt a tremor and a shift in the rhythm of her dance and remembered, thoughts unbidden, the gruff figure who held her hand through the delivery of a child; who walked through their village with a rugged grace; who had guided so very, very many. She paused. And, like all the rest whose path the Lynx had left her mark upon, she mourned.

Fabian Kortrevich heard word of his friend's illness through the churn of the Haeseni rumor-mill, and set down his papers with a sigh, staring balefully at a cup of tea with a purse of his lips. "So, mea friend," he informed the curls of lavender steam, "rest has found vy." Then, with a wry smile, he rose; drained the last of his cup, and threw the cloak over his shoulder, calling for a page to ready his horse. Lilac fields and superstition had kept him away from visiting the Weiss lands, but the concerning matter of Haus Weiss-Vuiller's condition overruled such worries as the fellow healer-man set out to find the truth of the matter.

A letter would arrive for Marija in the coming days, delivered by a Kortrevich courier-boy along with a spring of white daffodils; a sign of happiness and renewal. Dear Lady Marija Colborn, Court Baker, My apologies once more for the oversights in my Proposal, and a sincere thank-you for the jar of honey, which is lovely and now all but essential to my daily routine. After much Conference with her Majesty, the Post of Court Baker shall be placed betwixt that of Assistant and Mistress; free to hold your own Wards and instruct the Chefs of the Servantry, though ultimately beneath the Purview of the Pantry as a whole. I leave it to you and Nona Fable to determine your exact division of duties and corresponding chain of command within the Pantry; she is a most accommodating woman and not one for Hierarchy, so I am sure you will not find yourself particularly restricted by the good Mistress. Your position, as granted by their Majesties in recognition of your most impressive skills, shall be the only instated in such a way as the Courts continue to grow. There is such a thing, after all, as too many cooks in the kitchen; and all service is good and worthy service. Thank you again for your grace in these burdensome times. I do most look forward to how you shall wield your Post, and hope this general compromise satisfies. If you have further concerns regarding the Proposed Structure or any other matter, do not hesitate to seek me out. Sincerely, His Excellency, Fabian Otto Kortrevich Grand Lord of Hanseti and Ruska A revised copy of the FABIANITE CHART would be thus attached, and posted throughout the Palace.

Fabian - appreciative of Marija's etiquette, though she would find him with a quill-pen protruding from his hair, ink down his shirt, and otherwise in disarray - he hears her out, though paws for a copy of his chart and the Writ of Appointment establishing the Court Bakna. "Ah," he says, twisting it. "...Huh. Well. - .." The chart is upside-down, which he rectifies. "...Hm. I suppose you could - be something of an oversight for ve palace chefs, ai, or - well, most simply vy would hold vyr title as a carry-over within ve Pantry .. Ah, Godan, I've forgotten Khazya - alright, ah, I doniet suppose, Lady Colborn, vy would be so kind to offer some patience while I meet with ve Koenas and - straighten this oversight right out. Szam, for ve inconvenience, quite dearly - vy do make an excellent cake.."

A STRUCTURAL PROPOSAL Issued by the GRAND LORD OF HANSETI-RUSKA On this 6th day of Joma ag Ugmund of 476 E.S. The Marriage of the Monarchs and the regal, indomitable spirit of Her Majesty Sofia of Hyspia have seen nothing short of a surge of life throughout the Courts. We have opened new positions; heard new ideas; found, with every day, a new wave of talent and passion among our people, and now find ourselves with the mounting task of how best to apply it -- particularly as the threats abroad encroach, and our lands become shadowed. Thus, I propose the following Structure. The Positions of Grand Lord as the shepherd of court tradition and custom; the Custodian as overseer of the Servantry and hand to the Royal Household; the Chamberlain as the events-master and hand to the Capital’s festivities, or the spirit thereof in these uncertain times, remain unchanged. The bulk of this proposal lays, instead, in the Masters and Mistresses of Courtly Pursuits and their duties; particularly as the Court faces the loss of its physical realm and a time of great upheaval throughout Almaris; and the establishing of the following: COURTIERS of the ARTS Gifted artists ready to share their craft. SCHOLARS of the ABSTRACT Aspiring students and practitioners of the Arcane crafts. ATTENDANTS of the HUNT Those who wish to learn of the Hunt's Etiquette and caring for the wilds. ASSISTANTS to the PANTRY Cooks who wish to bring the craft far beyond the kitchen. ASSISTANTS to the ROBES Rising apprentice tailors and seamstresses. These are not to be trivial titles, doled out for the sake of self-righteous preening. They should be viewed as stepping-stones to the writ of Haeseni history; positions for those of bright minds and talent, though both too old for wardships and too green to run at higher ranks; those who aspire to the Court, but have, until now, yet to have a position carved out for them, and in carving that position, I further hope to prevent a bloated system as we strive to accommodate the many bright minds who have emerged in our search. Quite like the Mistress or Master of the Robes has had recognized assistants, this would see each Master or Mistress allowed to oversee a retinue of their own courtiers. While the Master of the Arts, for instance, may dabble in and arrange matters of all arts, their Courtiers may be individuals recognized for some particular skill in a more specific facet of the arts; for instance, a renowned music teacher. By recognizing these individuals by a collective title, the general hierarchy of the court remains intact, but their talents and willingness to share them for the enrichment of the Haeseni people may be empowered, and used to bolster the efforts of their respective Head of Pursuit. The gifted musician may host lessons on traditional song; an Attendant to the Hunt might tend to the dressing of game after the noble festivities; an Assistant to the Pantry might compile regional recipes for publication, now with the fullest support of the Court and in direct communication with those further endeavoring the relevant cultural efforts within the Realm. Furthermore, these positions lay out a clear path for Wards within these Pursuits to ascend after coming of age, and encourage healthy competition for the posts of Mistress and Master among them -- or an avenue for those who do not wish to be keeper-of-all-trades, but simply masters of one, and supporters to the rest. In general summary, this proposal serves to put to paper what is already finding itself in practice, while preventing a sudden swell of titles in the Court’s efforts to recognize, support, and uplift Haeseni talent. This revitalization of the Courts in these dire times of strife must, in my humble opinion as the Queen’s appointed, serve to protect the Traditions, the Culture, the Spirit of our people. A system which depends not on the Palace but on those People will, I hope, keep us disciplined and united in the face of challenges to come. His Excellency, Fabian Otto Kortrevich, Grand Lord of Hanseti and Ruska

Player Appreciation April 2023 It’s that time (give or take!) Player Appreciation Month is a unique tradition of the Haense community as a means of recognizing someone who’s hard work and passion makes this space what it is, both IRP and OOC. April’s Player of the Month encapsulates this mission perfectly. In their time as a leader, they have time and time again shown and said how much they love this community and this hobby, and give it all they have to give. They have a unique gift for conveying the exact energy of a warm hug across the digital network we connect through. And on a personal note, they are also one of the wonderful few who brought me to Haense, and it is now my honor to give thanks by introducing April’s Player of the Month… sarahbarah @sarahbarah Sarahbarah is one of the most kind, accepting, and generous people there is. She's a genuine friend, who will always be there as a shoulder to lean on or to answer silly questions. She's considerate and honest, and she honestly should be appreciated more. She does so much for us as a community and individually that I think a lot of us would fall apart without her. @crazedpudding Sarah is super friendly, an absolute boon to our community, beyond amazing and someone I aspire to be! Her actions more then speak for themselves as she consistently goes above and beyond what is asked for on this mineman pixel game! @tadabug2000 Sarah is one of the very few people I have came across (not only in lotc) that are absolutely nice, friendly and welcoming to everyone. She is fun to talk to in VCs, cracks hilarious jokes, considerate and very clearly striving to strengthen sense of community and fun in every community she helps to lead @Kaladin Stormblessed Please join us in giving Sarah a little extra appreciation for all her hard work, and tune back in next month for our next player!

A young man stands on a palace balcony. He holds a cup of tea, and he stares at the sky. [R]

Fabian Kortrevich prays his mother may, at last, find some rest; staring at a picture drawn many years ago in her office - his office, now, he supposes. "I will not," he vows, peering to her portrait with a soft, solemn gaze, "let vy down."

Fabian Kortrevich, face soaked with silent tears as he sat on a Karosgrad stoop, lofted a Carrion to the cold, night sky. He'd not always gotten along with Anatoliy Godunov; but he counted the fellow man as one of his friends of youth, and now stared at a swollen moon as he wondered how else it might have gone in the North for poor, brave Anatoliy.

Fabian, a proud Wyrm and ever-heeding Lady Ilaria's astrological wisdom, nods; jotting CAUTION across his journal's pages for the coming year.

VE SAMYZEK POZSKA VOLUME TWO: EDITION THREE TWO MINAS AVAILABLE IN NAUVMARIAN, HYSPIAN PER PAPER WALDENIAN AND AUVERGNE WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED BY HIS LORDSHIP, FABIAN OTTO KORTREVICH ON THE 9th OF Jula ag Piov of 476 E.S. ___________________________ ASCENSIONS IN COURT Joys in the Morrivi. The Weddings of His Majesty Georg I to Her Highness Sofia de Pelear and His Serene Highness Aleksandr to Lady Amaya Colborn herald in a new dawn for the Koengdom. It has been a solemn occasion since the woeful passing of Esfir of Jerovitz, though to know our King finds love and comfort in another surely brings joy to each faithful citizen. Her Highness is furthermore noted for her grace and good nature, and this writer, for one, has no doubt she will lead the Koengdom alongside His Majesty with only the purest of hearts. The King and his soon-to-be-Queen Consort shall be wed on the 13th of Gronna ag Droba at St. Heinrik’s. ___________________________ ADRIANITE DECEPTIONS, CONTINUED After the publication of a previous Special Edition detailing the deceptive nature of a line of supposed Adrianite-convert missives, the Post received a letter detailing the further truth of the matter; alleging that a von Draco captor threatened one such missive’s writer with the loss of her hands if she did not secede to their demands, and bringing her such shame she fled her homeland entirely after the fact. For the safety of the writer, further details shall not yet be disclosed. ___________________________ CONDEMNATION OF A BROTHER NO MORE The final entry of this edition is one which burdens the heart of its author, though in the name of truth cannot be avoided. It is to the great shame and outrage of House Kortrevich that the sins of one Virgil Samuil Kort, disowned in his death, have come to light. Firr Kort was slain in his efforts to maim and murder a young Lady Colborn; an act so disgraceful, so unfathomable, that we recoil at the very thought one who shared our blood could lower himself to such depths of depravity. No knowledge of his misdeeds permeated the ranks of the House prior to their doing, or not one Bull proud of their name would have let him go to such a grotesque fate while there was still breath in their lungs. The House grieves in the way one grieves the death of a mad dog: with an understanding of its inevitability and necessity. As written by the Countess, the House further seeks to make amends in any way that we might be able: be it privacy or provision. Our prayers go solely to the House Colborn and the recovery of Lady Astrid, and we will no more utter our forsaken brother’s name than one does a curse. WITH DUTY, COMES HONOR WITH THE POST, COMES TRUTH Those interested in writing or advertising in the Post should contact Fabian K. by bird or at the Kortrevich Karosgrad business. Corrections will be published by request in the following edition of the Post. MISSIVES REFERENCED

Fabian lays a hand on his twin's shoulder as she publishes the dire missive, nodding to her. "Vy have written well, sestra." - "His shame shall shadow this House no more."