New Year

The New Year has come in the Duchy of Tradgardland. All over the Duchy ,in communities large and small, the Guild of St Barbara are igniting fireworks to herald in the New year- 1758!

Karl Frederick stands with his family upon the Palace balcony and muses upon the year just ended and on the times to come . The cheering crowds throng the streets and many a loud Huzzah can be heard! A Happy New Year to all friends of Tradgardland everywhere - we have enjoyed your company !

Mummers

In the Palace the court assemble after dinner to hear the ancient words of the ancient plays that tell the legends of Tradgardland. Handed down in families , from one generation to the next, these plays are performed during the twelve days of Christmas. Characters include a knight portraying the first Duke, a Saracen representing the bodyguard of a long forgotten Duke, a Dragon representing the enemies of the Duchy and a magi who stands for men of learning, wisdom and faith.

The Duke presides over the festivities happy and secure in his role and his Court. He has seen many ,many mummers over the years, and God willing, will see many more. The play has begun...........................

It came upon a Midnight Clear.........

The house spirit has finished his meal and the music drifting down from the Palace Chapel reminds him it is the Birthday of the Christ Child.

In the Chapel the Ducal Household has just finished hearing Midnight Mass. The choir sings at the crib and all is serene under the black cope of the star lit Heavens.

The Duke ponders upon an eventful year,Alisona thinks of what might have been ,Liv remembers she must visit the orphans prior to retiring and Von Bergman silently gives thanks for a safe return. Soon they will eat and drink together, giving and receiving presents , and when dawn unfurls the flag of day, they will hear the Dawn Mass of Christmas Morn , Deo Gratias!

Peace and Goodwill to all friends of Tradgardland everywhere!

House Spirit

The House spirit had lived in the Ducal palace for centuries. He had seen the centuries and the Dukes come and go. He lived contently, unseen, in the kitchen watching the comings and goings , year in year out. He felt a sense of pride watching over the Family and its servants . He took a keen interest in the welfare of all, doing what small things he could to make life better and rejoicing in the good he saw. In recent days he had seen how the Duke and Duchess had opened the Palace to the refugees from Alteberg. He had seen the Duchess going amongst them and offering support and comfort as well as food and shelter. The House Spirit was indeed proud of his Household. Now, he thought, to finish the bowl of warm milk and herring that was left every night for him in a corner of the kitchen. Life was indeed good.

Ill

Sent home from work yesterday- rather viral to say the least ! Getting better - will post prior to Christmas!

Tradgardland Art.........

In spite of the recent disaster to befall Alteberg the Duke of Tradgardland has just opened his collection of Art to the Duchy. Crowds swarmed into the Palace to view a dazzling collection of painting and sculptor. Donations were asked of all visitors and the money will be given to the victims of the recent Imperial Outrage.

Paper work in Swartz Wald See

Max is exhausted! The travelling was insufferable enough but things have got worse since his arrival in Schwartz Wald See. The amount of papers and ancient tomes ( explaining the history,customs and traditions of the land) to read and acted upon is immense. Petitions from the high and the low, communications and veiled threats from the Imperium, household accounts and much ,much more!
Max finishes his wine and decides to retire to his quarters i- enough is enough!