Fragmenting of an Empire- OOC Thread of wonders

[XebenXeb]

I have a quick question.

Would it be plausible for the capital of Jaltmalljur to be built on an old dwarven ruin? The buildings would laregly be carved into large monolithic rocks or something, maybe to give it kind of a Markarth feel. I imagine it would also have some caverns built into it, and the Jarl's throneroom would be cool if it was inside a carved cavern. This would also make it quite defensible, which is plausible since the Empire never took it, despite it being an important Nordic position relatively close to the imperial border.

[The Dark Man]

I have a quick question.

Would it be plausible for the capital of Jaltmalljur to be built on an old dwarven ruin? The buildings would laregly be carved into large monolithic rocks or something, maybe to give it kind of a Markarth feel. I imagine it would also have some caverns built into it, and the Jarl's throneroom would be cool if it was inside a carved cavern. This would also make it quite defensible, which is plausible since the Empire never took it, despite it being an important Nordic position relatively close to the imperial border.

I don't see why not, though I always saw Jaltmalljur as a big farming place without many mountains or anything. But sure, you can do it, so long as it's unique.

[XebenXeb]

Name: Siggenir Huldarson Bogavyr
Title: Jarl of Jaltmalljur
Age: 44
Ethnic Origins: Nordic
Appearance: The once tall, imposing young warrior is now hunched, thin, and pale. His once mighty brown beard is whitening in many places and his blue eyes are now sunken and tired.

Spoiler

Siggenir in armor.

Equipment: He prefers to wear long, fur-clad and heavily decorated robes while performing his duties as Jarl, as well as an assortment of rings, bracelets and necklaces. While this excessive jewelry may seem weak to more traditionalistic Northmen, each of his accessories is a trophy taken from an enemy corpse. In battle he wears a fine iron breastplate over a suit of chainmail and fur, along with a horned helmet. He uses a longsword for battle, as well as his magic.

Bio: Born to the well respected warrior clan Bogavyr in Jaltmalljur’s capital of Dverg Karas, Siggenir was inducted into the lifestyle of Nordic nobility at an early age. Despite showing promise as a warrior, the city’s shaman selected the boy to become his apprentice, a request Siggenir’s father couldn’t deny out of respect for the old magus. As a shaman’s pupil, the boy quickly learned not only the basics of magic, herbalism and potion making but also how to read and write.

Upon reaching adulthood, which is a very young age for the people of the north, Siggenir joined his Jarl’s offensive against the imperial border in the south, and then spent several years fighting and pillaging with various warbands in the area. At around age twenty, he began to wander the north and continue his training in the art of magic with any shaman or war priest he came across. Eventually, he arrived in the western parts of Jaltmalljur, a terrible stretch of bogs and marshes where most Northmen dare not venture.

Siggenir knew the place only from legend, which told of the monstrous Slatrekkr, whose deformed bodies are a blasphemous joining of both man and beast, lurking in the cursed marshes and devouring the bodies of any who would dare venture too close. Driven by curiosity and determined to find glory, Siggenir formed a band of warriors and ventured deep into the misty marshes, only to return alone some weeks later, and with a monstrous black head strapped to his belt.

All attacks of the Slatrekkr abruptly stopped, and Siggenir was hailed as a hero for slaying their monstrous chieftain. He returned to Dverg Karas to find a glorious feast being thrown in his honor, and he was bestowed the title of Thane and spiritual advisor to the Jarl. He then spent several years solidifying his position, and when the Jarl passed away he had little trouble seizing power and winning the support of his peers. His now almost twenty year reign has marked him as both a cruel and efficient Jarl, with the warrior class always satisfied by battle, whether on the borders in the south or with rebellious slaves, whose position has been worsening as the Jarl calls for a return to glory for the warriors of the north, which can only be achieved with blood.

Personality: Cruel and deceptive, but also intelligent and confident. Has been rather cold and grim of late.

Other: There are rumors spreading through the north of how his enemies turn up brutally massacred, with their bodies often gnawed upon. While some show concern for Jarl Siggenir’s apparent decline in health, most in Jaltmalljur remain loyal and fearful towards him.

[Vahir]

THEN LET THERE BE BLOOD AND MEAD.

Vahir approves (+15)

[Mars SnR]

Name: Raghnall Artair O'Cain, King Raghnall the Lionsmane
Title: King of Celland
Age: 38
Ethnic Origins: Cellish and Nordic.
Appearance: Raghnall is freakishly large for a Cellish man. He gets his largeness from the Nord in his blood. He stands at a whopping 6'3", and weighs an easy 250 lbs. Raghnall is a burly bear-like man, with a long bright red beard, and long flowing hair. His beard is often braided and bound neatly with cloth. His eyes glow emerald, and his cheeks are pleasantly pink. He has the soft face of a kind man, but the build of a tank.


Equipment: Pretty much what you can see in the above picture.
~He does carry an enchanted bow, which has been named by the ancient kings before him, "Brom". The bow itself has unique design and markings, which historians, mystics, and wizards have claimed to be of fae origin. This bow has been an item of mystery for centuries. It has been known to accomplish improbable feats in times of need. Brom's arrows have been known to catch fire without a flame being kindled, shots have been made from greater distances than any mere bow would ever have the capacity to traverse, and some arrows have even been rumored to have rounded corners. However, this magic is never consistent, and these types of shots are surely few and far in between.

Bio:
Raghnall was born to the home of a humble goat farmer. As a child, his mother often told him myths and legends, of both Celland and the Frozen North, and of the enmity between the two. Raghnall's mother was nordic, and she was very kindhearted and gentle. She passed away due to illness sometime during Raghnall's childhood. Raised by his father in the rolling countryside of Celland, Raghnall spent his days learning the trade of a simple shepherd. During the long hours of the day, Raghnall would practice his archery as he kept a safe eye on his herd, and often he would get the chance to use his skills on wolves and bears that wished to prey on his goats. He was always very laid back and without much care in these days. However, he was disturbed by the cruelty and corruption of the empire, and how they interfered with ancient Cellish rites.

King Gair Buideach, Raghnall's predecessor, passed away unexpectedly, and left the throne of Celland unseated and without an heir. As was Cellish custom, the nobles gathered together to claim the throne, and would compete in an honorable contest of archery to win his claim as ruler of Celland. Raghnall, like many of the other commoners, attended this competition to soon find out who would be their new ruler. Many nobles presented their archery skills before the crowd, some were adept, and others novice, yet each made his shot. The steward of Celland, who was appointed to look after the throne in the absence of a king, oversaw the contest and judged each archer carefully. Whilst the steward was occupied with the competitors, an assassin stepped forward to strike down the steward and leave Celland without hope for a king. Yet, before the fatal blow could be made by the assasssin, a single arrow soared from out of the crowd and plunged into the heart of the assassin. The congregation was in shock, the steward was in shock, and all was silent for a short few seconds. The steward stood and hastily moved forward toward the crowd, "Who shot this arrow?" He repeated this question as he made his way through the crowd. The crowd parted, leaving Raghnall standing in the middle, holding his bow in hand. Steward, seeing Raghnall take responsibility for the shot, dropped to a single knee and said, "My king." The rest of the crowd followed in the steward's lead and immediately knelt before their new king. He was named king, for this act alone held most true to the manifesto of Celland which says, "Alone does the bow, which does aim true, sit upon Her throne. Alone does the quiver, which holds the truth, protect Her people. Alone does the arrow, which pierces Her enemies, rule Her ancient borders. This bowman shall be bound to Her in life, and Her to he."~ The Ancient Manifesto of Celland.

The tale of this commoner's heroism and word of the new king spread across the land with haste. From then on, Raghnall was known as, "King Raghnall the Lionsmane". Being a commoner, he was ignorant to his duties as king. Simple things such as reading and writing eluded him. Garbhan Greumach, a legend and a retired captain in the Cellish military, pitied his new ignorant king, and took Raghnall under his wing. Garbhan became his mentor, and schooled him in many things such as military tactics, arithmetic, lore, history, reading, writing, and a few other subjects. Raghnall spent the next several years in study, and reading the manuscripts left behind by the wise kings before him.

The presence of the empire, however, made him uneasy. He never felt like a true king, not as long as the empire had such a tight grip on his kingdom. He felt helpless as he stood idly by, and watched his land be "purified" by the Inquisition. Often he would read stories of the former glory of Celland, free and dangerous. He dreamt of the day that Celland was finally free again.

Personality:
Raghnall is an idealistic, principled, and hearty man. He holds high regards for the sanctity of life, but even more than that he regards the freedom to choose your own destiny as a man's naturally given right. Raghnall is very slow to bring his people to war for any reason. He values the lives of his people, and refuses to sacrifice them carelessly. If given the chance, Raghnall will always choose diplomacy before combat. He is a simple man, who holds closely to Cellish rites. Because of his act of heroism, his people view him as a brave and noble king, which allows him to easily rally his troops and strengthen their morale in difficult times.

Name: Garbhan Flannagan Greumach
Title: Captain in the Cellish military (Retired)
Age: 64
Ethnic Origins: Cellish. Through and through.
Appearance:
Garbhan's face has been severely scarred from battles. In his youth, he had a full red beard and long flowing locks. However, since then he has all but lost his hair on top and his beard has turned a snow white. Garbhan is a shorter, yet lean man.


Equipment:
Everything that is seen above.
Garbhan is well equipped. Being an old war veteran, he knows the items necessary to survive. He keeps a deerskin filled with water on him. He has a broadsword, along with several daggers hidden across his person. In travel, he often keeps dried and salted venison on his person.

Bio: Captain Garbhan Greumach is a name of legend. Few across the land of Celland have not heard his name, or of his tales. Garbhan led a group of Cellish warriors called "The Raven Claw Brigade". These warriors functioned for one purpose, to quell any company of bandits or marauders that caused any unrest within Celland. The Raven Claw Brigade was renowned for their ability to swiftly end any discord brought to the land of Celland. Garbhan led his men into many battles and obtained many victories in the name of Celland. Eventually, age caught up with Garbhan and he was forced to retire. Garbhan's loyalty to the crown and to the people of Celland remained well in tact.

Personality: Garbhan is a sour old coot. Focused and decisive, Garbhan is a well versed tactician. He has little sense of humor and is rarely seen with a smile or a laugh. He does not suffer fools, and has no appreciation for any nonsense. Garbhan is shrewd and solemn, and a man of true grit.

[The Nexerus]

What's Ayreth's demonym? Ayrethite? Ayrethian?

[The Dark Man]

Rethyan.

- - - Updated - - -

Nice sheets, by the way. Loving every entry that is posted. Wiki shall be made soon.

[The Dark Man]

The wiki is up! Feel free to post character sheets and articles on your Kingdoms, factions, and what not. Remember, detail is important. Click the contribute button to add a new page. If you don't know how to use Wikia, feel free to contact me and i'll be glad to help you out.

[Lord Monbodo]

Say Dark Man, weren't you going to provide troop numbers for each kingdom and noble?

[The Dark Man]

I will, yes. I think I should hook up with Vahir so he and I can do some fun math and logistics together. Maybe you too, Monbodo, if you're up for it.