At the Papcastle Riverfront hospital there was of course panic over the fact they were struggling to access the electronic files that seemed to be the life blood of the medical profession. The call had been put out to get every admin member of staff into work to dig out paper files and run them around for the medics seeing the patients with appointments. Even that had become a challenge as secretaries prayed they'd remembered to update the chunky diaries that were kept in each doctors office. Dr. Caleb Wolf had worked here since the year 2000 and the last decade as the royal families nominated doctor at the hospital. It was a relatively straight forward job as apart from the occasional check and child delivery there had been hardly anything they'd needed since 2007, it was though now the events of 2003 that concerned Dr.Wolf.

Dr. Wolf had phoned the Palace not long after the computers had gone down. It was important Queen Diane was made aware. It took several conversations with the minions up there for the Palace to finally put the Doctor on the line with the Queen. "Your Majesty I'm sorry to have to disturb your day." He began. "I understand you've been made aware of these computer hacker types but the bad news is that we've been hit here and they're telling me that they potentially have access to our medical records." The line went silent on the other end as the Queen took in what was being told to her.

"Do you think that they will find out?" Diane asked as she could feel a wave of panic she'd not experienced in a long while wash over her.

"I'm not sure. They have a huge number of files and its not well known that we hold the royal families information here. I think though with the media being alerted to the hijacks its worth you preparing yourself. I know its in your past but a lot of things have changed in Mundus in those years and well, it could become important again." The Doctor wasn't sure if he was now stepping across some kind of etiquette line in how he addressed the Queen but he felt sorry for her now.

"Thank you Dr. Wolf for the heads up. I'll have our staff do everything we can to get your hospital back on line soon."

---

In Bauduen, Marseille, Cyprien Léandre had returned from the bakery and was now returning to the bank of computer screens they had set up. A screen was running a set of letters and numbers like something out of the Matrix when it suddenly buzzed and sent details onto another screen. Cyprien settled down to see what the computer had found. They'd set up an algorithm to search the data they had blocked for key words and phrases. While it would be nice to get some money for their projects it wouldn't hurt to have some juicy gossip to sell to the media and it seemed they had just found some.

---

2002 Royal Northfort University

The Rowing Clubs Summer Ball had just finished and Diane and Prince David of East Moreland walked arm in arm through the campus as they wound their way home to the block of student flats that they called home. Block 32 was home to 36 students normally but it was now home to half that number. With a Prince of East Moreland and Princess of Eskdale among the blocks residents a host of security agents also called the place home. The two royals did their best to enjoy a normal student experience but now a little tipsy the two were oblivious of the security agent walking a few yards ahead of them while their friend Alex Redfern and his date for the evening, a red head girl by the name of Rachel, walked behind them clinging to each other. As they neared Block 32 the group were let in without scanning their key fobs as Wilf, an East Moreland security agent buzzed them in. "Good evening your Highnesses. Good Ball?"

"Magical" Diane said with a smile. She had been in a relationship with David now for six months, in fact tonight was their six month anniversary. They'd spent much of the evening enjoying dancing and a few glasses of wine. The group usually hung out in the communal kitchen after a night out but tonight Alex and his date disappeared off to his room straight away. With the perimeter secure the agents were content to let the two young royals sit in the kitchen and enjoy a nightcap. David poured himself a glass of Seaforthian whiskey while Diane a glass of Heyran red wine. They chatted, holding a kind of debrief about the evening while finishing their drink before retiring for bed.

The next six weeks were a blur. First it had been the summer holidays. Diane had spent it with the Ironsides and while King Sven and Queen Helena had taken Freya up to the mountains Prince David and Diane had the run of the Palace, there had been parties, balls, hunts and generally two young lovers having fun. Then the time had come for Diane to return home for a few religious ceremonies and while normally David would have liked to accompany her it wasn't possible as he and Alex Redfern got called up for parachute training as reservists. Diane was disappointed of course as she would have liked to show David her homeland but she also understood the duty that was placed on their shoulders. The day David and Alex had packed for their training Diane had begun to get nervous, her period was late and now the strip in front of her confirmed it. She felt sick, not from the pregnancy but from the idea that her family would be so disappointed in her. The fact she was carrying the child of the future monarch of East Moreland and the future monarch of Eskdale, the two Kingdoms would be united but she suspected that wouldn't please the people of either Kingdom. With that in mind and feeling that duty was important she had been to see Dr.Wolf and the next day had the abortion that would ensure East Moreland and Eskdale never shared a monarch. It was also that abortion that 20 years later was likely to cause a diplomatic incident if it ever became public knowledge.


OOC- Thanks to Dave for trusting me with King David for a bit.

1984 - Diane was born in Howtown. Her mother was the 2nd daughter of the Duke of Blackbeck (Queen Madeline) and King Walter II.

1989 - Diane was enrolled in the Westlinton School for Girls. A boarding school for students aged between 5-18. Diane was however not a boarder.

1995 - Diane switched schools to the Westlinton Sports College after being identified as a prospect for athletics. She was exceptionally good at jumping events. The school was designed to be a boarding school for children aged 11-18 believed to be capable of competing at an elite level.

1998 - Diane, in keeping with royal family tradition, joined the Army Cadet Force (uniformed youth group). That year she won the High Jump for her Detachment in the age group she competed in.

2000 - Diane sat her National Academic Exams and gained an average grade of B+. She represented the nation at an Under 17's international competition and won a silver medal. She enrolled to do Advanced National Exams in Physics, Chemistry and Maths. 

2002 - Diane passed with grade A's in all her ANE's. She had sustained a hip injury during the athletics season and discovered that she was likely to have further complications if she kept competing. She determined that she would instead try and become an engineer in the military until assuming some royal duties. She also wished to travel and after some negotiating with her father who in turn negotiated with King Sven of East Moreland she enrolled on a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the Royal Northfort University. She was placed in an accommodation block that students referred to as the "Palace" as it was also home to King David of East Moreland and as such was of a high security standard.

2003 - For eight months Diane and the then Prince David Ironside dated. She attended several important events with the future King. There were obvious media reports of a future marriage. In November of that year her father died and she became Queen of Eskdale. She returned to Eskdale and after attempts at a long distance relationship and the realisation that the two of them would one day have to run seperate countries the pair ended their relationship.

2004 - Diane graduated with a 2:2 in her degree having transferred to the Air Force Academy to complete it. She had been expected to obtain a much higher grade however the mixture of study and royal duties pulled her down. She had delegated many of her duties to her uncle Stephen Paget who acted as a kind of regent for her.

2005 - Diane began dating minor noble Duke Robin Stoddard. The pair meet while supporting the efforts of the Eskdale Athletic Championships.

2007 - Diane and Duke Robin get married in January. She gave birth to twins Prince Harland and Princess Jocelin.

2009 - Diane gave birth to Prince Felix.

2011 - Diane establishes the Royal Paget University.

2014 - Diane's husband is diagnosed with a terminal lung disease. Diane takes a step back from leadership allowing her younger brother Henry to be regent.

2015 - In August her husband dies.

2016- Diane resumes leadership duties.

Where it mentions Kingdoms read Dukedoms




This is the heart of the Commonwealth. It is here that you will find the vast majority of buildings needed for the administration of the Commonwealth such as the Royal Council building, High Court, Temple of Lorsch and the Order of Connla HQ.  The Quarter has its own police force which is unique in the fact that while the rest of the Commonwealth have police wearing blue uniforms the Wetslinton Royal Constabulary wear green jackets if a NCO and a red if an officer.


There has stood a meeting hall of some sort on this spot since the 10th Century. The most recent incarnation of the building was completed in 1909 following a fire which damaged much of the old. The building is rather unimposing compared to many nations Parliament buildings however when debating the reconstruction it was determined that the building could not expand beyond its original footprint.  The clock on the tower has four faces, each bearing the coat of arms of either one of the Dukes or the family of the Monarch.


The Temple of Lorsch is the most sacred place for worshippers of Lorschism. It stands on a site that has had some kind of building on it since the 5th Century BC. The current Temple though was constructed in the 13th Century and at one time held the title for tallest building in the nation. Its tower stands at 75 meters. It today is used not only for religious services but also has taken over nearby buildings and operates a museum of the faith, a library and a theological training school for future members of the Priesthood. Despite it at one time serving also as the residence of the Deacon of the Faith that building is now the museum and the Deacon has a residence away from the Temple.


In the 1700's a fire destroyed the royal Palace. The then Queen was Anne Paget who was left by her husband to oversee and manage the construction of a new Palace and parkland. It is still the residence of the current monarch however the vast parkland has been reduced and turned into a city green space. The building is also home to where the various Councils take place.


The Order is a group that are in the service of the Lorsch faith. They are seen by many as being a cross between scholars, priests, poets and even rumors of soldiers. Legend has it Connla was the brother of the final Emissary of the Faith Sionann the Scribe. When it appeared the holy texts would be destroyed Sionann worked non-stop to write them from memory before dying of exhaustion. In her haste she included passages deemed "evil" by Lorsch and Connla removed these and gave instructions for follows of Lorsch to ensure they never were discovered. It is told Sionann wrote the texts on the site where her brother raised a building following her death. It is possible for pilgrims to come and visit however around 1/3 of the site is out of bounds for visitors who are not members of the Order or have gained prior permission.

OOC - Not publicly known - The building is home to various organisations designed at helping the Order carry out tasks that may be deemed "dubious" by the Deacon. This has historically been undermining other faiths thought to threaten the Lorsch faith in Eskdale, assassinating members of the royal families and spreading misinformation. In some ways the HQ is part Temple, part monastery and part private intelligence agency.

The vast majority of people in Eskdale practice the faith of Lorschism. According to this faith the God Lorsch created the world by splitting himself in three to form the land, sea and sky. Next to bring life into the world he further split himself into three to form the mind, body and spirit of the first human, a woman called Arwen. Lorsch eventually gave Arwen three children, Eoghan, Morcant and Aoife. It is from these four creations of Lorsch that all human life has descended.

After some time the descendants of the first four humans began to lose their connection to Lorsch and so he sent over time six Emissaries to help guide man-kind and these have shaped our knowledge of man-kind.

The Emissaries

1. Áed the Originator

Áed was sent to help guide the people back to matters of showing their faith to Lorsch. He was a famed warrior in his day and upon having been injured and left for dead in battle the god Lorsch revealed himself to Áed and in return for returning him to Mundus set before him the task of spreading the rules of the faith. This saw him impose a regime of prayers twice a day, fasting for a day a month, making sacrifices at the solstices and many other small rituals. Áed began training others to continue the teachings of Lorsch but was killed by an evil spirit called Branwen murdered him.

2. Seisyll the Builder

Seisyll was a Blacksmith who was saved from a smithy fire by Lorsch. He had been an extremely pious man and sensing that he had a role to play for the faithful Seisyll was saved. He was tasked with constructing a home for the spirit of Lorsch to reside and is famed as building the first Temple in the faith. He also encoded the rules given to Áed onto the walls ensuring that a permanent record of them was made. He is also considered not just a physical builder for the faith but also a spiritual builder as he traveled extensively to help spread the words of Lorsch. Seisyll died when the evil spirit Branwen had transformed herself into a replica of his horse and while fording a river disappeared making Seisyll drown.

3. Nechtan The Teacher

Nechtan was an orphan boy who was lost wandering the woods when an old man took him in and raised him for the next ten years. By the time he had reached adulthood Nechtan was more knowledgeable in the ways of Lorsch than any human who had come before him. It was only at this point that the old man was revealed to be Lorsch himself as he had been concerned that man-kind was losing its way. Lorsch tasked his adoptive son with preparing others to help spread his teachings and as a result Nechtan recruited 18 individuals who became the first formally trained Priests of Lorsch. Nechtan was eventually accused by non-believers of spreading false ideals and executed by being thrown from a cliff. It is told however that as he fell spirits sent by Lorsch took hold of him and carried him off to paradise.

4. Nynniaw the Writer

Nynniaw was a young Prince who left his family so that he could worship Lorsch. He dedicated himself to learning everything he could from the Priests and determined that for the faith to continue to grow the words of Lorsch would need to be written down in places other than the Temple walls. He is credited with writing the Library of Lorsch, which despite its name is in fact only three books. In these he codified the rituals, the teachings and the rules of the God. He was able to record rituals of great power and importance some of which had been performed directly by Lorsch. In an attempt to learn Lorsch's power Branwen tried to steal the three books and Nynniaw died fending off this evil and preserved the safety of them.

5. Eigyr the Redeemed.

Eigyr was the first and only female Emissary. Lorsch was becoming angry at the way man-kind was allowing certain groups to be subjegated and believed this marked a moment when man-kind could have begun to stray away from him. Eigyr was given a redefined list of rules about the faith. It included how it should act towards other faiths and covered some ground that had not been done so by earlier rules. Lorsch was pleased with the work that Eigyr had done in making the faith stronger. Branwen sensing the Eigyr was becoming too prideful corrupted her and had her reveal many secrets of Lorsch to her including some of the rituals only Lorsch could perform that allowed him to have control over all creation. Branwen convinced Eigyr to write a new version of sacred texts for her including these rituals and having once handed them over destroy all other sacred texts. At the last moment Eigyr saw through Branwen's deception and sacrificed herself to destroy Branwen. The same action that saw the spirit of evil, Branwen destroyed, also condemed the text containing all the teachings and Lorsch begin to disintegrate. Thankfully Eigyr had a young Priest called Sionann by her side.

6. Sionann the Scribe

Seeing her mentor Eigyr dead and the only copy of the sacred texts beginning to disintegrate it is said that Sionann began to copy them down in a new book thus preserving them for the future of mankind. Without thought she copied down all the texts including those that Branwen had wished to discover that contained the secret rituals Lorsch used to control creation. Having finished writing hundreds and hundreds of pages of text without pausing, without sleep, food or water she began to die of exhaustion having saved the faith. Lorsch was so proud of her that he made her writings unable to be destroyed. She in her final moments of life understood that she had without thinking copied down 12 pages of text that contained the "dangerous verses" and removed them tasking her brother Connla to ensure these pages did not fall into the hands of Branwen should the evil spirit return to Mundus somehow. Connla therefore upon his sister's death became the first Legate of Lorsch.

The faith is today guided by the Legate of Lorsch who is to lead the faith in a similar way as to the Pope does the Catholic Church and their primary duty is to ensure the 12 pages do not get discovered.



Today the faith is governed by a hierarchy of Priests. The head of this hierarchy is the Deacon of the Faith and he is very similar to the Catholic Pope. The Deacon is responsible for helping guide the work of the faith and promoting it as and when necessary. He also has the casting vote in any Grand Council votes. The Deacon serves from appointment until death or resignation. They however can be replaced should a delegation of 16 "Guides" present a petition in the annual Council of Lorsch which takes place every April to discuss the future of the faith.

The hierarchy of the faith has five steps.

Deacon - Like the Catholic Pope they set out policy and leadership of the faith and manage the faiths affairs.

Guides - There are 31 of them and they are selected by the Deacon, they serve until death or retirement. They are primarily concerned with the day to day running of the faiths affairs.

Ovate - They are responsible for a geographic area that may contain up to a million people. There are currently around 67 ovates in Eskdale.

Bard - Responsible for a small geographic area such as a town or city.

Priest - Responsible for an individual temple.

Custodian - Responsible for supporting the work of a priest. There are three types of Custodian. The Custodian Scholars are responsible for helping teach the faith and prepare for rituals and are seen as junior priests. Custodian Builders are responsible for the physical upkeep of the faiths property and Custodian Guards are responsible for the physical care of the faithful and in the past were a military individual but now their work focuses more on providing charitable and physical help for those in need in the community such as running homeless shelters.


The faith has a set of over arching rules that are followed having been given to Áed they are known as the Values of Lorsch and are as follows.

1. In all things, strive to cause no harm.
2. When in another's home, show them respect or else do not go there.
3. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and they cry out to be relieved.
4. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
5. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.
6. Behave fairly to your neighbour
7. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good
8. There is only one God and his name is Lorsch.
9. Do not speak ill of Lorsch for all things happen according to his plan.
10. Do not speak falsely of others.
11. Honor the ancestors, teachers, elders, and leaders.

These eleven rules have formed the basis of the Lorschism faith and its modern day teachings. Many laws of the Kingdom of Eskdale originate from these.



 

Following consulation with the three monarchs it has been determined that the United Kingdoms of Eskdale will sign the Historic Crimes Treaty.

On behalf of the citizens of the United Kingdoms it is our hope that the victims who are still awaiting justice are able to find it.

Best Regards

The Royal Overseer Stanley Keyes

The four members of the Eskdale contingent spun their chairs to form a brief circle but it was clear that Keynes was doing the majority of the talking. "The Three Kingdoms of Eskdale had concerns along similar lines as Altona. We however would have our fears put aside if this proposal from King David was accepted."

When three Kingdoms had such a complex arrangement as Eskdale there was bound to be some confusion. Royal Overseer Stanley Keynes had the unenviable job of trying to keep three monarchs, two Kings and a Queen, in check and Gods forbid if someone messed up the formalities. This had been made even worse when King Henry III of Papcastle had made a decision to fly to East Moreland on his own privately hired plane. This lead to concern from King Robert and Queen Diane that the King of Papcastle would make his way to Campford ahead of them. Henry had told Keynes that he would meet them at the riverside and now as he and Robert and Diane waited the two other monarchs were concerned he would have been onboard with the others ahead of them. This even saw Diane began discussing with a helicopter charter company on her phone while Keynes did his best to work out what was happening. Almost casually Henry strolled up 30 minutes late and despite the frustration of Robert and Diane didn't seem to have a care in the world. He had been enjoying an exceptional breakfast in a restaurant with an old friend before making his way to the pick up. The voyage down the river was spent largely in silence between the four of them with Keynes doing his best to play mediator as usual. When they reached Campford the Royal Overseer blocked the exit to the boat to speak with them in a manner a teacher might before letting excited school children off a bus for a trip.

"It is clear what happens. I've told you and do not embarass the United Kingdom." he warned in a stern voice. Robert and Henry kept stoney faced while Diane simply smiled and gave a fake salute to show she understood.

As expected Stanley greeted the gathering group first and then the monarchs in order of age, Henry, then Diane, then Robert. "Excellent to see you again King David and congratulations on the birth of Prince Llewellyn. We are hopeful our discussion in Eskdale can come to fruition today."

Duke Stanley Keynes was experienced in politics having been around the internal struggles of the United Kingdoms since leaving the military. He hoped that the internal debates and misunderstandings between the three Kingdoms would at least give him a useful insight into the world of Mundus wide politics. He had informed the three monarchs of his intention to come to the meeting but then had to deal with each of them either wanting to come in person or send a representative. In the end Stanley made the decision to go alone. He'd meet King David before on his state visit and that had seemed to go well and so having landed and made his way into what at first sight seemed an odd location for the meeting he greeted the host. He had yet to meet anyone formally from Hassfurt and he viewed the nation with some skeptacism based on their religious oddities. This though was neither the time nor place for those discussions although Stanley expected at some point in the future he may need to.Today talks would be on peace and stability in the region and as such he gave Pfaff a formal handshake, cheery greeting before taking his own seat.

King Robert was expecting David to push for a whole Commonwealth approach it made more sense for the Morelanders and sadly would impact his own plan but he now would make the best of the situation. "I understand the nature of your technology being classified but I hope someone like EMAC can at least give us something comparable. Our own aerospace industry is churning out low cost light aircraft and a few cargo aircraft but nothing on the level of the various Dragon named fighters in the East Moreland airforce. I have a hope that in a few years time perhaps we can utilise some of the things we've talked about to help them develop here. I would love therefore to have a conversation with Sir Alan and see where we can go to. Can we perhaps though make sure that in any deal that goes Commonwealth wide we can ensure that the point of first contact comes from Blackbeck? After all we are the ones that have pushed for it."

Prince William, the eldest son of King Henry of Papcastle, has today spoken of the Order of Connla copying approaches taken by the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood in taking a deep interest in education. The Prince is a member of the prestigious Order of Connla which is tasked with ensuring the future of the Lorchist faith. The Prince announced that the Order is to invest some $30million to establish a series of schools outside of Eskdale. The 35 year old Prince is a former officer in the Military Police and joined the Order after being invited in 2017. He has been one of the more public faces of the Order which is still in many ways rather reclusive. The Prince spoke from Papcastle's capital, Whaw and said, "The Lorchist faith is in good health in the United Kingdoms. We have done well to ensure it resists challenges from other faiths but it must spread and thrive beyond its natural homeland. We have witnessed the approach taken by the Bene Gesserit and they have done an incredible job in protecting and promoting their faith and I believe that it stems from their attitude towards education. A wise man once said knowledge is power and that is truly the case. We have agreed today in principle to establish a pair of schools in different locations across Mundus and while we will teach a broad range of knowledge the philosophy and values of the school shall be shaped by our faith. Now we shall work to find a good location."

The Order have already got three schools in Eskdale, one in each Kingdom, while also helping fund a theological college. The leader or the Lorchist faith,  Deacon William Oakdale, said he was pleased the Order was taking these steps. "The entire Lorchist faith should help spread the word of the Almighty. In that mission the Order of Connla are just the vanguard. This is an interesting idea and I fully support them, as I will always. I will be working carefully with the Order, in particular Prince William, to ensure that any such expansion is as successful as it can be."

The Royal Overseer had heard the King was someone with a fascination with history and so had expected several questions based on the unique arrangements. "Well Your Majesty" Keynes had started walking towards the first boat where a Naval officer helped the first few people into the vessel.

"Welcome aboard Your Majesties" the officer saluted as the King and Queen boarded. He waited for everyone to be assembled, Keynes and the royals in the lead with the Ministers behind with several of their counterparts from Eksdale. The boats little engines gurgled into life and the boat headed off down the river. It was clear the banks here at the airport weren't well manicured as the reeds and grass were tall but soon as they began to run beside wide open fields and forests pleasant footpaths ran along either side.

"The story of this boat ride" Keynes started his story. "Is because our 17th Century King Richard II was blessed with triplets. At the time it wasn't the case that when the King died the eldest child automatically took the throne. As a result it was always common for the King to issue a decree declaring his heir and as such this would often change. In Richard's case though he couldn't pick between the three and so issued a decree saying his wife was to find a way for all three to take a part of the crown. Exactly what Richard meant though was a mystery but his wife Queen Anne followed his instructions and came up with a plan, a very detailed plan to split the Kingdom into three with an overarching system to ensure they all stayed united in some way. To ensure some neutral ground the capital here, Westlinton, was kept originally under the control of Queen Anne, when she died the city was to be passed onto a Royal Overseer and so was always outside the control of the three royal families. That tradition has continued and the river here makes up the majority of the border until you reach the East of the city so we'll actually pass through what is classed as one of the kingdoms but the river was always the Overseer's territory, so think of it like a territory within a territory." By now the river was branching to the right. "There is an old canal that was made to allow the wool industry in the 1700's to get deliveries across the nation. It still gets used today by pleasure craft as in summer the river here can get a little low, the canal ensure that it can get through all year." The various lock systems could be seen as they maintained their route on the river until such a time as the river crossed under a viaduct carrying the canal. "There are some wonderous old engineering practices here, the locks are still largely original." Keynes was proud to say as they now ran parallel to the canal. Soon the houses of the city parted into a green parkland with a house at the centre. "Each of the three monarchs has their own residence here in the city, mainly used only when the Council was in session. That is the King of Papcastle's one" As if with perfect timing the two naval crew blew a short whistle blast and saluted to where the Papcastle flag flew at a landing dock, as the greenary parted a four man unit wearing the uniform of the Papcastle Guards Regiment came into view and a volley of saluting gunfire was fired as a mark of respect as the visiting monarch cruised past. "Today the city functions pretty much under my authority fully although by right its only the very heart I control." With yet more excellent scheduling a pair of large white and blue poles flanked the river. "Speaking of which you are now officially in the Commonwealth Quarter of the city" Homes had returned again, many of them in the old converted textile mills that had at one time dominated the city. A landing ramp came into view and stood on it were the three monarchs, Queen Diane closest to the water, then King Henry and finally King Robert. The boat came to a rather skilled stop at the pontoon, the crew having had numerous practice runs and a swiftly working team of young Naval Cadets lashed the boat to its mooring before offering to help ashore those on the boat. Keynes waited for the King and Queen to be helped ashore before making his own unaided arrival back onto dry land. "Your Majesties may I present the monarchs of the Commonwealth." He went down the line introducing each on.

"Welcome to Eskdale Queen Stasya" Queen Diane addressed Stasya first. "I'm thrilled to meet you. I have watched your involvement with changing education in East Moreland and I have some ideas I can't wait to discuss with you. It'll also be nice to get away from the boys club, it seems every government meeting is me surrounded by them." She smiled hoping Stasya understood her attempt to appear friendly. "But that's for a few days time I hope you get to enjoy your stay as well."

King Henry shook David by the hand, "I am delighted you accepted our invitation. I think you'll be right at home at Papcastle, I hope my boys by the river didn't mess up by the way. I think you'll find our landscape and that of say Rockhampton are not to dissimilar. My youngest daughter Mary is keen to make your acquintance too, she's a bit of a daredevil and enjoys the climbing so I hope your back is healing nicely and up to some. I trust you're recovery is going well?" Henry inquired. 

Robert meanwhile found himself chatting with Olivia Cole. He was fascinated by Technology and read of some very interesting projects within East Moreland. "Mrs.Cole. I hope you've had a pleasant introduction to Eskdale. I'm looking forward to some talks about a few joint projects I have in mind. I'm very excited. Perhaps you could pass on my regards to Martin Dawson when you next see him and let him know I would be fascinated to meet him." Robert had read a great deal about the young man's work, particularly with Swarm-Bots and wanted to find out more.

The three monarchs introduced it was a short walk up the quayside and through a park to the Grand Council building where it seemed every representative and office staff member had assembled to greet the guests. "On days when a monarch is visiting the Grand Council it is customary that they lead people into the chamber, perhaps we could ask you to lead the way. Thankfully today the Grand Council chamber is serving as a function hall and not debating chamber, we wouldn't dream of making you sit through the lengthy hell of one. Once you've had chance to meet a few people we'd like to show you each of the Quarters of the city, if you are agreeable." Keynes walked half a step behind the two Morelanders as they entered the large grey stone building and then people filed in behind. The Grand Council chamber was in the very centre of the building which wasn't exactly as Grand in size as the name suggested however the chamber itself was sunken into the basement but extended up through the three floors above with a large dome above. It was designed for around 100 people and a large square desk at is centre had benches arranged all the way around. Normally the Overseer and his staff sat at the central table with the round seating separated into thirds being for each Kingdom's representative. Today though rather than a ceremonial axe which indicated the Council was in session sitting on the table a variety of buffet foods and drinks were arranged. "Please help yourself and feel free to mingle."

This is the heart of the Commonwealth. It is here that you will find the vast majority of buildings needed for the administration of the Commonwealth such as the Grand Council building, High Court, Temple of Lorsch and the Order of Connla HQ. It is in the building today named Queen Anne's Palace that the nations founding documents were created. The Quarter has its own police force which is unique in the fact that while the rest of the Commonwealth have police wearing blue uniforms the Wetslinton Royal Constabulary wear green jackets if a NCO and a red if an officer.


There has stood a meeting hall of some sort on this spot since the 10th Century. The most recent incarnation of the building was completed in 1909 following a fire which damaged much of the old. The building is rather unimposing compared to many nations Parliament buildings however when debating the reconstruction it was determined that the building could not expand beyond its original footprint. The building is only in operation for around 90 days a year for Council business and the day to day work done here revolves around supporting the Royal Overseer and is carried out by his administration team. The clock on the tower has four faces, each bearing the coat of arms of either one of the monarchs or the family of the Overseer. Whenever a monarch dies their face is taken down and replaced, when an Overseer reaches the end of their term of office they are presented with their own clock face as a memento of their term in office.


The Temple of Lorsch is the most sacred place for worshippers of Lorschism. It stands on a site that has had some kind of building on it since the 5th Century BC. The current Temple though was constructed in the 13th Century and at one time held the title for tallest building in the nation. Its tower stands at 75 meters. It today is used not only for religious services but also has taken over nearby buildings and operates a museum of the faith, a library and a theological training school for future members of the Priesthood. Despite it at one time serving also as the residence of the Deacon of the Faith that building is now the museum and the Deacon has a residence away from the Temple.


Despite having the name Queen Anne's Palace the famous "Mother" of the Commonwealth spent only six months here. It was during this time however she authored the The Pactum Regina Anne in 1688 following the death of her husband King Richard. This document laid the foundation for the formation of the modern Commonwealth and as such the Palace has become a central part of the nations folklore. The Palace was traditionally used as the residence of the monarchs chief Minister. Following the penning of  The Pactum Regina Anne she moved to the countryside where she lived out her life as a frequent contributor to matters of state. The Palace today is used for special state occasions but its main focus is of a museum where one of the four original Pactum Regina Anne copies is viewable by the public along with many other documents written by the Queen. Its extensive grounds are a popular picnic place during the summer and host an annual winter festival.


The Order is a group that are in the service of the Lorsch faith. They are seen by many as being a cross between scholars, priests, poets and even rumors of soldiers. Legend has it Connla was the brother of the final Emissary of the Faith Sionann the Scribe. When it appeared the holy texts would be destroyed Sionann worked non-stop to write them from memory before dying of exhaustion. In her haste she included passages deemed "evil" by Lorsch and Connla removed these and gave instructions for follows of Lorsch to ensure they never were discovered. It is told Sionann wrote the texts on the site where her brother raised a building following her death. It is possible for pilgrims to come and visit however around 1/3 of the site is out of bounds for visitors who are not members of the Order or have gained prior permission.

OOC - Not publicly known - The building is home to various organisations designed at helping the Order carry out tasks that may be deemed "dubious" by the Deacon. This has historically been undermining other faiths thought to threaten the Lorsch faith in Eskdale, assassinating members of the royal families and spreading misinformation. In some ways the HQ is part Temple, part monastery and part private intelligence agency.

Full Name of Country/Region:The Commonwealth of Eskdale
Representative Signing: Royal Overseer Stanley Keynes
Continent: Aranye
First Language: English
Second Language:

Full Name of Country/Region: The Commonwealth of Eskdale
Representative Signing: Royal Overseer Stanley Keynes
Continent: Aranye
First Language: English
Second Language:

Deacon William Oakdale wishes to donate on behalf of the worshippers of Lorsch to deposit $50million into the bank for use to fulfil its aims of supporting the less fortunate in the world.