Idea: Knights Helping Countryside Post-War [Medieval] [Adventure/Romance]

[Calvin]

Concept:

The Kingdom of Westend has recently signed a truce after a long war with the neighboring Brumland. The war has sapped the kingdom's resources and willpower. Between the men pulled away to war, the high taxes used to feed the troops, and the damage done by their enemies, the lives of the common people are in shambles. Some men who once stood in defense of the kingdom now point their blades inward, waylaying merchants and caravans. Hungry peasants grumble about their lot in life while eyeing the fat nobility with envy. There are whispers in cities, wondering why the men who fought and bled for this country must continue to toil and suffer while the royal family, who was never once seen on the battlefield, continues to reap all the rewards.

The people are hungry, hurt, bitter, and armed. The court is worried, and rightly so. The kingdom might not survive a civil war, especially with Brumland still looking across the border. To this end, the King's Own, his majesty's personal knights, are sent to pacify the people. They are to speak to the people, explain why the war was necessary, why the taxes are necessary, and how the nation must stand together in this trying time. They are to help the people where they can and disperse bandits and rebellious groups. The second prince himself travels with one such group in a gesture of goodwill.

The knights and nobility, with their huge mounts, shining armor, and great stature seem like supermen to the commoners. Compared to the malnourished masses, the knights have eaten well and grown. Even the women are half a foot taller than the normal farmer. The difference in strength between these knights and the common folk is clear. As much as their mission is to extend a helping hand, they show the strength of the King's fist. Still, if there were enough knights to truly combat the people, the King would not be so frightened. Too many knights died during the war. Many of the King's Own were hastily recruited, some had not even seen combat, and trainers would even turn a blind eye to certain faults in order to present more bodies. The King decided that the image and presence of the knights would be more important than the particular quality of each knight.


World:

This is a generic European-esque world populated by about 10,000 people in the Kingdom of Westend. There are forests, lakes, mountains, a sea, plains, etc. Westend's western border is sea, the southern border is desert, the north by mountains, and to the west by Brumland. Trade is carried out by ship.

Magic exists, but it is subtle and regarded with fear and suspicion. A practitioner of magic is viewed the same as a brewer of poisons. Witches and Sorcerers can brew potions, speak to birds and rats, and bend promises into curses. Magic is all in names and words, agreements and sacrifice. It is not a proper thing to do.

Women, at least in nobility, are cherished like rare gems. They are to be cared for, handled delicately, displayed for their beauty, and then locked away until the next ball or dinner party. In marriage they are played like bartering chips, offering family ties to seal business agreements. Marrying away a daughter is seen as doing her a favor, securing her future, and a girl that hasn't been married off by the age of 16 is considered an old maid.

Characters:

Characters will be people traveling with a group of the King's Own, knights or otherwise. If someone wants to play the prince, they may. Otherwise the prince travels with a different group. If you would like to play a commoner or a bandit, please try to find a way to join the group. Also note that any commoner will be physically weaker than the knights. You may play any gender you wish, but women will have to hide their identity in certain roles.

I will be playing NPCs and adversaries.

Let me know if you're interested!

[Rethel34]

If the RP that I'm trying to start doesn't take off, then I might be interested.

[Denver]

I like this premise: straightforward, engaging, and looks like fun! I am interested!

[Stas]

I like what you did with magic.
This RP seems interesting.

[LibertyThistle]

I'm definitely interested! Maybe to play as a noblewoman. If it is a diplomatic mission, I suppose there could be a not-warrior or anything like it, but just a normal lady joining? Presumably married to a man in the party, or perhaps a young widow.

[Calvin]

I'm glad to see people are interested! A noblewoman joining would be possible. I'm not sure about exactly how a young widow would fit in, but I'm quite fond of the idea. The dynamic would change drastically depending on whether or not she has had a child. Her estate would most likely be owned or at least managed by her husband's brother at the beginning of the story, but that only makes things more fun.

I'll write up the OOC on Thursday, 1/3/2013.

[realisticenamel]

If there's still room, I'm interested. Maybe as a support character like groom, page or servant, something like that?

[Alabala]

I'm willing to show interest in this, actually. I don't want to overstretch myself, but yes, my interest chip is thrown onto the table.

[Calvin]

I have posted the OOC here: http://roleplayerguild.com/showthrea...57#post8061057

I will attempt to write the opening post once I eat something.