The Golden Nation of Mill'en - Recently Updated Pages

New World Military

Kloofy — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:57:52 CDT

...taken from "The Royal Armed Forces of New Mill-en" By Major Viktor Van Kloof and further instructional documentation by Gunther Von Liebenwasser

The royal armed forces of new Mill-en are an entirely different force from their old world military counterparts. This new and still somewhat fledgling army is currently growing in size but will probably never reach the great size of the sprawling old world Mill-en army. Other differences include the greater focus upon darkpowder weapons such as pistols and muskets rather than troops armed with pikes, bucklers, and plate armour. The current lack of siege weaponry, and absence of cavalry also differentiate the New World military from their forbears.
Under the guidance and leadership of Lord General Ichabod Van Blackthorne the royal armed forces of new Mill-en have thrived and many new officers and soldiers have been recruited.
This document only covers the the Army. Please follow these links for the Militia, Royal Navy and the Black Legion.

There are currently very few women in the Mill-en armed forces. Opinion is divided regarding their suitability to the role, mainly due to certain officers allowing their wives to accompany them into the field.

Royal Pistoleers Regiment

We will begin with the army of new Mill-en which was first established in 1654 with the arrival of troops from the Royal Pistoleers Regiment.
The regiment was first commanded by Major Gunther Von Liebenwasser who also played a large part in the regiment’s founding, bringing two platoons of troops from the Old World regiment of the same name. These troops formed the elite company, the fearless Koenigsguard. The New World was short of Millenese Colonels and so Lord General Van Blackthorne handed command of the fledgling regiment over to the then Captain Von Leibenwasser.
The regiment was originally formed as a pistoleer regiment in the Old World early in the development of darkpowder weapons, as a light cavalry unit for scouting and skirmishing. The pistoleer regiments were later replaced by the more flexible hussar or light dragoon regiments, who's more varied armaments increased their strategic flexibility. However the Royal Pistoleers remained in recognition of their long service, excellent reputation and strong esprit de corps.
Major Von Leibenwasser served with the old Royal Pistoleers in the known world as chaplain. However his ministry took second place to his leadership skills in the New World, and his Chaplain-captaincy soon became a Captain-chaplaincy. He has led troops in the seizing of assets held by squatters, as well as patrolling the western marches of the Summer Court's lands. He and the Koenigsgarde have since been involved in expeditions to the South, from which they are yet to return.
The regiment quickly grew in size with the inclusion of a second company under the command of Captain Viktor Van Kloof, which became known as the Teufelguard and a third under direct command of Lord General Van Blackthorne. This last was irregular but there were not enough officers to command the men required and so Lord Blackthorne performed the duties of a Captain as well as a General.
Lord Blackthorne's company was known as The Todeskopf and saw their first action in New Saren(Now Bernsteinkust) seizing assets from the Royal College of Surgeons after the assassination of the Dauphin.
In 1655 a fourth company was formed. This was made up of Mill-enese, and Fidelian men and one Malathian. The company was dubbed the irregulars and for a while served under the command of one Jacob Defries before later being transfered around various commanding officers.
All the men are drilled in the use of pistols and trained to the peak of physical perfection.
Following the Malathian festival of Shenanigans a new officer was given command of the regiment. It was decided that a Malathian mercenary affiliated with house Bakhana had the skills required to command the growing unit and increase the value of the troops to the colony.
He joined the Mill-en army under the name Julius Conrad Kurtz and was given the commision of Colonel. Even though it was highly irregular to give such a position to a foreigner Lord Blackthorne and the other officers in the regiment believed that Kurtz was up to the task and that he would be loyal to the Golden Nation.

Royal Marines Regiment

The royal pistoleers are no longer the only regiment in the army of new Mill-en. The Royal Marine regiment was raised by three gallant officers, Lord Viktor Stuyvessant, Lord Robert De bois-Gilbert and Captain Jordan Deforte (who is sadly no longer with us).

The Royal marines were established as a possible precursor to a Royal Navy. A force that could fight both on land and on board ships was deemed necessary by Lord Blackthorne and both Lord Stuyvessant and Lord de Bois-Gilbert were given Captain’s commissions and raised men for the regiment almost overnight.
The regiment was shaken by the murder of one of its officers, Captain Jordan Deforte who was murdered while out walking one night. Ten men deserted due to this blow to moral, however in time the regiment recovered from its loss. Eventually the Marines will be detached from the Army and join the Navy.

Royal Engineers Regiment

Another new army regiment are the 1st Royal engineers under Captain Antoine Dubois. It was obvious that siege weaponry would at some point be required for dealing with enemy fortifications and so a regiment was created to deal with the construction, maintenance and operation of such weapons.
The 1st Royal Engineers are dedicated to providing the army with deadly ballistae and catapults. Captain Dubois has so far proved himself to be a reliable and trustworthy commanding officer.

Royal Halberdier Regiment

In recognition of the need for a heavier battlefield role than the Royal Pistoliers or the Marines can currently fulfil, a Heavy Halberdier regiment has been proposed. This would consist of plate-armoured halberdiers supported by pietkrieg platoons, with a suggested ratio of 2 halberdiers to each pietkrieg. So far this regiment is yet to be officially founded, though Jakob DeFries has founded the spear-wielding Ambossgarde in preparation for this.
(This regiment is still to be formed) Captain Jacob Defries is now MIA

Royal Light Dragoons Regiment(dismounted)

After serving with the 11th royal light dragoons in the old world Lieutenant Holkham Beech came to the new world with twenty of these brave men under his command. He was sworn into the New World Mill-en army and very quickly had a full company and a promotion to Captain.
Now Captain Beech seeks to expand his regiment to bring it up to strength with the Royal Pistoleers. One thing Captain Beech would like now is mounts for his men and he has bent his mind to the task of working out if it is possible to get horses through the maelstrom. So far he has had little success.

Foresters/ Jaegers

Lieutenant Van De Stadt commands the 2nd platoon of the Teufelgarde, who have been armed with bows in order to better provide silent scouting and support. These men act as jaegers, recognising Van De Stadt's personal motto; "Not with strength, by guile".

On Organization

This document details the ideal structure of a Millenese Regiment, and notes several variations thereof such as might result from changing circumstance such as attrition.

A Platoon is 10 men, led by a 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant or the Company Captain. Cadet Lieutenants (3rd Lietenant) accompany the captain in the field. Each Platoon consists of 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal and 8 Privates.
A Company is 3 platoons. Any Company consisting of fewer is considered 'under strength'. A company should consist of men of the same nationality when recruitment occurs overseas. Each Company was originally given a number, except the elite Company, which only had an name instead. However numbered companies may also have names instead on an informal but widely recognised basis. This has extended in the new world to a semi-formal nomclemature.
A company is led by a Captain and operates in the battlefield as a single unit. However in defensive or guard operations the Company may be divided into individual platoons operating separately within a single theatre of operations.
A Detachment is a temporary field unit formed of several companies of the same regiment. It is commanded by a Major and their staff.
A Regiment is between 4 companies. Each regiment has a descriptive and individual name. This reflects the type of troop and the place where the regiment was raised, or the noble who raised it. A regiment shares a uniform, though detailing varies between companies. Elite companies' uniforms may be more individual if the Majeste grants it. Under 8 companies, a regiment is considered under strength. A regiment is commanded, by a Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel.
An Army may be comprised of any number of regiments, and is commanded by a General and their staff.

On Insignia

Lance corporal	1 chevron
Corporal	2 chevrons
Sergeant	3 chevrons
Staff Sergeant	3 chevrons and crossed sabres
Company Sergeant Major	4 chevrons
Regimental Sergeant Major	4 chevrons and crossed sabres
Kadet officer (3rd Lieutenant)	1 yellow collar bar
2nd Lieutenant	1 silver collar bar
Lieutenant	2 silver collar bars
Captain	3 silver collar bars
Major	1 blue collar bar
Lieutenant Colonel	1 blue 1 red collar bars
Colonel	2 red collar bars
Major General	1 gold collar bar
Lieutenant General	2 gold collar bars
General	3 gold collar bars

The Coronation

TomJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:54:29 CST

blah blah blah blah blah The Coronation blah blah blah blah blah

Death of Dauphine Phillipe

TomJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:51:00 CST

Here in Lies an account on the brutal Murder of the Dauphine Phillipe, son of His Majeste Henri Roudec.

<account to be written>

The Mill-enese Middle Classes

sam_i — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:48:52 CST

A Note On the Mill-enese Middle Classes

For many with only a passing interest in the History of the Golden Nation, it may come as a shock to find out that not everyone in Mill-en was either a dissatisfied peasant or a corrupt aristocrat. Both in the Old World and the New, Mill-en retained a flourishing "genteel" class of merchants, scholars, master craftsmen, doctors, soldiers and scientists who served, either directly or through patronage, the ruling elite and were often handsomely rewarded for these services. Entrenched within the moral, religious and social life of old Mill-en these individuals stood to loose just as much (if not, in some cases, more) than their benefactors with the outbreak of revolution. Many had homes and assets seized, and others were arrested, attacked or even killed as the Pietkrieg blindly lashed out at any and all they perceived as "sympathisers". Even those that escaped such brutality found their businesses floundering as tastes changed and the economy suffered under the austere rule of the Free Merchants. Eventually, many found their homeland dangerous and inhospitable, and followed their masters into exile. Some went to other lands - remnants of "royalist" trading houses and skilled Mill-enese craftsmen can be found in Flambard, Alkyon, almost every other civilised country, and even the Free Islands - some went a step further, and came to the New World, following rumours that a small group of exiled nobles sought to remake the Golden Nation in these unfamiliar lands.

The artisans of Mill-en were and are legendary. The celebrated fine taste and expansive wallets of the nobles of the Golden Nation gave rise to craftsmen and women of almost every conceivable type; painters, tailors, playwrights, architects, chefs, sculptors, furniture makers, musicians, gardeners and goldsmiths, to name but a few. Many enjoyed privileged lifestyles and moderate fame as their benefactors saw to it that their creations were the toast of the civilised world. They remain well represented in the New World, some, out of a sense of intense personal loyalty, having chosen to follow their patrons immediately the revolution broke out, others joining in later years having crossed oceans and maelstrom to find a suitable audience for their exquisite creations.

The Teacher-following aristocracy of Mill-en had always honoured learning, and many saw supporting the work of scholars in various fields as a religious duty in and of itself. Through personal sponsorship (in the case of the extremely wealthy) or by supporting universities and other institutions of learning, many nobles footed the bill for studies as diverse as natural history, astronomy, law, meteorology and ancient history, and particularly august students of these fields often enjoyed privileged positions within academia or even the royal court. Often devout followers of the Teacher, many of these learned sages saw the Free Merchants illegal revolution as blasphemy, and (having little stomach for violence) took the opportunity to leave the country with their noble masters.

Due to a decree by a previous Majeste, with the exception of the banking guild Rimici Cappell, no Trade Houses were allowed to operate within the Golden Nation. Thus, many domestic merchants became very wealthy indeed operating the huge economic concern that was Mill-en. It was said almost everything in the world was available for sale in Saren’s narrow streets, if only one could find it and could afford it when you did, and so traders of every imaginable stripe emerged. Provisioners and grocers carried the bounty of the farms and oceans to the tables of the known world, ship builders and maritime officials oversaw the moving of thousands of tonnes of cargo in Mill-enese waters and ports, importers and exporters littered every dockside. Inevitably, in the midst of this economic success, certain greedy merchants used the Free Merchants council as a vehicle for their own unseemly ambitions, but to say every Mill-enese Merchant supported the revolution would do a dishonour to the many brave men and women who lost their livelihoods, and in some cases their lives, to speak out against the treachery in their own ranks. Though the primary motivation of many was loyalty to the country and the rulers who had allowed them such wealth, it would be fair to say that many also stood to loose a great deal fiscally speaking by the overthrow of the monarchy. Particularly those who’s goods and services were in demand among the aristocracy were financially as well as personally devastated by the revolution – the markets for fine silks, furs, spices, dyes and drugs as well as precious metals, gems and extravagant food and drink all but dried up following the revolution. Bereft of their patrons and customers, attacked and outlawed by their revolutionary peers, many a loyal merchant family left the Golden Nation to try to once again make their fortunes in other, less civilised parts, of the Known and New World.

A small though noticeable minority in the middle classes of Mill-en is formed by those who practise those useful skills unfathomable to a peasant but clearly beneath the dignity of a noble. Family doctors and lawyers, minor priests and teachers, guard captains and seneschals all formed the very lifeblood of the estates of Mill-en, and in many cases have found themselves unwilling or unable to forge a new life in the Freiboden League. Too loyal to their masters to serve the Free Merchants, but not wealthy enough to make a life for themselves without regular employment, many have fled to the far corners of the Known or the New World to find somewhere their skills are valued.

In the New World, one can find represented almost every profession that ever made up the Mill-enese Middle Classes, and more join every day. Even with the death of Dauphin Phillipe, more former subjects of the Golden Nation continue to flock to the banner of the Regent Delano and his ward, Dauphin Dominic, finding comfort in the familiar, remembered formality of Mill-enese life. That said, many things have changed in the New Mill-en, and as the Regent and Lord Protector seek people of talent and loyalty to serve them many of even the commonest birthright have risen to positions of authority (and even nobility) within the Nation. Some, appalled by this, have retreated into deepest formality, other have seized the opportunity to make the best use of their talents in this new and exciting world. What will become of all remains to be seen, but, as always, it can be assumed the fate of the middle classes remains tied to the success of the Nation as a whole.

Important Events in the new world

TomJ — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:47:23 CST

Over the past few years a number of events have occured which are of significance to the people of mill'en. Below I endeavour to record and list them for you so that you may be aware what may drive and motivate the people of Mill'en

Death of the Dauphine Phillipe

Coronation of Majeste Dominic Roudec

The Church of the Teacher

andymarkey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:04:13 CST

The Teacher was the predominant faith in Mill'en before the revolution but, as with the rest of the old world, there were many different churches and sects who followed the Teacher.

The Mill'enese Church of the Teacher, often referred to simply as the Mill'enese Church or the Church of Mill'en, was the largest and most well known Teacher church in Old world Mill'en. The head of the Mill'enese Church is nominally the Majeste as he was granted this position by the teacher 400 years ago. Theologically speaking the Majeste is seen as the vessel for the Teacher's divine authority, upon which the Nation of Mill'en is founded. However, the Primate or spiritual leader of the Mill'enese Church is the Archbishop of Mill'en. It is his duty to interpret the will of the Teacher so that the Majeste can use the Teacher's authority righteously and so that the Church of Mill'en can minister faithfully to the people of Mill'en. Thus the faith of the Teacher is state religion in Mill'en and is an intrinsic part of the nation. Consequently, prior to the revolution, the Mill'enese Church of the Teacher had a large amount of power set down in law, which in turn gave it great political influence and allowed it to generate much wealth. Though that wealth is now all but gone, the place of the Mill'enese Church within Mill'en remains substantial.

However, it should be noted that the Nation of Mill'en is not, nor ever has been, a theocracy like Fidelia. Despite the absolute power of the Majeste, political power and spiritual leadership are enshrined in different people, the Majeste and the Archbishop. Additionally, though the Majeste is required to be a devotee of the Teacher this does not extend to those who serve Mill'en, with the obvious exception of the priests and presbyters of the Mill'enese Church. Even other members of the royal bloodline can be of other faiths and the same is true of those of noble blood and those who serve loyally in the military. Indeed by tradition many of the nobility have followed the way of the Weaver, serving Mill'en as devotees of the Lover within the Nightcourt. The scriptures and traditions of the Mill'enese Church and the Nightcourt tell how the Teacher agreed to protect those of the Lover. This is enshrined within the church's cannon law and is extended to all those of 'good faith'. Thus the Majeste is defender of faith and the Archbishop of Mill'en and the church are sworn to protect the faith of all loyal subjects of Mill'en.

Despite their differences the Mill'enese Church of the Teacher has enjoyed a good relationship with the larger Fidelian Church and His Holiness the Hierophant. Successive Majestes and Hierophants have carefully respected each others authority in the name of the Teacher. A good Majeste will not ignore the words and requests of the Hierophant; a good Hierophant will not try to unduly influence matters in Mill'en and impose his will over that of the Majeste. The Hierophant after all is not the head of the Mill'enese Church nor its spiritual leader and therefore has no authority whatsoever within Mill'en. However, his counsel is sometimes sought on religious matters and successive Hierophants and Archbishops of Mill'en have maintained a healthy dialogue for pastoral and theological purposes.

Traditionally the Teacher faith in Mill'en was much more interested in the scholarly side of the faith than with those aspects concerned with the law. Before the revolution the Mill'enese Church used its considerable wealth and power to be patrons of colleges and universities, as well as encouraging learning within its various holy orders and using cathedrals and basilicas as places of learning. The wealth may have passed, but the encouragement of learning is still present, the Church of Mill'en even having a positive view of the new sciences and theologies of recent times.

A guide to Noble Title

TomJ — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:56:14 CST

The Peerage in Mill-en This is a very brief guide to the nobility in The Golden Nation of Mill-en and how one should be addressed. A noble is a man or a woman whose parents were nobles and so have been born into it who someone who has been granted the rank of Chevalier or Chevaline, or higher. It is unusual for a commoner to be granted any title other than that of a Knight. The monarch is referred to as the Majestere if male, the Majestrice if female.
If you are introduced to the monarch, bow or curtsey until you are raised or they leave your sight. Address them only when spoken to, as ‘your majesty’ in the first instance, and then ‘Sire’ or ‘Ma’am’. Do not look at them directly.

The heir to the throne is referred to as the Dauphin if male, the Dauphine if female.
If you are introduced to the heir, bow or curtsey until you are raised or they leave your sight. Address them only when spoken to, as ‘your highness’ in the first instance, and then ‘Sire’ or ‘Ma’am’. Do not look at them directly unless they speak to you.
Regent: Any noble performing the function of Regent is addressed by their own full title, prefaced by "Right Honourable", or "Lord Regent" or "Lady Regent". In the present case, we have "The Right Honourable Benedict Ansel Delano, Lord Regent of the Golden Nation of Mill'en, Comte de la Marche, Viscomte Bellac, Chevaliers dans l'attente "

Other children of the monarch, siblings of the monarch and their children: are called the Prinz or Prinzesse. These nobles are the most important after the Monarch and their immediate family, and are collectively known as Princes of the Blood, or BluudPrinze.
If you are introduced to the Princes of the Blood, perform the deepest courtly obeisance for a count of five. Address them only when spoken to, as ‘your highness’ in the first instance, and then ‘Sire’ or ‘Ma’am’. Do not look at them directly unless they speak to you.

Duc or Ducesse, also known as Herzog or Herzogin, are the highest ranking nobles, and distant cousins to the Monarch. . If you are introduced to a Duc, perform the deepest courtly obeisance for a count of four, then rise. Address them as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’, or 'Your Grace'

Marquis, or Marchioness, are the next highest ranking nobles. If you are introduced to a Marquis or Marchionesse, perform the deepest courtly obeisance for a count of four, then rise. Address them as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’.

Comte or Comtesse, also known as Graaf or Graafin. These are the next ranking land holding nobles. Note: The distinction in quality between Comte and Vicomte is observed most carefully. If you are introduced to a Comte, be sure to perform the courtly obeisance for a count of four, and then rise. Address them as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’ at all times.

Vicomte or Vicomtesse, also called VitzGraaf or VitzGraafin, are the next rank in land holding nobles. If you are introduced to a Viscomte, perform the courtly obeisance for a count of three, then rise. Address them as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’ at all times.

Baron or Baronesse are the final rank in hereditary nobility. These are the local lords and ladies, who do not often come to court, except perhaps in their new clothes for the Majestere’s birthday celebrations. If you are introduced to a Baron, perform the courtly obeisance for a count of two, then rise. Address them as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’ at all times.

Chevalier or Chevaline, or Ritter or Ritterin. If you are introduced to a Chevalier, perform the courtly obeisance for a count of one, then rise. Address them as either ‘Sir or ‘The Chevalier XXX’, ‘Ma’am or ‘The Chevaline XXX’. Note that although one treats a Chevalier as a noble, their title is not hereditary, and they may have been ennobled for some act of valour or great service.

Other Nobles. There are many others of noble blood who do not hold a specific title. These may be children of a titled noble, in which case they are known as "The Honorable", or possibly a younger sibling of a titled noble, who would also be known as "The Honourable."

Marriage

TomJ — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 06:05:24 CST

A small treatise on marriage traditions in Mill’en.

In Mill’en there are many wedding traditions which vary depending on exactly where in the country you are from, and what strata of society you originate in.

Being a country dominated by the Worship of the Teacher (which is the official state religion) several aspects of the wedding are very formalised, and often take 2 or more days.

The day before the wedding is normally an informal party with various games and pastimes taking place as well as the parties involved in negotiating the marriage contract meeting and discussing this away from the bride and groom.

On the day of the wedding the religious ceremony is followed by a reception or ball afterwards.

The Wedding Contract

This is a very important part of the wedding. The bride and groom each appoint a second, their legal representative, who meet to discuss the formal arrangement between the 2 parties getting married and draft out the contract. Often when this is being discussed others who know the parties will come and put their own 2 bushels worth in as well. Sometimes the priests of each family are involved, generally as they are the legal expert, and often, if the people are of noble blood, a representative of the Night Court advises on certain matters.

In general the more important the person getting married the more important the details of the contract can become and they often will cover the situation with inheritance, children by previous relationships, allowances for other lovers , how many, where they are allowed to be seen, and the status they are afforded.. In fact anything either party feels is important will get laid down in the contract.

The role of these seconds is to represent their own family’s interests, and protect their family member from unreasonable demands. The bride and groom are less immediately involved, often only seeing and signing the contract just before the wedding, when they examine it with a Priest of the Teacher. Naturally, the bride and groom will have been informed by their seconds, as to the progress of the contract. If the seconds have done their job properly, the contract contains no suprises, and the pre-marital agreements happen without argument.
It follows that the role of a second is a delicate one, especially when dealing with families who are ticklish of their honour, or demanding in their rights. Also at the end of the day they are the one’s who make the final agreement to be presented to the bride and groom, so they have the final say on what is and isn’t entered after everyone else has expressed their opinion.

Other traditions

There are many more practises than those listed here, and I am sure there will be those who know of some which I have missed, but I felt some of the following were of particular note for their quaintness.

It is a traditional Mill‘enese custom for the groom to call on his future bride at her home on the morning of their wedding. The groom escorts her to the wedding chapel in a procession, headed by musicians, followed behind by the bride with her father, guests and the groom with his mother at the end of line.

Sometime during the vows, when the couple are on their knees, the groom might kneel on his brides wedding dress to show who will be 'wearing the pants' in the relationship. When they stand, the bride might step on her groom's foot to show otherwise.

It is customary for the 'best man' to steal the bride from the reception and take her to a local pub, where they drink until the groom finds them. Then the groom has to pay some ransom or gift to have her returned.

Dance - the first dance is danced by the bride and the groom, it is traditionally a waltz. The next dance is only for bride with her father and groom with mother, while bride's mother dances with groom's father.

Wedding Evening - at the wedding evening a lot of games are played, speeches are held (the first normally from the father of the bride though anyone is allowed to stand and give a speech), sometimes a wedding newspaper is handed out. Songs are sung, and so on.

Gift Giving – The Bride and Groom will often have a time where guests in turn get to speak with them and present gifts. These traditionally are often small cakes or similar or a small piece of entertainment.

Log-sawing is another wedding tradition from Mill’en. It is done after the wedding ceremony. There will be a log on this log sawing horse and when the newly wed couple comes out of the church it awaits them as the first task they have to accomplish together as a married couple. It is supposed to show how they will manage to accomplish tough tasks in the future.

From the court archives

A brief history of Mill'en

TomJ — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:08:40 CST

A rough time line.

Ideas and Comments for the site

TomJ — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:07:13 CST

just a place to put down things we ought to put up.

Songs section not sure where to put it but may create it and then we can move it later.

Northern and southern nobles comments.

Knightly Orders

TomJ — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:10:49 CST

Historically Knights were those who kept up the ideal of martial prowess on the battle field and it came with it a certain level of expectation to arms carried and supply of men to the liege lord. In theory any man who was able to equipe himself and come to the attention of a noble could become a knight.

But there has also grown become Honorific knighthoods for subjects who have served the crown in other ways.

Noble Households.

One of the rights of Nobles is to have their own household guard. These are soldiers raised in the nobles name to serve him. Also nobles could choose to reward these people by knighting them and hence they would be a Knight of the nobles household. This does not mean all members of the household guard would be knights the vast majority wouldn't be and some nobles may have only 2 or 3 guards in their household with no Knights where as another noble may have a dozen knights and hundreds of men at arms.

From this practise grew alot of the Knightly orders which use to exist in Old Millen. Obviously certain orders are more prestigous to be a member of.

the Golden Knights of the Eagle used to be the highest order as it was the Majeste's royal guard. Similarly L'ordre des chevaliers dans l'attente was the Knightly order which the Dauphin(e) is the nominal grandmaster.

Military Monastic Orders

These are religous orders who follow Knightly ideals. Many have existed over time. Normally only the Head of the order could knight people into them but depending on the size of the order sometimes Lower ranked members are able to as well.

Not all members of a Monastic order would be a knight there will often be lay members and men at arms as well as well as squires and others. They may also be a branch of a larger religous order and simply be the military arm of it.

Chivalric orders

There are a couple of Chivalric Orders which like Military Monastic orders follow the knightly ideals but are not attached to a noble household. Yet again the Head of the order is able to knight people into the order and in theory this can be anyone who has risen through the ranks but in practise is normally someone of noble birth the most famous exception to this is <example needed some one please write and add or send to me and I will add -TJ>

All Military Monatic Orders and Chivalric orders need a patent from the Crown to operate and as part of the vows have to swear an oath of Fealty to the throne of Millen.

Honorific Orders

These order have come about in the last 100 years or so. They were designed to coffer honour and prestige for non military activities. In practise these are only really given out by the state but in theory any noble could chose to give an honorific knighthood to a loyal servant.

Ranks within orders

Orders can vary wildly on ranks structure as there is no set way that they have to work though most do have some sort of structure a couple of examples are

For an Honorific Order
Member, Officer, Commander, Knight, Knight Commander, Knight Marshall

For a Military Order

Knight, Officer, Knight Commander, Grand Commander, Knight Marshall

Squire, Knight Brother, Knight Sergeant, Commander of the Kirche/commons, Knight Commander, Knight Marshall, Knight protector

A household is less likely to have a rank structure unless there are alot of knights but the knights may well command men at arms.

Also Military orders will often have lay members who are not knights

Some Examples of Old World Knightly Orders

Chivalric Orders

The Knights of the Eagle used to be the highest order as it was the Majeste's royal guard.

The Order of chevaliers dans l'attente (or the Order of the knights in waiting) is an order of Knights who serve the Dauphine directly. It is given out by the Dauphine to those close who serve and guard him.

The Order des Chevaliers Outremer (the overseas knights). This is an order for those who are not a Mill'enese subject who are knighted for services to the crown. It is unususal in that it can be given out to non Mill'enese and though technically a member of it does not need to become a subject they are granted all the rights of a subject while they remeain a member of it.

Monastic Orders

The Knights of St Jacque

An order of Teacher knights who fought mainly on the southern Border to stop raids from Banustan and protect Pilgrims travelling to the Grave of St Jacque a holy Matyr.

New World Mill-enese Knightly Orders

Order of the Sword
The order of the Sword in the New World is a military order. Knights within this order are usually members of the Royal armed forces.

Order of Mill-en
This is the standard knightly order for subjects of Mill-en who have been risen to knighthood this is an Honorific order for non Military Personnel.

The Order des Chevaliers Outremer (the overseas knights).
This is an order for those who are not a Mill'enese subject who are knighted for services to the crown. It is unususal in that it can be given out to non Mill'enese and though technically a member of it does not need to become a subject they are granted all the rights of a subject while they remain a member of it.

Women in the Military

Gunthervonliebenwass — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:10:31 CDT

Mill'enese culture defines a woman as the equal to a man and therefore there should be no bar or restrictions on women in the military.

In reality, certain officers seem to have the odd qualm about this in practice. Some cite personal experiences and others believe that women are not physically capable of performing under the kind of conditions a soldier must bear. Many proponents of women in the army attribute these objections to the inability of the officer in question to contain their own emotions or previous embarrassment of a related manner.

It is also noteworthy that though many officers object to women soldiers and also to officers allowing their wives to accompany them into the field, even in peacetime, there has been little outcry at the continuation of the Old World practice known as 'camp following' whereby young women, usually of low birth, accompany the army. This is in spite of the recognition that the camp followers are put in similar danger to the soldiers should they come under attack.

Nobility in the Old World

TomJ — Mon, 21 May 2007 02:51:53 CDT

Being a Noble in the Golden Nation of Mill'en in the old world was both a privilege and a duty. There were many Laws which both protected their position as well as detailing their responsibilities to the people. A noble had an obligation to make sure the people on their land were looked after where at the same time the people had an obligation to serve the Noble family.

There were four major families in Mill'en the Roudec, the Rhinteln, the Fussen and the Brissac. There were many other minor famlies but these were the largest and strongest families.

The most well known and the strongest are the Roudec which the former Majeste was of and who have ruled the county for several centuries,

The Brissac are most probably the next strongest family and the Duc du Brissac is infamous in that he backed the revolution when it took place.

The Rhinteln and Fussen had frequent marriages with the Roudec and the Brissac tying the families close in many ways.

Home

TomJ — Mon, 21 May 2007 02:35:14 CDT

Welcome to a wiki I have set up to start producing a document on the Golden nation of Mill'en. The idea is to put together background on alot of the ideas people are already playing about Mill'en which may help new (and old) Mill'en players feel inspired. Do not take things on here as definitive as it is written by players and such most of the information should be taken like the Almanac (i.e. written by people IC so could be wrong) Also this is not meant to stop people being creative Mill'en was a massive nation and many things would be different all over it.

This is a free wiki site which anyone who finds it can view but only people that I give permission to can edit. I was limited in my options of what I could choose in setting this up. Depending how it goes I may look to set up a hosted wiki somewhere else where we can have more control over who can view it and so forth.

If you want to be an editor just ask and I will make you one.

How we use it is up to us all but I was originally thinking of making it in 2 ways Mill'en in the old world and Mill'en in the new world.

Anyway leap in and enjoy.

Old World Mill'en

Mill'en in the New World

Mill'en Links

Please read the disclaimers

Also please note that many of the images on this website, although already available on the internet, remain the copyright of the owner. Specifically many of the IC photo's come from the very nice people at Disturbing.

Loyal Subjects

imaginax — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:19:56 CDT

Samples... this page needs a lot of work!

The Summer Court of Mill'en

Compte Bendict Delano	Michel Chappelle	Stephan Van Kurtan
The Militia

<Insert Link>
The Wayward Scholars

Regent Benedict Delano
Michel Chappelle (Draft)

Comte Benedict Delano

imaginax — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:09:15 CDT

In Character Details

<--Back to Loyal Subjects

Name :	Comte Benedict Delano
Location :	New World Mill'en
Profession :	The Compte
Affiliation :	Summer Court
Age :	Over 21
Religion :	Teacher
Description :	More text to be inserted here!

Character History :

He never set out to rule the nation...

...but then again the Dauphin never set out to get assasinated.

Notes / Comments :

More to go here...

OOC Contact Details

Mail@Mail.Com

Michel Chappelle - Using 1st Draft Sample

imaginax — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:04:40 CDT

In Character Details

<--Back to Loyal Subjects

Name :	Michel Chappelle
Location :	New World Mill'en
Profession :	Former ships doctor, now working on Navigate to get back to sea.
Affiliation :	Summer Court
Age :	25
Religion :	None yet. Should go Teacher really but Jaguar have a good sales pitch!
Description :	Like the picture really, although generally looking a bit less sly!

Character History :

Unusually for a Royalist survivor of the revoution, Michel was born into a middle class, stable, average family. His father was a Naval officer of some standing but average ability and his mother served as a mid-wife for the local town when not at home caring for the family.

As his father could be away at sea for long periods of time and the townspeople of Guild'en were seemingly either unable or unwilling to curb their incessant breeding, the young Michel was dragged around to quite a number of the town's master bedrooms to witness the miracle of birth. It goes without saying that the birds and the bees did not remain a mystery to the young gentleman however Michel adopted an interest more in his mother's end of the proceedings than the initial process than would come to fascinate his friends when they reached their teens.

His father wasn't precious about Michel joining the Navy but his teenage curiosity about what had drawn his father out to sea for all those years when there was so many fascinating things still happening on land got the better of him...

Notes / Comments :

Married to Alessandra Chappelle
Arrived in New World Mill'en with Louis von Richter and Guillaume Cotes.

OOC Contact Details

Click Here

Michel Chappelle - OOC

imaginax — Mon, 14 May 2007 15:47:40 CDT

Name :	Mike Chappell
Location :	Nuneaton, Warks, UK
LARP Experience :	Only Maelstrom
Time Playing Maelstrom :	Just the 1 event, aren't I the newb!
Age (or Factors of 21!) :	29
Other Interests :	Web Stuff, MMORPG, Reading, Drinking, BBQ

Notes / Comments :

Married in RL to Alex (Alessandra Chappelle) for almost 9 years, no sprogs.

Did you know that (according to the Sunday Telegraph) the origins of the name Chappell date back to ship's doctors? So not only is my IC name not particularly original but the entire concept is filched from my own history... sort of...

Also known to use three dots instead of a proper gramatical comma or hyphen... a lot.

RL Contact Details

michel@fartypenguin.com

Back to In Character

Settlement's

TomJ — Tue, 01 May 2007 08:09:03 CDT

the following are the more important settlements within Mill'en

Porto D'Henri
Englestadt
Grande Phillipe
Baugherstadt
Bernsteinkuste
Quigleys Harbour
Krafts Rest

Education

imaginax — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 05:40:40 CDT

Education in Mill-En
As a country of equality there is no distinction between the educations of girls and boys. Most Mill’enese subjects are able to read and write. However in the remote and rural parts of the country side schools are far and few between and education is less common. Farmers and those that work the land often start this work very young and as literacy is not required for the work it is normal for them to be uneducated. Slaves also come into the category of manual labourers and are never educated.
As is common in most parts of the world, education is closely linked to Religion. In Mill-en, schools of the Teacher spread the gift of learning. An educated population is an enlightened one. However it is also common for Schools of the Merchant to offer scholarships. This is to ensure there is always the next generation of craftsmen and merchants on which the economy is based.
Education at Home (Nobility and children on a Nobles Estate)
It is common for families of wealth and social standing to employee a School Master or Governess. It is perfectly acceptable for an Educator of either sex to teach all children and in most households all of the children are taught together. It is common for the children of household staff and servants to also attend classes as long as this does not interfere with any work they are expected to do to pay for their upkeep. It is then expected that the debt for an education received in this way will be paid off by the student with a number of years service to the family.
A standard Education begins at age 5 and involves reading, writing, arithmetic and religious learning. Classes are held 5 days a week mostly mornings only. Classes generally begin at 10am to allow the children of standing to breakfast and be dressed. This also allows the common children time to do their chores and work.
At the age of 7 education develops into appreciation of literature and advanced arithmetic. At this level only the family children and children learning craft skills involving geometry and account keeping will continue their education along with an apprenticeship with the Estates existing craftsmen and women. This education will last another 3 years.
Education at School (Commoners)
There are many public schools in Mill-en. Each child is allowed an education of some form although not all families take advantage of this. These are day schools which a child can attend when they are not working and can afford the lessons, normally a bushel a day. These schools are often run by the church as well as trading houses. Some wealthy merchants will also fund a small school. Scholarships are often granted to children, the debt for the education is then paid back in labour to the benefactor for an agreed number of years. These scholarships will often lead to an apprenticeship in a craft trade. These Schools provide a basic education in reading, writing, mathematics and religion. There is no set age for a child to leave as often the education is sporadic and will take many years.

Further Education
At the age of 10 Children will then be sent to a boarding school to continue their education in a defined field such as medicine, law and science. Only children of nobility can attend these schools or those who have received a scholarship from a benefactor. The cost for this education can be high. Children of no standing who are bright enough can also study for a diploma in education at this stage. They can then become a School Master, Mistress or Governess. It is most uncommon for nobility to enter this field as socially you are always in the employ of another. It is very rare for a School Master or Mistress to fund their own school.
At age 14 first born children of Nobility will often return to their homes to learn the running of the estate which they will in turn inherit. They may again study in the Estates schoolroom. Younger siblings will often enter the priesthood at this age or begin a military career, often with their fathers buying a commission. Law is another avenue for nobles as is medicine and children will often find a position with a suitable practitioner. These initial apprenticeships will last 2 years until the child becomes an adult at 16.
At 16 they will then normally continue in these chosen careers. However they can continue a formal education for a further 2 years in their specific area of study at a University, become a professor and then teach at the University. This is often a choice made by those who will have little to no inheritance. Once they have gained their Doctorate they may practice in their chosen field for many years and return to teaching in the later years of their lives.
Paying off the debt of a scholarship can take many years and is always agreed by the child’s parents when the education begins.