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lepreuxchevalier · 2 years

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My second illustration of pike-and-shotte infantry that I have officially designed for Hohenrotbart, the ruling dynasty of Das Königreich Middenland in my medieval fantasy world. Both this artwork and it’s associated faction iconography were officially designed for a low-fantasy setting of my original conception with technology and material culture roughly equivalent to the late medieval and renaissance periods. Where formations of heavily armoured and mounted, aristocratic knights in either suits of full plate armour or heavy coats of chainmail fight alongside professional armies of pikemen and matchlock musketeers. Where medieval-style stone castles are gradually being outsourced in favour of both lavish, sumptuous country estates and devoted military fortifications, or “bastions,” due to the technological advancements made in gunpowder-based, siege artillery. And where fledgling nation-states, most notably in the form of kingdoms and empires, look beyond the great oceans and the frontiers of “The Known World” in search of even greater wealth and territory.

In context to the canon lore of my low-fantasy world, “Hohenrotbart” or “House Rotbart” is the newly crowned and anointed reigning, dynastic household of “Das Königreich Middenland” or “The Kingdom of Middenland.” A fantasy kingdom taking historical, cultural, and religious sources of inspiration from both medieval and renaissance Prussia under “The Monastic State of The Teutonic Knights” or “Deutschordenstaat,” as well as The Post-Teutonic, Lutheran, East Prussian Duchy during the 16th and 17th centuries. Under the hereditary, dynastic rule of Friedrich I as “Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland” und “Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart” or “The Founding Head of House Rotbart.” Das Königreich Middenland has become the first hereditary, dynastic state, in both the recorded history and the enormity of “The Known World” to officially renounce The “Conservative” Faith of The New Gods based on the old, Classical Romulan rite and liturgy originally formalized and decreed under The Classical Romulan Imperator “Cassadorian the Great,” to “The Luxembourgian Reformation” as officially preached and published by Karl Von Luxembourg, a learned doctor of theology based at Die Universität Wörtzburch in Das Herzogtum Solingen, one of the leading centres of church-sanctioned, academic research on both The Canon Theology of The New Gods and Cosmopolitan, Classical Romulan Civil Law and Jurisprudence throughout the breadth and the enormity of “The Known World.” As well as both the official head and the former heir apparent to Hohenluxembourg des Königreich Schönbrunn. The only official monarchy within established frontiers of The Empire of Mankind Proper besides “the hereditary state” and “the dynastic house” of The Emperor-Elect, himself.

Long before Friedrich I’s legislative decree to become the first hereditary, dynastic ruler in both the recorded history and the enormity of The Known World to officially convert to “The Luxembourgian Reforms” on behalf of both his dynastic house and his hereditary subjects. Friedrich Von Rotbart was originally a minor aristocrat and a mercenary captain of a pike-and-shotte infantry company known as “Die Bande Des Falke,” or “The Band of The Hawk,” before his expressed invitation to and personal involvement in “The Midlands Crusade” officially preached and prosecuted by his more prolific, prestigious, and illustrious older brother Friedrich-Albrecht Von Rotbart, Bishop-Prince of Elchingen, one of the three ecclesiastical, invested “Kurfürsten des Selbst Kaiserreich der Menscheit” or “Prince-Electors of The Empire of Mankind Proper,” and Archpatriarchal Legate to Vexillarius IV for “The Midlands Crusade.” The appointed title of “Archpatriarchal Legate” denoting the official, church-sanctioned representatives to the person of “The Reigning Bishop of Romulus” and “The Current Head of The Conservative Church of The New Gods” in either diplomatic affairs or in “errantry wars” or “crusades” officially preached and prosecuted against the sanctioned enemies of The Conservative Faith. Following the stunning conclusion of The Midlands Crusade with the climactic “Battle of The Godswoods” with the subsequent, church-sanctioned consecration of The Basilica of Marienburg over the site of the former “Godswoods.” Friedrich Von Rotbart was formally crowned and anointed as “Friedrich I, Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland” und “Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart” as The Former Kingdom of The Midlands first reigning, hereditary monarch and dynastic house since the extinction of legitimate, male bloodline of The Late House Bartholemew and subsequent collapse of The Former Kingdom of The Midlands over a century and a half before.

Under the long, prolific, and illustrious reign of Friedrich I as “Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland” und “Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart,” in joint partnership with The Conservative Church of The New Gods over the rulership, administration, and systematic, mass conversion of the autochthonous “Albic” tribes of Das Königreich Middenland. The constituent lands of The Former Kingdom of The Midlands have been gradually, albeit thoroughly brought back into the fold of The Conservative Church of The New Gods after over a century and a half of religious indoctrination under the influence of the hut shamans from “Erdøk” or “The Great Forest” directly east of The Empire of Mankind. The new kingdom had been thoroughly and effectively resettled with colonists and settlers hailing from Friedrich I’s native “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” cultural and linguistic hemisphere of The Empire of Mankind. Most notably into the newly established, fortified towns and cities founded either directly under the state administration of Friedrich I as Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland, or by the newly established baronial magnates of “Junker” aristocracy in direct homage to Hohenrotbart as “Die Könige von Middenland.” In addition to the thorough and effective resettlement of culturally and ethnically “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” colonists and settlers into both the newly established, fortified towns and cities of Das Königreich Middenland, as well as the most arable rural estates based on their surrounding countryside. The systematic, mass conversion of the autochthonous Albic tribes came synonymously with their cultural and ethnic assimilation. Most notably through a combination of dowries officially sponsored by The Conservative Church of The New Gods in order to promote intermarriage with male colonists and settlers hailing from the “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” cultural and linguistic hemisphere of The Empire of Mankind, as well as encouraging both the spread and the proliferation of the oral and written “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” language and culture through the religious services and church schools of the culturally and ethnically Northern Imperial Conservative clergy.

In addition to it’s thorough and effective transformation into a culturally “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” nation-state based uniquely without the southernmost frontiers and beyond the official jurisdiction of The Empire of Mankind Proper, as well as being the first major culture and state in both the recorded history and the enormity of The Known World to officially convert to “The Luxembourgian Reformation” as officially preached and published by Karl Von Luxembourg at Die Universität Wörtzburch. Das Königreich Middenland is also uniquely characterized amongst the fledgling nation-states of The Civilized World for it’s exclusive culture of strict, military discipline, professionalism, and skill at arms. Of all the nascent, growing, professional militaries in The Civilized World Proper, Das Königreich Middenland both proudly and staunchly boasts the most skilled, disciplined, and professional pike-and-shotte infantry regiments south of Margrabia Mazowsza, as well as one of the largest, most brutally efficient, and most potent professional fighting forces throughout the breadth and the enormity of The Known World. Despite it’s meagre initial and base economic and industrial yield and value, as well as it’s relatively sparse demographic size. A demographic that had only finally, and eventually developed a culturally “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” character uniquely outside the southernmost frontiers and beyond the official jurisdiction of The Empire of Mankind Proper. Thanks in full to the long, prolific, and illustrious reign of Friedrich I as “Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland” und “Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart.” Both Das Königreich Middenland’s unique culture of strict, military discipline, professionalism, and skill at arms, as well as Friedrich I’s complimentary policies of rampant, obsessive-compulsive military fortification, most notably in the form of stone castles and city walls, with the thorough and effective, state-mandated militarization of Das Königreich Middenland are as much a consequence of The Kingdom of Middenland’s violent birth in the mass genocides and systematic persecutions during, and in the wake of Bishop-Prince Friedrich-Albrecht Von Rotbart’s “Midlands Crusade” officially preached and prosecuted against the druidic, tree worshipping heathens religiously subscribed to “Erdøk.” As much as it is a product of both the personal stewardship and the direct supervision of Friedrich I with his hard earned, worldly experience acquired as a former mercenary captain of pike-and-shotte infantry. Friedrich I as Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland und Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart, in conjunction with his older brother Friedrich-Albrecht Von Rotbart as the first and reigning Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg over the rulership, administration, and systematic, mass conversion of the Albic tribes indigenous to Das Königreich Middenland, have always been very heavily reliant on employing a combination of military might and force of arms as a blunt tool in the gradual pacification, subjugation, and annexation of the Albic tribes indigenous to Das Königreich Middenland, who had largely remained religiously subscribed to the druidic worship of Erdøk in the aftermath of The Midlands Crusade with the official founding of Das Königreich Middenland during the church-sanctioned consecration of The Basilica of Marienburg over the sight of the former “Godswoods.”

In addition to the lingering resistance from the autochthonous Albic tribes of Das Königreich Middenland, the formal coronation and anointment of Friedrich I as “Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland” und “Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart” was received reluctantly, and with icy anticipation, by the baronial magnates of “Junker” nobility who had recently established themselves in Das Königreich Middenland as the bulk and core of the heavily armoured and mounted, aristocratic knights who had originally fought and participated in The Midlands Crusade. That same class of hereditary, dynastic, landed Junker aristocracy and nobility who had generally questioned both the political legitimacy and the authority of Friedrich I as “Der erster und herrschend König von Middenland” und “Der Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart” due to his personal background as a minor noble from the “Austere” or “Northern Imperial” cultural and linguistic hemisphere within The Empire of Mankind, as well as his professional background as a mercenary captain of pike-and-shotte infantry, as opposed to aristocratic heavy cavalry as the traditionally most prestigious form of military service due to the historic precedence of the feudal, aristocratic traditions of professional chivalry. In order to assure both the loyalty and the compliance of the great houses of Junker nobility, Friedrich I had awarded this newly established class of landed Junker nobles and aristocrats with hereditary, dynastic enfeoffment to the most arable lands and estates in Das Königreich Middenland that had not been previously claimed as the official property of The Conservative Church of The New Gods, while also compelling the second sons of Junker nobles and aristocrats into military service as professional, heavily armoured cavalry known as “Schwartzen Rieterren” or “Black Riders,” for the distinct, and signature colour of their armour. Both the greater and the lesser houses of Junker nobles and aristocrats were also granted the exclusive, legal privilege by Friedrich I for official appointments as judges to run and operate the secular, provincial, “royal” law courts officially established by Friedrich I shortly after the conclusion of The Midlands Crusade with the subsequent consecration of The Archbishopric of Marienburg over the site of the former “Godswoods.”

“Die Schwartzen Rieterren” were organized into distinct units of elite, secular, pseudo-monastic, martial fraternities known as “Brüderschaften” or “Brotherhoods.” With each “Brüderschaft” being placed under the personal command and direct supervision of “Ein Großmeister” or “A Grandmaster,” who were individually appointed for life from members of Das Königreich Middenland’s great houses of Junker nobility to serve the royal, state interests of Hohenrotbart as Die Könige von Middenland over the feudal, private interests of any single, great house of Junker aristocracy. These heavily armoured and mounted, aristocratic knights compelled into domestic, royal, military service to “Die Könige von Middenland” as “Schwartzen Rieterren” or “Black Riders,” likewise parallel the strict, military discipline, professionalism, and skill at arms that also uniquely characterize Der König von Middenland’s pike-and-shotte infantry regiments. Die Schwartzen Rieterren, as strictly organized into the various, pseudo-monastic orders of Die Brüderschaften compelled into domestic, royal, military service to Die Könige von Middenland, are some of the few heavy cavalry throughout the breadth and the enormity The Known World to truly impress and unnerve, in equal measure, the heavily armoured and mounted, aristocratic knights hailing from neighboring “Le Royaume d’Aquitaine.” Who staunchly, proudly, and vaingloriously flaunt themselves to be the single greatest, most skilled, most disciplined, and most professional heavy cavalrymen across the breadth and the enormity of the known world, and perhaps beyond.

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taimour2208 · 5 months

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SITE: The Roman Forum: Center of Daily Life (Site)

My second stop is, The Roman Forum. The Roman Forum is really old, just like Rome itself. Long ago, it was a marshy spot between two hills where people came to get water and let their animals graze. Around 700 BC, it became a place where people were buried, and there were some small huts there too. According to an old story, it's where the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, met up. They made agreements there that helped Rome grow.The Roman Forum changed a lot over time. At first, it was just a place where people got water and let their animals graze. Then, it became a busy center for politics, trade, andalso religion.In the Forum, important stuff happened. The Senate met in a fancy building called the Curia to talk about laws and advise leaders. People gathered in another spot called the Comitium to hear news and speeches. They listened to famous speakers like Cicero. There were also courts in the Forum, like the Basilica Julia. People argued about legal stuff there, and it could get noisy and crowded. Sometimes, famous speakers talked for hours. The Forum was also a marketplace. People bought and sold all kinds of things, from food to jewelry. There were temples too, like the Temple of Vesta, where a special flame burned all the time. If it went out, people thought it meant trouble for Rome.

As I wander among the ruins, I imagine the forum in its heyday, senators debating fiercely, merchants hawking, and citizens gathering to hear the latest news or watch a public trial. Each corner of the forum tells a story of democracy under the watchful gaze of the surrounding temples and basilicas.

Becker, Jeffery. “Forum Romanum (the Roman Forum) (Article).” Khan Academy, 2015, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/x7e914f5b:beginner-guides-to-roman-architecture/a/forum-romanum-the-roman-forum. Accessed 1 May 2024.

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spellnbone · 4 years

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Capable/Protection: Yes Since: Age 21 Memory: His and Amelia’s bedroom in Mexico

Capable/Corporal: No

Nahual

It was the Order which taught Edgar how to finally produce a shield of protection. He’d never managed in class, and even now at 21 it was anything but powerful, anything but lasting. A year later he lost this ability completely.

He blames the fact that he’s simply not a powerful wizard, arguing that he’s quite happy after all, with many memories to use, but perhaps it’s something else. Perhaps it’s the same thing which blocks most of his other magic as well, while unleashing his true power whenever he dares to let go of Latin incantations: the European magic system is simply not inherent to him.

And perhaps that is why, sometimes, at night, when he’s sound asleep and wide awake alike, he sees the beast.

Sees it sitting over him, breathing slow with a face made of all his fears while also of his own skin. Sometimes it appears as a colibri, sometimes as a lizard, small and delicate it watches him from the windowsill, speaking to him in a language he’s never learnt and yet knows to understand, knows the meaning of. Sometimes the beast -- this hairless, tailless wolf-like monkey -- caresses him and eases his pains, sometimes it devours him and is the cause of it all.

When he wakes, he’s forgotten all about it again, yet the name of it sits on his tongue always: Nahual, alma gemela.

#homenumcharacter #{ it’s rotten work }#ok listen when i saw nahuals i do NOT mean mexican zodiac (tho there is a wink to that with the lizard ;))#and i do NOT mean the new term used for male witches #thats all modern stuff and has nothing to do with patroni #i mean the old mythological nahuales #i mean the soul's protectors #which every child is born with but only wizards can conjure #aka detach them from their own soul and have them appear in other animals' bodies #using it to see thru the eyes of hawkes or the eyes of wolves in the dark night etc #they say they protect u and can come out in moments of danger #but that also they can become a second face of yours and drive u mad #make u forget who u are #so yes #nahuales #(and NO. the image is NOT a nahual #its a xolotl but listen. google was NOT playing nice and i was getting VERy tried)#(and seeing how i already insulted one culture by using that horrendous wolf image of romulus&remus' mother i was like #might as well strike twice)

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chenria · 7 years

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estelle-10

*hugs* thanks for the ask! ♥

10. Art: Estelle loves art. Already as a child she admired how much people could tell through music and pictures. During the years she spent preparing for her duty in the Chantry she found refuge in music and painting. It gave her opportunity to just follow her own thoughts for a short time. Though she was never really good at it. Estelle admires bards, who are able to let their thoughts come to live in marvelous melodies and lyrics and whenever she sees intricate murals or book illustrations she looks at them in awe.

Bonus: since Romulus paints, too, she develops a habit of watching him work. She loves to just sit and watch how determined he can be, how concentrated and ... in a way soft. (@gwyncath - I hope Rom would allow her to watch when he paints :3)

#dragon age inquisition headcanons #estelle trevelyan #romulus hawke #gwyncath #ilesii

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creacherkeeper · 2 years

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lost township characters! <3

to give folks a little more idea what were talking about when we say insane things on here <3

lost township is a 5e homegame taking place in a 1880s wild west equivalent dnd world, mostly in the small town of lost in the state of undersun

pcs:

cass bluebell - she/her. human drunken master monk. local extremely repressed middle aged lesbian who inherited the local saloon from her late mother who she had a Totally Healthy relationship with. spent years investigating her mother's murder at the hands of the brownbird. has an adopted 6 year old son named davey. played by @strangetorpedos

divine intervention shook - she/her. aasimar eloquence bard. former southern belle, current poor schoolteacher. has been described as a cat so confident she can scare off bears. likes sticking her nose where it doesnt belong (affectionate) and bestiefying middle aged people. played by @beatricexbenedick

flint monroe - he/him. fire genasi divination wizard. main personality trait is that he is 12 and we love that for him. orphan being cared for by the shook family. has a giant crush on maeve and a (somewhat joking) rivalry with will. too smart for his own good and has a pet robot mouse named sparky. played by @agentcalliope

maeve marigold - she/her. ??? swashbuckler rogue / hexblade warlock. former sex worker, current psychopomp in training of the raven queen. accepted the role of psychopomp and then afterwards asked what that word meant as she is illiterate and still learning a lot from divine. says literally the most buckwild shit at all times. played by kaity

morel - they/them. firbolg spores druid / knowledge cleric. the biggest awkwardest sad cow that did ever. lives in a hut in the woods and offers healing for the most rejected of society. a chosen prophet of the god of decay. in a former emotional affair with cat clyde, kidnapping victim, now just bein real gay w her on main <3 played by @floralprintshark

will orville - he/him. human werewolf gunslinger fighter. half badass cowboy, half sad tired middle aged man who desperately needs a drink (preferably water sorry will). was traveling around being sad and doing vigilante justice, has been bestiefied and adopted and is ALSO now gaying it up on main. has a late husband named levi and a horse named romulus. played by @weightedlive

npcs:

cat clyde - she/her. orc. formerly the wife of bobby clyde, murder victim of the brownbird. actually hired the brownbird to kill her husband cause fuck that guy. currently bein real cute with morel. shy, nervous, loving, and attentive. mother of morgan eve "kitten" clyde, excitable 7 year old half-orc

lizzie no - she/her. human/coyote shifter crown paladin. the sheriff in town, afflicted heavily by messy bitch disease. unfortunately very in love with divine which finally got discovered after her hiding it for like 7 years. seemed like an uncaring/incompetent sheriff for not solving murders, secretly sleeping with the white hat assassin doing them

brandi carlile "the brownbird" - she/he. aasimar vengeance paladin / wild card rogue / arcane archer fighter. the white hat assassin in question. slutty lesbian who will flirt with anything that moves (including will, known gay man). aasimar of the evil god of chaos, death, and alcohol. just looking for a good time. in love with lizzie </3 the party did fight her and they nearly all killed each other but she has been Bestiefied. can summon ghosts, as a treat

sarah shook - she/they. human. wife of divine, adhd as all fuck, life of the party, loves being a stay at home wife and doing gardening and cooking and playing her guitar. assumed that divine knew she was poly and gave lizzie her blessing and also a shovel talk and then afterwards had to explain to divine what poly meant

"hawk" shook - he/him. human artificer. brother of sarah and brother-in-law of divine. an absolute mess but trying his best. has had unfortunately messy hook ups with most of the men in town. cant hold down a job but just started working for cass at the saloon. almost got arrested by lizzie for selling snake oil. doesnt know he's an artificer

latrowe - he/him. coyote psychopomp. formerly Just A Coyote, granted humanoid form and intelligence in a godly lovers exchange in order to be the psychopomp of the raven queen. currently training maeve. very formal and polite unless he's scampering up walls or eating out of your garden. flint accidentally got him bound to the mortal plane by giving him a nat 1 on a spell save with a portent roll. mostly just wants to be a coyote again. forgets that its impolite to read peoples minds

waylon jennings - he/him. current zombie, former ???. rich old gay dandy. kind of a major bitch. the benefactor who funds most of the town. adoptive father of lizzie, scruggs, and kelsey. tried to convince will to murder brandi for Reasons <3

earl scruggs - he/him. orc ?? barbarian. waylon's bodyguard and adopted son. big buff bear with a lot of tattoos. managed to romance will and short circuit leo's brain for two full minutes <33 immigrant from vilayav, so speaks in a thick russian accent. no thats not his real name <3

kelsey wilson - they/them. ?????. waylon's assistant and adopted child who has been with him since they were very young. doesn't talk to people outside the family much

major gods:

ama & ata - she/her and he/him. bear mother and bison father. gods of fire and food respectively, and families, caregivers, and the home. divine and sarah are followers

kathairein - they/them. vulture god of decay, disease, fungi, and scavengers. partners with the raven queen. morel is one of their chosen prophets

the raven queen - she/her. raven god of the transition of life and death, knowledge, divination, and the moon. in charge of the realm of the dead. latrowe and maeve are her psychopomps

sidewinder - he/him. rattlesnake god of protection, safety, medicine, and the sun. will's late husband levi was a follower, and lizzie is one of his paladins

the jack - no pronouns. jackalope god of death, wiles, trickery, survival, and alcohol. the only god in the pantheon to have an alignment (chaotic evil). brandi is an aasimar of the jack

#lost township #its blorbo time babeyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#bea did one of these for lensa and i wanted to do one for lost <3 #and yes all the npcs are named after musical artists look i thought it was going to be a short shot so it was much more sustainable then #im having fun w it tho

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lycanthrology · 2 years

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Guts from Berserk and Lennox from ocs for the character ask thing?

Here we go

GUTS

Sexuality Headcanon: He’s bi but a) doesn’t understand the concept of bisexuality b) is 90% attracted to women so doesn’t dwell on it

Gender Headcanon: Cis man. But trans guts is an incredible concept. Congrats on the top surgery king

A ship I have with said character: Guts and Casca. After the eclipse, I don’t like how Guts treats her. I know it’s more to do with how Casca’s behaviour has dramatically changed and Guts is struggling to adapt but he’s done some really nasty things to her. Meanwhile, Golden Age Casca and Guts <333. Before the eclipse, Casca/Guts/Griffith wouldve been legendary. All three of them were so obsessed with each other. They could’ve stopped the whole eclipse

A BROTP I have with said character: PUCK!!!!!! Again, as it’s gone on, I think Puck is becoming less relevant and interesting which is such a shame because he’s literally puck. I like how he lightened the tone and acted as an audience insert. Guts needed someone to prove to him that people were still willing to fight by his side and Puck delivered + also the entire band of the hawk I guess 🙄

A NOTP I have with said character: Farnese. Post-eclipse Griffith/Femto. A lot of the characters. If Guts ever has a sex scene imagine me shaking my head and tutting to show I disagree with it

A random headcanon: Ofc Guts is traumatised that’s obvious. But I think his rage comes from unprocessed abandonment issues. He’s constantly in a heightened state of fear and unease so small things push him into anger as a defence mechanism. I don’t think he’s an intrinsically angry person, I think it’s his way of protecting himself. He gets so incredibly, incredibly upset at himself when he rages at the people he cares about because he pushes people away and creates the very situation he’s terrified of

General Opinion over said character: He’s the worst man in the world. He’s my best friend. Reading about Guts Berserk’s horrific life inspired me to get my own life together for two weeks then I got lazy and it went back to normal

My friend Lennox

Sexuality Headcanon: Bisexual!!!! And everyone wants him

Gender Headcanon: Transgender man. He’s been on hrt for around 7 years. Can’t be bothered with surgery

A ship I have with said character: Lennoxbaize truthers where are you?!?!? I’m joking ok ok. hanging my head in shame. Crow. It’s not healthy for either of them. I could discuss this for hours, but I won’t. Lennox can’t stand by and let Crow kill people, but he can’t intervene without putting the both of them in serious danger. Am I using this guy like everyone else or do I genuinely care about him and what does that mean for me and my culpability. Am I becoming complicit in the oppressive system I intended to disrupt etc etc. The amount of turmoil and guilt here. It’s palpable. Anyway we all know the only true ending for Crow is death. So whatever. Does any of this even matter

A BROTP I have with said character: Kaleela!!!!! They’re friends :) They really do care and try to look out for each other. I think they’re the only true friendship in the main cast. That’s so sad but I’m glad it’s them <3 Welcome to werewolf story everyone is miserable everyone has an ulterior motive everyone is so deeply horrifically flawed but kaleela and lennox are friends so its all ok

A NOTP I have with said character: These should be fairly obvious but Kaleela, Dashwood, Matthew, Romulus, William. I’m probably forgetting someone

A random canon: Errrr I’m not sure. His mum calls him Lenny and it embarrasses him. He once bought one of those expensive replica lightsabers. His brother and him used to watch sport on tv together when they were younger (mostly football and cricket)

General Opinion over said character: I love him SO MUCH. I know I created him but he’s so much fun I love him to death. He’s so good to write for I love thinking about him

#answers #vonkarma2 tag #oc stuff

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admelioraii · 3 years

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The Miracles of the Animal Kingdom

Tiger

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have had a fascination for animals. After all, they are the closest living beings that link us to nature.

They interact with us and even become our daily companions. A source of food, clothing or danger, an aid, a means of transportation or a source of wonder and admiration.

They are the missing connection to the spirit realm and afterlife.

Even though every culture has realised the importance of all animals in the animal kingdom, each one of them had a favourite, a special bond with some of the spices that became particularly loved.

Animals in antiquity

When we talk about animals in antiquity we easily picture animals related to the myths, like unicorns (a horse-like animal with one spiral horn), phoenix (an immortal bird), Pegasus (a winged horse), and dragons.

These animals are generally accepted as centuries-old mythical creatures deriving from European antiquity.

Another way of expressing the human vision of animals was through fables.

Fables

A fable is a short story that teaches a lesson or conveys a moral, using animals as examples often personifying them.

European values are strongly influenced by Ancient Greece and Roman cultures, that is why these stories are well known to most westerners. One of the leading writers of fables of old Greece was the legendary Aesop and most of the best-known fables are attributed to him.

Some of these famous Aseopian fables include “the tortoise and the hare”*see end article, “the crow and the pitcher” and “the lion and the mouse”.

In Ancient Greek and Rome, fables were used as educational material, a kind of training exercise in prose composition and public speaking. Students would be asked to learn fables, expand upon them and invent their own.

Because of the vast need for fables for this purpose, they were gathered in collections like the ones of Aesop. In Europe, fables have a long tradition through the Middle Ages and became part of European high literature.

Jean de La Fontaine (1621–1695) followed in Aesopian’s footsteps. He set out to satirise the court, the church and the rising bourgeois.

Dolphins; the greeks favourite animal

Dolphins

An animal that was especially loved by the old Greeks were the dolphins, they can be traced back to ancient times where it appears in many myths. Dolphins symbolise compassion, hope, help and allegiance as well as the good side of the sea.

Etymologically speaking the word “dolphin’’ derives from the Ancient Greek “delphis” (delphus means womb), thus dolphin means fish with a womb, understandably as dolphins are mammals.

Dolphins were helpers of Poseidon, the god of the sea and they represent his presence. Dolphins even took part in some religious rituals in the Greek city of Delphi.

While hunting, dolphins produce bubbles to herd their prey to the surface. They have some of the most acoustic abilities in the animal kingdom.

They are not only the friendliest and caring creatures but also the most intelligent ones, they even have names for one another and every single dolphin has its own name. As they are highly social animals they live in groups.

Maybe because of all this together they still are Greece’s national animal.

The Romans animals

In Roman history, a mother wolf nurtured Romulus and Remus, their Roman ancestors, thus giving the wolf an important role and making it represent Rome and modern-day Italy.

Just as important was the prominent symbol of the eagle (Aquila) representing the glorious Roman army.

It symbolised the Roman army’s invincibility and assured victory.

Two birds

Birds also played an essential role in the ancient world as indicators of time, weather and season.

Hawks flying high means a clear sky, when they fly low prepare for bad weather. Generally, low-flying birds are a sign of rain.

When seagulls fly inland expect a storm and finally, birds singing in the rain indicates fair weather approaching.

Migrating birds, depending on the species and the time, reveals the beginning of one season and the end of another.

Birds were also a resource for hunting, eating, medicine and farming as well as domestic pets.

From nightingales trilling in the streets of Ancient Rome to the migrating cranes minutely observed in Athens, in antiquity everything had wings.

Ancient Greek and Roman societies were deeply connected to nature and animals. These connections went far beyond importance for mere survival.

As already established birds played a central role in these old societies, they also populated the metaphysical world of dreaming and desire (omens, magic, signs).

It was also a way for Romans to display their wealth by collecting exotic birds. For Roman women, luxurious ornaments and decorations were essential for a fine lady.

One especially appreciated ornament was caged birds, the cage could even be made of silver or tortoise shells. Birds that talked were preferred, besides making a great show they represented love.

As feathered creatures helped tell time and keep track of the calendar year in old Greece and Rome, animals on the other side of the world did the same.

The Chinese Zodiac

In the Chinese calendrical systems based on the Chinese zodiac, animals were honoured in the astrological systems as well as for counting hours, as this system was based on the zodiac.

Day and night were divided into 12 two hours blocks, each of which represented an animal. As an example the hour of the rat, the hour of the tiger, the hour of the dragon etc.*see end article.

As day and night were divided into 12 blocks, their total sum was 24hours. The duration of one block varied throughout the year depending on its position in the calendar and the season. Ex. The horse block would be longer during summer and shorter during winter. This was called the Kyung-Jeom method as the Chinese calendrical system was introduced to Korea.

The mountainous forested landscapes of the Korean Peninsula were once home to a large tiger population, such that the country was popularly known as the “Land of the Tigers”.

Moreover, Korea was once known as the “Land of the exceptional people who know how to tame the tiger” demonstrating the close relationship the Koreans had with tigers.

From ancient times through the Joseph Dynasty (1392–1897), Koreans have expressed their reverence for tigers in various ways.

Tiger

A tiger plays a prominent role in the myth of Dangun, which depicts the birth of Korean civilization.

Tigers are portrayed in Korea as magnanimous symbols of superiority as well as auspicious creatures that expel evil spirits. The tiger is the national animal of South Korea even though it is extinct from the Korean Peninsula nowadays. (Since 1921).

Oriental persimmon or Diospyros kaki is an Asian fruit.

Old Korean folktale;

A persimmon is scarier than a tiger.

Long time ago, a very long time ago one evening a child was crying his heart out.

Ah! Ah! No one knew why he was crying, his mother tried to calm him down, but the child’s cry didn’t stop.

Here she said have a rice cake with honey.

Ah! Ah! Ah! Then the mother told a lie she shouldn’t have.

Ah! Ah! A tiger has come to take you. At that precise moment a tiger who came to eat the cow the mother had in the backyard, heard what she said. Wait, how did she know that I was coming, he thought. He stayed still beside the door to listen in.

Ah! Ah! Ah! Baby, my baby, I will give you a persimmon, then the child stopped crying immediately.

The tiger was more surprised than the mother to hear that the child had stopped crying.

Even when she said I came, he continued crying but with the persimmon, he stopped. That guy called persimmon must be much scarier than I.

Before I get eaten by Mr persimmon, I will run away, quickly.

But the tiger was hungry, since I came this far already I should at least steal the cow and go.

The tiger slowly approached the stable.

At that moment a thief, who had also come to steal the cow leapt on the tiger, thinking it was the cow.

The tiger thought, this scary creature on my back must be the scary persimmon and ran for his life.

The thief held on to the tiger at first, but when the time came he jumped off.

The tiger was relieved, thank God, because the persimmon is really a terrible creature.

Ancient Egypt

Just as swift as the ferocious Korean tiger “the big cat” ran through the dense wild forests, we will move on to a much smaller but not less appreciated cat.

Cats are amongst the most iconic animals in ancient Egyptian culture and of absolute importance. The pharaonic society’s extreme fascination for felines was partially based on their enormous grain storage.

Being an agricultural country they needed to protect grains and crops from vermin and rodents, who were better for the job than a feline.

But the admiration for these furry friends went much deeper than that. Cats were adored for their complex and dual nature. Felines combine grace, fertility and gentle care with aggression, swiftness and danger.

Bastet was probably the best known feline goddess of ancient Egypt even though she was originally worshipped in the form of a lioness and later a cat.

The punishment for killing a cat was execution.

Respect and admiration for animals was fundamental in all of the ancient Egyptian traditions, as animals were given important statues throughout life and in the afterlife.

Hawk

High up, in the clear blue Egyptian skies, a powerful hawk glides mighty under the blistering sun.

Silently it makes its way through the atmosphere across deserts, mountains and steppe landscapes.

Flying at 240 kilometres per hour through the air is an amazing achievement but the key to its survival is its sharp eyesight and extreme intelligence.

The hawk lands on a rocky plateau on the horizon, it is an easy undertaking as it is equipped with strong, powerful, sharp curved talons also used for capturing prey.

While encircling the surroundings earlier, the hawk used its power of observation and focus to inspect and overlook each and every diminutive movement on the ground.

The hawk has the ability to see things from a “ higher perspective”.

It is comprehensible how these admirable feathered creatures came to be one of the pharaonic era’s most powerful gods (Ra) as if that would not be enough it even became part of their many creation myths.

The lotus flower. (Ancient Egyptian creation story)

An ancient Egyptian creation story features the lotus flower, an important flower in ancient Egyptian culture.

The creation story goes on telling that the entire universe was called Nun.

Nun was made of nothing but water- a vast ocean.

Out of Nun emerged a lotus flower together with a mound of dry land, this was Egypt, out of the lotus flower bloomed the sun god Ra, whose job was to warm the dry land each day.

Each night, the lotus blossom closed, tucking” Ra” in, for a safe and warm night’s sleep and darkening the Egyptian sky.

In the morning the lotus flower opened so that Ra could come out and work.

In ancient Egypt, everyone had a job to do, including a lotus flower.

The Native Americans

Bear Cub

For the Native Americans, the humans had a very close relationship both with nature and animals and they had enormous respect for both.

They believed each person was connected, from birth to nine different animals, from an enormous selection and that these animals would accompany him/her through life, acting as guides.

Although people may identify with several animal guides, throughout their lifetime, one of these nine totem animals acted as the main guardian spirit.

A totem is a carved, painted log representing or commemorating ancestry, individuals or events. A totem is a log carved and painted with animals one on top of another forming a spiritual being. Totems represent and commemorate ancestry, individuals or events.

A bear was a spiritual guide, thus very respected by the various tribes. The bear symbol appears across Native American cultures and reminds native people to protect their ways of life, to fight for what is right and to restore balance in communities.

The bear was a protector and its strength brought healing.

They are massive, powerful and have big, strong bodies, a perfect characteristic for a protector, another wanted attribute is their intelligence and a good memory that also come in handy for a guide.

Despite their sturdy physique, a bear deeply grieves at the loss of a cub or sibling and they are willing to risk their lives for their own.

Due to the importance and admiration of bears, there are plenty of American myths and legends about these impressive creatures.* see end article.

Mato Tipila ( Devils Tower ) (Mato means bear in Native American).

Mato Tipila is a monumental hillside that rises 386 metres from the black hills in northeastern Wyoming (USA).

The Lakota Sioux tribe tells a legend of how this monument came to be.

Six girls were out to pick flowers when they were attacked and chased by bears. The Great Spirit felt bad for them and raised the ground beneath their feet.

The bears gave chase and attempted to climb the newly formed tower, but they couldn’t get to the top. The bears fell off, clawing the sides of the mountainside.

The Indigenous Americans’ sensible relationship with nature reflects in their proverbs as well.

Beware of the man who doesn’t talk, and the dog that doesn’t bark.- Cheyenne

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow them from our children.- Unknown tribe

The bird that has eaten cannot fly with the bird that is hungry.- Omaha

Butterflies

A flutter of butterflies is an explosion of joy and colours, a cheerful spectacle as a whole, individually each and everyone is a wonder by itself.

A butterfly is a colourful, fragile, classy, graceful and extravagant creature.

All previously mentioned cultures are unified when it comes to butterflies.

In Chinese culture they symbolise good fortune and a long life, being one of the most beautiful insects they are associated with females in many cultures.

Butterflies are well known for a process called metamorphosis, a transformation from larvae to a real butterfly with wings.

These wings are transparent but covered with thousands of scales that reflect light and give the winged insect its colour.

Butterflies do not eat but drink flower nectar, they have tongs like tubes to suck up liquid food thus many of them do not excrete waste but use everything they consume as energy.

Butterflies are known to have the widest visual range of all wildlife and an exceptional perception of fast-moving objects.

They can see colours humans can’t and distinguish ultraviolet and polarised light.

It was a symbol of the immortal soul in Greek and Roman mythology and can even be seen in ancient Egyptian grave murals.

Religiously speaking the butterfly represents resurrection.

These small extravagant creatures are a symbol of the purer part of the human character, often connected with nature and representing the opposite pole to our materialistic self-interest.

It is hopeful indicating renewal, rejuvenation and resurrection.

So, next time you enjoy a sunny summer day in a flourishing garden appreciate these colourful winged creatures for what they truly are, tiny little miracles.

*The tortoise and the hare.

The tortoise and the hare were going to race, to see who won. Even though the thought was ridiculous, they went on with it. A short while into the race the hare, who was confident he would win, took a nap in a place close to the end of the race. The tortoise who was slow but persistent continued running. When the confident hare woke up from his prolonged sleep he discovered that the tortoise already had reached the end line and thus won the race.

Aesop fable collections.

Moral: Never underestimate your enemy, nor be too confident!

**Kyung-Jeom method. Traditional hours;

Rat hours 자시/子時 11.00 p.m. - 01:00 a.m.

Cow hours 축시/丑時 01:00 a.m. - 03:00 a.m.

Tiger hours 인시/寅時 03:00 a.m. - 05:00 a.m.

Rabbit hours 묘시/卯時 05:00 a.m. - 07:00 a.m.

Dragon hours 진시/辰時 07:00 a.m. - 09:00 a.m.

Snake hours 사시/巳時 09:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Horse hours 오시/午時 11:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.

Lamb hours 미시/未時 01:00 p.m. - 03:00 p.m.

Monkey hours 신시/申時 03:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Hen hours 유시/酉時 05:00 p.m. - 07:00 p.m.

Dog hours 술시/戌時 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Pig hours 해시/亥時 09:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

***How Bear lost his tail (An Iroquois legend).

Legends, myths and tales of Native Americans.

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voracusrdr · 3 years

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In the spirit of 'fuck it why not' and 'nobody asked but I'm sharing anyway' some headcannons for my Warden, Champion, and Inquisitior:

First up Theodora Cousland:

She lost a pinky during the Deep Roads descent to find Branka.

She a smoker (but from pipe a la Gandalf style).

While on the road during the Blight she picked up wood carving and became quite good by the end of it.

She and Zevran have a cabin on the edge of Highever that they stay at as often as they can and hides a new emergency family exit.

Her mabari is technically named Romulus but everyone calls him Rom.

At first glance she looks like a rogue fighter but in actuality is a champion berserker wielding dual axes.

While her and Alistair initially became good friends after some difficult choices they disagreed on their friendship ended (though they still have a high respect towards the other)

Next Garrett Hawke Champion of Kirkwall:

He has somewhat of a reputation as a bar brawler though if you ask him he just breaks them up and shuts down shit talkers.

He has no concept of a sleep schedule nevermind a healthy one.

Babbitt (his mabari) was originally named Rabbit however little Bethany couldn't quite say it right so Babbitt stuck.

He actually saw Theodora after the fight at the Gallows (she was meeting Zevran) though didn't know who she was at the time.

He blames himself for what happened to Bethany (Warden) and failing to protect Carver and Leandra.

After his lover Anders death and having to leave Kirkwall he and Fenris rekindled their relationship though it quickly ended again.

He gut punched Sebastian before heading to the Gallows.

Lastly Inquisitior Eirlin Lavellan:

He's an early riser, like pre dawn early or if you ask Dorian ungodly early.

Clan Lavellan looked at his albinism negatively and only kept him in the clan due to his strong magic prowess.

When Eirlin heard of the death of clan Lavellan he disappeared for hours until Dorian finally located him on a high rooftop where they sat silently for some time before Eirlin broke down crying.

His name means snow child in Dalish.

Outside of his vhenan Dorian the ones he winds up closest to are Cassandra, Cullen and Cole suprisingly.

He's extraordinarily blunt 'man of action' is often said and not kindly.

He and Dorian married sometime before the Exalted Council it's just not widely known.

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jesswithane · 3 years

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New AU idea that may be free game because tired:

Hetalia Olympics Au

Alfred is an Olympic skateboarder. Literally one of the first in this upcoming Olympics (as I just googled). He’s just really excited to meet people, win some golds (he’s like Tony Hawk level good), and just vibe. His twin, Mattie, is even there--but he actually isn’t competing in the summer olympics. Mattie goes to the winter olympics represents Canada since he moved there to train as a snowboarder. Both are well known because of their social media pages where they’ll do stunts, play games, and teach techniques.

Lovino and Feliciano are olympic fencers. They come from a long line of Fencers, started from their Grandfather Romulus. Their Italies pride and joy and often end up competing against each other--where Feli usually gets gold. So Lovino is Determined to beat him this go around.

However, while exploring on his own, Lovino gets almost run over by this Blonde dude on a skateboard. So, Lovino being Lovino, starts yelling about him being a dumb kid and a jerk (yada yada), but in Italain.

Alfred is just staring. Lovino is unnerved that this guy doesn’t seem bothered, and is instead turning pink.

“So, what do you have to say for yourself?!” Lovino finally spats in English

and Alfred is like, “Oh...oh! Sorry man. I didn’t understand a word you said, but go to dinner with me?”

And Lovino is like, “I...what?”

“Please?”

“I...ok.”

#hetalia #hws Olympics au #hws america #hws romano #hws romerica #romerica but sports #matt is watching this unfold and he is...so embarrased #why is his brother so dumb?#and Feli is LAUGHING #hws canada #hws north italy #arthur and francis are supportive parents idk #ivan is alfreds enemy even though they arent in the same sport #they're frenemies and its fun for everyone involved

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deathvaletcomicseries · 5 years

Photo

On Death Valet Chapter 2 Page 2. I dunno what’s more important to these Nazis, escape or orange soda. No offense to Fanta. Script, story and characters by me. Lineart, inks and lettering done by https://www.deviantart.com/iadm colors and shading done by https://www.deviantart.com/phobos-romulus

#Death Valet #IADM #Phobos-Romulus #Alistair Garth #Winston Pike #alligator #human #Nazis #gimp #pig #zombie #hawk #car chase #rocket #boom #stop #sudden #ambush

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lepreuxchevalier · 3 years

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Friedrich I, erster und herrschend König von Middenland und Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart. This artwork was reposted to include both an improved and expanded version of the lore of this specific character and faction in my medieval fantasy setting. Born Friedrich Von Rotbart and nicknamed “Der Eroberer von Middenland” or “Der Alte Kriegsvogel” after his involvement in The Midlands Crusade by his contemporaries, Friedrich I was crowned and anointed as the first “König von Middenland” in the wake of “The Midlands Crusade” as officially declared and prosecuted by his older brother Friedrich Albrecht Von Rotbart, Bishop-Prince of Elchingen and Archpatriarchal Legate to The Midlands Crusade. Friedrich Von Rotbart was originally a minor aristocrat and the commanding officer of a mercenary company known as “The Band of The Hawk” or “Die Bande Des Falke” from the “Northern” or “Austere” hemisphere of The Empire of Mankind before his involvement in The Midlands at the express invitation of his older brother as Bishop-Prince of Elchingen and The Bishop of Romulus’ official, church sanctioned representative in The Midlands Crusade. The main objective of The Midlands Crusade, as officially declared and prosecuted by Friedrich Albrecht Von Rotbart, was to retake the lands of The Former Kingdom of The Midlands under The Late House Bartholemew before the extinction of their dynasty and the subsequent collapse of their kingdom over a century ago. Since the extinction of The Late House Bartholemew and the resulting collapse of The Former Kingdom of The Midlands, the hut shamans from the great forest of Erdøk had exploited the social and political turmoil and unrest that resulted from the power vacuum formed by the collapse of The Kingdom of The Midlands to successfully convert the native “Albic” population to the shamanistic beliefs as practiced by the native inhabitants in the great forest of Erdøk east of The Empire of Mankind Proper. The gradual and overwhelmingly popular conversion of The Former Kingdom of The Midlands led to the further collapse of the rule of the great houses of feudal aristocracy, who had squabbled over the disputed succession of The Late House Bartholemew following the extinction of their dynasty, as well as the spiritual authority of The Conservative Church of The New Gods in the region, who, in an equally desperate and futile attempt, strove to maintain any resemblance of law and order in The Midlands following the extinction of House Bartholemew and the brutal infighting between the great houses of feudal aristocracy that resulted in it's wake. The shamanistic beliefs and practices of Erdøk appealed especially to the disenfranchised hearts and minds of the peasants and commoners of The Midlands, who were encouraged by the hut shamans spreading the word of their faith in the region to rise up in open rebellion against the rule of the feudal aristocracy, and to sack and raze all churches and monasteries erected in the name of “false prophets and gods.” The gradual collapse of aristocratic sovereignty and the spiritual authority of The Conservative Church of The New Gods in The Midlands became synonymous with the decline of economic, industrial, and cultural life in the region. With once proud cities lying depopulated and in ruins while vegetation from the reclamation of the forests of Erdøk consumed the remains of once mighty castles, lavish country estates, towering cathedral churches, and venerable, pristine monasteries razed and sacked by the peasant uprisings in the name of Erdøk. The Midlands Crusade as officially declared and prosecuted by Bishop Friedrich Albrecht Von Rotbart on behalf of Archpatriarch Vexillarius IV had attracted the attention of aristocrats and commoners alike from both the “Austere” and “Frivolous” hemispheres of The Empire of Mankind, who saw the new crusade not only as a chance to redeem their souls in the vindication of holy war, but as an opportunity to carve out lands and estates for themselves and their families in the process. Friedrich Von Rotbart as commanding officer of Die Bande Des Falke would have been content to live off of his employment as a mercenary captain in The Empire of Mankind Proper, were it not for his hereditary ties to The Archpatriarchal Legate of The Midlands Crusade, as well as his brother’s explicit offer to use his political and religious authority as Legate to have his younger brother crowned and anointed king in return for his participation in the crusade. Both Friedrich Von Rotbart and his Band of The Hawk joined The Midlands Crusade as minor belligerents, despite having both fought and served with distinction as a pike-and-shotte infantry regiment in many of the great battles fought against the tree worshipping heathens of Erdøk, thus subsequently winning both the respect and commendation of both their fellow crusaders and the church authorities involved in the crusade. Following the climactic battle of the “Godswoods” that drew The Midlands Crusade to a stunning conclusion in favour of the crusaders, Bishop Friedrich Albrecht Von Rotbart as Archpatriarchal Legate had consecrated the site of the former Godswoods as the official seat of the basilica of the Archbisphoric of Marienburg, where Friedrich Albrecht Von Rotbart would reign as first Bishop-Patriarch for the new “Königreich Middenland” and crown and anoint it’s first king with The Archpatriarch’s blessing. As promised by his older brother in return for his express involvement in The Midlands Crusade, Friedrich Von Rotbart was crowned and anointed as “Friedrich I, erster und herrschend König von Middenland” and " Gründungschef von Hohenrotbart” as the founding head of the new kingdom’s first ruling dynasty since the extinction of House Bartholemew well over a century ago. While the church authorities unanimously supported Friedrich I as the first and reigning König von Middenland, thanks in full to the prestige, authority, and influence of his brother as first and reigning Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg, Friedrich I’s coronation as King of Middenland was initially received reluctantly, and with icy anticipation, by the newly established great houses of feudal aristocracy, or “junkers,” in the region, who generally saw his coronation and anointment as King of Middenland as questionable due to his minor aristocratic birth, as well as his professional background as a mercenary captain to pike-and-shotte infantry, as opposed to aristocratic heavy cavalry as the traditionally most prestigious form of military service. He gradually and eventually purchased the loyalty and compliance of the junker aristocracy by awarding them the most arable lands and estates in the kingdom that did not already belong to The Conservative Church of The New Gods in return for their maintenance of secular law and order in the provincial, “royal” law courts as officially established by Friedrich I, as well as their obligatory military service and those of their feudal, private, aristocratic levies in times of war. Under the leadership of his brother, The Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg, The Conservative Church of The New Gods worked with Friedrich I in joint partnership over the rulership and administration of Das Königreich Middenland. Bishops, abbots, and cardinals formed an integral part of the administration and state bureaucracy of the new Königreich Middenland, and facilitated the mass conversion of the native inhabitants of Middenland in return for the right to collect “tithes,” or religious taxes generated in return holding their religious services for the faithful, as well as “benefices,” or rents generated from the income of tenants living on either the rural or urban property of The Conservative Church of The New Gods. Friedrich I’s most enduring policy as the first and reigning König von Middenland is essentially encouraging the mass immigration and resettlement of colonists and settlers from his native “Northern” or “Austere” cultural hemisphere of The Empire of Mankind Proper, as a means of both bolstering his attempts to tame the wild, uncultivated, and savage lands of his new Königreich Middenland into compliance with his sovereign rule using the spiritual, cultural, and moral authority and influence of The Conservative Church of The New Gods, as well as revitalizing the decimated population, economy, and industrial base of The Kingdom of Middenland following the mass genocides that took place during, and in the wake of The Midlands Crusade. Friedrich I as first and reigning König von Middenland has also encouraged the cultural and ethnic assimilation of the native “Albic” population of Middenland by encouraging intermarriage with male colonists and settlers from the northern hemisphere of The Empire of Mankind using dowries officially sponsored by The Conservative Church of The New Gods, as well as encouraging the spread of both the oral and written Northern Imperial language and culture through the religious services and church schools sponsored by the ethnic Northern Imperial clergy as part of his general policy of cementing both his sovereign rule and authority, as well as the spiritual, cultural, and moral authority of The Conservative Church of The New Gods in the region, all the while easing the cultural tensions and differences between the Northern Imperial colonists and settlers with the Albic natives. One “unique,” if not outright “brilliant” military policy pursued under the reign of Friedrich I, and perhaps one born out of his inherent distrust for the new junker aristocracy who were initially reluctant to acknowledge his coronation and anointment as King of Middenland, is the creation of “die schwarzen reiterren” or “the black riders.” Die Schwarzen Reiterren were organized into military units of elite, secular, martial fraternities knowns as “die brüderschaften” or “brotherhoods.” Each “brüderschaft” operated under the direct command and supervision of a “großmeister” or “grandmaster,“ who were personally appointed for life from members of Middenland’s great houses of feudal aristocracy, or “junkers,” to serve the sovereign interests of The Kings of Middenland over the private interests of any feudal, aristocratic lord. “Die Großmeisterren“ or "the grandmasters” could be immediately stripped of their rank and office should they show any signs of insubordination to The Kings of Middenland or their official, state sanctioned representatives, while also being expected to forfeit any previously held landed titles, estates, and incomes upon their official appointment as großmeister. To assure the loyalty and unconditional service of the various brüderschaften of schwarzen reiterren, both the livelihoods and upkeep costs of die schwarzen reiterren were funded directly out of the state treasury generated by both The Kingdom of Middenland’s crownlands and any tariffs imposed on both the king's charter companies and the local trade gilds, as well as income from the tithes generated by the religious services of, and donations to The Conservative Church of The New Gods as part of their joint partnership with The Kings of Middenland in the direct rulership and administration over the kingdom. Both die schwarzen reiterren and their großmeisterren were made visually distinct from the household knights in service to the great houses of junker aristocracy with their iconic, signature, black armour, adorned with skull fetishes and gilded ornamentations to distinguish their rank and seniority within the various units of brüderschaften. It was through the creation of die schwarzen reiterren, that Friedrich I managed to assure the loyalties of the junker nobility by compelling the second sons of junker families into military service as elite, heavily armoured cavalrymen in die brüderschaften of die shwarzen reiterren, while obligating members of the great houses of junker aristocracy into lifetime appointments as großmeisterren of die brüderschaften. Later in his reign, following the passing away of Friedrich Albrecht Von Rotbart as the first Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg, Archpatriarch Vexillarius IV as 299th and reigning Bishop of Romulus and Current Head of The Conservative Church of The New Gods invested in Wolfgang Amadeus Von Holswig-Shlestien, Bishop-Prince of Griffenheim in The Empire of Mankind Proper, as his late brother’s successor as Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg. The Archpatriarch’s candidate for Bishop-Patriarch to Das Königreich von Middenland proved seemingly antithetical to both the secular, royal interests of the Hohenrotbart dynasty in particular and the national, state interests of The Kingdom of Middenland at large, stating that “The Midlands Crusade was waged exclusively in the name of The Canon Pantheon of The New Gods, not in the name of the selfish and conceited interests of prospective monarchs and aristocrats, and it was through their sheer grace that the crusade had concluded in overwhelming triumph for the forces of The Conservative Church.” Triggered by the apparent conflict of interest between The King of Middenland and this new Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg and his followers, Friedrich I as first and reigning König von Middenland and founding head of Hohenrotbart had decreed state legislation to become the first hereditary, dynastic ruler in both the history and the entirety of “The Civilized World” to officially convert to the religious reforms of Karl Von Luxembourg, a doctor of theology based in The University of Wörtzburch, as well as the leading and titular figure behind the general, sweeping, and international reformation of The “Conservative” Church of The New Gods, on behalf of both his household and subjects. It was through this legislative decree of his official conversion to “The Luxembourgian Reforms,” that Friedrich I had assumed supreme authority over matters of religion, and in the process made himself the effective and virtual Head of The Church of The New Gods in Das Königreich Middenland, thus taking full control over the investiture of new bishops and abbots within The Kingdom of Middenland, including investiture over the office of Bishop-Patriarch of Marienburg as originally established by his late older brother during the conclusion of The Midlands Crusade, all the while promoting the growth of mass literacy through the proliferation of The Holy Canons of The New Gods and other religious literature and pamphlets printed in the vernacular, Northern Imperial language using printers, missionaries, and church schools sympathetic to the religious reforms of Karl Von Luxembourg. As part of his general and sweeping policy of his assumption of supreme authority over matters of religion in Middenland, Friedrich I simultaneously decreed state legislation as the first and reigning König von Middenland and founding head of Hohenrotbart, as well as clerical legislation as “The Supreme Head of The Church of The New Gods in Middenland,“ to decriminalize both the possession and the vernacular translation of The Holy Canons of The New Gods, thus officially opening both the reading and the strict interpretation of the holy scriptures of The New Gods to all social classes outside the clergy and aristocracy. In terms of his foreign policy as the first and reigning König von Middenland, Friedrich I had successfully forged a matrilineal alliance with The Kingdom of Albion through the marriage of his youngest daughter Prinzessen Chloe Von Rotbart to Robert III, 40th and late King of Albion and former head of House Lyonheart, as part of a defensive pact made with The Kingdom of Albion against whatever pretensions and ambitions Le Royaume d’Aquitaine under the rule of Les Rois de Maison Williamson may possess. Through the dynastic union forged between Prinzessen Chloe Von Rotbart and Robert III, 40th and late King of Albion, Friedrich I would become the maternal grandfather to both Edmund IV, 41st and reigning King of Albion and current head of House Lyonheart and Princess Kaitlin Lyonheart, Duchess of Kingswood. With his eldest daughter reigning as Queen Mother of Albion. In terms of it's historical and cultural inspiration, “Das Königreich Middenland“ in my medieval fantasy world is loosely modelled after medieval and early renaissance Prussia under The Monastic State of The Teutonic Knights, as well as The Duchy of Prussia during the 16th and 17th centuries. With Friedrich I’s official conversion to Karl Von Luxembourg’s reforms on behalf of his household and his subjects being highly analogous to the secularization of “The Monastic State of The Teutonic Knights,” or “Deutschordenstaat,” to The Lutheran, East Prussian Duchy during the early 16th century.

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