Keepers of Lore/Regions/Giask
Read more about the magnificent city of Giask.
Theodorus the Thespian
This tale was gathered by Lore Gatherer Joaquim during the reign of Queen Alanna in Pian en Luries. Giask at that time was the second duchy of the realm, ruled by Duke Chris. William was Grand Imperator, Brom was Royal Arbitrator and Proslyn was High Treasurer. The guild had grown in membership, its recent addition being Lady Annalise, who was about to construct the second guildhouse for the Keepers, located in Outer Giask.
The Tale
In the great city of Giask there is a story about a thespian by the name of Theodorus. He was a short, curly-haired young man who made his living by telling stories to the travelers. One of his favorites was one about a man and his cat. Upon meeting a new traveler, Theodorus asked for his trade. When the traveler told it, a carpenter, for example, the cheeky lad said he had a story about a carpenter and his cat that he would like to tell. Rarely did anyone refuse. This is what he told:
”Once upon a time there was a carpenter who had a cat, a very black cat it was too. The carpenter worked hard for day and night, for he was in very much debt, not due to his own fault but the mischievous traders in the town. All the while he worked, the cat sat there, not lifting her paw to help. Then one day when the carpenter had finished a set of quite delicately carved chairs, he decided it was the time to take a little nap. When he woke up, he saw that all the chairs had been scratched, completely ruined, and the cat laying on top of one of them, linking his paw in deep satisfaction. The man yelled:
"Why, oh WHY have you done this? All the day I work in my shop to feed you, I pour you milk when I do not drink any myself, I find you the best meat, and this is how you reward me? You never help me and I do everything for you! Why?"
Theodorus held his breath for awhile and then continued:
"You know what the cat answered?”
This is when the traveler always told the thespian that no, he did not know and Theodorus asked if the traveler wanted to know. They always wanted to know and Theodorus always told them:
”Well, I can tell you, but it will cost you a silver penny.”
Some smiled at this, some grumbled, some threw things at him, but they always paid him the penny. They all wanted to know what the cat said. And the cat always said ”meow”.
The Knighting of Giask, the Age of War, The Southern League versus the Hegemony of Luria Nova
As with strong Emperor at that time, Sholan the warrior, preceded by Emperor Seoras the Prophet and Empress Alanna the Ice Queen and Empress Alice the Founder.
After the recapture of the Great City of Giask during the war of the Southern League versus the Hegemony of Luria did was Lord Aldrakar Renodin given the city by Emperor Sholan A'Valti, Duke of Sky Hall. With permission to switch the allegiance of the Great City to the Duchy of Sun Hall which lay just west of it. The names Duchy and Duke were referred to as Kingly titles and held such esteem and authority under the Imperial Monarch.
Aldrakar had claimed the city by marital rights through his late wife, The Imperial Conciliator, Lady Lucini Talratheon of Giask. Wide support for this claim was voice throughout the Hegemony of Luria Nova and so it was done.
In the early stages of restoring the Golden City back to prosperity did Lord Aldrakar offer to take on 4 Knights. The proceedings are listed below for your perusal.
Listed here are surviving records of the letters and document shared between Prospective Knight Axylia Dundrave and Lord Aldrakar Renodin of Giask.
Sir Aldrakar,
I just found this scribe asking:
There will be space for some 4 Knights with the current occupation levels and I will be strict in who is considered for one of those positions. Should you believe you are right and true enough to be considered I will require a Record of Service, where have you been, what titles assigned to your name, experiences gained and ability possessed. Once this is provided and approved I will ask for your Oath.
My record of service is not long here in Luria but it has been ever long and noble in Asylon. You can take the word of my brother the respect Sir Edwyle. I have also pleaded with King Buffakill to return the city to Luria without the drawn out takeover. Unfortunately he was set to his ways and unflinched. For this I have letters I can show to prove my actions and his response. Over the years I have been Priest, Courtier, Warrior and not because of fickle desire but because of need of my realm. I served how I could where I could and I take great pride in that. I have also served as Lord and Storm General. I am a skilled courtier but serve as warrior to the realm until I am called to be a man of the pen once more.
To prove my dedication accept this gift. Regardless of you asking my Oath. This was given to me by Sir Erasmus LaPointe well before he was King og Barca, it was lost in battle in the North with Morek and a low birth returned it to me. It is made from the skin of the bloodmoon fruit and has a +9 bureaucracy, which will come in handy for a man of your esteem...do what what you will with it but please accept it as a token of my service.
Respectfully, Sir Axylia Dundrave Knight of Giask
-=-=-
Sir Axylia,
I write to you on the subject of your Record of Service and your desire to become a Knight of Giask.
First allow me to say that it must not have slipped your notice that I took care to evaluate each candidate and will not take this decision easily nor lightly. If I accept you there will be one of the most wealthy estates in the realm if not -the- most wealthy estate waiting for you. That you are a foreigner and former enemy of Luria stains your Record. In contrast does your willingness to take any role that the realm needs shine some light onto it.
Where I could write more and go in depths of the how and why, I think it is suffice to say that I will look forwards to receiving your Oath of Fealty. What you decide to take up into and make part of that Oath I leave to you. Show me what you will do, what will keep you and how you will show your devotion onto me as your Liege. With that being said, I give you leave to approach the City of Giask and take up the estate currently named The Gate district. The area I will grand onto you is close to the Main Gate of Giask. A prestigious place fit for a warrior such as yourself and rich in inns, market places and bustles with life day and night. Should you desire another name be given you may request this of me.
You may expect some 199 Lurian Minted Golden Coins every tax day.
This Estate will be pending the approval of your Oath of Fealty onto me and should I reject it, so will this estate be forfeit to you.
With respect,
Aldrakar Renodin
Margrave of Giask
-=-=-
My Liege Aldrakar Renodin,
You have granted me a tremendous opportunity one which I pray I do not fail for you or my house. The Dundrave name is a title I was lucky to have been born. Where we go we are recognized for our fortune and nobility. In my house I must prove with my actions that I deserve to be of my lineage. We do not get what we do not work for...my father would have it no other way.
Having given me this opportunity shows your gift of grace. This alone is a rare and significant gift not often found in even a friend. Before I came to Luria I read your words on the retaking of Giask. You showed such respect and grace, you did not make us look weak and trivial...you gave us respect and you gave us dignity and it is to that kind of man I wish to serve.
You asked me to show you what I will do, and what will keep me and how I will show my devotion unto you as my Liege. To this I write my oath:
I swear allegiance to the Emperor and commit to serve as required for the betterment of Luria Nova, to the Rules of the Kingdom of Luria Nova, to the Eminent City of Giask and to my liege Sir Aldrakar Renodin . I swear that I will faithfully perform the duties my Liege lays upon me. I swear that my body be used to defend my Liege and his City of Giask. I swear my words be used only for the good of Liege, my hands to build and rebuild What my Liege desires, my blood to defend and fight for my liege and for my life if my liege requires it of me. I swear that any riches bestowed upon me will be used for the betterment of Luria, Giask and what my Liege may ask. I swear any glory gained by my action will belong to my liege and his good name. This I swear to the highest power, the beasts, the stars, the sacred fruit and all that is holy.
Faithfully,
Sir Axylia Dundrave
Knight of Giask
-=-=-
Sir Axylia, Knight of Giask,
And to your Oath I shall hold you. Until such a time that I release you from it or death does claim you. In turn I will provide you with an upkeep suitable to your service rendered onto me. Providing enough so that you may command a company of good and loyal men in my name and do battle for the pleasure of the Realm and our Sovereign master, The Emperor.
I swear to do right by you as long as your Oath is strong and shelter you in my homes, provides you cloth to garb your body in and see to the nourishment that grands you life. Justice shall be mine to give and my hand to shield you from the evil of others. This is my sacred vow onto you as Liege and I accept your Oath.
The estate known as The Gate district' is now yours by bond and oath, use it wisely.
Sir Axylia, you do me proud and make swell my heart with hope as the future just turned to a stark Gold against the black night sky.
With a benevolent eye, Aldrakar Renodin Margrave of Giask
Aldrakar Renodin's letter after all the Records of Service were reviewed and candidates chosen
Prospective Knights of Giask,
I write this letter so you may know your potential fellow Knights.
Several others have not made the cut and you all may now ponder of how to best formulate your Oath of Fealty. Should you wish to deliberate amongst your number feel free to do so, there are no rules or any such other than that it should please me.
A keen observer may note that 2 Estates are not equal to the other. This is due to the perceived status of 2 of your number. Low knights of little standing or repute. This I say not because I seek to insult but because it is true. Speak plainly always to me and advice me where you see fit. Sirs Turgan and Peryn are new to this world, realm and with little experience of their own or of their Noble Houses.
All my future Knights -but them two in particular will compete with one another for my Favor and I will be a difficult master to please. This only because the road we walk upon will never be easy and I expect exemplar behavior from all of my Knights. Should any point you feel you are no longer fit to strive for the position of Knight of Giask you are free to leave. Know however that once Oath has been given you are bound to me by Sacred oath and vow until such a time that I release you.
Do well and I shall shower upon you my favor, riches and fame. See that your career in the Empire of Luria is a shining one and that you stand a cut above all other Knights.
I await your Oaths of Fealty and welcome you to the City of Giask, Aldrakar Renodin Margrave of Giask
Roleplay from Peryn Borthenall (1st week of September 2014)
Peryn rode through the streets upon his mount, feeling its warmth waft up from beneath him, like the steam from a hot bath. It was a hot day in Irvington, and his realm had recently begun a peaceful take over of the city. Peryn, whose family had sent him out from their lands and homestead to make a name for them, had begun to truly love his realm. He could see the love, and the loyalty in the men of Luria Novia. He could see that these lands were their home, and that they would fight until their last breath, before they knelt to Fiossa, or any other foes. He felt that brotherhood run deep within him. These men shared that one thing with him. Though it might only be one thing, it was something so intrinsic to their lives, that they became brothers.
His men had fought and rode hard, and some had taken injury's at the battle of Cadier. It was their first battle together, but they had trained countless times on his fathers lands. They had listened to Peryn before listening to the commands of the commanders in the battle, for if they had not, there would have been chaos. They fought alongside their knight, and they each had something to show for it. Peryn himself had but a scratch, a small one, but a meaningful one indeed. He had found himself dueling an enemy knight, who moved with grace, who held his sword as though it was born to him. The two knights moved throughout the battlefield like two lovers, meeting blow with blow, and parry with parry. Their blades sung out among the battle, weaving their own frequency into the chaotic harmony, making for the song of war. It was one slight misstep that was his folly, Peryn got too eager, and over extended. This over extension had revealed a gap in the armor of his right shoulder. The knight swung his blade and just barely broke the skin, nearly beheading Peryn in the process. Suddenly baffled by this cut, he stumbled back but held his composure. He remembered the words of his father, he had said "Son, when you face a man and the veil of life and death floats between you, the man who succumbs to the fear of it, will be the one to die". He felt a fire light inside of him, a will to win, a will to dominate his opponent unlike anything he had felt before. He knew then, in that instant, the nature of desperate war. Two kingdoms scrabbling at the others throats, just for the right to live. Peryn raised his family blade, and began to fight again. The fire that had been lit before, was pushing him to win, not just for his own right to live, but for his realms. His parry's were perfect, his strikes swift and correct. Within minutes, the enemy knight sprawled lifeless, his pale eyes looking towards the sky.
It was before that battle that Peryn had sent his scribe, to the noble King Aldrakar with his application to become a knight of Giask. He knew the number of knights fighting for the position would be staggering, and had only hoped that he would live through this battle to serve his King. It was then, whilst riding through the streets of Irvington, that he saw the courier of the king. He presented Peryn with the letter, and Peryn held it with a hopeful hand. Slowly, he peeled the wax seal of the letter away and revealed the note within. The words within filled him with a pride he hadn't felt ever before. He had been chosen by his king, and would serve among other fellow knights in his name. There was a feeling inside of him, a feeling that he had earned it in his last battle, that he had fought for the realm, and won the rights to this honorable position. He rode to his encampment, telling the men that he had been chosen by the king, feeling their pride, and sharing it too. He sat, and began to write his oath offhand, as he knew it already, he had learnt it on the battlefield.
My King Aldrakar,
In the name of my King, and all that he loves, I Sir Peryn Borenthall pledge my oath of fealty. I shall be true, I shall serve throughout your lands with the calm and controlled hand of my King. I shall never displease him, disobey, or call into question the benevolence of his word. Through the light of god and the realm around us, I shall hold the roof of the sky from collapsing upon his great house. I shall call out for aid to my brothers in arms to protect your word of law, to seek the greater truth beyond these physical bodies, and to spread the greatness which is our realm of Luria Novia. I pledge that his word will serve through me like the singing of two blades on a battlefield, persistent and clear. I shall protect all that is holy to him, and destroy all that should displease him. My King Aldrakar, I pledge to you, until you release me from your service, my oath of fealty.
Your loyal man,
Sir Peryn Borenthall
The Oath of Sir Zajar, former Lord of Sulorte and Vice Marshal of the Golden Host
Master Aldrakar,
You have requested the knights of Giask to write an oath of fealty, declaring their loyalty to you as their liege and Giask. As I have written before, I would not know how to pen such a matter. Do you wish me to swear upon siblings, gods or other matters I hold dear? Nonsense I dare say, and dare it because that is how you know me, I do not suffer fools and will not hold my tongue. I've seen dozens of nobles swear this and that high and low, hollow words forming hollow promises. Look at the D'harans I say.
No Master Aldrakar, my oath will not be found on parchment scribbled in ink in some musty shelf, my oath will be plain for all to see, my unyielding loyalty to your person and Giask, my actions for Luria, always marching where Emperor or Marshal commands. If letters you wish, letters I shall give, scuff marks in the ground gradually filling with the blood Luria's enemies. Hold me to these words if you must, I doubt it will ever be necessary.
With the greatest respects,
Your comrade in arms. Zajar Essenhorn Knight of Giask
Oath of Sir Clive, Former King of the Libero Empire
Margrave Renodin,
I swear my oath of fealty to you.
Clive
Sir Clive Burep Knight of Giask
Oath of Sir Dominus Umbra, First of his Name
As pronounced before all of the Realm of Luria Nova:
Letter from Dominus Umbra:
I have finally arrived in Askileon and now it is time for me to reply to what I was asked.
I am Dominus Umbra the firstborn (albeit for some minutes) of the Family. I am certain that none of you has heard of us but the roots of our family run deep and spread across the continents. They might be mostly forgotten now even by us but that is about to change. I was sent here by my Father to claim my place in the world of nobility and build the foundations for those that will come after I am gone.
I am just 17 so I have yet to display something remarkable or worth to mention. If I have to say something for myself is that I am cunning and I always tended to prefer the dagger from the sword. That's why I was given Skotos the Black Blade of my ancestors to wield in combat and reap the souls of our enemies.
I pledge to serve my Liege, the Margrave of Giask and the King of Luria Nova, for the days to come, shatter our enemies and make you all proud for the days to come and until I breath my final breath in battle or elsewhere.
Dominus Umbra Knight of Giask
Oath of Sir Edwyle Starck, First of his Name, Former Imperial Marshal of Luria Nova, Marshal of the Imperial Battlemasters, Former Lord of Shinnen Purlieus, seat of the Former Emperor Seoras of Luria Nova and true Asylonian
Privately given onto Lord Aldrakar Renodin of Giask
Letter from Edwyle Starck: (early October 2014)
I, Edwyle Starck, first of my house, swear to you Aldrakar, Prince of Sun Hall, Margrave of Giask, that from this hour in the future I will be faithful to you, in good faith and without deception. And I will be faithful to you concerning the Lower City in Giask and the people that belongs to it within its entire boundaries.
Prince Aldrakar, I swear by my honor and I swear to protect Giask and all Luria, do not give rest to my arm, and rest my soul until we have defeated the threat that oppress us by the will of the Southern League and its allies.
Courage and Glory
Edwyle Starck Marshal of the Imperial Battlemasters
Oath of Sir Klolf Hasker, First of his Name
Privately given onto Lord Aldrakar Renodin of Giask
Letter from Klolf Hasker:
Margrave Renodin,
I promise on my Honour that I will in the future be faithful to You and The Crown, never cause either of you harm and will defend Luria Nove from all foes from outside or within.
Yours Humbly,
Klolf Hasker
Oath of Sir Min Garwyn, First of his Name, Born under the Sun of Ienith, Rider of the Edreun and true Niselurian
Privately given onto Lord Aldrakar Renodin of Giask
Letter from Min Garwyn:
Aldrakar Renodin Imperial Magistrate of Luria Nova Margrave of Giask,
I write to you in the hopes you would consider a place for me among your Knights of Giask.
I hail originally from Ienith, where the Edreun of Niselur rode proudly, and came here with my brethren when the blight hit the West. Since then I have faithfully served in several armies, and as a Knight of Nid Tek for effectively all of that time.
I am a strong leader of men, and would put the tax gold to excellent use in fielding a force Luria can be proud of.
My Lord Saul has graciously released me from my oath to Nid Tek that I might be free to swear fealty to you, if you will have me.
For Luria,
Min Garwyn
Oath of Sir Jericho, First of his Name, Former Vice Marshal of the Kings Guard of Asylon, Previous a Courtier of the Realm, the Kneeling Knight, Former Baron of Dunnbrook, Former Viscount of Shuberstone and a true Asylonian
Events as described by a Royal Minstrel of the Courts of Giask:
Roleplay from Jericho Barrons
In the great hall of Giask, Jericho waited as Margrave Aldrakar and his son rode home. He had his oath prepared and had reviewed the estate available in the metropolitan city. A shuffling and hushed voices brough his attention back, and he saw a councilor beckoning the Margrave towards him. Eager to have this done, Jericho quickly kneeled with his hands folded at his heart and waited for the formidable man to gesture to continue. Jericho could feel the man's intense gaze burning the top of his head, his brown wavy hair ruffled in waves in front of his face as he bowed.
Jericho began with a strong voice to project his oath of fealty in the great hall, his voice ringing melodically off statues and pillars as he aimed his words at the powerful Lord before him,
"I promise on my faith and honour to Luria Nova and my heart, to never forget the graciousness of my Lord Margrave Aldrakar Renodin for the wealth he provides, to wrest glory from any foe we may face, to never flee one step from battle and to avenge my Lord’s death or die trying. I shall also observe my homage to the people of Giask and Luria Nova respectively and promise my aim be true and fierce to all who threaten or decieve. I promise all of this on the honour of my family, the Barrons name and the Empire of Luria Nova."
At the end of his little speech, silence hung heavy and Jericho could feel his heart beating in his throat, as he waited to see how the man would react. Were his words strong enough to win this Lord's faith? He had been a loyal warrior to Asylon and had paid for it in homelessness, then he had found acceptance here and so desperately wanted to call it home. He felt as if his life hung on the dust glinting in the moonlight of this grande room and the Margrave had but to whisper a no and Jericho would be blown away in a million pieces to be scattered homeless once again over the countryside.
Roleplay from Aldrakar Renodin
Home, Hearth and Fealty
The sun had dipped into the far away horizon and only its last, most enduring rays still stretched out over the vast expanse that was the world. It was a world made up of the most mesmerizing shades of gold, amber, ocher and decorated with shadows applied with the long brushstrokes of a master painter. The City gates were permitting the last of the peoples into or out of the Great City of Giask. Aldrakar was not among them.
The Riding horses had been permitted their rest in the stables and man a hand was offering them leisure. Be it grain, brushing their coats or picking clean their hooves. They were tended to with love and Aldrakar was content to follow his son Asher up the steps into the Great Hall, his clothing stained with things one can expect after a day riding through the countryside. His boots were lightly caked with mud, his extremely fine cream blouse was untied at the neck and liberally smelled of sweat. The Lurian Sun had baked on his golden head for the entirety of the day and it smelled like it. Not only that of course, the smell of Horse and Leather were there as well, making their presence known. The rest of his garb was Leather and belts and very few jewels. Who needs jewels going out riding.
He made his way up the steps and in a near constant stream attendants offered him reports, reminders, a warm but wet cloth to watch dab his face with and a slew of other things. He dealt with them in turn and efficiently, waving some away to return later. One particular attendant arrested him. His Chamberlain, the man in charge of his Household had an urgent message for him. The unsworn Knight Jericho awaits your presence Master Aldrakar. A perfectly timed gesture towards the grand entry of the Great Hall compelled Aldrakar to follow the subtle instruction and left the other servants for what they were. Before passing through the arch that constituted the doorway he pushed his hands through his golden locks and smoothed them back but they only obeyed for a moment before falling wherever they damn well pleased.
The Great Hall was everything the word could ever cover. It was the most grand of all the Grand halls of the Golden Palace of Giask. The Seat of Former Kings, Dukes, many a Duchess and Emperors in name or title. Everything in this Hall was made of the most pristine of materials. Only the very best and not a single expense too much. It was already this way before Aldrakar took the seat of the Great City. His boots echoed like giant's steps towards the kneeling figure of a man. A man in armor and allowed to keep his arms it seemed. Aldrakar glanced to the row of guards that stood spaced along the walls. A crowd had gathered for the occasion. Many wealthy City Nobles were present, their scions, their daughters. Local, lesser Knights and a host of merchant house representatives or family heads. Even some of the ecclesiastical persuasion, but not too many of them. It was well known Aldrakar did not fancy dogma.
The Hall remained silent as Aldrakar approached the Kneeling Knight. The last of the Knights to Swear fealty onto him and fill the last of the Estates of Giask. A deliberately slow pace brought Aldrakar face to face with the brown haired man. Their were of an age, Aldrakar and Jericho. Both Handsome and Both men of War. It showed, their builds showed it. Da! Asher's voice rang clearly through the hall. Aldrakar's youngest son of some 4 summers dashed towards his father.
Aldrakar didn't turn his gaze away from Jericho but held up his hand to Asher who promptly stopped and curiously peered at the Kneeling Knight and his father.
Jericho began with a strong voice to project his oath of fealty in the great hall, his voice ringing melodically off statues and pillars as he aimed his words at the powerful Lord before him.
"I promise on my faith and honour to Luria Nova and my heart, to never forget the graciousness of my Lord Margrave Aldrakar Renodin for the wealth he provides, to wrest glory from any foe we may face, to never flee one step from battle and to avenge my Lord’s death or die trying. I shall also observe my homage to the people of Giask and Luria Nova respectively and promise my aim be true and fierce to all who threaten or decieve. I promise all of this on the honour of my family, the Barrons name and the Empire of Luria Nova."
As the words trailed away and their echo faded Aldrakar's face held a small smile. Like the twinkle of a bright star veiled poorly by the clouds. All eyes where on the two and the much anticipated response from the Lord of Giask and the Lord spoke.
Sir Jericho, Knight of Giask. A measured pause followed. And to your Oath I shall hold you. Until such a time that I release you from it or death does claim you. In turn I will provide you with an upkeep suitable to your service rendered onto me. Providing enough so that you may command a company of good and loyal men in my name and do battle for the pleasure of the Realm and our Sovereign master, The Emperor. Aldrakar raised his chin and his face hardened with patriotic pride
I swear to do right by you as long as your Oath is strong and shelter you in my homes, provide you cloth to garb your body in and see to the nourishment that grands you life. Justice shall be mine to give and my hand to shield you from the evil of others. This is my sacred vow onto you as Liege and I accept your Oath. The estate known as "The Noble district' is now yours by bond and oath, use it wisely. Aldrakar took his time to swallow and take in a lungful of air, mingled with incense.
Sir Jericho, you do me proud and make swell my heart with hope as the future just turned to a stark Gold against the black night sky.
Cheers filled the room as the voices of the local Nobility and all that could afford to be in their presence roared their approval like country simpletons. Sometimes, we're not all that different. We all know joy and it is always the same. Aldrakar laughed his rich and hearty laugh, placing a hand on Jericho's shoulder as he urged him to stand up. Don't make me kick that soft butt of yours now! The joke not as private as intended perhaps but those around only grinned and laughed.
The Somewhat odd events that led to the Oath of Sir Enzo, It is unknown how manyeth of his Name, The Lover of Wine and Finery, The Oath of Blood, A Scion of the Prestigious Solari Dynasty, He that started with nothing, The filler of Great shoes
Letter from Enzo Solari
Lord Margrave and Imperial Magistrate Aldrakar,
Giask is a beautiful city, and the Lord Margrave is right to command obedience and excellence from all who would find repose behind Giask's walls. In this, Enzo will not disappoint. Being so young, Enzo has but few accomplishments to his name. However! Enzo is smart, very smart. All Solari men are educated by the family. The library of House Solari is great indeed, and Enzo is intimately familiar with the history and writings of uncle Malus. Enzo has something better than experience: Enzo has his blood. Enzo would consider service to the Lord Margrave a debt to be repaid--a blood debt, if it pleases the Lord Margrave. A student of uncle's history would know that such a debt is repaid many times over, to the great satisfaction of the owner of said debt. This is all Enzo can offer for now.
Yours Most Faithfully, Enzo Solari Knight of Giask
-=-=-
Letter from Enzo Solari
Lord Margrave—
It is true that Enzo has nothing, or next to it. One has only a name, and the name of one's House. In Enzo's case, House Solari is a name of value. It is an easy thing to ruin, a name. But very hard to build, no? That value was purchased in small increments by the blood, sweat, and virtue of those who have worn the Sun and Blossom. We Solari pride ourselves on our word. It is the only currency that crosses borders, seas, and time.
Ah, but still! Words are cheapened by weaker Houses. Men and women bend their words for favor, for fame, for anything. So House Solari devised a way to... underwrite its word with something more tangible. The blood debt is a Solarhin custom, from the lands of the Far East. An empire long since laid to ruin. But the custom! Ah, the custom. A blood debt, when owed to House Solari, is collected. Empires may burn (and have), rulers may fall (and have), and treasuries be drained (also have!), but the debt shall be collected. It is a symbol, Lord Margrave, a very powerful symbol. It demonstrates that the measure of a Solarhin is not contained in books, patents of nobility, or in the hot air of mere words. The measure of a Solarhin is written on tapestry of life, and into the memories of allies, enemies, and the smallfolk.
And so when Enzo swears to the Lord Margrave that he is owed a blood debt, Enzo is not merely pledging his fealty. This is a custom which the westerners brought to the Far East. It dishonors the value of a blood debt. So, yes. The Lord Margrave has Enzo's fealty. But what Enzo truly offers the Lord Margrave is his mind. His sword. His shield. His quill. His first breath at dawn, and his last at night. His advice, given truthfully and without guile. His ambition. And when the time comes—without hesitation—his life.All of these things, Enzo swears to the Lord Margrave, Aldrakar of House Renodin.
Enzo Solari Knight of Giask
The Oath of Sir Jai Mor, The First of his Name, Named after the most Enduring Moth, He who walked away from High titles for Family, A Scion of the Dundrave Dynasty, The Cavalier
After the Heroic Death in battle of Sir Axylia Dundrave another of his Line traveled to Luria Nova and swore allegiance to Aldrakar.
Letter from Jai Mor Dundrave
Imperial Magistrate,
I come from the East where I started off a knight on Obsidian Island. There I earned the trust of my fellow nobles and I soon became Daimyo and controlled for many years the food supply and trade. After a time I was elected Duke of Kazakh a grand city where I spent a song until it was taken by Nivemus. My Emporer then granted me control of Kalmar the Capital City and made me Duke of his duchy. There I served until lordship was needed in Venas, a small region with not much to boast. Our Emperor Epoch put his name forward to lord Venas but the higher lords would not allow this. His title so supreme that no other could lord over him. I gave him control of Kalmar and spent time as Lord of Venas until it was suggested I return to Kalmar.
I am named for the most common of moths! The Jaimor moth is common but steadfast and dependable. It can be counted on to survive cold months. It's bigger than most moths and has a long life expectancy- the latter I hope stands true.
Which estate would you prefer I take?
With Highest Respects!
Jai Mor Dundrave
Scholars believe there was more to be written down but was lost in time. The Imperial Libraries of Giask and the catacombs may yet hold great treasures of knowledge stored away behind mortar, brick and vellum.
