Season’s Greetings folks. This year proves to be challenging to all of us yet we still manage to hold on to the oldest traditions. One such tradition is our annual Toy Drive. Nobles and Citizens from all across the land came together to donate some toys to the good children of the land. Even with the plagues that have ravaged the land this year, we still brought in well over $100 worth of donations for the children. A hearty thanks to all of those who donated this year. The highest donors were Duke Aiken of Breitenburg, Duke Vanguard Gunnarson of Valenheim and Lord Sorin Hraldr of Nicholshire.
In addition to the annual toy drive, we also witnessed the 20th Anniversary of the Barony of Nemea. Back in 17 ACI, the foundation of the faction that would grow to become one of the most prominent in the history of the Kingdom was established. Over the years the faction became a House and Barony, became Faction of the Year, boasted the greatest number of Dukes to take the crown from any Faction, and stood to provide the land with guidance to build the Kingdom into heights none have seen before. The faction toasted with the traditional Oi chant as they celebrated 20 cycles of tradition, strength and honor.
A highlight of the event was the ceremony in which Rowan Drake swore his fealty to the Barony. One of the newest recruits, Rowan was elevated beyond the seeker status and taken into the ranks of the Red Army being bestowed the Red Kyrtle worn by the ranking members of the Household. Duke Ramon Kalivantes, Sir Steven Dunbar and Baron Boltac Lowleaves were on hand as Rowan took his oath, witnessed by many others including Duke Aiken of Breitenburg and Lord Raziel of Shadehaven. Rowan was instrumental in bringing the Nemean Wardens of Azara - the southern defense force protecting the interests of the Barony and Kingdom in the vast principality.
The battles were fierce as usual. Warriors fought hard and proved their might against old and new. Lord Baba Malik had some choice words after the ceremony inducting Rowan. No sooner had the Kyrtle been unfolded then Baba stepped onto the field and offered Rowan a place within the Brotherhood of Balor. Verbal barbs were thrown between the Baron and the Marauder, with Malik accusing the Nemeans of becoming soft with age and losing their edge. He remarked that the lion sat while other factions worked. Sir Dunbar stepped up to defend his House with a response and Duke Kalivantes gave a piercing glare toward his Guardsman.
When asked “I thought you were one of the good ones?” by Lowleaves, Malik responded “There is no good or bad, nor is there neutrality, no magical alignment that dictates your behavior. No, this is all about the outlook on life. The Lion is content to let others become what they were once charged to be. They were old, fat and sloppy. The new age was upon them and the Brotherhood would show them all.
Rowan simply smiled at Baba and said “I’ve made my choice, I know where my destiny is.” Baba’s response before leaving was equally short, “When you want more… we are here.”
Will there be a schism between two of the stronger allies? Is Baba correct in his claim that the lion sits idle while the world moves on around them? Perhaps the pride of Nemea was struck this day. Time will tell.
