The Heart of Hetzenberg

*

The Heart of Hetzenberg is a region some sixty miles across, with the Capital in the north west nestling in the lee of the Hetzenberg and Blauerberg mountains. The country is a mixture of mountains, foothills, plains and woods, with rich seams of gold in the Hetzenberg and coal in the southwestern hills.

*

By tradition only the guard regiments are quartered within the Capital. The line cavalry are in barracks at Nirgenden where the ground is open enough for maneuvers and drill; the infantry are stationed in barracks across the country. One of the privileges of the First Line Regiment (in this case IR1 Sleibnitz) is to guard the town of Sinnlos-amt-Schlock with its important Abbey and river crossing.

*

Hetzenberg is a city of culture, with many galleries, theaters and fine parks. In keeping with the general merry nature of the people of Hetzenberg each season is marked by a great festival. Spring is marked by Die Ostern-Parade where folks break out their finest clothes to mark the passing of winter and the coming of new growth to the world. Long tables are set out in the wider streets and in the parks where a great feast is served.

*

Midsummer is marked by Die Blumenfestival as wagons decorated with bright flowers parade through the city to the accompaniment of bands, dancing and much drinking. If the army isn't on campaign it takes part in the parade, with the Grand Ducal Guard at the head in the position of honor, followed by the regiments in order of seniority and the artillery at the rear.

*

Fall has Das Fallen der Blätter, where dancers garbed in bright reds, yellows and oranges parade around the city walls to celebrate the gathered harvest and warn of the coming of winter. This is the time of year when couples wishing to become engaged do Der zukünftige Tanz. Each boy dances around the girl of his choice with his arms open, in a manner similar to a waltz. If she is willing to be his wife she will wait until he has danced around her at least five times before stepping into the circle of his arms and continuing the dance with him. A real tease will wait the maximum of twenty-one times before doing so. The decision is held to be binding and the marriage takes place within a year. As most couples are willing to marry before the dance begins, rejections seldom happen. When they do, it causes something of a scandal.

*

Winter itself has Das Laternefestival, held on Midwinter's Night to celebrate the turning of the year. The townsfolk throng the snowy streets carrying bright colored lanterns to the accompaniment of music and the drinking of traditional mulled wine and ale. Contests are held to find the best snow and ice sculptures. The snowball fights in Der große Park are legendary, with the Grand Duke having the honor of throwing the first. Each year during this festival the Grand Duchess awards a purse of five gold coins to the couple who can prove they have not exchanged a bad word with each other since the last festival. Up to five witnesses can be called to attest to the couple's virtue.