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[!] A missive would find itself in the mailboxes of all Lords, Ladies and Commoners in the realm. A STUDY INTO HAENSETI JEWELRY MEANINGS THROUGHOUT THE AGES: Bejeweling Kokoshniks Issued by Lady Ofeliya of House Weiss Naf zwy 4th hag i Gronna ag Drova i 510 E.S. [A depiction of the classic ladies Kokoshnik.] Over the ages of our Kingdom, the courts under each Queen have drafted and published their missives. This study that I am writing looks into these published missives, and more specifically, the ones on Haenseti jewelry, its meaning and its restrictions throughout our class system. In studying this, I have found contradictions and parts that coincide alike but I am proud to say that a majority of it coincides, and builds upon the previous missive, even many years apart. With thanks to the Royal Courts Compendium, it has allowed me to gather much of my research material which will be tacked onto this for reference as to my work. To start with in my paper today, we look at the first missive under Her Royal Majesty, Queen Annika, ‘Haeseni Culture: The Resurgence of Ruskan Fashion’. It speaks on Kokoshniks being worn by all classes, and gemstones representing the status of the wearer. Pearls, in particular, are specifically mentioned in that only Royalty and upper-ranking Nobility may have them on their kokoshnik. Expensive jewels will be seen upon the royal and upper-nobilities kokoshniks, with fabric kokoshniks being reserved for the lower nobility and commoners. Interestingly enough, to wear a kokoshnik outside of your status, whether a commoner donning an extravagant kokoshnik or a royal wearing a fabric one - it is seen as disrespectful and degrading to one's status. In another missive, written by Her Royal Majesty, Queen Emma, ‘Moda i ve Kort: Kokoshniks’, it speaks further on kokoshniks. Much like above, pearls and status are specified but rather than simply allowing the upper-nobility to don pearl kokoshniks, they are not allowed to unless they pick a lesser metal to use with it. It speaks further upon veiled kokoshniks being disallowed for Countesses and lower nobility, though allowing Countesses to attach beads to hers so as to differentiate her status. Special rights are afforded to heirloom kokoshniks and a Dowager's kokoshnik, in which heirloom kokoshniks can be worn during appropriate occasions, even if not befitting of one's status. A Dowager must go back to their old style of kokoshnik, by way of status, but are granted a string of pearls to don upon it. Though, it is best to keep in mind not to don a kokoshnik when in mourning, as is outlined in Her Royal Majesty, Queen Amadea’s missive, ‘Moda i ve Kort: Mourning’. Regardless of one’s status, kokoshniks are seen as extremely inappropriate when in mourning. As seen in these varying missives, status and etiquette is everything in the world of kokoshniks. From the very fabric and embroidery you may use, to the gems and how many may be had under what status, it showcases the culture and background of the Haensetis kokoshniks overtime. --- In conclusion, I would like to thank my Mamej for looking this over when I was done and helping me with the bigger words used. I love you a ton! [!] Attached below are the missives as referenced in order. Haeseni Culture: The Resurgence of Ruskan Fashion Moda i ve Kort: Kokoshniks Moda i ve Kort: Mourning Signed, Her Ladyship, Ofeliya Fabienne Weiss, Assistant to the Wardrobe

NATURE OF AQUILAE A study Found and reported by Helane Vuiller. I, Helane, have always been interested in flowers and herbs. From a young age I discovered them, and never lost my eyes on it. My friends will receive flowers from me quite often. What made me interested in nature the most? Good question! That must be Diddifunkle. I have never seen anything such as Diddifunkle before. My aunt, Johanne Vuiller taught me a lot of them, just as family. So, back to the study. As one could see there are a lot of naturistic spots around Aquilae. Aquilae is the home of my family, House of Vuiller. You could say it is a gift from nature. Some are friendly for your body while others might tear your body apart, rip it out of each other. So, as I said. . I am very interested in flowers - and herbs. Do not ever forget the herbs. My first exploration was around the age of 8. Paired with my apple juice I went out into nature. My parents thought that it was quite dangerous and sometimes it is. Especially when you run into Diddifunkle. I remember the moment that I first ran into it, it was such a strange occasion. It felt like the whole world was - floating! It’s strange since I am clearly not able to fly, duh. I am curious if the ducks in the Diddifunkle lake feel the same. Maybe my next study will be upon the lake and what the effects of the lake are. Well, enough for now. I hope that you will learn more of the nature around Aquilae. But do not hurt nature! You will be punished by mother nature, and that is what we do NOT want. Feel free to send a bird in my direction, if you want to know more and it is not in my studies. So send it to Aquilae or to me, Helane and then I will respond, most likely. I. FLOWERS Flowers are my personal favourite, you barely can go wrong with giving people flowers. Although you must look at what occasion the right one is. I enjoyed the first volume of this study. The study will barely be over, since nature is growing. Mother nature gifted us with these presents, we must give it all of our love. Give a sweet bouquet to your wifes and husbands (lords like flowers too, although they will not agree fast on this one). Kiclium A white flower, given to the people who are loved. They are found in groups. None of them bloom by itself. All together. They could be associated like family. IF you receive them it is a special gift. Some might say if you treat it the wrong way you will be cursed, but I am unsure if that is true. I am sure that I will always treat it right! Kiclium is found just outside of Aquilae, it is not hard to find. The flower is beautiful and will attract you towards it. They bloom in bushes, easy for you to take them, but be careful! The smell is fresh, just how you would imagine nature. The fresh nature. I would say that Kiclium is one of the most interesting flowers to study. In summer they bloom wide open and on colder days - as far as they are cold - they seem to close off. Close off to the world, how nice would that be? They can not just walk away if they have a situation that they dislike, so they close themselves off. Blue Tulips The Tulip of Aquila is a title within the Vuiller family only given to those who have shown their true colours, honour, and love, to House Vuiller. The colour is suiting, almost as if it looked like a blue sea. As some might know them as having the meaning ‘depressing’, it can have a calming meaning to it too. Some other meanings would be individual and uniqueness. The flowers are often made to dye clothing. Traditionally, members of the clan are given a medallion with a blue tulip on it, and blue tulips are placed upon the graves of the worthy who have passed. In spring it is the season of the Tulips in general, the sun feeds them in just the right way. When there is too much sun they will be dryer, and grow less good as they should. So be careful with the sun! Feel free to give them enough water, the blue tulips seem to be enjoying water as far as they could before drowning. Roklie This is a red flower, standing for power. A Roklie is independent and barely grows near any of the others from their kind. As far as shown they are not toxic to a body. The smell of an orange would come off it, but is not quite the same as an orange. They seduce someone into trying to take a - bite of it. But do not do it! How can a red flower smell like an orange? Do not ask me that question, because I have no idea. An orange is a citrus fruit, family of all of the citrusses. What I would guess is that the pollen of the orange trees flew over and mixed with the Roklie seeds, that is how it smells like oranges. Pink Peony Love! When you receive one all the person says is love. The colour is bright and sparkly, just like some people's personality. And yet we did not even talk about the smell of these flowers. The smell is sweet, maybe a little bit too sweet. These flowers are often given in wedding bouquets. They symbolise good luck and prosperity. I would say that these flowers are the most innocent of all around Aquilae. They are pretty and they are just pretty. No other story towards it. In summer they are blooming open, just like some of the other flowers. When you have other colours of Peonies around, you will have a colourful garden. A garden to be proud of, because colours are never bad. Although around Aquilae only the pink ones seem to bloom. It is pretty in comparison with the Blue Tulips, which are described in this study too. Azure Bluet Houstonia Caerulea is the technical name of this one, I know this since the libraries are full of it. Not only are libraries full of them, but also fields. Azure means bright blue, although they sometimes look white. These flowers are more likely to be wildflowers. Not normal ones, pretty ones - if I may say so. Some ladies like to put Azure Bluet in their hair, like a flower crown. If a lady wears a flower crown on summer eve, they feel like dancing, they say. II. HERBS Next topic and last one - right now - are the herbs that are found in and around Aquilae. Diddifunkle This one, this is quite the strange herb. When it was first discovered different people would start getting hallucinations no one knew what to do. What is real? None could tell! Diddifunkle looks quite sweet, a normal flower some would say. But be aware, once you go Diddifunkle, you will never go back! Diddifunkle can work addicting, which would probably mean that it is not good for you. Such an innocent flower can do so much. The ducks in Diddlefunkle lake react to it too. DO NOT, and I repeat - DO NOT put Diddifunkle in something that you drink - unless you want to enjoy the experience. Some of the builders of Aquilae drank the water, and they seemed to be having quite the fun. Diddlefunkle is not known to be given to people, it is not the ideal gift. Over the past few years I have been observing Diddifunkle and it just looks like the exact same herb grows every year. Mostly in the summer they grow. This herb adores the sun and stuff itself open in it. It does barely need water, since it can grow anywhere. Although it seems to be enjoying around Aquilae and if I recall it right on one other spot in Balian, where? Tenyade If you receive a Tenyade, I would run. Tenyade is known to be a gift of people that do not. . like you as much as you would hope. The colour of Tenyade is a dark green, it almost looks like some kind of moss. Tenyade stands for disliking. Disliking whatever you prefer not to have around in your life. Tenyade is almost dried out, it can be confused sometimes with a dry bush. It smells like rotten mint, not a pleasant smell - if I would say. The heavy sun of the south plants into the herb. I believe that all herbs are friendly, except this one. I am not scared of it - but I would also not want to be their friend. Mother nature brought this herb into the world for a reason. My guess is that the reason is that you do not have to tell someone that you dislike them. You can just give them Tenyade and it would be clear, easy right? Tenyade seems innocent, but as stated above, it is not!

The Mages Guild --------------------------- "There are two sides of magic. Neither evil, neither good… it is only the choices and actions of the wielder which shape the fate of all man, we can only say choose wisely" "Magic is your gift, maintaining balance is your duty." The Mages Guild is the dominant institution for the training and study of Arcane Magic. Looked over by the Archmages, the Guild seeks out those who they consider magically sensitive and train them within their mysterious art. Perhaps being one of the oldest factions in the realm, the Guild keeps a persistent secretive aura about them due to their ancient and “dark” history. Despite their past they continue to act as one of the only major academies for aspiring Arcanists. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Guilds Duty We are the Mages Guild; first tasked with keeping this balance since the days when magic was born. Though unnoticed we have remained watchful. Though overlooked we have contributed in secret. Though misunderstood our purpose remains. The Mages Guild takes action against such things that threaten the balance. The Mages Guild are wise and experienced in magic, they will intervene when individuals are seen using magic incorrectly, or with dangerous intents that may threaten the balance. The Mages Guild will not hide away their experience, but teach others to wield magic skillfully. The Mages Guild operates not for personal, commercial or political gain. Those who seek magic and are gifted with a mind to understand its secrets, and a soul that carries its responsibilities with gravity, may find their answers. We may be contacted at any of our Embassy’s in pursuit of this seeking, or if you wish to align with our recent endeavours. Mages will choose for themselves the willing pupils whom they deem worthy of undertaking an apprenticeship. But learn to ask with your actions, instead of with your words. For The Mages Guild is not showy with magic, nor will we willingly equip the fool with a means to injure himself and others. But if you prove the desire in your heart you shall be satisfied. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ranks Triumvirate of the Archmages The Archmages control every aspect of authoritative power within the Guild. This is not to say that the Archmages don’t give a bulk of his responsibilities to the Guild Masters, however matters too dire for them to decide upon are brought before the Triumvirate of Archmages to resolve. Masters The vice power to the Archmages, the Masters acts as the right hand of the Archmages. Their duties range from recruiting apprentices and running the day to day activities of the Guild. Despite their roll, any of their decisions can be vetoed by the Archmages at any time they find it necessary. Guild Masters The Guild Master are responsible to the day today running of embassies, along with recruiting potential applicants. With their vast experience Guild masters are also expected to teach students and assist in some of the minor leadership duties such as recruiting and training. Archanix Also known as the Librarian, the Archanix plays a key role in the academic aspect of the Guild. Their responsibilities require them to act as the caretaker of the Guild’s magical items and archive the numerous books the Guild stores. Authoritatively they lack a great deal of power; however their role as the controller of the knowledge in the Guild is a necessity. The Archanix has access to all books within the Guild. Instructors Retrieved from some of the more powerful mages, or even produced by the Guild itself. The Instructors, otherwise known as Professors, are alumni of the Guild who have taken up a teaching position in the Guild’s ranks. Considered to be “masters” of their art, their duty is to teach and train the apprentices the Guild draws in. Mages The Mage position is for those who have completed their Apprenticeship training under the Guild or those already experienced mages who have come to join the guild to seek more knowledge and understand of the magical arts. Mages also assist the guild with the greater duty of the mages guild which is to keep balance with in the world. Apprentices Hand selected by the Guild for magical sensitivity, the Apprentices are the newest practitioners of the Guild’s art. The first few years of their training consist of a lecture style teaching, however as their lectures come to an end, they are to select a Master to take Apprenticeship under and be trained in their specific specialty of magic. Once the Master believes them to be advanced in their art, they are taken before the Archmages and must prove themselves. Seeker A Seeker is one who is obviously seeking magical studies and a teacher, or possibly simply acceptance into the Guild. A Seeker must go through an interview to be accepted as a student. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mages Code A mage shall not use their magic to serve purposes that contradict that of the institution and it’s leaders. Magic is your gift, maintaining balance is your duty. Selfish pursuits will be punished. A mage shall not assault another member of the institution, unless agreed upon beforehand between the two, or if the victim is conducting actions that would cause damage to the Institution and it’s purposes. A mage of the institution must follow the orders set before them by their respective authority, unless they consider such actions to be harmful of the institution, or disrupting the balance. A graduated mage must carry their responsibilities with gravity, knowing that they represent not only themselves, but the Guild as a whole, and all practitioners of magic. Any mage identified as operating as a rogue will be disbanded from the guild, banished from its facilities and from communication with its members, and most likely killed for good measure. A mage who does not carry the responsibilities of magic is not a mage at all. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joining the Mages Guild The Mages guild accept those skilled within magic, and those wishing to learn. Those currently possessing knowledge within a subtype shall either be known as a mage or student depending upon their current learning status within the guild. Upon your papers being received, you’ll be invited to an interview with a higher member of the guild who’ll determine if you’re the right candidate for the guild. If so you’ll be formally recognized as a student, then hopefully soon a graduate within the Guild Please fill out the papers below and post them to any of the mages guild embassies. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iZqi8OYx-SxOCh-5myg5DDg7l_TLa3PH_pr_Wz4Zqmw/viewform?usp=send_form#start=invite