AnonymousAlexa

A QUEEN'S LAMENT Issued on the 7th of Eirik's Defiance, 464 FifAeSF Esteemed citizens of Norland and honored allies, With a heavy heart, I pen this missive to share the harrowing events that unfolded but an Ashen Day ago during our peaceful visit to the Principality of Talar’nor. The feast, meant to celebrate newfound friendship, had been a long-anticipated occasion. Despite ongoing dwarven aggressions, the risks of travel, and my own ailing health, my husband Balon and I resolved to attend. As we settled into the feasting hall, the echoes of a distant dwarven warband intruded upon the festivities. We initially believed the city's towering walls would shield us, but dread soon gripped our hearts as the sounds drew nearer. An urgent Talar’nor guard disrupted the gathering, delivering the dreaded news: the dwarves had breached the walls. In a swift and necessary response, Balon and I were escorted to safety, taken down a series of long, dark corridors that descended into the depths of an underground tunnel. Weak from earlier injuries, I gasped for breath as my ears filled with the distant symphony of battle above. My desire to join the fray, to fight alongside our brave warriors, conflicted with the sobering reality of my limitations. In the safety of the bunker, Balon and I could only listen helplessly to the strife unfolding above. Those battle cries will haunt my dreams for many a night to come. Regrettably, not all were as fortunate as the majority who managed to escape amidst the chaos. My heart aches for the loss of Eyvind Kvitravn, known as 'the Ironborn,' a hero to many, and a formidable warrior. But to me, he was my hero; the man who rescued me from a terrible storm when I had hardly seen three winters. The man who had raised me as his own, and taught me all he knew. To condemn his young son to a life without a father–the very life Eyvind saved me from–fills me with unspeakable guilt and sorrow. To the rest of the world, I beseech you to disavow these heartless warmongers, for their actions are not just an attack against us, but an affront to all realms that cherish peace and diplomacy. In the memory of our fallen and with a burning thirst for justice, BY THE BLOOD OF THE HERALD Hilda Eiriksson Ruric, Queen of Norland, Master of War, Marshal of the Ashguard

Hilda rest wearily in her bed, exhausted and worn from the series of battles she had fought that Ashen Day alone. The abrupt arrival of a courier awoke her from her moment of respite. With a shaky hand, she unfurled the letter delivering the tragic news: Eyvind had not made it out alive. "Why him?" was all she could manage to choke out, through the sobs that followed.

FINALLY

"I'm gonna blow this settlement up." proclaims a Queen.

“Now this is a league I like,” declared the Queen of Norland.

How do you feel about killing the Rustlers?

RURIKSTING GUIDE By the Authority and Will of the King of Norland Issued on 14th of Caedric’s Kindling, 462 FifAeSF (7/9/23) SUMMARY The Ruriksting (“King’s Court”) is a bi-weekly assembly where the Chieftains, Baronage, and people of Norland have the opportunity to present their petitions, offer tribute, and voice their concerns to the King of Norland. PROCEDURE Each Ruriksting session will begin with a brief addressment from the King. Subsequently, the King will summon each of the Rurikkid clans in the following order: Edvardsson, Eiriksson, Freysson. Clan Volaren will be called upon immediately thereafter. The remaining established clans of Norland will then be called upon in an order based on the amount of tribute contributed during the previous Ruriksting. Finally, individuals from non-recognized clans, Norland's subjects, and foreigners seeking an audience with the King will be invited to approach the throne. TRIBUTE Rather than paying tax in the tax house, officially recognized clans are required to present their tax as a tribute during each Ruriksting. The magnitude of the tribute directly influences the favorable regard bestowed upon the clan, granting them the privilege of being called upon earlier than less generous clans in the upcoming Ruriksting. Failure to pay the baseline tribute or absence from three consecutive Ruriksting sessions may result in the revocation of a clan's status. Considering the substantial number of clans, the act of presenting tributes should be limited to a single gesture to ensure an expeditious process. REQUESTS Should you have a particular request for the King to hear, the Ruriksting serves as an opportune moment to do so. Various types of requests can be made during this assembly, including but not limited to appeals for land, honorific titles, governmental positions, or military aid. It is customary to precede such requests with the act of paying tribute. DISPUTES In the instance of an ongoing dispute, the dissenters may approach the King and seek intervention for resolution. The King may provide assistance in settling the dispute, which could involve the payment of weregild to the affected party as a means of reparation. It is important to note that the King's decision is ultimate and must bring about a definitive conclusion to the dispute. Our Will be known to all on the 14th of Caedric’s Kindling, 462 FifAeSF at Vjardengrad, Kingdom of Norland, BY THE BLOOD OF THE HERALD Hilda Eiriksson Ruric, Queen of Norland, Master of War

"I have never seen this law codex in my life," says Hilda.

"Declaring King Balon a criminal for ennacting justice within his own realm?" The Queen shook her head in disbelief, before scoffing. "Perhaps their stunted growth stunts the development of their wits too."

THE BIRTH OF AN HEIR By the Authority and Will of the King of Norland Issued on 9th of Caedric’s Kindling, 462 FifAeSF (7/9/23) Through faith in the All-Father and by His divine blessing, we are pleased to announce that our Kingdom has been gifted with the birth of a long-awaited heir, Donovan Eiriksson Ash. By the blood of the herald, I, Queen Hilda Eiriksson Ruric, issue this decree to announce this joyous news to all those of the Realm. Be it known to all throughout the realms of Solheim, both those high and low, noble and commoner, on 8th of Caedric’s Kindling, 462 Age of Stifled Flame, that Donovan was born. With immense gratitude and heartfelt respect towards the Father, we announce the safe delivery of our heir and declare him to be the rightful successor to the throne of Norland, should he rightfully undergo the Trial of Kindling within the Faith. We have chosen to name our heir Donovan in reverence of the Paragon, Donovan Freysson Ruric, ‘the Bastion’, as he was the defender of the Krag, smiter of Frostbeards, and one of righteous Faith to the All-Father. I believe this to be appropriate, due to the rise of current Ireheart and Frostbeard aggressions toward the Norlandic Realm, of which is unwarranted. By bestowing this reverent name upon our child, we hope to invoke the righteous perseverance of Donovan unto him. In celebration of this momentous occasion, we proclaim a period of national rejoicing and festivity throughout the Realm. Let the bells toll, the banners fly, and the streets be adorned with joyous light for this precious gift given unto both I, Queen Hilda, and my husband, King Balon. We beseech all those loyal to the Norlandic banner and all those resolute in their defense of the Realm to celebrate this occasion in the presence of the Ashwood; 19th of Edvard’s Ire, 462 Age of Stifled Flame. With grand revelry, we will conduct a brawling tournament within the fighting pit, of which the victor will receive a grand prize of 200 minas. The tournament will be promptly followed by a feast hosted within the tavern. Our Will be known to all on the 9th of Caedric’s Kindling, 462 FifAeSF at Vjardengrad, Kingdom of Norland, BY THE BLOOD OF THE HERALD Balon Eiriksson Ruric, King of Norland, High Chieftain of the Rurikkid, Jarl of Vjardengrad, Defender of The Red Faith, Bulwark of the Norlandic People Hilda Eiriksson Ruric, Queen of Norland, Master of War

"Disgusting," spat Hilda.

Hilda Ruric recounts the Krag and murmurs a prayer to Donovan. "History will repeat itself once more."

Hilda yawns.

Hilda grinned, plastering the flyer to the front of her famed general store. "It is my honor to display the masterpieces of such a talented poet."

Queen Hilda grinned, placing the missive among her other important documents. "Let us hope that brother of hers does not ruin her prospects."

"No harm will come to these men," proclaimed the Queen-Marshal.

“Stay on alert. If they strike, we strike back, twice as hard,” the Queen-Marshal instructs her officers, preparing for what is to come.

“Break our laws, face our punishment.” The Queen shrugged, wondering how Bakir managed to even sign the document with his stub of a hand.

"SOT DOVAH RAH!" yells a woman in Norland.

"A masterful hunter and tailor," Hilda remarked to her husband. "I hope those snakeskin hats will be completed soon." @sneakybandit

Queen Hilda Eiriksson Ruric weeps, mourning the struggle of the common Haenseman.

The newly-wed Queen of Norland paced about her chambers as she mentally prepared herself for the occasion. Not exactly the honeymoon she had envisioned...

[!] A letter is delivered by courier, addressed to Andrei Hail, Andrei Bukoski, It saddens me to learn of your current plight. Should you require refuge, I am willing to provide you a place to stay in Vjardengrad, capital of Norland, in exchange for your loyalty and service to Clan Ruric. Please respond at your earliest convenience, for I wish to meet with you. By The Blood of the Herald, Hilda Eiriksson Ruric, Queen of Norland, Marshal of the Ashguard

"WE MUST SAVE HIM!" says Hilda Freysson, panicking.