@The Omnipotent Sphere

Vassals of the Kingdom of Jura

House Justari
Ruled by Danina Justari, Duchess of Kryth. The Duchess is a middle-aged woman of 37, known widely for her extremely zealous nature. Some even go so far as to say that she is a puppet for the clergy, although never to her face; she is also known for her temper. Danina is wed to Orlan, 36, and have two children with him; their sons Monius, 18, and Alio, 15.

The Justaris are an old and powerful family and have always been associated with the clergy. This association goes so far that they would rather obey an order from the head of the faith than their liege lord, a fact that can sometimes cause friction.

House Tibur
Ruled by Nuncus Tibur, Duke of Madaris. The Duke is an old man of 62 and was the older brother of the deceased queen. He has formally denounced all who have accused King Izen of the death of his sister, but some rumors say that he is investigating the matter outside of official business. He and his wife Helea, 55, have three children; their daughter Loria, 33, and their two sons Loriel, 32, and Oryn, 29.

The Tibur family is one of the few in the realm that is not on good standing with the faith. They do not oppose the clergy openly, but hostility is festering between the two parties. The Tiburs are loyal to the crown first.

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Once again, I hope you like the vassals and that the names are ok.

@Thrashy They names are fine by me, and they're both good.

Sweet. Currently working on vassals for Operian.

Location:


Capital and Major Settlements:
Xinjing, Capital of the Xiang Dynasty

Ruler and Royal Family:
Queen Regnant Zhou Cheng (28)
Prince Hai Min (Infant), son of Zhou Cheng and deceased King, Hai Zan
Prince Hai Jun (Infant), son of Zhou Cheng and deceased King, Hai Zan
Lady Yi (67), mother of Zhou Cheng

People/s: The ethnicity of the majority of peoples inhabiting the Xiang Dynasty and of its fore-bearers refer to themselves as Huaren. Huaren can be roughly interpreted as illustrious people. The Huaren are not native to the continent of Seyan; rather, they were first seen along its eastern shores some thousand years ago, in the ages of antiquity. Since that time, they built up a kingdom of their own, and with each new dynasty came new expansions westward.

Kingdom Traits:
-A Web of Whispers
-Wondrous Beauty
-Developed Infrastructure
-Schools

Military Traits:
-Knowledge of War
-Good Equipment
-Trained Troops
-Massive Ships
-Sieging Genius

Trade Traits:
-Agriculture
-Industry

Flaws:
-Arguable Claims
-Not a Flawless Family (2)
-We Came, We Saw, We Conquered (Custom, +1) - The Huaren have fought and repelled a number of tribes and communities from the territory they currently control. Their dynasties have conquered large pockets of land, and this has been a point of contention for many minor groups of people forced to live on the periphery of their lands. While alone, they present hardly a threat; combined, these communities may prove to be a thorn in the side of the Xiang.

Culture: The Xiang Dynasty has replaced many of the feudal elements of its fore-bearers with a merit-central basis. The government is propped up by an "intellectual class" selected through examinations and personal recommendation. This civil structure aims to reduce the distortions in power caused by privilege of birth and instead ensure that positions are fulfilled by those most qualified for them. As such, there is heavy emphasis on education.

The Xiang is considered by many to mark the greatest era of cultural prosperity the Huaren have seen. The territory is home to a vibrant, cosmopolitan society, hosting frequent contact with neighboring peoples. Art and literature are widely-respected talents, and study in poetry composition is required for civil examinations. Women have gained a substantial degree of footing in regards to social status and rights. Greater opportunities for economic independence, marital equality, education and employment for woman have evened the balance of power between genders.

Religion in the Xiang Dynasty consists of folk beliefs and large numbers of deities; some are believed to be divine, others are great historical figures elevated from humanity to godhood. The afterlife runs parallel to the earthly world, and operates much like a reflection. Deceased are buried alongside elaborate rituals and buried with necessities needed in the heavenly world. Alongside traditional folk religion, Huaren recognize philosophical belief systems analogous to Buddhism and Daoism.

Military:

The Xiang military enjoys a considerable amount of competency, thanks to the experiences of previous dynasties and the academies it maintains. Campaigns against indigenous threats along the dynasty's frontier have kept its soldiers' abilities fresh and tested. Conquests launched by previous Huaren administrations have given the military great knowledge of siege warfare, and its engines are as effective as they are imposing.

Historically, Huaren armies have been comprised of large numbers of cavalry. This is due to the wide plains that comprise of most of Huaren territory. Early Huaren dynasties were enthusiastic for aggressive strategies and mounted charges from heavily-equipped cataphracts. Nowadays, there is greater emphasis on versatility, and many horsemen carry bows in addition to lances and swords, in the style of tribes conquered by the Huaren.

In spite of the Huaren cavalry's fame, infantry is not neglected. Xiang administration has adopted large contingents of well-equipped infantry. Footsoldiers are distinguished between marching infantry, armed with spears, polearms and shields, and archers. In some cases, infantry is mounted for travel and dismounted prior to doing battle. In theory, all infantry is recommended to be equipped with bows for greater adaptability - in practice, this is not always the case.

Economy: The Xiang Dynasty is open to trade from all over Seyan, and its economy enjoys the flow of goods that connect it to foreign nations. It is a source of many unique goods that cannot be found elsewhere. Huaren silks, laquerware and porcelain are coveted by many, and horses, jewelry, metal goods, textiles, firs, spices, medicines, perfumes, tea and salt are also exported frequently. At the same time, increased contact with foreigners has led to climbing demands for imported products.

The Xiang enjoys rich agricultural opportunities presented by its soil. The country is not wanting for crops and farming is a key facet of the average peasant's life. Meats commonly consumed by the Huaren are chicken, lamb, and pork, along with more exotic tastes - sea otter and bear being a few. Beef is discouraged, on the account of bovines being valuable working animals. Seafood is regularly consumed as a staple along the coastline, and jellyfish, oysters, squid, crabs, shrimp and pufferfish are oft-eaten creatures.

Industrial developments reached a new height during the early reign of the Xiang. Crafts like textiles, ceramics, paper making, tea-leaf processing, and metallurgy have become increasingly pronounced. Huaren metallurgy is famed for its intricacies and the quality of products. Salt mining is another well-regarded industry.

Reputation:

• Exotic goods, culture
• Strong industrial and agricultural focus
• Rich history - many dynasties, conquests, etc.
• Fearsome ships, siege engines and military inventions

History: The Huaren originated off-continent and migrated to Seyan sometime in its early-mid antiquity. At this time, they established a small, coastal kingdom and largely kept to themselves. They focused on consolidating their resources and developing infrastructure, laying the groundwork for rising as a greater power. Minor skirmishes with indigenous people were frequent, although the Huaren developed weaponry and techniques that helped to fend off their enemies. Eventually, they took the fight to these tribes, driving them either westward or north. With each subsequent victory, the Huaren acquired more territory for itself.

This pattern continued for several centuries and saw the balance of power shift between different ruling families and administrations. Continued expansions toward the mountains brought them into contact with other great powers. Over time, they built relations with these neighbors, namely the Kingdoms of Öspa and Lucrum. The current Xiang is the ninth major dynasty of the Huaren people, and is one of the most progressive. After the Heilong Rebellion, the Lu Dynasty was defeated and the Xiang rose up in its place.

The Xiang has further developed ties with its neighbors, and has attempted to make amends with some of the peoples displaced by former dynasties. Still, some northern tribes continue to resist the Huaren. Its current monarch, the widowed Queen Regnant Zhou Cheng hopes to facilitate greater prosperity and growth within Huaren territory, while establishing her nation as one of the foremost on Seyan.

Misc:
Vassals of the Xiang Dynasty

House Beiling
Ruled by Beiling Shin, Chancellor of Xiaoming. The Chancellor is an intellectual man of 35, best known for being a descendant of the illustrious Beiling Lei, who wrote the famous book The Principles of Power a hundred years ago. Shin is married to Mei, 32, and they have a daughter called Im, who is 12 years old.

The Beilings have been one of the greater families of the Huaren people for a long time. Indeed, they once served the realm as the ruling dynasty. Their sway over politics is great, but they have shown no aspiration for resuming leadership and are loyal to the Xiang.

House Mailan
Ruled by Mailan Han, Chancellor of Shurpei. The Chancellor is a stalwart man of 45 and has previously been a general of renown in the royal army. His wife died while giving birth to his third child, Jiang, ten years ago. Apart from this son he has two daughters; Fen, 25, and Shu, 18.

The Mailans have only recently become a political force in the realm, but they already had a strong relation to the army thanks to Han’s previous career. Some say the former general has a mindset differing from the ruling dynasty; that he is hateful of the people previously inhabiting Huaren lands, but the family haven’t yet given cause for suspicion and has thus far been loyal to the Xiang.

@The Omnipotent Sphere I just started Memories of Ice after an extremely rough ride with Gardens of the Moon---which did finally get better towards the middle and end. I've heard it's only up from here on out though, so pretty excited. I've needed a series to scratch my fantasy itch for a while now and I've heard good things about Malazan.

@babbysamaTry The Stormlight Archive or The Wheel of Time.

@The Omnipotent Sphere I bore with WoT up until the 6th book---after that, I couldn't handle anymore braid pulling, though I've heard the long haul through the last books has a worthy payoff. I've heard good things about Stormlight as well, but also bad things about Sanderson's writing. Is it worth it? One thing I will say about Malazan is that it is very well written, and I've heard that Erikson actually improved quite a bit between Gardens of the Moon and Memories of Ice.

On the topic of the RP---@Thrashy Is there an ETA on when the OOC will be up? And can you elaborate a little bit on how IC is going to play out, if possible?

Added the location to my NS.

By the way, the vassals could come with their own land, albeit much smaller than their liege's domain, but still enough to curb the amount of unclaimed land on the map. The rest can be given to other bordering kingdoms, tribes and whatnot.

I'm about to add a custom trait and flaw to the NS, btw.

@Sadko I didn't see your NS earlier, but I really it. Getting a big Gormenghast vibe from it--are you a fan perhaps?

Also, quick question: is there anyone who would like to ally with Öspa? Although Öspa usually likes to maintain its neutrality, it has been known to make strategic marriage alliances from time to time. I would be open to having the Queen Dowager, the mother of King Enní, be from a marriage alliance with one of our other nations. Any takers?

Gormenghast, Boltons, Draculesti, and Bathories. Imagine a merge of german and celtic cultures, with people living in swamps and forests. Combine this with the atmosphere of the Headless Horseman, a faraway land with little to no show of sunshine, and you've got Brunydd.

@Sadko

The custom Trait and Flaw are fine, but my guess is that you need to move your Location or work something out with @Aristo, since you're both occupying the same space.

Also, the vassals will have their territory inside of the kingdom they serve.

@babbysama

The OOC will appear when the interested parties have applied their Nation Sheets and got them accepted.

The IC will be played in phases, where each season will represent one phase. You can do several things each phase, like moving troops, ordering an attack on a settlement, fighting a battle, send several agents or diplomats to different targets, deal with the peasantry, hold tournaments and so on and so forth. Each season will come with a few select events, like famine or extreme cold or civil unrest, depending on area. Your Traits and Flaws will aid or thwart you in dealing with these events.

In the IC you will write detailed and roleplayish stories where you explain what your people and dynasty are doing. If you want to do something covert, like sending an assassin or preparing a surprise attack or infiltrating someones court, you PM me about it and I determine if the action fails or succeeds (depending on Traits and Flaws).

The same goes with battles. All parties invilved in a battle describes everything that happens until the moment the fighting starts. You then PM me your tactics and I will determine the winner based on my impression of your tactics combined with your Traits and Flaws.

It isn't super advanced or completely thought through, but I reckon we'll adapt and make up new rules as we go along. The important part is that everyone has fun while telling a story together.

Edited my location, hope I didn't wedge into somebody else's big claim.

Edited my location, hope I didn't wedge into somebody else's big claim.

I'm sorry to hassle you, but for some reason I can't view the image of your location. If you haven't already, I'd suggest you upload the image to tinypics.com and copy-paste the [IMG] link provided there. Again, sorry for the trouble.

Oh yes, almost forgot!

On vassals:

Your vassal is, as previously stated, an NPC of considerable power. Each of your vassals represents about 20% of your military power (leaving you in complete control of 60%) and can be ordered to assault or defend positions. Depending on your stance with the vassal, they will carry out or ignore the order. Vassals may also act independently if left without instructions or if ordered to do so. Keeping a good relationship with your vassals is important as they might become a threat to you if mismanaged. Your chosen Traits and Flaws obviously interact with your relation.

@Sadko *cough* up to date map of everyone's claims which I've posted on page one and two *cough*

You can also upload your claim to imgur, it's astoundingly simple to use (just never click the publish to imgur button).

@babbysama If you don't like Gardens of the Moon or Wheel of Time, you're probably not going to like the Stormlight Archive or the rest of Erikson's books. I'm a complacent reader, as long as there is good content somewhere you can bore me for a two hundred pages.

Maybe try something more contained and faster paced.

Edit: As for nation alliances, the Jurans don't venture out on the water often but they do hold a lake which opens onto Öspa's territory so it would only make sense that the Öspans conducted regular trade through the city of Kryth.

@Thrashy - "If you want to do something covert, like sending an assassin or preparing a surprise attack or infiltrating someones court, you PM me about it and I determine if the action fails or succeeds (depending on Traits and Flaws)."

Is there any variability to this system, or will those with disadvantageous traits simply never succeed?

@Sadko I didn't see your NS earlier, but I really it. Getting a big Gormenghast vibe from it--are you a fan perhaps?

Also, quick question: is there anyone who would like to ally with Öspa? Although Öspa usually likes to maintain its neutrality, it has been known to make strategic marriage alliances from time to time. I would be open to having the Queen Dowager, the mother of King Enní, be from a marriage alliance with one of our other nations. Any takers?

Given our proximity I think it's only realistic that there be some intermingling between our peoples. I could see rich trade and cultural exchanges going on between us.

Most peoples will trade with their neighbours, unless specifically ordered not to by their masters. Even then, trade will go on (albeit illegaly). When it comes to your people you will have moderate control. Your dynasty and its actions are the only thing you have 100% control of.

@The Omnipotent Sphere

The outcomes will vary. Depending on Traits and Flaws you will be more or less likely to succeed with different actions, but you will not always recieve the same result.

@Thrashy That sounds good, and I replaced the image of Kryth in my NS with something far less dramatic.

@Rae Zer

Vassals of the Kingdom of Operian

House Jirmin
Ruled by Ormand Jirmin, Duke of Pimmin. The Duke is a kind old man of 65, known for his lenience with the peasantry. He is however not known for being brave or eager to do battle, having earned him the nickname “Duke Delay” among his less friendly acquaintances. The Duke lost his wife and children to sickness a few years ago, but his younger sister Sasha, 45, still lives.

The Jirmins are beloved and respected by their people, and are in turn loyal to the crown. They have never given cause for discord, although they have never really committed to any military campaign. There are rumors circulating about the Dukes sister Sasha, claiming she is heavily indebted to one of the more prominent merchant guilds.

House Ulisse
Ruled by Nadiege Ulisse, Duchess of Juriba. The Duchess is a woman of 55 years of age and is known all across the realm as a potent politician and ruler. Her family consists of her husband Jean, 56, and their two daughters Queen Tamrie Louzbain and her younger sister Sabine.

The Ulisses are known for their great independence. The Duchess is a hard woman with the needs of her people foremost in mind. They are loyal to the crown and have proven that loyalty many times, but some say that if push comes to shove the Duchess will choose Juriba over Operian.

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Let me know if anything's off. I'm keen to get this right.