TURN 10: Mers, Year 372—RPG contest continues

[Ravana]

As with turn 9, there will be multiple "news" updates as situations change. Also, the post immediately following this one will contain the "Midwinter Meat Market"—a list of who's who in terms of nobles seeking to be married, eligible to be married, or at any rate single and propertied.

•••

TURN 10: Mers, Year 372

News:

It being the beginning of winter, the imperial court (minus one emperor, of course) and the Electors are relocating from Ilvrichsburg to the Winter Capital, as per normal. Something had to be normal.…

It is heard from Kereszney that the second husband of former empress-consort Ilyena has just passed away.

The Dukes of Kolving and Delharrow have called for a meeting of their peers to confirm a new king for Lorthegnar. If the dukes of that realm follow tradition, the crown will go to the sole heir of Alfyr: Ulfyr—who is 11 years old. On the other hand, regencies are becoming the tradition in Lorthegnar as well: he would be the third consecutive king to begin his reign under one. It should be noted that one of these peers, the duke of Gundershagn, might experience some difficulty attending as a result of having been overthrown by the Count of Gundrigsvegn, one of his vassals, earlier this week; that another, the duke of Tuormu, who sent heavy support for the fallen king’s expedition, may be likewise delayed on account of troops from Delharrow overrunning his lands; and that the dukes of Maergert, Alschberg and Nichemhagn are all presently part of that expedition… and that the realms of the last two of these are likewise said to be set upon by troops from Kolving and Gundershagn.

Rielgi, Baron of Upper Kurvesi (in Dravuchim) and Metropolitan of Saxenfurt, has succumbed to a sudden illness at age 55. His barony will be inherited by his son Eldari. His religious office is quite another matter.…

The feud between the barons of Kalderhall and Meilinger has been resolved by the death of the former. The baron of Meilinger has claimed Kalderhall by right of conquest, and in the convenient absence of direct heirs to argue the issue.

Prince Sebeschar—who is still in Eszerthagn at this time—has responded by post to implications raised against him in the Council of Barons concerning any connection between himself and the death of the late Lord Marshal, challenging to a duel anyone spreading such base scurrility.

The conflict in Aldenthau continues.

The Duke Palatine of Tyrvenhagn has turned command of his forces over to the newly-arrived General (and maybe Lord Marshal) Malenty, and the political situation over to his fellow Legate, Berichart, so that he may make his way to the meeting of Electors. Which leaves only the Archduke of Eszerthagn yet to confirm when—or if—he shall be arriving. Plus the ongoing question as to who shall be permitted to cast the Maritsa vote.

A letter signed by the majority of princes of the Maritsa line has been presented to the Electors and to Curia, reaffirming the line’s wish that Regent Nestreza be permitted to cast its vote. It also states that if their desire is found to be unacceptable, they have settled upon an alternative. It does not say who that is. Signatures notable by their absence include those of the Duchesses of Dravuchim, Muretsu and Trebidascu, and the Duke of Herchevar; Teszlar, husband of the Marchioness of Sjaermund; Mazosyr, Minister of State; Ilunibel, Lodeszanyr and Ilyena. It should be noted that three of these persons are still in the running for the throne (well, technically, four, though the two who are wed to one another count as one candidacy)… and that one is already an Elector. (It should also be noted that imperial law prevents a person from holding two votes; should it happen that someone end up eligible to cast more than one vote, substitutes are appointed from the Great Officers as provided for by law.)

Duchess Angrebuda of Hedan-Saxar has formally denied that Prince Tergiv has been murdered in her captivity. In fact, she avers, he isn’t even dead. Under the terms of the Imperial Peace, the duchess has been ordered to release him. It’s not clear who is going to enforce this order if she ignores it.

The Duke of Kerecsantu has demanded the return of his ancestral lands in the duchy of Vredyinestu as part of any “peace settlement” with Kereszney, and intends to raise a fuss over Vahir-Dascu’s treaty being ratified without it. It’s not clear who, if anyone, cares.

•

Rumor:

The Maritsas might as well have said outright they are blackmailing the Electors into allowing Regent Nestreza to vote, with the implication that they can always saddle them with someone worse. The problem is, they could. The better question is why they are so insistent that it be her: it’s not as though whoever it is won’t be well-briefed on the line’s views of the matter. Is this merely a gesture of preserving a line’s autonomy in governing its own affairs, or is there some reason they want her… or is there someone else they don’t want handling the vote?

Minister of State Mazosyr is reportedly somewhere in Vaesthegnar at this time. Accounts differ as to whether this is in the comparatively stable southern half, or the war-torn northern half. Which it is—and thus who he’s talking to—has generated considerable speculation.

One report has the dukes of Vahir-Dascu and Voydulescu entering their younger children (Hengra and Idhruvir, respectively) in a dynastic marriage, as an unwritten part of their peace treaty. Nothing has been heard regarding whether either of the proposed spouses is inclined to accept, or if they were even consulted on the matter.

Knights of the Order of the Ward, and their support troops, are said to be gathering in Eszerthagn at the behest of the Commander of the Northern Ward, Sir Domnuvar. Most of the knights from his own Ward were already there: what's unusual is that members of the other two Wards are supposedly massing there as well.

 

[Ravana]

MIDWINTER MEAT MARKET

The following nobles, heirs and heiresses are either looking to be wed, or at least are single and considered eminently eligible (from the normal points of view; some may not consider themselves to be “available,” “eligible” or not). Royal line(s), if any, are given in brackets; ages follow. Except for the most obviously desirable matches—that is, the two widowed duchesses—persons outside the normal age for marriages are omitted. (Otherwise, this would get way too long.) Likewise, there are undoubtedly more candidates linked to baronies (statistically, there should probably be around thirty, just considering the offspring of barons alone, never mind everybody's siblings, cousins, and other relations); only the few that have come up in other contexts receive mention here. Princes with no titles other than to princely realms are listed separately (and constitute the largest portion of the list, since that’s the main genealogy I’ve been working on… no surprise). If someone is first in line to inherit a title, they are listed as "heir"; if they are not, they're younger members of the family, who may or may not inherit anything other than the family's good name. But even that has its value.…

* = is betrothed
√ = has married
† = has died
€ = would rather marry her horse

€ Clothilde, Duchess of Nieden-Saxar [Clothildan]; 29.
Isteven, heir of Duke of Vahir-Dascu [Helderau]; 16.
* Ivrimel, heiress of Duke of Varaborn [Vaesthegnar, Lorthegnar]; 16 {to Teodlyr, son of Duke of Rek}.
Nagyleda, Duchess of Trebidascu [Maritsa, Kereszney]; 30.
Wisidra, heiress of Duke of Bergeheim and Malodbord [Helderau]; 18.
† Yudirich, heir of Duke of Varaborn [Vaesthegnar, Lorthegnar]; 17.

Ildigret, heiress of Princess-Regnant and Countess of Helderau [Helderau]; 15.

Alirgar, heir of Countess of Ravensthal [Clothildan]; 16.
Mercha, Countess of Gramanstadt; 46.
√ Odosvalt, heir of Countess of Grenteheim; 22.

Feringold, heiress of Viscount of Lipfmund [Helderau]; 18.

√ Froedlich of Riverwatch; 15 {to the first person who didn't say no}.
Hangar, Baron-Apparent of Nistremen; 20.
Mudremen, heir to Baron of Felgarth; 19.
Nelovetsa, heiress to Baron of Erezhya; 16.
Peligrant, heir to Baroness of Holover; 17.
√ Sendra, Baroness-Apparent of Riverwatch; 19.
* Sigrelyn Drachteving, Baroness-Apparent of Riedvin, heiress of Marchioness Sigrelyn of Sjaermund [Maritsa]; 19 {to Prince Heverik… no, that's not a joke}

Aldaf, heir to Prince of Sudenlich [Helderau]; 16.
Bridya of Gundershagn, Princess [Lorthegnar]; 18.
Drazatlo, Prince [Clothildan]; 17. [son of Sebeschar]
Ezvir, Prince [Kereszney]; 18.
Feringeta of Pasevold, Princess [Helderau]; 17.
Feringmart of Heldevikgau, Princess [Helderau]; 35.
Hengra of Vahir-Dascu, Princess [Helderau]; 15.
Iligretsa, Princess [Maritsa, Kereszney]; 16.
Idruvhir of Voydulescu, Prince [Kereszney]; 16.
Ishtvan, Prince [Maritsa]; 16.
Istimel, Princess [Maritsa]; 16.

Kelamy, heir to Prince of Brudehul [Clothildan, Lorthegnar]; 17.
Kyrileta of Eszerthagn, Princess [Clothildan, Kereszney]; 16.
Kyrimisa of Eszerthagn, Princess [Clothildan, Kereszney]; will be 15 with new year.
Minedra of Delharrow, Princess [Lorthegnar]; 18.
Oyecha of Rachevnar and Leichsheim, Princess [Clothildan, Kereszney]; 22.
Pferinnya, Princess [Vaesthegnar]; 22.
Redigern of Lipfmund [Helderau]; 17.
Sebezir, Prince [Maritsa]; will be 15 with new year.
* Sirithanza, Princess [Lorthegnar, Maritsa, Kereszney]; 20 {to Tregosyr, son of Minister of State Prince Manchovar}.
* Teodlyr of Rek, Prince [Helderau, Vaesthegnar]; 19 {to Ivrimel, heiress to Duke of Varaborn}.
Tirelista, Princess [Maritsa]; 16.
Tringlaf of Delharrow, Prince [Lorthegnar]; 19.
Ulgrym of Dirvechsen, Prince [Clothildan, Lorthegnar]; 16
Urdrich, Prince [Helderau]; 15.

And then there are a few persons outside the age ranges normally discussed for marriage, but around whom speculation has revolved:

Eligret, Princess of Butzheim and Rstimalvo [Clothildan]; 53.
Elislet, Duchess Apparent of Upper Fulgau [Clothildan]; 9.
* Heverik, Prince [Maritsa]; 30 {to Sigrelyn, heiress of Marchioness of Sjaermund}.
Ilyena, Princess [Maritsa]; 51.
Nestreza, Regent of Maritsdor; 28.
Sazomir, Prince Regnant Apparent of Maritsdor [Maritsa]; 10.
* Teover, Duke of Rek [Helderau]; 45 {to Deliya of Techarig, Princess}.

Interested persons should apply directly to a member of the relevant line or that noble's representative at court, or at the nearest pursuivant's office—the latter will be necessary in any event, as your own ancestry will need to be properly documented before anyone will consider you at all. Note that you don't need to be applying for yourself: you can always try to get a relative or vassal hitched, too.

 

[Ravana]

Turn 10, Part 2:

News:

Duke Palatine Rudimer has arrived at the Winter Capital. He has delivered notice to his Electoral peers that he is not interested in standing for the throne, and desires his name be withdrawn from consideration.

Much to the surprise of the assembling court, Princess Gerdinga has likewise withdrawn her name from consideration.

Prince Sebeschar is reported to have altered his stance upon the alienability of lands following receiving support for his candidacy from the Order of the Ward. He has not, however, altered his opinion on the recreation of the Duchy of Alstein, the dissolution of which prompted the question in the first place.

Avronezi, Count of Trebovilje, has resurfaced in the company—and protection—of the Duchess of Muretsu; the two arrived at the Winter Capital along with most of her court. (Her husband was left behind to “see to a few things.â€) The duchess has let it be known that she will support her neighbor Vahir-Dascu’s treaty with nobles in Kereszney treaty if modified to transfer the County of Trebovilje to her… along with the viscounty of Chimlubuzh, which is part of a county under Muretsu’s overlordship (Subitsich), but which is presently within Vahir-Dascu. Count Avronezi gives the appearance of endorsing this proposal.

On the other hand, Barad, Marquis of Cantrescu, to whom Trebovilje presently belongs, hit the roof when he heard of it… unsurprisingly. He has declaimed quite loudly that this is part of a plot by the dukes to see the marches dissolved. To be fair, such a proposal has been put forth as a potential amendment to imperial law.…

The Duke of Herchevar has appended his name to the list of Maritsa princes acceding to… whatever it is they have planned. Of course, unlike the three duchesses, he wasn’t being considered for the throne.

Ishteven, Count of Decherezny and husband of Archduchess Chiriya, has communicated his wife’s desire that she no longer be considered a candidate for the throne. He has indicated that he will remain at court as a representative of the kingdom’s interests, and that he expects to be able to communicate his queen’s endorsement regarding the remaining candidates shortly.

Three reigning barons and baronesses, along with numerous members of their parties, simultaneously took seriously ill last night. Not all are expected to survive. Poison, deliberate or accidental, is suspected. Given that the occasion was a wine tasting, the number of food items to be investigated is comparatively minimal. In the meantime, nobles are warned against consuming wine from the counties of Torgen, Uldenvahir and Suvahir, cheeses from the baronies of Ermitschau, Ravnitz, Hendelsbach, and Durenbien, and breadstuffs from anywhere other than the imperial kitchens, particularly specialty items brought from the counties of Taubenech or Madenfurt or the barony of Riverwatch. Other causes have not been ruled out at this time.

Rumor:

The Duke of Bergeheim, known to be partial to wines of the Lake Vahir region, was expected to be at the wine-tasting event. Whether or not he actually attended has been kept very quiet. Though it’s worthy of note that he, too, has been very quiet since that time… “unavailable for comment.â€

It has been taken as significant by some—actually, by many—that the duke palatine not only made the Council of Barons his first place of visit, but did not even stop to refresh himself or change from his riding clothes before he did so. That he left that gathering shortly thereafter, allowing his more-than-competent wife and cousins to look after his interests there while he proceeded to address other affairs demanding his attention, is not held against him in the least: he is an Elector, after all.

Gerdinga’s dropping her candidacy came as a surprise to other members of her line. It came as an even bigger surprise that she reportedly did this shortly after meeting with duke Rudimer.

Allegations have begun circulating that the force Prince Tergiv led to its destruction in Hedan-Saxar was en route to seize the Winter Capital by force—which is the first first plausible reason so far suggested as to why no alternate route eastward, such as by sea, was considered satisfactory. It is not entirely clear what (rather, who) the source of these allegations is.

The “things†the duchess of Muretsu’s husband was left behind to “see to†primarily involve dusting the curtains of the royal suite behind a door locked from the outside, according to some reports. Which would be the first sign of true assertiveness seen from the duchess, if so—and by most lights, an act that would speak highly of her wisdom. Conflicting reports, however, have it that he has been left behind to coordinate military action against Vahir-Dascu along with the latter’s bitter rival, Dravuchim. Given how the duke bungled his own expedition into Trebovilje and Merchureadu earlier this year, this would speak very poorly of his wife’s wisdom—as well as that of Duchess Milchiyeva, who’s generally given credit for more.

More than a few people have taken Count Ishteven’s announcement that the queen of Kereszney will “endorse†a candidate as arrogant interference on her part, as the kingdoms have no say in who becomes emperor. Such an endorsement, if forthcoming, could backfire.

An amount of traffic unusual even given the circumstances has been passing in and out of duke Rudimer’s suite. Even more unusual is that this has on at least two occasions involved the marquises and/or marchionesses of Tyrsreach, Juliberg, Sjaermund, Kurfsjin, Hesjedal and Torvenhagn simultaneously… and in the absence of other high nobles. Then again, considering the duke is a noted soldier, and that these other lands constitute the overwhelming majority of the empire’s borders with the warring kingdoms of Lorthegnar and Vaesthegnar (the only significant exception being lands belonging to the archduke of Eszerthagn, who has yet to present himself in the capital), perhaps it shouldn’t be regarded as too surprising.

The regency council for Duchess-Apparent Elislet intends to formally petition Curia—or the new emperor—to waive the normal age requirements for marriage and permit her to legally assume her title. This has been done before, but not for someone who is only about to turn 10; the old record is 13. The application is being given such narrow chances of success that many wonder why it is being made… if it is.

This will become an even more interesting discussion if either of the potential husbands bruited about turns out to be the intended: Ulfyr, heir-apparent to the throne of Lorthegnar (who will be 12) or Sazomir, heir-apparent to the Maritsa line (who will be 11). One suggestion is that it is intended to head off a union between one of those young gentlemen with Delera of Harding, the nominal heir to the present duke of that land—who will be 13, and who is presently living in Kereszney with her mother, the duke’s estranged wife, Deliya.

 

[Ravana]

Turn 10, Part 3:
24 Mers 372

News:

Baron Hudelbert of Erminghausen, a vassal and distant relative of the Duke of Bergeheim, has died, presumably as a result of attenting the fateful (now fatal) wine-tasting. The imperial physician attending him remains uncertain of the exact cause of death.

Berichart, Viscount of Sarchsignen and Imperial Legate, has responded by post in respect to implications connecting Prince Sebeschar with the death of the late Lord Marshal and Count of Aldenthau. Specifically, Legate Berichart deprecates the notion of such implications and the effects they might have on perceptions of the prince’s good character, and holds the prince to be quite correct in challenging any who would whisper such nonsense. He accuses the prince outright of complicity (actually, his words are "primary culpability") in the murder, and gladly accepts the proffered duel—which, he says, will save the empire the cost of a trial, since he also has evidence to back his claim.

The minor kingdom of Torsig is confirmed to have surrendered to an expedition from Lorthegnar, and has submitted to vassalage under the governance of one of the kingdom’s dukes. Minor border adjustments are also expected.

Prince Sebeschar, acting in his assumed capacity as “Lord Marshal,” has ordered the imperial navy ships restricting traffic on the Szeklari river to return to their ports; if they do not, he will force the blockade. Lord Admiral Zerich, presently at court, upon being informed of this demand, reportedly muttered something about avian primates migrating from some improbable southern region, before retiring to his office, from which numerous sealed orders issued shortly thereafter.

Troop movements within Eszerthagn suggest that the archduke is prepared to assist Prince Sebeschar in breaking the river blockade—a demand he himself made three months ago. Rumors also indicate concentrations of forces in the archduchy’s south: the Principality of Dasselburg is said to be surrounded, and large bodies are gathered near the borders of the Principality of Herzerik and the March of Sangor. Another large body is said to be massing in and about the Imperial City of Tordemischa, and that river traffic at the normally busy confluence there has come to a virtual standstill.

The Duke of Vahir-Dascu has responded to the Duchess of Muretsu’s “request” that the viscounty of Chimlubuzh be transferred to her sovereignty along with the county of Trebovilje by pointing out that, while there is some justice to what she says, a similar situation applies in reverse to the viscounty of Gorovetznu, which is part of the county of Rasceta, of which he is overlord, but which presently falls into her duchy… and that if both situations were rectified, it would leave Trebovilje once again isolated from the realm it is to be part of.

The duchess is said to have replied in turn that the duke had obviously misunderstood the intention of her original communication—to wit: it was not a request.

The Duke of Herchevar has temporarily absented himself from the court, though he left word he expects to be able to return in a very few days.

The regency council for Duchess-Apparent Elislet has, as expected, submitted a formal request that the age of adulthood be waived so that she might marry.

Burghers from the city of Thyminghausen, in the Duchy of Bergeheim (or Malodbord, if one recognizes the old borders), have presented an application to be granted a charter as an Imperial Free City.

A major new piece of legislation has been laid before court: it proposes that all baronies presently held by higher nobles be dissolved and their lands incorporated directly into the realms of those nobles. If passed, this would remove nearly half of the empire’s baronies, as well as the control the emperor exercises over such lands by his power to appoint barons. Those favoring the legislation point out that it would considerably simplify administration (as well as the Order of Precedence), and that it is a logical consequence of the fact that baronies have in general been allowed to pass along hereditary lines anyway.

Another major new piece of legislation has been introduced, recommending a reapportionment of the empire’s lands with respect to the regions they fall within, as well as a reduction of the total number of regions (and governorships).

And, as has been the case every year in living memory, someone has proposed that formal divorces be legalized, as an alternative preferable to such less formal procedures as desertion, exile and murder. It isn’t expected to receive much support. It never has so far—its detractors pointing out that inheritance among the nobility is a complicated enough affair even without it.

It has now been confirmed that Prince Kaledy, the heir-designate of the late emperor, has been enjoying a vacation in the barony of Echternau in Maritsdor—enjoying it thoroughly, it appears: in particular, he has taken to following young Prince Regnant-Apparent Sazomir just about everywhere in Glimmercrag Citadel (to the ongoing exasperation and occasional distress of some of its staff), where they are the guests of Sir Holdir, himself taking a break from his duties as Lord Mayor of Treligndor and Commander of the Funfberg Chapter of the Order of the Coronet. Or at least the former, as the entire chapter is said to have accompanied him thence "for the fishing." Prince Sazomir, too, seems well-pleased with the arrangement, and has already taught his younger peer several of the fundamental skills required by a noble, such as how to approach a horse and how to hold a single-bladed dagger properly for a knife-fight, and is working on teaching him how to deal from the bottom of a deck, this last only marginally slowed by the inability of a child of three to shuffle cards in the first place. He has already taught him how to bluff, and not to draw to an inside straight, in any event. The parents of other young heirs who also spent the autumn in their company—of whom there are said to be many—are advised to be wary of new skills their little darlings may have acquired under such distinguished tutelage. Some might even have learned how to fish.

The dukes of Lorthegnar are gathered to confirm a new king. Just how many dukes are actually going to have a voice in the matter remains an open question, as several are said to have been made prisoner in the course of battle in Vaesthegnar, and the count of Gundrigsvegn’s claim to the duchy of Gundershagn has yet to be recognized. Though perhaps the former fact explains why the gathering is taking place in city of Osidring—in Vaesthegnar—and not in Lorthegnar’s capital.

Rumor:

Some are now saying that Tergiv’s force was to act in conjunction with forces descending upon the Summer Capital from the north, under Prince Sebeschar—which, following the previous rumor about that force, is the first plausible reason so far suggested as to why Tergiv might have thought there was any chance of accomplishing anything by seizing the Winter Capital.

The baron of Erminghausen isn’t the only person to have died from the wine-tasting poisoning (as it’s now widely held to have been). Imperial physicians are under orders to conceal the statuses of other attendees receiving their care.

Unsubstantiated hearsay has it that the Maritsa princes, if balked in their desire to allow regent Nestreza to vote their Electora dignity, will give it to the Duchess of Dravuchim instead—and, since she’s already an Elector, thereby force the substitution of Lord Chancellor Rineyard. It’s not clear what they might hope to gain from this, if true.

A high-level diplomatic deputation from the kingdom of Kereszney is said to have arrived in Vaesthegnar—very high level: it flew the flag of Veneslau, Count of Nurevrich, Kereszney’s Minister of State and of the Navy, and the husband of the Duchess of Voydulescu who has received recent mention in the news. Which is doubly intriguing because unlike his counterpart Mazosyr, Veneslau is not known to travel often or far.

Erchevrant, King of Vaesthegnar, is rumored to have died in battle while on campaign in Mittelvald to restore the northern part of his kingdom. Some commentary has arisen amongst persons of less than affable character, wondering where he’d been during the time the issue was in doubt, and how he’d contrived to get himself killed once it no longer was. While the throne has to date descended along hereditary lines, it is considered unlikely that Erchevrant’s sole heir, an 18-year-old daughter, will be named to it. Good money splits fairly evenly between the Archduke of Habichtsvegn and the Dukes of Harding and Thanding… all of whom, however, are known to be rivals of one another. Given that, if confirmed, this would leave the thrones of two kingdoms empty simultaneously, each post rider arriving from the west is looked to with great anticipation.

The Duke Palatine of Tyrvenhagn is said to have brought with him a “remarkable” document, which he will be introducing to court shortly. The nature of the document has not been revealed, however.

It has now been nearly two months since the Electors were summoned, and all are in attendance—except for the Archduke of Eszerthagn. If he doesn’t arrive soon, doubtless someone will suggest this be interpreted as an abdication of his duty, and that the dignity be stripped from him and bestowed elsewhere.

 

[Ravana]

News and Rumor, 10/25:

The alleged poisoning from the wine-tasting has allegedly claimed three more victims. The first is allegedly Erhard von Steinlufter, Baron of Geigestocken, who hosted the event. The second is allegedly Gerlach, Duke of Bergehim, whose interest in becoming emperor is presumed to have waned as a consequence. The third is allegedly Krisha, Viscountess of Beckenen, who allegedly was ill and could not attend. The alleged imperial physicians have allegedly been unable to confirm the allgeg—aggle— rumored cause of the rumored deaths.

Representatives of the duchy of Bergeheim have allegedly presented a “routine” request challenging Thyminghausen’s application to become a Free City and moving that it be disallowed, which is either allegedly unsigned or illegibly signed, depending on to whom you are speaking.

The Keeper of Palace Inventories for Items Unrelated to Kitchens, Cellars, Housekeeping, Groundskeeping, Stables and Armories has reported a run on sealing wax. He has recommended the use of floor wax as an interim measure. The Stationer Major of the Post and the Archdean of the Palace Scholarium have deprecated both this lack of supply and the proposed solution, howsoever temporary, and the Supervisor of Halls has challenged the Keeper to a duel over the matter. The Undersupervisor of Housekeeping for Illumination reports that some letter-writers, in the extremity of their needs, have resorted to using the wax of melting candles to seal their missives, though he also adds a warning that this has already led to one fire (thankfully, rapidly extinguished) as a result of a person employing this practice failing to note that the wick of the candle being melted had been touched off in the process. An emergency order of wickless candles is being contemplated. The Inspector-General of the Imperial Palace is said to be looking into the matter.

 

[Ravana]

News and Rumor, 10/26:

A fabulous beast has allegedly been sighted in the mountains of the nearby County of Cunedor.

Prince Heverik has allegedly inquired into whether or not the beast in question possesses fur, horns, wings, hooves, tentacles or other body parts not represented in his wardrobe, as well as ordering a review of Title Fifty-Seven, to determine whether a hunting party should be instructed to take it alive or dead.

The Secretary Major of the Palace Scriptorium has allegedly received requests from his staff to have the word “allegedly†struck from the vocabulary.

Insofar as funeral arrangements have begun for the three nobles mentioned in the previous day’s report, the word may at least be struck from several of its recent occurrences.

The elderly Baron of Geigestocken will be succeeded by a grandchild, Ergving, said to have already inherited his ancestor’s tastes and less fortunate facial features.

The young Viscountess of Beckenen has no direct heirs, so they are said to have inherited very little from her.

The middle-aged Duke of Bergeheim and Malodbord has a single unmarried adult daughter and an underage (and also unmarried) son, both of whom are said to have inherited all of their father’s good qualities—whatever those might have been—along with the inevitably if possibly unfairly attributed qualities attached to a mother whose father was a real bastard, in a distinctly non-metaphorical sense, and finally unquestionably inherited two generations of mistrust by the rest of the empire, which goes a long way toward explaining why Wisidra remains unmarried, despite (or more likely because of) her father’s best efforts.

Word from the north suggests that the minor kingdom of Rikiver has also submitted to the vassalage of the Kingdom of Lorthegnar. Whether this is because the dukes of Delharrow and Sveig conquered it, or because the duke of Rek captured its king along with much of his soldiery and nearly all his navy in Vaesthegnar, is not made clear yet.

•

Following upon the hearsay concerning a Maritsa attempt to force the substitution of Lord Chancellor Rineyard as an Elector, some have begun to whisper that it isn’t Rineyard they want to have voting at all: it’s the next designated substitute—Lord Treasurer Hunyelad of Nygesha. This could be achieved in one of two ways: either the Lord Chancellor recusing herself from voting, as seems quite possible considering her well-known tendency to maintain neutrality in political affairs (though, against this, there’s her well-known tendency to put the empire’s interests ahead of personal ones, so this might depend on which candidate is considered closest to attaining the required five votes)… or by having both placed as substitutes, if the Electors decide to declare Eszerthagn in abeyance. Once again, it’s unclear what they they might hope to gain from this: neither Great Officer is connected with the Maritsa line in any way.

•

Duchess Angrebuda of Hedan-Saxar has finally made response to the justiciary’s insistence that she accept ransom for Prince Tergiv so that he may make his way under the Imperial Peace to the Winter Capital. She has avowed ransom quite unnecessary, and indeed would be delighted to facilitate his conveyance hither—as long as it’s for a trial. For treason. She has presented a formal request for arraignment to the Curia. Until they pass on it, she is unwilling to permit an attempted regicide within the proximity of such persons as may tempt him to make a second, if proactive, assay at the distinction. Herself being among their number.

She further stated that it initially struck her as the better idea to have Prince Sebeschar tried at the same time, for the same charge—which, she pretends, would make perfect sense since it was for the same actions—but has come round to a different opinon on the matter, viz. that her demi-stepbrother is unlikely to see the Winter Capital any time soon, Imperial Peace notwithstanding… since the Peace does not apply to duels, and Sebeschar, as challenger, has waived any right to its protection.

She added as a coda that she believed, however, Legate Berichart’s letter may have contained an uncharacteristic misrepresentation concerning the matter, in that he did not “have evidence to back his claim.†His evidence was on her stepbrother, as he was scarce likely to have forgotten, having left it in her possession prior to his trip to see her now-deceased other demi-stepbrother, the late emperor.

She was willing to allow that his precise words might have been misreported by persons possessed of overly enthusiastic hearing. She did not clarify what was intended by the words “his evidence.â€

•

One suggestion has been put forward as a possible motivation for what’s becoming known as the “Maritsa Maneuverâ€: while the substitution for the Line would not be permanent, substitution for a ducal Elector automatically strips that Elector of the dignity—by law. Which still leaves unanswered the question of why the Maritsas couldn’t put forward a perfectly acceptable prince of their own line instead of contriving to have a Great Officer substituted.

Not even the most imaginative can produce a reason why the Maritsas, or anybody, would take the risk of compelling two substitutions and having the Lord Chancellor recuse herself, since the next substitute would be the Lord Marshal—whoever you take that to be at the moment, if anybody. Probably, if this seemed likely to occur, the Lord Chancellor would vote after all, rather than risk a vote put at issue or allow the dispute over who occupies the Marshalate to go to the justicars (and she’d know if this were the case, since she’d be the first substitute for the second vote to come empty: she’d have to recuse herself again); probably, even if she did not, the Electors, the Privy Council, the Curia, and anyone else with an ounce of sanity would simply declare the Marshalate empty and thus unable to act as a substitute; and even if she did recuse herself again and the Marshalate was declared empty, this would pass the vote to the fourth substitute, the Lord Steward of the Imperial Realm, Gerasig, who it is believed would vote the same way Rineyard would anyway… probably. In any event, he isn’t connected with the Maritsa line either.

As against that… the issue of substitution for an absent Elector remains entirely in the realm of the rhetorical—unless at least five of the remaining Electors have already settled on a candidate, and the absence is taken to be an attempt to hinder a final vote taking place. Which seems unlikely at this stage.

On the other hand… there are those who can think of reasons why the three royal lines might conspire together to force the issue.…

 

[Ravana]

News and Rumor, 10/27:

Duke Jarmish of Herchevar has returned to the Winter Capital, as per his previously announced intention. That he brought rather more guards than he departed with occasioned only slight attention, and then only because none of them were the same ones… indeed, while he departed in the company of four captains and as many knights, none of those accompanying his re-arrival bore a rank above that of ensign, and only one of those.

The first confirmed survivors of the now-infamous wine-tasting are the Baron and Baroness of Ochsenfurt, who emerged from their chambers this morning pale but otherwise healthy. Imperial physicians purport themselves to be mystified why that pair survived, especially in light of the fact that they did not attend them.

•

A message from Minister of State Prince Mazosyr has brought with it official confirmation that the King of Vaesthegnar has indeed been slain, as well as the first word that Herngest VI, Duke of Harding, is also dead, though the circumstances of the latter were apparently not made clear.

After the previously-mentioned Idamel, the only direct heir to King Erchevrant, would be the king’s sister Erchelyn, who is married to a minor vassal of the Archduke of Habichtsvegn and who may as a result enjoy some support from that quarter for a claim to the throne, though probably less than that archduke is considered likely to give his own candidacy. After her would come her aunt Medrimela, the wife of the Duke of Thanding, and her heirs; then the heirs of their deceased younger sister Rinuving.

The Duke of Harding’s sole surviving child is his twelve-year-old daughter, Delera, who has been residing in Kereszney of late with her mother Deliya, following the estrangement of her parents after a younger son was carried off by illness three years ago. The next nearest claimant to the title is the duke’s sister, who is however wed to a prince of the neighboring minor kingdom of Turinga and who is considered likely to be barred for that reason. Following her is the duke’s uncle Vardumich, whose oldest child is that Count of Heldenlach who recently assisted the Duke Palatine of Tyrvenhagn in suppressing violence in Vaesthegnar and who is married to younger child of the aforementioned Duke of Thanding; whose middle child is married to that Count of Gundrigvegn who recently supplanted his own duke in Lorthegnar; and whose youngest child is thought to still be available should anybody consider the foregoing to be a strong recommendation—or otherwise.

•

Immediately upon receiving the foregoing news—which reached him before all others through the simple if unconventional contrivance of it having been addressed directly to him—Duke Palatine Rudimer sent palace runners to convene an emergency meeting of the Curia, which is taking place behind locked (and heavily-guarded) doors even as this news takes wing. He is said to have borne with him into the meeting a formidable-looking scroll, the weight of which, however, did not prevent him from arriving ahead of his peers. His sole reported comment, which being muttered may have been incorrectly overheard—a circumstance impeding its repetition not in the least part—appears to have been to the effect that life presented “few opportunities to upstage both of them at once.†He was, at least, reportedly smiling when he said it.

There is little—apart from his own family—which is positively known to make Duke Rudimer smile, in spite of his having a reputation for doing so. Indeed, it is those few things positively known that provide the impact of that reputation… since they all involve someone, somewhere, in the very near future, being extremely disappointed.

All of the duke’s relatives are positively known to have been elsewhere at the time he strode to the Curia chamber.

 

[Ravana]

News and Rumor, 10/28:

The Duchesses of Dravuchim, Trebidascu and Muretsu have added their signatures to the “Maritsa letter."

All three of them, along with the Duke of Herchevar, have also added their support to the petition to allow Duchess-Apparent Elislet to wed; regent Nestreza has indicated her line will support for the petition as well.

All five have also indicated they will favor alienation of land; oppose the recreation of the duchy of Alstein; oppose the dissolution of marches; favor the creation of a Diet; oppose the proposed treaty between Vahir-Dascu and Voydulescu; favor Thyminghausen’s application for a charter; and favor the reduction and reapportionment of imperial regions. The Duchess of Dravuchim has withdrawn her opposition to making Electors ineligible to be elected, and to increasing the number of Electors; the Duchess of Trebidascu has withdrawn her support for making Electors ineligible to be elected. These five high nobles are now unanimous in their support, opposition or neutrality on every issue. One almost suspects them of trying to send a message to someone.…

The Duchess of Muretsu has also graciously diverted part of a consignment of sealing wax coming upriver from her duchy and donated it for the use of the palace’s denizens. One crisis averted.

The Countess of Vargin has requested, and been granted, permission to address the closed-door meeting of the Curia, which is now in its second day. In spite of all the principals returning to their chambers for the night, the only rumors to have emerged so far as to what is taking place have involved choices of wine to be delivered. Those of the Lake Vahir region were specifically disfavored.

The city of Veuderburg, still under siege in the Aldenthau conflict, has requeseted a charter to become an Imperial Free City.

The Duchesses of Zanarvec and Kalaszlar have put forward a proposal to end the Aldenthau conflict. In essence, it mirrors the earliest of the proposals: Neraldsfel receives Aldenthau if it returns the viscounty of Hudlerik to the county Murgethalsing, and the barony of Deuring to the viscounty of Preglysvar; the only difference is that it would also transfer the barony of Madlerau from Aldenthau to the viscounty of Meredag (which is also part of Murgethalsing; this would cause the barony to remain in Meinerthagn). Inasmuch as Eszerthagn didn’t show great affection for the lesser version when it was proposed several months ago, it is given marginal chances of succeeding. Especially if Veuderburg’s application to become a Free City is accepted, as it is also a part of Aldenthau.

Froedlich of Riverwatch proudly (and loudly) proclaims that he is engaged to be married to the younger daughter of a baronet who is a relation of the Baron of Vilgenfeld. When asked by one of his drinking companions if he could locate the latter on a map, he seemed puzzled by the question. Lady Elga, the targ—intended, was unavailable for comment.

More diplomatically—which comes as no surprise, considering—Prince Trebozyr, son of Prince Mazosyr, has let it be known that he will be marrying Princess Sirithanza.

The latest missive from Vaesthegnar indicates that the recently hard-beset Haligar, Duke of Varaborn, will be marrying his daughter Ivrimel to Teodlyr, the younger son of the Duke of Rek. The latter apparently offered his son as compensation for the one Duke Haligar lost in the war, at about the time he requested his candidacy for emperor be set aside.

 

[Ravana]

News and Rumor, 10/29:

One other death—and hopefully the last—has been confirmed from the wine-tasting debacle. Trissa, Baroness of Muhlenhorst, who had the misfortune of losing both her husband and only surviving son last year in the Gramanstadt struggle, has been reported dead by imperial physicians. A careful check of all other persons of quality who might have attended has confirmed that they either have recovered (at least to the point where they have been declared out of danger), did not suffer any symptoms, or failed to attend.

With this information, and the testimony of the survivors, the number of possible sources of poison has been narrowed: the wine from the county of Torgen still bears some small suspicion, but is considered unlikely, and the other two wines have been cleared entirely; the breadstuffs, never a strong probability, have likewise been exculpated. The cheeses remain a possibility, though none of the rats or peasants fed tiny amounts of it have suffered unduly.

It has also been verified that the Viscountess of Beckenen indeed was not in attendance, though her symptoms are reported to have been similar to those of persons who were there; this has caused the imperial physicians to hesitate in bringing a positive opinion on whether the cause of the mass illness was natural or artificial, and whether deliberate or not if the latter.

The Curia has conducted a third day of closed-door discussions, still apparently without resolution on the matters set before it; or, if such a resolution has been reached, it has been kept astonishingly quiet. That forty-odd and a couple very odd nobles have managed this in itself speaks of the gravity of the matters under discussion, and has driven the Lieutenant of the Guard in Charge of Palace Leaks to absolute distraction. It has also caused murmurings from Princess-Regnant Ilga (who, lacking a similarly-tasked official, has had to arrange for her own retinue to handle her leaks) to complain that the business of the Electors can hardly be conducted when four of them spend entire days on the far side of locked doors from the fifth, a sixth is absent, and a seventh is, for all she can tell, non-existent.

Some have commented that this is perhaps one of the most astute observations the Princess-Regnant has ever made. But since such remarks originated among persons of less-well-recognized character than Her Imperial Highness, we lend them no credence.

A new piece of legislation has been put forward, calling for an indefinite moratorium on the creation of new Imperial Free Cities.

His Lordship Odosvalt, heir to the Countess of Grenteheim, is reported to have accepted a proposal of marriage made to him on behalf of Her Ladyship Sendra, Baroness-Apparent of Riverwatch. One palace oddsmaker has already filed for Relief of Debts as a consequence, and two others are said to have escaped similar fates only by enticing some number of re-wagers against long odds of His Lordship being allowed to inherit even if he does make it past the altar.

 

[Ravana]

Today is Scribes' Day, so there is no news.

Actually, I'd been planning for tomorrow to be Scribes' Day—the game calendar has only 30 days in each month, so tomorrow wouldn't have existed anyway. But since it appears everyone else has taken the day off, I'll just save today's news for sometime tomorrow evening.

You are encouraged to continue engaging in whatever activities recommend themselves to you, of course: you aren't obliged to take the day off. But feel free to catch your breath… I suspect you'll need it for the home stretch.

 

[Ravana]

So we come to the end of Mers, and take the turn into the homestretch as we enter Adomru. One last news installment for this month, before moving on.…

•

News and Rumor, 10/30:

The Curia entered its fourth day of closed-door discussion… but only briefly. A post rider arriving in the forenoon brought word that penetrated even its enforced isolation:

Vaesthegnar has a new king.
Lorthegnar has a new king.
And they’re the same man.

“Be it known unto all throughout all the lands these missives reach, that by order of the Dukes of the respective realms, assembled in several session at the city of Osidring, Teover, Duke of Rek is acclaimed King in Vaesthegnar and in Lorthegnar. His coronation shall take place on Midwinter Eve in this city, which is henceforth to be the capital of a new realm, to be styled the Kingdom of Althegnar; this celebration shall take place the day following the solemnization of his marriage to Princess Deliya of Techarig. His Royal Majesty also proclaims his adoption of Princess Delera, the daughter of his Queen, and confirms in her the succession to the title Duchess of Harding, which she shall assume in full upon the occasion of her majority.â€

Upon the arrival of the news, Duke Palatine Rudimer commented: “I suppose we might as well leave the doors open now.â€

He was smiling as he said it.

•

Less than half an hour after the doors to the Curia meeting were reopened, a warrant issued forth for the transportation of Prince Tergiv to the Winter Capital to face charges of treason against the empire. The main reason it took that long was because it had to wait for the ink to dry where the date had been filled in. It bore the signatures of 18 dukes or duchesses, 9 marquises or marchionesses, 4 counts palatine, 4 cardinals, and 4 grand masters; three dukes (including the underage one of Upper Fulgau and the dead one of Bergeheim) and one grand master were recorded as absent. There were no nay votes or abstentions.

Inasmuch as a person under accusation for treason cannot be considered for the throne, a trial will be arranged immediately upon the prince becoming available to face it. Inasmuch as there is no emperor, the trial will be held before the Curia, presided over by the Lord High Justicar. Inasmuch as the vote on the arraignment was reasonably decisive, it is doubted his presence will matter in the least.

•

The second piece of business to be considered by the Curia arrived with Alisa, Countess of Vargin, who was summoned as soon as the doors had been reopened, and was kept waiting only because she arrived before the ink on the other summons was dry. Graudiger of Elgau, presiding as senior duke—as he has for more than two decades—could be heard clearly by those in the hall, waiting beyond the guards (it still wasn’t a public meeting, after all) to be the first to catch at such crumbs: “We shall now consider the application of the Countess of Vargin to be elevated to the title of Duchess of Bergeheim, in the absence of qualified heirs.†This required even less time, as there was nothing to be signed: the countess was invited to assume Bergeheim’s seat on a provisional basis, pending the approval of the new emperor, or a qualified heir coming forth.

Clearly, some things had already been decided during the previous sessions.

“Next item of business. The agreement presented by the Duke of Rek to the Duke Palatine of Tyrvenhagn, to which, as an Imperial Legate, he has lawfully indicated his approval, pending the ability of the Duke of Rek to fulfill the conditions he has offered. There had, as I recall, been some prior question as to said ability; is there anyone present who would like—â€

Whether there was or not, those in the hall could no longer hear over their own clamor. A reasonable inference, however, might be made based on the fact that the members of Curia had lunch in their own chambers for the first time in four days.