GoodGuyMatt

The sun rose above Neu Brandthof, climbing atop the cobbled walls of the city, its rays falling down on the Burghers and Tribesmen below. The town echoed with laughter, chatter and joy, a common day amongst the Reinmaren people. A few warriors brawled within the tavern, others remained on guard duty, the boring, long, guard duty. Lawrence stood idly within the gatehouse, interviewing visitors one by one, his ledger at hand, filling it out after every visitor. So had the day started within the Minitzian city, many having been present for the Waldenic Diet just the day before, few Lords and Ladies of foreign lands having sought food, drink and sleep within the Tavern, cozy as it was. He took a deep breath, before shouting from the top of his lungs. “MOOT TIME” called the Chieftain of Katzak, dressed in his Heraldic attire, the colors of Barclay sawn into the cloth that he wore. Once again he sang the same song, his voice deep and loud, as befitted a Reinmaren Skald. So they gathered, from all around. Businessmen exited their shops, mothers walked out their doors with their children, warriors departed from the training grounds. So gathered the Fifth Brandtian Moot. Many topics they discussed, laws, discussions, problems to address. Ludrik von Katzak stood at the Lawspeaker’s chair, only a Vizekanzler himself. He talked, and talked, informed and queried, told and was told. Finally, the time of petitions came, and one man walked forth. His back was crouched, his hair long and white, his beard bushy and thick. An odd look surrounded him, a face of mixed emotions, evoking calm in some, and discomfort in others. He hobbled over an oaken cane and approached the dias. His eyepatch, and the whites of his eyes indicated that he was blind, but his steps were sure, almost as if he could see. He looked towards Ludrik, sitting atop the throne, almost as if he could see the man. He did not say anything. “An elder comes before us. Let us respect him, as is the way of our people, and give him the floor.” called the throned Katzak, his eyes fixed on the walking Elder. It was practice amongst the Reinmaren people to respect their elders, or any elder for that matter. They represented knowledge and experience, the very experience of life. “Speak, o wise sage. Why do you step before the Sons of Reinmar?” These words Ludrik uttered, unsure of what to expect, yet utterly unprepared of what he was to hear: “Hear you, Ludrik Gelimarsson!” the man's voice echoed across the halls, as if knowing the Katzak personally, yet he had never seen him before. A son of Gelimar Ludrik was indeed, an ilk of the elder of the Reinmaren forefathers. “The dream-signs from your Elder. The power lust, you must quench now. Do not listen to the outlander, who wishes to travel to Adria. Tord, he had a strange dream; and foreboding the many dreams were. In the spring of the future-past, a voyage will be prepared. A power-hungry Thegn rules Riverrock, and will raise the land-levy. One-hundred and sixty horsemen, to the Thegn of Einmont they ride.” So narrated the blind elder, his gaze sat on Ludrik, his blind eyes staring into the Katzak as if they could somehow see it. He was taken aback, unsure of what to expect, yet growing more and more anxious with each word. “And Thegn Karl's sons raised another hundred horsemen. As they arrive in the Mori lands, the first battle commences. Thegn Theonus fell, and your son fled. But Maxwell swore at them; “The King's men, you will meet at the bridge.” Karl and Ludrik on the next day fare without mail-shirts. Far ahead the sun reflected off helmets and mail-shirts many. The Mori-king it surely is, I recognise his banner! The Reinmaren army was caught off guard, and stopped at the bridge.” “They decide that all men should fight.” “As Ludrik rode down to the army, as fast as he could. But in order to win time they bade Cisyn to hold the King's men, out there on the bridge. And long held his ground against the army. But a spear reached him from below, and so they came across. As the second battle raged, Karl and Ludrik and all their men… From horses they ran in order to reach the bridge in time. Brandt went before his men, and rained blows to all sides.” A gray-goose fletched arrow then flew and became the Reinmaren Prince's bane. “As Karl and Ludrik arrived, fully dressed in chain-mail, for toil and hurry, they barely reached the fight at the bridge. As the third battle began, Saxton was called. And many fell, but the Reinmaren were forced to flee. And so it was that Mori's men from the underground won Almaris. And Reinmaren law was culled there at the bridge.” So professed the Seer to all, his white gaze meeting each and every man whose name he spoke. His words trembled the hearts of those who heard them, yet excited those of the others, the young ones, those who wished for blood and for glory, these lot welcomed the tale with open arms. Many whispers went around the open Moot hall, some speaking aloud, speaking of loss of sleep for the night, whilst others simply shut their lips. Ludrik was one of these, especially so as the Seer turned to him once more. “Your power-hunger, you must end now, hear you, Ludrik Gelimarsson. The dream signs from your brothers.” Being addressed directly once more, the Vizekanzler made to clench the arm of the throne, leane back, a calm expression on his face, yet few would notice the anxiety behind the Katzak's face of a mask “Who are you, elder, to tell such tales?” he queried, but received no verbal answer. Instead, the Seer’s eyes went above towards the dark skies. The eyes of all those around followed him, just to notice one of the many skies above fall from the horizon. It was a short, red comet, or at least it appeared so to all. Gasps filled open air, signs of lorraine were crossed by even more. Ludrik had gotten his answer silently, his own eyes now widened at the sight. The Seer turned to him once more “This comet will be the last you see. And that time will come that you will not see again.” “They come across. Harken my words. They come across. Do not listen to the Outlander.” The von Katzak turned to the Seer then, he furrowed his brows, the words having struck deep, his face filled with anger. He had gambled his eyes in duels many a time, but for his sight he now feared. What was a chieftain without sight? A herald without light to draw. He took a deep breath, just before showing white teeth of anger, jaws clenched and enraged “OUT” he screamed hysterically. “Your prince shall fall by a gray-goose fletched arrow.” continued the Elder “Do not listen to the Outlander.” he repeated once more, sending Ludrik into a frenzy “Visions of deceit and of lies, of fear mongering and of plight!” He called, having formed a rhyme without realizing “Our right fight you fight with words, yet you speak without cause” and so it continued. He was too enraged to be doing this on purpose, this was obvious. It was a rather poetic moment, albeit a poetry filled with raw emotions of anger and rage. A poetry crooked, a poetry hysteric. With a nod of his head, the blind seer turned away from the dias, his sightless eyes seeming to gaze into the unseen realm. He moved with an air of quiet dignity, his aged form supported by his trusty cane as he made his way towards the exit of the hall. “You've not me to fear, Gelimarsson, but the stars.” such were his last words. “Are you not an outsider yourself?” Ludrik’s teeth gritted before punching the throne's arm “OUT!” He screamed and seethed again in denial. Once again the Moot hall filled with chatter, many giving their take on the events. The usual gasps traveled around, but it was all those present who remained and witnessed in shock. “Most worrisome..” Karl, Chieftain of Theonus mumbled under his breath, standing just inches away from Ludrik. The Katzak, in turn made to sit up, his face red as an apple, he jerked his hand into a motion of dismissal "The Moot is dismissed. Heed not such lies from mages and seers, these are not words of GOTT, our Lord!” he said in a hurry before storming out of the Moot, whilst all those seated stood up as per common practice. To Riverrock he went, his mind distorted and his vision blurred from his mixed emotions. His pace was quick. His foot stepped heavily upon the dirt. To his room he departed, changing his official attire into the traditional Reinmaren clothes, white linen adorned by red markings. As he climbed upon the tower of his Thanage, he eyed the lands of Minitz which stretched before him like the sea stretches before the sailor. Amongst the many houses, and even more trees laid before him, he thought of the Spirit Cave, where all new Minitzers undergo their Trial of Spirit. Something called him towards it, something unspoken, an attraction, much like magnets, light, yet unseen. So he departed, his foot heavy as it was before, his impulses of rage from before having morphed into confusion, weighing upon his heart, for it now felt heavy. He was not the first visitor, for most of the tribesmen had already gathered towards it. It was uncertain, but now they were all there, led by Brandt, their Herzog and Chieftain. Were they brought there by the same pull that attracted him?

"Rent free" cackled one Ludrik Katzak after seeing his beloved Duke give the stalker something

Ludrik von Katzak, the Lord of Arms, smiled as he saw the document finally published, nodding proudly at the granted Achievement.

"Than*" corrected Ludrik

"You're welcome" replies Ludrik

"Vyr mea yem mea em w y niet blyat n w L vyr aedylmea" replied Ludrik von Katzak in Raevspeak

[!] The following letter and attachments were published openly for all and any to see DIE DRACHENGILDE VON ADRIA THE DRACONIC GUILD OF ADRIA Written by Ludrik Katzak in the year of our Lord 1920 A sketch of the daemonic shrine was attached ZUR HEILIGEN INQUISITION, As a GOTT-fearing man I write this letter, taken aback by what my eyes have witnessed on this day. Through the lands I had heard word of these Adrian guilds, so sponsored by their Duchy’s government, so efficient and so prominent. In my time of interest, I thus decided to visit the Alchemist’s Guild, and so I traveled to their apothecary, called “The Wicket Thicket”. When I first laid foot within the place, I would have never imagined how truly it would live up to its name, for what I found under, was wicked beyond belief. A public parchment made on the Guild was attached alongside the rest of the evidence As Chieftain of the Katzak tribe within Minitz, it was part of my nature to dwell deeper into the establishment of the apothecary, to seek answers. So I went through the first door, dwelling deeper into the lair of the enemy, as the rest of Adria slept. Here, I found all chests labeled as you’d expect an alchemist to label them. “Herbs”, “Potions”, and so on. I layed no finger upon these goods, but as I looked around the room, I grew curious. A painting was placed on one side of the wall, and, as per the experience expected upon a tribesman of the Katzak (Translated from Old Reinmaren: “Thief”), I checked behind said painting. A sketch of the storage, featuring the mentioned painting Low and behold, I now found a hidden room, a rocky structure that led down a flight of stairs and into a locked door. Once again I found my way past that door, and as such, I found what I now wish to report upon your Holy Order. The majority of the room was ordinary, bookshelves, locked barrels, and chests laid about. But, on the fourth face of the wall, I found what appeared to me to be a shrine! A structure riddled with strange-looking materials, dark purple in color, surrounded by reddish veins, all shaped into the sign of a Cross, as if mocking our Lord GOTT. Fire was lit just below such a structure, as if to complete the setup of an obvious daemonic altar. A sketch of the flight of stairs found behind the painting Although I am not certain what I was looking at, I remembered the tales and rumors of many Azdrazi and dragon-kin floating around from mouth to mouth, even among the general populace. The fire confirmed this to me, and in a rush, I sketched what I saw, and now send these all to you alongside this letter. I hope that such is received safely, and that you might find the time to read through it as soon as GOTT allows. A sketch of the hidden altar room GOTT MIT UNS, His Excellency, Ludrik von Katzak Chieftain of Katzak, Thegn of Riverrock, Vizekanzler of Minitz, Lord of Arms of the Band of Banners

They say millionaire Brandt Barclay went around the streets of New Reza giving the poor bread and 1k in mina cash everytime they would stop themselves from using "eam", "mea" and other raev terminology. He saw this as a great act of self improvement and rewarded it greatly.

The ghost of Leon Barclay hunts his sun until he adds the most honourable Kato Oijin, Master of Steel in the invitations.

Ludrik Katzak turns to his Herzog, noticing him handing something to the brigands

On second though, Ludrik decides to give the item to Herzog Brandt, so that he may deliver it more properly. @MadOne

Ludrik Katzak tails after Gwendel. He sees the man dropping something, and, the good Reinmaren he is, returns it back.

Historische Aufzeichnungen des Hauses Barclay: VON SUTICA BIS MINITZ Historical Records of House Barclay: FROM SUTICA TO MINITZ Issued by the Lord of Arms in the year of our Lord 1919 GOTT MIT UNS, His Lordship, Ludrik Katzak von Katzanik Chieftain of Katzanik, Lord of Riverrock, Father of the Katzak, Lord of Arms of the Band of Banners

VORLADUNG ZUR WAHL DES KRIEGSHÄUFERS VON THEODERICH SUMMONS TO THE ELECTION OF THEODERIC'S WAR CHIEF Issued by the Lord of Arms in the year of our Lord 1919 KRIEGER UND KRIEGERIN VON THEODERIC, So has ended the time for the ambitious brothers amongst us to nominate themselves for the role of the next Warchief, our leader and commander of our Herzog’s Warband. Now comes the time for all warriors within our Band to cast their vote, to elect whom amongst them they deem most fitting for the burden and responsibility of the Warchief. Thus are all members of Theoderic’s Warband, be they Unblooded, Warriors, Speermanner, or Hauptmanner, called upon to cast cvotes for the following nominees: Cisyn Grima, Son of Minitz, Hauptmann of the Warband (@TMET) Andreas Ironsword, Son of Minitz, Ritter and Soldat of the Warband (@D4rkSolar) Ludrik Katzak, Father of Katzanik, Warrior of the Warband (@GoodGuyMatt) WARRIOR’S GATHERING All Unblooded and Warriors of Theoderic’s Warband are thus summoned to the Warrior Lodge to gather, so that the nominees can give speeches regarding their plans for the Warband of Theoderic. As the drinks flow and the music plays, let us also reflect on the rich traditions that define us as Minitz warriors. Our ancient code of honor, our unwavering loyalty to each other, and our unyielding resolve to protect our people and our land. These traditions have been passed down through generations, and it is our duty to uphold them with pride and reverence. So, let us revel in the warmth of the fire, the taste of mead, and the sounds of our voices raised in song. Let us celebrate the achievements of our comrades and reaffirm our commitment to our Warband and its noble cause. May this gathering be a testament to the enduring spirit of our warrior culture and the traditions that make us who we are. (OOC: 5PM EST Sunday the 9th, Military District) ELECTION PROCESS Those Electoral Warriors of the Warband who so wish to cast their vote must do so via the following steps. The Electoral Warrior shall first fill in the Roster Documents with truthful and accurate information, so they may be registered within Herzog's Warband officially. THE ROSTER FORM The Electoral Warrior shall then make their way to the Barracks within the Military District of Neu Brandthof, where they shall find the ballot chests and the names of the Nominees, as well as a barrel filled with Ballot Papers. The Electoral Warrior shall then proceed to write the following upon the Ballot Paper: “I [Full Name] do so elect [Nominee Name] as Warchief of the Warband which I serve.” - [Signature] OOC: Filling in the paper The Electoral Warrior shall finally then place the Ballot Paper inside the appropriate box. If the name of the elected nominee is not inside the Nominees chest, the warrior will be contacted to reaffirm their vote. May the nominee most fit and trusted by their war brothers gain the privilege and duty of the Warband’s Warchief GOTT MIT UNS, His Lordship, Ludrik Katzak von Katzanik Chieftain of Katzanik, Lord of Riverrock, Father of the Katzak, Lord of Arms of the Band of Banners His Grace, Brandt Wilheim Barclay Herzog von Minitz GMSTSR Duke of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald and Brandthof, Lord of Durres, Protector of the Aaunic Heartlands, Chief of the Minitzian Reinmaren

Ludrik reads and smiles as he sees the official changes discussed in the one Knight's meeting he eavesdropped. "I love the Ritter" he said

Just before closing the nominations, Ludrik decided to become a bit chaotic, signing himself up. Name: Ludrik Katzak Race: Human Gender: Male Age: 29 Military Rank: Warrior IGN: GoodGuyMatt2k Discord: GoodGuyMatt#2000

Let him cook.

Leon Barclay awaits Stuart in the seven skies with open arms

"How could the Fidei Defensor allow this?!" pondered the bewildered Chieftain of Katzak

"Blood for Barclay" cried out the Katzak Thegn "Let the justice of the Kanun, the justice of our ancestors and of GOTT himself prevail forth." he said, before reciting to himself the lines off the Grand Kanun, the lawbook of the Reinmaren people of Minitz "Let he who robs another of their life, the greatest gift from Gott, be judged by the Kanun as an affronter before the subjects of the Herzog, for the mother of someone who is killed can sleep; the mother of the murderer cannot. So says the Kanun: blood spilt wantonly on the ground cries out for more, be it achieved by the sword or a Weregild."

NOMINIERUNG DES KRIEGSHÄUFERS VON THEODERICH NOMINATION OF THEODERIC'S WARCHIEF Issued by the Lord of Arms in the year of our Lord 1917 KRIEGER UND KRIEGERIN VON THEODERIC, On this month of the Grand Harvest has his Lordship, Robert von Stroheim so fulfilled his duty as Warchief of Theoderic, leader of the Warriors of the Warband, the third to hold the position after Herzog Leon and Warchief Siegfried Barclay before him. As the flowers of the field mature and pass, new ones grow in their stead. So too comes the time that a new Warchief is elected amongst the Warriors of Theoderic to lead them. As per the traditions of the Reinmaren, their Warchief, their very commander, is nominated and elected amongst them. So does Herzog Brandt I initiate the nominations of the New Theoderican Chief. All the Unblooded and Warriors of the Warband may nominate themselves or one of their fellow Theodericans for the position. TWO SAINT’S DAYS they will be given to come forth with the nominations, after which ballots shall be placed within the barracks of Neu Brandthof to as a form of election. NOMINATION FORM Name: Race: Gender: Age: Military Rank: IGN: Discord: OOC: Nominate yourself or a friend by filling the nomination form above and commenting on this post. Nominations will be closed at approximately this Wednesday (5th of April) at 6pm EST. GOTT MIT UNS, His Lordship, Ludrik Katzak von Katzanik Chieftain of Katzanik, Lord of Riverrock, Father of the Katzak, Lord of Arms of the Band of Banners His Grace, Brandt Wilheim Barclay Herzog von Minitz GMSTSR Duke of Minitz, Count of Neu Brandthof, Viscount of Tucay, Baron of Boriënwald and Brandthof, Lord of Durres, Protector of the Aaunic Heartlands, Chief of the Minitzian Reinmaren

Ludrik "the Berserker" Katzak goes back to the barracks gym alongside Ludolf, his gym buddy. @Gandhi

Ludrik signs up for the tourney just after seeing Emerentia sneak-write it whilst at the Pub. Name: Ludrik Katzak Age: 28 He then takes a moment to think, scratching the application before huffing "I'm not that down bad..." he thought to himself, finding it blasphemous to celebrate with the enemy.

“GOTT HAT MICH FÜR DIESEN TAG GEMACHT” “GOD HAS MADE ME FOR THIS DAY” Minitzian Patriotic Song Composed in the year of our Lord 1917 by Ludrik Katzak Composed by Chieftain and bard Ludrik of the Katzak tribe after the battle of Rolly’s Hill, the following song tells a tale of perseverance and the Reinmaren love for Fatherland. Despite the defeat against the Adrian and their mercenaries, the Warriors of Minitz returned home with their heads high and with smiling lips. The sight of Neu Brandthof, their home, warmed their heart, their loyalty and honour made them victorious even in loss. Many rushed to their mothers, sisters and children, those without family enjoyed the company of their brothers-in-battle. They returned home with their Herzog, who had fought valiantly on their side. So sang the tavern of Minitz that night: Depiction of the Minitzian Warriors gathered around their Herzog, Brandt “the Wise”, before battle. Thus are the translated lyrics of the song, originally sang by Ludrik Katzak in the scarce tongue of Old Reinmaren: Once again my face I mark with blood Once again I took the mountain roads Heeeey! Heeeey! With a step I pass through Hussen To tell my mother her son is alive! Heeeey! Heeeey! The hour feels like three hundred years, Without visiting you, Brandthof. To kiss your old castle, For there is no other place for me! GOD HAS MADE ME FOR THIS DAY! MY CHEST WILL TAKE ON LIGHTNING! MY HANDS WILL RAISE ONE FLAG! MY HANDS WILL RAISE ONE FLAG! The sunrays kiss my forehead, Saint Johann is in my heart. Heeeey! Heeeey! Songs of Freedom I write with blood, Giving my life doesn’t feel enough. Heeeey! Heeeey! Petsch Herrlichkeit, the Sun above the Minitzian plains melted the snow above the mountains. Heeeey! Heeeey! His footsteps are heavier than the mountain, He gifted strength to my heart. GOD HAS MADE ME FOR THIS DAY! MY CHEST WILL TAKE ON LIGHTNING! MY HANDS WILL RAISE ONE FLAG! MY HANDS WILL RAISE ONE FLAG! I don’t need my voice, if I don’t call for war, Heeeey! Heeeey! Gather all the birds of the plains To sing a song for Brandt the Wise Heeeey! Heeeey! I don’t need my eyes, if I do not see the Kanun alive. Heeeey! Heeeey! If I don’t go to Minitz, to sing the Reinmaren song! GOD HAS MADE ME FOR THIS DAY! MY CHEST WILL TAKE ON LIGHTNING! MY HANDS WILL RAISE ONE FLAG! MY HANDS WILL RAISE ONE FLAG! OURS IS THE NIGHT’S BOUNTY, Ludrik Katzak von Katzanik Chieftain of Katzanik, Lord of Riverrock, Father of the Katzak, Lord of Arms of the Band of Banners