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THE REINMAREN WOMAN DIE REINMAREN FRAU | THE REINMAREN WOMAN Issued by THE PRINCESS OF MINITZ In the year of our Lord 1974 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, MOST OF WHAT WE KNOW OF THE ANCIENT REINMAREN we have derived thirdhand. Our modern ancestors kept writings of what they discovered from runestones and archaeological evidence, but as Mankind fled successive continents, these primary sources have been lost to time. We are left only with historical research conducted by male scholars, who tend to view the evidence through the eyes of a man. Women have played an important role in Reinmaren society since before the days of Gelimar and Theoderic, yet the histories leave wives and daughters nameless, known only in relation to the men in their lives. No longer. Let the tales of the good and noble tribeswomen be told for all to hear. ABLE OF ONTENTS I. | Theoderic’s Wives II. | Marriage Pacts III. | Funerary Rites IV. | The Oath of Macken V. | Societal Roles VI. | Shieldmaidens VII. | Reinmaria VIII. | The Modern Reinmaren Woman I. THEODERIC’S WIVES Theoderic is the legendary ancestor of the Barclay bloodline, a figure of such fame and song that he seems more myth than man. Yet we know from runic inscriptions and records of the unearthing of his burial mound that he was very much real. Labourers unearth the barrow housing the remains of Theoderic and his four wives. There is little mention of them in scholarly writings, but the archaeological evidence shows that Theoderic had four wives, likely simultaneously, as this was before the word of the Lord GOD had spread throughout the land. Scholars did not enter the burial mound, for doing such would dishonour the dead, but the exterior of the barrow was engraved with extensive runes. Among them, five names. ᛏᚺᛖᛟᛞᛖᚱᛁᚲ | Theoderic ᛒᚱᛁᚾᚺᛁᛚᛞᚱ | Brynhildr ᛊᛁᚷᚱᛁᛞ | Sigrid ᚨᛞᛖᛚᚺᛖᛁᛞ | Adelheid ᚷᚢᛞᚱᚢᚾ | Gudrun Of Theoderic’s four wives, chief among them was Brynhildr. She alone was permitted to wear the golden brooch of a chieftess while the other wives wore silver.1 While Sigrid, Adelheid, and Gudrun were protected by Theoderic’s hirdmen, Brynhildr had at least three of her own, as evidenced by the three spearheads found near the first mention of her name on the burial mound. These were likely from spears planted into the ground; six were found near Theoderic’s name, representing his six hirdmen. Although Brynhildr was apparently afforded much authority within the tribe, she and Theoderic’s other wives were indisputably members of his household. His to defend, and his to punish. A stone rubbing of an ancient runestone reveals as much. The full text speaks of an altercation between Theoderic and a Gelimarid warrior, but the relevant passage has been loosely translated into the common tongue: ‘Fair and noble Sigrid! What a farce you have pulled! No faith nor virtue resides in your heart, for you have lain beyond your marriage bed. Your children, not of Theoderic’s blood, but of Gelimarid seed.’ ‘Not so!’ Sigrid stood firm with eyes ablaze, defiant ‘gainst the baseless slander. ‘By all the gods, innocent am I! The children I bear, by Theoderic’s side, are of his lineage and his alone.’ Such slander, a dagger aimed at pride. A wound to honour most deep. Theoderic stood with words sharp as steel and honour as his guide. He faced the accusations and struck them down, for the honour of his wife was his, and to Theoderic’s honour no slander could belie. From this we can see that it was Theoderic’s duty to uphold the honour of his wife, who had slanderous accusations made against her. But was the opposite also true? Was it the place of a chieftain’s wife to defend his honour in turn? Another runestone speaks of a period where Brynhildr was chieftess of the tribe, wielding the full authority of Theoderic while he recovered from a grievous injury sustained in battle. Any besmirchment of his honour was defended by her swiftly and mercilessly. From the context, we are made to understand that this was only temporary, and once Theoderic recovered, he resumed the mantle of chieftainship with all of the powers and duties accompanying it. There is no other evidence that Brynhildr or any of his other wives openly defended his honour or the honour of his household, but it is possible that they did when Theoderic was not present. II. MARRIAGE PACTS Galswinthe and Amaleric are engaged to be wed while Amaleric’s brother, Alaric, lies on his funeral pyre. According to the Theoderik Inscriptions, the much smaller clan of Chieftain Theoderic started a feud with the clans beneath Chieftain Gelimar over the rights of plunder.2 It was an intense feud, and bloody, with the blood-price paid thrice over. Theoderic’s own son, Alaric, was slain by a Gelimaric axe.3 At a peace summit, Gelimar and Theoderic agreed to end the feud and unite their tribes through the marriage of Gelimar’s daughter to Theoderic’s son. Thus, Galswinthe and Amaleric were wed, and their son Rodimar was trained to become chief of the overall tribe. It is through Rodimar that House Barclay traces its descent from the great chieftains Gelimar and Theoderic. We can see the importance of marriage pacts in the modern era in Book Four, Chapter VIII.III of the Grand Kanun: Marriage is the bond that binds the tribesman to the tribeswoman. Yet, marriage not only brings two people together, it is what binds tribe with tribe. The bond of marriage is the resolution of the blood debt, of feuds and revenge, of the binding of the Noble Tribes. Thus, it is only the bond between the noble tribesman and woman that, before the eyes of the Kanun, settles the blood feud of the Noble Tribe. Let no Reinmaren Chieftain be humiliated when for peace his daughter he offers, and the other Tribe gives him the new tribesman who owns no merit. So says the Kanun. This section of the Kanun emphasises the importance of equality and mutual respect in marriage arrangements, particularly when the marriage is for the sake of peace and unity between tribes. There is an expectation that each tribe will offer a member of equal merit. “Merit” in this sense likely refers to desirable Reinmaren attributes such as honour, industriousness, and martial ability. It would dishonour a chieftain if an unworthy husband was selected for his daughter. An unworthy suitor is bested by his Barclay bride-to-be. Prowess in combat was considered particularly important within the Duchy of Reinmar, where it was common for a man to have to best his Barclay-born betrothed in single combat before he was deemed worthy of marriage. Upon his abdication, Grand Prince Brandt I granted his daughter the Barony of Branthof within the lands of Minitz, with the stipulation that she enter into a matrilineal union.4 Lady Alice’s husband would bear her name, as would her children, or else the title would return to her brother, Grand Prince Ferdinand I. This sets a precedent for Reinmaren women receiving titles in their own right which cannot be usurped through the bonds of matrimony. III. FUNERARY RITES Galswinthe sits vigil at her husband’s funeral pyre. Before the tribes converted to Canonism, it was believed that a deceased’s spirit entered the spirit realm rather than the Seven Skies. The spirit realm, a notoriously dangerous place filled with trickster spirits intent on misleading new entrants, required careful guidance in order for the deceased’s spirit to find peace. For this reason, a close female relative would sit vigil for three days and three nights beside the unlit funeral pyre in order to guide the deceased’s spirit safely to the spirit realm. The reason this role was reserved for a woman is because women were seen as doorways to the spirit realm. Capable of bearing children and bringing new life into the world, a woman could also safely lead a spirit into peaceful death. This practice became less and less common after the tribes converted to Canonism, because souls can progress to the Seven Skies without the encumbrance of guardians or malevolent spirits. The tradition of funerary pyres remains, with the ashes of the deceased interred in a crypt rather than a burial mound. IV. THE OATH OF MACKEN Macken chose his bastard son Karl as the successor of the Mackensen tribe. Thus, the legitimate sons of Macken banded together to defeat their father and half-brother on the field of battle. Emerging victorious, the brothers chose Mathis Mackensen to succeed their father as the legitimate chieftain of the tribe. Unlike chieftains who had come before him, Mathis would swear fealty to his brothers and to the wider tribe, just as they swore fealty to him. This ancient Reinmaren custom was discovered and revitalised in 1822 by Duke Erich Barclay.5 The Oath of Macken symbolises the unity of a tribe and the inviolable bond between a chieftain and his tribesmen. It is an oath taken by an heir as he ascends to chieftainship. “Men”, in this sense, does not mean only the male members of a tribe, but all kith and kin of the heir.6 A female chief is exceedingly rare, with almost all recorded uses of “chieftess” used in reference to the wife of a chief. An exception to this is potentially Chieftess Theodegotha, who from the context of a recovered runestone appears to be the sole chieftess of her tribe.7 Duchess Johanna Barclay is the only Chieftess of the Reinmaren in history who is known to have performed the Oath of Macken.8 An artist’s depiction of Chieftess Theodegotha and her attendants. Women have an important role in the Oath of Macken in the form of the Mother. The heir’s mother, his sister, or a close female friend serves as a symbolic mother of the clan throughout the ceremony, overseeing the bond between the tribesmen and the heir.9 She does this by passing a bowl of water and loaf of bread from the heir to the tribesmen; in this symbolic breaking of bread, the heir and the tribesmen become one. “A chief without a tribe is not a chief,” she intones.10 Duchess Josefina of Jerovitz fulfilled the role of the Mother during her son’s ceremony in 1942.11 V. SOCIETAL ROLES A man and a woman harvest the wheat. Thus far we have spoken of women in positions of honour and nobility; the wives and daughters of chiefs, and women who were chieftesses in their own right. What of the humble tribeswoman? The writings of Saint Johann state that “boys and girls of the same generation are raised together. They hunt together, train together, and complete their trials together.”12 Just as the Reinmaren make little distinction between socially stratified classes, there is little distinction between men and women when it comes to the roles they have in society and how they contribute to the wider tribe. In his 1915 Traveler’s Guide, Duke Brandt of Minitz makes it clear that a core tradition is collective egalitarianism.13 Deeds matter, not social status or gender. Even Duke Leon I, in his (half-facetious) attempt at finding a wife, notes that his future bride-to-be is encouraged to pursue her own career.14 We know from runestones and other evidence that amongst the Reinmaren tribes, all work was given its due value no matter its nature.15 This implies a lack of traditionally masculine or feminine roles. Men and women equally tended to the fields, cared for the home, and raised their children in the traditional ways of the Reinmaren. “Men and women were not judged or respected based on the nature of the work, but instead based on the devotion and competence they showed at their respective occupation.”16 This is why the Trial of Humility has both men and women cull the wheat, mill the flour, and bake the pretzel.17 LEADERSHIP Despite Reinmaren society being broadly egalitarian, ruling and leadership appears to have been reserved for the men. This is not through explicit barriers for women or lack of opportunity, but more so through societal expectation. In the Vidimar runestones, we learn that “the ruling male sons became thegns (lords). The female daughters became wives and shieldmaidens.”18 Her Grace Johanna ‘the Maus’, Duchess of Reinmar. Indeed, Duchess Johanna herself acknowledged that the only reason she inherited the Duchy of Reinmar and the title of Chieftess of the Reinmaren was because of the Karenina Accord.19 The Karenina Accord, which became the Karenina Law in 1861, pushed for absolute primogeniture.20 In other words, daughters now have the same rights of inheritance as sons. Thus, when Duchess Johanna’s elder brother perished during his Knight’s Quest, the mantle of Baroness of Sigradz and heir to the Duchy of Reinmar fell to her. Many members of House Barclay disagreed with the sentiment of the Karenina Law because of the Reinmaren tradition of selecting an heir rather than the title passing to the firstborn child. For example, Duke Brandt I of Minitz selected his thirdborn son Ferdinand as his heir (Grand Prince Ferdinand I). Duchess Johanna vowed that she would raise a son and heir and pass the mantle of Duke to him when he came of age, which she did.21 In her words, “I have always felt like a mouse scurrying around in a house that was never made for me.”22 This could be because the Duchy of Reinmar was thrust upon her due to her brother’s untimely death, or it could imply inhabiting the role of Duchess of Reinmar and Chieftess of the Reinmaren was hostile due to her gender. Despite no explicit barriers, very few women have inhabited positions on the Herrenhaus (the Ducal Council of Minitz, now the Princely Council of Reinmar). Of note is Lady Eloisee Veiel, Herald to Duke Brandt I of Minitz.23 As well as being the first and only female Herald of Minitz, Lady Eloisee was also the first Head Physician.24 She was granted the Barony of Fernweh in recognition of her many years of service to the Duchy of Minitz.25 Anette von Theonus also served as the Head Steward at this same time.26 To date, there has never been a female Herrenmeister, Erstkanzler, Lawspeaker, Lord Bailiff, or Ritter-Kastellan.27 I intend to rectify this. However, the Duchess of Minitz (and Grand Princess after the Duchy was elevated in 192828) had an unofficial but respected seat in the Herrenhaus at her husband’s side. See, for example, Duchess Henriette29 and Grand Princess Helena30 who were both summoned to the Herrenhaus alongside the sitting councillors. Consorts were also afforded their own coats of arms to be affixed to official documents, most notably seen on missives published by their respective courts.31 For more on the role of courts, see Chapter VIII. The Modern Reinmaren Woman. VI. SHIELDMAIDENS Shieldmaidens have existed through Waldenic history, long predating the Reinmaren people. See, for example, the tale of Kolvyk and Rovyk, the Half-Brother Twins.32 In this tale, the daughter of King Uldarik is noted as being a famed chariot-rider and archer who has been tested in battle. Note with interest that not once is she, or any woman, mentioned by name throughout this tale. We know her only by her relation to her father (Uldarik), her husband (Wilfervyk), and her former suitor who tricked and defiled her (Heomar). Despite being a warrior with a beauty so great she had dozens of suitors vying for her hand, she is left nameless in the annals of history. Runhild, the first Reinmaren shieldmaiden. The origins of the shieldmaiden in Reinmaren culture can be traced through the tale of Runhild, though it is unclear if Runhild was a real woman or a figure of myth and legend. The tale unfolds as such: In the chieftain’s longhouse during a feast, the chieftain suddenly perished from choking on a pheasant bone. He had not yet selected an heir to succeed him from his three sons, so his eldest son, Wulfgar, instructed his hirdmen to kill his brothers so that he could secure the chieftainship. Runhild was the wife of the youngest brother, Leofric, and she helped her husband to get to safety by moving him from the feasthall to the chieftain’s rooms. It was the height of summer, so the hearth was cold and filled only with ash. When Wulfgar’s hirdmen forced their way into the room, one of them threw his spear, catching Leofric in the left shoulder. They ignored Runhild, thinking her only a weak woman, and that mistake meant their deaths. Runhild took the ash from the cold hearth and threw it into their eyes, blinding the hirdmen. Wrenching one of their swords from their grasp, Runhild slew all of the hirdmen in quick succession, thus saving the life of her husband. His two older brothers having been killed in the bloodshed, Leofric became chieftain of the tribe. His first edict was to make his wife the foremost of his hirdmen, standing above all others in honour and prestige. The spear to the shoulder had crippled him, leaving him incapable of using his left arm, so Runhild became his shield both literally and metaphorically. The first Reinmaren shieldmaiden. From the legacy of Runhild sprang a long line of women warriors, with Barclay-born women serving in the armies of their respective lieges.33 Within the lands of the Haenseman, several Barclay women have been knighted, though none ever rose to the position of Knight Paramount or Lord Marshal. There was Dame Karolina “the Giant” Barclay, who was knighted posthumously by Sigismund II for her heroic death in the Scyfling War.34 Princess Kamila of Muldav, Duchess of Reinmar, was also a Crow Knight.35 Dame Marie Vyronov (born Barclay), knighted by King Heinrik II, was cut down during the Nachezer War.36 Within the Grand Principality of Minitz, women have also continued the martial tradition. Grand Princess Helena of Formindon is a Holy Dame of the Order of St. Jude. Isolde and Mariola Sturmweber were made hirdwomen of Adalfriede, Princess of Minitz, in recognition of their loyalty and martial ability in 196337 and 196638 respectively. Isolde von Kanunsberg (as she is now known after her marriage to Adelmar von Kanunsberg in 1973) and Avya von Berkhoven hold the rank of Auserwal or Reinmar’s Chosen in the Host of St. Johann. A young Reinmaren shieldmaiden. A DYING TRADITION? Undoubtedly, shieldmaidens are alive and well in Reinmaren society. However, there are concerning signs that modern-day Reinmar may be straying from the tribal traditions. This can be seen in amendments made to the Grand Kanun. Book Three, Chapter II, Section II.IV previously read as follows: The Reinmaren Tribesmen of the realm, who shall be known as the Sons and Daughters of Minitz, shall be allowed to serve their motherland as her protector, and join Theoderic’s Warband as warriors. However, the current wording of this section was changed by the Warrior’s Edict of 1908.39 It now reads: The Reinmaren Tribesmen of the realm, who shall be known as the Sons and Daughters of Minitz, shall be required to serve in Theoderic’s Warband for a period of five years, known as a tour of service. Let women, children, and invalids be excused from this responsibility. Note: Theoderic’s Warband is now the Host of St. Johann after the Duchy of Reinmar and Grand Principality of Minitz merged to form the Principality of Reinmar. Women are undoubtedly allowed to serve in the army, but the Grand Kanun explicitly excuses women from needing to complete a tour of service. The wording of this section includes women in a category with children and invalids, who are incapable of fighting. Why? With a long and storied history of shieldmaidens tracing back to Runhild, predating even Gelimar and Theoderic, why should women not be called to defend the motherland with mandatory service? It cannot be argued that women must stay and contribute to the household, because we have seen that household duties have historically been shared equally between men and women ever since the days of Theoderic and Gelimar. Finally, Book Three, Chapter II, Section VI.I makes it clear that women are eligible to become knights, but there have been no female knights in the history of Minitz or in the Principality of Reinmar.40 VII. REINMARIA Reinmaria refers to the broad understanding of the Reinmaren people and culture. This can be seen in the missive released by Duke Brandt of Minitz announcing the funeral of his father.41 He writes “[I] call all Reinmaren tribesmen, throughout all lands overseen by our lady Reinmaria.” Reinmaria as a concept is often embodied as a woman. Lady Reinmaria is a powerful symbol that is normally depicted in art and sculpture as a noble and strong woman wearing traditional Reinmaren garb like the tribesman’s cloak and carrying a shield and spear. The features of Lady Reinmaria convey a sense of strength, resilience, and dignity, reflecting the qualities embraced and embodied by all sons and daughters of Reinmar. Adalfriede of Hexenwald, Princess of Minitz, depicted as Lady Reinmaria. VIII. THE MODERN REINMAREN WOMAN Her Ladyship Frederica Barclay, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court. Reinmaren women have a long and storied history. We are shieldmaidens, farmers, keepers of the hearth and home, symbols, leaders. Yet I see a disturbing trend towards meekness, especially in women who were born outlanders. Even in the tales found in The Saga of Ludrik Katzak, written only fifty years ago about true events, the only mention of women is mothers walking out of their doors with their children, while warriors departed from the training grounds.42 The implication here is that women in Ludrik Katzak’s time primarily cared for the children while the men were warriors. Is this an oversight from the author, an incorrect presumption on my part, or are Reinmaren women behaving in such a way that allows us to be easily left out of the annals of history? THE FEMININE WEAKNESS Let us begin with The Tale of the Flowered Raider, a true event that occurred in 1917 in the Duchy of Minitz.43 Cyrano, an infamous Adrian mercenary, was captured and brought before the Chieftain of the Katzanik. The Chieftain had been dishonoured once before by Cyrano, and sought revenge by humiliating the mercenary. His chosen form of humiliation? To dress Cyrano in ladies’ clothes and parade him as the weak and effeminate ‘Flowered Raider’, deprived of his manhood and therefore his dignity. This tale illustrates that, in order to damage Cyrano’s honour, he needed to be emasculated. By portraying him as a woman, he was stripped of his honour, implying that femininity is a sign of weakness and inferiority. This alone shows that, despite embracing egalitarianism as a core facet of Reinmaren culture, women are subconsciously viewed as lesser. An alternative interpretation of this tale is that Cyrano was dressed specifically in the frilly gowns of the Aaunic noblewoman, not in the robes of a Reinmaren tribeswoman, and therefore only outlander women are viewed as inferior to men. This interpretation seems weak given Book One, Chapter I.V of the Grand Kanun which reads: The one that draws the blood of an unarmed woman or a child be it his own or not shall be judged by the Kanun as a sinner and a deviant, and shall undertake punishment through either a weregild, a flogging, the removal of a finger, or the branding of the right hand with a hot iron so that the world may know of their transgressions. The punishments listed here are more serious than those listed in Chapter I.IV ON ASSAULT, which means that harming an unwarmed woman or child is considered a more serious offence than harming a man. This acknowledges that women and children are more vulnerable and therefore warrant special protection. Why is this so? If Reinmar is founded upon equality, why does the Grand Kanun differentiate punishments based on whether it was a man or woman who was assaulted? This law is incongruous with the idea of the Reinmaren shieldmaiden capable of defending herself and her household. DUCAL AND PRINCELY COURTS The perception of women in Reinmar has not been helped by the introduction of royal courts reminiscent of the Haenseman and the Aaunishman. We continue to embrace the life of the tribesman; what need have we for complicated court structures that keep women sequestered in the palace, divorced from the realities of daily life? The Henriettan Beratung (Court of Henriette of Lewes, Grand Princess of Minitz) was designed to serve the Grand Princess in palatial matters and preserve her legacy.44 All of these positions were filled by women. This may seem like a boon, however, none of the functions of Grand Princess Henriette’s court upheld Reinmaren culture and traditions. This is not a surprise, considering Grand Princess Henriette was never blooded as a daughter of Reinmar. This means that, for all its good intentions, the Henriettan Beratung had very little effect on the lives of the people of Minitz. It served only to remove the women from wider society, thereby reducing their ability to influence the Grand Principality’s politics. Grand Princess Helena of Formindon surrounded by the women of Minitz. The Kanunsberg Council under Grand Princess Helena of Formindon held slightly more sway.45 While still being a private council of the Grand Princess, the Kanunsberg Council was focused on the citizenry of Minitz, including the hosting of events. Grand Princess Helena, in comparison to her predecessor, had been blooded as a daughter of Reinmar. While this council certainly distanced itself from the distinctly Aaunic court structure of the Henriettan Beratung, there is little evidence that the culture of Minitz was protected or upheld by the Kanunsberg Council. Adalfriede of Hexenwald, Princess of Minitz, attended by Lady Gertrude Barclay and a maidservant. In the creation of Der Heidehof (the Heather Court), I had a goal.46 I wanted to take a traditionally feminine institution and turn it into the beating heart of Reinmaren cultural traditions. It is through the initiatives of the Heather Court that the fields surrounding Kretzen were tilled and seeded.47 All tribesmen and burghers of Reinmar participated in Kretzenfest, with many unblooded completing their Trial of Humility through the communal harvest and pretzel-making held in the main square.48 The Studmaster Baldric von Vourkehardt, serving within the office of the Master of Horse and Hunt, has been charged with breeding fine Reinmaren steeds for the Host of St. Johann to ride into battle. The Heather Court may seem feminine, considering it is named for a flower. But the heather plant can survive the harshest of winters and is the first to regrow after a wildfire. It is hearty and steadfast, as are the Reinmaren people. There are an equal number of men and women serving on the Heather Council, and all must be blooded sons and daughters of Reinmar in order to best uphold our sacred traditions. In naming the young Baroness of Sigradz as the Seneschal of the Heather Court, I have ensured she is properly trained in the upkeep of a royal court, so that when she inherits her father’s titles and becomes Princess in Reinmar and of Sutica, she will be well-placed to continue shaping the Der Heidehof into a bastion of Reinmaren culture, history, and tradition. Finally, in comparison to the Henriettan Beratung and the Kanunsberg Council, which both had the equivalent of a Royal Guard, I have followed the Chieftess Brynhildr and taken two hirdmen as my own. They are sworn to me by blood and schwur, not through a courtly appointment. Lady Gertrude Barclay learning the pianoforte within the court of her mother, Grand Princess Helena of Formindon. THE SCOURGE OF THE UNBLOODED Too often do we see a tribesman take on an outlander wife, only for her to take his name but remain an outlander. Unable to sit and be heard at Moot, unable to fight for the Host of St. Johann, unable to hold a position within the Heather Court, or earn a seat upon the Princely Herrenhaus. This reluctance to become a blooded daughter of Reinmar serves only to ensure our society continues to be dominated by men. Hearken, all ye burghers and outlanders who wish to marry our men but spurn our traditions. You will grow no greater than you are in this moment without completing the Trials of the Stallion and participating in the Ritual of Blood. You will be voiceless, unbound, and undone. I urge you to become a blooded daughter of Reinmar and seize the opportunities that arise, whether you seek to become a shieldmaiden of old, further your political ambitions, or tend to the hearth and home. I will oversee your trials personally, and in my role as the Princess of Minitz and a Reinmaren chieftess, I will ensure you claim the legacy of our ancestors. Remember their names, heed their stories. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE of HEXENWALD, PRINCESS OF MINITZ References 1. HRH Leon II and HL Frederica Barclay, The Fashions of the Reinmaren, Principality of Reinmar (1969). 2. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter I: Genesis”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 3. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter I: Genesis”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 4. HSH Brandt I, The Reinmaren Gavelkind, Grand Principality of Minitz (1936). 5. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter II: The Oath of Macken”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 6. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter II: The Oath of Macken”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 7. This writing is yet to be released. 8. HPG Johanna I, The Tourney of Rozenfeld, Duchy of Reinmar (1889). 9. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter II: The Oath of Macken”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 10. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter II: The Oath of Macken”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 11. HPG Manfred II, The Inauguration of Reinmar, Duchy of Reinmar (1941). 12. HPG Johann I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter III: The Reinmaren Individual”, Duchy of Reinmar (1864). 13. HG Brandt I, Traveler’s Guide to the Duchy of Minitz, Duchy of Minitz (1915). 14. HG Leon I, Looking for Wife, Duchy of Minitz (1878). 15. HPG Johann I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter III: The Reinmaren Individual”, Duchy of Reinmar (1864). 16. HG Erich I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter I: Genesis”, Duchy of Reinmar (1822). 17. HG Leon I, The Trials of the Stallion, Duchy of Minitz (1902). 18. This writing is yet to be released. 19. HPG Johanna I, The Inbetween, Duchy of Reinmar (1894). 20. HRM Emma of Jerovitz, The Karenina Accord, Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska (1856); HE the Lord Palatine, The Karenina Law, Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska (1861). 21. HPG Johanna I, The Inbetween, Duchy of Reinmar (1894). 22. HPG Johanna I, The Inbetween, Duchy of Reinmar (1894). 23. HG Brandt I, Summons to the Herzograt of Minitz, Duchy of Minitz (1928). 24. HE Karl von Theonus, Establishment of the Physicians of Saint Johann, Duchy of Minitz (1915). 25. HE Eloisee Veiel, The Princely Court of 1935, Grand Principality of Minitz (1935). 26. HG Brandt I, Summons to the Herzograt of Minitz, Duchy of Minitz (1928). 27. HG Leon I, The First Minitzian Roll of Arms, Duchy of Minitz (1914). 28. HRM James I, Letters Patent for the Grand Principality of Minitz, Kingdom of Aaun (1928). 29. HG Brandt I, Summons to the Herzograt of Minitz, Duchy of Minitz (1928). 30. HSH Ferdinand I, Herrenhaus Meeting of 1947, Grand Principality of Minitz (1947). 31. HG Leon I, The First Minitzian Roll of Arms, Duchy of Minitz (1914). 32. Otto the Tarcharman, Kolvyk and Rovyk, the Half-Brother Twins, Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska (1762). 33. HPG Johann I, The Legacy of the Reinmaren, “Chapter III: The Reinmaren Individual”, Duchy of Reinmar (1864). 34. The Knights Table, The Knights Atlas of Haense, Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska (1863). 35. HG Leon I, The First Minitzian Roll of Arms, Duchy of Minitz (1914). 36. The Knights Table, The Knights Atlas of Haense, Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska (1863). 37. HSH Adalfriede of Hexenwald, Chronicles of the Princess of Minitz Volume II, Grand Principality of Minitz (1965). 38. HRH Adalfriede of Hexenwald, Chronicles of the Princess of Minitz Volume III, Principality of Reinmar (1968). 39. Lawman Maxwell, The Warrior’s Edict, Duchy of Minitz (1908). 40. HG Leon I, The Tome of Chivalry, Duchy of Minitz (1910). 41. HG Brandt I, A Belated Farewell , Duchy of Minitz (1919). 42. HL Ludrik Katzak, The Saga of Ludrik Katzak: The Prophecy of Stars, Duchy of Minitz (1920). 43. HL Ludrik Katzak, The Tale of the Flowered Raider, Duchy of Minitz (1917). 44. HSH Henriette of Lewes, The Henriettan Beratung, Grand Principality of Minitz (1929). 45. HSH Helena of Formindon, The Kanunsberg Council, Grand Principality of Minitz (1945). 46. HRH Adalfriede of Hexenwald and HL Frederica Barclay, Der Heidehof, Principality of Reinmar (1968). 47. HL Frederica Barclay, The Planting of the Fields, Principality of Reinmar (1969). 48. HRH Adalfriede of Hexenwald and HL Frederica Barclay, The Beginning of the Second Kretzenfest, Principality of Reinmar (1970).

Adalfriede would not be able to attend, but she resolved to send a gift to the happy couple. "Josefina," she said to the girl sitting at her side. "You have a knack for such things. Find a gift for Anselm and Viktoriya, won't you?" @alien_mc

MC Name: toffToffee Discord: @meggiebyte Image: Description of Image: The Prince and Princess of Minitz sitting on thrones. Dimensions: 1x1

Princess Adalfriede pored over the fine work of Frederica and Juliya, a rare, soft smile on her lips. So many relics in their Princely House, with no doubt more to follow in the prosperous years ahead. "Rest with GOTT, Duchess. In your work, you are immortal."

finally. bring back the runelords

Adalfriede knelt before the statue of Wilheim and Josefina, the play of water from the fountain quiet and melodic. A fallen leaf spun in the current and washed up against the pale stone. The stonemason had not quite managed to capture the late Duchess’ likeness, for hard stone could not radiate quiet strength and a glimmer in the eye as she had. Adalfriede removed the crown nestled over her veil. The Diadem von Minitz. Sunlight spilled through the sapphires and emeralds, casting bright gemdrops of colour across Adalfriede’s robes and the carefully tended flagstones. When Josefina had first given her the crown, they had been standing in the centre of camp, the city of Kretzen barely anything more than loose piles of stone and wood. Such a thing of beauty had seemed out of place in the ruggedness of the camp, yet looking at it now, the crown had its own brutal elegance, each tip sharp enough to skewer a man. One of mea finest pieces, if Ea do say so meaself. Vy deserve something that will match vyr own brilliance, and that will match the brilliance of our family. A shining crown for a shining jewel in the hearts of the Reinmaren. Glancing up into her stone face, the ghost of Josefina’s soft, wrinkled fingers caught on Adalfriede’s chin and sent a chill down her spine. Wind vibrated through the branches overhead, turning into the old woman’s quiet hum. Wear it with pride, dear child. Ea see magnificence in vy. Let it grow. Just remember to visit me when Godan decides mea time is near, hm? Adalfriede angrily dashed a tear from her cheek with the back of her hand. She had not visited. Why? The city of Kretzen reached its brick and tile fingers to the heavens, ensconcing Josefina in what would be her tomb, but she seemed too timeless to ever die. A dobry consort is a silent one who does her duty nie matter the price she has to pay. Ea was very young when Ea met Wilheim, vy know, a girl of but twelve, nearly eight decades ago now. Ea did niet feel Ea had the right to use his name or exercise his power or claim his honour as mea own, even though all those things were rightfully mine as his wife. And still, when mea dear Manfred took up the mantle, and Ea held the bowl into which he dripped his blood as he became Chief, Ea felt that as his mamej, Ea had nie right to make mea will heard, that Ea should merely be a support to him as Ea had always been. And he was wonderful and patient and kind, blunt and stubborn, da, but wonderful. All Ea can do is guide, though mea words are so often taken for granted. It is a symptom, vy see, of princedom and kingship alike. The koeng of Haense has wept in mea arms, and mine was the hand that fed and raised Manfred to the point where he could raise a family himself, with Ravenna. The plight of the mother is to live in the shadows of vyr children, and their children. And how wonderful those shadows feel, even when vy are long forgotten, and vyr words are but distant whispers in the wind. Ea only hope that, when Ea am gone, they will be able to survive without mea guidance. Adalfriede slowly rose, brushing the gravel from the folds of her gown. She was not a silent consort, nor one who was afraid to represent her husband’s honour. She ran a hand over the golden brooch clasping her tribesman’s cloak, feeling the careful engraving of a shield maiden on horseback, Reinmaren runes chased in silver spiralling along the edges. Josefina had had a woman’s strength, quiet and unyielding, weathering life as gracefully as an ancient oak at the heart of a great forest. Promise me something, won't vy, dear girl? When Yam gone, and niething more than a memory, watch over them for me. Love them all as vy love vyrself, and they will take care of vy, even if there are bumps in the road. Unclasping the cloak from around her shoulders, Adalfriede draped it around the stone likeness of Josefina. Raevborne yet Reinmaren to the bone, Josefina would bear the gold brooch of a Chieftess of the Reinmaren in death even if she had not seized that honour for herself in life. Adalfriede smoothed out the green fabric with a tremulous smile, foreign on her usually icy features. “I promise.”

This looks really fun! I would definitely be keen to play a character in this niche

Princess Adalfriede polished the armour of the Auserwal, rendering it to a high gleam. No doubt by the end of this it would be splattered with the blood of the enemy; if they even took to the field.

Princess Adalfriede lamented that she would be unable to attend, but she set about preparing gifts for them both!

The Princess Adalfriede diligently lacquered her shield, the ever-pious St. Julia of Paradisus engraved in immaculate detail on the heavy wood. No doubt before the end of this her shield would be chipped and marred from combat, but the symbol would forever remain.

THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND KRETZENFEST DAS ZWEITE KRETZENFEST | THE SECOND KRETZENFEST Issued by the Princess of Minitz and the Baroness of Sigradz In the year of our Lord 1970 ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, OVER A CENTURY AGO, the Reinmaren people observed the first Kretzenfest at Wilheburg, held by Saint Prince Johann Barclay to celebrate the harvest. An ode to centuries-old Reinmaren fortitude throughout the harshest of winters, Kretzenfest is a festival of determination, as well as a last goodbye to the warm balm of summer. ITINERARY DIE ERNTE | THE HARVEST With the opening of Kretzenfest, citizenry and honoured guests alike are invited to partake in the traditional harvesting of wheat and milling of flour. They shall then go on to bake pretzels and share their work amongst themselves amidst drink and song. To those who seek to complete the Trials of the Stallion and become a blooded son or daughter of Reinmar, this shall serve as their Trial of Humility. A feast shall then be served to mark the official opening of the festival. ERZÄHLKUNST UND MOOT | STORYTELLING AND MOOT The Reinmaren people keep an oral tradition, passing down stories through the performance of skaldic poetry and telling of tales. All shall gather in the theatre to watch a traditional Reinmaren fable performance by Adelmar von Kretzen. Following the performance, Moot shall be held within the Moothall. DER MARKTTAG | THE MARKET DAY A grand marketplace will be constructed in the central square of Kretzen for traders across Aevos to hark their wares, from arms and armour to medicine to delicate needlework. There shall also be a haybale maze to traverse. Can you find your way? Should you wish to reserve a stall, send word to the Princess of Minitz or the Baroness of Sigradz stating the broad genre of your wares and whether you will require a small, medium, or large stall. Brewers and vintners from across the continent are also invited to partake in a drink-making competition. All in attendance will vote on the finest beverage, and the winner will be awarded a contract to provide their drink in great quantities for future feasts hosted by Der Heidehof. The value of this contract is to be negotiated with the Princess of Minitz. INVITATIONS His Holiness, CAIUS, High Pontiff of the Holy Mother Church. The College of Cardinals. The Diet of Bishops. The Clergy of Clement and Evaristus. His Apostolic Majesty, JOHN, King of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Aaunic people. His Royal Majesty, IVAN, King of the Dual Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska and the Haeseni people. Her Royal Majesty, CATHERINE, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Petran people. Her Royal Majesty, SYBILLE, Queen of the Kingdom of Balian and the Balianite people. Her Royal Majesty, TAR-CARANETH, Queen of the Kingdom of Númendil and the Númenedain people. OIJIN KATO, Shugo of Sakuragakure and the Oyashiman people. His Highness, JOHANNES, Elector of Merryweather-Alstreim, Lord Vandalore. His Lordship, SIEGMUND VON REUSS, Elector of Velen, Ritterkommandant of the KOV. His Grace, AUREL VON THEONUS, Elector of Marignan. The Honorable, FRIEDRICH VON AUGUSTEN, Elector of Hohengarten. SIR DARIS VERETHI TERES, Syndicate Envoy to the Waldenic Diet. The Waldenian Peoples. His Royal Majesty, ILLTHRAK, Prince of the Principality of Celia’nor and the Celia’norian people. His Majesty, GRELU, Grand King of Urguan and the Urguani people. The Reinmaren Peoples. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE of HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz HER LADYSHIP, FREDERICA, Baroness of Sigradz, Seneschal of the Heather Court

Adalfriede polished off her earrings and donned her tribesman's cloak, securing it with a gold brooch chased with silver.

The Princess Adalfriede had witnessed the trial and burning of a demon with the sense that its death was only the beginning. Her dark eyes skated over words of the Pontiff's doings and she knew that there was much more to be done before the realm was purged of such disease.

The Princess Adalfriede sharpened her spear and readied her shield for the glory of Reinmar!

Illynora Sylvaeri remembered a time, twenty years before the shop's official establishment, when a young Jorvin Starbreaker was finding his feet as a smith and as a merchant in the harbour city of Aegrothond. She read over the pamphlet and smiled, resolving to make the trip to Urguan if only to be reminded of times long since passed.

The missive came across Adalfriede's desk and the princess, usually so stoic, allowed herself a small smile. She was right to give Frederica responsibility at such a young age; the girl was growing into it, making the office her own. Good.

CHRONIKEN DER FÜRSTIN VON MINITZ CHRONICLES OF THE PRINCESS OF MINITZ Published by the Fürstin Adalfriede von Hexenwald in the year of our Lord 1968 VOL I (LINK) VOL II (LINK) SÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR, These last several years have seen us strike out into the hinterlands, the rolling farmlands of Aaun disappearing at our backs as we made the long journey westwards with our livestock, belongings, and hopes for a future controlled by Reinmaren destiny. We have raised the city of Kretzen from a small collection of tents and huts to a bastion of culture and prosperity. Prince Alfred and Prince Leon have been crowned the Princes in Reinmar, and I as the Princess of Minitz, tasked with the duty of upholding the word of our Lord GOTT and the ways of the Reinmaren. WHILE ENCAMPED Our third child, Josefina Johanna, was born in 1965 while we were still encamped. She was born into hard living and little comfort, but so too were the Reinmaren of old, learning to live off the land rather than resting comfortably in stone towers. When our children are old enough, they will learn what it is to fend for themselves, to hunt their own fare and make beds from moss and pine needles as their ancestors did before them. There was more to fear from the camp than mere discomfort. In the quiet of night, a great white bear emerged from the woods, drawn by the scent of freshly hunted game. It attacked, leaving Nikolaus von Kanunsberg grievously wounded to the face and neck; scars he bears to this very day. The creature was fought off by the brave acts of Duke Gottfried Barclay, Mariola von Wesenburg, Joseph von Berkhoven, Feldmarschall Wilhelm von Berkhoven, Albrecht Barclay, and an outlander whose name I regrettably do not know. With the help of three kind strangers and the healing skills of Robert von Stroheim, Nikolaus’ life was saved. STRENGTHENING OF THE HIRD Mariola Sturmweber (now Mariola von Wesenburg as per the Letters issued in 1968) has served Minitz faithfully for a number of years. In recognition of this service, and for the loyalty she has shown to me, I asked Mariola to become a member of my hird. She now stands beside her sister Isolde as my hirdman, holding a hatchet as a symbol of the blood oath she swore within the square of Kretzen under the shadow of the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs. THE CITY OF KRETZEN Our stonemasons, carpenters, and architects have raised the City of Kretzen from the soil, where it stands as a beacon of Reinmaren culture. Already within these walls we have seen a consecration of the Temple, the coronation and enthronement of the Princes in Reinmar, and a Moot where all sons and daughters of Reinmar were called to attend. I have taught my son Brandt to ride in these streets, have taught my daughter Rosalyn of the Grand Kanun within the Moot Hall. I have seen apostate elves burned, warriors blooded, and oaths made. Reinmaren: this city is ours. Honour, cherish, and protect it. A WEREGILD EXTRACTED To those who are not well-versed in the Grand Kanun, a weregild is gold paid to a wronged party in compensation, to prevent a blood feud or blood-price being demanded. We recently witnessed a weregild being extracted for the crime of subversion. So says Book One, Chapter III.X of the Grand Kanun: The subject who attempts to spread foreign cultural influences within our motherland, be it through food, language, dress, or likewise, in beyond an academic, casual, and/or business sense—as is the case should one attempt to coerce another into abandoning their culture for another—is guilty of the wrongdoing of Subversion, and as enemies against the Waldenic and Reinmaren ways they shall be seen. Let the wrongdoer pay a small fee of gold, not exceeding two hundred pieces, and be relegated to change their ways at once. An outlander by the name of Robert not only entered the floor of the Moot Hall during Moot, which is reserved for blooded Reinmarens only, but he also spoke and attempted to play a foreign instrument. When he was cast out, he instead began to play this instrument in the city square. The Lawspeaker levelled on him a weregild of two hundred pieces, which he was unable to pay. Prince Leon II, who is ever-just, allowed the outlander to toil in the fields and procure wheat for the weregild instead. Let it be known that all who set foot within Reinmar should learn of our laws, for they shall be enforced. So says the Kanun. THE HEATHER COURT Alongside Frederica, the Baroness of Sigradz, I have brought into existence Der Heidehof to further the pursuit and propagation of Reinmaren culture. Within the Court are a series of positions and offices to meet this aim. The Baroness of Sigradz, although young, serves as my Seneschal. Already we have set to work preparing a grand Kretzenfest to celebrate the upcoming harvest, and have hired a number of staff. Hiring of staff is normally a function of the Chamberlain. However, until such a time as that position is filled, the Seneschal and I have added such a function to our existing duties. As was announced at the Royal Court of 1968, all who wish to put themselves forward for the position of Chamberlain should write to myself, the Princess Adalfriede. ENEMIES OF AILMERE When the people of Minitz lived in the lands of Aaun, we were beset upon by the Franks. Now, in these new lands we call home, the dark mages of Ailmere have made themselves our enemy. Already, they have burned the camp beyond our walls and taken my hirdman Isolde captive. They have attacked our fair city of Kretzen and attempted to strike fear into our hearts. Just as we defeated the Franks and slaughtered their leader the Roach, so too shall we defeat this new foe. Isolde was rescued, and the Host of St. Johann is ready. Brave souls frequently patrol the walls. Stand stalwart and unforgiving, sons and daughters of Reinmar. This new enemy shall learn that we do not rest, and we do not rust. Those who wish to join us in defending the city should speak with Wilhelm von Berkhoven, the Feldmarschall of the Host of St. Johann. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Adalfriede of Hexenwald, Princess of Minitz

Adalfriede of Hexenwald, dressed in her linens, stared at herself in the full-length looking glass. He who rests, rusts, she murmured to herself as she combed her fingers through her dark hair.

Princess Adalfriede unfurled the great scroll of the Host upon her lap, pointing to each of the ranks illuminated in rich pigment. "You wish to be a warrior, Brandt? Then read, and know what it is you fight to uphold." @Shadow2k

The Princess Adalfriede tapped her foot in time to the drums, feeling the power of Reinmar singing in her veins!

CHRONIKEN DER GROßFÜRSTIN VON MINITZ CHRONICLES OF THE GRAND PRINCESS OF MINITZ Published by the Großfürstin Adalfriede von Hexenwald in the year of our Lord 1965 VOL I (LINK) SÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON MINITZ, We have struck out into the hinterlands, constructing a camp on the site that will soon be our new city. A city built by Reinmaren hands, for a Reinmaren way of life. The first of its kind. As we crested a ridge and the alpine landscape unfurled before us, we were met with craggy ravines and a sea of heather, a wash of purple and blue throughout the entire valley. We must be as the heather plant; sturdy and resilient, bringing colour to the world. Inside Adelmar’s home, breaking bread prior to the skaldic performance. CULTURE AND THE ARTS For the Martyr’s Day Festival commemorating those lost in the War for the Heartlands, the young Lady Jadwiga Jazlowiecki put on a charming puppet show. Using puppets she had hand sewn, she crafted a humorous interpretation of the treacherous Richard Stassion stealing land from the mighty Dragon of Aaun. While Lady Jadwiga’s production was disrupted by the arrival of envoys from Hyspia requesting help for their Viceroyal, who had been captured by orcs, I have high expectations for her future in theatre. The Reinmaren people are no strangers to performances and epic poetry. I witnessed a story performed by Lord Adelmar Barclay von Kanunsberg, who using shadows and light from a simple candle transformed his face and demeanour as he told the tale of the Blind Man and the Duke. In a land shrouded in stories, there lived a blind old man, who sang songs about Leon Barclay, a Duke he had never seen. That summer, he sang his song upon the Duke's name, and whispered tales of the man to anyone who would pass. The Duke Leon that summer called a folkmoot to hear of his tribe. The warriors of the land gathered, and their sons and daughters. The blind beggar, a gyjsh among men—an elder—had the right of attendance. There, he knew Leon Barclay sat in front of him in the moot, the very man he had never seen. He said, motioning with his hand towards his front, “I would touch upon your face, Chieftain of Mine. As my lips have sung your song, then let me truly picture the hero of my sagas and songs.” Duke Leon told onto this blind beggar, “Come then, and feel the visage of the Herzog that you yearn for.” Though, the Duke, upon the throne, denies this request with the push of his hand, dragging a warrior that stood guard next to him in front of his own visage, so that the elder's hands would touch upon the face of that common soldier instead. “So I have touched upon your visage, and have built an image upon my mind of what a true Duke looks like. I will tell everyone that I saw the Herzog, Leon Barclay.” Then, the hirdmen, councillors, warriors and all are bewildered and confused, that the Duke fooled the beggar with the face of that common warrior. “O, Chieftain of mine,” they cried onto him. “Why have you fooled this beggar so? Is it not your face that would glorify his song?” “Aren't I and the next Tribesman the same? Are we not one and the same as our people? And if we die, you and I, and Brandt, the people will live on. They will continue to clash with the enemy, and they will win. My younger days are behind me, anyone can say that I am weak, and that my hands no longer can yield the spear. Yet, generations will live after me, they will sing my song and your song. They will speak of my name as their ancestor, they will say that my horse hurdles the mountains and the hills. In my land they will raise their children as Reinmaren, as Theoderic did his. My hands whither. Yet, there will always be tribesmen that will say that my sword splits mountains in two.” WHAT IT IS TO BE A LEADER In the above tale lies the true meaning of leadership. Action and influence, not the symbol of a crown, is what makes a ruler. The common folk care not for titles, but for how their leader can serve them, protecting them from wolves and providing them with a bountiful harvest. I encountered my husband instructing Lady Frederica, the Baroness of Sigradz, on her future as a leader of the Reinmaren people. Duty, honour, and family are what is most important in this world—the pursuit of personal pleasures is secondary. Grand Prince Leon exists as a pillar on which Reinmaren honour and the Kanun rests. I have witnessed him have the choice between an easy, more practical path, and a more difficult path which maintains his honour both as a man and as a Grand Prince. Every time, he chooses honour. The Kanun is sacred, and so is honour. Material desires hold no station above honour or law. Should I ever try to dissolve either, let the tribesmen cast me out and cut me with swords! THE MAGIC COMMISSION REPORT In the year of our Lord 1963, His Holiness, Sixtus VI published a report providing clarity on the Church’s stance on magic. Within this report, various forms of Voidal magicks such as elementalism and transfiguration were deemed to be sanctioned. During the Royal Court of the same year, the Lord Bailiff Peter Stroheim raised this issue with the Grand Prince. He urged Grand Prince Leon to amend Book One, Chapter III.V of the Grand Kanun, which reads: ON MAGIC: The one who channels the wicked powers of magic not be allowed to step within the walls of Minitz, for the Kanun will not allow the foot that was dipped into the darkness of the void to corrupt the soil of our land. Those who practice wicked magics, not approved by the Holy Church, or that touch on anything which GOTT has not given us descendants from our birth shall not be allowed within the Herzogtum. They will find themselves escorted, and, if continuously again they show themselves amongst our populace, their feet will be cut. Their hands will be separated from their bodies if such magics they practice. Those who Housemagery, Bardomancy, or soul magics shall be exempt from this wrongdoing. Those who practice Paladinism and druidism must acquire permission from the Herzog or the Lawspeaker to enter Minitz. The mage who the void of Iblees has touched enjoys no right to be trialed by Ordeal or Combat, for the tricks of the devil are unknown. The proposed amendment is to explicitly disallow all Voidal magicks. With the wording of the current law, the Magic Commission Report shows that there are some forms of Voidal magic which could be deemed to be approved by the Holy Church, and therefore permissible within Minitz. The laws of Minitz have always been stricter against magic-wielders and non-humans compared to other Canonist realms. Even with this much needed and respected guidance from the Church, we must safeguard our people, customs and culture. The Grand Prince accepted Lord Peter’s petition—the amendment will be discussed at Moot under the guidance of the Lawspeaker. GATHERING OF THE HIRD It is tradition for the Grand Prince and Princess to build a personal household, known as their hird. I have been building my own hird, welcoming my sister-in-law Lady Gertrude Barclay as my foremost lady-in-waiting. I have also received Isolde Sturmweber’s schwur as my sworn protector, or hirdman, and commissioned a spear in her honour for her use in the protection of my household. The shaft is carved with a depiction of Isolde in the forests near Velen, striking down a Frankish warrior. This is what prompted my admiration for her martial abilities. I know that, with her by my side and GOTT watching over us, my person shall remain safe. She has already proved her mettle in discovering and remedying a security breach within Minitz alongside Mariola Sturmweber, and accompanying me on a journey into the hinterlands to see the lands that will soon be our home. The Angel of Justice appearing before Grand Prince Leon II, Brandt Cardinal Albarosa, and Grand Princess Adalfriede of Hexenwald. A MESSAGE FROM THE DIVINE Brandt Cardinal Albarosa, Grand Prince Leon’s grandfather and the namesake of our eldest son, visited us in Kanunsberg Castle late last year. He had come to create a star chart for little Brandt Wulfhard, to glean what his future holds. With the reading complete, the Cardinal Albarosa moved to stow his astrolabe away when the sky erupted into a radiant aurora in the shape of the Lorraine cross. An angel descended from the heavens, heralded by trumpet calls and a circle of holy fire, his great wings sweeping the clouds and an ephemeral blade clutched in his grip. He pointed the tip of his blade and bathed the balcony around us in a ring of flames, burning hot with the Lord’s justice. “Man has shunned the Lord. They have put selfish desires over Him; the vicar of GOD has put secular affairs over his vow and commitment to our Lord. Too filled with rage, is one who must guide the flock of Man. Look, as the Kingdoms of GOD fight and ramble, so incessant in their needless rebellion against the Kingdom of Heaven. Be it so, then, that should this continue, that no Man will ascend to the Seven Skies again, and that I have been tasked to lock the gates of heaven. Please, guide them again, so that I am allowed to see Man enter the gates of heaven again. It is not only GOD that cries, but all of us.” These are the words the angel said unto us, along with the grave tidings that the darkness of Iblees has once again touched our realm. Brandt Cardinal Albarosa will save us from this venom; he will convert the non-believers, and burn the darkness away until we are all bathed in the Lord’s warmth and light. I rode with Mariola Sturmweber between select Canonist nations that very night, spreading the angel’s words. We were met with scorn and disdain in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, benign interest in the Commonwealth of the Petra, and fervent support in the Kingdom of Númendil. Just as the angel is a servant and slave to the Lord God—a messenger—so too must we be messengers. It is our duty as good sons and daughters of the Church of the Canon to convert the non-believers and to remind those who wear a cross and sleep through Mass that GOD is watching and sees through their veneer. An age of true belief is upon us. The skeletal remains of the burned demon in the courtyard of the Holy See. THE CLEANSING OF EVIL Following an investigation by Brandt Cardinal Albarosa, an unrepentant demon had its magic stripped and was condemned to death by burning at the stake. As the cleansing column of flame reached its burning tendrils towards the heavens, the glowing aurora in the shape of the Lorraine cross revealed itself to us once more. The Cardinal Albarosa is doing the Lord’s work, punishing sinners and banishing Iblees’ taint from the land. GOD has shown us a symbol of his favour, and so this blessed work will continue until we can walk in peace once more. WER RASTET, DER ROSTET HER SERENE HIGHNESS, Adalfriede of Hexenwald, Grand Princess of Minitz

Adalfriede of Hexenwald had first arrived in the Kingdom of Aaun to join her brother, Wulfram Rademacher, as he built his life in the court of King John. Turning to watch the rolling farmlands and fields recede behind her horse, she offered a silent, solemn farewell before turning to face the long road ahead. She did not turn back a second time.

Adalfriede of Hexenwald carefully brushed soot from the crevices of a demonic skull with lopsided horns jutting out above the brow bone. Polishing the skull until its blackened surface glowed with a dark shine, she held the trophy up to the light with a thin, self-satisfied smile. There would be more. Many more.

Illynora Sylvaeri unrolled the missive from the decaying leg of of a ship's rat, her face darkening with a deep frown. She made her way into the apothecary above Illivira's infirmary and showed her daughter a copy of the letter. @RainbowRoad1234