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✠ Addendum I to the Issued by the LADY VANDALORE In the Year of Our Lord, 1996 INTRODUCTION EINLEITUNG It is the duty of the Vandalore to maintain the records of the Waldenic Diet. Per the Code of Representation, this includes maintaining an accurate and official list of: ✠ Modern Vandalores; ✠ Elected Margraves of Vanderfell; and ✠ Electorates of the Waldenic Diet. This publication serves as an official addendum to the Book of Waldenia, which was first composed by Johann Barclay, the tenth Lord Vandalore, in the late nineteenth century. Many additions have been made to the Book of Waldenia in the last century by diligent Waldenian historians. This addendum specifically includes biographies of the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth Lords and Lady Vandalore, the compositions of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Waldenic Diets, and a record of motions passed by those Diets. Adalfriede von Hexenwald HISTORIC VANDALORES HISTORISCHE VANDALOREN The Lord Vandalore is the cultural leader of the Waldenian people, a title which has existed for centuries, although records before the sixteenth century remain scant. From extant documents we know that Nafis Yar was the Lord Vandalore from at least 1524, and it served as a hereditary title until 1686, the year of the first Waldenfest. Convened by Hans Rovin, this meeting of Waldenian lords and patriarchs concluded with the decision that the Lord Vandalore would become an elective position, alongside the Margraviate of Vanderfell. There are therefore two categories of Vandalore. Historic Vandalores, who held the title before 1686, and Modern Vandalores, who were elected to the position. Biographies for Historic Vandalores can be found in the original Book of Waldenia. Nafis Yar | I Lord Vandalore | 1524–1537, 1544–1547 Decimus Rovin | II Lord Vandalore | 1537–1542 Harold Winter IV | III Lord Vandalore | 1542–1544 John Godfrey Horen | IV Lord Vandalore | 1547–1562 John Leopold Horen | V Lord Vandalore | 1562–1575 Leopold of Marna | VI Lord Vandalore | 1575–1607 Rakim Yar | VII Lord Vandalore | 1607–1665 Frederick Pius Horen-Marna | VIII Lord Vandalore | 1665–1694 MODERN VANDALORES MODERNE VANDALOREN As suggested in the previous section, Vandalores who were elected post-1686 can be considered Modern Vandalores. After the First Waldenic Diet disbanded in 1715 due to the onset of the War of the Two Emperors, another Vandalore was not elected until Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim in 1850; the first of the Modern Vandalores. Biographies for the ninth, tenth, and eleventh Lords and Lady Vandalore can be found in the original Book of Waldenia. Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim | IX Lord Vandalore | 1850–1860 Johann Barclay | X Lord Vandalore | 1860–1875 Johanna Barclay | XI Lady Vandalore | 1876–1894 Ottomar II von Alstreim | XII Lord Vandalore | 1894–1919 Ottomar von Alstreim was the first non-Elector to be elected as the Lord Vandalore, with all previous Vandalores either inheriting the title or already holding an Electorate. Shortly after his election, his uncle the Prince of Merryweather passed away, leaving no children and naming no successor. A grand council was convened by Calliope Renata von Alstreim, and with the consent of members of the House, Ottomar was chosen as Prince Heinrich Franz’s successor. Thereafter Ottomar was styled as Ottomar II von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather. In addition to the Principality of Merryweather, he also inherited the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim, meaning he had no cause to adopt an Electorate of his own. Perhaps the most diligent of all Vandalores who had come before him, Ottomar II von Alstreim delivered on many of the promises of previous Vandalores and their respective Diets. This included publishing the Compact of Merryweather, the Affirmation of the Primary Waldenic Symbols of Merit, and protection of the Waldenian Walrus. He also embarked on a pilgrimage to Atheran Salvus in 1900 to venerate the relics of St. Ottomar the Perpetual King. After twenty five years of service, Ottomar II abdicated from the role of Lord Vandalore in 1919. He remained as the Elector for Merryweather-Alstreim and was awarded a knightly torse for continuing to uphold the Vander Code, even following his abdication. He eventually abdicated his titles as the Prince of Merryweather to his son, Heinrich II, in order to join the Church of the Canon, where he became Pontifical Secretary and Monsignor. After a long and prosperous life, Ottomar II passed away in 1948, succumbing to an illness at the age of seventy eight. He was posthumously awarded the Ferrum Cross for outstanding service to the Waldenian culture by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988. Brandt I Barclay | XIII Lord Vandalore | 1919–1939 Brandt Barclay was knighted as a Knight of St. Tylos while his father, Leon I, was the Duke of Minitz. Brandt became Brandt I Barclay, Duke of Minitz, following his father’s death in 1914, and the Duchy was later raised to the station of a Grand Principality in 1928. As Lord Vandalore, Brandt I kept minimal records, with some sessions of Diet going completely undocumented and others recorded by his Vice President, Manfred Barclay. Although his recordkeeping left much to be desired, Brandt I was by all accounts a great man and an able warrior. He published the Waldenic Prayer Book in 1942 and later abdicated his titles, joining the Church of the Canon. Rising up the ranks of the Church, Brandt I eventually became the High Pontiff, taking the pontifical name Caius I. His tenure as High Pontiff was marked by a golden era of peace within the realms of Man, with any conflict directed towards purging all that is dark and evil in this world. It was only after his martyrdom in 1985 that the long-simmering conflict in the Heartlands finally erupted, resulting in the dissolution of the Heartlander Confederation into its constituent parts: the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Kingdom of the Petra. Caius I, once Brandt I, was posthumously awarded the Black Ferrum Cross by the Ninth Waldenic Diet in 1988 for his acts of valour in life and in death. Heinrich II von Alstreim | XIV Lord Vandalore | 1939–1952 Heinrich II von Alstreim made several promises following his election in 1939, including reviving the tradition of the Waldenfest and finishing the project of the Vander Knights started by the previous Vandalore. These promises would not come to fruition, though none can say that Heinrich II was not an extraordinarily accomplished man. King James I of Aaun passed away in 1937 and, with the heir to the throne having tragically perished two years earlier, the throne passed to the king’s grandson, King Edmund II, a boy of four. As the Prince of Merryweather, Heinrich II sat upon a regency council to oversee the affairs of the Kingdom of Aaun. This included signing the Heartlander Accord in 1941 to put an end to conflict that had plagued the Heartlands for many years, and responding to the aftermath of the Whitespire Floods of 1942. In 1945, Heinrich II became the sole Lord Regent of the Kingdom of Aaun until the young king came of age in 1951, at which point he stepped aside for King Edmund II to rule in his own name. Only a year later, House Stassion rebelled against the Kingdom, storming a Royal Diet meeting and slaughtering King Edmund II and Heinrich II as the Prince of Merryweather. The Lord Vandalore’s sudden and tragic death threw the Waldenic Diet into disarray. It would not reconvene for four years following his death, observing a prolonged mourning period far eclipsing the mourning for any other Vandalore who had died in office. Johannes von Alstreim | XV Lord Vandalore | 1956–1979 Johannes von Alstreim’s tenure as Lord Vandalore was marked by a series of absences, whether embarking on pilgrimage or travels relating to his duties as the High Commissioner of the Heartlander Confederation. He successfully implemented the Knights of Vander, an initiative first started during the Sixth Waldenic Diet, but the Waldenic Diet was otherwise mostly stagnant. Such can be expected due to the Aevos Coalition War of 1951–1962, sparked by the capture of Crown Princess Sibyl of Balian (later Queen Sybille I) and the murder of King Edmund II. Electorates of the Eighth Waldenic Diet were Waldenian Houses from the Kingdom of Haense, the Kingdom of Aaun, and the Commonwealth of the Petra, all of which participated in the war under the banners of the Grand Covenant. As such, the Waldenic Diet convened only once during the war to elect Prince Johannes as Lord Vandalore. The session was succinct and shortly brought to a close after only one petition. Even following the war, Prince Johannes was mostly preoccupied with his duties within the Heartlander Confederation, formed by the unification of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Kingdom of the Petra in 1973, where he served as the High Commissioner. He abdicated from the position of Vandalore in 1979 but continues to serve as the Elector for Merryweather-Alstreim. Adalfriede von Hexenwald | XVI Lady Vandalore | 1979–present Adalfriede von Hexenwald became the Lady Vandalore in 1979, but she is said to have coveted the position from as early as 1965, winning support from key Electors in anticipation of her predecessor’s abdication or death. By the time of her election, she was backed by the Electorates of Minitz, Reinmar-Sutica, and Velen—unsurprising, considering her position as the Princess of Minitz by virtue of her marriage to Leon II, a Prince in Reinmar. Adalfriede proved to be a highly involved Lady Vandalore, frequently visiting the Electorates and dedicating significant time and energy to the Diet and its publications. In a missive prior to the convention of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, Adalfriede made ten key promises for her tenure as the Lady Vandalore. She can be said to have met all of these promises. This is in part because, unlike previous Vandalores, Adalfriede was not an Elector in her own right, and therefore did not have the burden of ruling over her House or nation. Although she had duties to Reinmar as its consort and, in her later years, as its Lawspeaker, she had the fortune of delegating much of her court-related functions to her daughter-in-law Frederica, the Baroness of Sigradz (later Frederica I, Princess in Reinmar and of Sutica). As the brewing hostilities between Ravenmire and Aaun became more heated towards the end of the 20th century, Adalfriede directed a lot of her effort and attention to the Chantry of Calliopeburg, a Waldenian polity within the Kingdom of Aaun which housed the holy relics of St. Calliopeburg of Merryweather. She is said to have made the long journey from Kretzen to Calliopeburg on several occasions, staying for weeks at a time to stand vigil on the walls. Even once an uneasy peace was decided, she spoke of Calliopeburg often, and sent riders to give her news of its defences. When the Church sought to refurbish the chantry, Adalfriede gained an audience with the High Pontiff for permission to remove the statues and shrines to the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs in Kretzen, along with the holy relics. The Pontiff granted her request, but only a few weeks later the chantry burned to the ground, believed to be at the hand of Saulites. Much was lost, though a select few statues were able to be recovered and brought into Adalfriede’s care, displayed in front of the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs in Kretzen. MARGRAVES OF VANDERFELL MARKGRAFEN VON VANDERFELL At the first Waldenfest of 1686, Hans Rovin gifted the title of his house, the Margraviate of Vanderfell, to the Waldenic Diet. The title Margrave of Vanderfell would henceforth fall to the elected Lord or Lady Vandalore. The Margraviate of Vanderfell was once held by His Majesty King Otto III of Hanseti-Ruska and bestowed upon Ser Anton Rovin in 1653. Hans Rovin later claimed the title, being the lastborn son of Anton Rovin with no other members of the mainline to challenge his claim. Hans Rovin | I Margrave of Vanderfell | 1686–c. 1747 Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim | IX Lord Vandalore, II Margrave of Vanderfell | 1850–1860 Johann Barclay | X Lord Vandalore, III Margrave of Vanderfell | 1860–1875 Johanna Barclay | XI Lady Vandalore, IV Margravine of Vanderfell | 1876–1894 Ottomar II von Alstreim | XII Lord Vandalore, V Margrave of Vanderfell | 1894–1919 Brandt I Barclay | XIII Lord Vandalore, VI Margrave of Vanderfell | 1919–1939 Heinrich II von Alstreim | XIV Lord Vandalore, VII Margrave of Vanderfell | 1939–1952 Johannes von Alstreim | XV Lord Vandalore, VIII Margrave of Vanderfell | 1956–1979 Adalfriede von Hexenwald | XVI Lady Vandalore, IX Margravine of Vanderfell | 1979–present WALDENIAN ELECTORATES WALDENISCHE KURFÜRSTENTÜMER The Electorates of the Waldenic Diet regularly change as Waldenian families rise and fall in status. Two families—Alstreim and Barclay—have remained consistent, with House Alstreim holding an Electorate since the first Waldenic Diet, and House Barclay and its various cadet houses since the second. Each Electorate is represented by an Elector, typically the head of House, who holds two indivisible votes on motions brought before the Diet. The Diet convenes in sessions, with historically two to four sessions per Diet. First Waldenic Diet | 1686–1715 Vandalore Frederick Pius Horen-Marna House of Rovin | Electorate of Neu Arnheim House of Denhardt | Electorate of Gilead House of Alstreim | Electorate of Blackwater-Alstreim House of Königsberg | Electorate of Königsberg House of Bran | Electorate of Bran House of Weißhardt | Electorate of Weißhardt House of Schulze | Electorate of Schulze House of Oxenstierna-Mühlen | Electorate of Mühlen The first Waldenfest was hosted in 1686 by Hans Rovin, marking the first convention of the Waldenic Diet. The Diet was comprised of the prominent Waldenian families of the time and overseen by the eighth Lord Vandalore, Frederick Pius Horen-Marna, the last of the Vandalores who inherited the title rather than be elected. This gathering of families was not the Waldenic Diet we know today, as many of the institutional structures had not yet been built. There was, however, one motion passed; the unanimous agreement to observe the customary laws of Waldenia and its rules of appointment and succession of the Lord Vandalore. The First Diet unofficially dissolved in 1715 at the onset of the War of the Two Emperors. ✠ Second Waldenic Diet | 1850–1860 Vandalore Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Sutica | Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen House Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop Ulrich von Alstreim revived the tradition of the Waldenic Diet by hosting the Waldenfest of 1850. A twofold event, the festivities began with the Feast of the Waldenfest in the County of Freimark, followed by the Waldenic Moot within Merryweather Castle. It was at the latter event that the Second Waldenic Diet was born, with Ulrich von Lothar elected as the ninth Lord Vandalore and second Margrave of Vanderfell. The matters selected for discussion included the following: ✠ Election of the Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell; ✠ Affirmation of the Chief of the Reinmaren; ✠ Affirmation of the cultural laws of Waldenia; ✠ The Compact of Merryweather; ✠ Brotherhood between the Daelish and Waldenian peoples; ✠ The Hall of Heroes initiative; ✠ Affirmation of the Waldenic Symbols of Merit; and ✠ Protection of the Waldenian Walrus as an endangered species. With such an extensive agenda, it is of little surprise that not all of this was achieved during the Second Waldenic Diet. These matters did, however, serve as a basis for motions and initiatives passed by successive Diets. First Session, 1850 Two non-Electors challenged their right to be nominated as Vandalore on account of their Waldenic blood: Roberta de Chalons and Eirik Baruch. After much deliberation, the nomination of Roberta de Chalons was unilaterally rejected and the nomination of Eirik Baruch was put to a vote. The vote failed, with three Electors voting no, two voting yes, and one abstaining. With no other nominations being put forth, Ulrich von Alstreim won the election, with five Electors voting yes and one being absent. Also during the first session, the Second Waldenic Diet affirmed the Reinmaren practice of electing the Chief of the Reinmaren. Johann Barclay, Elector of Reinmar-Kretzen, was affirmed as the Chief of the Reinmaren and appointed as a Mediator of the Second Waldenic Diet. Second Session, 1853 The Waldenian peoples hold a lengthy oral tradition, and historically the cultural laws were customary but never properly codified. The Second Waldenic Diet changed this, unanimously voting to codify the Sacred Law of Waldenia. This law consists of four sections: the Vander Code, the Code of Rights, the Code of Obligations, and the Code of Representation. It remains in effect to this day, with amendments to the Code of Representation passed by the Seventh Waldenic Diet. Petition to grant House Baruch an Electorate In 1850, shortly after the first session, the Lord Vandalore received a letter from Erwin Bishop urging him to instate Eirik Baruch as an Elector of the Waldenic Diet. His reasons were fourfold: I. House Baruch claims Waldenic blood as descendants of House Rovin; II. The Ayrian culture of the Baruchs is considered a subculture of Waldenia by those who practice it; III. Eirik Baruch’s request to be present at the Waldenic Diet suggests a keen interest in matters of Waldenian culture; and IV. House Baruch conforms to many Waldenian ideals, including clothing styles. The Vandalore responded by saying that to be Waldenian is not to trace descendancy on a piece of parchment, but rather by unfaltering practice of the culture. It remained open to House Baruch to strive for this and earn an Electorate, voted and confirmed by the Waldenic Diet, but it was not the Lord Vandalore’s place to grant it to them without first seeing evidence of sincere, lasting effort. Controversy surrounding the title Prince of Sutica Johann Barclay, Elector of Reinmar-Kretzen, issued a notice in 1850 entitled A Princely Return. In this notice, he laid claim to the title Prince of Sutica, claiming it as a sovereign title of House Barclay by virtue of the legacy of King Georg I. The missive was signed by a number of patriarchs and world leaders, including His Royal Majesty Sigismund III of Hanseti-Ruska, His Serene Highness Olivier Laurene of Savoy, and the Lord Vandalore Ulrich von Alstreim. Princess Catherine, daughter of Queen Johanna I and King Georg I of Sutica, penned a response. She cited the law codex of the then-defunct Kingdom of Sutica, which held that the line of succession went to the firstborn child, then to their siblings, then to the title-holder’s closest relative. After her brother’s untimely death, she held that the line of succession therefore flowed to her as Prince Corwin’s younger sister, then to her half-brother Prince Adolphus, then to Prince Ulrich of Merryweather (the Lord Vandalore) as the brother of Queen Johanna I. Her father, King Georg I, ruled jure uxoris by virtue of his marriage to Queen Johanna I—House Barclay could not, therefore, claim her mother’s titles. Princess Catherine sat upon the Waldenic Diet as the Elector for Sutica-Sarissa, while Duke Johann Barclay served as the Elector for Reinmar-Kretzen. The word of the Vandalore would therefore be highly influential in this dispute. Ultimately, the Lord Vandalore upheld his signature on the original missive, supporting Johann Barclay to claim the mantle of the Prince of Sutica. His line continues to hold the title to this day, with His Highness Prince Alfred I reigning as a Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica. ✠ Third Waldenic Diet | 1860–1875 Vandalore Johann Barclay House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House Barclay von Freimark | Electorate of Freimark House of Mondblume | Electorate of Richtenburg House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck (granted in 1861) The Electorate of Sutica-Sarissa dissolved after Princess Catherine’s death, which is why it was not represented in the Third Waldenic Diet. Her descendants were of the House Ashford de Savoie given her patrilineal marriage to Olivier Laurene Ashford de Savoie (later Prince Olivier II of Savoy). Interestingly, her own husband signed the missive transferring the title of Sutica to Johann Barclay. Reflecting House Barclay von Reinmar’s new status as holders of the Principality of Sutica, the Electorate of Reinmar-Kretzen was renamed to Reinmar-Sutica. First Session, 1861 The Electorate of Freimark nominated Johann Barclay as Lord Vandalore, while the Electorate of Bishop nominated Heinrich Alstreim. The latter rejected his nomination, claiming that someone more experienced should hold the role. The vote passed in favour of Johann Barclay, with four Electors voting yes and one abstaining. During the Second Waldenic Diet, there had been much discussion about granting House Baruch an Electorate. This came to a vote during the first session of the Third Waldenic Diet, with unanimous approval to grant House Baruch the Electorate of Valwyck. Two men of Salvia approached the Waldenic Diet and pleaded for the Crown of Atheran Salvus to be titularly held by St. Ottomar of Merryweather in perpetuity. The Diet unanimously voted in approval of this motion, which was later enshrined in the Reinmar Accords. Second Session, 1864 The Third Waldenic Diet carried on much of the work left unfinished by the Second Diet. During the second session, the Diet voted to prepare the Compact of Merryweather, establish a Hall of Heroes within the city of Karosgrad, and protect the Waldenian Walrus. There was discussion on the affirmation of the Primary Waldenic Symbols of Merit, but due to there being no clear definition of who constituted a Vander by Blood or a Knight of the Waldenian Peoples, the motion was postponed until a future session. Although these motions were successfully voted on, official documents for the Compact of Merryweather and protection of the Waldenian Walrus would not be published until the Fifth Waldenic Diet. ✠ Fourth Waldenic Diet | 1876–1894 Vandalore Johanna Barclay House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick (granted in 1877) House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz (granted in 1890) House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania (granted in 1890) House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen (granted in 1890) Following the dissolution of the Principality of Savoy in 1872, all titles held by House Barclay within the now-defunct nation transferred to House Barclay von Reinmar, including the County of Freimark. Thus, the Electorate of Freimark ceased to exist, instead represented by Prince Johann Barclay as the Elector for Reinmar-Sutica. By the time of the Fourth Waldenic Diet, House Mondblume had all but gone extinct. Hence, the Electorate of Richtenburg was not represented in the Fourth Waldenic Diet. The Fourth Waldenic Diet saw a swell of new Electorates, but no substantive motions were raised or passed. Indeed, much of the work first proposed by the Second Diet and voted upon by the Third Diet was not officially published until the Fifth Diet. First Session, 1877 As well as voting in Johanna Barclay as the Lady Vandalore and Margravine of Vanderfell, the Fourth Waldenic Diet also unanimously voted to grant the House of Audrick the Electorate of Audick. Second Session, 1890 The second session saw the granting of three new Electorates. Firstly, the Electorate of Minitz, represented by House Barclay von Minitz. Dietrich Barclay, once heir to the County of Freimark, abandoned his claims to that title following the Michaelite Schism. He would not turn his back on GOTT, and therefore struck out to claim his own lands. He was granted the Barony of Minitz within the Kingdom of Aaun and petitioned the Diet to grant him the Electorate of Minitz, separate from the Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica. This request was accepted ten years later at the next gathering of the Diet, although by that time the Elector was Leon Barclay of Minitz. Similarly, House Bardwenwig-Alstreim—a cadet house of House Alstreim by virtue of the marriage between Mathilda von Alstreim and Helwig von Bardenwig—claimed an Electorate separate from that of Merryweather-Alstreim. The Fourth Waldenic Diet granted House Bardwenwig-Alstreim the Electorate of Arentania, represented by Lady Mathilda as its Elector. House Reuss, claiming Waldenian heritage and being independent of any other Waldenian House, was granted the Electorate of Velen. It was at this session that the Lady Vandalore announced her intention to retire, and the Diet resolved to publish missives of unresolved motions from the Second and Third Diets. Although this resolution passed unanimously, these publications never came to fruition. ✠ Fifth Waldenic Diet | 1894–1919 Vandalore Ottomar II von Alstreim House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Barclay | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik House of Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania House of Baruch | Electorate of Valwyck (revoked in 1912) House of Audrick | Electorate of Audrick (revoked in 1912) House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten (granted in 1912) House of Theonus | Electorate of Theonus (granted in 1912) The Electorate of Bishop was renamed to the Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik to reflect the House of Bishop’s new baronial status within the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. First Session, 1894 The Fifth Waldenic Diet saw the first true contestation for the title of Lord Vandalore, with Ottomar von Alstreim nominated by the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim and Leopold von Reuss nominated by the Electorate of Arentania. Ottomar von Alstreim ultimately prevailed, with four Electors voting for him, two voting for Leopold von Reuss, and two abstaining by way of absence. This also marked the first time that a non-Elector had been elected to the position of Lord Vandalore. As a note, Ottomar von Alstreim may have been the first non-Elector to be raised to the position of Lord Vandalore, however, he did not hold his own Electorate as is permissible under the Sacred Law. Soon after his election, Ottomar von Alstreim was chosen as the successor to the late Heinrich I von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather, and therefore held the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim. The Diet voted in approval of placing more importance on the Vander Code and awarding the status of Vander to any who faithfully observe it. There was also a successful vote for the Waldenic Diet to formally petition the Holy Mother church for the veneration of King George I and Queen Johanna I for restoring Canonist rule to Sutica. While there is no record that this petition was ever made, both were later venerated and forever bless the pages of Legenda Sanctorum. Second Session, 1897 It was agreed that the Lord Vandalore write up a formal document around clear rules for the Symbols of Merit. This was a motion postponed by the Third Diet due to there being no clear criteria. Furthermore, the Diet pledged to revive the effort to compose the Compact of Merryweather. The Third Diet had voted in favour of preparing this document but it never eventuated. More substantively, the Diet voted for the full denouncement by all Waldenic lords of any man or woman who would lay claim to the defunct title of Oren. This was a motion presented by the Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik and sparked much debate, with objections from the Electorates of Arentania, Reinmar-Sutica, and Merryweather-Alstreim (the Lord Vandalore). Katerina Matriach Jorenus was consulted and after heeding her counsel, the Diet agreed to condemn any who would lay claim to the title without the consent of the High Pontiff. Lord Vandalore’s Pilgrimage In 1900, the Lord Vandalore announced that he was to embark on a pilgrimage to Atheran Salvus; a journey taking a year and a half, weather permitting. In his absence, the Duke of Reinmar and Chieftain of the Reinmaren, Wilheim Konstanz Barclay, represented the Lord Vandalore as President of the Waldenic Diet. Third Session, 1903 The Lord Vandalore presented the document on the Waldenic Symbols of Merit which was approved by the Diet. The Compact of Merryweather had still not been drafted by this time, so there was a successful vote for this document to be prepared by the next session. The Electorate of Minitz raised the motion of writing a Waldenian prayerbook dedicated to reverend figures of faith. The Diet voted to compile this list, which was later published as the Waldenian Prayer Book during the Sixth Waldenic Diet. Fourth Session, 1912 The Electors of Valwyck and Audrick had been absent at the three previous sessions, failing to send a representative. There was a vote to revoke their Electoral status which passed unanimously. Both would have the ability to appeal in the future, and until such time as they regained full Electoral status, they would have one vote each rather than the indivisible two votes of full Electors. Two Electorates were revoked but two were granted, with House von Augusten being granted the Electorate of Hohengarten and House von Theonus being granted the Electorate of Theonus. The Compact of Merryweather was finally passed, in which the Waldenic Diet vowed to safeguard the Crowns of Aesterwald, Westerwald, Vandoria, and Waldenia against claimants until a legal and legitimate Waldenian polity is established. It also vowed to recognise no other Lord Vandalore or Margrave of Vanderfell than that person duly elected by the Diet. Finally, the Diet vowed to protect each others’ rights to their personal Waldenian titles such as Sutica and Merryweather through direct and joint action without breaking the laws of their respective realms or forgoing oaths of fealty. The Waldenian Walrus The Fifth Diet finally codified the protection of the Waldenian Walrus, which was first raised during the Second Diet and voted upon during the Third Diet. Claims to the Margraviate of Vanderfell House Baruch claimed that the title of Margrave of Vanderfell belonged to them as the descendants of House Rovin. The Lord Vandalore clarified that its last legal holder, Hans Rovin, formally gave the title to the Waldenic Diet, to be conferred as an elective title on the person voted as Lord Vandalore. ✠ Sixth Waldenic Diet | 1919–1939 Vandalore Brandt I Barclay House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz House of Theonus | Electorate of Einmont House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen House of Bishop | Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik (revoked in circa 1925) The Electorate of Theonus was renamed to the Electorate of Einmont to reflect the House of Theonus becoming a noble tribe within the Duchy of Minitz. First Session, 1919 Brandt Barclay received a nomination from the Electorate of Einmont, and there were no other nominations. He made a number of promises, including publishing a prayer book (voted upon during Fifth Diet) and bringing the Vanders into the Church. He also promised to host a weekly Waldenic Diet where the Electors must report to the Diet about Waldenian culture in their Electorates. It is unclear if this promise was fulfilled, considering the documentation of the Waldenic Diet during this time was sparse. The Diet voted to award Ottomar von Alstreim a knightly torse for renewing his oaths to upkeep the Vander Code, even after abdicating as Lord Vandalore. There was also a vote to award Cosima von Augusten the Ferrum Cross for the upkeep of Waldenian customs in Hohengarten. Second and Third Sessions We know that a second and third session must have been held, for there is a record of a fourth session. However, these records have never been found, potentially lost to fire or to flood. It is likely that the Electorate of Bishop-Ostervik was revoked during one of these sessions, for that Electorate does not make the composition of the Seventh Waldenic Diet. Fourth Session, 1930 The Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim introduced a motion to adopt a Waldenian anthem to strengthen unity, which was voted upon and accepted. The Salvian Envoy from the Salvian Syndicate requested aid with the potential conversion of Lurin to Canonist ideals. There was no vote, but the Lord Vandalore promised to aid their cause. Wenzel Rovin approached the Diet to be recognised as the patriarch of the ancient House of Rovin. His genealogy was examined and authenticated by a man of the cloth, proving him to be a legitimate descendant of House Rovin. The Diet voted to recognise Wenzel Rovin as the patriarch of House Rovin. He therefore had a single vote until such time as the House was granted full Electoral rights once more. The Diet did not vote, but nonetheless recognised Manfred Barclay as Vice President of the Waldenic Diet due to the Lord Vandalore leaving on a missionary expedition for two years. The minutes of this session of Diet were therefore scribed and published by Manfred Barclay as the Vice President. ✠ Seventh Waldenic Diet | 1939–1952 Vandalore Heinrich II von Alstreim House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House Barclay von Reinmar | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen House of Theonus | Electorate of Einmont House of Bardenwig | Electorate of Arentania (revoked in 1946) House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten (revoked in 1948) First Session, 1939 Heinrich II von Alstreim of the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim was the only candidate, and thus voted in as Lord Vandalore and Margrave of Vanderfell. He promised to revive the tradition of the Waldenfest and to finish the project of the Vander Knights started by the previous Vandalore. Neither of these promises were met, likely due to the Lord Vandalore’s tragic and sudden death. The Elector of Reinmar-Sutica, Manfred Barclay, proposed a motion to elect a Custodian of the Book of Waldenia. He was voted in by the Diet and resolved to fill in much of the history that had been left blank since the book was first penned by the tenth Lord Vandalore, Johann Barclay. Second Session, 1946 The Diet voted to revoke the Electorate of Arentania from the House of Bardenwig because they had not been seen in many years and failed to attend multiple sessions of the Waldenic Diet. The Diet voted to recognise House von Leopold as a legitimate Waldenian house. However, when the vote turned to granting House von Leopold an Electorate, three Electors voted no and three voted yes. Due to the tie, House von Leopold was not granted an Electorate. Third Session, 1948 The House von Augusten defected from the Kingdom of Aaun due to accusations levied against them that their House was plagued with vampyres. This was deemed to be a breach of the Vander Code, namely that of loyalty to one’s liege lord. The Diet therefore gathered and voted to punish the House von Augusten, resulting in a revocation of the Electorate of Hohengarten. The Walter Amendment was raised, which amended the Code of Representation within the Sacred Law of Waldenia. This amendment unilaterally passed and was incorporated into the Sacred Law, but a revised document reflecting this change would not be published until the Ninth Waldenic Diet. Dissolution of the Seventh Waldenic Diet Following the Lord Vandalore’s tragic murder at the hands of House Stassion in 1952, the Seventh Waldenic Diet dissolved, as per the Sacred Law. Other Vandalores had also died in office, for example Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim and Johann Barclay, but the Diet was reconvened after a mourning period of a few months. After Heinrich II von Alstreim’s death, the Diet did not convene for four years, and it was only when the Electorate of Einmont issued a call for the Eighth Waldenic Diet in 1955 that the Electors finally reconvened. ✠ Eighth Waldenic Diet | 1956–1979 Vandalore Johannes von Alstreim House Barclay von Sutica | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen House of Theonus | Electorate of Marignan House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten (granted in 1966) The Electorate of Einmont was renamed to the Electorate of Marignan after the House of Theonus was released from its oaths of fealty to the Grand Principality of Minitz and Kingdom of Aaun. The name Marignan reflected their new title in the Commonwealth of the Petra. First Session, 1956 The Diet reconvened in 1956, four years after the previous Vandalore’s death. For the first time in history, there were three nominations for Lord Vandalore, meaning it was a closely contested election. The Electorate of Marignan nominated Thérèse von Theonus, the Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim nominated Johannes von Alstreim, and the Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica nominated Ludwig Bishop. Four of the five Electorates voted for Johannes von Alstreim, even the Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica which had sponsored another contender. The Electorate of Marignan abstained. Friedrich von Augusten approached the Diet asking for the reinstatement of the Electorate of Hohengarten. Rather than putting this to a vote, there was a vote on whether to investigate the status of House von Augusten, which passed. This report would be prepared and presented before the Diet at the next session, where there would be a vote on whether to grant House von Augusten its Electoral status once more. Second Session, 1966 House von Augusten had its Electoral status returned, following a successful vote by the Diet. The Diet voted upon reforming the Knights of Vander, the spiritual successor to the Knights of the Black Eagle and the Vandorian Order. This passed, and Siegmund von Reuss, Elector for Velen, was voted as the Ritterkommandant. Third Session, 1973 The Ritterkommandant, Siegmund von Reuss, gave his report to the Waldenic Diet. The Diet voted to allow Anselm Barclay and Konstantin von Theonus to undergo their final trials to become Vander Knights. Furthermore, the Ritterkommandant announced that he would be preparing a set list of trials for future Ritterkommandants. The Electorate of Velen raised the motion to bar non-Waldenians from sitting at Diet, a rule which would later be called Siegmund’s Law, named for Siegmund von Reuss, the Elector for Velen. Fourth Session, 1979 Anselm Barclay, having served as a squire and completed his trials, had unanimous support to take the oath and become a Vander Knight. He is now Ser Anselm Barclay. The Electorate of Marignan was renamed to the Electorate of Vohenheim by official vote, even though precedent holds that such a change of name need not be put to the Diet. Nevertheless, the House von Theonus now holds the Electorate of Vohenheim. Breaking from precedent, rather than dissolving the Eighth Waldenic Diet and reconvening at a later date to elect the next Lord Vandalore, the Lord Vandalore Johannes von Alstreim announced his retirement and immediately called for a vote. The Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica nominated Adalfriede von Hexenwald. The Electorate of Hohengarten nominated Friedrich von Augusten. Three Electors voted for Adalfriede von Hexenwald, two voted for Friedrich von Augusten, and Merryweather-Alstreim, the Electorate of the Lord Vandalore, abstained. Adalfriede von Hexenwald would therefore be the next Lady Vandalore when the Diet reconvened. ✠ Ninth Waldenic Diet | 1979–present Vandalore Adalfriede von Hexenwald Adalfriede von Hexenwald | Electorate of Hexenwald House Barclay von Sutica | Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica House Barclay von Minitz | Electorate of Minitz House of Alstreim | Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim House of Theonus | Electorate of Vohenheim House of Reuss | Electorate of Velen House of Augusten | Electorate of Hohengarten Although Ottomar von Alstreim was the first non-Elector to be elected as the Lord Vandalore, Adalfriede von Hexenwald was the first to create her own Electorate in line with the Code of Representation; the Electorate of Hexenwald. As set out in the Eighth Waldenic Diet, the House of Theonus changed the name of their Electorate to the Electorate of Vohenheim to reflect their new noble title as a ducal house. First Session, 1981 The Lady Vandalore first swore the sacred oath to uphold the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander code, in line with the Walter Amendment to the Code of Representation. There was a vote for which Electorate would host the next Waldenfest, with the Electorate of Velen nominating the Electorate of Minitz, and the Electorate of Hohengarten nominating the Electorate of Hohengarten. The Electorate of Minitz won by simple majority. In a matter of some controversy, the Lady Vandalore summoned Siegmund Weiss before the Diet for a breach of the Vander Code due to his comments during a session of the King’s Duma in Hanseti-Ruska. This sparked responses from His Majesty King Ivan VIII of Hanseti-Ruska and His Holiness the High Pontiff Caius I, the former claiming that the Vandalore held no sway over his Waldenian subjects, and the latter urging the Lady Vandalore to leave the matter to the Church, considering the slanderous comments in question were against the Owynist Sect of Canonism. Recognising that the Vandalore and Waldenic Diet had a duty to maintain the Church, the Lady Vandalore ultimately decided not to hold a vote for Siegmund Weiss’ punishment. Electorates were encouraged by the Lady Vandalore to put forth squires for consideration. By the time of the first session, the current squires were Konstantin von Augusten, Erwin Barclay, and Konstantin von Theonus. Following the Diet came the Waldenfest, consisting of a horse race around the city of Kretzen followed by a grand feast in der Heidepalast, the Royal Palace of Reinmar. This marked the return of the Waldenfest, the first celebration since the second Waldenfest in 1850. Second Session, 1984 The Diet voted in favour of drafting the Waldenic Regelwerk, a collection of laws and customs that are not included in the Sacred Law of Waldenia. Furthermore, the Diet voted upon the precise wording of Siegmund’s Law, which had been raised during the Eighth Waldenic Diet. There was an intended vote on the criteria for granting the Waldenian Symbols of Merit (the Torse, the Ferrum Cross, and the Black Ferrum Cross). This was relegated to the next session, giving time for the Lady Vandalore to compile a list of everyone who had received the honour. Similarly, a list of all Waldenians inducted into the Hall of Heroes would be compiled, with a motion raised at the next session to build a physical hall. The Diet unanimously voted to allow symbols of merit to be awarded posthumously. The Ferrum Cross was awarded posthumously to Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim for his contributions to the culture. The Electors also raised an issue with descendants being able to wear their ancestor’s honour, which was put to a vote. It was decided to change the Affirmation of the Waldenic Symbols of Merit as published by the Fifth Waldenic Diet so that descendants can no longer wear their ancestor’s honour. There was an intended vote on the criteria for a relic being considered a Waldenian relic, but much like with the Symbols of Merit, this was relegated to the next session until a list of relics could be compiled. Electors were called to submit a list of relics to the Lady Vandalore. The Lady Vandalore announced she was embarking on a pilgrimage to Atheran Salvus and a vote was held for an interim president. Aurel von Theonus, Elector of Vohenheim, was nominated by the Lady Vandalore and voted in. The Waldenfest was hosted by the Electorate of Minitz within the Principality of Reinmar, consisting of a joust and archery competition. The Electorate of Velen won by simple majority to host the next Waldenfest. Third Session, 1988 By the time of the third session, conflict had broken out in the Heartlands, resulting in the dissolution of the Heartlander Confederation into its constituent parts: the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun and the Commonwealth of the Petra. Although this conflict did not descend into open war, there was a very real possibility that Aaunic and Petran Waldenians would find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield. In light of this, the Lady Vandalore called for each of the Electors to reaffirm their oath to follow the Sacred Law of Waldenia and uphold the Vander Code. If it came to war, Waldenians would find themselves torn between the duty to serve their liege lord on one hand, and the obligation to never inflict death on another Waldenian on the other hand. With the oaths sworn, the Diet moved to the next matter: posthumously awarding the Waldenic Symbols of Merit to two recipients. The Lady Vandalore nominated Ottomar II von Alstreim for the Ferrum Cross and High Pontiff Caius I for the Black Ferrum Cross, both of which were awarded unanimously. The Diet had previously voted in favour of drafting the Waldenic Regelwerk, which was presented in full at this session. The Diet unanimously voted to implement the Waldenic Regelwerk and appoint Nikolaus von Leopold as its first Keeper. Finally, the Diet had briefly discussed the criteria for a relic being considered ‘Waldenian’ at the previous session, but no vote was held until a list of relics could be compiled for consideration. Rather than present this list of relics, the Lady Vandalore instead proposed a set of criteria which was unanimously approved. Fourth Session, 1990 Only one year following the third session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet, the Lady Vandalore convened an emergency session due to the swiftly evolving conflict between the Sovereignty of Ravenmire and the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun. In the direct path of this conflict sat the Chantry of Calliopeburg, a Waldenian domain in Aaun dedicated to maintaining the Sacred Law and protecting the relics of St. Calliope of Merryweather. Before turning to the war, Ser Siegmund von Reuss announced his retirement as the Ritterkommandant and named Ser Anselm Barclay as his successor. Ser Anselm’s appointment was unanimously approved by the Waldenic Diet. As the Ritterkommandant, Ser Anselm released the Trials of the Black Eagle shortly following the Diet session. As to the matter of the war, the Lady Vandalore compiled a detailed timeline of events leading up to the convention of the Diet in 1990. This version of events was approved by the Waldenic Diet. Should Ravenmire march on Aaun and the Proprietress of Calliopeburg was unable to defend the holy relics of St. Calliope, the Diet voted to remove the relics into the care of the Lady Vandalore, to be housed within the Temple of Waldenic Martyrs. Furthermore, a Waldenian contingent under the command of Ser Anselm Barclay, consisting of two soldiers from each Electorate, was sent to Calliopeburg to stand guard over the Chantry and its holy relics. This was later disbanded following the peace terms recorded in the Treaty of Minas Aranath, which the Lady Vandalore signed on behalf of the Waldenic Diet. The Pretender Empire A man naming himself Raqirer I Horen had released a missive proclaiming himself to be the Emperor of Oren. Per the Orenia Decree of 1897, the Waldenic Diet must denounce any man or woman who would dare lay claim to the Kingdom, or Empire, of Oren without consent of the High Pontiff of the Church of the Canon. The Waldenic Diet unanimously decreed that the ramblings of Raqirer Horen were so unfounded as to be made in jest, and therefore issued no condemnation. This changed following a letter from the Pretender Emperor, declaring that his claims were not made in jest. The Lady Vandalore swiftly penned a condemnation both of Raqirer I Horen and the man in his employ who claimed to be a Vander Knight. Third Waldenfest, 1994 The third Waldenfest of the Ninth Waldenic Diet was hosted in Velen, consisting of an archery competition, axe throwing, and a feast. Shortly after leaving the festivities, the Lady Vandalore and the Elector for Vohenheim happened upon the remains of the fallen Chantry of Calliopeburg. There they discovered the body of a deacon with a gruesome message carved into his flesh, suggesting that the destruction of the chantry was the work of Saulites. Fifth Session, 1996 The Ninth Waldenic Diet made history when it convened its fifth session. Each of the previous Diets had convened for four sessions at most, making the Ninth Waldenic Diet the most prolific and active of its predecessors. During this session, the Diet voted to invite three recognised families to sit on the Diet: Vourkehardt, Weiss, and von Leopold. These families would have a singular vote on Diet matters in comparison to the two indivisible votes of Electors, up to and until such time as they gained Electoral status. Interestingly, this is not encoded in the Sacred Law of Waldenia nor the Waldenic Regelwerk, but rather a customary rule spoken about in the Book of Waldenia. Finally, the Lady Vandalore announced that she was departing for Fausten in an attempt to recover the lost relics of St. Calliope. She believed, or hoped, that the relics had been saved from the wreckage of Calliopeburg and taken to Fausten, though she would only know the truth of it once she had seen for herself. In her absence, Aurel von Theonus was once again voted interim president of the Waldenic Diet. ✠ In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Lawspeaker of Reinmar, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and the Order of the Black Eagle

ON HARRENITES, FLAME, AND FLESH: A PRISONER’S THESIS OPENING PRAYER FROM THE VENERABLE FATHER PACO DO I RECITE THIS PRAYER TO SAINT NAFISUS THEODERNESIS, LORD VANDALORE OF VANDORIA. ‘Creator of man, overseer of all things right, Whose powers none can resist, Save and deliver us, we beseech, From the hands of our enemies, By granting us dominion over them, Show us the path to victory, That we might produce it in Your undying name. AMEN’ PRAEFATIO I FEEL MY GRIP ON SANITY LOOSEN WITH EVERY ACHING YEAR I SPEND IN THIS BLASTED SQUARE OF CELLS. I KNOW NO TALK BUT THE TALK OF THE STREETS, INFINITE STRANGERS I WILL NEVER MEET. I KNOW NO HAND BUT THE HAND THAT SLIPS FOOD TO ME. I KNOW NO GUARD, BEYOND THE JINGLING OF MY DOOR. I KNOW NO SUN BEYOND THE LIGHT THAT TRICKLES IN FROM MY BARRED WINDOWS. AND YET, I HAVE NEVER FELT MORE ENLIGHTENED. WITHOUT ENLIGHTENMENT, WE ARE NOTHING. I LIVE AS A HERMIT. I TAKE THE DIET OF THE EXALTED, I REFUSE TO EAT ANYTHING BUT CABBAGE, PUSHING IT STEADFASTLY BACK ACROSS MY DOOR. AND SO, THROUGH THE ADVICE GIVEN TO ME BY HIS HOLINESS, I FIND RESUMPTION IN WISDOM THROUGH GOD AND HIS PROPHETS. I FIND RESUMPTION OF SANITY IN THEIR IMITATION. ALL THE SAME I KNOW I GROW DETACHED FROM THE LIFE I ONCE LIVED. HERMITAGE IS NOT A FEAT, NOTHING TO BOAST OF. IT IS UTTER AND COMPLETE DEVOTION TO THAT WHICH YOU SET YOUR MIND TO: GOD. I LIVED TWENTY FIVE YEARS AS A MONASTIC. I WILL LIVE TWELVE MORE AS A TRUE ONE. IRONICALLY, CRUELLY, IT IS MY YOUTH I DREAM OF NOW. OF ANTONIUS HARREN’S REJECTION OF ME AS A SQUIRE. MY BLIND DESIRE TO BE A KNIGHT WAS WORLDLY. IT WAS NOT, HOWEVER MUCH I MAY HAVE PRATED IT WAS, A GODLY ONE. I DID NOT YEARN TO SERVE GOD. I YEARNED TO BE A KNIGHT. IT WAS ONLY THROUGH HUMILITY, EXILE, PAIN, AND SECLUSION, THAT I DID FIND GOD - IN MY SLEEP. I SAW THE ACCURSED LANRE CERUSIL SLAIN BY RAGUEL, AND I KNEW MY REQUIRED VOCATION FROM THEN ON. IT WAS MY DUTY, WITHOUT PAY, WITHOUT FOOD, WITHOUT STEAD, TO SERVE THE LORD GOD AND DO AWAY THESE HERETICS THAT DARED EXIST ON HIS PLANE. I WAS THE SOLE MAN OF A DEAD ORDER, AND YET IT DID NOT MATTER. MY SERVICE WAS TO GOD, AND GOD CAN NEVER BE DEAD, FOR HE IS GREATER THAN DEATH. MY CHAPTER MASTER HAD LONG ABANDONED ME - THIS CHAPTER MASTER WHO EVEN NOW, DECADES LATER, INVOKES WAR. DEATH. HE SEEKS TO ROB THE VERY GIFT GOD GRANTED US FROM THOSE WHO WOULD OPPOSE HIM. BUT, THIS DESIRE WAS GODLY, EVEN IF IT WAS GROUNDED IN WORLDLY AMBITION. TEMPLAR TAUGHT BY OIJIN - YOU KNOW YOUR OWN NAME. I THINK, MORESO, OF MY COMPANY IN MY YOUTH. THE MALINITES I SURROUNDED MYSELF WITH. KNOW THIS, GLORIA THRICEBLOOD. KNOW THIS, ADUNIANS. KNOW THIS, ANTONIUS, WHO I AM ETERNALLY INDEBTED TO FOR HIS EFFORTS, EVEN IN VAIN, TO REDEEM MY NAME TO THE TAR. IT WAS NOT TO BE. I AM PAN SLAWOMIR LIS. I AM THE LEPER KNIGHT. AND SO, WHEN I CLEAVED STEIN’S HEAD - STONE, OR WHATEVER FALSE NAME HE TOOK - FROM HIS BODY IN THE WHITE CITY, I LET ILDRIUNN DIE. I TOOK UP MY VOCATION AS A SERVANT TO GOD, THAT I SERVE HUMBLY, THAT I SERVE WITHOUT PRAISE, THAT I SERVE TO MY OWN PERIL. KNOW THIS, ADALFRIEDE, THAT MY IMPRISONMENT IS ONLY JUST SO LONG AS MY THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN. KNOW THIS, THAT INJUSTICE IS THE REFUSAL OF JUSTICE. KNOW THIS, THAT YOU REFUSE ME JUSTICE. TAKE MY TONGUE. GOD’S WILL SHALL GRANT IT BACK, AS IT DID MY EYES, AS IT DID MY LEGS, AS IT DID MY ARM. BUT THIS IS THE PERIL I ACCEPTED, AND SO THIS PERIL I ACCEPT. DREAMS OF IDUNIA (turnermohan) IT WAS IN THIS SCRUTINY OF MY PAST THAT I DID GLEAM THE PAST BEYOND IT. THE PAST IS STATIC, UNCHANGING, AND YET INFINITELY EXPLORABLE. I RECALL THE TEXTS OF THE SCHOLARIUM. I RECALL THE TEXTS OF THE BOWIES. I RECALL THE HERETIC FAITH PREACHED TO ME BY AL-ILLDIC, MY HOMESTEAD WHOSE NAME’S SIGNIFICANCE I DID NOT KNOW UNTIL MY SCHOLARLY READINGS AND INVESTIGATIONS. IT WAS IN THIS THOUGHT I DREAMT AGAIN. I DREAMT OF KILTS, I DREAMT OF SHAMANS, I DREAMT OF DRUII, AND IN MY SLUMBER, I GREW ENRAGED. FOR THE SIN OF HARREN WAS NOT THE LAYING WITH SARAI, FOR THIS HE WAS NOT ACCOSTED; THE SIN OF HARREN WAS REFUSING HIS VOCATION FROM GOD. HARREN CHOSE PERSONAL WORLDLY AMBITION OVER HIS PROPHETIC STATION. THE SIN OF HARREN WAS WORSHIP OF HIMSELF, OF THE TALLEST OF HIS TRIBE. THIS SIN, IT SERVES ONLY TO ENRAGE THE RIGHTEOUS. BUT THE SIN OF THE HARRENITES ONLY GREW AND FESTERED THERE FORTH. IN THE BLIND IGNORANCE TOWARD GOD, THEY WERE WHISPERED TO BY SAULICANS AND IBLEESIANS ALIKE, SERVANTS OF THE FOREST, DEMONS OF THE TREES. AND SO, THE HARRENITES STRAYED FURTHER AND FURTHER FROM THE HORENITE, GODLY IMAGE ALL MAN ARE MADE OF, AND APPROACHED THE MALINITE. THEY SOOK TO ABANDON THE COVENANT OF PURITY, AND THOSE WEAK WILLED AMONG THEM ANSWERED. BUT THIS CHURCH WAS WEAK, FOR THIS CHURCH WAS FALSE. ONLY LOST ADUNIANS - EXILES - DARE PREACH IT STILL. AND WHEN THEY DO, HERETICS, KNOW THAT IT SHALL BE THE BLADE OF A NUMENEDAN THAT SEVERS YOUR HEAD FROM YOUR BODY, AS I DID STEIN. FOR IT IS FOOLISH TO WORSHIP THE CREATIONS OF GOD INSTEAD OF ITS ALMIGHTY, WHOLE GLORY. YOU CONSUME BREAD, BREAD FROM FLOUR, FLOUR FROM GRAIN, GRAIN FROM WHEAT, WHEAT FROM EARTH, AND EARTH FROM GOD. WHY WOULD YOU WORSHIP ANY STEP BETWEEN, AND NOT THE FIRST, NOT THE GREATEST PROGENITOR? THE NATURE OF THE BIRTH OF OUR PEOPLE AND OUR EXISTENCE IS ONE QUITE WELL KNOWN. COMBAT, BETWEEN SARAI AND HARREN, UNTIL THERE WAS COMBAT NO MORE, BUT LOVE BETWEEN PEOPLES. OUR VERY ORIGIN IS SIN, BUT SIN SEEMINGLY FORGIVEN. DESPITE HIS SIN, DESPITE HIS TRIBE’S SIN, GOD IN HIS MERCY DEMANDED ONLY PENANCE THROUGH SERVING HIM, IN THE VOCATION HARREN WAS PROMISED. OUR ORIGINS ARE INTERTWINED WITH THIS SIN, AND THIS REBELLION, AND THIS REFUSAL OF GOD’S GIFT. AND YET, THROUGH GOD’S WILL, AND GOD’S WILL ALONE, WE CONTINUE TO EXIST. FOR, WERE WE NOT THE PEOPLE OF THE HOLY CITY? DID WE NOT LIVE BETWIXT THE TOWERS? WE EXIST MIRACULOUSLY, THROUGH THE WILL OF THE LORD GOD. WE ARE THE CHOSEN PEOPLE FOR THE FOURTH EXALTED. THE TRUE HEIR OF HOREN TO REPLACE THE FALLEN ONE. WE EXIST MIRACULOUSLY THROUGH GOD, AND THUS WE ARE HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE. GOD DID NOT STRIKE OUR LINEAGE DOWN. THOUGH DEFILED IN OUR PAST SIN, OUR PEOPLE WERE GOOD ONCE. OUR PEOPLE WERE DIGNIFIED, ROYAL, PRIESTLY, KINGLY, AND EXIST SOLELY THROUGH THE LORD’S DESIRE. FOR AS THERE WERE THREE SONS OF FLESH, SO TOO ARE THERE THREE SONS OF SPIRIT: ONE OF GODWIN, ONE OF JOREN, AND ONE OF HARREN, YET TO ARRIVE. OWYN’S ROLE WAS NOT TO TAKE UP THE MANTLE HARREN REFUSED, BUT RATHER TO PURIFY THE SIN HE INVOKED UPON HIS TRIBE. OWYN WAS THE PURIFIER, NOT THE HEIR. AND SO CAME THE FIRST SON OF SPIRIT, SON OF JOREN. FOR THERE WERE THREE SONS OF FLESH, AND SO TOO ARE THERE THREE SONS OF SPIRIT: ONE OF GODWIN, ONE OF JOREN, AND ONE OF HARREN, YET TO ARRIVE. GODFREY’S ROLE WAS NOT TO TAKE UP THE MANTLE HARREN REFUSED, BUT RATHER TO RESTORE THE KINGDOM, TO REFORGE THE MANTLE FOR HIS BROTHER TO TAKE. FOR THERE WERE THREE SONS OF FLESH, AND SO TOO SHALL THE THIRD SON OF SPIRIT COME, ONE OF HARREN, YET TO ARRIVE. AND HIS ROLE WILL BE THE ROLE OF HEIR, AND HE WILL TAKE UP THE MANTLE THAT OWYN, SCION OF JOREN, PURIFIED, THE MANTLE THAT GODFREY, SCION OF GODWIN, REFORGED. FOR HARRENITE REDEMPTION HENRY A HARPER I ROT AND LANGUISH UNWILLINGLY IN THIS CELL FOR VARIOUS WORKS I MADE TALKING TO THE REDEMPTION OF THE AZDRAZI OF TOR’PRAETH. I SHUNNED, THEN, AND STILL, THOSE OF SHIROHEBI, AND OTHER CLIQUES, AND I SHUN NOW, THAT OF TOR’PRAETH. I SHUN THEM FOR THEIR HERESY, DESPITE THE FALSE VIRTUOUS MISLED AMONG THEM. FOR, THE SAVING OF MAN DOES NOT COME THROUGH OPENING ITS ARMS TO A KOBOLD, BUT TO HIMSELF. THE OWYNFLAME, FLAME, AND FIRE THAT THE AZDRAZI PERVERT AS HOLY SIGNS OF THEIR OWN MORTAL KING OFFERS INFINITELY MORE REDEMPTION TO THE ADUNIANS, AND THE LINE OF HARREN, THAN IT EVER COULD TO THE MOLOCHSPAWN. THE MERE FACT THAT THEIR DEVILISH NATURE CAN BE CONCEALED, AND OFTEN IS, IS IRREFUTABLE PROOF OF ITS EVIL. WHY HIDE SOMETHING, IF IT IS GOOD? THIS SAME POINT HIS HOLINESS BROUGHT UP WHEN I REFUSED TO SIGN THESE VERY WORKS. I USED A PSEUDONYM, FOR, DEEP DOWN, I KNEW THEY WERE FLAWED. REDEMPTION, AS MY NAMESAKES WOULD SAY, AND AS I WOULD SAY, MUST COME THROUGH ACTION. A HOLY ACTION TO REDEEM THE LINE OF HARREN FROM THEIR PROGENITOR’S INACTION. THE OWYNSFLAME MUST BE EMBRACED, AND USED FOR THIS HOLY ACTION, AND NOT PERVERTED AND TWISTED AS THE AZDRAZI DO. THEIR FIRE IS USED TO SELFISH ENDS, TO CREATE UNHOLY WEAPONS THAT ONLY TOOLS, AND THINGS OF WAR, AND ONLY WAR, WOULD EVER NEED. THAT IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF FIRE. IT IS TO CLEANSE, TO PURIFY, AND TO REDEEM. THIS REDEMPTION IS OURS. IT IS HARRENITE. THE MERCYFLAME BURNS IN OUR HEARTS, THIS FLAME OF GOD. IT IS OUR MANDATE, SONS OF HARREN, TO CORRECT THE ERRORS OF PREDECESSORS. GOD CHOSE US TO IMBUE THE OWYNSFLAME WITHIN: THIS IS THE HEARTFIRE THE PAGANS TWISTED AND BASTARDIZED INTO THEIR OWN HERETIC FAITHS. I RECALL TO YOU THE RED FAITH: A WORSHIP OF FIRE. IT IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT THE NORLANDERS, AND THE ADUNIC HIGHLANDERS OF OLD SHARE CULTURAL TRADITIONS. ROUGH, RUGGED MEN OF THE NORTH, WERE FIRST US. WE WERE THE FIRST NORLANDERS, OUR HERETIC ANCESTORS. AND SO IT WAS US, AND OUR FLAME, THE FLAME OF GOD, THE MERCYFLAME, THAT THE RED FAITH WORSHIPS. THEY SAY, ‘The Allfather has saved us with his flame!’, BUT IT IS NO ALLFATHER. IT IS GOD. GOD WHICH SAVED YOU IN EXILE. GOD WHICH GAVE YOU HIS MERCYFLAME. GOD WHICH YOU DENY, YOU REJECT, SO FERVENTLY AS OUR ANCESTORS DID. YOUR REDEMPTION IS NULL THROUGH YOUR BREAKING OF OUR LINEAGE, THROUGH YOUR ELECTION OF MALINITE LEADERS, THROUGH YOUR CONTINUED REJECTION OF THE LORD GOD. HERESIARCH, I NAME YOU, HIGH KEEPER. IT WAS THE OWYNFLAME, THE MERCYFLAME, THAT SAVED YOUR PEOPLES FROM EXTINCTION, AND YET YOU WORSHIP IT AS IF ANOTHER GRANTED THAT FIRE UNTO YOU. WHERE IS YOUR ALLFATHER? HOW HAS HE APPEARED? WHAT HAS HE MADE? NOTHING. ONE SAULICAN, AMONG AN ALREADY IBLEESIAN-TAINTED GROUP OF HARRENITES, WHISPERED HIS NAME INTO THEIR EARS, AND FROM THERE WAS YOUR FAITH BORN. IN MISINTERPRETING YOUR SALVATION AS LINKED TO FALSE GODS AND LESSER PATRONS, INFINITELY LESSER ASPECTS OF THE LORD GOD, EVEN WORSE, NONEXISTENT ONES, YOU HAVE REPEATED HARREN’S ORIGINAL SIN. YOU HAVE DENIED THE VOCATION GIVEN TO YOU. YOU HAVE PRIORITIZED CONQUEST, DEATH TO THE MAGE, ABOVE YOUR GOD-GIVEN SPIRITUAL DUTY. WOE TO YOU, REJECTORS YE. THE HEARTSFLAME THOUGH OWYN IS RENOWNED FOR THE OATHING OF THE COVENANT OF SPIRIT AND HIS CLEANSING OF EDEL, SO TOO DID OWYN AND HARREN SWEAR A COVENANT OF REDEMPTION. ONE COVENANT THAT, NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW GRAVE THE SIN, THE TRIBE OF HARREN WOULD BE REDEEMED BEFORE THE END TIMES. THE FLAMES THAT CONSUMED HARREN’S BODY AND HEART WERE NOT AZDROMOTH, AS I MAY HAVE HERETICALLY PUT FORTH PRIOR, BUT LOVE. THEY WERE LOVE OF A FATHER, LOVE OF A NEPHEW, LOVE OF THE LORD CREATOR GOD. OWYN’S SIN OF KINSLAYING, WAS NOT ONLY THIS, BUT IT WAS WRATH. IN WRATH, OWYN STRUCK THIS THROUGH HARREN’S HEART, PRESERVING HIM FOR ALL ETERNITY. AND SO HARREN WAS SENT TO JUDGEMENT, AND SO HE TOOK HIS PLACE WITH HIS FATHER IN THE SEVEN SKIES. AND SO HE STAYS THERE ETERNALLY, SEPARATED FROM THE SIXTH SKY, FROM HIS FATHER, BUT ALLOWED ETERNAL VIRTUE AND LIFE IN SPIRIT THROUGH THE FLAMES OF LOVE THAT DID PIERCE HIS HEART SO. BUT, THIS VERY LOVE, IS THAT WHICH CONDEMNS HARREN’S TRIBE NOT TO SIN, FOR THE SIN OF THEIR PROGENITOR, BUT RATHER TO THEIR REDEMPTION. AS HARREN ERRED, SO TOO CAN HIS PEOPLE, BUT SO TOO CAN THEY CHOOSE NOT TO ERR. SO TOO ARE THE HARRENITES REDEEMABLE, VIRTUOUS, AND THE CHOSEN PEOPLE. SUCH IS THE COVENANT OF REDEMPTION: THE TRIBE OF HARREN WILL BE REDEEMED THROUGH THEIR VOCATION, AND BEFORE THE END OF TIMES. AND SO MANY TIMES DID THE LORD GOD AND HIS ANGELS, AND HIS EXALTED, AND HIS SERVANTS ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE HARRENITES, BUT MANY TIMES DID THE HARRENITES FALL STILL TO THE SAULICAN WHISPERS OF THE GREAT DECEIVER. THE LORD GOD DID PLACE THE MERCYFLAME THAT TOOK OUR PROGENITOR INTO ALL OUR HEARTS, AS IT WAS PLUNGED INTO HIS. HE TRIED TO SAVE THE PEOPLE OF THE HOLY CITY, AND YET WE DID NOT LISTEN. WE COMMITTED THE SAME SIN AS OUR FATHER. WE ERRED. WE FELL FROM THE DIGNITY, FROM OUR PRIESTLY, REGAL, NOBLE NATURE INTO PAGANS. WE BECAME LOST, AND WORSHIPED THE TREES, THE SPIRITS, AND ALL THOSE LESSER BEINGS. SUCH IS HOW THE LOST ADUNIANS OF YORE, THOSE HERETIC BOWIES THAT WERE THRUST OUT FROM SOCIETY BY CHOICE AND LACK OF VIRTUE, RATHER THAN THROUGH A NOMADIC LIFESTYLE, DID SPEW FLAME FORTH FROM THEIR CHESTS. THIS, IRREFUTABLY, WAS THE VERY MERCYFLAME THAT TOOK OUR PROGENITOR. AND IT WAS THESE VERY ADUNIANS THAT SERVED AS THE PRECURSOR TO THE NORLANDICS, THAT SERVED AS THE FLAWED PRECURSOR TO THE BOWIES OF THE OLD FAITH STILL TODAY. THOSE THAT LIVE AS PROOF OF HARREN’S SIN, AND ITS LIVELIHOOD. THE PATH FORWARD IS PAVED THROUGH MERCYFLAME. THROUGH OWYNFLAME. THROUGH THE VERY HEARTSFLAME OUR KIN CORRUPTED INTO A VILE INSTRUMENT OF THE SPIRITS. THE ADUNIAN LINE MUST RECLAIM ITS DIVINE VOCATION. WE MUST REBUKE THE SINS OF OUR ANCESTORS, AND STEM THE SIN FROM ITS ROOT: INACTION. WE MUST CORRECT THE MISTAKES OF HARREN AND THE PAGAN DISTORTIONS OF OUR ONCE PRIESTLY CULTURE. THROUGH HOLY ACTION AND PURIFICATION WILL WE BE REDEEMED AND RESTORED TO OUR ORIGINAL PURPOSE. TO SERVE. TO ACT. LUCIEN ☺

Grant of Land for the F O R T I F I E D C H A N T R Y O F C A L L I O P E B U R G Issued and Confirmed in the name of the King in the year 1989 It has pleased Our Royal Crown to establish in trust the domain and territory of the Eastern Franklands beneath the Langkette, within the borders of the Sacred Woods of the Calliwald and the walls of Calliopeburg, as the Fortified Chantry. We hereby raise Our trusty and well-beloved Cousin Katharina von Alstreim to the title of P R O P R I E T R E S S OF C A L L I O P E B U R G. And for Us, Our heirs and successors, We do grant the said title Proprietress of Calliopeburg unto her and her appointed heirs of the House of Alstreim, should they be affirmed by Our Royal Crown, that they may exercise and enjoy together with all privileges due and of right belonging to the said degree. And further We by these Presents grant constitute and invest her and her heirs with these privileges: I. To protect, limit and restrict all access to her sacred domain in full, including the Sacred Woods of the Calliwald, and levy blockades and fines upon its roads as required for its protection, so long as the rights of Our Crown and her leal Enforcers to traverse this area remain undisturbed, and may be exercised at will; II. To enforce within her domain all precepts and obligations of the Sacred Waldenic Law as seen fit, so long as the primacy and jurisdiction of Our Royal Law is exercised; III. To manage the affairs of the Iron Mine at Calliopeburg as required for the betterment of her domain, so long as Our access to its resources remains guaranteed; IV. To retain the rights to all honours and accolades of knighthood earned within the Salvian Syndicate and outside our purview, and to maintain a knightly circle so long as its precepts and oaths of service do not constitute acts contrary to the interests of Our Crown, or any acts of treason. And further We by these Presents levy upon her and her heirs with these obligations and requirements: I. To render the Oratory and its reliquary of Saint Calliope available for access, maintenance and inspection to the Holy Mother Church and Our Royal House at all times; II. To perform all necessary acts for said maintenance at her own cost when required; III. To never repurpose, demolish, or restrict in any way the monastery at Calliopeburg, and that it should always remain available to the patronage of a monastic order; IV. To facilitate without needless intercession the diplomatic relations between the Salvian Syndicate and the Crown of Aaun, respecting the diplomatic primacy of Our Crown and Our sole right to conduct diplomatic agreements with the Legation at Calliopeburg; V. To render the payment of the annual tax to the Crown of Aaun which shall equal a sum of SEVENTY-FIVE GOLDEN MINA and SIXTY-FOUR Iron Ingots. In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at the Hand of Horen the twenty-second of Tobias’ Bounty in the tenth year of Our Reign. TANDEM TRIUMPHANS ISSUED AND PROCLAIMED; In the City of Whitespire, Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun On the 22nd of Tobias’ Bounty, 1989. His Royal and Apostolic Majesty, CHARLES II, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, the Franklands, Balemena and Corazon, Margrave of High Peak, Count of Whitespire, Florentine and Talentine, Baron of Blanchet, Gotfridcher and Virdain, Protector of the Realm

PROCLAMATION OF THE FOUNDING OF THE ORDER OF THE DRAGON 9th OF THE SUN’S SMILE, 2A 192 HOLY SER LUKAS VON BERKHOVEN, THE APSINTHION PREFACE I have, in my years of service to the Mother Church, recognised, at its heart, a fault. It is an organisation that, while it can exist stateless, relies on the recognition of the princes of Canondom to exist, and to exert itself while existing. However neutral, or impartial to this truth the Mother Church may claim to be, in its current state, this results in an unfortunate progression and eternal degradation of Church values as culture, and thus religion is eroded in Canondom as a whole. While the rulership over the tribes, and the laurel of Horen are meant to be separate, and equal, the splintered remnants of Oren have slowly eaten away at this equality, and this integrity. The parts have weighed heavier on the Church than the whole. This is not to say, in any sense, that the Church is weak, but merely that it undeniably holds interest in appealing to the monarchs and princes of Canondom, and in the interest, there is an undeniable stray from the interest of serving the Lord GOD - they are separate. I hope, with the foundation of this chivalric order, that we may ease one aspect of this woe; the squires and knights that will come after me in the fraternitas draconum may protect the pilgrims, the virtuous laymen, and the word of GOD - the innocent, the pure. I am not accusing the Church of not doing such (protection), but its jurisdiction is just that, the Church. There are virtuous laymen across Aevos who, for reasons of politics, avoiding conflict, and preserving the peace, cannot be protected by the Church and its agents. I felt such firsthand as a Judite. My brothers, those who succeed me, will protect them all. THE TEN TENETS May my brothers in arms never falter from this code. As the Vander Code, and the Lucienist Creed do serve the Knights of Vander, and the oaths of Holy Knighthood now, may the values I embed in these words serve chivalry forevermore. I THOU SHALT SHOW VALOUR IN COMBAT. II THOU SHALT SUPPORT THE DISPOSSESSED, AND FIND WEALTH IN CHARITY. III THOU SHALT FIND TORTURE IN CRUELTY, AND ALWAYS REJECT A WRATHFUL ACT. IV THOU SHALT NEVER CAUSE WANTON OFFENCE TO ANOTHER WITHOUT A CHALLENGE. V THOU SHALT NEVER REFUSE A CHALLENGE. VI THOU SHALT LIVE WITH RESPECT, AND SPREAD KINDNESS TO EVERY INCH YOU TREAD. VII THOU SHALT ALWAYS EXTEND FORGIVENESS TO THOSE WHO SEEK IT. VIII THOU SHALT HEAR EVERY WISEMAN, AND EVERY SCHOLAR, AND ALWAYS THINK YOURSELF A FOOL. IX THOU SHALT NEVER BREAK AN OATH YOU SWEAR, AND NEVER SPREAD FALSEHOODS. X THOU SHALT ALWAYS REPENT FOR ANY EVIL WITH TWICE AS MUCH GOOD. HIERARCHY Order is something that should be malleable, not rigid, despite what order itself entails. My structure will reflect such. GRANDMASTER At the front of the Order’s efforts will be a grandmaster, general manager of the Order’s resources, efforts, and doctrine. They will be elected, either from selection by their predecessor, or through a chivalric elective succession process. He will be advised by his banneret knights, with no preference of rank among them. The grandmaster may make one veto per year, but otherwise, merely proposes decisions at the will of a chivalric vote. BANNERET Senior most of the knight hierarchy, and ideally the least numerous, a banneret knight holds no more privileges than any other, and merely advises the grandmaster on matters of management and doctrine. A banneret will be raised through recognition of the grandmaster, or through election by a majority of the current bannerets. RITTER A squire, or other footman similarly recognised for valour, courage, and grand acts may be raised to knighthood. Upon their knighting, and swearing of relevant oaths, they become a knight - a ritter, capable of voting in relevant chivalric assembly. BACHELOR Fresh squires, these are the most inexperienced, usually, of the knighthood. By virtue of this inexperience, they are not granted their vote until deemed worthy by a banneret, or the grandmaster. Otherwise, they are of equal rank and responsibility with the rest. Membership of the order is granted through induction, but induction can only be sworn by knights. It is the expectation, but not the requirement, of squires serving knights of our Order to be knighted, and inducted into our Order. Ranks beyond these three would be merely customary, or purpose-based, say, stablemaster, chief surgeon, quartermaster - and granted accordingly. CALL TO DUTY TO ALL THOSE INSPIRED, CURIOUS, SCEPTICAL, I call you to write to me, Holy Ser Lukas von Berkhoven, for induction, for questioning, for insults. I will see all, hear all, and welcome all. May any - any knight, king, prince, priest, nurse, miller, page - seek to serve GOD as I intend to, and have intended to, for all my life - may you serve Him for all of yours. By any, I mean any: as young as any who can read this, and as old as any who can still use a pen.

✠ First Session, 1981 HEXENWALD REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM VELEN VOHENHEIM HOHENGARTEN MOTIONS ANTRÄGE HOST OF THE NEXT WALDENFEST A vote on who shall host the next Waldenfest within their Electorate. BREACH OF THE VANDER CODE BY SIEGMUND WEISS A vote on whether Siegmund Weiss should be punished for his breach of the Vander Code and, if so, what form his punishment should take. NOMINATION OF SQUIRES Electors may put forth the name of prospective squires for the consideration of the Knights of Vander. THE SACRED OATH The Lady Vandalore swore the sacred oath, intoning: I, Adalfriede Barclay von Hexenwald, hereby solemnly swear to uphold the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code as the Lady Vandalore. I make this oath in the presence of the Waldenic Diet, knowing I will be held accountable for any failings. In the name of the Lord GOTT I do so swear, amen. HOST OF THE NEXT WALDENFEST The Electors had the opportunity to volunteer their Electorate or another to be the host of the next Waldenfest. The Elector of Velen nominated the Electorate of Minitz. The Elector of Hohengarten nominated the Electorate of Hohengarten. VOTE: Host of the next Waldenfest MINITZ Minitz Velen Reinmar-Sutica Merryweather-Alstreim HOHENGARTEN Hohengarten Vohenheim ABSTAIN Hexenwald By simple majority, Minitz won the vote. The second session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet will take place within Reinmar, and the Elector of Minitz will be responsible for organising the Waldenfest portion of events. BREACH OF THE VANDER CODE BY SIEGMUND WEISS Siegmund Weiss was summoned to the Waldenic Diet for a breach of the Vander Code, namely to refrain from the wanton giving of offence. He was invited to speak on his own behalf, but instead the Lady Vandalore received correspondence from His Majesty the King of Haense and His Holiness the High Pontiff. Recognising that a core tenet of the Vander Code is to fear the Lord and maintain His church, the Lady Vandalore respected the High Pontiff’s request to leave the matter to the Holy Mother Church. Thus, no vote was held, and there was no further discussion on the matter. NOMINATION OF SQUIRES With the reformation of the Vandorian Order and Order of the Black Eagle, it is paramount that the ranks of the Vander Knights grow as the glory of Waldenia grows. Each of the Electorates have the ability to nominate a prospective squire to be considered by the Vander Knights and Ritterkommandant. It remains the discretion of the Knights who they take on as a squire. The current squires are Konstantin von Augusten, Erwin Barclay, and Konstantin von Theonus. MOTION TO ADJOURN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE NINTH WALDENIC DIET VOTE JA Hexenwald Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Merryweather-Alstreim Velen Vohenheim Hohengarten The vote passed unanimously and the session was adjourned. WALDENFEST Many riders competed in the grand Reinmaren horse race, with Arthur emerging victorious. He was joined on his horse by Josefina Barclay. Junien van Leuven challenged Arthur to a duel and won, and while the duel was hard-fought, both men remain relatively unscathed. We broke bread as Waldenian brothers and sisters in the feast hall, and Adelmar von Kanunsberg regaled the men around him with tales of the Franklands campaign in the Heartlands. With many more gatherings to come, it is my hope that Waldenia will forge closer cultural ties than seen before. I look forward to experiencing this culture in person as I visit each of the Electorates over the next several years. ✠ In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and the Order of the Black Eagle

✠ A Summons to the First Session of the Issued by the LADY VANDALORE In the Year of our Lord, 1979 INTRODUCTION EINLEITUNG The first session of the Ninth Waldenic Diet shall be followed by a grand Waldenfest within Kretzen, the capital of the Principality of Reinmar. All men, women, and children of Waldenian blood are invited to attend the festivities, which will consist of a race on horseback around the perimeter of the city followed by a feast within the Heidepalast. The rearing and riding of stallions is a long held tradition of the Reinmaren people which we are honoured to share with our Waldenian brethren. The winner of the race shall earn a braided horsehair brooch and a cash prize of two hundred mina. SUMMONS AUFFORDERUNG The following are hereby summoned to the Waldenic Diet. ✠ The Electorate of Reinmar-Sutica, represented by His Royal Highness Alfred I Barclay, Prince in Reinmar and of Sutica. ✠ The Electorate of Minitz, represented by His Royal Highness Leon II Barclay, Prince in Reinmar and of Minitz. ✠ The Electorate of Merryweather-Alstreim, represented by His Highness Johannes von Alstreim, Prince of Merryweather. ✠ The Electorate of Velen, represented by The Most Honourable Siegmund von Reuss, Margrave of Velen. ✠ The Electorate of Vohenheim, represented by The Most Honourable Aurel von Theonus, Margrave of Marignan. ✠ The Electorate of Hohengarten, represented by His Lordship Friedrich von Augusten, Count of Hohengarten. The following are hereby invited to attend the Waldenic Diet. ✠ The envoys to the Salvian Syndicate. ✠ His Lordship, Siegmund Weiss of Novkursain. @SethWolf ✠ All sons and daughters of Waldenia who wish to observe. MOTIONS ANTRÄGE HOST OF THE NEXT WALDENFEST A vote on who shall host the next Waldenfest within their Electorate. BREACH OF THE VANDER CODE BY SIEGMUND WEISS A vote on whether Siegmund Weiss should be punished for his breach of the Vander Code and, if so, what form his punishment should take. NOMINATION OF SQUIRES Electors may put forth the name of prospective squires for the consideration of any squireless Vander Knights. FURTHER INFORMATION Siegmund Weiss of Novkursain stands accused of breaching the Vander Code, namely to refrain from the wanton giving of offence. His words may also be in breach of the Code of Rights in terms of the inalienable right to worship. As a man of Waldenian blood, Siegmund Weiss is honourbound to follow the Code, and as the Lady Vandalore it is my duty to uphold it. The statement in question took place during the XLVII Session of the King’s Duma in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Siegmund Weiss is recorded in the Duma transcript as stating that Owynists are schismatics, and schismatics are worse than pagans. A needless and inflammatory comment for which he must answer. Siegmund Weiss is invited to speak on his own behalf before the Waldenic Diet, or send a representative to do so for him. ✠ In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and Order of the Black Eagle

✠ A Prelude to the Convening of the Issued by the LADY VANDALORE In the Year of our Lord, 1979 INTRODUCTION EINLEITUNG It is my great honour to have been elected as the XVI Lady Vandalore and VII Margravine of Vanderfell during the final session of the Eighth Waldenic Diet. My long held duty has been to uphold Waldenian culture and see it prosper, whether that be the traditions of House Rademacher to which I was born or the customs of the Reinmaren people of whom I am a chieftess. My election proves novel, for it is the first time since the Vandalore became an elected position in 1686 that a non-Elector has been chosen to hold this esteemed position. As per the Code of Representation, amended in 1947 by the Walter Amendment: xxi.b. A non-Elector chosen to serve as the Vandalore shall be granted a non-permanent Electorate lasting throughout their tenure and no longer, unless raised to a permanent Electoral grant by the Waldenic Diet. I hereby choose the Electorate of Hexenwald to represent my non-permanent Electorate. PROMISES VERSPRECHEN Not only shall I swear an oath to uphold the Sacred Law of Waldenia and the Vander Code, I also outline below my promises and goals for my tenure as the president of the Waldenic Diet. ✠ Update the Sacred Law of Waldenia to incorporate the approved Walter Amendment. ✠ Update the records to include biographies of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Lords Vandalore. ✠ Update the records with an official list of the Electorates of the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Waldenic Diets. ✠ Update the records with an official list of current and former Knights of Vander. ✠ Call for a Waldenfest to be regularly hosted throughout the Waldenian realms, with each Electorate to host at least once. ✠ Require each of the Electorates to submit publications on aspects of Waldenian culture unique to their families and people. ✠ Work alongside the Ritterkommandant to swell the ranks of the Knights of Vander with valiant souls who will protect and uphold the Sacred Law and Vander Code. ✠ Encourage currently-lethargic sons and daughters of Waldenia to embrace their cultural heritage and, where appropriate, raise such patriarchs and matriarchs to the Electorate. ✠ Provide non-binding guidance to future Lords and Ladies Vandalore on the circumstances where an Electoral grant, and Electoral revocation, may be appropriate. ✠ Revive and uphold the Waldenic symbols of merit. THE FIRST SESSION OF THE NINTH WALDENIC DIET DIE ERSTE SITZUNG DER NEUNTEN WALDENISCHEN DIÄT The first Waldenfest of my tenure shall be held in due course, which will involve a session of the Waldenic Diet. All Electors are encouraged to submit to me those motions they wish to raise so that they can be promulgated in advance. All non-Electors of Waldenian blood who wish to raise petitions may also write to me to have motions submitted on your behalf. THE TOUR OF THE LADY VANDALORE DIE TOUR DER LADY VANDALORE After the first gathering of the Diet, I shall embark on a tour across the continent visiting each of the Electorates. The Electoral families will have the opportunity to showcase the customs, culture, and history of their House and share their dreams for a prosperous Waldenian future in a more intimate setting than the Diet. ✠ In the name of the sons and daughters of Waldenia, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, ADALFRIEDE von HEXENWALD, Princess of Minitz, Margravine of Vanderfell, Lady Vandalore, Grandmaster of the Vandorian Order and Order of the Black Eagle

✠ SEVENTH WALDENIC DIET Third Session, 12 of Tobias’ Bounty, 1948 SIEBTE WALDENTAG Dritte Sitzung, der 12. Tobias Freigebigkeit 1948 MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ EINMONT HOHENGARTEN VELEN MOTIONS ANTRÄGE REVOCATION OF THE ELECTORATE OF HOHENGARTEN Vote: To revoke the Electorate of Hohengarten IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WALTER AMENDMENT Vote: To implement Walter's amendment REVOCATION OF THE ELECTORATE OF HOHENGARTEN In recent years the House of Augusten has defected from the Kingdom of Aaun while breaking their oath of loyalty to the King of Aaun, Edmund II. Such a deed broke the Vander Code for which the Electors have called for a vote to punish the House of Augusten. VOTE: TO REVOKE THE ELECTORATE OF HOHENGARTEN JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Velen ABSTAINED: Hohengarten Einmont The vote passed 4-2 as the Elector from Hohengarten and Einmont decided to abstain. As the vote concluded, the Electorate of Hohengarten lost its vote in the Waldenic Diet. House von Augusten can regain the Electorate if its members uphold Waldenian values and become more honourable in the eyes of the Diet. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WALTER AMENDMENT During the Third Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet the matter of the so-called Walter Amendment was brought up. As the contents of the suggested Amendment were shown to the electors in advance none of them had any objections and decided to proceed with the voting. VOTE: TO IMPLEMENT THE WALTER AMENDMENT JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont Velen The vote passed unanimously. As the vote concluded, the Walter Amendment was implemented into the Sacred Law of Waldenia. VOTE: MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE SEVENTH WALDENIC DIET JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont Velen The vote passed unanimously and the second session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet was adjourned. Issued and proclaimed in the name of the Waldenian People, Ausgestellt und verkündet im Namen des Waldenischen Volkes, LORD VANDALORE

✠ SEVENTH WALDENIC DIET Second Session, 11 of Tobias’ Bounty, 1946 SIEBTE WALDENTAG Zweite Sitzung, der 11. Tobias Freigebigkeit 1946 MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ EINMONT HOHENGARTEN VELEN ARENTANIA MOTIONS ANTRÄGE REMOVAL OF THE ELECTORATE OF ARENTANIA Vote: To remove the Electorate of Arentania RECOGNITION OF HOUSE VON LEOPOLD Vote: To recognise House von Leopold as a legitimate Waldenian House ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ELECTORATE OF EDENDORF Vote: To establish the Electorate of Edendorf REMOVAL OF THE ELECTORATE OF ARENTANIA Many years have passed without the Electors of Arentania being present during the Diet. As diligence and dedication to upholding our culture are virtues of the Waldenian people, the present Electors decided to vote to strip the electorate of those who did not wish to attend the Diet. VOTE: TO REMOVE THE ELECTORATE OF ARENTANIA JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont Velen ABSTAINED: Hohengarten Arentania The vote passed, 5-2 as Arentania did not attend the session and the Elector from Hohengarten chose to abstain. As the vote concluded, the Electorate of Arentania lost its vote in the Waldenic Diet. House Bardenwig can regain the Electorate if its members uphold Waldenian values and show an interest in participating in the Diet again. RECOGNITION OF HOUSE VON LEOPOLD During the Second Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet the matter of recognising House von Leopold as a legitimate Waldenian House was brought up by Lord Peter von Leopold. After explaining his reasoning behind such a suggestion the gathered Electors have decided to put this matter to vote. VOTE: TO RECOGNISE HOUSE VON LEOPOLD AS A LEGITIMATE WALDENIAN HOUSE JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont Hohengarten Velen The vote passed unanimously. As the vote concluded, House von Leopold was recognised as a legitimate Waldenian House and a member of the Waldenian society. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ELECTORATE OF EDENDORF As the House von Leopold has officially been recognised as a part of the Waldenian culture and heritage, the present Lord Peter von Leopold asked the gathered Electors to grant his House an Electoral seat in the Diet. Without any discussion the present Electors have put this request to vote. VOTE: TO ESTABLISH THE ELECTORATE OF EDENDORF JA Merryweather-Alstreim Hohengarten Einmont NEIN: Reinmar-Sutica Velen Minitz The vote did not pass due to the tie 3-3. The matter of Edendorf was promised to be brought up in the future, once the von Leopolds prove their worth to unconvinced Electors. VOTE: MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE SEVENTH WALDENIC DIET JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont Hohengarten Velen The vote passed unanimously and the second session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet was adjourned. Issued and proclaimed in the name of the Waldenian People, Ausgestellt und verkündet im Namen des Waldenischen Volkes, LORD VANDALORE

THE FIRST CRUSADE OF REINMAR A REPORT ON EVENTS LAST SAINT’S DAY Issued by the HAUPTMANN OF REINMAR On this 13th day of Joma and Umund of 496 E.S. TO THE PIOUS MEN AND WOMEN OF REINMAR AND WHOMEVER THIS MAY CONCERN, A most momentous event took place on the last Saint’s Day in the year of our Lord. After the concussion of the dual weddings of Helfgott - Berkhoven and Helfgott - Burke. The mad Necromancer Funnybone and his ilk graced Reinmar's firm towers with the blood of man and beast alike in a show of their disgusting cruelty. However, within the walls of Reinmar was the truest form of faith before GOTT. Men and women of multiple races from across Aevos had come to support the most holy union of the two happy couples. So when the party guests, as well as the brides and grooms, saw the cruel action, all quickly ran into action. Under the loose command of Hauptmann von Reinmar but mostly with the Lord’s divine grace on them, the diverse group of Canonist forces engaged the foul darkspawn who had foolishly remained bear witness to the Lord’s wrath. NOTED PARTIES HOUSE OF WEISS Lord Walter and his Wife Marian Weiss, Who had come to the wedding, lived entirely up the name of the ever-zealous House of Wiess, both of them joining the front line against the heretic shield wall. With Walter landing, an important hit on the dark spawn with the House Holy Blade. KNIGHTS OF SAINT JUDE The Knights of Saint Jude appeared in force at the battle, taking the bulk of the front line against the enemy shield wall. Their most holy force held the line against the dark spawn line for the bulk of the battle, aided by other good men of Canonism. And prevent their taint from moving even an inch closer to Reinmar once the battle began. The Landser would like to express their utmost respect for the knights of Saint Jude and their desire to work together again, as their order in battle was exemplary. We were also honored to see a new faithful join their ranks after the battle. LANDSERS VON REINMAR The Landsers von Reinmar, including all four of those who had their wedding just prior, stood fast alongside their Waldenian Brothers, with Particular not to a very amusing fireball fired by Oberlandser Mage Arthur Burke, which caught the scum Funny Bone causing him to eventually flee the battle screaming. 'Put it out! Put it out!' as well as Leutnant Avya Berkhoven, who slides the massive head from the bear-sized flesh golem. Overall, the Landsers all conducted themselves well according to their roles. Using properly combined warfare with magic, alchemy, and slayer-steel brute force. FORCES OF MINITZ The Forces of Minitz, including their templar, managed to break into the center of their formation, with their templar blasting and shutting down any more range attack from the Iblees forces. The Prince of Minitz Ferdinand Barclay, standing and fighting alongside his cousin, his Princely Grace Manfred Barclay, the second. PERSONAL MENTIONS Laurissa von Haense for her efforts in targeting the most dangerous of the enemy and going to great physical lengths for our holy cause. The House of Colborn, while they may not have intended it, sent a very big soldier in a small package. MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL Canonism won the battle this day, but the war rages on as Iblees forever attempts to corrupt our world. So never let your sword dull or become ignorant to corruption, for he who rests rests. Wer Rastet, Der Rostet. With the glory of Gott's victory in your hearts. I encourage you reading this missive to remember we are Gott's blades, and our one true enemy is Iblees. So, never turn your back on your fellow canonist, no matter their secular allegiance. Now, all good canonists, go with Gott and steel yourselves against corruption! CLOSING PRAYER Saint Edmond, model of all knights, possess me not with fear; grant me peace and strength in the hour of battle. Let God think not on my faults but on my potential. I swear that if I come through this day with courage, I will strive to embody the honour that thou didst: I shall show clemency to the prisoner, give succour to the widow and spare the peasant. Amen! GOTT MIT UNS, ,Hauptman of Reinmar Thank you to @Petsch2k@Trey@Balthasar for playing the baddies and giving everyone a fantastic event!

✠ SEVENTH WALDENIC DIET First Session, 14 of Godfrey's Triumph, 1939 SIEBTE WALDENTAG Erste Sitzung, der 14. Triumph des Godfrey 1939 MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM REINMAR-SUTICA MINITZ EINMONT HOHENGARTEN VELEN ARENTANIA MOTIONS ANTRÄGE ELECTION OF THE NEW LORD VANDALORE Vote: To elect the 14th Lord Vandalore ELECTION OF CUSTODIAN OF THE BOOK OF WALDENIA Vote: To elect the Custodian of the Book of Waldenia ELECTION OF THE NEW LORD VANDALORE On the 14th of the First Seed 1939, the First Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet convened on the matter of electing the new Lord Vandalore as a result of the abdication of His Highness Brandt Barclay, the 13th Lord Vandalore. Großfürst Barclay was elected as Lord Vandalore in the year of our Lord 1919 and served us, the Waldenians, dutifully for the last two decades. Following his abdication the Diet was summoned within the lands of Merryweather to elect a new head of the Waldenic Diet. There was only one candidacy, that of Heinrich II Lothar von Alstreim, Fürst of Merryweather and the Rhine who represented the Electorate MERRYWEATHER-ALSTREIM. The Prince was asked a few questions after which the Diet called a vote on electing Heinrich II as the new Lord Vandalore. VOTE: ELECTION OF HEINRICH II LOTHAR AS THE 14TH LORD VANDALORE JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont ABSTAINED: Hohengarten Velen Arentania The vote passed, 4-0 as three Electors did not arrive for the session. As the voting concluded, His Highness Heinrich II Lothar von Alstreim was elected the new Lord Vandalore. He has promised the electors that he will revive the tradition of Waldenfest and finish the project of the Vander Knights started by the previous Lord Vandalore. ELECTION OF THE CUSTODIAN OF THE BOOK OF WALDENIA During the First Session of the Seventh Waldenic Diet the matter of electing the new Custodian of the Book of Waldenia was suggested by His Princely Grace Manfred Barclay, who represented the Electorate of REINMAR-SUTICA. The Book of Waldenia is an important literary work for the Waldenians as it contains the history and customs of their culture. For many years the Book has been lying covered in dust and thus lacks much information from the modern history of the Waldenian people. His Princely Grace offered himself as the first Custodian of the Book and promised to write the missing chunk of history. As it became evident that there are no other candidates to become the first Custodian the Electors called a vote on electing Manfred Barclay the Custodian of the Book of Waldenia. VOTE: ELECTION OF MANFRED BARCLAY AS THE FIRST CUSTODIAN OF THE BOOK OF WALDENIA JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont ABSTAINED: Hohengarten Velen Arentania The vote passed, 4-0 as three Electors did not arrive for the session. As the voting concluded and His Princely Grace was elected the Custodian of the Book of Waldenia, the present Electors have called a vote to adjourn the session. VOTE: MOTION TO ADJOURN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE SEVENTH WALDENIC DIET JA Merryweather-Alstreim Reinmar-Sutica Minitz Einmont ABSTAINED: Hohengarten Velen Arentania The vote passed, 4-0 as three Electors did not arrive for the Session and the first session was adjourned. Issued and proclaimed in the name of the Waldenian People, Ausgestellt und verkündet im Namen des Waldenischen Volkes, LORD VANDALORE

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