The Violet Velum

Historical Overview

Origins

The Violet Velum got its start as the official camp notices of the Free Company. A major source of House Semillon's power, and what allowed them to take control of the Blossom Fields, the Free Company was one of the only standing armies in the early days of the Age of Rule, and one of the most professional. Thus, they were rented out by House Semillon for great profit.

"The Rostrum has today recognized what we have long known, Semillon is dominant in the Vinelands! Our Lord's well-deserved seat is granted to him." - The Violet Vellum

The high quality of these troops came from their source, House Semillon itself. The Free Company was made up almost entirely of men from around Caer Semillon, and thus were responsible directly to the family. While this allowed the Semillons to exercise tight control over their men, it also guaranteed certain benefits. Payment could be securely sent home, benefits quickly collected, and news would move fast. The latter was facilitated by The Violet Vellum, which would post official updates in the Company's camps, but also, in the Anharan fashion of public readings, notices at home. This allowed families to learn quickly of any engagements, victories, or deaths, but also for House Semillon to efficiently push any message it needed to.

Surlee

The contentiousness of the Semillon uprising and the Fall of House Braelea meant that they would come to rule over a divided city. While many put their heads down and tried to get on with their lives, there was a strong, and growing, current of Braelea loyalism. During the Braelean Hedge Wars, and in the centuries that followed, Braelea loyalism would evolve into a defining cultural theme of Surlee and the Blossom Fields.

"Guests arrived from some of the briefly recalcitrant noble houses of the Winerun region, to be held at Terracetop by the grace of our Lord, may their stay be long and loyal." - The Violet Vellum

The split between Braelea loyalists and Semillon loyalists is clearly demarcated in Surlee. Neighborhood by neighborhood, street by street, communities are divided. Loyalist communities get their news, and most importantly organize their marches, through small, local notices either from neighborhood notables, committees, or guilds. Semillon loyalists have the benefit of The Violet Vellum to make up for their fewer numbers. 
The Violet Vellum serving as the official media organ of the ruling house, not only reporting on news but organizing events, allows Semillon demonstraters an advantage over their more numerous Braelea counterparts. However, these events often lead to violence, and the efficient dissemination of marches and countermarches fuel the chaos of the marching season.

Type

Broadcasting, Newspaper / Magazine

Location

Surlee