The Conservatory

Putredo est aeterna, putredo est per electionem

Introduction
Never has the hour been so dark nor the future so grim than at the current moment. The collapse has sent civilization back into the ichors of decay to be swept away if not for the behest of better folk. It is under such desire and the evidence of rot that the most esteemed House Volronus-Carinthia has set out to create the grand Conservatory for the Ascension of the Wills. This institution is to act as a primary bulwark against the putrefying of society. The teeth of this bulwark shall be to undertake a vast expansion of knowledge by researching all aspects of the natural sciences and magicks. Its order is established as a collection of the highest minds and most potent sorcerers of the realm so that knowledge and artifacts may be preserved, studied, and utilized for the betterment of civilizational integrity. Sentient mortals, those of us whose forefathers survived the most catastrophic event to occur upon our species, are not to go quietly into the long night. The Conservatory shall ensure the preservation of life, knowledge, and the forgotten ways.

Mandates

Sorcery and knowledge
The Conservatory is to act as the bastion of magick practitioners and learned individuals of Sanctuary. This institution will provide safe environments and funds by which experimentation and research endeavours may be undertaken regarding matters of magicks and natural sciences. Discoveries and works shall be archived and maintained by the conservatory. Scholars will be provided legal, martial, and economic protections at the expense of the Conservatory once they have entered as members of the Conservators. Written records will be maintained within Conservatory archives for the long term preservation of knowledge. This society shall publish recommendations for relevant authorities dealing with the governance of magick.

Artifacts

The Conservatory will participate in exploratory and archeological pursuits to secure all known artifacts, supernatural pieces and extra-magickal creatures. These items will be studied, catalogued, and lastly placed in permanent and safe containment under the watch of the Conservatory. This aim is to ensure the maximum protection of the public from their use by evildoers or otherwise ne'er do wells. It is the fervent position of the Conservatory and its scholars that only the highest minds should be permitted access to the often unpredictable, volatile nature of old-knowledge artifacts.

Conservatory Blades
In explicit direction by the esteemed House Volronus-Carinthia, the conservatory shall arm a private guard for the protection of scholars, researchers, and magi. These guards are to be organized in defense of Conservatory archive sites and the escort of scholars to and from volatile research areas. They shall have discretion in matters of transportation of artifacts and other pieces of Conservatory property. The Blades represent the martial strength of the Conservatory, ensuring that knowledge and those who pursue it are shielded from harm.

Code of the Ascension
The Code of the Ascension is the guiding ethos of the Conservatory. It demands unwavering commitment to the preservation and expansion of knowledge, the ethical use of magick, and the safeguarding of society from the dangers of ignorance and recklessness. Members of the Conservator. swear to uphold the Code, pledging loyalty to the Conservatory’s mission and to the betterment of all sentient mortals.

Preservation of Knowledge
All discoveries, written works, and artifacts are to be catalogued and preserved within the Conservatory archives for the benefit of its members and posterity.

Secrecy of Knowledge
Knowledge obtained through the Conservatory’s endeavors is to remain exclusive to its members. Sharing secrets, discoveries, or artifacts with outsiders without explicit Council approval is strictly forbidden.

Ethical Use of Magick

All magickal practices and experimentation must adhere to the principles of safety, discipline, and respect for sentient life. Recklessness or unethical use of magick is grounds for immediate expulsion.

Protection of Artifacts
Artifacts retrieved by the Conservatory must be secured, studied, and preserved in containment. Their use is restricted to sanctioned purposes and trusted members of the Conservators.

Loyalty to the Conservatory
Members must pledge unwavering loyalty to the Conservatory, placing its goals and principles above personal ambitions or external allegiances.

Defense of Knowledge
All members, including scholars and Blades, are expected to defend the archives, artifacts, and members of the Conservatory from any threats.

Merit Above All
Positions, responsibilities, and privileges within the Conservatory are determined solely by demonstrated skill, dedication, and knowledge, regardless of external rank or title.

Non-Interference
Members must not use the Conservatory's resources or knowledge to influence political affairs or interfere in conflicts unless explicitly sanctioned by the Council of the Wills.

Advancement Through Inquiry
Members are required to contribute to the Conservatory's mission through ongoing research, experimentation, or exploration. Stagnation of effort is considered a betrayal of the Ascension.

Unity of the Wills
Disputes among members are to be resolved within the Conservatory through structured dialogue or Council mediation. Public dissent or actions that compromise the Conservatory’s integrity are prohibited.

Council of the Wills
This Council is to act as administrative and governing authority over this society. The 

Council shall be composed of no more than three members at a time, appointed by the 

Headmaster of the Conservatory and including the Headmaster themselves. The Council’s 

duties include appointing new members, raising funds, and determining policies concerning 

research, artifact containment, and the deployment of Conservatory Blades. The Headmaster, as the highest-ranking member, serves as the arbiter of disputes and the final

authority on matters of governance.

Membership
Membership is left to the discretion of the Council of Wills who must approve every 

individual applicant. A letter is to be scribed to the Council detailing the applicant’s 

reasons for applying and what fields of study they seek to delve into. After the acceptance of 

such an application they are to be summoned to perform an oath taking before becoming a member of the Conservators.

Current Conservators

Roman Volronus-Carinthia - Oathed Head-Master
Arthur Aldermann - Oathed Conservator
Helena Hawthorne - Awaiting Oath Conservator
Rivyth - Awaiting Oath Conservator

Reserved

Reserved

⊱༒♱༒︎⊰
House Volronus-Carinthia

History

Hailing from Ostvenian culture, the line of Volronus-Carinthia can trace its legacy to the early days after the collapse. This legacy is split by the dual Houses of Volronus and Carinthia which merged at the marriage of the current Patriarch Roman of House Volronus and the only child Evangeline of House Carinthia. The most esteemed and endowed House Volronus traces their legacy through as navigators as Ostvenians made their way to sanctuary. Their sons have been a long line of explorers and archeologists leading to today. House Carinthia traces its legacy to bank and coin keepers of the early post-collapse times. By the time of Roman and Evangeline’s birth, the house Carinthia was extremely well endowed while House Volronus was only a lesser part of their cultural aristocracy. As such and as a condition of Evangeline’s dowry in marriage to Roman Volronus, he was to take the Carinthian name as a joint surname and thus become the heir to the Carinthia fortune. The direct lineage and family histories of these twin houses have been marred in secrecy by the current Patriarch and little is known about the family’s past beyond their experience in archeology and coin-keeping.

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Values

Conservation ↣ The preservation of knowledge, art, and history is paramount to the attitude of  House Volronus-Carinthia. Destructive behaviors and practices are frowned upon. Family heirlooms are important and numerous. It is the desire of the House to construct and maintain a vault for the safekeeping of artifacts and wealth.

Cleanliness is practiced not only for the self but for the surroundings. 

Marriage ↣ Marriages are strictly monogamous. Divorce is only permitted under pretenses of infidelity.

A member of the Volronus-Carinthian family is expected to be rather prudent and modest, so public displays of affection are minimal if not entirely absent.

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Inner Machinations

Etiquette

Indulgences ↣ House Volronus-Carinthia follows the Ostvenian value of moderation. As a temperate sort, the family will partake in a glass of wine with dinner and a cigarette when desired but will not drink to excess nor smoke when inappropriate.

Relighting a cigarette is seen as improper. If sharing a fine cigar or cigarette, it is expected to ash them before they are passed. They are also expected to be ashed before one indulges another in a lighting. The smell of smoke should not be left to linger on one’s breath or in their clothing.

Food should not be eaten in excess nor should it be eaten loudly. Finger foods are unheard of, and foods such as grapes or cubed cheese are to be eaten with specialized silverware. An indication is made that one has finished their meal by placing their utensils on the plate with the handle facing right.

Formalities ↣ Men and women are afforded the respect that their title carries. Honorific titles sourced within the house may differ on a case-by-case basis.

The head of House Volronus-Carinthia is to be given a bow of the torso, but there is a lacking emphasis on handshakes and general physical contact.

Eye contact is expected and non-negotiable. Yelling is ill-preferred. Spitting for any reason is shunned.

Verbal phatic expressions are foregone; a quiet nod and eye contact is indication enough for proactive listening.

Hats or coats that are not ceremonial or indicative of rank should be removed when indoors. Gloves should be kept on unless causing discomfort.

Gifts should be thoughtful, well-wrapped, and either artisanal and handmade or expensive if bought. 

Positions

Patriarch  |  Head of House

Roman Friedrich Wilhem Gustav Maximillian Volronus-Carinthia

Governess  |   A personal steward to the House and authority below the Patriarch

Vacant - Write letter to the Patriarch for application

Magi of the House  |  An expert and personal attendant to matters of Magicks

Vacant - Write a letter to the Patriarch for application

Guard-at-Arms  |  A guard and protector of the House and its properties

Dante de Vemeri 

Guard-at-Arms  |  A guard and protector of the House and its properties

Yuxma

Maestro unto the realm  |  A patronage position to encourage music and cultural works

Kailu Selphie

Maid or Butler  |  Personal attendant of the House and their possessions.

Vacant - Write a letter to the Patriarch for application

Colors

Red  |  Blood and lineage, for kinship and reverence for our ancestors.

White  |  Purity and innocence, for we are without vice and of true moral character.

Gold  |  Regality, for despite the luxuries wealth provides, we may never allow ourselves to become slothful.

The Aspects

The Ostven’s Marks

Symbols ↣ Birds of prey, such as eagles and owls, dominate their heraldry, believed to be traced back to the mythical ideas of their ancestral mountain home. Various sects of Ostvenians claim that one sort of bird was the one to lead their grouping down from the mountains and to sanctuary during the great collapse. These creatures often appear clutching laurels, swords, or books to represent the unity of their martial, scholarly, and regal pursuits. Every house flies its colors proudly, with banners adorning homes, carriages, and even personal attire. Medals, emblems, and intricate pins are ubiquitous, worn by all who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields. These adornments serve as tangible testaments to their honor and accomplishments, creating an outward display of status and legacy.

Names ↣ History is kept fervently and especially amongst the lineages of the Ostven. Ostvenians commonly have multiple middle-names or compound surnames honoring their ancestors by direct name. Names such as Viktor, Leopold, or Wilhelm are favored for men, while women bear elegant names like Freya, Katarina, or Adelinde. The origins of surnames frequently denote noble ancestry, professions, or regional origins. Every Ostvenian name serves as a proclamation of identity and an aspirational marker of their place in society

The Ostven’s Spectres

Religion ↣ As a deeply pragmatic and self-reliant people who prioritize material benefit it is not uncommon to find a non-practicing Ostven. It is only the extremes for the Ostven: either complete devotion or complete irreligious status. Those who find themselves inclined to belief are fervent zealots and no gods speak to the Ostven people more than the Dragon, the Tactician, and the Outrider. Usually it is the highest and most noble amongst the Ostvenians who follow after the heart of the Dragon. The Outrider and Tactician are reserved moreso for the militant wing of their people. It is most common to find Ostvenian houses of worship directed toward the Dragon as only the highest class has the capital necessary to construct the universities, sites, and bankholds. 

Magicks ↣ Seen as an extent of personal mastery and knowledge, magicks are well regarded amongst Ostvenians. Sorcery and Mage orders were a common motif of Ostven institutions who bolstered their knowledge and delved into practical study of all realms of ethereal matters. Magicks are perhaps the most regulated and formalized aspect of Ostvenian society. Mages are to be gathered, organized, and to follow explicit and strict guidelines by which they conduct themselves. Court magi are the most common expression of this structure by which Houses employ and direct an expert in things of supernatural nature.

The Ostven’s Avocation

Sport ↣ Fencing and archery are particularly beloved, not only as tests of physical skill but as extensions of their martial and ceremonial traditions. These activities are often performed in elaborate tournaments for competition and grand pageantry. Horse races through forests are seen as a preferable alternative to the more common joust, which the Ostven considers to be more brutish than it is refined.
Hunting ↣ Hunting is a deeply ingrained tradition for the Ostven. It is not merely a pastime but a ceremonial event. Hunters don their finest attire, often marked with house colors, and embark on carefully orchestrated expeditions in lush, well-maintained reserves. These are often a competitive endeavor, with the prey being caught before and released in front of the gathered parties who then pursue it into the forest. The hunt concludes with a ritualistic presentation of the catch by the victor. These hunts are rarely conducted for consumption of the hunted and most catches are made to be taxidermied or skinned for display.

Falconry ↣ The bird is an adored creature by the Ostven. Training and commanding birds of prey, such as falcons and owls, is both a revered skill and a display of status. These regal creatures accompany their handlers to ceremonial events and hunts. Falconry is not only a sport but a symbol of personal refinement. The skill of the bird is a direct reflection of the skill of their handler.

Art ↣ Painting, sculpture, and music are held in the highest regard, often reflecting themes of honor, triumph, and philosophical reflection. Ostvenian art is characterized by inward reflection, and is almost universally centered around individuals rather than scenery. Galleries and private collections are curated with obsessive care as both a testament to personal refinement and a reflection of their desire for long endurance beyond their years.

Craft ↣ As a practical and materially minded people, creation is seen as a necessary skill at the Ostvenians’ hands. Whether that skill of creation be in matters of silk, jewelry, written works, or weaponry, each crafted piece is regarded as a reflection of the creator's honor. Ostvenian artisans strive for perfection, often sacrificing utility for aesthetic grandeur. Every object often bears intricate designs or symbolic motifs tied to the creator’s house or legacy.

The Ostven’s Brood

The supreme blood lineage of every child of the Ostven is clear in all matters by which they conduct their families. Loyalty to one’s House comes as a given as all of the honor of a household is held collectively when viewed by outsiders.

Children are raised in an environment of strict discipline and expectation. From an early age they are taught the values of honor, ceremony, and excellence, with their education meticulously overseen to ensure mastery in their assigned paths. Sons are managed toward martial or academic pursuits while daughters, though no less disciplined, are directed to focus on scribing, artistry, or the keeping of the household’s traditions.

Marriage within Ostven families is not merely a union of individuals but an alliance of Houses, often arranged to strengthen political ties or bolster honor. These unions are steeped in ceremony, with extensive negotiations and lavish displays that reaffirm the prestige of both families. Love, while not disregarded, is secondary to duty and legacy.

The household itself is a reflection of the family’s values, meticulously organized and adorned with symbols of their history and achievements. Elders are revered as living archives of wisdom, often taking on the role of mentors to the younger generations. Conversely, those who fail to meet the family’s expectations or who bring dishonor upon the House face severe consequences, including public rebuke or, in extreme cases, ostracization.

Gender Roles ↣ Ostvenian society is firmly patriarchal, with fathers holding the primary authority within the household. However, the role of women is far from passive; they are seen as the stewards of tradition, refinement, and the household's internal structure at the behest of the patriarch. When a father dies, the mother assumes a dual role as both Mother and Father, inheriting full authority and responsibilities to preserve the family’s honor and stability. 

Conversely, if the mother dies, the father retains his paternal authority but does not assume the mother’s responsibilities, instead delegating the household’s internal affairs to trusted female relatives or governesses.

The Ostven’s Extrinsic

The Ostven, at their core, is a skeptical and insular creature, viewing outsiders with a mix of wariness and condescension. Their preference is always for their own kind, seeing other Ostvenians as the only true inheritors of collective destiny. To the Ostven, the world beyond their culture is often chaotic, lacking the discipline and order they so deeply value.

However, their pragmatism tempers their insularity. While they may distrust outsiders by default, they are quick to recognize and respect greatness when it aligns with their values. Foreigners who exhibit qualities the Ostven admire—discipline, mastery, ambition, or reverence for knowledge—are often begrudgingly accepted and sometimes even admired. Such individuals are seen as reflections of the Ostvenian ideal, whether knowingly or not.

This recognition does not come lightly. Outsiders must prove their worth through extraordinary deeds or demonstrations of skill that resonate with Ostvenian sensibilities. A masterful craftsman, a tactician of unmatched precision, or a scholar who reveres knowledge as deeply as an Ostvenian might be granted a place of respect, though they will always remain at the periphery of true acceptance.

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