WrathOfQuacken

William Buckfort, the Rozanian patriot and super-cool dad, does not remember siring a daughter named Esta. He had a fair share of kids, that is true, but he'd think he'd remember them all, you know, since he was a super-cool dad and all. He doubted Esta even existed, and if she did, she was probably not his kid.

"Wojtek," He called out to his bear companion, "Are you ready for the results?" He asked while procuring a parchment containing some random poetry, "I am...not the father." he declared dramatically as his companion let out a sad groan.

In sooth, there is no such thing as Esta Buckfort. that is a phoney thing made up by liars.

Although the death was meaningless, his grandpa crawled into the oblivion to greet his grandson in eternity.

"Berries n' cream~"

His voice hummed contently.

"Berries n' cream~"

It echoed throughout the abyss.

"Am a lil lad who loves berries n' cream~"

There it was again, doing the little lad dance, he was, or maybe it was just a gust of wind in the darkness. A distant memory. There were no Gods here. No angels. No demons. Only William. Only Grandpa. And grandpa wanted his berries and cream... He was quite sick of the whole being dead thing, in sooth. The reception was terrible, the staff was rude and someone and someone devious licked the whole f**king pool. Overall, a 3/5 stars. Mediocre at best. Wouldn't recommend it. Just don't die in the first place.

Complimentary chocolates are pretty good, though.

IGN: WrathOfQuacken

Name: William Buckfort

Age: As old as your dad

Place of residency: Seven Skies

Bank account balance: Loaded like a freighter

Hobbies: Golfin', going to church, knitting sweaters for grandkids, occasional gackings on the streets and let's not forget acrobatics on the Wednesdays.

One interesting fact about yourself: Keeping it in the family since 1206. Is your father. Also pretty good at dancing... Check this out:

As the title suggests, this post is nothing more than a fart in a hurricane. It isn't the first of its kind and it won't be the last. It's a rant without any solid structure or nice formatting, so bear with me.


Lord of the Craft, as a concept, is absolutely wonderful. It has plenty of potential, arguably way more than any other server. Every day is different and unique. Tonight you may be having slice of life RP with friends, the next you may be out hunting a brigand or a monster, all while bonding with other players' characters, making friends and enemies. I don't know about you, but I can role-play for hours on end without getting bored with the right RP partner, only to resume our adventures the very next day.

It has its flaws, like any other thing. How many times has lore been ripped out of the server? Or, how many times has a staff member taken way too long to help you with an issue? Or maybe you're annoyed because the path you want to take is being gatekeeped to hell? Personally, I can live with all that- I accept it for what it is. With that, you can still turn around and leave the server on neutral, or even good terms, like "Had my time here. Not my sort of place, I guess." My main issue, however, is way worse. It's like a game-breaking bug there's no patch for; OOC Toxicity. That, on the other hand, will make your depature from the server bitter, like "Damn, these guys are real these and thats."

I'm not talking about DoingUrMum420 (Not an actual player) calling your grandma gay after you hit them one too many times. On any other RP platform I have been on, there's a sense of good sportsmanship during conflict. I recall taking part in Discord roleplay servers before joining LOTC. Whenever conflict arose, I recall all participants being pumped and excited for it. Other players' plotlines and OOC emotions were taken into account, and antagonists focused on making conflict enjoyable for the group the way a DnD Dungeon Master wants to keep his party engaged. There is none of that on LOTC. Whenever enemies are formed, be it in a war between two factions or an interpersonal conflict, there seems to be a lot of resentment in the air. Insults are exchanged between the two player bases and spite takes place of enjoyment. Instead of sorting out a potential issue, the first course of action for some is to straight up try to get the other party banned. Instead of trying to make conflict enjoyable and tolerable, people will go out of their way to pretty much ruin someone else's RP for the sole reason of the other player being on the other side of the conflict. There's no fun in that. And I can't see how it can be fun for the people actively doing these things. You get nothing out of being spiteful, apart from knowing that you may have just ruined the other person's day. I honestly don't get why the server needs to be treated as a PvP factions server.

I've had the absolute pleasure of taking part in conflict RP with friends. When one character antagonized the other, the others went along with it, roleplayed and had fun without going off on each other OOCly. In particular, I recall one of my characters, Shoes, being the local ne'er-do-well who always picked fights, and more often than not, got beaten to a pulp for it. I remember it being fun, for myself and for others. Despite dealing with the menace that was my character, we've always been on good terms OOCly, and haven't argued about it. Any differences we had, we could easily resolve through communication and vibe checks.

On the other hand, I've also had a lot of terrible experiences that left me feeling upset OOCly. I had negative remarks tossed my way in LOOC during conflict RP, like being belittled for being upset over RP, or being insulted by someone you thought was decent because you killed them IRP. I found myself being a part of a fledgeling RP-focused community that was relentlessly bullied by a much bigger one. It was a community we formed as a bunch of friends, wanting to RP as our characters, develop bonds and have a little corner to call our own. I have left the server itself a few weeks back, but to this day the remnants of the community are being bullied by the same party. It sucks seeing really wonderful people getting upset because of it. It hurts knowing that no matter how much they try to maintain that safe space, nothing's going to change. People are leaving the server because of it, and it's not even funny.

I wanted to bring up the topic of character bleed. It was a concept introduced to me by @Charbi, who's by far one of the most wonderful people I've gotten to meet on here. She describes it best, so I'll share her description of it here:
 

"Based on some of the interactions I’ve been experiencing as of late, I wanted to take a moment and do a quick reminder as an old lady who has done many years of theatre and roleplay on many different mediums. Disagreements are bound to arise whilst playing the server, as they do in real life. Conflict is not optional. LOTC can be intense and make you experience this phenomenon called “character bleed” which is a valid feeling and completely normal. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, this phenomenon basically means that you are able to no longer empathise your characters feelings but feel them fully for yourself so that some sadness or anger is no longer you playing your character, but your own frustrations and sadness as you, the player. It is imperative that when you begin to genuinely feel angry or upset at an IG situation, you take a step back and a breather, reminding ourselves that we are not our characters and the person on the other side of the screen you may be feeling a certain way toward is just as nervous a cucumber as you are. We’re all here to tell our character’s stories collectively together, that’s all. " -Charbi

 

If you at any point experienced character bleed, know that you're not the only one. It's okay to get upset over RP- there are no wrong emotions. If there are players tormenting you irp for BS reasons, you are not the only one. Remember that you're never alone in cases like this. LOTC can be fun, and it can be utterly horrible. There are two very different sides to that coin.

 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

 

As I said before, it's a fart in a hurricane, and I don't expect it'll make much of an impact. But here I am, getting it off my chest, and if it'll make a tiny difference to one or two people, I'm happy with that.

If you give a damn about the community's well-being, you can always do your part by checking in with the other players involved and offering a friendly attitude. I can guarantee that it'll make your own experience, too. You don't know if somebody had a bad day, a bad week, a bad month. Just be kind. If you're personally pissed or upset about something and feel like you don't have anyone to turn to, my DMs are open, just hit up- Quacken#4140. Not staff, not anything, but if you need a to rant, I'll lend an ear.




On another note, I hope you're having a great day. And to toss in a bit of positivity into this clusterf*ck- you're unique, you're special, and you matter!

Ser William has always had a fire burning in his heart- a passion that kept him alive. But now those roaring flames were dying, withering away into a few final embers. He could've kept going if he wanted to, he thought, lift the sword again and return to Rozania, or continue wandering the lands with his beloved. Maybe. But they felt it was time to go off to a better place. Together.


Sailing down the sea of souls, there was nothing more he longed for. He closed his eyes, and for the first time in forever he could be him. He felt free- liberated. The crackling of fire, the gentle waves of the ocean, the aftertaste of poison on his tongue, the warmth of a lover's embrace. His eyelids felt heavy, and he felt his embers die out as his life waned.

He spent his last moments reflecting...

He lived a good life, that old man. He was young once, young and piss poor. But he didn't care- he was happy. He had a hope and a dream in his eyes. A little castle out in the countryside, a loving wife to hold his hand, a handful of babes running around and playing on his nerves. For a while, he had more than that. He had it all. He experienced loves that made his heart fluttered, he raised children that did him proud, he forged friendships he didn't deserve, with people who were twice the man he was. All he had he earned with his own two hands, through a long and hard journey, but he never stood alone. It were people like his lifelong friends Eliza and Aylin, the allies the likes of Lomiei and Rebeka, and loyal men-at-arms like Ser Brawly that always had his back. Of course, he couldn't forget about his wife, no matter what it was, she stood by him, supporting him in every way possible.


But life wasn't always smooth. Some marriages were cut short by death or faded feelings. Some children proved to be disappointing. Some allies and friends and even family stabbed his back. But he embraced it in the end, for you can't have the good without the bad. He knew that more than anyone, after all, he wasn't always a good man. He lied, slain, cheated, caused pain, and for what? In the end it mattered not. He couldn't change the past, although he wished he could've been a better man. He wondered what went wrong down the line. He was 'good' once, when he was younger. At least that's what he thought. Maybe the people back in his days were kinder, just like the prices were fair and politicians were noble, the air cleaner, and whatever else an old man could claim.

He thought about his final letters, the ones he left with one of his trusted stewards before this departure. He wondered what these people would say, and whether they would forgive him. He smiled to himself- he could die with hope in his heart. The same hope that filled him in his youth. But...he was tired now...it was time to sleep...

And that was the end of William Buckfort.


Letters:

To my children,
Janusz, Aldigar, Romilda, Oisin, Gawain, Galahad, Estella, Nadia, Gwyn, etc

To Aldigar,
 

To Estella,
 

To Gwyn,
 

To Oisin,
 

To Axilya,

 

To Her Grace, Lady Eliza Raven I,

To Belladonna,
 

To Ser Brawly,
 

To Lady Aylin,
 

To Puff-Puff,
 

To Kobint,
 

To Qiew,
 

To Dame Matilda,
 

To Mika,
 

To Erwin Bishop,
 

In preparation for the bard off, a halfling jester named Snoots would follow people around while playing blowing into a flute obnoxiously.

The bounty has been collected, and so were both of the criminal's hands. The posters are thus no longer distributed.

[!] Wanted posters would find themselves being pinned on boards throughout the continent.
Wanted
Watcher Der Ryder
Reward:200 Mina
For failure to appear in court, thus being deemed guilty of assault. If found, Deliver to Rozanian authorities

How A Man Shall Be Armed
A Document on The Rozanian Army
Penned by Duke William I

Article I- Ranks and Duties
StopnieIRanks

Regular CorpsIKorpus Chłopski
Primarily made up of small folk, making up the bulk of the soldiery.

Piechur (Footman) is the entry rank for common soldiery. Footmen are the backbone of the militia, serving as grunts, city watchmen or reservists. 

Zbrojny (Man-at-arms) is a the rank of a soldier who has distinguished himself through service. Men-at-arms are soldiers who have been in service for at least a year. They are issued a green/yellow ribbon which is pinned on the left side of their chest as a sign of rank.

Mistrz Zbrojny (Master-at-arms, or Master Man-at-arms) takes on the role of a senior grunt. A second ribbon is pinned to their chest as a sign of rank.

Sierżant (Sergeant) take on a leadership role. A Sergeant will oft times be given a certain post to look after, such as recruitment, quartermastery, or training.

Noble CorpsIKorpus Szlachetny
Made up of knights and officers.

Rycerz Królestwa (Knight of the Realm) hold superiority over common soldiery on the chain of command.

Kapitan (Captain) serves as a second in command. The captain is expected ensure regular trainings and events are taking place and that his/her subordinates are performing their duties. A captain may be told apart by an aurum-plated armour, worn only by him/her for the duration of their service.

Marszałek (Marshal) serves as the commandant of the Rozanian army, tasked with leading the troops during times of war.


Article II- Pay and Compensation

Wages
Soldiers are paid for taking part in military rallies and trainings. The base wage is 5 mina per footman, going up by 5 with each rank.
Civil Servant Status
As civil servants, soldiery are protected by law. Crimes against civil servants are punished harshly. On top of that, a civil servant is entitled to tax relief where available. The taxes of active duty soldiery will be halved.
Injury Insurance
-Soldiers injured in the line of duty will be compensated for said injury. The sum will depend on the severity of the wound, with the maximum amount being 100 mina for most severe cases. A soldier is only compensation if injured while under orders or in battle.
-Where possible, the injured soldier will be given the necessary treatment to return them to their full capacity.
-If eligible, the soldier may be awarded a Purpurowe Serce (Purple Heart) medal for injuries received in battle.
Retirement Bonus
Soldiers are entitled to a farmstead at their retirement, should the following categories be fulfilled;
-10+ years of service
-Holding the rank of Sergeant or above
-Honourably or Medically Discharged

Article III- Code of Conduct and Punishments
Code of Conduct
-Soldiers in uniform are expected to maintain a certain standard of professionalism while in public.
-Soldiers are forbidden from vacating their post without explicit permission from their superiors, for such would be considered desertion.
-Soldiers are expected to don the correct uniform while on duty, whether it be patrolling, gate-keeping or investigating suspects. Exceptions are made in the event a crime is being committed or a comrade requires aid in making a sudden arrest.
-Soldiers are expected to keep their goods and gear in perfect order. It is to be carried on their person at all times.
-Soldiers are expected to respect the chain of command and refer to their superiors by their appropriate rank.
-Soldiers are expected to follow orders without question.
-Soldiers are forbidden from abusing their status to abuse, harass or bully citizens, visitors or otherwise.
-Soldiers will not deface the Rozanian colours, be it through flag or uniform.
-Soldiers of Rozania are not allowed to be a part of any other armed guild, company, army, group etcetra
Accepted Forms of Punishment
-Verbal Scolding
-Extra duties
-Demotion
-Corporal Punishment in the form of flogging
-Hanging, reserved for deserters and traitors
Article IV- Uniform Regulations
Rozanian fighting men are expected to wear their uniforms while on duty, for they are meant to inspire pride and a sense of nationalism. It is a sign of brotherhood and a reminder of what you are fighting for. Personalization of the uniform is allowed, though it must be approved by either the Marshal or the Duke of Rozania. It may not cover up or misrepresent any indicators or rank.
The uniform should be worn as often as possible, at least within the bounds of Rozania. When in uniform, you are considered in duty, and thus spending time in such while showing your merit is the fastest way of getting recognized for a potential promotion.
The uniform consists of a striped green/yellow gambeson, a pair of sturdy britches, marching boots and greaves, a ferrum cuirass, a helmet, and a pair of leather gloves.
Unlawfully and knowingly defacing the uniform will be dealt with harshly.

Available Housing in The Duchy of Rozania

This house is available in Rozania, tax free for the foreseeable future.
All that we are looking for is a clan, group or family of 5+ ACTIVE people.
In a good area of town, next to two other Manors housing friendly people.
There are regular events hosted in Rozania, and it is a very active community. (as pictured below, the pumpkins hanging were from The Grand Pumpkin Festival).

There is a bank, auction house, tavern, shops and more close by the Manor.
A small stable and a garden are included.

The Duchy of Rozania is welcoming to all, and will be happy to have you join us!

For a tour of the house, or interested in more please contact any of the below:
Duke of Rozania : Cheese Quacker#4140

Stewards:
    gurlpirate#1816

Peralien#8586

ohbother1#0723

Pictures below of the Manor: 

William studied the missive with a solemn expression. He folded the parchment, pressing a brief peck against it. "Ye will be missed, dear friend...Ah'll look afta' yer daughter." He muttered, wishing his companion well.

A certain Rozanian guard let out a sharp sigh, seeing a piece of her report in the missive. Halina still suffered from a degree of trauma caused by the backflip that ended the confrontation.

"Peralien, no."

On the 5th of The Deep Cold, 41 SA
With the stability of the realm assured, The Duke of Rozania mounted his charger and galloped away at sundown, leaving the realm to be cared for by the trustworthy hands of the small council, and his loyal son, Janusz Buckfort to serve as lord regent for the upcoming years.

William looked over the Encyclical letter, passing it to his faithful followers thereafter.

5 minutes ago, Narthok said:

"I am going to crucify you" Father Paul would respond

"Hey- you're finally in my chamberpot with the rest of the ****!" William smiled, "Right w'ere ye belong."

William I read through the missive on his chamber pot, intending to make good use of the parchment. Never has he seen so much BS. "Will 'e e'er get bored?"

1 hour ago, ArizonaRanger said:

 

Francis van der Sainte-Blandine stares over at Lomiei, his glance only hidden by the closed visor on his helm which mildly-perturbing his view. "I doubt Father Paul would take advice from someone with such a bad haircut." He muses to himself, tapping his foot idly on the stone below himself.

"Snoots-Snoots!" Snoots retorted in a stern tone, trying to get her point across and express support for Lomiei's haircut.

3 minutes ago, Lomiei said:

Lomiei Vinelli laughs heartedly at the capacity of the man to exceed limits of incompetency never before seen by the lord commissioner. "True colors are shown here, finally. How could a man claim to both be a pious servant of God, while also belittling and contradicting the words of his sent vicar? HAH! Not to mention the outright support of slaughtering 70 innocent civilians." He shakes his head "Mister Paul's mind is as far from reason as Norland is from the Oasis... 'mockery of God'" He repeats, rolling his eyes as the laughing slows down only slightly "I suppose he will next claim to be the de-jure Emporer or Oren as well? Spurious claims to the right of determining titles and rightful land ownership is common among the ilk of selfish men and know-nothing signalers of virtue."

Though William's not there in person, he stands behind Lomiei' statement in spirit!

William I prays to God that Rozania and her people will be left alone after this missive goes public...

A copy of the missive ended up on William's desk as he enjoyed his early morning coffee, only then realizing that the mug he was drinking from belonged to The Wandering Pebble... he contemplated whether he should bring it back, or did Bella forget about it. He hoped it was the latter, for he liked the mug.

A Call to Parley

10th of Amber Cold, 40 SA

Oisin O'Breathnach, I invite you to parley in the halls of Rozania, where you will be granted safe passage. I offer a chance for us to speak man to man and seek common grounds in hopes of concluding an armistice. Should no agreement be made by the time the meeting is concluded, we shall meet on the field of battle and resolve our differences with steel.

I ask you come at your earliest convenience.
 

Signed,

William I looked over the contract one last time, feeling hopeful that the conflict would soon come to an end with the additional help. With a sharp sigh, he dropped the cactus green onto the parchment and rolled it up into a blunt. "T'ank Godan fer Rustlers."

William I duly accepts the offer, grateful for the loyaly of the Der Dyder Clan!