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The Baroness of Brasca, donned in mourning blacks after the death of her husband. The widow peered upon her recently finished home. Thirty-seven years of age, married all of two years and in war for a majority of the time she’d been alive. Her first memory was of running about the refugee camps at the edges of Aaun with her eldest brother, Istvan. They chased after a Goat, intent on capturing the animal. And then her next primary memory was the end of the world as she knew it, and she and her family traded one refugee camp for another; Savoy. Brutality. Grief. Horror. It all became a never-ending cycle in the Ivanovich life. The next place she’d come to be with her family is Aaun, building up their community of Raevirs in the Duchy of Stran. She was warded off in what felt like a moment, and then she was moving again, this time to Whitespire in which she lived in their palace and wondered what her family was doing now. And then another move. This one her choice. She’d come to fall in love with a man, his heart large, his smile jovial. George Marc af Brasca. They’d met through letter and familial connection initially, letters that have faded with how many times she has read them over, clutched close in hand. He’d eventually come to ask to court her, and was given three trials and three trials he did. And so she married him, bore four beautiful children and fostered three more. And then he was dead just like that, cruelly taken by the machinations of Deadmunds deadmen. The very next day, a light shown in the form of a man she’d only spoken to once or twice before then. Sir Gaspard van Aert, Captain-General of Veletz. He came with his men, riding into her late husbands lands, and speaking of a promise he made to her now late husband. He will protect Viktoria, and their children in the event of an untimely death. So they left, packing what little they could carry upon their back. Only later would she hear that Petra heard of the happenings, believing the harried widow to have been kidnapped and thus opted to do nothing upon this belief. Their visit was meant to be temporary, until it wasn’t. Veletz provided a home, one welcoming to both her and her children - it provided safety, happiness, something more that she’d never thought to seek out. Some years passed, and her smiles grew more frequent, watching her children grow and begin to come into their own. And then war came again. One she wished not for her children to see. A siege. And now another. Those of the Covenant sought to take the newly gotten home from a widow and her seven children. And thus the widow, with a heart aching in sorrow and pain, broke her promise. One promised to her mother so many years ago. One to never pick up a blade, nor a weapon. And a sword rose, sharp and weighing heavy in her hands. “For vy, y dzieckos, y will fight.”

THE BLOODY NUPTIALS Ar A depiction of the betrothed, Baron George af Brasca and Lady Viktoria Ivanovich, 87 ADP. The Baron George and Lady Viktorias courtship had started with a letter, a joint connection between families, and unknowing of one another. That letter had turned to two, and henceforth multiplied, until the duo met unknowingly within the Duchy of Stran. They spoke some in the tavern, and once it was revealed, the Baron George asked the Duke Istvan Ivanovich permission to court his sister. Three trials were given. And thus, three trials were met with fervor. Host an event to celebrate our cultures. It succeeded immensely. Take part in a duel against the Duke himself. They fought tremendously. And hardest of all, win the trust of the Lady Viktoria and have her ask for the marriage herself. And so it came to fruition. With these three trials having come to a head, the Baron George af Brasca and the Lady Viktoria Ivanovich invites those of Petra and Aaun alike to their wedding which shall be held within the coming Saints days. The wedding will take place at the Memory Tree as the sun just begins to wane over the sky - followed by a feast catered by the bride herself. [Thursday, 5pm EST/9pm GMT] Formal Invitations are Sent to: Her Royal Majesty, Queen Renilde I of the Commonwealth of the Petra and her pedigree The Right Honorable, Anthony Temesch, Viscount of Mies and his pedigree The Right Honorable, Karl von Theonus, Viscount of Marignan and his pedigree The Honorable, Nicolas E. von Wittenbach, Baron of Wittenbach and his pedigree The Honorable, Xavier Adiler, Baron of Celia’Tahn and his pedigree Her Ladyship, Norra Terrin, Vavasour of Sunrise Grove and her pedigree His Royal Majesty, King Edmund II of the United Kingdom of Aaun and his pedigree His Highness, Ferdinand Barclay, Grand Prince of Minitz and his pedigree His Highness, Robert II de Joannes, Prince of Sedan and his pedigree His Royal Highness, Richard Novellen, Margrave of Stassion and his pedigree His Lordship, Olivier Dieuxmont de Rosius, Margrave of Haute-Epine and his pedigree His Lordship, Siegmund Otto von Reuss, Margrave of Velen and his pedigree His Lordship, Konstantin von Augusten, Count of Hohengarten and his pedigree His Lordship, Louis II Haverlock, Count of Talentine and his pedigree The Right Honorable, Sir Demetrius var Ruthern, Count of Marsana and his pedigree His Lordship, Casimir Vilac, Baron of Valio and his pedigree Personal Invitations are Sent to: Her Royal Highness, Princess Adeline Alstion of the United Kingdom of Aaun His Royal Highness, Prince Heinrich II Alstreim of Merryweather Her Highness, Princess Veronica Weiss of Hyspia His Lordship, John Galbraith, Baron of Castlerona His Lordship, Sir Rassvet Senko, Baron of Reka Sir Leopold Haverlock Sir Gaspard van Aert Sir Stanton Stroheim Lord Leutwin Barclay Lady Julietta Haverlock Marshall Walter of Merryweather Mister Dietrich Faust Mister Felix Grima Miss Elewyn Signed, The Honorable, George Marc Halcourt af Brasca, Baron of Brasca Her Ladyship, Viktoria Helena Ivanovich of Stran

THE PASSING OF AN ELDER CROW The Passing of Duke-Emeritus Jan Arpad Ivanovich Issued by, THE DUCHY OF STRAN On the Deep Cold, 1940 TO THE REALM OF CANONDOM, It is with a heavy heart, the House of Ivanovich announces the passing of Ser Jan Arpad Ivanovich. The founder and the former Duke of Stran has passed away peacefully in his sleep after his years-long dedication to the furthering of the Raevir cause and the founding of a home for the Raevir people. Jan spent his life, starting at the age of 6 honing his skills and knowledge of the Raevir culture and ways of living. He strived to live to the ideals of Saint Theodosius, Saint Arpad, and of the first Strannik. Throughout his whole life, his dream was to gather his fellow Raevir brethren and start a home to see his culture survive and thrive. The great Ivanovich has finally accomplished that as Stran flourishes from the foundations he had set for its beginnings. The Ivanovich family shall host a funeral for the former titan of the Raev as they enter a Saint’s Week of mourning for their former head of house. Ser Istvan Ivanovich, current Duke of Stran is now the de jure patriarch of the Ivanovich Dynasty. We ask our friends and allies to pray for Ser Jan Ivanovich’s soul so that he may rest well in the seven skies. GODANI JEST WIELKI. SIGNED, His Grace, Ser Istvan Ivanovich, Duke of Stran, Voidvode of Vaška, Count of Pravets, Baron of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lord of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe Her Grace, Izabela Anna Ivanovich, Duchess of Stran, Voidvode of Vaška, Countess of Pravets, Baroness of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lady of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe

DUCAL WRIT FOR THE BARONY OF REKA “Heirs to the Krajian Hetmans, Dukes of none but ourselves.” Issued by, THE DUCHY OF STRAN On the Sun’s Smile, 1940 TO OUR FELLOW STRELTS, It pleases the Duchy of Stran to elevate House Senko to the Barony of Reka, for their contributions and loyalty to House Ivanovich and the Duchy of Stran. House Senko is tasked with upholding the peace and stability of the Duchy of Stran whilst keeping their fealty to House Ivanovich. We are confident in the abilities of House Senko to uphold Raevir ideals and continue their contributions to the Duchy. GODANI JEST WIELKI. SIGNED, His Grace, Ser Istvan Ivanovich, Duke of Stran, Voidvode of Vaška, Count of Pravets, Baron of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lord of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe Her Grace, Izabela Anna Ivanovich, Duchess of Stran, Voidvode of Vaška, Countess of Pravets, Baroness of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lady of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe

THE AAUNIC COTERIE LOYAL PEERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF AAUN, An exceptional occasion awaits your esteemed presence. The Aaunic Coterie, shrouded in secrecy and prestige, extends an invitation that carries with it the weight of honor and camaraderie. At the Castle Arpacz on the outskirts of the Duchy of Stran, a select assembly of individuals, bound by their loyalty to the Kingdom of Aaun, will convene to celebrate unity and heritage on the 20th of the Sun’s Smile, 1939. The esteemed invites are extended solely to those of noble lineage: The Grand Prince of Minitz and his immediate family The Prince of Merryweather and his immediate family The Duke of Stran and his immediate family The Margraf of Velen and his immediate family The Marquis de Rosius and his immediate family The Count of Varoche and his immediate family The Count of Hohengarten and his immediate family The Count of Stassion and his immediate family The Baron de Virdain and his immediate family Your presence is imperative to the success of this occasion, as your wisdom and stature reflect the essence of our realm. We ask that you present your invitation upon arrival to gain entry to the Castle. As this is a celebration of the utmost exclusivity, we implore you to keep this invitation confidential and to share it only with those deserving of our trust. SINCERE VESTRUM, His Grace, Ser Istvan Ivanovich Duke of Stran, Voivode of Vaška, Count of Pravets, Baron of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lord of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe His Excellency, Fernand Auguste Renault de Lewes Lord Chancellor of Aaun, Director of the Aaunic Coterie, Baron of Virdain

DUCAL EDICT OF RADA, 1932 “Heirs to the Krajian Hetmans, Dukes of none but ourselves.” By decree of, THE DUCHY OF STRAN On Sigismund's End, 1932. HERETO, The Duchy of Stran hereby appoints His Lordship, Ser Arpad Corvinus Ivanovich, Baron of Cherskavy, as the Ataman of the Duma. He shall be tasked with leading the Duke’s council as well as the Provincial Duma alongside the Duke and considered the penultimate authority within the realm. In the absence or inability of the Duke to perform his duties, the Ataman of the Duma will act as regent and head-of-state in the Duke’s stead. Krome togo, The Duchy of Stran hereby appoints Her Ladyship, Dame Anya Volkov, Baroness of Vorovda, as the Ataman of the Host. She shall be tasked as the second in command of the Host of Saint Arpad and the militant forces of Stran. She will also be tasked with the logistics and organization of the militant forces of Stran, keeping the lands of the Duke safe and advising His Grace on matters of warfare and security. SIGNED, His Grace, Ser Istvan Ivanovich, Duke of Stran, Voidvode of Vaška, Count of Pravets, Baron of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lord of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe Her Grace, Izabela Anna Ivanovich, Duchess of Stran, Voidvode of Vaška, Countess of Pravets, Baroness of Vsensk, and Godansk, Lady of Andregrad, Hetman of the Host of St. Arpad, Keeper of the Hussariya, Protector of Raev and the Vaškan Steppe

THE DUCHY OF STRAN “Heirs to the Krajian Hetmans, Dukes of none but ourselves.” "Хеирс то тхе Крайиан Хетманс, Дукес оф ноне бут оурселвес." Established by, THE DUCAL HOUSE OF IVANOVICH On Tobias's Bounty, 1932 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GOVERNMENT 2. NOBILITY & STYLES 3. THE HOST OF ST. ARPAD 4. FAITH OF THE VAŠKAN STEPPE The Duke of Stran greeting the Aaunic Envoy visiting the Vaškan Steppe, c. 1927. GOVERNMENT The government of Stran is broken up into two branches. The first branch being of the Duke’s Council acting as the administrative leadership of the Duchy. The latter branch being The Duma where all Raev dwelling under the Ducal Banner can come together and speak to the Duke. However, all power truly lies with the Duke of Stran. THE REIGNING DUKE HIS GRACE, ISTVAN MATYAS IVANOVICH, DUKE OF STRAN, VOIVODE OF VAŠKA, COUNT OF PRAVETS, BARON OF VSENSK AND GODANSK, LORD OF ANDREGRAD, HETMAN OF THE HOST OF ST. ARPAD, PATRIARCH OF HOUSE IVANOVICH, KEEPER OF THE HUSSARIYA, AND THE PROTECTOR OF RAEV AND THE VAŠKAN STEPPE R. 1932-Present THE REIGNING DUCHESS HER GRACE, IZABELA OF WARSOVIA, DUCHESS OF STRAN, VOIVODE OF VAŠKA, COUNTESS OF PRAVETS, BARONESS OF VSENSK AND GODANSK, LADY OF ANDREGRAD, HETMAN OF THE HOST OF ST. ARPAD, MATRIARCH OF HOUSE IVANOVICH, KEEPER OF THE HUSSARIYA, AND THE PROTECTOR OF RAEV AND THE VAŠKAN STEPPE R. 1932-Present THE DUKE’S COUNCIL THE DUKE OF STRAN - Istvan I, Duke of Stran The ruler of Stran, the Duke holds absolute authority over his lands; his word is supreme, and his wisdom is unquestioned. To ease the burden of managing his realm, the Duke has sought to establish a council made up of individuals with the ability to enforce his will and act as his representative in affairs on matters bestowed upon them by the Duke. THE ATAMAN OF THE DUMA - Ser Arpad Ivanovich The Ataman of the Duma holds authority over administrative governing duties of the Duchy, as bestowed upon them by the Duke. They are tasked with leading the Duke’s council as well as the Provincial Duma alongside the Duke. In the absence or inability of the Duke to perform his duties, the Ataman of the Duma will act as regent and head-of-state in the Duke’s stead. THE ATAMAN OF THE PEOPLE The right hand of the Ataman of the Duma is the Ataman of the People, they are tasked with representing the citizens of Stran and its territories. Furthermore they are responsible for guiding the wayward sons and daughters of Raev to the true raevir of Stran. THE ATAMAN OF THE HOST - Ser Rassvet Senko The Ataman of the Host is the second in command in military affairs, answering only directly to the Duke. The Ataman is charged with the logistics and organization of the militant forces of Stran, keeping the lands of the Duke safe and advising His Grace on matters of warfare and security. THE DUCAL MAGISTRATE The Ducal Magistrate ensures that the Duke’s law and authority is upheld within his own lands. Aside from acting as the Duke’s chief justice, the Magistrate is also responsible for the education and training of Stran’s youth so that they may serve their Duke and people well and proudly. THE MASTER OF COIN In all matters stewardry, commerce, and investment, the Ataman of Coin acts as the Duke’s master of coin. The Ataman of Coin is responsible for overseeing the economy of Stran, establishing and settling of guilds, and administering the men and women in the service of the Duchy. THE PROVINCIAL DUMA Quite different compared to the Duke’s council, the Provincial Duma acts as the local government of the Duchy of Stran. When the Duma is called into session at the discretion of the Duke or Ataman of the Duma, all citizens of his realm regardless of rank or station are welcomed to petition the Ducal Throne, discuss current issues, and or debate legislation. NOBILITY & STYLES The highest estate of the Duchy of Stran would be those of Nobility. While culturally raevir see all equal in the eyes of GODAN, those who go to great lengths to serve and improve the Duchy are rewarded for their service by the Ducal Throne. THE DUCAL DYNASTY The House Ivanovich finds its roots deeply connected to the Carrion Kings of Ruska and the Raevir people. long known for producing some of the most fierce warlords and knights throughout the annals of mankind, have once again through their might climbed to be named Dukes in their own right, destroying the local native population of the land they have now built their Duchy atop of. THE HOUSE IVANOVICH His Grace, Istvan I of Stran Her Grace, Izabela I of Stran His Grace, Jan Ivanovich, Duke-Emeritus of Stran Her Grace, Cressida Novellen-Aldersberg Ivanovich, Former Duchess of Stran † His Lordship, Arpad Ivanovich, Baron of Cherskavy Lord Vladric Ivanovich Lady Elizaveta Ivanovich Lady Viktoria Ivanovich Lady Maria Ivanovich Lady Anastaja Ivanovich THE HOUSE NOVELLEN-ALDERSBERG The Most Honerable, George Novellen-Aldersberg Her Grace, Cressida I of Stran † Lord Jasper Novellen-Aldersberg Lady Justine Novellen-Aldersberg Lady Anne d’Arkent-Aldersberg THE SZLACHTA STRATA Loyal and steadfast retainers of House Ivanovich through years of service to Jan Ivanovich have earned their place in his realm. The Szlachta Strata are the highest and most respected members of raevir society dwelling in the Vaškan Steppe, with their loyal service to the Duke they are granted certain rights and privileges compared to the lowborn Streltsy, such as personal heraldry and land most privileged. THE BARONIAL HOUSE PETROV His Lordship, Pascal Petrov Lady Urzula Petrov Lord Dragoslav Petrov Lady Antonija Petrov Lady Myrilla Petrov THE BARONIAL HOUSE RATISPORA His Lordship, Ser Viktor Ratispora Her Ladyship, Lina Wren Ratispora Lord, Ser Ivan Ratispora Lord Anton Ratispora Lady Alina Ratispora THE BARONIAL HOUSE VOLKOV Her Ladyship, Anya Volkov His Lordship, Ryba Volkov-Novikov Lord Aleksandr Volkov Lord Rafael Volkov Lady Helina Volkov Lady Irena Volkov THE BARONIAL HOUSE KORVACZ His Lordship, Ser Miklos Korvacz Her Ladyship, Roziska Korvacz Lord Ser Radu Korvacz Lord Lorand Korvacz Lord Arisztid Korvacz Lady Xenia Korvacz Lady Ramona Korvacz Lady Marija Korvacz THE HOST OF ST. ARPAD OF VILACZ The standing army of the Duchy of Stran is the Host of St. Arpad, first founded in 1898 by the now Duke Jan I of Stran. It is known for its intimidating appearance, draconian tactics used on and off the field of battle, producing some of the most fierce Cossacks and Knights from their ranks, and unwavering loyalty to the Duke and his people. It is led by the Duke of Stran bearing the rank of Hetman and overseen by the Ataman of the Host acting in his stead. FAITH OF THE VAŠKAN STEPPE The Raevir of Stran and any who dwell under the banner of Ivanovich adhere to the teachings and tenets of the sect of Canonism known as Ruskan Orthodoxy. The true heart of Ruskan Orthodoxy in the steppe is the Church of St. Theodosius of Istiam.