Eryane

As penned by Lady Aliénor de Bruges Anno Domini, 8th of Sun's Smile, 2041 he Imperial Theodosian Court calls on the lords and ladies of the empire—the heirs of our common future—to embrace the duty of tending to the empire’s cultivation. This summons to the imperial court will stand as a testament to the empire’s storied past and vibrant, multicultural present. This grand celebration of imperial unity seeks to honor the rich culture of each vassal and house, while showcasing the enduring cohesion of the empire through a series of extraordinary events. These spectacles are not meant to be merely displays of pageantry and extravagancy, but profound expressions of what it means to partake in the imperial identity. Beyond its celebration of unity through multiculturalism, this summons also stands as a distinguished rite of passage for the empire’s noble youth, offering a formal introduction into the imperial court and the imperial society at large. Young men and women make their societal debut amid the splendor of these festivities. In the last saint’s year, the Imperial Theodosian Court and vassals across the empire have come together to present the itinerary attached here, with events set to occur across the empire. Inquiries about hosting an event may be sent to Lady Aliénor de Bruges (Eryane) or HSH Rosceline de Rouen, Princess of Savoy, Archduchess of Drusco (@amyselia). Lords and ladies of noble birth who will be between the ages of 15 and 25 in the year 2042 are especially invited to take part in the grand opening ceremony of these imperial festivities as the debutants of the season (which, to note, is for all lords and ladies meeting the aforementioned requirements). This occasion will present the empire’s debutants—both young men and women—in a ceremony honoring the unique cultural heritage, traditions, and values of each noble house that wishes to partake. These debuting lords and ladies will be collectively judged by the organizing committee for diligence, temperance, and compassion whilst simultaneously representing their families. At the concluding ball, the Grand Ball of Man, three debutants shall be selected as exemplars of these virtues and awarded one of the following gifts as a testament to their representation of the virtue: a pair of finely-made leather gloves representing St. Catherine of Felsen (compassion), a golden hummingbird representing St. Thomas of Ager (diligence), and a golden crow representing St. Charles of Petrus (temperance). The events are open for all to attend, although debuting is reserved for those of noble birth within the age of 15 to 25 (in 2042). For those wishing to debut, please fill out the attached form. Page 1 he following events comprise the contents of this summons, calling forth the future of our empire to gather and partake in celebrations that showcase the collective richness of our shared heritage. Those who are interested in hosting an additional event are strongly encouraged to do so, and may contact Lady Aliénor de Bruges to have their event added to the itinerary. If you are interested in hosting another pre-debut event in the saint’s days prior (for example, like the etiquette lesson below), please also contact the event organizing committee. THE MONTH OF TOBIAS’S BOUNTY ETIQUETTE AND SOCIAL DEBUT LESSON | Saturday, August 16, 3pm EST | Imperial Palace, Throne Room Prior to the Ceremony of Social Debut, those seeking to debut are offered lessons by the Imperial Court to prepare in advance. The leading courtiers organizing the ceremony will not only review how the presentation will take place, but how to behave throughout the entirety of the ensuing festivities in accordance with the etiquette of the Imperial Theodosian Court. HSH Madelief of Blackvale, Princess of Myrine (@kuerbis), Lady Aliénor de Bruges, and TRH Lady Helaine of Aldersberg, the Countess of Dover (@Cubicita). Others are welcome to spectate the lesson, although only those who are participating in the event later that saint’s day are allowed to partake—as this event is specifically curated to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming ceremony. CEREMONY OF SOCIAL DEBUT | Saturday, August 16, 4:30pm EST | Imperial Palace, Throne Room The Ceremony will begin with a prayer for all in attendance, marking the official opening of this summons. Debutants are strongly encouraged to don traditional attire of their house and/or their house colors. The proceedings shall then commence as follows, as the debutants are presented before the Imperial Theodosian Court, before the eyes of HIH Princess Elizabeth of Alba, Duchess of Grense (@brujera): I. All debutants must arrive 20 saint’s minutes prior to the ceremony to be organized in the order they will be called upon, and to address any final questions they may have to the event organizers. They will then be properly arranged by official order of precedence within the empire. Last minute arrival will be noted. II. Debuting lords and ladies will be presented alongside their noble house, following the official order of precedence within the empire. Each house will be called forth by a designated imperial herald. Only once their name has been announced may the house approach the dais, and no earlier. III. The titled lord and lady of the house are requested to accompany their debutants. During the presentation, the family representative shall introduce the debutants in a manner similar to the following: “Your Imperial Highness, I present to you mine nieces the ladies Julia and Henriqua, of sixteen and fifteen summers.” IV. After each presentation, HIH Princess Elizabeth of Alba may pose questions to the debutants regarding their interests, achievements, and contributions to the empire. Debutants must remain at the dais until formally dismissed by Her Imperial Highness. THE OPENING BALL | Saturday, August 16, 7:00pm EST | Imperial Palace Gardens The Opening Ball will commence immediately following the conclusion of the Ceremony of Social Debut. Upon entry, each guest will receive a card bearing the image of a Prophet, Saint, Blessed, or Venerable. Once all cards have been distributed, guests must seek out the individual holding the matching card. This person shall be their partner for the opening dance. Once every pair has been united, the first dance shall begin. Thereafter, the floor will be open for general dancing throughout the evening, unless guests request a reshuffling of the cards and a second round of randomly assigned partners. THE MONTH OF SUN’S SMILE ARTISTS’ EVENING IN RETHEL | Sunday, August 17, 7:00pm EST | Barony of Rethel In the Barony of Rethel, hosted by Her Ladyship, Dame Lorelei Enswerp (@annanicole__), all subjects of the empire are cordially invited to partake in a tranquil evening of artistic creation. Though the title may suggest otherwise, this gathering warmly welcomes any and all with a passion for painting. Attendees, upon the event’s commencement, must find a partner to paint. Within the framework of the evening’s proceedings, and by the Baroness’s decree, each pair shall embark upon the unique challenge of painting one another’s likeness. THE MONTH OF HARREN’S FOLLEY KONSTADT GRAND BRAWL | Monday, August 18, 3:00pm EST | Konstadt, Margraviate of Schwyz Hosted by the House of Augusten and led by TH Sigismund Leon von Augusten, Viscount of Azor and Heir to the Margraviate of Schwyz (@Cycloth_), this contest shall be held in celebration of their proud Waldenian heritage. Warriors from across the Empire are invited to gather within the stone-clad arena of Konstadt for a trial of strength, skill, and endurance [PVP]. The champion shall be awarded a purse of 200 minae, and their name shall be inscribed among the honored record of past victors. After the contest, all will be invited to the Feast hall to enjoy traditional Waldenian dishes and fine refreshments. BANQUET OF ASHFORD SAINTS | Monday, August 18, 6:00pm EST | Imperial Palace Hosted by the Archduchy of Drusco and led by HH Princess Rosceline de Rouen, Archduchess of Rouen (@amyselia), this banquet is held in honor of all canonized, beatified, and venerable figures of the Holy Church. Several Saints will have devoted altars throughout the banquet hall, where attendees of the banquet are requested to place an offering of their own cultural foods before a Saint’s altar. The evening will be filled with fine drink and an abundant feast for all to revel in and enjoy with merriment. THE MONTH OF SIGISMUND’S END MYRINE ICE FISHING | Tuesday, August 19, 3:00pm EST | Principality of Myrine Those daring enough to come near the Mountain are welcomed to the ice-covered lands of Myrine for a day of dancing upon a lake of ice by the invitation of Lady Circe of Myrine (@zuziee). Guests are encouraged to bring their own fishing rods to take part in this traditional Mareno Fishing Competition of a spirited contest of skill and luck, with mina awarded to the most successful anglers. PETALS AND PROMENADE | Tuesday, August 19, 7:00pm EST | Imperial Palace Gardens Petals and Promenade shall be a garden party held within the imperial palace gardens, graciously hosted by Lady Helaine Aldersberg, Countess of Dover. Guests will enjoy a selection of fine teas and delicate refreshments, complemented by games of croquet. One-on-one promenades are warmly encouraged, offering an opportunity for more private conversation among new and longstanding friends and acquaintances, as one strolls through the exquisite imperial gardens—decorated for the occasion. THE MONTH OF HOREN’S CALLING OBNOVYN DJEN FESTIVAL | August 20, 6:00pm EST | The Barony of Silasia Obnovyn Djen, or Day of Renewal, shall be hosted by the Barony of Silasia as a day devoted to the renewal of spirit, fellowship, and cultural identity. Rooted in the Silasian belief that true strength comes from harmony with the land, the festival offers guests a glimpse into the heart of Silasia through shared meals, artisan displays, and interactive traditions. This event will be led by the hostess Lady Nuvilta Svajonė Whitewood (@Dramatude ). THE MONTH OF OWYN’S FLAME LESSONS OF ST. JULIA - DUTIES OF A STEADFAST NOBLE MOTHER | August 21, 7:00pm EST | Imperial Palace Gardens Join HSH Rosceline de Rouen in the imperial palace gardens over fine wine and other refreshments, where Lady Rosceline will offer insight into the duties and expectations of a consort. Attendees are encouraged to engage in thoughtful conversation, pose questions regarding Lady Rosceline’s own experiences, and seek her guidance on matters of courtly life and the duty of a consort. THE MONTH OF GODFREY’S TRIUMPH THE GRAND BALL OF MAN | August 22, 5pm EST | Imperial Throne Room & Palace Gardens Upon arriving, all attendees will be granted a dance card. However, the final ball concluding the festivities shall begin again on a prayer. All debutants will gather before the dais, where the organizing committee shall name the three debutants—among all the lords and ladies—as the embodiment of one of the following: diligence, temperance, and compassion. The finely crafted symbols of each of these virtues will be bestowed upon the three individuals respectively. After the trio depicting these virtues is presented to the court, the ball shall commence. A brief period to enjoy wine and drink shall first ensue, where men and women must find 3 dance partners to fill out their cards. When the music begins, the pairs must find one another with haste, and prepare to start their first waltz. Meanwhile, guests are encouraged to enjoy a promenade in the imperial gardens, where a painter will be available for friends, dance partners, and couples alike. Performers who would like to showcase their talents are encouraged to contact Lady Aliénor to perform during the ball. Page 2 M E M B E R S o f t h e O R G A N I Z I N G C O M M I T T E E he following individuals are charged with the assessment of the debuting individuals and collectively discussing the diligence, compassion, and/or temperance of debuting lords and ladies. For any questions or concerns throughout the event proceedings, please seek these individuals out. ORGANIZING COMMITTEE LEADS HSH Rosceline de Rouen, Princess-consort of Savoy, Archduchess of Drusco (@amyselia) Lady Aliénor de Bruges (@Eryane) ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEMBERS HIH Princess Elizabeth of Alba, Duchess consort of Grense (@brujera) HIH Princess Marcella of Man, Duchess of Lorraine (@Rainalyn) HRH Prince Edward I, Lord Chamberlain, Prince of Alstion, Archduke of Alba (@ErosTea) HRH Princess Cecily I, Arbiter-Draconis, Princess of Alstion, Archduchess of Alba (@Axelu) HSH Princess Madelief of Blackvale, Princess-consort of Myrine (@kuerbis) TRH Lady Helaine Aldersberg, Countess of Dover (@Cubicita) Lady Devana of Metterden (@Mady) Page 3

happy birthday axelu i adore you so much what's ur favorite color and what's elizaveta's favorite color

"Father Drusco is always quite well written," Aliénor nodded along as she read, commenting this quietly to herself as she reviewed the open letter. "Let us hope that his efforts are not in vain.."

A missive by the Archduchy of Drusco THE FESTIVAL OF THE SETTING SUN L A D I E S’ L U N C H E O N, M E L E E, & B A L L To the Lords and Ladies of the Empire of Man, It is with great delight that the Archduchy of Drusco extends an invitation to the noble houses of the realm for the Festival of the Setting Sun. This cherished occasion shall span two saint’s days of refined festivity and courtly tradition—where gallantry, grace, and grandeur shall intertwine. Presented below is the formal itinerary of events, from tea and craft to fierce melee and a ball under the open sky with the theme of the setting sun. The itinerary of the Festival of the Setting Sun will be as follows; Ladies Luncheon at the Castle Waldemer | Harren’s Folley [5pm EST, August 11] | Castle Waldemer At the invitation of Castle Waldemer, the empire’s noblewomen are called to an afternoon of tea and collaborative craft, preparing favors for participants of the tournament later that saint’s day. During the luncheon, the ladies will gather to create favors together—small tokens such as embroidered handkerchiefs, painted brooches, ribbons woven with initials, or other delicately made items. Each favor is to carry the mark or touch of its maker and will later be gifted to melee attendees. These favors are not only keepsakes—they hold a unique charm, allowing the bearer to summon the lady who made it, whether for a tea, a promenade, or another moment of courtly grace during the tournament. Before the beginning of the tournament, the ladies will be requested to sign their name on a parchment paper and come to the tourney grounds to place their name in the chest. RULES OF THE LUNCHEON Ladies must indicate their intent to join the luncheon by filling out the form below, unless they have received a special invitation. Otherwise, they will be denied entry. Attendees must be above the age of 16 to attend the luncheon and of noble status. Any exceptions to this are listed in the personal invitations. All ladies are expected to conduct themselves in strict accordance with the protocols of imperial etiquette, particularly in all interactions with attending members of the imperial family. Please refer to the attached guide to the etiquette of the Imperial Theodosian Court. Any violations of these rules during the luncheon will be dealt with accordingly. Melee of Drusco | Harren’s Folley [7pm EST, August 11] | Drusco Tourney Grounds Commencement Ceremony and Presentation of Favors The melee shall begin with a prayer and announcement of its commencement. Upon the announcement’s conclusion, a gathering of all participants from the ladies luncheon will come forth on the tourney ground. Prior to the event, each lady’s name will have been placed within a chest. The ladies will line up with their handcrafted favors—embroidered handkerchiefs, ribbons, or tokens of their own making—each one bearing a hidden charm. These papers will then be drawn from the chest by tournament participants. One by one, as each lady’s name is called, they will offer their handcrafted favor to the tournament participant who will fight in their name. *Note: Favors may be used to summon the lady who crafted them, allowing the bearer to request a tea, promenade, or similar courtly engagement. The Melee of Drusco Following the commencement ceremony, the grand tournament shall begin. Combatants will engage in a series of one-on-one duels with blunt weaponry, with each victorious contender advancing to the next stage of the competition. The final two challengers will face off to determine who shall earn the prestigious title of Champion of the Drusco Melee. The ultimate victor shall be awarded a grand prize of two specially tailored attire or personally crafted armor. This shall be entirely paid for by Lady Rosceline de Rouen, Lady Alienor de Bruges, and Lady Lecelina de Bruges, and crafted by the talented imperial seamstress, Lady Aurelia Ottilie of Enswerp. @dev_clark Those who wish to participate must formally declare their intent in advance through submitting a form. Last-minute entries will be permitted; however, a late registration fee of 50 mina will be required. If such is collected, this fee shall be added to the champion’s prize. Closing Ball | Sigismund’s End [5pm EST, August 12] The festivities shall culminate in jubilant song and spirited dance beneath the open sky, amidst an outdoor festival replete with plentiful food and drink. Upon arrival, each guest shall be presented with a dance card. The ball will commence with cordial mingling over fine refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres, during which time attendees are to seek out three partners for three separate waltzes. The initial dance shall be shared with the first name inscribed upon one’s card, followed by the second and third, in turn. Should the revelers desire it, a second round of dance cards may be distributed, followed by further merriment—lively conversation, flowing drink, and yet another sequence of three elegant waltzes with one’s designated dance partners. While the theme of the closing ball—The Setting Sun—is not mandatory, it is most ardently encouraged that the lords and ladies of the realm attire themselves in hues like crimson, rose, and amber, all reminiscent of a setting sun, adorned in the finest seamstry the empire has to offer. The lady and lord who most radiantly distinguish themselves through grace and excellence upon the dance floor and throughout the festivities shall be jointly bestowed the esteemed title of Suns of the Waltz, a distinction reserved for those who illuminate the evening with elegance and poise. This distinguished lord and lady shall be crowned before the attendees with personally crafted circlets. Lastly, they will be offered the chance to dance together in their grace and close the dance with their final waltz. For those who are interested in partaking in the Melee of Drusco or the Ladies’ Luncheon, please fill out the attached form on the following page of this missive. This will allow the organizers to assess participation and provide guests with a seamless transition of events. INVITATIONS TO THE LUNCHEON & PARTICIPATION FORMS Regarding the Ladies’ Luncheon to take place on Harren’s Folley, please see below the personal invitation list. These ladies may attend without the need to send in a form. Attendees must be of noble status and above the age of 16 to attend. All exceptions to these two rules are indicated in the invitation list only. All other ladies must indicate their attendance. Names will be reviewed before entry. PERSONAL LUNCHEON INVITATIONS HIM Empress Circe of Myrine, Empress of Man @Smmer HIH Princess Marcella, Imperial Princess of Man, Duchess of Lorraine @Rainalyn HRH Cecily, Princess of Alstion, Archduchess of Alba @Axelu HRH Madelief of Blackvale, Princess consort of Myrine @kuerbis HRH Anne-Roos of Blackvale, Princess consort of Blackvale @scubadooba HRH Wilhelmina of Brandthof, Princess consort of Reinmar @juliaINC HRH Sunnhild of Enswerp, Princess consort of Ivöria @growingivy HH Elizabeth of Balamena, Countess of Johannesburg @brujera Her Ladyship Adelaide of Artois @sanriu Her Ladyship Milena Valkonen @liz Her Ladyship Magdalena Valkonen @Phersades Her Ladyship Mirabella Rostova @jqsmlne Her Ladyship Lucrezia Rovare @tadabug2000 Miss Solene @UnBaed Miss Cassandra @Verellia Dame Esther @bumblefina By the Hand of Lady Aliénor de Bruges and Lady Lecelina de Bruges With the approval of Lady Rosceline de Rouen, Archduchess of Drusco On this day the 3rd of Sigismund's End, 2039 LUNCHEON ATTENDANCE & MELEE PARTICIPATION FORMS OOC

As soon as word reached her, Aliénor de Bruges wandered about in search of her sister to spread the news of the upcoming wedding ceremony. "It would seem we may need to - well, ideally - make an appearance somewhere for our family," she'd remark upon offering the missive to her. @hopey

Anastasia sweats as she looks around at her family members (in the afterlife as well, of course), then takes a massive gulp of wine. "It was just a very purposeful accident..."

"Long live legacy," Ithirae mutters as she finishes off a glass of wine, and rests easy another night seeing the continuation of the Ibarellan line.

I couldn't agree more with this point. I don't think the rules should change entirely, I think the nations (hello there Haense) around now should try to vassalize a lot of these states if this is a concern. This isn't my end all be all argument either, there's of course other things to be done besides this, but I do feel it's important. I'm more on the side of playerbases/NLs need to be making change rather than staff, besides a few minor things such as 1) checking signatures more 2) potential activity checks? I'm hesitant on this. If you can't vassalize them in whichever way, diplomatically or otherwise (plenty of means to do this without military directly), then they should be left alone without being destroyed OOCly (with proper/thorough realm application checks to begin with, however). And, way easier said than done - I feel like we as a server need to learn to lose or find a middle ground with potential vassalized playerbases. It would be very interesting to see in RP. It's ok for people to lose (and it's ok to be a conqueror). I'm really hoping a lot of interesting RP comes out of the Stassion annexation, for example. This situation gives a potential for further vassalization, or other conquering. There's a lot of potential there. Please keep bulldozing if it's suitable RPly @Mio This post brings up a very interesting discussion though, thanks @Xarklyfor the nice formatting. This is all I wanted to say o7

From her new home, Aurelia of Stassion received a small notice slipped under the main door to her chambers. She waited several moments, then pulled the parchment from the floor to read its contents. Seeing all that would remain was the church, she turned and shuffled through her closet to find a simple cloak to draw upon her shoulders and hurry to the outdoors for the journey. In her hands hung a rosary, the beads of which she thumbed through as she walked the streets alone. A certain paper in her other hand crumbled the tighter she held it - she crossed the gates out of the city and lowered her eyes along the road. "May these lands be filled with goodness and joy once more, may the bloodshed wash away, may..." The crumbled fortress of Castle Aurelian lay before her. She pulled up her scarf above her nose from the sickening smell of the battle prior, and crossed the road further into Fredericksburg to lay her sights upon the church. If she squinted her eyes enough, she could imagine what her hometown would appear like without anything else around - no homes, no roads, nothing. Something in such imagination gave her hope for the healing of the land. She spent the rest of the evening within the pews of that church.

Although hesitant upon reading the title of the poem, Aurelia of Stassion scanned over the poem under candlelight after dark settled. With eager curiosity to hear the words of the other side of this war, she moved the parchment as close to the candle without allowing it to burn. She laughed, "This may very well be about the killing of my family and myself, but it's certainly written quite nicely." Then, her eyes fell upon the signatures - given them a double glance as she noticed something peculiar. "How poetic that the Lord Marshal is the Master of Arts," Aurelia said, then folded the poem and kept it on her desk. She glanced up to the map hung in her chambers, looking over the lands she'd never traveled given the many years of conflict. Without letting her thoughts linger further, she attempted to sleep.

Rarely had Aurelia stepped outside of her chambers until this recent year, yet she kept her new habit of wandering about - particularly as she had received the recent news. Upon spotting her father within the castle, Aurelia of Stassion called out to him, "Well done. I hope we might be able to find a suitable heir that is active within these lands and deserving of the title. At least this saved us from a headache."

"Fine writing that will no doubt be ignored, for seemingly no one wishes to truly reflect and look in the mirror in regards to these matters in particular..." muttered Aurelia of Stassion after reading the work. She saved the document of such with her small collection of other missives she found to be thought-provoking (which was, unfortunately, a rather short stack).

With keen interest, Aurelia of Stassion appraises the missive detailing the emergence of new leadership within the Aster Court. In her contemplation of such change, she further considers venturing beyond the confines of her private chambers. Yet, she instead takes up a new book as such considerations are hastily dashed.

Mc Name: Eryane RP Name: Aurelia Fredericka Stassion Persona ID: 83283