Froschli

High Pontiff John the first greets his successor with a warm smile within the seven skies, saying "Welcome, my friend. Long have we awaited you.."

What made you join Norland?

ROYAL NORLANDIC ASHGUARD FIELD GUIDE authored in the year 74 S.A. by Marshal Asmund Camian TABLE OF CONTENT: Section I: Preamble Section II: Authority Section III: Military Organization Section IV: Military Courtesies and Customs Section V: Rank Structure Section VI: Billets Section VII: Awards and Merit Section VIII: Enlisting and Oath of Service Section IX: Retirement PREAMBLE The Royal Norlandic Ashguard, often only referred to as the Ashguard, is an organized military organization of the Kingdom of Norland tasked with the protection of the Kingdom and her citizens from internal as well as external threats. It acts as the sword and shield of Norland, protecting its people, territory and interests as well as uphold law and order within the Nation. In the past, its ranks consisted of main soldiers, ready and willing to give their lives for King and Country. Today, the Royal Norlandic Ashguard serves as a much less martial capacity as a cultural enterprise composed of the brave men and women within the Kingdom, paying due respect to their ancestors. AUTHORITY The Royal Norlandic Ashguard acts upon the direct authority of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland and subsequently upon the authority of the King of Norland. It doubles as an organized military to defend the Kingdom of Norland and as a policing force to uphold law and order. Officers of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard may arrest and punish individuals breaking Norlandic Law and oversee the extradition of foreign nations to their respective homeland in case a treaty between such a nation states such. It is furthermore the authority of Royal Norlandic Ashguard to, in times of crisis, enforce curfews, set up security checkpoints along the roads and set security perimeters within Norlandic territory. MILITARY ORGANISATION To ensure a stable and effective military defense of the Kingdom of Norland, the Royal Norlandic Ashguard has various forms of military organization deeply embedded within itself. These forms vary from a system of promotion and awarding, to individual military proclamations. The most important and essential forms of military organization are; Military Proclamations of the Marshal, which act as direct orders to all members of the Ashguard. The Royal Norlandic Ashguard’s Mark system, in which each and every soldier is rewarded a certain amount of marks for a duty they carried out for the military and shall be rewarded accordingly. The Billeting system, in which every soldier has the right to claim a secondary set of duties to perform in the name of King and Country. MILITARY COURTESIES AND CUSTOMS UNIFORMS When on duty, each and every soldier of the Royal Ashguard has the duty to wear the individual Uniform in accordance with their military rank. When not on duty, the military expects due behavior from its soldiers, as they represent the Royal Ashguard and subsequently the Kingdom with their actions. Furthermore, helmets are to be worn during official duties such as court and patrols. Personal modifications made to your uniform are not permitted unless directly given permission from either an Overseer or the Marshal. SALUTING Unlike many militaries of the south, saluting is rather a form of tradition than a way to show respect to one’s comrade in arms. Hence in general it is rarely practiced by the soldiers in the Royal Norlandic Ashguard. Although the aforementioned fact stands, there are certain exceptions. These include the presence of the King and the Marshal. In this case, a soldier of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard is to raise his fist to his heart. ADDRESSING SUPERIORS When addressing a soldier who is senior to oneself, one must first of all state the rank of the person one wishes to address as well as their first or last name. Following this, the reason for the address is to be stated. RANK STRUCTURE The Royal Norlandic Ashguard is made up of two individual types of soldier. The Officers and the Enlisted. Following will be a brief explanation of each rank as well as their individual duties and responsibilities; the hierarchy of Royal Norlandic Ashguard’s ranks will be listed from highest to lowest. OFFICERS MARSHAL The Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland serves as the direct Commander of the Armed Forces of Norland, including the Royal Norlandic Ashguard as well as further militias organized by the Kingdom. It is his or her duty to ensure the continuous security of the Nation from both internal as well as external threats. Furthermore, the Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland acts as the King’s first Advisor in matters of military nature. OVERSEER Overseers act as the deputy to the Marshal and have the duty and responsibility to administer the Wardens below them. They often take on administrative tasks such as delivery of pay, equipping the soldiers and promotions. It is furthermore the duty of the Overseers to keep order and discipline amongst the Royal Norlandic Ashguard and issue accordingly punishments. WARDEN Wardens are junior officers of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard, tasked with keeping the military discipline and competence in check through hosting training, patrols and further military proceedings. They are tasked with numerous duties involving direct contact with the soldiery as well as conducting regular inspections upon military bases as they see fit. MASTER AT ARMS The Masters At Arms are experienced and battle hardened soldiers of the Ashguard and junior Officers. They are normally placed in command of an encampment or Fort in the countryside and are entrusted with the respective logistics and administrative duties of said military installation, such as weaponry, food supplies and repairs. Furthermore, these soldiers are tasked with policing and patrolling their respective territories surrounding their military installation. ENLISTED MAN AT ARMS Men At Arms are senior enlisted personnel with multiple years of military experience. They stand as the perfect example of military discipline, skill and hardship. These soldiers are granted the special task of overseeing the direct training of a group of Initiates and acting as their mentor during this time. FOOTMAN Footmen are soldiers who have passed the trials of being an Initiate. These men and women of the Kingdom have proven themselves as reliable and trusted members of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard, being entrusted with the life or lives of his or her fellow servicemembers. INITIATE Initiates are young and becoming men and women of the Kingdom who have decided to take up arms in defense of their homeland. During their time in this rank they face numerous trials and attend many military procedures in order to learn and master the skills needed to defend the Kingdom of Norland. BILLETS Billets, a specialized rank, are extra duties granted to Soldiers who show exceptional knowledge and ability in a certain skill. These roles are in effect both during times of crisis and peace. COURIER Couriers are military messengers entrusted to deliver and receive imperative reports and orders from command to deliver to their cohorts. These roles are usually given to cavalrymen. DRILLMASTER The Drillmaster is a position given to a soldier of the rank of Man At Arms or above. They are tasked with the training of the Initiates of the Ashguard within the entire Ashguard. The role is typically assigned to a Man At Arms, and they are responsible for ensuring the qualified Initiates pass their trials and progress to the rank of Footman. MEDIC The medic is tasked with ensuring that each and every soldier of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard is physically prepared for any task they may be ordered to perform. They furthermore administer to the soldier’s medical needs in any way possible. QUARTERMASTER The Quartermaster ensures everyone in the Ashguard is well equipped for any task they may have to face during peace and or war. They take count of equipment and act as the keeper of logistics in the entire Ashguard. They furthermore conduct inspections and report to high command on any supplies needed. AWARDS AND MERIT The Medal of Javier A bronze badge depicting the face of the Thegn King Javier “The Undefeated” Ruric. This badge is granted to those who fulfill the first order they are given. It is the most common badge amongst the Badges of Acclaim. Medal of Thoromir For those who have brought new, eager soldiers to the Royal Norlandic Ashguard. Unlike the other badges, there are several variants of this badge. The first badge is a bronze badge, and this is given when a member has recruited one soldier to the Royal Norlandic Ashguard. The next badge is a silver badge and that is given when one has recruited five soldiers to the cause. After that, there is the Golden badge which is given if you recruit ten soldiers. The final badge is the diamond badge which is given to a soldier when they have recruited fifteen soldiers. Medal of Hakon The Norlandic Bloodrose Amulet is given to a soldier who has been injured in the line of duty. This amulet represents the blood and sacrifices a soldier is willing to take to serve his people. The amulet is amongst one of the greatest honors one can receive during his/her time of service in the Royal Norlandic Ashguard. Medal of the Guardian of the North A silver badge depicting the Ashwood tree. This award is gifted to a soldier who shows valor in the line of duty. This badge is for one who has continuously placed their life on the line. It is to be worn at all times to distinguish those selected from the others. It is a tremendous honor and is granted to those who have done everything in their power for the Kingdom of Norland. The Sword of Alisgrad A four-foot golden broadsword engraved with ancient Norlandic Text, on the pommel there is a golden hound with a crown on its head representing Eirik “The Great” Ruric. The Gilded Blade is the highest Badge of Acclaim being granted personally by the King himself. This weapon of choice is forged by the best Blacksmith throughout the land and is a symbol of undying loyalty for which the soldier placed onto Norland and its people. ENLISTING AND OATH OF SERVICE In order to enlist the Royal Norlandic Ashguard and subsequently serve the Kingdom of Norland, a man or woman wishing to serve must fulfill the following criteria: They must be a loyal Norlandic Citizen They must be able bodied and at least of 18 years of age They must understand and follow the principles of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard If these are met, the individual may be enlisted into the Ashguard per their own request. They then are given equipment, food, housing, pay and must undertake the Oath of Service. This oath goes as follows; “I, _____, solemnly swear on my honor and my sword to faithfully serve the Rurikkid Clans, and above all the Ruric King of Norland, to uphold the laws and traditions of Norland, and to protect her peoples. I will don the red and black of Norland proudly, and swear not to abuse my powers and privileges as a member of the Ashguard.” Once the applicant has spoken these words, they are officially a member of the Ashguard at the rank of Initiate. RETIREMENT After completing at least 25 years active military service within the Ashguard as well as achieving at least 100 marks within the rank they wish to retire with, every member who completed these requirements is entitled to a farmhouse in the countryside which shall be free of tax for their lifetime. After the death of the soldier post retirement, the estate shall be reincorporated into the possession of the Kingdom of Norland. Signed and approved, Asmund Camian Marshal of the Royal Norlandic Ashguard of the Kingdom of Norland His Majesty, Ragnvald Eiriksson Ruric, King of Norland, High Chieftain of the Rurikkid, Duke of Varhelm and Alisgrad, Lord of Eiriksgrad, Protector of the Highlanders, etc

a military courier rushed to Einer and bears a note "To Einar Edvardsson Ruric, your request to join the Ashguard and thusly to serve King and Country has been reviewed and accepted! Report to the Alisgrad Keep for further orders! Signed, Marshal Asmund Camian"

ROYAL MILITARY PROCLAMATION OF NORLAND authored as of the year 73 S.A. by Marshal Asmund Camian on behalf of the Royal Norlandic Army By official order of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland, the Royal Ashguard shall henceforth gain the duty to pay military wages to its service members and auxiliaries in direct service within the official workings of the Royal Norlandic Military. Military wages are directly based and distributed amongst the soldiers in accordance with a pay chart distinguished by the official ranks within the Ashguard’s military organizational structure. Soldiers of the Royal Ashguard shall only be entitled to their individual military wages for active and honorable service within the specific year that wages are distributed amongst the servicemembers. Wages are furthermore flexible and are heavily dependent on the military actions and achievements of the individual soldier, both positive and negative, and may be adjusted accordingly. The following Annual Pay Chart shows the specific amount of minae distributed to the individual ranks of the Royal Ashguard per annum. Royal Ashguard Annual Pay Chart Initiate: 5 Minae Footman: 10 Minae Man At Arms: 15 Minae Master At Arms: 15 Minae Warden: 20 Minae Overseer: 20 Minae Marshal: 20 Minae Signed and approved, Asmund Camian Marshal of the Royal Ashguard of the Kingdom of Norland His Majesty, Ragnvald Eiriksson Ruric, King of Norland, High Chieftain of the Rurikkid, Duke of Varhelm and Alisgrad, Lord of Eiriksgrad, Protector of the Highlanders, etc

a military courier rushed to Uthred and bears a note "To Uthred Haralddson, your request to join the Ashguard and thusly to serve King and Country has been reviewed and accepted! Report to the Alisgrad Keep for further orders! Signed, Marshal Asmund Camian"

THE ASHGUARD WANTS YOU! authored as of the year 72 S.A. by Marshal Asmund Camian on behalf of the Royal Norlandic Army As peace, stability, security and prosperity once more flock to the Kingdom of Norland, the duty to defend one’s homeland from the dangers from within and beyond our borders grows evermore! Thusly, the call for loyal and pious men and women of our homeland to take up arms in order to defend their people is once more presented to the citizenry of Norland! The Royal Ashguard of the Kingdom of Norland will house, feed, and arm any and all soldiers regardless of rank or wealth. Furthermore, those who have reached the rank of Footmen or above and have served the Kingdom for many dutiful years are entitled to an issue of land from the Kingdom, given at the length of retirement of said individual. In order to serve and fight for King and Country, any willing men and women must fill out the following form: IC: Name: Age: Race: Reason for Enlistment: Special Knowledge: OOC: Discord IGN: Minecraft IGN: [If there are any further questions, hit me up on discord: Hoehlenmensch_HD#1788 or in game: Froschli]

ROYAL MILITARY ORDER OF NORLAND authored as of the year 72 S.A. by Marshal Asmund Camian on behalf of the Royal Norlandic Army By the official order of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland, a new system in order to reward and promote the soldiers of the Ashguard has been established. This system will assist the soldiers of the Ashguard in distinguishing themselves through their service to King and Country. Furthermore, the marks will assist the military command in over viewing the dedication of each and every soldier in order to evaluate them for promotions or medals. Before promotion, a number of requirements must be met, and typically a Warden or higher must approve. -Must meet the following amounts of mark requirement for their new rank. -Must be given the approval of a Warden, Overseer or the Marshal. -A week at minimum must have passed since their last promotion. -Promotions are at the discretion of a Warden, Overseer or the Marshal and may be done without these requirements in rare situations. The following graph shows the specific amount of marks required for the next promotion in rank. Upon promotion, the marks acquired in the previous rank are not eligible to be counted towards the required marks for the next promotion. Initiate 0 Currently undergoing training Footman 5 The standard rank of the Army, though dedicated to King and Country Man at Arms 10 Veteran soldiers, the rising example of the non officer ranks. Warden 20 Elite commissioned personnel, having served many loyal years. Overseer 35 Overseer is the second in command of the Ashguard, and must serve at least 10 years. In order for a soldier of the Ashguard to actively achieve marks, they must prove their allegiance and loyalty to the Kingdom through service in various forms. These being: -Attending any training: 1 Mark -Gate Duty: 1 Mark -Gathering of raw resources: 1 Mark -Escorting a member of the King’s Council or the King/Queen: 1 Mark -Hosting a training: 2 Marks -Participating in a patrol: 2 Marks -Recruiting a new member into the Ashguard: 3 Marks -Participating in a skirmish or raid: 3 Marks -Participating in a war claim: 4 Marks Signed and approved, Asmund Camian Marshal of the Ashguard His Majesty, Ragnvald Eiriksson Ruric, King of Norland, High Chieftain of the Rurikkid, Duke of Varhelm and Alisgrad, Lord of Eiriksgrad, Protector of the Highlanders, etc

ROYAL MILITARY ORDER OF PROMOTION Authored by: MARSHAL OF THE ASHGUARD Asmund Camian Royal Military High Command Fort ALISGRAD 5th of Snow’s Maiden, S.A. 71 By the official order of the Marshal of the Kingdom of Norland and the Commanding Officer of the Ashguard, Warden Boots Anarone has hereby been officially promoted to the rank of Overseer in His Majesty Ragnvald’s Ashguard in the Kingdom of Norland. With this new rank comes new responsibilities as well as the authority to command and lead your fellow comrades into battle. As an Overseer of the Ashguard, you shall hereby be responsible for the overseeing of a Vassals`Ashguard Garrisons` Commanding Warden and shall be responsible for the recruitment, supplying, and organization of these garrisons. Furthermore, as an Overseer, you shall act as the Executive Officer of the entire Ashguard within the Kingdom of Norland, elevating you as a member of High Command. In addition to this, you may promote or demote soldiers of the Ashguard between the ranks of Initiate and Warden with due cause. May the Allfather guide you in your new Office. Signed, Asmund Camian Marshal of the Ashguard

AN INQUIRY INTO THE FIRE OF HAVERLOCK WRITTEN BY HIS EMINENCE ALFRED CARDINAL NESCIA THE AUDITOR OF THE TRIBUNAL 2nd of Godfrey's Triumph, 1859 Dearly Beloved, It has come to the attention of the Dicastery for Canon Law and subsequently the Tribunal of our Holy Mother Church that a breach of Canon Law has been committed within the city of Haverlock. Through an investigation led by myself and Canon Adjudicators, evidence has been presented towards the ecclesiastical tribunal of both internal and external origin. This evidence, being independently investigated from one another, leads in unisom to a single conclusion: The Cathedral of Saint Alexander of Furnstock of the city of Haverlock has been set ablaze through an Orenian effort. Not only has a false piece of information regarding the incident been published, accusing an ‘old and delusional woman’ of the act, but also have eye witnesses reported the matter as portrayed by at least 1 man of orenian descent. All of this evidence, combined with the stance the Orenian Empire has taken against our Holy Mother Church, i.e. the threatening of clergy and complete disregard of Canon Law in the past, leads to the guilt for the fire to be placed upon the Empire of Oren. In Nomine Dei et Horeni, Alfred Cardinal Nescia, Auditor of the Tribunal

His Eminence, Alfred Cardinal Nescia, begins with a prayer for His Holiness High Pontiff Everard Sextus before placing his vote into the ballot. "May our Lord GOD guide our soul to elect a worthy successor."

High Pontiff John the first embraces his successor into the seven skies and smiles the sun's smile at his arrival "Welcome, my friend. You are finally home."

EPISTULA CONFIRMATIONIS A LETTER OF REAFFIRMATION authored as of the year of our Lord 1850 by Alfred Cardinal Nescia on behalf of the Most Holy College of Cardinals Dearest faithful members of our Lord’s Flock, … we, the College of Cardinals as manifested by canon law, publicly denounce the actions against our Holy Mother Church as portrayed by the Anti Pope Christoff , who without a doubt would prefer his illegitimate pontifical name of Michael I. As outlined by our Holy Mother Church’s Canon Law within the second Edition, Book II, Title II, Chapter I, §8 that, “The High Pontiff is elected to his office by the majority of the College of Cardinals and no other.” This clear law as outlined by the great servants of GOD who have cometh before us identifies not only His Holiness Everard Sextus as the legitimate and pious Vicar of GOD, but also identifies the false Pontiff Christoff as a Heretic and a Schismatic. This fact is furthermore exemplified by Book II, Title II Chapter II, §1, which states that “ The cardinals constitute a college which provides for the election of the High Pontiff, variously called the College of the Cardinals, the Holy Synod, or the Septarchy.” As neither His Holiness Everard Sextus has formally abdicated or been rebuked by a unanimous vote of no confidence, as outlined in both Book II, Title II, Chapter I, §7, which states “Only the power of rebuke exercised licitly and validly by the College of Cardinals shall remove a High Pontiff from office.” and in Book II, Title II, Chapter II, §8, “By unanimous agreement, the College of Cardinals may rebuke a High Pontiff, stripping him of that office. In this case, his clerical state remains.” , the College of Cardinals reaffirms Everard Sextus as the Vicar of GOD and shepherd of all canonist people. It is due to this that the College of Cardinals hereby wishes to remind the faithful of the war of two emperors, in which a schisme ravaged the Holy Mother Church, dragging its name into the mud of sin. In remembrance of this, it is the divine duty of our Holy Mother Church to safeguard the souls to salvation. And it is certain that this salvation must also be achieved through the following of true shepherds, not false ones. May we as faithful canonists not forget where we are from. For our kin, is that of the descendants of the first of man, the Exalted Horen, and that we have not only his blood, but also the breath of our Lord GOD himself within our veins and souls. We pray that such is not disgraced. AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM ☩ IN NOMINE PATRIS, et Horeni, et Exaltorum Honorium Amen.☩ Signed with the authority of our Most Holy College of Cardinals, His Eminence, Alfred Cardinal Nescia His Eminence, August Cardinal Providentia His Eminence, Fiodor Cardinal Allobrogum His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Albarosa His Eminence, Jordan Cardinal Jorenus

General Ryu mourns the death of Mei, saying to himself "May you rest with your ancestors, my old friend."

2/10, wouldn't recommend

Cardinal Jorenus casts his vote

Archbishop Alfred raises his brow at Article number seven before remarking to his secretary "Strange. I was the one who pulled him out of that firestorm."

Alfred Cardinal Jorenus smiles proudly while reading the missive in his office. He then recalls his own history within joining the servants of GOD. His smile grows tenfold with a nod of approval following.

Rodericus sighs and says: “The Coat of Arms of Pestilles is the one of the disgraced and excommunicated ‘Holy Order’ of Arjen’s cross. You should change it.” He states proudly before making his way to the cathedral

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Bishop Ernst of Curon smiles at the news