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WESSRIK Faith, Fire, and Sword! FOUNDING OF NUREMBACH | MARCHER PRINCES During the opening phase of the Robertine Crusade the Margrave of Beleth, August Valentin was granted the promise of a great track of land for his service in leading the armies of the Crusade to victory on numerous occasions. During the winter days of 19 AOD, Helen, the matron of the family passed unexpectedly shortly followed by the ‘flaming sphere incident’ wherein August was taken in a flash of fire to the Seven Skies during a meeting at the Holy See. These passings left the young Yohaan Maximillian in the hands of Pontiff Fleeper I as the ‘ward of Lemon Hill.’ The people of Beleth who had come from both east and west; highlanders and heartlanders had intermingled such to create their own individual identities; that which had come to be called ‘Wessr.’ The Wessr had forged a new life in the silent valley under the strong leadership of August, however with his abrupt departure the Darkspawn which had invaded the nearby duchy of Ubuntu wreaked havoc upon the town of Rosental and left it in ruin, leaving the Wessr with no home. Over the next several years in an attempt to secure the lands promised to his late father Yohaan managed the logistics of the Holy See, proving his value to the council and attempting to garner the land outlined in the Crusader Council of 18 AOD from his cousins in Petra. This proved unfruitful as a diplomatic resolution could not be garnered from either party; having been led on for some years the boy resolved to colonize the Black Hills; a dangerous and mountainous region of the Midlands not friendly to colonization. To ease the process Yohaan utilized the small number of Kusalks which he had gathered from the cities and countryside of Braevos and formed an alliance with the Norlander to supply the much-needed material for the settlement. Within three months the party had found a mount overlooking a forested valley and lake, they named the lake Maltula and founded upon the black hill the castle-hamlet ‘Nurembach.’ WESSR ARCHITECTURE Nurembach, the capital of Wessrik, constructed on a flat plains plateau overlooking the lake Maltula was built firstly for defense. The hamlet of Nurembach built with solid stone and brick with gravel and shell fillings was topped with terracotta brick tiling giving a distinct appearance. The construction of the settlement was done much in the style of olde with specific detailings and attention to beautification while retaining its purpose as a defensive structure. RELIGION IN WESSRIK Citizens of Wessrik are not just encouraged but required to be baptized in the Holy Mother Church. The State-Sanctioned Religion of Wessrik was Owynist Canonism; with the moral ideal of Wessrik’s service to God through military duty. Worship at mass was required when called, when there was a lack of clergy to conduct such affairs the Dragon’s Tithe was paid yearly to the Mother Church; wherein a good portion of the land’s sheep were shepherded across the river Dvyvi to The Holy Mother Church where they would be brought before the Holy Altar and sacrificed. FASHION IN WESSRIK With such close proximity to both Heartlandic and Highlander states as well as the Royal Family of Wessrik bearing blood of both kin groups the clothing of Wessrik bears the hallmarks of both groups rather distinctly. THE KONTUSZ As for most of the year, the plains of Wessrik are temperate/chilly the male population has taken to wearing large overcoats which drape to the knees known as The Kontusz. This outerwar functions rather well to keep its wearer warm without restricting movement too much or getting caught upon objects, being a comfortable and practical alternative to cloaks of the Highlander cultures. THE PAS The Pas is a traditional sash worn by the males within Wessr society; they are often colorful and patterned sashes that are tied about the waist under the belt. They act as status symbols with the material and patterning of the clothing being highly important. THE BASMA The Basma is the traditional head-covering worn by the females of Wessr society. They are often bright and colorful reds, blues, and greens; with black head coverings being worn only during Church service as a show of humility. The head coverings range in pattern and material but are a great pride to the women of Wessr and are the subject of much conversation. HAFTOWANA KOSZULA Haftowana Koszula is the traditional white vestment of the Wessr people worn by both men and women, their thickness ranges widely as some are made of lighter materials for the summer months and heavier materials for the winter months. WEAPONRY IN FASHION Due to Owynist military laws, the male population of Wessrik is required at all times to wear either cavalry or infantry Sabre on their right hip; because of this, the militarized population has taken to dressing their Sabre’s sheaths in vibrant patternings, inlaying them in gold and silver. WESSR CULINARY CULTURE The most sacred item within the culinary culture of Wessrik is of no surprise, the Onion. Nurembach being based in the Eastern Midlands with wheat crop failures has a hefty reliance on the potato and the onion and the cabbage. Most dishes served in Wessrik are served with these three produce within or on the side. THE PIEROGI A boiled dumpling filled with mashed potato, onion, and a variety of other ingredients depending on the preference. This dish is often served with sour cream, though there are also dessert pierogies. This is the staple of the Wessrik menu. THE KIELBASA A tasty sausage made from the swine of the Midlands, blessed and made Kosher by priests before consumption! THE WIENERSCHNITZEL A schnitzel made of thinly breaded veal cutlet. Yum, baby cow! THE GOULASH Goulash is a soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. NUREMBACH CHOCOLATE Special chocolate made only within Nurembach, the formula for the making of Nurembach Chocolate is a well-guarded state secret. NUREMBACH BIER Bier produced in Nurembach is subject to the Nurembach Purity Law. The only ingredients permitted in Bier production within the country are water, barley, and hops. The addition of any other ingredients is punishable by death. WESSR MUSICAL TRADITION Music plays an important part in the Wessr culture, from festivals to simple nights spent at the local taverns of Nurembach, music is part of every event. The musical traditions of Wessrik date back to the Midlander Tradition of Warrior Poetry with founder Radmir of House Montalt, a noble family within Wessrik. Additional inspirations for the people’s musical culture come from both their time spent in proximity to the Khanate, the rather uncouth swing of the Norn, and the non-secular worship music of The Holy Mother Church. Music in Wessrik is often either folk song, anthem, or ballad. Though Polka too remains a stable of the people. The music within Nurembach is vibrant and can be heard playing from early morning to late night. MISCELLANEOUS TRADITION HOLY TITHES Each year a tithe is paid to the Holy Mother Church known as the “Dragon Tithe,” a flock of sheep numbering in the hundreds in paraded about the streets of Nurembach before following the trail to the Dragon’s Bridge before passing into the lands of the Pontificate and being sacrifice before the Holy Altar. DANCE There are a variety of dances within Wessrik; traditional steppe dances are preformed at weddings, and Mountain Marches accompany Wessfest. WESSRFEST Wessfest is the celebration of the founding of Wessrik in the Autumn of 24 Age of Dragons. During the celebration, vast amounts of pure Bier and Vodka are handed out freely and the harvest is brought to bare for feasting before the coming of Winter on the steppe. The tradition includes many aspects of Maliween such as dressing up as kind spirits to frighten off the evils of the world. Wessfest lasts many weeks and is the final celebration of the year before Krugsmas. KRUGSMAS Krugsmas is the traditional celebration of most Horenic peoples, during Winter it is said that Brother Krug descends from the sky on his sleigh led by Lur Wolves which guide the way for him to deliver much-needed meats and tools for surviving the harsh winters on the plains. A time of giving, and a time of remembering what a Wessriker should be most grateful for; faith, family, and country. THE WESSR HOST | HUZARS | KUSALK WESSR HOST The levied armed forces of Wessrik, known as the Host form the bulk of military defense for the Northern and Western marches. Made of average citizens the Host’s duty is to keep properly prepared armaments in the event of a levy. The Host is made of most able-bodied civilians of fighting age. Under threat of Court Marshal and exile, the Host acts as guardforce, firefighters, and engineers whenever necessary. While the Host is not always required to act in the way of an organized military like the Draguns, they are required to answer to the demands of any Official position within the armed forces. The Wessrikan Host are required to own breastplates, helms, state-issued pikes, javelins, shields, and infantry sabre. While not required to bare all armaments at once, the citizen of Wessrik which is conscripted into the Host is always to bare the sabre. HUZARS The formal standing military of Wessrik, the Huzars are modeled after the Caracoles of Westmark. Every Huzar bares the cavalry-suited plate armor of the Corps as well as a set pair of “Huzar’s Wings” which rest upon their saddles. Preventing rustlers from lassoing them off their steed and causing a great noise during a charge which sounds as if a Dragon was descending upon any foe they meet in battle. The Huzar are required to carry with them at all times hand-crossbows (shortbows) for the caracole, javelins in the event of a skirmish, lances for the charge, cavalry sabre, and a spare horse. The Draguns, or The Huzars are expected to act in a gentlemanlike manner, always be ready for battle, serve as commanders in the Host, and defend the Honor of the citizens and the country of Wessrik. KUSALKS The Kusalk is an unofficial role within the Host and sometimes Huzars. The Kusalk acts as a scout, a colonist, and a light cavalrymen. Seen as frontiersmen within Wessrik the Kusalk’s have a culture of their own; independence, faith, and loyalty to the plains as well as the Marshal of the Host. The Kusalk is an experienced colonist with special rights and privileges so long as they remain loyal to Wesrik and to the Faith. THE RADA, SEJM-RADA THE RADA The Rada is the formal meeting of the Wessr, a call to all Wessr riders to speak on a topic that requires a vote. During the Rada, all Wessr have the right to speak and votes are consensus-based as opposed to majority-based. The Rada meets regularly to discuss topics of interest, taxation, imports and exports, and targets to raid. A Rada can be called anywhere and at any time but must have a quorum present. KROL’S LIMITED POWER The Krol bends to the will of the Rada and respects their decisions lest they find themselves at odds with the populace. This is part of the ‘Golden Liberties’ of the Wessr. However, during times of War the Krol is the ultimate authority and their actions will be judged by the Rada upon the conclusion of the conflict. THE SEJM-RADA An official and notarized Rada is known as the Sejm-Rada, to Radafy a treaty or declare war there must be a Sejm-Rada wherein consensus is reached upon the legislation. During this time those who hold authority as a Deputy of the Sejm-Rada, and the Krol are sequestered in the Sejm until they reach a decision upon the topic for which the Sejm-Rada was called. If a Deputy of the Sejm-Rada dissents from the rest of the group and is not outnumbered 3 to 1 they may veto the proposition, this is called the ‘Golden Liberty.’

DLA HARALDR-HUZAR For Haraldr-Dragon @Milenkhov IN WHISPERING WINDS OF WINDING WOODS… Piast-Huzar sat by himself at the flames of the pyre that rested at the edge of the encampment. With bandura resting upon his lap, he composed a song that drifted over the frozen lake before him: a mournful lament that echoed in the valley, a remembrance for a friend... Up on the mount, there’s no singing Nearby the flame only cries Echoes in the snow, past is lingering Wind it blows on like a sigh Up on the mount, there’s no dancing Words too oft twist into lies To press on is too daunting But if you stay put you will die Up on the mount, there’s no feasting No bread nor much mead to provide In my belly, there is singing The dancing of my heart I must hide Voices are heard in the valley And blessed as I were, you by my side Without your word can I sally Too far from home for to ride Voices are heard in the valley And blessed as I were, you by my side Without your word can I sally Too far from home for to ride Yohan Valentin Kaczyn

FALL IN WHITESPIRE PUBLISHED IN 1991? PREFACE An impoverished troubadour, son of an impoverished Knight, of an impoverished country, of an impoverished land sat amongst his slum. He lived about the Whitespire for the housing prices were low (until they weren't) for the city was desolate. He had seen men and women come and go as they pleased doing whatever vice or ill they wished, but never participated. His father, a man of God, would have looked down from the Seven Skies in Horror if he saw him committing the acts of Gomorrah. So then he sat justly in his study and loft when LO an Aengul descended from Heavens and stopped before him: "You must leave this place, Caspian son of SIR RADMIR. For this place will be put to ruination with pillars of flame!" "But SERVANT OF GOD? What if there are more here who are righteous? What if there are one hundred!" Said the Impoverished and Starving Artist (buy on Vinyl) "If there are one hundred, I will spare the city." Sayeth the Aengul "But what if there are forty!?" "If there are forty, I will spare the city." Sayeth the Aengul "What if there are twenty!?" "If there are twenty, I will spare the city." Sayeth the Aengul "What if there are but ten good men and women!?!" "Okay now you're pushing it." "You're right..." AND SO THE STARVING ARTIST LEFT THE WHITESPIRE BEFORE DESOLATION, BEING FORCED TO MOVE TO NUMENDIL WHERE HE PUBLISHED THE HYMN. BUY ON VINYL TODAY. -CASPIAN MONTALT, SON OF SIR RADMIR.

A Lost Uruk Shanty A barnacle-encrusted glass bottle was washed ashore and catched the cutrosity of a fishing goblin. He opened the bottle with great effort, and the pure smell of the sea invaded his senses. inside, there was a small and mois piece of parchment, with words followed by a written melody that went like this: Mi grukked mi heard the Old Yar say "Keep her, Krughai, keep her" Tomorrow ye will get lats pay And it's tik for uz to keep her keep her, Krughai, keep her Oh, keep her, Krughai, keep her For the voyage iz long and the windz will blow And it's tik for uz to keep her Oh, the wind waz foul and the sea ran high Keep her, Krughai, keep her She shipped it green and none went by And it's tik for uz to keep her Keep her, Krughai, keep her Oh, keep her, Krughai, keep her For the voyage iz long and the windz will blow And it's tik for uz to keep her Mi luv to sail on this rotten tub Keep her, Krughai, keep her All grog allowed and rotten grub And it's tik for uz to keep her Keep her, Krughai, keep her Oh, keep her, Krughai, keep her For the voyage iz long and the windz will blow And it's tik for uz to keep her We swear by rote for want of more Keep her, Krughai, keep her But now we're through so we'll go on shore And it's tik for uz to keep her Keep her, Krughai, keep her Oh, keep her, Krughai, keep her For the voyage iz long and the windz will blow And it's tik for uz to keep her

La Dorada A HYSPIAN SONG Written by Sofia of Hyspia Queen-Dowager of Haense and Princess of Hyspia It is with the construction of my birth lands once more that I take up my quill and ink once put down for good. Inspiration roars its head and waits for no one. Much like when I was all but a young girl penning a song for our city of Silver, I pen one now, in congratulations for our City of Gold. May Hyspia prosper, growing brighter and more passionate than ever. ♪♩ The City of Silver is long since gone La Ciudad de Plata hace tiempo que desapareció It has not become copper or bronze No se convirtió en cobre ni en bronce. Listen to our Hyspian song! ¡Escuchad nuestra canción hispiana! Color and passion mold our walk El color y la pasión moldean nuestro caminar Laughter and dance fill our talks Risas y bailes llenan nuestras charlas Cobble sounds beneath our horses hooves Los adoquines suenan bajo los cascos de nuestros caballos. How we cheer for the Princess Ramona! ¡Cómo animamos a la Princesa Ramona! Blessed by DIOS! Bendecida por Dios! We wondered, we wondered Nos preguntamos, nos preguntamos Would we ever see this day? ¿Veríamos este día alguna vez? The independence of our Viceroyalty! ¡La independencia de nuestro Virreinato! We cheered, we cheered Celebramos, Celebramos As we made our way Mientras nos encaminamos To a place of certain beauty Hacia un lugar de gran belleza Color and passion mold our walk El color y la pasión moldean nuestro caminar Laughter and dance fill our talks Risas y bailes llenan nuestras charlas Cobble sounds beneath our horses hooves Los adoquines suenan bajo los cascos de nuestros caballos. How we cheer for the Princess Ramona! ¡Cómo animamos a la princesa Ramona! Blessed by DIOS! Bendecida por Dios! Our Viceroy Cesar I Nuestro Virrey César I Brought us under Haenses turf Nos trajo bajo el yugo de Haense And made the City of Silver Y fundó la Ciudad de Plata Now generations later Ahora, generaciones después We, the Hyspian people Nosotros, el pueblo hispiano. Get our letter Recibimos nuestra carta Of elation from silver to another de euforia de plata a otra Giving us the City of Gold Dándonos la Ciudad de oro ♫

THE OFFICIAL ANTHEM OF THE WALDENIC FOLK Die offizielle Hymne der waldenischen Völker Issued by the PRINCE OF MERRYWEATHER On this 10th day of the Sun’s Smile of 1930 The Waldenian people have been strong and united for centuries. We have our national symbols, language, colours and food, but there has never been a song that unites all our people. With this in mind I, Prince Heinrich II Lothar von Alstreim, wrote the lyrics to a well-known folk tune, which will serve as our anthem through the ages. May it strengthen our unity in moments of victory as well as of defeat. [ ♪ ] TEXT IN WALDENIAN: Rufst du, mein Vaterland Sieh uns mit Herz und Hand, All dir geweiht Heil dir, Waldenia! Hast noch der Söhne ja, Wie sie Sankt Johann sah, Freudvoll zum Streit! Heil dir, Waldenia! Hast noch der Söhne ja, Wie sie Sankt Johann sah, Freudvoll zum Streit! TEXT IN COMMON: When you call, my fatherland See us with heart and hand, All dedicated to thee We hail you, Waldenia! You still have your sons, As Saint Johann saw them, Joyous to fight! We hail you, Waldenia! You still have your sons, As Saint Johann saw them, Joyous to fight! GOTT MIT UNS, SEINE HOHEIT, Heinrich II von Alstreim, Fürst von Merryweather und der Rhine, Landgraf von Alstreim, Freiherr von Corwinsburg, Herr von Blackwater

Late into the evening, Bojakk Frostbeard would make the rounds, after being hermitted away whilst caring for his father, Ajax. Descending the snowcapped mountains, he clutched sheet music in hand, as another collaborate work was completed between the two bards. The Paper would be posted to every bar door in Urguan, and to any dwed outpost in the surrounding areas over the month. I want to be in the Kossakri [Lyrics by Bojakk and Ajax Frostbeard]

Oh, Blessed Amity!: A Hyspian Song by Princess Sofia Camila Valentina Isidora Ravn de Pelear written in celebration of Lady Amity Ionna Morovars Quinceañera as a birthday gift of the ages! ♪ Enchant me, enchant me! ¡Encántame, encántame! Oh, blessed Amity! ¡Oh, bendita Amity! How I sing Como canto Why is thou so pretty? ¿Por qué eres tan bonita? Complexion like cream Tez como crema Blue drifting dreams Sueños azules a la deriva ♩ ♪ Enchant me, enchant me! ¡Encántame, encántame! Oh, blessed Amity! ¡Oh, bendita Amity! Your smile lights the night sky Tu sonrisa ilumina el cielo nocturno Always a kind word Siempre una palabra amable And a baked find Y un hallazgo horneado ♩ ♪ Enchant me, enchant me! ¡Encántame, encántame! Oh, blessed Amity! ¡Oh, bendita Amity! Feverish fingers pry Dedos febriles apalancados Beckoning forth to join the highrise Haciendo señas para unirse al rascacielos Glittering jewels delight Deleite de joyas brillantes ♩ ♪ Enchant me, enchant me! ¡Encántame, encántame! Oh, blessed Amity! ¡Oh, bendita Amity! Delicate as a snowflake Delicada como un copo de naive Donned in wintery creams Vestido con cremas invernales May you find your dreams! ¡Que encuentres tus sueños! ♩

Dear Analiesa!: A Hyspian Song by Princess Sofia Camila Valentina Isidora Ravn de Pelear written in celebration of the Princess Royal Analiesa Josefina Barbanov-Bihar as a wedding gift of the ages! ♪ Dear Analiesa Querida Analiesa Sing me a dream Cántame un sueño The only Princess of Haense wedding La boda de la única Princesa de Haense With family held dear Con la familia querida And corset strung tight Y corsé apretado Hear the cries of the peoples delight Escucha los gritos de deleite del pueblo ♩ ♪ Dear Analiesa Querida Analiesa Dons a veil Se pone un velo As she floats down the aisle Mientras ella flota por el pasillo Dashing husband in wait Esposo apuesto al acecho Now is the time to celebrate! ¡Ahora es el momento de celebrar! ♩ ♪ Dear Analiesa Querida Analiesa Hear me sing Escúchame cantar May you have a blessed family Que tengas una familia bendecida And make a magnificent team! ¡Y hagáis un magnífico equipo! ♩ ♪ Dear Analiesa Querida Analiesa May you gleam Que brilles A cherubim ceremony! ¡Una ceremonia de querubines! ♩

Welcome to Ciudad de Plata!: A Hyspian Song by Princesa Sofia Camila Valentina Isidora Ravn de Pelear written in celebration of the construction of the Hyspians new city within Haense! ♪ Desert Sands Fly Away Las arenas del desierto se van volando Snow now paves my way La nieve ahora pavimenta mi camino Haense chill nips at my heels El frío de Haense pellizca mis talones Is this the Hyspian way? Es así como se hace en Hyspia? ♩ ♪ The snow now melts away La nieve ahora se derrite The Silver Island at the bay La isla de plata en la bahía Boats rock up to shores Los barcos se balancean hasta las costas Is this the Hyspian way? Es así como se hace en Hyspia? ♩ ♪ Sapphires glitter prettily in mines Los zafiros brillan bellamente en las minas Pearls pried from beach lands Perlas arrancadas de las tierras de la playa Fish caught by the fishers band Pescado capturado por la banda de pescadores Is this the Hyspian way? Es así como se hace en Hyspia? ♩ ♪ Bulls snort and push Los toros resoplan y empujan Crowds grow in the tavern Las multitudes crecen en la taberna Horchata passed all around Horchata pasó por todos lados Is this the Hyspian way? Es así como se hace en Hyspia? ♩ ♪ Welcome to the City of Silver Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Plata Where Hyspians make their way! donde los Hyspians se abren camino! ♩

A series of pages are posted upon the taverns of Oren's capital of Vienne. A dwarf, clad in blue face paint and warm looking robes walked the land of the newer Harvest Confederacy, though rarely if ever spoke, and made strides to ensure that every tavern and meeting hall in the land was gifted a copy of the song. While the dwarf was younger, maybe a few years over 300, the papers he sported were signed by an Ajax 'Belka's Quill' Frostbeard, an ancient dwarf from the days of the Kaz'Ulrah revolution, and a known songwriter of the second age. anyone who would ask about the younger dwarf , would be told he is Bojakk, son of Ajax, and the courier of his songs and writings. He was tasked with delivering the many copies of the song to all the people's of the nation that was once called Oren. The reason for doing all this was rarely if ever given, and murmurs and rumors were circulating through town. Was it an appeasement to the Man-folk that the old dwarf sought? was it a random act of kindness? Was it an appreciation for the depth of culture and history of Oren? Bojakk never replied to the inquiry, and not long after finishing delivering the texts to the various large houses and inns of the and, he vanished back south to the mountains ,and to the holds of Urguan. [Credit to Asutto for the Artwork] Oren's Land

Bojakk Frostbeard, whilst keeping to hismelf while aloof among the mortal realm, traveling through mountains and hills within the lands of Urguan, Haense, Norland, Talon's Port, Oren, and Suitica, softly hums shanties and other songs to himself. After being inspired by his father Ajax's most recent song contribution, he penned up a song himself, for people much like him who travelled the land. This was especially the case for the soldiers and hunters whom traveled the snow topped peaks of Urguan, near where his father lives. He'd deliver this new song promptly to the various mountain holds and townships around Urguan. The land touching the sky Come all ye young dwarven men, keep your ears high and I'll sing you a song of the land touchin' the sky And it's snowy weather boys, stormy weather boys When the wind blows, we're all together boys Away ye winds westerly, blow ye winds blow Begone fowl weather so steady we'll go Out soars the eagle with his feathery tail Soars out aloft by the grandest of gales And out jumps the wolf with his mighty sharp teeth Saying "You eat the bread boys and I'll eat the beef" And it's snowy weather boys, stormy weather boys When the wind blows, we're all together boys Away ye winds westerly, blow ye winds blow Begone fowl weather so steady we'll go Up jumps the rabbit, with his fluffy eared head He dashes through brambles, oh he drops out the lead And Out jumps the Stag, with his cunning and grace saying "Behold you small creatures, I'm king of this place" And it's snowy weather boys, stormy weather boys When the wind blows, we're all together boys Away ye winds westerly, blow ye winds blow Begone fowl weather so steady we'll go Out jumps the boar, the fiercest of all "Mess with me and you'll be gored to the wall!" And up jumps the huntsman, stalwart and grim and with his crossbow he'll bring them all in And it's snowy weather boys, stormy weather boys When the wind blows, we're all together boys Away ye winds westerly, blow ye winds blow Begone fowl weather so steady we'll go And it's snowy weather boys, stormy weather boys When the wind blows, we're all together boys Away ye winds westerly, blow ye winds blow Begone fowl weather so steady we'll go

Ajax Frostbeard in his advancing years, still occasionally pens songs among his self imposed exile. Feeling disconnected from his kin to such a degree that he finds it hard to carry on living among them. His son, Bojakk Frostbeard occasionally visits him, and upon his return from his most recent visit, would go and pin a copy of this new work song to every tavern and place of gathering throughout the dwarven lands. In the Deep Road

BENEATH THE WILLOW TREE For the brave souls lost to us. Come hither, my darling And join me upon the hill Battle rages across the ground Clashes of might and will Smoke and flame billows Up towards GODAN’s skies Watch as steel meets flashing steel Hear the orphan’s cries Come hither, my darling As we tread this bloodsoaked ground Find your heart and listen To the hallowed sound Deep in the wood Where meadow meets glade There, you shall find it Sitting beneath a willow’s shade Come hither, my darling What is it you hear? The sound of memories long faded Words once held dear Echoes of those long past Sit deep in your heart Gone but not forgotten Never truly apart Come hither, my darling And sit beneath the willow tree Is it not peaceful? Here, you are entirely free GODAN, save the Brotherhood Protect them from melancholy So they may dance forever Beneath the willow tree SIGNED, Her Royal Highness, Klara Elizaveta, Duchess of Baranya

Bojakk Frostbeard, amidst the lovey-dovey time of year, in the same fashion as he had done in years prior, composes a song for the sake of the lovers during the holiday of Belka's time, often shortened to Belkantine [for some reason]. Wasting no time at all, he and with permission from his Father Ajax, borrows his banjo, and composes a simple, but heartfelt song. Finishing said composition he'd rush to both the taverns in Kal'Darakaan, Hefrumm, and any other major hold around to get a copy posted to every tavern and major hub people would walk through. Attached to the song is a note with the following written in it "This song is dedicated not only to the couples enjoying the festivities of this time of year, but to my fellow bachelor dwed who have yet to find their other half. Additionally, I wanted to dedicate this song to those lovely Grandaxe ladies, whom have been both and inspiration, and a joy for myself during my time getting acquainted to my fellow dwed kin. Have a lovely Belkantine, and know that you all are loved, even if you don't immediately see it -Bojakk Frostbeard" Sweet Dwarven Woman

The Return of Ajax 'Belka's Quill' Frostbeard It would seem unprompted that after nearly a full stone year of silence, barely any contact coming from the dwarf known as 'Belka's Quill'; Ajax Frostbeard. Having returned to a life of solitude and a hermit habit, many considered him to have simply wandered into the forest to never be seen again... Yet, remarkably, not only did this dwarf return suddenly to Kal'Darakaan! but in his hand he clutched several sheets of music. A new album he has finished! Posting it to the taverns both in Kal'Darakaan as well as Hefrumm, he makes his rounds, ensuring anyone whom passes him by gets a copy. The High Kings of Swing Album By Ajax and Bojakk Frostbeard Where the Dwed at? Return of the Jack Mina for nothing Jax gonna Give it to yah High Kings of Swing Trailblazer

We March Onwards Penned from the desk of his Lordship, Ailred var Ruthern, 5th of the Sun’s Smile, 407 ES. We March Onwards, 5th of the Sun’s Smile, 407 ES. Written, composed, and sung by Angelika Irena, in honor of Haense winning the War of Wigs alongside their friends and allies. We march onwards, onwards in the name of god! With gleaming steel and an iron will, we prevail against all odds! We march onwards, onwards for Hanseti-Ruska, Who’s salvation sets us free from oppression and tyranny, We march onwards for him, our gracious and giving koeng. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah for Hanseti-Ruska! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah for Hanseti-Ruska! We march onwards, onwards in the name of god! With sharpened skill we defend the hill, slaying all Imperial dogs! We march onwards, onwards for Hanseti-Ruska, Who’s salvation sets us free from oppression and tyranny, We march onwards for him, our gracious and giving koeng.

VE KAROSGRAD LIED - BY IGOR OTTO MONDBLUME "As you walk through the square of Karosgrad you see a raven-haired boy playing the melody on his lute while being seated at the staircase in front of the palace!" "KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM!" Is what Igor Otto exclaimed after having played his melody (most likely waking up his Uncle Sigismund III, Aunt Emma Karenina, and his cousins (if they were asleep at the time) :)

Bojakk Frostbeard. Having spent years in isolation in his home, taking care of his father Ajax, finally departed from his home. In his hands were pages, sheet music, much like he had made before he retreated those years ago. His face set determined, not long after hearing of the passing of Rhewen. Delivering a copy of a new song to the taverns both in Kal'Darakaan and Hefrumm. Roar Great PaPa Bear Twas late 29 in the Old Dwarven Hall He was the eldest of Frostbeards by far Tankard in hand Papa Bear sat at the bar Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar For Lucienburg had bore monsters below A cry came out for allies they know "Send us a champion to strike down this foe!" Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar, me boys Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar Khazadmar and men both had answered the call, He was the veteran, who was older than all From the mountains of Urguan, to the lands of snowfall Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar Both Bharus and Throri hefted a stein and walked behind Rhewen deep into the mine What fate lurked below could no dwedmar divine Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar, me boys Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar And It's one for the our kinsmen above Two for the Kingdom We love And it's three for the fire that burns in his soul Roar Greatest Papa Bear! Roar, Great Papa Bear, Roar And It's one for the our kinsmen above Two for the Kingdom We love And it's three for the fire that burns in his soul Roar Greatest Papa Bear! Roar, Great Papa Bear, Roar So come all ye Dwedmar and head the command To retrieve our clan father's remains back to our lands So bear forth both steel and a torch in your hands Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar For the bastard Rakki, wild and untamed Routed the youngers, but they're not to blame As Rhewen stood martyred through an ocean of flame Roar, Great Papa Bear, Roar, me boys Roar Great Papa Bear, Roar And It's one for the our kinsmen above Two for the Kingdom We love And it's three for the fire that burns in his soul Roar Greatest Papa Bear Roar, Great Papa Bear, Roar!

Anonymously, Sheet music is left posted along various tavern doors, church doors, and town centers around the kingdom of Norland. The parchment if of high grade and the characters while in the common language, have blocky print to them.. A telltale sign of dwarven handwriting. A note is attached at the top of the sheet music simply reads "Enjoy the melody, for a nation worthy of song" -A.F. Life in a Norland town A Northguard Army band plays and Beautiful girl's hip sways And the song and dance lasted all day All day And through an open window came, the smell of fresh bread bakes Such a lovely time makes Ah. Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Hey-y-yah Life in a norland town Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma-ma Children played along the ground as mothers hummed with laundry and everyone else came down to listen They sang songs of victory In times of famine and fortune With their lovely family and friends foreign Yeah, yeah , yeah Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Hey-y-yah Life in a norland town Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma-ma Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Hey-y-yah All the while the sun went down The evening turned to rain [The evening turn to rain] And as fathers went home they came To see their dear wives and their children And as their supper was sat upon the table You could see the glow in their eyes What a lovely time to be able be part of a lovely night Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Hey-y-yah Life in a norland town Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma [Life in a norland town] Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma [All while the sun went down] Hey-y-yah Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Such a beautiful land to see Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Hey-y-yah Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma [Such a beautiful land to see] Dee-doo-din-nie-ya-ya Ah-hey-ma-ma-ma Hey-y-yah

THE BALLAD OF AUGUSTUS FLAY Performed by Corwin Alstreim for the Northern Geographic Society's 50th Anniversary Banquet Including four never-before-seen verses cut for time from the performance! Concept, verses 1, 4 and the first half of 13 by James Chapel Otherwise by Dame Yuliya Styrne (Sung spritely, with melodramatic menace) 1. My name is old Augustus Flay, The flinty bandit king. So much defamed in recent days - In my defense, I'll sing! 2. Old Godfrey wouldn't have a throne If not for me and mine - He was ashamed to look my way, But he paid us mighty fine! 3. We bandits surely made a splash When we arrived in Oren's court! O'er the nobles, I stood tall and proud - (Though I'm actually quite short!) 4. Though harsh to my opponents, They were mercifully spared By my signature red scarf The sight that's under there! 5. My forces conquered Seventis, Salvus and Hanseti - Eventually, I realized The king I deserved to be! 6. For in my youth, they called me Prince Despite my nasty manner - And a prince should one day take the throne, So I raised my gory banner! 7. I called my soldiers to my side And told them we'd rebel - But the only king I'd ever be Is a king reigning down in Hell! 8. But there were traitors there among Those men I thought were loyal And they shared the news about my plans With the Horen royal! 9. He banished me to live at sea - A punishment most grim, For, you see, I never learned Exactly how to swim! 10. Now I'm stuck deep down in Hell, Right next to the Denier, With fiends mocking me forevermore As I burn here in the fire! 11. Yet if I had just one more chance To do it all again - I can't say I'd change a single thing, Even with this end! 12. For they wrote my name in hist'ry books, In poems, songs, and plays! And that fact will keep me warm Until the End of Days! 13. I might not have been intelligent, Or virtuous, or bathed. But all of Oren feared my name And my bloody, scarlet blade!

A courrier is once again dispatched, posting a song to the remembrancers, the tavern door, and the clanhall of the irehearts. Bojakk and Ajax are still at work whilst in their quarantine, churning out songs and doing commissions. This latest song is about a dear friend of Ajax's back when he lived in the old nation of Kaz'Ulrah Dreek Ireheart Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey there lived a certain dwed, back in dwarves great past He was big and strong, his beard was beautifully cast Most people looked at him with terror and with fear But to Ireheart chicks, he was such a manly dear He could speak politics like an elgi Full of prim and proper prose But he was also the kind of dwedmar No sane man would oppose Dreek Dreek ireheart So much promise from the start There was a dwed who really was bright Dreek Dreek Ireheart his wit was sharp as a dart It was a shame how he fell that night He lived in ulrah lands, and never did complain But to uruk fools, he would always be their bane In all affairs of work, he was the dwed to prize But to beardlings more, he was a hero in their eyes For Ulrah he was like a mighty cedar Inspite of their great needs They beleived he was a great leader Who could help them with his deeds Dreek Dreek ireheart So much promise from the start There was a dwed who really was bright Dreek Dreek Ireheart his Wit was sharp as a dart It was a shame how he fell that night But when the fighting, and scrapping, And with the ulrah rebellion became more and more successful The need to do something to destroy such a powerful dwed became louder and louder Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey "This dwed's got to go" declared his enemies "With Dreek long gone, Ulrah will fall to its knees" No doubt this ireheart had diplomatic charms Even if he were a brute, he had such burly arms Then one night upon his coronation Set a trap, they are to blame from the roof of the feasthall descending the bald assailants came Dreek Dreek ireheart So much promise from the start Stabbed in the back and left to bleed Dreek Dreek Ireheart his wit was sharp as a dart The dwed rushed forth for their king in need Dreek Dreek Ireheart So much promise from the start The mercenaries outnumbered the dwed Dreek Dreek Ireheart Wit was sharp as a dart And so he bled out until he was dead oh those Dwarves.

Taking days if not weeks at a time to prepare, careful writing and arranging, it is finally done. Ajax releases an album.. The Axios Album, to end a streak of six years of continuously writing and publishing music, he decides to end on a high note, or as relatively high as this album will be. A copy is delivered to the remembrancers, and a single copy is posted to the tavern wall, which by now is littered with the various songs he's posted over his time.. The grand total of songs now being well into the 60's. Attached to the tavern copy is a letter The Axios Album Khazad from the hold Dungrimm's Might Fields of Jornheim Slaying Ground The Split Beard War Kaz'Ulrah Dwed lives lost in war The Kaz'Ulrah Prayer King Verthaik Long Live The King In Urguan's Stone You're in the legion now

Ajax and Bojakk Releases a buffer song, one of the songs they've been holding onto for months. Hammerstruck Hammer, Hammer, hammer, hammer I was caught In the middle of a battleground I saw men and I knew they'd soon gathered round My mind raced, and I thought, what should I do Then I knew, There was no help, no help from you Sound of war drums Beating' in my heart Dorimnur's guns Had tore them apart I'd been Hammerstruck Marched down the highway Broke the umri, raided their town Went to haenseti, yeah haenseti, and we had some fun We met some men, Some ol' boys who were sublime Drank all their booze nothing to lose! Yeah yeah, they, they, they were good times! And We were drinking and were pleased laughing with a wheeze Yeah them Haense men were too kind We were Hammerstruck I was drinking and was pleased laughing with a wheeze Hammerstruck, Hammerstruck, Hammerstruck, Hammerstruck It's alright, we're doin fine It's alright, we're doin fine, fine, fine Hammerstruck, yeah, yeah, yeah Hammerstruck, Hammerstruck Hammerstruck baby baby Hammerstruck, Hammerstruck You've been Hammerstruck!

Ajax and Bojakk Frostbeard, whilst working on various projects, receives a commission by officer grudgebeard, to make and submit a song for his lady, Brynaelda Grandaxe. Taking special care to ensure the song is up to snuff before releasing it Grandaxe Girl Grandaxe Girl She's been living that Grandaxe World I bet she's never had cavern guy I bet clan father's never her told her why I'm gonna try for a Grandaxe Girl She's been living in her highland world As long as anyone with red hair can And now she's looking for a cavern dwed man That's what I am And when she knows what she wants in her life And when she sees me I know she's gonna be my wife she'll see I'm not so rough Just because I'm in love with a Grandaxe Girl You know I've seen her in her Grandaxe World She's getting tired of her grandaxe boys and all the stress from her little bundles of joy She's got her choice Grandaxe girl You know I'm not the richest in the world But maybe when my minecart comes in She'll understand the kind of dwed i've been Her heart I'll win And when she's walking, her hips swingin', so fine And when we're talkin, beard swayin', all mine She knows I'm not so rough Just because I'm in love with a Grandaxe Girl She's been living in her highland world As long as anyone with red hair can And now she's looking for a cavern dwed man That's what I am Grandaxe Girl, She's My grandaxe girl You know I'm in love with a Grandaxe girl, my Grandaxe girl You know I'm in love with a Grandaxe girl, my Grandaxe girl You know I'm in love with a Grandaxe girl, my Grandaxe girl You know I'm in love with a Grandaxe girl