Warring States reboot.

[orangebox]

Bah. People should be like me: open up every new thread you see in a new tab (having at least 5 tabs open with RPs I haven't seen before) and judging it after reading it. Heck, it's how I found this little gem.

Indeed, and it is a good system on paper. Has it been tested, though?

I believe having a standard (two cities and one capital) and then having their racial advantages and disadvantages decide the unique size is best. In other words, I believe you are doing the best option right now. You may change it if you wish, of course.
If I could choose everything my way, I'd be a civilization of Darknut-esque super-knights with the disadvantage of "Only starting with the Capital" and "Has half pop. of everything." Half recruits per turn, half city/town populations, half starting soldiers, etc. They'd make up for it with quality soldiers, physical strength, but more importantly an awesome metal industry (keeping rez up despite pop. loss~).
Though I have tried them before, It was over before it even started.


A shame it is little interest currently, though. Would the players from before be interested, or no?



Anyways, as promised, a CS for you:

Warning, the picture is... large, due to RP Guild not resizing pictures anymore.
Warning #2, I almost always seem to be turned down when I submit the first profile... huh. Anyways, I'm ready to inevitably change it.
Warning #3, if I decide to be sovereign... My first attempt would be this guy's race.

Famed General

Name:
Kol Raus
(Kohl Rowz)

Age:
52 (Roughly in his mid-thirties in human years)
The average Clifflord lifespan is 142 years

Gender:
Male

Appearance:

A descendant of a Clifflords, Kol is 6′ 3″ (~1.9 meters), towering above most other races but being quite short compared to the ancient Clifflords and still being a little shorter than most other Clifflord descendants. His skin is a Taupe Grey, being a descendant of a Clifflord that mined a brass-colored metal. His irides are of a Honeydew color, and he has a husky and very deep voice. His hair color is of a charcoal black, cut very short as to not get caught in his helmet. He generally wears his armor whenever he can, but without it he is seen to have a highly athletic and well-toned build. His face could be described as rugged and grim, bearing sharp features and a somber facial structure. He also has a very large scar from the left corner of his mouth to his sternomastoid, travelling horizontally across his cheek and jaw. If he smiles, you can see a few of his top molars. if he frowns, which is much more likely, you can see some of his bottom molars.Needless to say, it doesn’t really bring in the ladies. In addition to his facial scar, a large scar is just above his navel, a scar that helped bring him his fame and one he takes pride in. Beyond those two, numerous other smaller and less noticeable scars dot his body. Although strong, he can’t block and dodge every strike thrown at him.

Race:
Clifflord (Descendant)
The Clifflord history is rich with metalworking and intimidation, forges and battle. They were a giant people -similar to humans in shape- with most average males standing above 8 feet / 2.4 meters and weighing in on average 300 pounds / 136 kilograms. Within these great bodies were large amounts of muscle far denser than normal, granting them a seemingly demonic strength that they used to great success. The Clifflords established themselves among a mighty mountain and built their home on it. Within the mountain lied an abundant supply of metals, and the Clifflords used their superior resources and strength to create armor and weapons of great quality. It is said that a Clifflord dagger can still cut just as sharp now as it had in the time when it was created, and that a shield could repel the blow of any blacksmith’s hammer other than a Clifflord (all rumors that were eventually proven false, of course).
With their strength and metalworking, the Clifflords became an immovable object in the path of all who wished to conquer them. Their soldiers wore layers of heavy, durable armor, making them nigh invincible. Their weapons were giant and heavy, their swords crushing enemies more than cutting them. Arrows bounced off them, horses reared at the trembling earth when they marched, and warriors all told the tale of the race of metal giants. Of course, there is a reason why they do not exist now...

Despite all their advantages, the Clifflords required massive amounts of food. With their metalworking poisoning the land and sea around them and tainting the air, and with their mountainous terrain, farming was all but impossible. The Clifflords required imports of food to survive, and eventually, as all civilizations do, the threat of their existence outweighed the benefit of their friendship, and all their allies pulled back their support for the giant, metal warriors. The tales of the giant metal people and their invincibility ground to a slow and permanent halt.

The Clifflords were forced to disband their civilization and the remaining race retreated to any refuge. Their great mountain, due to unsafe mining habits, collapsed into itself, rendering the great Clifflord metal ores hidden beyond the reach of other civilizations. Their great army became small bands of mercenaries, giving their children the remains of their armor and weapons. The Clifflords of old have left their descendants a lasting, unmistakable gift.

The Clifflords, with all their metals, tainted themselves with the metal clouds from their furnaces. Their skin was shaded to a dark slate black, and their hair (if they had any) a coal black. Their eyes, staying in the mines for so long, took to a very bright discoloration. Most Clifflords today still have very dark skin and bright, pale eyes. With the poison as well, the birthrates of Clifflords are very meager, rendering the race endangered. The current Clifflord race could be estimated to be within 40,000 citizens and 15,000 unaffiliated persons. In addition, the Clifflords of today (while still being physically strong) have lost the extra dense and numerous muscles do to interracial mixing and also need to consume less food to survive. The Clifflords still keep their history much alive, though, telling their children as many stories as they can and keeping many traditional practices in use.

Racial Advantages: --
Racial Disadvantages: --

Allegiance:
No sworn leader - Wandering General.

Biography:
The son of an Elf man and Clifflord woman, Kol was the target of bullying from most other children in the elven village he lived in for most of his childhood. He was simply different; he was stronger and bigger, but he was not lithe or sneaky and was more apt with swinging a sword than notching an arrow. Instead of looking at the plants and animals, he was interested in rocks and metal. Instead of being fair skinned and golden haired, he looked like he was covered in coal dust with hair as black as soot. Because of this, he spent more time learning from his mother than he did in any educational classes for elves. She taught him how to use armor and a sword, and told him of great tales of the ancient Clifflords. Eventually, his elven father took his mother and him away to a human city. Although officially human, there were many races in this huge market city, and somehow Kol seemed to mix in. Despite a few challenges, Kol was able to enter a military center and start training. Their armor was too flimsy and light, and he’d break every sword they gave him. Eventually, a instructor ordered him to use two swords, one in each hand, instead of holding one sword with both hands. His career skyrocketed afterwards. The town was eventually sieged by an enemy sovereign, and though he fought valiantly, Kol eventually retreated and took his mother and father out of the city. They traveled to a few cities before settling down and Kol re-entered the military academy at this city. It was here that Kol started to become known as a famous warrior, and eventually a Famed General, and for that only his famous deeds will be told:

Spring, Kol aged 32 - Kol and a few small squads held of a company of superior numbers. Though drastically outmatched, Kol lead an ambush and routed an entire company with few losses.
Kol states that it was also his soldiers that won the battle, not just him.

Autumn, Kol aged 35 - Kol and eight other men, four of them Clifflords, held back a sieging army in the keep while the ruler and his family escaped. Although Kol and his company were defeated, most of them killed, the royal family escaped and Kol and the survivors were taken prisoner.
Kol accounts that there were six deaths; only he and two others survived. In addition, most of the army was exhausted due to breaking through the wall and getting to the keep.

Summer, Kol aged 35 - Kol escaped the prison during a siege on the city. Rumors state that Kol tore off the prison door as soon as the jailer left to defend the city.
Kol stated that the other two from before were executed, and he escaped just weeks before his own execution. In addition, the hinges to the door were rusted.

Summer, Kol aged 39 - Kol won a tournament and defeated a famous yet aging general in a duel. People finally see, first hand, his Clifflord Dual Wielding style.
Kol claims that the senile general was besmirching the Clifflord race.

Spring, Kol aged 40 - Kol joins a military academy as an instructor and argues with another instructor. He lifts up the instructor, despite the instructor being fully adorned with plate armor.
Kol claims that the plate armor must have been fake. All the students claimed that it was real plate armor. The instructor will not comment.

Winter, Kol aged 45 - Kol is ordered by a foolish ruler to lead a disastrous raid against a town. It is said that both companies were decimated, and the only survivor was Kol, standing atop a mountain of dead bodies, a sword impaled into his stomach and three to twenty spears (it is different for every person who tells the tale) protruding from his back. Kol accounts that he was indeed run through by a sword, but never by a spear in that skirmish, and that there were survivors on both sides and the battle was a victory for the opposing side because they held off the assault.

Winter, Kol aged 45, one month after above deed - Kol’s ancestral armor is melted down and used as material for his custom swords and armor. In his next fight, it is said that arrows bounced off him.
Kol stated that there were very few arrows that hit him, and those that did hit the stronger areas of his armor.

Spring, Kol aged 46 - Kol rallies a rebellion to overthrow a foolish, tyrant ruler. Since he rallied the army, and in turn they rallied the common people, the ruler was at a severe disadvantage.

Autumn, Kol aged 47 - The rebellion overthrows the ruler and asks Kol to lead them, and to their surprise he declines and suggests that, even more surprising, a lowly soldier in his company take the throne. The soldier is crowned king, and the city enjoys a few prosperous years.
Kol recalls that the soldier showed a great aptitude for leading when his company was under attack and the leader was wounded.

Spring, Kol aged 51 - Kol declares his independence from any one ruler and becomes a mercenary general. In addition, he also becomes a bounty hunter to help raise money while he waits for a sovereign to take notice of him.

Kol, aged 52, and the start of a new chapter in his life . . .

Signature Weapon:
Ancestral Reforged Blades / Ancestral Reforged Armor
Twin blades and set of armor, custom-designed for Kol and crafted by melting down and reusing the Clifflord metals and alloys in Kol’s ancestral Clifflord armor. It was crafted by another fellow Clifflord, giving it some designs of the ancient Clifflords while also having inspiration from more modern sources. Very lightweight and strong, though the ancient Clifflord forging secrets were lost and as such this small suit of armor and the two swords used up the entirety of the massive ancestral armor (a few accidents, repairs, spills, unusable rusted parts, etc).
He named the two swords after his furthest recorded ancestors, “Don” (O as in own) and “Tet” (E as in end). He has yet to name the armor.

Skills and Proficiency:
Sword: Lv2 (6p)

Spear: Lv0

Bow: Lv0

Custom Arms: --

Shield: Lv0

Armor: Lv1 (2p)

Riding: Lv0

Special Traits: Lv1 (6p)
Dense Muscles-
Even for their current size, Clifflords are extremely powerful physically, and Kol is no exception. Kol is capable of lifting a two-handed weapon with one hand without any hindrances (other than not knowing how to use it) and is not encumbered by his armor. His full strength was demonstrated once before when he lifted up a soldier fully adorned in plated armor (not with one hand, of course, but still quite a feat). Of course, he needs to eat almost seven square meals a day to keep up his stamina - not including snacks and desserts, of course.
Although not very noteworthy in large battles, it is a huge advantage in small skirmishes and duels.

Random Info:
His birthday is in autumn.

Yeah it is actually 'heavily debated' and partially tested with makeshift numbers in the previous OOC. I am sure that it is a decent system - with a few hicks which we will find in time.

Well, the original gameplay with two cities and one capital - was to open the RP up with initial NPC engagements before the players can engage one another. (Strategically separated by NPC settlements of value) In time for more prospective generals to be interested and join. However the previous RP had only began annexing the first few NPC settlements. Also, your idea of half of everything in exchange for quality soldiers - it is indeed achievable. With perhaps, extra maintenance cost as well I'll need to actually crunch some numbers first to see if it needs any sort of balancing out.

That's a good idea actually, I'll go ahead and PM the previous players instead!

---

In all honesty, that's one of the best Famed Generals CSes I have ever read in the first and current version of Warring States. Finally, someone whom actually managed to account all their 'deeds' to highlight their capabilities - coupled along with exaggerated rumours. I loved that part especially. For your Special Traits, that could actually be applied for the Racial bonus. I honestly, enjoyed reading your CS and am very impressed by it.

So, what I'd do for your racial advantage and disadvantages based on your writing would be;
-1 point required for Sword, +1 point required for shield, Clifflord Physique: The clifflords has absurd strength - and will be able to wield excessively heavy arms into combat. They will require a lot of food in exchange.

Also, chances are, I'd love to use the Clifflords in the NPC settlements - as one of the 'rare races' up for grabs.

- - - Updated - - -

Also, I'm thinking of adding one more resource - Food.

- - - Updated - - -

Nice to hear. Of course I enjoyed it. Expect some more sheets over the course of the week till I have decided what to play as.

Can't really add anything to the 'why doesn't it generate enough interest' topic, I don't have much experience with Nation RPs but think that this concept looks pretty sweet with separating Generals from Sovereigns, and having a basic stat system seems like the sensible thing to have, given the freedom the players have in Nation RPs otherwise.

@Clifflords: Sounds like, in the unlikely event I end up going for Sovereign with a Dwarven nation, I'd definitely be interested in being one of those former allies the Clifflords had before everyone turned away from them. We shall see~

Good to know! However, if you have any friends you know would be interested, please link them over!

And since this is still in Interest Check stage, if you have any comments on the game system or suggestions, feel free to give a mention. That goes for you too Keia

[Keia Vewyx]

Also, your idea of half of everything in exchange for quality soldiers - it is indeed achievable. With perhaps, extra maintenance cost as well I'll need to actually crunch some numbers first to see if it needs any sort of balancing out.

Dibs.

In all honesty, that's one of the best Famed Generals CSes I have ever read in the first and current version of Warring States. Finally, someone whom actually managed to account all their 'deeds' to highlight their capabilities - coupled along with exaggerated rumours. I loved that part especially. For your Special Traits, that could actually be applied for the Racial bonus. I honestly, enjoyed reading your CS and am very impressed by it.

So, what I'd do for your racial advantage and disadvantages based on your writing would be;
-1 point required for Sword, +1 point required for shield, Clifflord Physique: The clifflords has absurd strength - and will be able to wield excessively heavy arms into combat. They will require a lot of food in exchange.

Also, chances are, I'd love to use the Clifflords in the NPC settlements - as one of the 'rare races' up for grabs.

That's... too much praise. It makes me suspicious.
Thank you very much for your praise, though. It makes me very giddy to see that my profile was received so warmly, despite being a "testing" profile. Now that I know what you are looking for, I'll definitely make an effort to keep up your expectations!

Hmm... Permit me to speak my mind, but it is only the General, a descendant, that specializes in swords and ignores a shield. In my original national creation, they were all walking giants wielding giant, thick blades (They also used lance-like spears, but only rarely) and huge, thick tower shields (They also had gigantic metal long-bows that shot bolts akin to javelins, and rode on huge, muscular, slow horse-like creatures adorned in armor, though there was not enough of the archers or cavalry to really notice). Their only problem was that they were unbearably slow, were almost the smallest civilized race, and survived solely due to the food imports from others. I tried to get across that the Clifflords were always small in size and needed support, but were great in strength and metal when that support came.
I greatly enjoy the physique bonus and food requirement, though; that, I'd love to keep.
So, allow me to build a Sovereign profile that details the race as a whole, not just the part that benefits my General. After that, I'll accept your final words on its Racial diversities.


Of course! By all means, any race I create I would love to be used more deeply in the RP.

- - - Updated - - -

Good to know! However, if you have any friends you know would be interested, please link them over!

And since this is still in Interest Check stage, if you have any comments on the game system or suggestions, feel free to give a mention. That goes for you too Keia

I'm trying to get some friends. Not very many I know that are interested in Nation RPs, though... I do know of a TatsuaAiisen, though, and I see that they had been in the original Warring States as well.

I will tell you when I think of any.

[orangebox]

That's... too much praise. It makes me suspicious.
Thank you very much for your praise, though. It makes me very giddy to see that my profile was received so warmly, despite being a "testing" profile. Now that I know what you are looking for, I'll definitely make an effort to keep up your expectations!

Hmm... Permit me to speak my mind, but it is only the General, a descendant, that specializes in swords and ignores a shield. In my original national creation, they were all walking giants wielding giant, thick blades (They also used lance-like spears, but only rarely) and huge, thick tower shields (They also had gigantic metal long-bows that shot bolts akin to javelins, and rode on huge, muscular, slow horse-like creatures adorned in armor, though there was not enough of the archers or cavalry to really notice). Their only problem was that they were unbearably slow, were almost the smallest civilized race, and survived solely due to the food imports from others. I tried to get across that the Clifflords were always small in size and needed support, but were great in strength and metal when that support came.
I greatly enjoy the physique bonus and food requirement, though; that, I'd love to keep.
So, allow me to build a Sovereign profile that details the race as a whole, not just the part that benefits my General. After that, I'll accept your final words on its Racial diversities.

Haha, don't worry - that amount of praise is warranted for the effort. If you managed to take a peek at the previous General CSes in the first OOC, you'd understand why.

Well considering the entire nation as a whole, the changes I'd commit to would be;
-1 Shields or Armor (But since the Orcs has Armor, I'd like to make it a little bit more of a variety. However, that may change - since the final 'list of races' will change according to the Sovereign's choice on race itself. The entire playing field will have roughly 5-8 different races available, and the Major 3 races (most common in the lands) would be what the three Sovereign's race picks are.)
+1 Riding - Because, they are a mountainous people - and land-based mounts would be quite impossible for them to easily master. And based off their natural preferences - taking a liking to earth and minerals than wildlife, I think their 'animal husbandry' wouldn't exactly be good enough.

[El Noche]

Interested

[orangebox]

Thanks for joining again El Noche!

[TatsuaAiisen]

Could I join with my Sovereign from the previous rp?

[orangebox]

Definitely

[TatsuaAiisen]

Also, freaking love you Keia

[El Noche]

Question - If memory serves me right, the Avians were all Androgynous and young looking correct? What are the chances of one of them being actually being very masculine or feminine in appearance? and would there be some kind of social stigma attached to having a large number of gender specific traits? Also could you detail their culture a bit more?

Also are the Lizardmen based off the Savras?

[Keia Vewyx]

Haha, don't worry - that amount of praise is warranted for the effort. If you managed to take a peek at the previous General CSes in the first OOC, you'd understand why.

Everyone has a different style. There's are good in their own way...

Well considering the entire nation as a whole, the changes I'd commit to would be;
-1 Shields or Armor (But since the Orcs has Armor, I'd like to make it a little bit more of a variety. However, that may change - since the final 'list of races' will change according to the Sovereign's choice on race itself. The entire playing field will have roughly 5-8 different races available, and the Major 3 races (most common in the lands) would be what the three Sovereign's race picks are.)
+1 Riding - Because, they are a mountainous people - and land-based mounts would be quite impossible for them to easily master. And based off their natural preferences - taking a liking to earth and minerals than wildlife, I think their 'animal husbandry' wouldn't exactly be good enough.

Hmmm. I agree very much about them being bad with land-based mounts, but I'm still unsure about their advantages...
Permit me to PM you some ideas on this in more detail. I was thinking quite hard about it today, and I got a rather interesting idea with the phrase "high quality."

Also, freaking love you Keia

This sudden affection is suspicious... It makes my heart flutter~!
May I ask why you suddenly enjoy me?