“Bring me not those who have mastery over the axe or the blade- bring those who know trades and vocations, whose talents are many and versatile. And make sure their faith lies with me, The Creator of all things, for my blade shall be the key to their shackles” –The Slave Prophet Kastus as he rallied his army of insurrectionists.
The Pontetate Empire: An empire forged on the backs of slaves, the Pontetate Empire is currently one of the strongest powers in the world, currently engulfing the entire center of the continent. Founded by the Slave Prophet and proclaimed son of God, Kastus, a little over two hundred years ago, the Empire had very petty beginnings as a slave revolt. The Nordic Empire, ruling over all territory from the southern shores of Estradee to the Reith River Basin, had enslaved the vast majority of the population. It was no surprise when Kastus, but a young slave and self-proclaimed son of God, The Creator, sparked a rebellion among the slaves in the city of Ayreth, though it took the Nordic Empire by complete surprise when the slaves actually took the city, formed a proper army, and captured the other surrounding cities as well. In the time since, the Pontetate Empire has grown to become the most powerful force the world has seen, with Kingdoms (territories, really) branching as far south as land permits. In recent times, however, the Empire has fallen upon hard times, with banditry at an all-time high, and the roads and wilderness becoming more perilous with each passing day. Whispers of rebellion and independence run wild through the courts of nobles, and even the most ignorant of peasants know that something is going to happen within the Empire. Most resembles the Roman Empire.
The Church of the Creator: The main religious force that dominates the Pontetate Empire.
Pope: Before the death of Emperor Kastus, the Pope was more of a Religious figure-head than anything. Now that the son of God lies dead, he has temporary powers of the Pontetate Empire, and will have to select a new Emperor. [Reserved by Raptorman]
Arch-Bishop: The head of all Bishops in the Empire, the Arch-Bishop answers only to the Pope, and has near absolute authority throughout the church (excluding the Inquisition). [POSITION OPEN]
Arch-Canon of the Inquisition: The Arch-Canon is the head of the Inquisition, and in charge of rooting out all heretics in the Empire, whether they be pagans, rebels, or sorcerers. In charge of the Church’s Military force, the Purgators, The Arch-Canon is one of the most powerful men/women in the entire Pontetate Empire, and can exercise his or her will at any time. [Reserved by WittyReference]
Grand General of the Pontetate: While not truly being a part of the church, the Grand General of the Pontetate Empire is the head of anything military that goes on. A strong candidate for Emperor. [Reserved by The Nexerus]
Territory of Frankmark: The rich and pompous Franks are the holders of one of the most powerful Kingdoms in the Pontetate. The rich vineyards of the land are of the highest quality, in constant competition with the wine-makers of Estradee, and finest quality of velvets and linens are fashioned here. Despite the economic wealth of the Kingdom, the elitist nobility often over-tax the peasantry for their materialistic desires. Most resembles a very Gothic France.
Queen of Frankmark: Rich, promiscuous, and hedonistic, the King of Frankmark is a lively one, caring more for his own personal amusement than his people’s welfare. [Reserved by Ladydespair]
Duke of Sophorell: Duke of the Counties Ceril and Ossoriex. [POSITION OPEN]
Count of Creil: Sovereign of County Creil. [POSITION OPEN]
Count of Ossoriex: Sovereign of County Ossoriex. [POSITION OPEN]
Duke of Gallice: Duke of the Counties Thorex and Duer. [POSITION OPEN]
Count of Thorex: Sovereign of County Thorex. [POSITION OPEN]
Count of Duer: Sovereign of county Duer. [POSITION OPEN]
Bishop of Frankmark: Standard head of Theological and Religious matters in Frankmark, a puppet to the Church of the Creator. [POSITION OPEN]
Grand Inquisitor of Frankmark: Head of the Inquisition in Frankmark. [POSITION OPEN]
Territory of Borkstvo: Strong, powerful, and vast, the Kingdom of Borkstvo dominates the southern coasts and inlands of the Central Kingdoms, occupying all of the Nordic Cities founded back before the Pontetate’s founding. Built upon the work of the Northmen, the Borkish people quickly expanded in both the cities and into the wilderness, creating many villages and farmland which allows the Kingdom to flourish. Most resembles a very Slavic Germany.
King of Borkstvo: The Borkish Kings are often seen as both savage and powerful, lacking honor and pride. While this isn’t always true, the Kings of Borkstvo almost always control their demesne with a tyrannical iron fist, and tolerate nothing short of utter obedience. [Reserved by Sinistred]
Duke of Dovurak: Duke of the County Ballengvo. [POSITION OPEN]
Count of Ballengvo: Sovereign of County Ballengvo. [POSITION OPEN]
Duke of Trussak: Duke of the County Turkor. [POSITION OPEN]
Count of Turkor: Sovereign of County Turkor. [POSITION OPEN]
Bishop of Borkstvo: Standard head of Theological and Religious matters in Borkstvo, a puppet of the Church of the Creator. [POSITION OPEN]
Grand Inquisitor of Borkstvo: Head of the Inquisition in Borkstvo. [Reserved by The Georgian]
Territory of Celland: Celland is a land with a rich heritage, extending back before the warriors of the Frozen North ever set foot in the Central Kingdoms. Lovers of nature and battle, Cellish armies have some of the best bowman the Pontetate has ever seen. Long enslaved and brutalized by the Nords, the Cellish people were eager to join Kastus in his crusade against the Northerners, though now in an age of peace, the People of the Wood are starting to regret the decision, yearning to return to their pagan roots. Most resembles ye olde Ireland.
King of Celland: The Cellish Kings are strong and honorable, often holding dear to their pagan heritage, concerned more for their people than their Imperial overlords. [Reserved by Mars SNR]
Earl of Caherent: Sovereign of County Caherent. [POSITION OPEN]
Earl of Orballedus: Sovereign of County Orballedus. [POSITION OPEN]
Earl of Karchent: Sovereign of County Karchent. [POSITION OPEN]
Bishop of Celland: The Bishop of Celland holds a duel office, having the duties of the Kingdom’s Grand Inquisitor as well as its Bishop. Despite the double duties, the Bishop is rarely known to actually preform them, and no one is sure if it is due to incompetence or corruption. [Reserved by The Dark Man]
Territory of Estradee: Estradee, oddly enough, has a system of democracy in place, where the citizen elects their First Citizen (effectively the King) who rules for a certain amount of time. Despite this system, there is a small group of noble merchant families dwelling within Estradee, their nearly infinite coffers sometimes influencing both voters and law makers, as well as fellow merchant dynasties. The cities of Estradee are lavish and beautiful, and are often havens for philosophers, artists, and great thinkers. The sun bathed streets and avenues, however, are still patrolled by the Holy Inquisition, searching for any signs or heresy. Most resembles Florentine Italy.
First Citizen of Estradee: The elected ruler of Estradee, this man controls everything concerning the Kingdom, acting as a temporary King until voted out of office. [Reserved by Rocket]
Bishop of Estradee: Standard head of Theological and Religious matters in Estradee, a puppet of the Church of the Creator. [POSITION OPEN]
Grand Inquisitor of Estradee: Head of the Inquisition in Estradee- a bit concerned with how the freedom of speech and electoral rights is affecting faith among the populace. [POSITION OPEN]
The Nordic Empire: A massive conglomerate of different holds, the Nordic Empire is a force to be reckoned with. Once an entity who controlled almost the entire known world, the Empire has since been beaten back by Kastus and his armies. Unlike their neighbors, the Pontetate Empire, the Northerners are superstitious Pagans, fearful of all magics excluding those used by their war-priests and shamans. While they cannot currently take on the Pontetate Empire, a rebellion there might weaken the Creationists enough to prompt an attack by the warriors of the Frozen North…
High King of the Frozen North: Generally seen as a powerful figure with an equally powerful beard, the High King of the Nordic Empire does not secure his throne through dynastical blood-lines, but through brute force and show of skill. This man (or sometimes woman, though this is rare) has complete and absolute control over the Empire and its doings. [Reserved by Lord Monbodo]
Jarl of Jaltmalljur: Absolute ruler of Jaltmalljur Hold, answers only to the High King himself. [Reserved by XebenXeb]
Chief of Ravenkrak: One of the most powerful Chieftains in the North, the Chief of Ravenkrak has a large force of tribal warriors under his command. [Reserved by KnaveLord]
Jarl of Icegale: Absolute ruler of Icegale Hold, answers only to the High King himself. [Reserved by Vahir]
Jarl of Haljmaltgard: Absolute ruler of Haljmaltgard, answers only to the High King himself. [POSITION OPEN]
The Kingdom of Laodecia: Laodecia can hardly be called a “Kingdom”, as it is more of a military dictatorship. The citizens of the land are quite oppressed, and are often slaves or serfs. All men in the nation are, at a young age, forced into the military, which is composed completely of mercenary armies, which are sold off to neighboring powers. Laodecic Mercenaries are considered the most elite units to ever tread the battlefield, and their well sought armies and skirmish party’s cost a pretty penny to hire. Most resembles Sparta.
Mercenary Lord of Laodecia: The Lord of Laodecia is an absolute ruler, often referred to as a “Despot”. He is the commanding general of the state’s mercenary armies, as well as the ruler of the common folk. [reserved by Cerrus Talbeit]
The Kingdom of Stonehelm: This Kingdom is one of the few surviving independent kingdoms left in the world outside of the powerful empires. Ruled by a council of (supposedly) wise mages, Stonehelm isn’t much of a force to be reckoned with. Its citizen experience a sort of freedom that most people in the world cannot relate to, with magic and pageantry being completely legal. The Kingdom’s main export is, what a surprise, stone. Stonehelm Granite and Marble is far sought by builders, and most of the structures in the kingdom are constructed from similar materials.
The Council of Magi: Stonehelm is ruled completely by an oligarchy of mages. [Reserved by ActRaiser, Alabala, and Joytex]