TheHeftyDonut

Penned by, DON Niccolò Vittorio, Lord of Rosavena House 2083 MESSERE Angelo Niccolò, Master of Spinasacra ( @Sir_omni) SIGNORA Federica Nafisa, Mistress of Rosavena, Ward of the Celosian Courts ( @Nickyp0o) TO THE DENIZENS OF AZURAS . . . With the halls of Nicolosi complete and the household ready to host the ton of Alba, we’d like to continue our festivities within Villa Nicolosi by celebrating the eighteenth nameday of Lady Federica di Rosavena and Master Angelo di Spinasacra, two strong, well-educated members of the Rosaveni who shall continue on this journey of life as adults henceforth. The Diciottesimo is the Illatian term we use for the eighteenth birthday, marking the passage into adulthood. For generations, this traditional celebration has been observed as a joyous occasion, honoring those raised in the virtues of family and faith, those who grow like the blooming roses of the spring. We invite you all to join us at Villa Nicolosi to honor these two young, esteemed members of society, holding them in your prayers as they walk this next part of their lives. ⟡━━━━━━ ━━━⟡ Opening Recital – After the arrival and greeting of those guests who have chosen to attend at Villa Nicolosi, Lady Federica shall lead the celebrations with a performance on the harp. The Lady Federica shall perform from a small selection of Illatian compositions and brief motifs to spark the energy within the Hall before the next activity. Pit Fighting Tournament – As the recital comes to a close, those who remain will make way to the local tourney grounds and within the Alban pit, soldiers will compete for a grand prize consisting of custom weaponry, mina, and special Illatian wares. All are free to compete; the ledger of competitors shall be finalized at the start of the tournament. Wine Night – With the new Rosavena estate, Villa Nicolosi, so too do new ways for the household to pay its due shares within Alba. For many generations, the Illatian Houses: Montelliano, Visconti, Varoche, and Rosavena have shared a passion for wine that few heritages can match. With this passion for wine and the many ways one can enjoy it, and with our new home, we have acquired trees and gardens to cultivate our own beverages. In the years that have passed, many members of the house have created specialty wines - so now we hope with joyous music, illatian appetizers, and a cause to celebrate, you all may join us for wine tasting and festivities. I N V I T A T I O N S. . . Unto the Imperium. . . His Imperial Majesty, Marcus I, Emperor of Man, and his Imperial pedigree. His Serene Highness, Willem van Aert, Prince of Blackvale, and his Princely pedigree. His Serene Highness, Edward II, Prince of Alstion, Archduke of Alba, and his Princely pedigree His Serene Highness, Rodimar Barclay, Prince in Reinmar, and his Princely pedigree. His Grace, Lothar d’Amaury, Duke of Lorraine, and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Sir Antonius Helane, Duke of Valmont, and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Heinrik Ludovar, Duke of Kvasz, and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Duncan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck, and his noble pedigree. Her Grace, Caerine Mareno, Duchess of Myrine, and her noble pedigree. The Most Honorable, Her Ladyship, Arya Altwegg, Margravine of Avistra, and her noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Sir Robert Montalt-Rovin, Count of Aesterwald, and his noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Volker Van Hurst, Count of Totenpfalz, and his noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Ezra de Senna, Archchancellor of the Empire, Count of Edessa, and his noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Nulvita Whitewood, Countess of Silasia, and her noble pedigree. The Honorable, Florian Enswerp, Viscount of Rethel, and his noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Anastasia Basileus, Baroness of Cascanova, and her noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Phoebe Malory, Baroness of Sternfell, and her noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Vasilia Galahar, Baroness of Ghaestenwald, and her noble pedigree. – Unto Alba. . . THE ARCHDUCAL HOUSE OF ALSTION THE MARGRAVIAL HOUSE OF AUGUSTEN THE COMITAL HOUSE OF ALDERSBERG THE COMITAL HOUSE OF DEVEREUX THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF HALCOURT THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF HELVETS THE GENTRY HOUSE OF RHOSWALD THE GENTRY HOUSE OF ALSTREIM THE GENTRY HOUSE OF ALDOR – Personal Invitations. . . The Right Honorable, Trajan Helane, Count of Orval, and his noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Anna-Marie Carnelle, Baroness of Rosalervo, and her noble pedigree. His Lordship, Ansgar von Adelgar, Lawspeaker of Reinmar, and his noble pedigree. His Lordship, Jean Halcourt, Mayor of Saint Godwinsburg Messere Franz di Spinasacra and his household. Madonna Giorgia, daughter of Niccolò Rosavena, and her household. Her Ladyship, Roselyn Colborn Signed, Lord Niccolò Vittorio, Lady Ophelia Lorenza, Lady Federica Nafisa, Master Angelo Niccolò,

2081 O Lord, source and builder of all things: we ask you to bless this estate and lands, as we come to celebrate the completion of its construction. We ask that you protect all those who pass onto these lands and enter the Rosavena Hall, and continue to push our House to strive for closeness to you, so we may know continuous joy for generations to come; so that we may see the continuous cycle of those scholars, politicians, doctors, clergymen, and creatives who render themselves servants to you. ⟡━━━━━━━━⟡ PEOPLE OF AZURAS. . . For some time now, the House Rosavena has lacked the proper space to host more than a simple tea within our manor home. Yet, those we find ourselves in service to have smiled kindly upon our house, and so the new halls of Villa Nicolosi have at last been constructed and brought into a reality beyond mere blueprints - this new home of ours built in a fashion common to we Illatians; a space to welcome many guests. Therefore, with the joyous manner of House Rosavena, all those who find themselves within the Imperium of Azuras shall be welcomed upon our new estate to celebrate and enjoy that which we have worked so tirelessly to earn beneath the banners of our gracious Archduke. We shall first be joined together in faith as we bless the estate. Thereafter, we shall make our way through the home for a grand tour before returning to Rosavena Hall, where guests shall be accompanied by music of both Illatian and Alban fashion. At the same time, refreshments and pastries are offered, and those who dare to dance may take the floor. ⟡━━━━━━━━⟡ Blessing of Villa - After the arrival and greeting of those guests who have chosen to attend at Villa Nicolosi, a prayer shall be offered and the home blessed by Reverend Father Florian ( @traurigcamper ). An occasion for the people of Alba and the Imperium to gather together in faith, and to ask that God keep the household beneath His grace and protection. – Villa Tour - Following the Blessing of the Villa, guests in attendance shall be guided through the estate, admiring the splendid work of the ladies of House Rosavena, whose care and refinement shaped the beauty of the villa’s interior. Many thanks to Donna Ophelia ( @HighLariousKitty ) and Donna Berengaria ( @TwistedFries ) for their efforts. – La Serata NIcolosi- As evening falls, the guest shall return to the Rosavena Hall, where music shall be played for their entertainment and the finest Illatian refreshments and pastries shall be offered. We offer this evening not only as a time to dance, but to enjoy one of the many cultures the Archducal coronet of Alba has to offer its many denizens. We pray with this scene of companionship and friendship within the lands, the house gives thanks for this fellowship, prosperity, and the blessings bestowed upon us by the Lord God. – ⟡━━━━━━━━⟡ I N V I T A T I O N S. . . Unto the Imperium. . . His Imperial Majesty, Marcus I, Emperor of Man, and his Imperial pedigree. His Serene Highness, Willem van Aert, Prince of Blackvale, and his Princely pedigree. His Serene Highness, Edward II, Prince of Alstion, Archduke of Alba, and his Princely pedigree His Serene Highness, Rodimar Barclay, Prince in Reinmar, and his Princely pedigree. His Grace, Lothar d’Amaury, Duke of Lorraine, and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Sir Antonius Helane, Duke of Valmont, and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Heinrik Ludovar, Duke of Kvasz, and his noble pedigree. His Grace, Duncan Baruch, Duke of Valwyck, and his noble pedigree. Her Grace, Caerine Mareno, Duchess of Myrine, and her noble pedigree. The Most Honorable, Her Ladyship, Arya Altwegg, Margravine of Avistra, and her noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Sir Robert Montalt-Rovin, Count of Aesterwald, and his noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Volker Van Hurst, Count of Totenpfalz, and his noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Ezra de Senna, Archchancellor of the Empire, Count of Edessa, and his noble pedigree. The Right Honorable, Nulvita Whitewood, Countess of Silasia, and her noble pedigree. The Honorable, Florian Enswerp, Viscount of Rethel, and his noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Anastasia Basileus, Baroness of Cascanova, and her noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Phoebe Malory, Baroness of Sternfell, and her noble pedigree. Her Ladyship, Vasilia Galahar, Baroness of Ghaestenwald, and her noble pedigree. – Unto Alba. . . THE ARCHDUCAL HOUSE OF ALSTION THE MARGRAVIAL HOUSE OF AUGUSTEN THE COMITAL HOUSE OF ALDERSBERG THE COMITAL HOUSE OF DEVEREUX THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF HALCOURT THE BARONIAL HOUSE OF HELVETS THE GENTRY HOUSE OF RHOSWALD THE GENTRY HOUSE OF ALSTREIM THE GENTRY HOUSE OF ALDOR – Personal Invitations. . . The Right Honorable, Trajan Helane, Count of Orval, and his noble pedigree. Her Ladyship Anna-Marie Carnelle, Baroness of Rosalervo, and her noble pedigree. His Lordship, Ansgar von Adelgar, Lawspeaker of Reinmar, and his noble pedigree. Madonna Giorgia, daughter of Niccolò Rosavena, and her household. Signed, HIS LORDSHIP Niccolò Vittorio, Lord of Rosavena House, – HER LADYSHIP Ophelia Lorenza, Lady of Rosavena House, –

Mother Ildegardaia had just returned from the Castle Chalons, as the missive reached her gaze. The nun sang a hymn of thanksgiving as she entered the Cathedral of Fifty Skulls, the news still bringing her great joy, even with having been in the room where it happened. "Blessings unto the House Helane, Saint Julia, pray for this mother and her newborn babe."

Penned in devotion, Reverend Sister Ildegardaia Vicar of Theology Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin Prioress of St. Judith of Czena A Treatise on the Duties, Trials, and Devotions of Women In the Year of Our Lord, 653 A.A. I, Ildegardaia Tommasa, daughter of Sigismondo de Savin, a humble servant of the Lord God and of those of his flock, have made myself known on multiple accounts. As a young woman, I actively served as a spiritual advisor to the courts of Alba, and now, I educate and advise the Imperial Courts with my previous responsibilities. It has been my mission to offer the education I was given to all, and I have strived toward my established spiritual community for quite some time, and I hope that this is the start of such. Being a member of consecrated life within the Holy Mother Church has led me to educate many and to walk a path of leadership and fulfillment that I would not otherwise have found. In this time, the Church has helped me find a path to healing and alchemical studies, and I continue to gain more as I serve. I do indeed wish to continue sharing my knowledge as I step foot on this new part of my journey. I hope it is known that what I write is placed before the righteous scholars of the Holy Mother Church, for those souls who lack humility and the ability to submit and truly hold faith in the Lord God shall know vanity. It is with this understanding that I write and find purpose in preserving the instruction I have gathered from a life devoted to observation of the path, specifically that of women within the faith. I hope to capture and honor the duties and devotion of women who hold faith in the Lord God, and to instruct them onward in these duties, that we may build a wiser and more pious community in which younger girls may be raised. Not only do I turn toward that which is plainly seen, but also toward that which is a holy burden unto us women: the sanctity within daily labour and care, and the endurance and strength that is silent yet ever present. I offer these observations concerning the rites, duties, and spiritual life of the daughters of this faith, so that we may continue to build upon this house in the light of God. It is always a prayer of mine that those who read my writings may find inspiration, but specifically in this writing, I hope to reach my fellow women. I speak directly to the feminine so that we may come together in learning of the divine, and of how we are created within the Lord God’s order and fundamental creation. Yet to those men who may find themselves under the steady trance of my pen, I pray you come to hold a deep reverence for the women who surround you - those whom I would consider the Lord God’s stewards of life, nurture, memory, and devotion. I seek not to elevate one creation above the other, nor to speak as though my word were law, but rather to reflect upon the duties, trials, and devotions entrusted to women throughout generations. I believe those who are truly of the faith, and who sincerely seek the truth of the Lord God, may in time come to meditate upon these thoughts and form their own understanding of such matters. This writing seeks to acknowledge both the seen and unseen burdens of our devotion - the call to preserve and to care, to suffer and endure hardship with grace, steadfast faith, and humility. Many times have the virtues and duties of men been documented and preserved, while those of their counterparts have remained less spoken of. Thus, this work is written so that the descendants of Horen may no longer overlook such things, though they have never once been overlooked by God. Being raised in a predominantly Illatian household, the fertility of God's children is understood to be more than the bearing of children; the continuity of life through family in faith is a service unto God in which is also the continuation of our civilization, and so it is sacred and owed due honor. In this continuation, once a child is born, it is then both the man and the woman become stewards of the life. Thus, every stage is carefully observed and noted with celebration and dignified rites, reflecting that the young life must be guided carefully and fully until adulthood. (Scroll of Virtue, Diligence:6-7) In the custom of Illatia, a child is to be baptized shortly after birth; this act is typically a private event with family. This first year after the child's birth is seen as a time to give thanks to the Lord God through feast and festivities, the baptism being the initial step into both the Faith and the household for the young. Those following this custom hold that it is traditional to build the spiritual identity from a young age, which lowers the chance of the child turning away from the Lord. Upon reaching the age of ten, a child of Illatian descent will have started early education, typically using the Holy Scrolls as the base of such. The child will undergo a second private rite, which in Illatian is called "Rinnovo," simply in common, "The Renewal." Once my observation was complete, I realized that this ceremony is seen symbolically as a cleansing of the child as they continue to grow. This second rite is performed to "mock birth," instilling purity, moral discipline, and readiness for whatever path is before the child. It is noted at this time that in Illatian customs, we do not see a difference in the education and raising of the masculine and feminine; responsibility to the faith, family, and society is equal to all members of your household. Turning sixteen, the child's first public hosting shall take place- a festival, or "Festa del compleanno," in Illatian. This celebration will mark the youth's entry into the public, and they shall plan and host the festival, seeking more career-specific learning opportunities as they prepare for life as an adult; some even are guided along the path for consecrated life. Upon the notes that recall these traditions, I have noticed many times a priest or holy person of some kind is present to offer prayer for the youth as they continue forth in life. By eighteen, it is traditionally hoped - and often expected - that an Illatian youth will have taken their first binding adult step, thereby completing the progression from child to adult within Illatian social order. For some, this step is marriage; for others, it may be sworn service, guild mastery, higher study, or religious commitment. Each path is regarded as an equal fulfillment of adult responsibility and honor. I reference this tradition of a people I find myself very familiar with due to the belief that fertility does not end at birth, and is indeed something that extends into shaping the soul, which leads to our preservation of the Lord God's Virtue. (Scroll of Virtue, Diligence:8) My final remarks in this book on fertility within the Illatian perspective would be the observation of motherhood, loss, and endurance. Motherhood, though in some cases presents itself as a burden, is also held to be a blessing from God. For our Lord says He has given us the power of His creation, and in all the pain of labor, He has assured us to remain faithful unto Him, through whom we shall be brought closer to righteousness. We speak of motherhood with reverence, for though the woman may endure physical pain, the wearying work of caring and nurturing the young is likewise to be honored. In many households, it is the woman who plans and ensures that children are well-educated and walk a path of faith unto God. It is through this responsibility that we see the continuity not only of the household, but of culture, discipline, and faith across generations. I also wish to honor those women who have found themselves filled with grief in the absence of fruitfulness in motherhood. Women unable to bear children, or who suffer miscarriage, stillbirth, or any loss of a child, shall not be considered any less sacred nor any less cared for by the Lord God. Instead, I urge such women to find meaning in giving themselves to the youth who seek new beginnings within families or communities in need, and to find opportunity in teaching and service within their communities. For in this deep trial, many prayers and rites are offered unto you, women. In the Word, I have read that all things are part of the plan of God, and we should look to Him always when we find ourselves in anger, grief, or confusion at the outcomes of life. Prayer for Childbirth: “O Lord God, we seek You to send the Saints Julia and Amyas to care for this coming mother and babe. Grant her strength and faith in You through these hardships she is to face. May You ease her pain and bring her encouragement through this sacred process. Saint Amyas, guide the hands of the healers and midwives who work through the birth, and bless the child forevermore. Attend to the child even after its birth, so it may remain strong and grow to serve You in Your name. Amen.” The light of creation and the darkness of suffering do often meet in a struggle against one another. For example, a woman through childbirth shall go through many pains for many hours, and yet creation is met at the end of this suffering. Through this life, we see that the Lord God has not given us more than what we women can bear, but instead blesses us with the opportunity to fulfill such a righteous calling. I regard this labor more as a woman’s passage to grow closer to God and learn more of His warming light and love, and the joy that comes with such. In this time of birth, women do fall to the mercy of God as they bring life into the world, as the perfection of such creation can only be achieved by our Lord. This point is a matter of divine attention, and one where many will care for her in reverent devotion, as God calls for us to seek guidance from Him in everything. Prayers are to be offered, as we ask God to steady the mother's and the babe’s heart, removing fear and offering mercy. We ask God to continue to hold the child and mother in His care, a fact not forgotten: all reside in the care of the Creator. Somewhat directly after the birth, the child is then blessed and anointed with holy oils as a sign of welcome and the mark of the beginning of life within the flock of God. With this observation and study on the birth of children, I have come to realize that this sacrifice is one of endurance through the hope we continue to see in the light of God. This is a duty, to move forth in this creation despite the hardships that come with it—does this not show the devotion and sacrifice of the faithful woman of the Imperium this day? The acts of midwifery have for some time been less relevant in the greater scope of medicine, though the most important part of this service is the fact of women caring for one another, working to continue the Lord's great Creation. It is my hope with my writing to emphasize this healing, and how a midwife's continued charitable care of our mothers, sons, and daughters is a step many women may easily find themselves trained to handle, which I believe would bring them closer to God, as selfless charitable works offered unto Him are pleasing unto the Lord. As I continue to pull from the Holy source, the Scroll of Virtue, I turn to the Canticle of Charity where we are given understanding of the great charity and love given unto us by God, and so we are to treat one another in the same kindness, and share in our abundance, as it says, “My abundance is the holy abundance, and My wealth is the virtuous wealth, and all the blessings of the Virtue shall fall before the righteous who share it.” (Virtue, Charity: 11) The midwife is not only a comforter of women who find themselves in travail, but also a servant of this charitable foundation within medicine. She must know the proper tending of the mother before a babe is born; she shall understand the proper care for the birthing chamber, preparing linens, waters, oils, and herbs, all to ease the suffering that a laboring mother goes through. The midwife will show an understanding of natural remedies and herbs of the world that are not seen within the progressive alchemical potions of today, along with a basic understanding of bodily functions. Similar to her understanding of adults, she must understand how to effectively care for a newborn infant: cutting the cord, washing and swaddling, watching for fever and weakness, in which an imbalance of humors might present itself. With this care that is needed, and with the cultural rites offered from birth unto adulthood in some regions of this Holy Imperium, I would say that upon the emergency calling of babes near their end, the midwife shall also understand prayer, to bless and offer the child unto the Lord God in that quiet, departed moment. Unlike many others who practice medicine, the midwife is surely called to present herself as a godly and pious woman. Like all who are in service of the Lord, she should understand, or seek to understand, the Word of our Lord God, and move to share such among kin, friends, and those she might call a patient. To render ourselves unto these virtues, we must accept the action in full, and so she must be willing to rest with others in their suffering, and act righteously unto the poor, showing impartiality unto all. I find that in all of my observations, the midwife does see plenty of hardship when she finds herself wanting to have a relationship with God, as she is made witness to all the sufferings of her sisters within His Holiness. But within such trials, we must remember that the Lord does not call us to suffer more than what we can bear, as stated throughout the Canticle of Diligence. This hardship comes with great honors, as it shows the trust we must have in one another; the kinship God wishes for us to have is that which will bring us closer to the action of the Word. So, be this my call to those women who seek not a full education in that of medicine, but seek to serve God in ways outside of taking the vows of consecrated life. Find me, and we shall educate you so you may serve your communities' women in their health and childbearing. Saint Julia and Amyas pray for us. “O Lord, guide our minds as we study the herbs and methods that were studied and given unto us by Saint Amyas. We ask that all remedies be blessed in your care and anointed in your light, so that we may use them as an instrument of healing unto the faithful flock. Saint Amyas, we pray you guide our hands as we measure and cure. Amen.” We, as descendants, seek fellowship with those similar to us. Yet God calls for us to remain in fellowship with all in the world, and to remain willing to share His Word. Within my life, I have learned that healing is both that of the body and that of the spirit. Through day-to-day medicine, we heal the body, offering herbal remedies and tinctures to the sick, yet often do the medics forget to offer prayer and spiritual healing for their patients. Being called to act charitably in all things, we must remember that to bring one closer to God is to truly be fulfilled; to know God truly is to be healed in spirit. So those doctors, physicians, and midwives remain diligent in their work of the body and spirit. In my own healing work, I have come to understand that those alchemical herbs most commonly used today carry plenty of risk that can be avoided in most common cases, if we choose to use those herbs and natural things given unto us through Creation. In my tutelage under the Matron Roswyn Halcourt, I had been instructed to study the herbs that are commonly found, as to the alchemical variants later studied by our forefathers. It is with her words in my mind that I have created the proper collection of oils, herbs, and household remedies, which I set forth here for the aid of those in need. Natural Remedies These remedies should be gathered in the service of God, His love and mercy, charity, and the care of those who suffer within body and spirit. For healing is twofold within this life: all that restores the flesh, and quiets the spirit from its suffering. For Weariness of the Body- Take rosemary and infuse it into warm oil. Apply this rosemary oil to ease a woman's labor struggles, apply after labor is complete. The body shall take the effect of the infused oil as the patient rests, allowing the healing process to commence through steady prayer and rest. For Sleep- Take lavender and steep it in warm water, or place it in the room near the patient to calm the mind. You could also take a mixture of lavender, passionflower, and skullcap to make a tea to ease the nerves and rest. Warm milk added to such a remedy for children is beneficial. Drink this an hour or so before slumber. For Fever: To increase the chances of a fever being broken, take cool, clean water and infuse it with willow bark. A cool towel can also be placed on the patient's forehead in promotion of breaking the fever. For Sorrow and Grief: Chamomile and mint are great herbs that can offer a calming effect to those who suffer grief; some even use chamomile to promote slumber. It is proper for these matters of remedies to be accompanied by prayer and a companion, for grief is something eased through the kindness and presence of others. This is the love of Kinship we descendants hold, the love for fellow creations we follow A wash of vinegar and clean water, with pepper and mint, can be used to cleanse the hands, linens, and spaces of the sick. Cleanliness is to be protected from the worsening of the sickness throughout, this is for the patient, caregiver, and location of healing. A layer of honey and aloe vera mixed into a wax made from the same bees can help skin with broken barriers to heal with consistent use. Many may turn this into a simple salve to carry in a jar, day to day. Other herbs healthy for the skin are: mint, rosemary, and turmeric. In all these remedies, let the user remember that mercy itself is a form of this sacred art form we call medicine. To ease the suffering of another through any means is a service unto the Lord and unto this continent we live upon. “22 But Julia was wise and recalled her husband’s warning. 23 She revealed Iblees, and the Denier was cast out of the camp, and he was very wroth.” (Scroll of Gospel, Book of Horen) In my final book, I wish to touch on the upkeep of spiritual health that is found within the lands of the Imperium. For this, I speak on the first hours of a woman’s passed spouse, where a household embarks upon a temporary widowhood and mourning. It is upon the duty of the mourning widow to guide her husband’s passing rites, and the same responsibility is placed upon the husband. In many forms, the woman is seen as a wise individual who can discern the light from the dark, and so even in this time, the mourning woman shall guide her family into celebration, not an age of complete darkness, for it should be celebrated that a life has been given to peace, rid of suffering, as we pray they reach the heavenly skies. The preparation of the dead is then undertaken within the household, where the body is tended by kin alone. It is washed and made ready for burial in reverence; these duties should not be given to outsiders. A vinegar wash, as stated in the natural remedies, shall be used on the body to promote cleanliness, though strong masses of mint and frankincense are used in this matter to avoid any smells from the vinegar. It is observed in some cultures that keening shall take place in honor of the dead, to offer a send-off, an audible viewing of the family’s mourning state. In this tradition, men shall not be called to participate and wail out, but instead, women of relation shall come forth and cry out in remembrance of their loved one, and so the fallen shall leave exactly as they entered this life, through the hardship, devotion, and cries of their mother and those blessed women who guide the child’s birth - as we offer our voices to the Lord, we offer our voices to those who may no longer be able to use theirs to honor the Lord. Rest their souls. In this time, loneliness, endurance, and prayer are borne within the household, especially by the widow, who remains in restraint and devotion throughout. Prayer is sustained not only as duty but as comfort, carried through silence and procession, binding the living to the departed in continued spiritual care. Within all we do to care for one another, women are held to be the natural preservers of memory and faith. It is through women that we are brought into life and first taught the Word of God in our early adolescence. It is likewise the hands of women who guide us gently through hardships when the body begins to fail. In their care, the memories of those who fought in battles past are kept alive, and faith in the Lord God is continued. So all that is given to us and learned, all that has suffered, and all that is loved is not lost to time nor to our loving God. that having spoken of the duties of faithful women, I return to that which is most quiet: faith carried without witness, and that virtue without reward. For not all holiness is declared. Within this quietness is the true strength of the faithful, where God clearly sees, and where the world might not acknowledge. All things done in humility are not done in vain, and the Lord God shall not turn away from us in our quiet and careful service unto Him. To those mothers who do hold sorrow and joy; to the daughters, whose mission is to learn and show their honored piety; to those widows, who endure in the absence of loved ones - take not my words as instruction but use them as encouragement. I encourage you to remain steadfast in these duties we hold naturally, not for the reason they are acts unto God, but for the reason that our acts and services are just extensions of Creation, gifted unto us. May God take you in your time of passing, and not give you an end but instead a welcome home into the skies, where peace and mercy is eternal with Him.

Penned in devotion, Reverend Sister Ildegardaia Vicar of Theology Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin Prioress of St. Judith of Czena This Burden of Devotion Meditation on the Pilgrim’s Path Guardian of pilgrims and of all who journey, blessed by the Lord our God, who calls His flock to seek Him in all their going forth. O Saint Daniel of Abresi, I ask you to continue to guide the faith along the spiritual journeys the Lord inspires us to take. Upon my travels in service to God, I shall have no fears and remain in the loving grace of the Almighty Creator. We pilgrims place ourselves before the wisdom offered and faith built upon this pilgrimage and give thanks for the opportunity to continue such devotions. Amen. Have I known idleness in body and spirit? Many will hesitate to answer this question, but I believe it is a simple yes or no - yes, in some way, for either a brief or prolonged period of time, we become idle. . . forgetful. Many will forget to offer themselves and what they have acquired unto our Lord God. And I, too, have known not only idleness, but weariness in moments of service where duty felt heavy, and my spirit faltered beneath all that I’ve taken on since my perpetual vows. Yet, in service to the Almighty Creator, a path was made from the faith, discipline, and devotion to the Word that I, along with those aligned with me and under my tutelage, have come to hold over the years. In that Word, I have come to recognize a pattern: to go forth, to be tested, and to return changed, often through trial, through waiting, and through the quiet work of transformation. The Progressus Primus was one attended by few pilgrims, so I did not journey alone. And yet, the journey itself called us beyond comfort into walking, into fasting, into the labor that binds the body to devotion. There were moments along the way when understanding did not come easily, when obedience was required without clarity, and when the road tested us in full. But I am reminded by the Word of the Lord God that even in my physical loneliness within this world, the Lord shall tend and shepherd those who have devoted a life's service unto Him, amongst the darkest of hours. Guiding the pilgrimage, we are to surrender ourselves to those pilgrims who render their burdens unto me through prayer and discipline, just as I, too, must surrender my own. With the assistance and faithful devotion of the Reverend Father Florian ( @traurigcamper) and Father Kiriel ( @wildspaghett), I had planned for the instruction of the pilgrims of Saint Judith. I offered guidance through the lens of one who isn't without sin, but as a caring representation of the Light and Holiness of my Divine Spouse: leading, educating, encouraging, and in all things, remaining a student in my role, learning again what I am called to teach, and bearing not only my own burdens, but walking alongside others in theirs. I hope that those who attended as pilgrims on this journey continue to show devotion to the Almighty God and deliver service unto Him. Hold fast to the Word, even when it calls you into uncertainty; be steadfast in discipline, even when the body grows weary; and be charitable with its message, as those mentors have guided you. For the journey is not one of arrival alone, but of continual offering of enduring trial, and of surrendering fully what has been given. And what once seemed a burden to carry, I have come to receive not as weight alone, but as a gift entrusted, not chosen, and returned in humility to the One who first gave it. May the Lord guide the pilgrims, strengthen the youth, and correct my own spirit, that I may bear this devotion rightly, now and always. Saint Judith, pray for us

Penned in devotion, Reverend Sister Ildegardaia Vicar of Theology Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin Prioress of St. Judith of Czena OF SAINT JUDITH OF CZENA Established in the Year of our Lord, 647 Published on the 6th of Sun’s Smile, In the Year 651 A.A. Greetings, and Blessings Unto the Children of the Lord GOD. . . Over the year after the creation of the Azuras Pilgrimage Group, I have taken some time away from my active work in society as a faithful member of this holy institution, the Holy Mother Church. In this time of what was, frankly, idleness in many of my duties, I had concealed myself into a strict routine within the Abbey of Venerable Anton. As I tired from what can only be the beginning of a loving, heart-filling career as a Sister of this Ecclesial family, I found myself in hours of prayer for forgiveness, for rejecting my duties for any time is a sin, studying the Word, and developing skills to better myself around the Lord God, and the virtues I have vowed to live by. Upon my reading of the Gospel, I noticed a recurring motif within the Word of the Lord God instructing men of the world to go out to a certain place, fast there for three days in order to be cleansed and spiritually empowered by God. As I continued to go over the scripture and take notes, the idea of the pilgrimage I had once set forth to plan. . A route that rested in my journals for some time. It is in these notes that I began to understand clearly that these journeys were not undertaken for nothing, but are acts of obedience and devotion to the Most High, our Lord. My understanding of pilgrimage was deepened as I saw how the faithful can be enlightened through such acts of labor unto God; this discipline of body and soul, which He seeks for even the Exalted to hold, was truly a calling to continue my work in society, leading me to finish these plans with a new spark. The number three had become most relevant to me in this time of contemplation, something that stood out to me during my readings, so the route includes three major stops, with a starting point and a conclusion point. During this time of pilgrimage, those who join me will participate in the development and strengthening of their Faith in the Lord GOD and the virtues we have been given to live by; we will pray, attend a brief Mass, we will give offerings unto the shrines and erect our own, fast together, and give charity unto those in need—through alms and holistic materials. Donations to the Azuras Pilgrimage Group may be given unto us through the Prioress-Mother Ildegardaia. PROGRESSUS PRIMUS - Thus it is deemed Progressus Primus, the first Pilgrimage of Azuras. The Azuras Pilgrimage Group of Saint Judith of Czena—otherwise called the Company of Saint Judith of Czena—a fellowship dedicated to instructing, disciplining, and spiritually shaping youth in the Virtues of the True Faith. THE FIRST ROUTE: Lay chaperones are invited to join Sister Ildegardaia on this spiritual journey, especially given the number of youth expected to participate. Those interested may contact the Reverend Sister to sign up. Members of the Holy Mother Church are also welcome to join, serving as chaperones and helping guide the youth in the ceremonial procedures. All are welcome to join the Company as pilgrims in such. Blessings. - The procession shall begin at the Cathedral of Fifty Skulls within the Archduchy of Alba. Then shall they proceed unto the Abbey of Venerable Anton in the Principality of Reinmar, where offerings are given unto Saint Daniel of Al'khazar. Saint Daniel, Pray for us as we leave you candles, and scripts of prayer to offer unto the most high, Lord DIO. - Thereafter, from Reinmar to the ferry to Idunia, the Company shall take the road to Adria. In the Duchy of Adria, they shall raise a shrine to Saint Emma of Woldzmir. Saint Emma, guide the blades of this Holy Crusade to a righteous victory. - Continuing this spiritual journey, the Company of St. Judith shall come unto the High Kingdom of Idunia, where at the Temple of Saint Artifai the Company shall celebrate Mass, led by Father Kiriel. After Mass, those who might seek baptism into the faith may request to schedule such with the priest. - Again, they shall pass onto the ferry into the Empire, taking the road toward Rittersburg. There, at the Chapel of Saint Adrian, within the heart of our Imperium, shall the pilgrimage be brought to its close in prayer, offered in thanks for a safe journey by the Reverend Sister Ildegardaia. CLOSING - ST. JUDITH PRAY FOR US! With humble devotion, I remain your sister in the True Faith, committed to the guidance of the youth and the honor of Saint Judith. I Pray O God that your wisdom and Holy Light guide our every step. We pray you enlighten your children and ignite them with the passion and discipline to live unto you. Amen.

Sister Ildegardaia had been residing in her room within the Abbey of Venerable Anton as the letter was delivered to her by a courier dressed in a simple, black habit. "Oh- Oh! Gloria a Dio! - What of my dear sister's recovery. . I pray she made such in full." The holy woman fell before the small praying-desk that was in her room and began her morning devotions, soon to make her way to the von Adelgar couple and their newborn babe.

✠ Discord & IGN Usernames: TheHeftyDonut ✠ Full Legal Name: Niccolò Vittorio di Rosavena ✠ Residence (Must be within constituency): Prince's Circle 1 ✠ Age (Must be over 18): 66 ✠ I, a property owner in Alba, cast two votes in favor of... I. Berengaria di Rosavena II. Rothwin Aldor

Penned in devotion, Reverend Sister Ildegardaia Vicar of Theology Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin Prioress of St. Judith of Czena OF SAINT JUDITH OF CZENA Established in the Year of our Lord, 647 Greetings, and Blessings Unto the Children of the Lord GOD. . . Over my years in service within the Diocese of Saint Thomas of Gaekrin, I have come to observe that many among the youth, in great number, lack proper education and guidance in the True Faith—most especially in the Values which the Lord GOD has set before us. As part of my calling to the Church, I have long sought to take on the role of an educator, that I might aid in the forming of both mind and spirit. With the counsel and blessing of those set above me, and by the example of discipline and learning drawn from long hours of prayer in devotion to Saint Judith of Czena, I have dedicated this Company to her name and patronage. May this group of youth, traveling to the blessed institutions of this realm, be blessed by GOD and tasked in discipline by Saint Judith, building a deeper connection to faith that unites all of the Imperium furthermore. OUR RIGHTEOUS DECLARATION AND CLAUSE - Thus it is deemed fitting for myself to establish the Azuras Pilgrimage Group of Saint Judith of Czena—otherwise called the Company of Saint Judith of Czena—as a fellowship dedicated to instructing, disciplining, and spiritually shaping youth in the Virtues of the True Faith. THE SEVEN VIRTUES: These virtues will be taught through scheduled lessons, assigned tasks, and the activities of the group, guiding the youth in faith, discipline, and devotion. ✝ Faith ✝ Charity ✝ Temperance ✝ Diligence ✝ Patience ✝ Fidelity ✝ Humility MEMBERSHIP AND ORDER - Prioress of St. Judith of Czena - The chief overseer of the company, managing all communications and reports of the company that must be handed over to Church or Diocsean leadership. The overseer is also tasked with leading the Company's pilgrimages, having spaces made ready for such etc. . . Typically this role is afforded to the individual who is most knowledgeable in modern theology and other scholarly acts, having the duty to seek Mentors on behalf of the students within the company's care. According to the life record of St. Judith the person in this role is called to learn sternly and with the most discipline for most progress in youth. Mentor - The regular teacher role within the company, typically consisting of adults who were once members of the company as an apprentice or even a priest who’s taken the time to help further the education of today’s youth. They work more as chaperones alongside the Prioress of St Judith of Pilgrimages offered to the youth. Apprentice - The youth position of the company, typically for ages five to eighteen. The youth will engage with mentors on a common basis to learn of the Holy Virtues- building righteous habits, and then will go through an introductory course of theology which can be used in assistance to studies at some secular universities that offer Theology degrees. RULES OF MEMBERSHIP - Those interested in joining the Azuras Pilgrimage Group as a Mentor or Apprentice should send a bird to the Reverend Sister Ildegardaia at their earliest convenience. Observe the Seven Virtues - Members shall strive daily to live by Faith, Charity, Temperance, Diligence, Patience, Fidelity, and Humility in thought, word, and deed. Seek GOD, Even in Education - Members should seek in best efforts to attend every lesson offered to them by their Mentors or the Prioress. They should take notes, and form questions for better understanding, applying what's learned to daily life. Uphold the Faith, Always - Members shall honor GOD in all actions, avoid sinful behaviors, and treat fellow members with charity and humility. TO THOSE ABBEYS AND SITES FOR PILGRIMAGE. . . I pray this message shares the embrace of our Lord. I write to present a cause most dear to my heart: the education of our youth, nurtured primarily through acts of pilgrimage and practice guided by good hands. In service to our mission to cultivate virtuous living throughout all of humanity, I humbly seek your support. Open your doors to our Company, and join me in teaching and guiding this fruitful next generation, that they may grow in faith, discipline, and devotion to the True Faith. Once again, I am Sister Ildegardaia, I look forward to your letters of interest. CLOSING - ST. JUDITH PRAY FOR US! With humble devotion, I remain your sister in the True Faith, committed to the guidance of the youth and the honor of Saint Judith. I Pray O God that your wisdom and Holy Light guide our every step. We pray you enlighten your children and ignite them with the passion and discipline to live unto you. Amen.

The Reverend Sister, Ildegardaia, read over the Helvets missive and signed the Holy Lorraine. Once finished, the nun rested the parchment, lowering her figure to the wooden floor for prayer within the Abbey of Venerable Anton. “. . .Amen. - Lord DIO, bless my travels to Alba.” The sister said in conclusion to her prayer, making way to Saint Godwinsburg, ready to offer guidance and comfort for these troubling times- if the particular Household would accept such.

Penned by, Reverend Sister Ildegardaia, Vicar of Theology, Diocese of St. Thomas of Gaekrin Un libricino su Prayers For the modern Illatian Pubblicato Nell’anno del Padre nostro, 2073 Volume I “So I find that you are strict in your arms, but lax in your prayers. But to pray is to gird the spirit.”, Scroll of Spirit - Epistle to the Jorenites, 11 Santa Giuditta, prega per noi! INTRODUCTION. ILLATIANO: Salve. Benedizioni a tutti voi, figli del Signore DIO. . . COMMON: Greetings and Blessings unto all the children of the Lord GOD. . . – Salve, children of Illatia. In this writing one must be certain of my complete understanding of the hard working Illatian kin within this realm, knowing there is much love and respect is held for those peoples. But, this book of prayers is to pull your focus from the bustling times of the Holy Imperium for a moment to pause. . . To breathe and turn your hearts towards the Heavenly skies in which DIO resides, used before your day begins or before you settle for the evening. The prayers I have written might feel simple to recite, but are meant to be pondered, lived on, guiding you through your daily tasks in the honor and path of DIO. May those Illatians from Alba- all the way to the Island we once called home use this book to inspire the praise of DIO in daily life. This prayer book will have two volumes published in two years. The first will speak on surrender, authority, and inner struggle of the faithful. Whilst we turn to volume two for those who seek guidance, compassion and the faith amongst the living. We pray that DIO blesses the faithful tribe of Illatia. Amen. CONTENTS. A General Prayer to DIO - Preghiera generale a DIO Hymn for the Holy Pontiff - Inno per il Santo Padre A Plea for Mercy from a Heart Stripped Bare - Cuore messo a nudo A Prayer for the Powers that Govern You - Chi vi governa Scripture Readings - Letture della Scrittura A Prayer Through Santa Giulia di Paradisus - Preghiera degli Anelli d'Oro A Prayer for Peace When the Heart Is at War with Itself - Per disturbi mentali A Final Surrender into the Hands of DIO - Affido la mia vita a te, mio DIO Reflection for the Soul A General Prayer to DIO COMMON PRAYER: O Lord Dio, source of all things seen and unseen. You who spoke life into this realm. We of Illatia come before you with true desire to become closer to you. We pray you continue to guide our families to have Faith in you and your word. Grant us strength to continue serving you in all things we do, no matter what. We thank you for you have blessed us with your light during the day, commanding us to rise every morning to carry the light through the darkest of night. In all things we look to you for reassurance and righteous accountability. Amen. PREGHIERA ILLATIANO: – II. A Hymn for the Holy Pontiff COMMON HYMN: Long live the Pontiff who’s crowned by God, Whose commands are held true; A Holy Ser, whose throne is pure, God’s glory shall endure. - The Holy shepherd of the flock, And keeper of the holy flame; Through shadowed times, and holy wars, How blessed is his name. - No tyrant, or creature lacking virtue, Shall compare to this Holy man; Then raise the chant, with heart and voice, In church and school and home: Long Live the Highest Shepherd of our Flock, Long live, long live our Holy Pontiff! INNO IN ILLATIANO: III. A Plea for Mercy from a Heart Stripped Bare COMMON PRAYER: O Lord Dio, it breaks my heart to come before you filled with sin. I fear I have worked against the Holy Virtues you have set before mankind. Those words you enlightened your Exalted prophets with have been absent in both my mind and heart. I pray for forgiveness from you, as I lay my sin to your judgment I plea for your mercy. I ask you to guide your ordained priest in my redemption, and return to the cleanliness you had hoped for all your children. In your Holy name, Amen. PREGHIERA IN ILLATIANO: – IV. A Prayer for the Powers that Govern You COMMON PRAYER: O Lord Dio, throned above all creation, we lift up these praises to your name. We ask you to install fortitude in those men and women who rule the lands of the world in your stead. We pray you limit them and remind them of humility and all the virtues of your Holy Scrolls. In these times of darkness, protect us all from pride and allow us not to be tempted down a sinful path. We pray you enlighten all stewards and keepers of each city who might support the faithful in governance, we ask that they find it in their hearts to find you and follow your teachings. Amen. PREGHIERA IN ILLATIANO: – V. Scripture Readings HEED A SISTER’S GUIDANCE: The Lord DIO calls all of his faithful flock to his theater of virtue, commanding we seek to live true to the Holy Word as given unto us. “And so I shall guide you in a theater of virtue, and the virtuous shall not live except by My Word.” Canticle of Faith (v.7) “For I have placed into your heart a wealth of virtue… and you shall give your fellows the abundance of the spirit.” Canticle of Charity (v.7–8) “For I have ordered your station and birth… and all shall be rewarded not according to their station, but their virtue.” Canticle of Fidelity (v.6–7) “And you shall know the trials of this theater of virtue, and know that they shall strengthen you.” Canticle of Patience (v.8) – VI. A Prayer through Santa Giuila di Paradisus COMMON PRAYER: Lord Dio, send Saint Julia to bring harmony within our lands, and keep the unions of matrimony joyful and honorable in Your sight. O holy mother and faithful wife of Exalted Horen, bind us in virtue and guide us to the Word of Dio. We pray you shield our spouses and children, granting them lengthy days, true bliss, and purity of mind, body, and spirit. Pray for us, O blessed Julia, that we may rise against all darkness which seeks to enter our home, rejecting all corruption from all things in our lives. Amen. PREGHIERA IN ILLATIANO: – VII. A Prayer for Peace When the Heart is at War with Itself COMMON PRAYER: My Lord, Dio the most high - I come before you in this time of unrest and want. Where I am lost, and without you, you call me to return. For I am a sheep of your great flock, one who seeks to be tamed by the Holy Shepherd, our Dio. In this corrupted state, I ask you to cleanse me and place me within the righteous graces of your theater of virtue. O Dio, I ask you to restore all faith and rid me of that which would halt me from loving you wholeheartedly. Amen. PREGHIERA IN ILLATIANO: – VIII. A final Surrender into the Hands of DIO COMMON PRAYER: Guardian of the departed, who is blessed by the Lord DIO, who calls His children from this life onto the life in the Seven Skies. O Saint Godwin, I ask you to receive me in my passing. I shall have no fear or unrest due to the faults of Iblees, for the Lord DIO is with me in all things—even in this final moment. I place myself before the Almighty’s throne. PREGHIERA IN ILLATIANO: – IX. Reflection for the Soul DIO reminds us that we were given duties so that we may take part in His creation. How can we approach even the smallest or most difficult tasks in our lives as an offering to the Lord? Faithful figli di DIO: every task, no matter its level, is the perfect opportunity to serve the Lord and walk in the virtue set by DIO. From my readings and studies, I can only say that our Lord DIO seeks us to be diligent in our faith in Him, so that when He smiles upon the individual, that individual will then go and smile upon the entire tribe of their people. May the heavens sing and rejoice as we follow in a true path of virtue, being examples of charity of the spirit. In many cases, He tells us to offer labor to Him, and as humanity is never rid of sin, some will reject the notion of Labor to DIO and the church due to the confusion in the idleness. The bold will announce the lack of desire to be members of the cloth or take what they consider “extreme” measures in devotion to the Lord DIO- this is the failure of forgetting simplicity in the Word and the Lord DIO. I say with that: your speech and your heart work as the closest tools to render yourself in the presence of DIO. Finding it within to lift your voice in praise. . . For DIO is surely praiseworthy, yes? You should find joy in taking part in DIO’s virtues and living by the Word, find comfort in your speech of prayer to Him. I say to the wealthy and poor, when you sweep the floor, or tend the less fortunate, when you find yourself leaning into laziness against your family- in all things these teachings of the Lord say free yourself from reluctance of duty and have a willing mind, saying within thyself, ‘Lord, this I do for You.’ And though the work be small or lowly, it is made precious by the love you hold for the Lord DIO. So I say to you, being educated in the scrolls and the life’s devotion to DIO. Remember that we are to attend to purity in the eyes of DIO akin to the need for water. Remember to be active in your communities and take part in the ongoing activities of your local diocese, and shed your thoughts to be constantly aligned with the Word He has sent forth for you to learn. In your prayers, you speak to DIO and lay forth all things to Him in full surrender. May it move you to those local priests, who guide you in the diligence of their own faith to the flock and to DIO, offering the purifying sacraments and insight of the Word to bring you closer to a life filled with the joys of DIO. Dear faithful, figli di DIO- Seek our Lord DIO in everything.

Guided by the Lord GOD, Sister Ildegardaia, Anno del Signore DIO, 2072 ✝ A CONFERENCE ON VIRTUE —————— A Liturgical Study —————— PREFACE: Lord DIO, this study seeks to teach the faithful the virtues contained in Your holy scrolls, virtues meant to fill our hearts. May these words inspire reflection and devotion, reminding us that You are the source of all things, both good and challenging, as part of Your divine plan. Help us keep our minds fixed on this teaching, and through prayer, devout attendance at Mass, and other acts of faith, may we show our love and devotion to You. — Contents I. Introduction and Opening Prayer II. Reading of the Virtuous Scroll III. Conference IV. Guided Reflection V. Practical Resolution VI. Closing Prayer I. Introduction and Opening Prayer Santa Giuditta, guida i miei insegnamenti… I’m so very thrilled you all have decided to join me, open your hearts to the /virtue/ of DIO. I am Sister Ildegardaia, Allow me to lead you all in prayer, bow your heads. O' Lord DIO, grazie for bringing us together. We ask you to open our hearts and minds to this holy scroll of virtue. We offer this conference to your guidance, transforming us in the truth. Possa questo momento essere solo per onorare il Signore nostro DIO, Amen. II. Reading of the Virtuous Scroll These excerpts were pulled from the scroll and given to the congregation for understanding of the study. Holy Scroll of Virtue, Canticle of- Faith: 6 and 8 Charity: 8 and10 Temperance: 7 and 8 Diligence: 6 and 8 Patience: 9 Fidelity: 7 Humility: 7 III. Conference After the reading of the Scroll, Sister Ildegardaia addressed and spoke to those gathered on the virtues revealed in the passages. O' faithful, to truly understand virtue as it is told in the scrolls, you must first remind yourself of who the creator is that breathed life into all living things. In the teachings laid before us by the Exalted Horen, we know the lord DIO reminds us that he is the breath of life that all things that live need. He says to us plenty of times that he is the father of all things, and as a father does he has promised to guide us in these virtues. DIO says you will not have to fear entering the theater of virtue without guidance, for he is with you. In the eighth, it is given unto us that the faithful should not blaspheme the word given unto us by the lord. In fact, all things of the creator that are in a holy condition, you shall not blaspheme. This is why you should respect the house of the Lord DIO, cleanse yourself at his doors, and guard yourself with the sign of the cross. Doing these things acknowledges DIO’s word and existence is so much greater than ourselves, seeing this is true faith- believing in this with your entire heart. Naturally with the people of the lord DIO, the virtue of charity will come with faith. Charity will come when you are filled with faith, the word is a word that wants to be shared. As it inspires you the charity of your spirit will give unto others, and you shall rejoice in the glory of DIO with those gathered in your presence. We should be reminded that DIO sees this form of charity as the highest, to share his word. We are shown time and time again that the spiritual wealth of God is not like the wealth of Kings and Dukes- the spiritual will not fade away over time, but when your material riches are given in charity, they become less. Read the word of the Lord with the tenth of this canticle reminding us not to desire the wealth of the world nor the wealth of others, but the wealth of the spirit. Envy can quietly take hold of the heart, causing us to compare our lives to those around us, be warned of this fault, for the warning is a sign of his mercy unto us. Our desires, made of sin, we should be wary of the worldly desires that might tempt us. In the seventh of this canticle, the lord reminds us that humanity has the pleasures of the world due only to him and his love. The pleasures of food, celebration, companionship, and those of the heart are all things to comfort us, not to lead our lives. In the eighth verse of temperance, we are given the important warning not to become creatures of indulgence like beasts of this realm. When pleasure rules you we have lost the balance and the purpose DIO has set for us. Though this does not mean we should reject joy, instead, we should remember to show our thanks and have discipline in these things. I leave this conference with virtue and rest diligence as the last topic. This canticle is of the lord DIO saying he has blessed humanity with the miracle of his own - creation. In any field of work, the field, the home, the shops, or the clinics, this is how we participate in creation. Honest labor and duties to the goal will draw you nearer to the Lord DIO. In the eighth verse of this canticle of diligence, DIO reminds us that we should not be idle. Forgetting your duties and favoring sloth is not honoring the lord- these are things that weaken the body and soul. Born into our roles and purposes from the lord DIO, to neglect the duties given is to attempt to neglect DIO himself. This part of the scroll will teach you to approach even the worst of your duties faithfully, knowing that any and every task in relation to what is laid before us will please as an offering to the lord. IV. Guided Reflection If DIO is truly the breath of life and the father of all creation, how should that truth shape the way we approach His house, His word, and the holy things of this world? How can the faithful be charitable by means of the spirit and the world? DIO reminds us that we were given duties so that we may take part in His creation. How can we approach even the smallest or most difficult tasks in our lives as an offering to the Lord? In the household we should seek to honor DIO. How can parents and children fulfill their roles and duties as DIO intended, spreading faith in Him and living according to His will? V. Practical Resolution O' faithful, as you depart from this house, carry these virtues not only in word. In the coming days, months, years. . . Each of you, practice the teachings of life within the scroll of virtue in these small ways: Pray when you rise in the morning and retire at night; give thanks to DIO. Show your devotion to him by learning the scrolls. I ask you all to practice charity of the spirit and speak encouragement, advice, and faith to someone in your life. Lastly, please see a task to its end, no matter what it is. The children of the Lord DIO are not quitters; continue on and strive for greatness in the honor of DIO. To all do small things is to fill our community with the ever-flowing life of the Lord. Go forth and remember our studies today. Let us conclude in prayer. VI. Closing Litany This closing prayer was inspired by the Litany Against Iblees by Father James Vursur, an elven priest who has inspired my own devotion to the lord DIO greatly. Thank you, Father James. Leader: Shall the Word of the Lord endure eternal. Response: And the fruit of virtue shall not rot. Leader: Within the lord DIO’s theater of virtue. Response: May we walk the virtuous path and honor him. Leader: May our hearts be rich in charity, sharing the abundance of all things. Response: For the wealth of the spirit grows when it is given. Leader: May we live with temperance, showing restraint to worldly things. Response: That we may not become servants of indulgence. Leader: May we labor with diligence in the works set before us. Response: That our hands and hearts may draw nearer to the Lord. Leader: May the Lord grant us patience in trial, fidelity in our duties, and humility before His throne. Response: For the Lord GOD is without peer, and His virtue endures forever. Leader: May his VIRTUE be your guide. Response: His scrolls, the greatest teacher of righteousness. Everyone: Amen. - Dear faithful, figli di DIO- Walk in VIRTUE.

Niccolò di Rosavena smiled brightly as he read over the missive. "Education has been reinstated in Alba. How magnifico!" He said proudly, going to enroll all of his eligible grandchildren.

Niccolò rested in his family's San Godwinsburg manorhome, seated with his wife in the first drawing room. In came an Illatian servant who, on a silver tray, brought over the day's notices and mail. At the top rested the writ of gentrification, and Niccolò called out at a dynamic that could wake his entire home, "Ay, Mio DIO! Look at this dear Ophelia." He said as he read the writ, pure bliss expressed across his visage. "We have officially been granted the Gentry rank by their Serene Highnesses. - Bambini di Illatia, scendete subito! Aha, GLORIA! Viva Alba! Viva Illatia!" He said with great pride in both his current home and that of his ancestry, rambling on about an Illatian festival to celebrate. @HighLariousKitty - Ildegardaia Tommasa, granddaughter of Niccolò, daughter of Father Sigismondo, had just returned from a visit to the Imperial Capital of Rittersburg. The girl held a smile upon her visage as she entered her Father's home. She inquired then, "Papa, what is it?" She asked in a curious tone as he prayed in a triumphant timbre, thanking DIO in swift Illatian tongue. Whilst he prayed, she noticed a writ to read upon the table of the drawing room, in which she squealed and fell to her knees, signing the Lorraine. "Oh- DIO. . . Grazie, most heavenly padre- continue to guide our Nonno, bless him as he works to establish a vibrant Illatian Identity within this Imperium. Grazie DIO!" She thanked God and returned to her feet. She then sang and danced through the home, making her way down to the kitchens for a sweet treat. @TwistedFries

Penned By, Niccolò di Rosavena e Montelliano, Patriarca of Casata Rosavena THE ILLATIAN CENSUS OF 629 AA [!] The Illatian Heritage Flag [!] On the 13th day of SUN’S SMILE, Year 629 AA Since my arrival upon Aevos, when I was but a boy from the Island of Illatia, I was welcomed by the Illatian blood that remained within the greater body of structured humanity. The late Baroness-Dowager of Placentia, of the noble seat of House Varoche within the Archduchy of Alba, welcomed me and aided me in finding a home for myself and my family through the Illatian Census of 2022. It is with the fond memory of the late Baroness-Dowager’s hospitality, and with my blood as an heir to Illatia, that I now continue her work—seeking to unite our diaspora in the best manner possible, within a realm that shall uphold and strengthen the prosperity of Illatian blood. The Illatian Census of 629 AA is the collection of records and information on all those who have at least one parent of Illatian descent and who declare themselves henceforth as Illatian. Through this census- Illatian Census Form -we hope to reconnect with our scattered kin, preserve our shared heritage, and ensure that every Illatian may find a place within a civilized body of humanity. - With all of this said, those Illatians who wish not only to reconnect with those of their heritage but also to defend and uplift all members of our diaspora are invited to consider service within the Veldin Company, the Blades of the Illatian Unification. Founded to protect and guide the people of Illatia in this generation toward prosperity, and to do so in the light of the Lord, Dio, the Company welcomes Illatians of honorable character who desire to contribute strength to our diaspora. Through such service, one holds the future of Illatia and its people in their hands, working alongside fellow men and women who strive toward the same noble goal. You may send a letter to Father Sigismondo ( @TwistedFries ) if such might interest you, to go through testing and other information checks before recruitment. VIVA ILLATIA

The House “Con Buona Fede, Sempre Illatia” 626 AA | Etymology & Symbols | This is the linguistic and historical origin of the names Rosavena and Montelliano, tracing their meanings through the Illatian language. This will show how the words and lineage of the people can shape their identity. Etymology Rosavena — Derived from rosa and vena — “the line of roses” — the name symbolizes the Red Rose, the honorable flower of the House. Rosavena is a descendant line of Reina di Montelliano y Delatour, whose image the family honors by remaining a House of beauty sustained through devotion to artistry, intellect, and refined conduct, marking the House as learned and possessed of great inner strength. Montelliano — Has its origins in monte (“mountain”) with the diminutive suffix -elliano, meaning “of the little mountain” or “hill-born.” This name traces back to the ancestral Montelliano men and women of the many different lines, with the Rosavena tracing their lineage to Marco Aurelio, son of Leonardo Alfredo de Savin and Lucrezia Maria di Montelliano-Kavietsby. To the Illatians, the name Montelliano is one of long standing and storied history, a name tied to wealth and innovation, which the family continues to build upon through their works and achievements. - House Rosavena e Montelliano Arms The House arms of Rosavena e Montelliano stand to represent their intellect and steadfast virtue. At their center marches the all-black elephant, a symbol of wisdom and the memory of family, honoring those who have led up to the formation of Rosavena. | Purple, long carried by House Montelliano, conveys their wealth and a quiet poise found in few Illatian houses. | Gold symbolizes virtue and prosperity, as well as devotion to the Lord God and the development of the mind He grants. | Red, the blood of Illatia, honors the Subudai heritage and the lives laid down through the Illatian unification movements over the years. — The Illatian Heritage Flag - ‘Vessillum Illatiae’ The Heritage Flag of Illatia, Vessillum Illatiae, stands as a symbol of the values of Illatian unification and the remembrance of culture for all who share in Illatian lineage. At its heart, it reflects the blending of old Subudai roots with the class and development of later Illatian generations. | The black horse pays respect to the Subudai horsemen and tribespeople who came before the Illatian identity. | The red represents the blood of the people, much like that of the Rosavena arms, shed in their struggles, triumphs, and enduring devotion to the Illatian spirit. | The sand-colored field signifies the mixture of cultures that define the Illatians in the modern age, showing both tradition and adaptation. | Cultural Identity | This chapter defines the essence of House Rosavena — shining a light on their cultural spirit, their values, and the ways they carry themselves throughout life as working members of their communities. Through generations, the Rosavena have forged an identity of true Illatian unification, rooted in the development of the mind and body, and grounded in the teachings of the Holy Mother Church and the beauty of the Lord, our God’s creation. Values The Rosavena are a household of scholars, artists, and courtiers — creatives. Their work and expertise lie in the fields of governance, education, medicine, and courtly administration, with a proud few taking up steel in defense of their nation and their family’s honor. To the Rosavena, the mind is of utmost importance — proving in many ways to be sharper than steel. Virtue is measured not only by action, but by patience and composure. Piety, intellect, loyalty, and duty form the four pillars of Rosavena upbringing. From youth, the children of Rosavena are taught that the Lord’s greatest gift is not the wealth or title gained through their forefathers’ efforts, but the individual ability to think and create — to preserve the faith and culture of the people through refinement and grace. It is believed that it is God’s gift of intellect and creativity to which the Rosavena way of life is devoted, seeing study and disciplined work as blessings, not burdens. In daily life, these traits manifest as a calm and measured demeanor. The Rosavena are not easily roused to anger; they are careful and precise in their words and actions. They hold conversations in serious manners, often being very philosophical and thought-provoking. Body & Mind The Rosavena bear the noble and distinct features of their Illatian lineage — elegant in posture and graceful in movement. Their appearance shows hints of both Farfolk and Heartlander heritage; complexions range from fair olive to warm bronze. Symbolic gray orbs are most common for a Rosavena’s eyes, though it is not rare to see hues of hazel or blue. Their hair tends to be of rich, dark shades of brown or black, with blonde being less common. They do not tend to lose much hue in their hair as they age, though streaks of silver are not rare. The Rosavena are commonly on the shorter side in height ranging from 5’4 to 5’10. Those of the House hold posture and expression carefully cultivated from youth. They are taught to carry themselves with composure and grace — shoulders straight, gaze steady, especially when in the presence of an elder or one who holds privilege over them. Appearing disordered or straying from these teachings is seen as genuine disrespect and unbecoming of one of their House. They tend to speak with a mixture of Illatian and Common, proud to be among the few who represent their culture within the lands of the Empire. Those of the Imperium often see the Rosavena clad in fine, well-made garments that reflect the aesthetic of their House, their culture, and the standards of the court. Psychologically, the Rosavena are contemplative and disciplined, their minds guided by reason and faith. Due to their teachings, they rarely act on impulse, often taking time to reflect before making decisions. They are studious in every way and tend to learn best through books and direct work. The Rosavena hold great pride and a sense of perfectionism, seeing themselves as the natural and true heirs of Illatia. Yet this pride does not overcome them, tempered instead by humility — born of a lineage that bridges wealthy commoners and former noblemen. Their perfectionism drives them to seek beauty and order in all aspects of their lives. However, this trait is a double-edged sword, rendering them susceptible to melancholy when faced with failure or inaction. Emotional restraint defines much of Rosavena psychology. They view composure not as coldness, but as power and strength. To lose one’s temper or act rashly is to tarnish not only one’s own grace but that of the family as well. Thus, many among the House see the ideal life as one lived in serenity. In truth and essence, the Rosavena soul is poised in devotion and intellect – passion and discipline. Social Conduct As suggested previously, the Rosavena are a people of enlightenment, refinement, and restraint — guided by the belief that one’s conduct is the truest reflection of inner virtue. Every gesture, word, and tone is to be deliberate, but never forced or rehearsed — all should flow with natural poise, born of discipline and awareness. To a Rosavena, how one presents themselves is a silent, shifting testament to the family’s dignity and the reputation of Illatia itself. Courtesy and respect for hierarchy, age, and station govern their interactions, and hospitality is treated as both a duty and an art form. Guests are welcomed with warmth, their comfort prioritized before all else. Within the Rosavena home, decorum is maintained at all times — with lively conversation, refined wit, and great humor shared freely, yet always within the bounds of grace. Formality, however, does not equate to stiffness or dullness of spirit. Affection is shown carefully and measured, ensuring no disrespect is given to those outside one’s own kin. To love, in the Rosavena sense, is to support — to challenge ignorance with wisdom and guide folly toward reason. In matters of society and the Imperial courts, the Rosavena move with practiced elegance. Their speech flows like akin to water of a river, lyrical and precise, shaped by their Illatian heritage and the melody of their mother tongue. Boasting is considered distasteful, for they believe true accomplishment should speak for itself — evident through conduct and craft, not proclamation. Thus, the Rosavena carry themselves as quiet exemplars of Illatian grace — poised in all things, humble in triumph, and steadfast in faith. To act with dignity is to honor both God and blood, and in this, the Rosavena find their truest nobility. Faith Faith is the heart of the Rosavena and their way of life — the flame by which their intellect, discipline, and artistry are guided. Similar to many other Illatian families, they hold great devotion to the Lord God and the Holy Mother Church, which is unwavering, though they do not follow blindly — hence why, through many generations, parents have encouraged a child or two to join the Church and study the word of God. In this way, the family may come together to reflect and learn as one, believing that time spent in reflection upon the Word is essential, and to neglect it is to abandon the balance of the spirit. From youth, they are taught the common prayers and standards of Illatian piety, practicing the act of consciously living to honor God’s creation through learning and compassion. They express and honor their faith not only through attending Mass and prayer but also through artistry — with paintings of saints, devotional essays, and well-composed hymns — using the Word to guide them in their everyday lives. In essence, the Rosavena philosophy mirrors the pride they hold in their intellect: to live in pursuit of knowledge, to spread love and creation, and to act justly in the faith of God. Education and Artistry As one can assume, education and artistry are twin flames of the Rosavena tradition — seen not as two separate disciplines, but as two halves of the same pursuit. To learn is to understand the world God has crafted so beautifully; to create is to pay homage to His infinite design. These are sacred callings, woven into daily life within the household. From the earliest of years, the children of Rosavena are raised in prayer, books, song, and conversation. Many attend the Alban Academy (The Prince’s Institution) — though many of the children are given a tutor or scholar to study under, or are even warded off to some noble or official of the city. It is during this time that lessons in philosophy, theology, natural sciences, and fine arts begin. The pursuit of wisdom is true joy to the Rosavena, and to be ignorant — lacking in knowledge — is to be truly poor in life. Artistry holds divine weight in their culture due to the Illatians of old, such as Illo “The Elder,” son of a middle-class merchant — the namesake of the Illatian culture, a portrait painter who rose to fame through his artistic skill and vision. It is from him that the Rosavena, and many other Illatians, draw artistic inspiration, embracing creativity and the cultivation of skill. Many Rosavena kin take to painting, poetry, musical composition, and scholarship alike. The homes and halls of the Rosavena are often seen as places of study and grandeur, due to the brilliant designs and works of household interior designers such as Ophelia di Rosavena, who is credited with designing and leading the house interiors of “Little Palace Montello” within the old lands of Drusco and the “Manor of Roses” in Alba today. The Rosavena are self-proclaimed guardians of Illatian culture — those who seek to preserve and nurture Illatian unification through refinement. In education and artistry lies great honor and noble work, serving to elevate not only oneself but one’s entire family and people. | House Economy & Institutions | The economic and institutional life of House Rosavena forms the foundation upon which a legacy is sustained. Through careful enterprise, the family has established itself as both patron and participant in the economy of the realm. Under the vision of Niccolò di Rosavena—founder of the Prince’s Institution, once Justiciar of Drusco—the household has woven learning, law, and trade into a singular pursuit of prosperity and culture. Their Montello Creatives Guild nurtures artisans and thinkers alike, while the Rosavena Company serves as a cooperative enterprise, investing in smaller guilds and craftsmen, aiding their trade and sharing in their success. In this way, the Rosavena ensure that both art and commerce thrive together, each enriching the other as a living testament to Illatian unification. | Traditions | Traditions [Shall develop as the Family continues to grow.] | The Feast of Names (Festa dei nomi) - Each child’s name is celebrated five years after birth, marking their formal presentation before kin and community. Typically, a chaplain is summoned to the home to bless and baptize the child before the family and invited community, before dancing and feasting shall take place to celebrate the child ready to begin their education and journey into adulthood officially. | Gift of Patronage (Dono di Patronato) - To earn favor and gain influence many of the House Rosavena would seek to become patrons to different institutions and artists to help guide them to fame. This is whether commissioning art, aiding scholars, or sponsoring charity - it is seen as a sacred duty reflecting one’s devotion to faith and community. | The Cup of Union (Coppa dell’Unione) - When two noble families enter an alliance, commonly through marriage. In Rosavena culture, they shall share a ceremonial cup of Illatian wine, blessed by a chaplain. Each participant drinks from the same vessel, symbolizing shared fate, trust, and the inner bond created in the body through the union.

The Mask of the Heart Playwright: Elijah Nastoria | @PrinceTheDM Published By: The Montello Creatives Guild, 2043 “Love is a fine thing, but it will not keep a roof over your head when the rain comes through.” -Character List- PASCAL DURRIN – Male lead. Son of Renaud Durrin, heir to a vast merchant fortune. Earnest, romantic, and eager to find his place among the nobility. Torn between his father’s pragmatic ambitions and his own ideals. CYRA VEYRIN – Female lead. Noblewoman of House Veyrin. Intelligent, poised, and strategic, with a sharp understanding of her family’s financial decline. Torn between using Pascal for survival and feeling genuine attachment. RENAUD DURRIN – Pascal’s father. Famed and ruthless merchant whose fleets span the empire. Ambitious and calculating, intent on using marriage as a business transaction to elevate the family’s social standing. MARCELLE DURRIN – Pascal’s mother. Socially astute and supportive, she guides Pascal in presenting himself in a way that appeals to noble circles, while sharing her husband’s pragmatic outlook. LORD VEYRIN – Cyra’s father. Once prosperous, now financially strained. Proud but desperate, he sees Cyra’s marriage as the family’s best chance at restoration. LADY VEYRIN – Cyra’s mother. Sharp-tongued and socially calculating. Focused on securing a wealthy match for Cyra, unafraid to apply pressure to achieve it. SERVANT – A discreet member of the Veyrin household staff who delivers Pascal’s arrival in Act 1, Scene 3. ACT I – THE DANCE BEGINS ACT I – SCENE I The ballroom of Bellavere Hall. Music drifts through the air as couples dance. Servants weave between guests with wine and sweetmeats. CYRA stands at the edge of the floor, poised but apart. Her gown is elegant yet modest, the difference between her family’s dwindling fortune and the glittering wealth of the room as stark as sunlight on marble. CYRA (aside) Look at them… gold glinting in candlelight, silk sweeping over marble. And somewhere in this sea is the one who will lift the Veyrin name from the dust. Not a noble - richer than a noble. Hungry for our crest. Her gaze finds PASCAL across the room, politely speaking with a circle of older lords. His posture is respectful, almost deferential. CYRA (aside) There he is. The merchant’s son. Durren ships sail farther than kings’ armies, bringing home treasures most will never see. And yet he bows too deeply to men who would never return the courtesy… Pity. He will be the perfect mark. She glides across the floor toward him. PASCAL turns, catching sight of her. He straightens, surprise and awe softening his features. CYRA Master Durren. I had begun to think the tales of your elegance were exaggerated. I see now they do you no justice. PASCAL (flustered) You honor me, Lady Veyrin. I never imagined a noble would… seek me out. CYRA And I never imagined a merchant could carry himself with the air of a courtly knight. PASCAL blushes, glancing at the floor before meeting her gaze again. CYRA (aside) Remember why you are here. For the Veyrin estate. For survival. Nothing more. Nothing less. PASCAL You are too kind, my lady. CYRA Well… are you going to ask me to dance? PASCAL (quickly) Ah - yes, forgive me. Lady Veyrin, may I have this dance? CYRA (taking his hand with calculated grace) Yes. You shall. They step onto the floor. As they move together, CYRA feels the warmth of his hand, the rhythm of his breath. She rests her head briefly against his chest, hearing the pace of his heart. CYRA (aside) And yet… how dangerous, if survival begins to feel like something else entirely. Lights fade. ACT I – SCENE II The terrace of Bellavere Hall. Lantern light spills through the tall windows, casting warm gold across the cool stone. Beyond, the gardens stretch into shadow. Music and laughter drift faintly from inside. CYRA and PASCAL step out, hands still loosely clasped from their dance. PASCAL I confess, my lady… I thought you might vanish back into the crowd the moment the music ended. CYRA And lose my chance to speak with the man whose ships make half of Bellavere’s nobles lean forward at dinner? That would be foolish. PASCAL laughs softly, still a little unsure how to hold himself around her. PASCAL You make it sound far grander than it is. My father built our trade… I have only just begun to learn it. CYRA (aside) And therein lies the opening. A man still finding his place will cling to the first hand that steadies him. CYRA Humility suits you. But do not pretend the Durren name carries no weight. Even the highest lords depend on what your ships bring from across the sea. PASCAL (earnest) And yet, I will never belong among them. Titles are a door no coin can unlock. CYRA studies him for a moment, masking the flicker of sympathy behind her composed smile. CYRA Perhaps… but doors can be opened from the inside. PASCAL tilts his head, curious. PASCAL And would you… open such a door for me? CYRA (aside) Say yes. Bind him. Each word another stitch in the Veyrin banner. Do not let sentiment loosen your grip. CYRA If the right opportunity arose… I would not see it go to waste. Silence hangs between them, the garden breeze carrying the scent of roses. PASCAL steps closer, his voice quieter. PASCAL Then I am glad fate put you in my path tonight. CYRA (aside) Fate had nothing to do with it, dear merchant. But… I almost wish it had. From inside, CYRA’s mother calls her name sharply. The moment breaks. CYRA glances toward the ballroom, then back at PASCAL. CYRA I must return. But perhaps… you might call upon the Veyrin estate tomorrow? PASCAL (smiling) It would be my honor. She offers a slight curtsey and slips back inside, leaving PASCAL on the terrace, staring after her with the look of a man already lost to love. Lights fade. ACT I – SCENE III The drawing room of the Veyrin estate. Evening light filters through tall windows, catching on dust motes. The space is stately but worn, with a faint sag in the drapes, hairline cracks in the plaster, and polish rubbed thin on the armrests of the chairs. CYRA sits on the edge of a chaise, posture perfect. LADY VEYRIN pours tea with deliberate grace. LORD VEYRIN, hollow-eyed, stands near the mantel with a thin ledger in hand. LADY VEYRIN I hear you made quite the impression at Bellavere last night. CYRA So I am told. LORD VEYRIN (without looking up) Impression is not enough. The Durren boy’s fortune is. CYRA Father— LORD VEYRIN (closing the ledger with a sharp clap) Do you think the roof repairs will pay for themselves? The steward’s wages? The orchard we had to sell last spring? CYRA’s gaze drifts briefly to a chipped porcelain vase on the side table. CYRA (aside) To them, I am another asset to be leveraged. Another vase to patch before the next guest arrives. A knock at the door. The SERVANT enters and bows. SERVANT Master Durren has arrived, my lady. LADY VEYRIN’s lips curve into a satisfied smile. PASCAL enters a moment later, dressed neatly, posture slightly formal but warm-eyed. He pauses to take in the room. PASCAL It is beautiful here. Everything feels… timeless. CYRA Timeless? PASCAL Yes, the furniture, the drapes… it is like the vintage pieces my father finds in the old markets overseas. Things built to last. CYRA (aside) Vintage, he calls it. I call it old. Faded. A breath away from breaking. LADY VEYRIN (lightly) We do treasure our history here, Master Durren. PASCAL smiles at CYRA, oblivious to the tension under the words. PASCAL If you would allow it, I would like to see more of your home… perhaps the gardens? CYRA (a practiced smile) Perhaps. And one day, you will show me these treasures you speak of. LORD VEYRIN (from the mantel, quiet but pointed) Some things are worth showing only to those who can keep them. The line hangs in the air. PASCAL hears only courtesy, but CYRA hears the weight of an unspoken order. The tea is poured, conversation resumes, and the curtain falls with the unshakable sense that both are being moved by hands they cannot yet see. Lights fade. ACT I – SCENE IV The Durren townhouse. Unlike the Veyrin estate, there is no faded grandeur here. Everything gleams with recent purchase. The walls are lined with polished wood paneling, the rugs still rich with color, and every item in the room has the subtle shine of something new. PASCAL sits in an armchair by the fire, speaking with his mother, MARCELLE. His father, RENAUD, stands at a large desk with charts and ledgers spread before him, a globe turned toward the eastern seas. MARCELLE So… a Lady Veyrin. PASCAL (smiling faintly) Yes. We danced at Bellavere. She is— RENAUD (without looking up) The Veyrin name carries weight. Old blood, once considerable land. MARCELLE Though I hear their fortunes have thinned. PASCAL I did not notice their fortunes, Mother. I noticed her. RENAUD (turning to face him) A noble title is something coin cannot buy. But coin in the right hands, joined to the right name, can go much farther. MARCELLE Pascal, you have worked hard to be accepted in their circles. You have always felt that door was closed to us. Perhaps now… PASCAL I do not care for the door. I care that she opened it for me without asking what I could pay to walk through. RENAUD You are romanticizing her. Nobles marry for advantage, not affection. PASCAL (quietly) Perhaps she is different. MARCELLE (gently) Different or not, you will need to show them we can match what they expect. Invite her here. Show her our best. The summer house in Rivelonne. The gallery. Let her see we are not grasping upstarts. PASCAL glances at the polished furnishings, then toward the fire. PASCAL (aside) They speak of status and proof, of what she might bring. I think only of her in the lantern light, of the way she looked at me as if I already belonged. RENAUD returns to the globe, tracing a shipping route with one finger. RENAUD We sail for Caravan next month. Bring her to the dock before we depart. Let her see the ships. MARCELLE A noblewoman will notice the little things. The cut of your coat, the way the crew greets you. Appearances matter. PASCAL (half-smiling) Then I suppose I will have to be perfect. He takes a sip of tea, gaze fixed on the fire, the faintest flicker of determination in his eyes, whether for love or ambition, even he might not yet know. Lights fade. ACT II – CRACKS IN THE MASKS ACT II – SCENE I The Veyrin gardens, early afternoon. The last of the morning mist clings to the roses. Bees hum lazily from bloom to bloom. CYRA walks ahead along a gravel path, trailing her fingers over the hedges. PASCAL follows a step behind, his gaze drawn more to her than to the flowers. CYRA You see… this part of the gardens was once the pride of the estate. My grandmother had a dozen gardeners working these beds. PASCAL It is beautiful still. CYRA Beautiful, yes… though you should have seen it then. PASCAL (smiling) You speak of it as if it is gone entirely. But all I see are blooms that carry their history proudly. CYRA (aside) He finds poetry in decay. How easy it would be to let him keep believing. They pause at a small stone bench tucked beneath an arbor. CYRA sits. PASCAL remains standing for a moment before taking the place beside her. PASCAL When I was a boy, my father took me to the spice markets in Avern. The air was heavy with cardamom, saffron, cinnamon. I thought I would never smell anything more intoxicating… until now. He gestures to the roses. CYRA meets his eyes briefly, then looks away. CYRA You travel so far, yet speak as though you have been starved for beauty. PASCAL Because beauty is rare where trade takes me. Noise, heat, coin changing hands… beauty there is fleeting. Here, it is steady. CYRA (aside) Steady. If only he knew how much of this steadiness is an illusion. PASCAL If I am honest… I have feared that one day you might see me as others do. A merchant’s son, pretending at grace. CYRA And if I have never thought that? PASCAL Then I would call myself the luckiest man in Bellavere. There is a quiet between them, filled only by the rustle of leaves. CYRA reaches out, brushing a bit of lint from his sleeve. Her fingers linger an instant too long. CYRA Perhaps you should not fear what I see. PASCAL And what do you see? CYRA (after a beat) Someone who might surprise me. PASCAL smiles, warm and unguarded. He stands and offers his hand to her. She takes it, rising. For a moment, neither lets go. PASCAL I will return tomorrow. CYRA (aside) And I will be here. Perhaps not for the reasons you think… though perhaps also for reasons I do not yet understand. They walk slowly toward the manor, the path ahead dappled in sunlight. Lights fade. ACT II – SCENE II The Bellavere promenade, late afternoon. Sunlight glints off polished shop windows and carriages roll along the cobblestones. CYRA and PASCAL walk side by side, their pace unhurried. Passersby glance at them, murmuring. A few bows and curtsies greet CYRA. Curious eyes linger on PASCAL. PASCAL I am not sure I will ever grow used to people staring. CYRA They are not staring at you. PASCAL Then who? CYRA At us. They pause near a jeweler’s display. PASCAL leans to examine a silver pendant, but a voice interrupts - HENRI, a well-dressed merchant with a knowing smile. HENRI Lady Veyrin. Master Durren. A fine afternoon for shopping. CYRA Henri. HENRI I was just saying to a colleague how quickly fortunes can change. A garden in full bloom one year… and a little less so the next. CYRA’s smile holds steady. CYRA You speak in riddles, Henri. HENRI Do I? Perhaps I only mean that beauty takes tending. And tending costs coin. PASCAL straightens, his tone cooling. PASCAL If you mean to say something, Henri, say it plainly. HENRI Plainly, then - a man in your position should know when he is being courted for his purse. A tense silence follows. Henri offers a shallow bow and strolls away, leaving the weight of his words behind. PASCAL What did he mean by that? CYRA That he is jealous. And that his tongue is as cheap as his manners. PASCAL Is there truth in it? CYRA (after the briefest pause) None worth repeating. PASCAL studies her face, searching for something in her expression. She holds his gaze, steady and composed, until he nods faintly. PASCAL Then I will take your word over his. CYRA (aside) One lie told to keep him. How many more will I need before I lose him anyway? They continue down the promenade. The crowd’s murmurs fade, but the shadow of Henri’s warning lingers between them. Lights fade. ACT II – SCENE III An upscale tavern on the edge of Bellavere’s merchant quarter, evening. The lamps are low and the air smells faintly of spiced wine. PASCAL sits at a corner table with ARMAND, a broad-shouldered man in a weathered coat - an old friend from the docks. ARMAND So… I hear you have been keeping company with Lady Veyrin. PASCAL Word travels quickly. ARMAND Quicker than you think. I have heard things, Pascal. About her family. PASCAL Rumors. ARMAND Rumors often have truth at the root. The Veyrin estate is not what it was. Land sold off, repairs left undone. You know as well as I do that some noble houses marry for coin as much as they do for name. PASCAL You think she is using me. ARMAND I think you should be certain she is not. PASCAL leans back, folding his arms. PASCAL You do not know her. ARMAND No, but I know the game. And you… you have never played it before. There is a silence. The clink of glasses from nearby tables fills it. PASCAL If she wanted coin, she could take it from anyone. She chose to speak to me. ARMAND That is exactly why I worry. PASCAL I will take my chances. ARMAND exhales, shaking his head. ARMAND Just… keep your eyes open, Pascal. Love is a fine thing, but it will not keep a roof over your head when the rain comes through. PASCAL offers a faint smile that does not quite reach his eyes. PASCAL (aside) Henri’s words, now Armand’s. If they are wrong, I have nothing to fear. If they are right… then perhaps I already know, and I simply do not care. He takes a long drink from his glass, the murmur of the tavern around him, the doubt heavy but the resolve heavier. Lights fade. ACT III – THE COST OF TRUTH ACT III – SCENE I The Veyrin drawing room, late evening. A storm rattles the tall windows. Candlelight flickers across the worn furnishings. CYRA sits alone, a letter in her lap, unopened. The sound of footsteps in the hall draws her gaze. LADY VEYRIN enters, her expression sharp. LADY VEYRIN Why are you not with him? CYRA It is late. He has returned home. LADY VEYRIN Late is when promises are secured. CYRA does not answer. She runs her thumb over the sealed letter, eyes distant. LADY VEYRIN You cannot afford hesitation, Cyra. The Durren fortune could restore this house. CYRA And if I told you he loves me? LADY VEYRIN Then love is a tool. Use it. CYRA (aside) Is that all it is to them? A hammer, a nail, a means to rebuild crumbling walls. LADY VEYRIN Do not forget who you serve. CYRA I remember. The storm growls outside. LADY VEYRIN leaves without another word. CYRA sits in silence a moment longer before breaking the seal of the letter. She reads. Her eyes widen slightly, a breath catching in her throat. CYRA (whispering) He is leaving for Caravan… and he wishes me to come to the docks before he sails. She folds the letter carefully, tucking it away. Her hands linger in her lap, clasped tight. CYRA (aside) One choice could bind me to him forever. Another could set him free… and ruin us all. Lights fade. ACT III – SCENE II The docks at dawn. The air smells of salt and tar. Gull cries echo overhead. The Durren flagship looms at the pier, sails furled, crew bustling about. PASCAL stands near the gangplank, scanning the crowd. His face brightens as CYRA approaches, her cloak pulled close against the sea wind. PASCAL You came. CYRA I said I would. PASCAL I wanted you to see what my life is… before the court halls, before the dinners and the dances. This is where I belong. He gestures to the ship, the ropes, the men at work. CYRA looks over it all, then back to him. CYRA It is… impressive. PASCAL One day, I hope it can be yours too. CYRA (aside) If I take his hand now, the Veyrin name will rise. And he will never know it was built on a bargain, not a vow. PASCAL You are quiet. CYRA I am thinking. PASCAL Of what? CYRA Of what it means… to belong somewhere. PASCAL steps closer, lowering his voice. PASCAL Wherever you are, that is where I belong. For a moment, her eyes soften. Then the shouts of the crew break the stillness as cargo is hauled aboard. CYRA You will miss your tide. PASCAL Not if you ask me to stay. She meets his gaze. Her lips part, but no words come. Finally, she steps back. CYRA Go. PASCAL searches her face, then nods slowly. He takes her hand, presses it to his lips, and turns toward the ship. CYRA watches him board, the gangplank rising behind him. She remains until the vessel slips into the morning mist. Lights fade. ACT III – SCENE III The Veyrin gardens, several weeks later. Summer has deepened, the roses in full bloom. CYRA sits on the same bench beneath the arbor as before. PASCAL enters from the path, travel-worn but smiling. PASCAL I returned sooner than planned. Caravan was… profitable. CYRA And you came here first. PASCAL Of course. He sits beside her. For a moment, they simply look at one another. PASCAL While I was away, I thought of what Henri and Armand said. About your family. About… motives. CYRA’s hands tighten in her lap. CYRA And what did you decide? PASCAL That I would rather be used and know your company than live without it. She exhales, almost laughing despite herself. CYRA You are a fool. PASCAL Then let me be your fool. CYRA (aside) Here it is. The moment I could confess, shatter the game, and lose him. Or play on and keep him, knowing he stays not by truth, but by choice in spite of it. CYRA Very well. But know that once you step through this door, there is no stepping back. PASCAL I have no wish to. He takes her hand. She lets him. Around them, the garden hums with life, oblivious to the bargain struck between heart and ambition. Lights fade. CURTAIN

‘The Montello Creatives Guild’ Artisans of San Rudolph of Markev ────────── ༺༻ ────────── Penned by Niccolò di Rosavena e Montelliano, 2040 Introduzione | Introduction he Montello Creatives Guild is founded on the bond between craft and culture, proudly expressing the beauty and belonging of the people within. This Creatives Guild shall welcome all artisans, visionaries, and those of true expression. That which shall be hosted in the lands of Drusco, where art becomes more than just indulgence. We shall create an archive of music and art for the people, which shall show our passions, along with piety. – Preghiera | Our Prayer The Illatian Prayer: “San Rodolfo, nostro patrono, Guidaci mentre creiamo. Benedici il nostro lavoro, Gloria a Dio. Amen.” - The Common Prayer: “Saint Rudolph, our blessed patron and guide, Be present as our artisans collaborate. Inspire us to use the Lord God's creation to create, Bless our endeavors, Allow our works to bring us close to divine light. May our work shout glory unto God and joy to all who come before it. Amen.” – Missione | Our Mission The mission of the Montello Creatives Guild is to ensure that no voice, no vision, and no vessel that seeks to share the beauty of creation shall go unheard, nor shall they go unseen. We thrive on artist collaboration, exhibition, and preservation of these works. A goal to be a beacon of creative spirit for those across the entire Empire of Man- shining brightly from the Archduchy of Drusco. This guild makes the promise now to uplift the spirit, refine the soul, and hold legacy through exhibiting the beauty of human creation. ────────── ༺༻ ────────── Codice di condotta | Code of Conduct Montello Creatives are pledged to bring life to creativity within the Empire, with respect and integrity. The guild commits to supporting all artisans in their pursuit of excellence, encouraging collaboration, and nurturing inspiration within. In all this, we uphold our honor as a collective in every endeavor, seeking the blessing of St. Rudolph of Markev, our chosen patron, who guides our artistic spirits—revealing the beauty of the Holy Creation. – Ranks and Membership Director of the Arts The Director of the Arts is the highest rank in the guild, presiding over all artistic and structural matters. The Director approves scripts and works for public showing within the guild. He also holds the duty of deciding which works should be bid off to contribute back to the guild with coin or other forms of exchange. Luminary of the Arts [Honor] The Luminary of the Arts role is an honor given to extremely gifted creatives who have proven their excellence to the Director. They become known across their respective regions and throughout the realm for their talents; thus, they are deemed Luminaries. Maestro / Maestra di San Rudolph The shapers of the guild, the Maestro or Maestra oversee each division—Visual and Performing Arts. They host plays, gallery showings, and handle administrative work assigned to them by the Director of the Arts. Artisan di San Rudolph Artisans of the guild are skilled creators in either the Visual or Performing Arts. They are eligible to guide Initiates in honing their creativity. These members represent the full body of the guild. Initiate of the Arts An Initiate of Saint Rudolph is a young visionary of the guild, still learning to refine their creative mind—be it through stage performance or the brush. They typically study under Artisans of the guild until they themselves rise to the rank, marked by the submission of their First Expression. [!] To gain membership, one should send a letter to the Director of the Arts, Niccolò di Rosavena ( @TheHeftyDonut), to schedule a meeting, as such precautions, such as darkspawn testing and so on, shall take place before official membership is granted. Thank you. ────────── ༺༻ ────────── Eventi e Attività | Guild Events & Activities The Montello Creatives Guild seeks to host seasonal exhibitions, collaborative projects and so on throughout each saint's month and smaller activities in-between the larger. These gatherings will serve as celebrations of the talent within the guild and the innovation in bringing people from different backgrounds in the Empire of Man to Drusco to share their creative visions, learn from one another, and elevate the artistic status of our realm. Events one might see the guild hold are; instrumental/vocal recitals, paint nights, historical plays and so on… [!] Due to the limited funds the guild currently holds to compensate those who contribute their creativity, we kindly request a donation of five mina upon entry to every event or activity. However, this donation is not required out of respect for those who cannot spare it but still admire the arts. All donations should be given to the Director of the Arts, who will then distribute the funds among the artisans and themself at the end of the event. Thank you. ────────── ༺༻ ────────── Signed, Niccolò di Rosavena e Montelliano, Director of the Arts

“I don’t remember much of the mainland—I was so young when I first arrived. My father, sent me to Val’Taynuel to meet Lady Caterina of Athalia, a wealthy Illatian and close friend of our family. Accompanied by my mother and our house levy, I was introduced to Ophelia. From the moment our eyes met, a path began to form—and in time, we were wed upon the isle known as Illatia. It is there, far from the noise of the world, that our people endured. They did so quietly, faithfully, and patiently. Now, with this campaign for mayor, I do not simply step forward for myself but for the people of Elizabeth and for the legacy of my own diaspora.” - Niccolò di Rosavena Confirmed by, Niccolò di Rosavena e Montelliano, Nell'anno del Signore nostro Dio, 2036 My name is Niccolò di Rosavena, and my family and I have only recently returned to the Imperial Crownlands. A man of Illatia through and through, my love—the passion for civic life and the cultural traditions of different peoples—runs deep. With my campaign and petition for mayor of Elizabeth, I hope to encourage the people, even if I do not see victory in this election. I seek to inspire a more united, more just Elizabeth. As mayor, I will ensure that all contact and cooperation with the House of Lords, as I am instructed by the Alban Code, is not only upheld but overachieved. I hold the expectation for honor in leadership, and I aim to create space for all people and all cultures within our city. In this candidacy, I propose laying the foundation of an Elizabeth built on identity and equity, with law and order that benefits the entire city—not just the pockets of the rich. I envision Elizabeth as a place of learning and progress, with a dream to see her rise as the City of Culture within the Empire. Let us witness the establishment of a Center for the Arts or the creation of an Alban Academy to help our youth surpass their own limits. I am the man—the mayor—who can set the foundation for you, the people, to make that happen. No matter the outcome of the elections, after such, I will launch the ‘Illatians for Elizabeth’ Foundation—a renewed effort to uplift Illatian culture and community. This initiative will provide practical support, housing assistance, and cultural outreach to ensure that the Illatian community remains visible and vital to Elizabeth’s future, especially in light of the Census Committee’s inactivity since the fall of Placentia. The ‘Illatians for Elizabeth’ Foundation focuses on enriching the Illatian diaspora while also considering all cultural matters of exchange, including those involving the Qalasheen and Hyspian peoples; the foundation’s core belief is that all of mankind should embrace every culture. If one would like to donate to the foundation, please pen Niccolò di Rosavena or Ophelia di Rosavena (@HighLariousKitty) A vote for Rosavena is a vote for cultural prosperity, just and efficient governance, and the assurance of a bright present and future for Elizabeth. Illatians For Elizabeth, Niccolò di Rosavena e Montelliano Patriarca di Casa Rosavena

SEEKING HOUSE STAFF To all those who hold talent, spirit, and practice the one true faith. House Rosavena, a family rooted in Montelliano, Illatian, history, is currently seeking loyal and capable staff to join their household on the mainland. I am Niccolò di Rosavena e Montelliano. My wife is Ophelia di Rosavena. We call ourselves the Don e Donna di Rosavena. Currently, we are looking to hire for the following positions: House Servantry — Duties of the house servant include cleaning, assisting in household events, and all other general servantry duties. Footmen — Expected to serve as aides to the House, escort those of House Rosavena, and any under their care. House Rosavena will pay its staff twenty to thirty mina per week, commensurate with their experience, reliability, and the quality of their service. As part of the household staff, you will be treated fairly and with the utmost respect. This is the perfect opportunity for those seeking steady work in a respectful, culturally rich household. We welcome all who might hold an interest. To apply, send a letter to Niccolò or Ophelia di Rosavena, including your name, the job you are applying for, and your preferred start date. SUB IUSTITIA DEI FLORIMUS

Where Siegmunda of Velen now resided was quiet that morning—no rain, clouds, or farmers working in the wheat fields. There was only a calm breeze, and the birds sang their song throughout the day—all was well. A soft-spoken maid came to her side, handing over the sealed parchment, a smile as she noticed the seal: Philippa. There was a sense of dread, a dark cloud hovering over the maid as she stepped back, awaiting Lady Siegmunda's response. It only took the first phrase for her eyes to slowly swell with tears. Siegmunda stared, reading the penning over and over again, pleading in her head for the subject of the letter to change. Although some tears fell, she kept her back turned to those around her, wiping the tears from her face before she turned and walked silently back inside her home. Her pride overcame her in that moment; she didn't wish for anyone to see her pain. The lady of Velenic origin sighed heavily as she entered a small room, placing the parchment on a nearby desk. Images of the little girl she saw grow flashed before her—the young, honorable woman who wrote letters to her every week. Siegmunda remembered walking that same young woman down the aisle. "Philippa... gone?" Siegmunda mumbled as she leaned over the back of a rocking chair. "Lord... what sin?—What sin have I committed against Thee that has forced You to take them all?" She paused. "What have I not already given? What suffering have You not put me through?" she called out, still mumbling. Then she moved to sit in the chair, rocking slowly, and she reached over to hold onto a small open box filled with letters that she began to dig through and read, smiling softly as she rocked, reading over the past letters sent from her niece. Hours later, a small, flickering vision. A girl standing in the doorway. Brown hair. Stern eyes. A knowing smile. A hand outstretched. Siegmunda's gaze shifted upward, then away from those letters she read, lifting herself out from the chair. An expression of shock washed over the elderly woman's features as she looked at the child. "Philippa? W-Where are we going?" Siegmunda took the girl's hand, and then she experienced a flash of light. Siegmunda remained in that chair. She hadn't left the chair for hours—not for water, food, or social matters, whisper the maids of her home. They found her in the chair, deceased, with no signs of pain. She was heartbroken by the loss of all her loved ones… not sure of any other Velenic relatives she had left. Though reunited with her loved ones in the Seven Skies, writing letters to her dearest Philippa

With the invitation in her aging hands, Siegmunda of Velen sat at her desk. Her sharp eyes scanned the delicate script before a hushed gasp escaped her lips, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her niece. The daughter of her only brother, soon to be wed "Joy overcomes me," she murmured, her tone filled with care. "Leufroy, how proud you would be." A pause then, she pondered. "May this union bring you boundless happiness and enduring prosperity, dear Philippa." So, she lifted herself from the desk and commanded a maid to plan for the wedding. This was something she wouldn't dare miss.

●──────● Issued by The High Matron 222 S.A. ───●◎●─── ๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑ ●─Those who listen, those who seek– Come Forth, “For we are the children called Esrathi... A once-silent order, meant for both the protection and progression of this realm’s people. We, the Esrathi, seek to become a shield against the dark and corrupted tides that would seek to strip the people of hope and happiness, of true development. I will not beckon, nor will I bend to plead—I simply need not. To those who feel the call; and those who are meant for this path will find it. Like roots that dig deep into the ground—unwavering. During my time as High Matron, I have watched the rise of the next generation of Sisters and the beginning of the Monks of Esrathi. I am pleased with the progress made. I am confident we shall continue to move forward and grow as an order, now offering our services to the public, officially, with this missive. We shall use the wisdom granted to us by the tales written and spoken by the Ancestors of our own to mend the wounds the Darkspawn have cast upon this realm’s people. We will see order. . . We will see peace.” ───●◎●─── May the ancestors guide you all, HER ETHEREAL EXCELLENCY, High Matron Freya ๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑ “My reality. . .I lead this order in pursuit of knowledge, yet I remain a student.” - High Matron, Freya ●─Principles of the Order In collaboration with Matron of the Hearth, Caterina ( @TwistedFries ) ๑───The Tenets of Esrathi───๑ The Principle of the Hidden We are stronger together, in unity and kinship. By such the inner workings of the order will remain secret for the sanity of lesser minds. The Principle of Balance Merging both the mundane and magical into harmony. For the order’s knowledge to spread across the realm so all have access to the wisdom of our ancestors: Only then will Descendant-Kind progress, in time. The Principle of the Wise Think carefully before you act, be aware of all your emotions. Be wise, kind, and understanding. Offer our sacred knowledge to those who are fitting to receive it, and who walk with clarity unashamed. The Principle of Kin As sisters you must strive to live life by the order’s code, to treat your newfound sisters as kin. Never degrade them or speak down to them. They are your family. ───●◎●─── ๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑ “Through trials, we stand as one.” - Matron of the Hearth, Caterina ●─The Sisterhood of Esrathi, The Hierarchy and Order of the Sisterhood ───●◎●─── The High Matron of Esrathi The High Matron is the highest power in the Order of Esrathi, acting with full control over the order. Formally held only by the elAthri’haelun of the Athri’onn Talonnii of Val’Taynuel. The High Matron is elected by her fellow Sisters to lead as the embodiment of the Principles set before her. The High Matron is said to be the wisest of her Order, having great leadership skills in order to oversee all Sisterhood Operations. The Circle of Matrons The Circle of Matrons is a council of three elder women in the ranks of the Esrathi Sisterhood, they act as the second-highest authority in the order These Matrons oversee different domains, the Ancestors, The Crimson, and the Hearth. These roles are usually filled by the appointment of the High Matron. The Matron of the Ancestors - The Matron of the Ancestors oversees the preservation of the order’s knowledge, education of the sisters through chosen libraries and books. This Matron ensures the legacy of the Sisterhood of Esrathi continues to live on long after they serve in this role. The Matron of the Crimson - The Matron of the Crimson is the Matron who acts over the Archmonks of the Monks of Esrathi; she is tasked with the proper guardianship of the Sisterhood, along with proper physical training and readiness for working in the realm. The Matron of the Hearth - The Matron of the Hearth is charged with the internal affairs of the Order, Including finances and other resource management. The Hearth is to make sure the infrastructure of this Order is stable and thriving. Sisters Devout The Sister Devout is a role given to those Sisters who have essentially given most of their lifetime in service to the order, they have proven themselves worthy and valuable members of the order. The Sister Devouts are often requested to help in educating the younger generations of the Sisterhood as well. Sisters Sisters are fully trained members of this sect of the Esrathi, having completed all trials and rites. Once a Trial-Bound Sister is fully initiated into the order she shall then take an assignment from the High Matron or a member of the Circle of Matrons. The Trial-Bound The Trial-Bound are girls and women usually from the ages of Six to Twenty-Five who have joined the order to learn and train to eventually become a fully-initiated Sister. — By Order of the High Matron, and approval from the Circle, The Sisterhood of Esrathi shall be steadfast in their mission for progression, and peace. The Sisters of this order, now promised to the realm to protect the Descendants of this age. They shall be the holders of knowledge, the diplomats of the future. Ancestors Guide the Esrathi. ───●◎●─── ๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑ “Through trials, we stand as one.” - Matron of the Hearth, Caterina ●─The Monks of Esrathi, The Hierarchy and Order of the Monks ───●◎●─── The Archmonk(s) of Esrathi The highest-ranking Monks within this sect of the Esrathi, The Archmonk(s) are proven soldiers, battle magi, and so on. They are to upkeep the Monk's mission to protect the Sisterhood- and their values, to work as the Steel and Might of this order. They are strategic and many of the arts they have studied are mastered to a high level. Training their minds in similar ways to the Sisterhood. Monks Devout The Monk Devout is an Elder Monk of the Esrathi Order. Second the Archmonks have given unwavering support to the order and have been willing to give their life for that of the Esrathi. They continue their service also by acting as educators for younger monks and guides for the Oath-Seekers. Monks Fully initiated members of this sect of the order have taken the oath and now serve under the will of the Archmonks and the missions of the Esrathi order. While not ‘high ranking’ Monks have key roles in choosing the Archmonks of this sect. Oath-Seeker The Oath-Seekers are Men and Women who have chosen to attempt to walk down the path of becoming a monk. They go through mandatory physical and mental training. By Order of the High Matron, and approval of the Archmonk(s), The Monks of Esrathi shall uphold the Principles of the Esrathi and be steadfast and dutiful towards the mission of the order. They shall work to defend the common people with blade, spell, or potion. Shall the Archmonk(s) guide their sect of the order with pride, dignity, and wisdom. Ancestors Guide the Esrathi. ───●◎●─── ๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑

Freya of Val'Taynuel read over the notice, shaking her head before releasing a sigh. "It's a sad case, the hatred that others have for my kin..." The elfess said as she moved to place the Travel Advisory on the Val'Taynuel notice board.

Kasmut of Rah'tuma grinned at the notice, excited for the things to come for her home. "May the gods smile upon us."