The Kingdom of Caelia House Caine Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9 Duchy #10
The Kingdom of Erayis House Kentham@DeadBeatWalking Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9 Duchy #10 Duchy #11
The Kingdom of Euritia House Thralon of the North House Gahnt Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9 Duchy #10 Duchy #11 Duchy #12
The Kingdom of Gradiar House Tahren Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9
The Kingdom of Perhyr House Balkr@Gowi House Frosk House Hiroir House Kulvur House Norvulr House Olak House Olmaekir House Roliikr House Skogr House Ulaar House Vaald House Volkar
The Kingdom of Reinoa House Crowe Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9
The Kingdom of Skavia House Hafrek Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7
The Dominion of Stormtir House Marlowe Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5
The Kingdom of Terijas House Thralon of the South Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9 Duchy #10 Duchy #11 Duchy #12 Duchy #13 Duchy #14 Duchy #15
The Kingdom of Veronia House Valian@Gowi House Blackwater House Edrid House Goldmane House Hawke House Heartspire House Irongrove House Lull House Moone House Nandell House Rosehill House Seawind House Steelpine House Surwick House Vayle House Weston House Wolfheart
The Kingdom-Republic of Voltaani House Antar Duchy #1 Duchy #2 Duchy #3 Duchy #4 Duchy #5 Duchy #6 Duchy #7 Duchy #8 Duchy #9
House Specialty Vaskrveurr Infantry - Nicknamed “Northern Guardians” by southerners, the Vaskrveurr Infantry holds a tradition to being the hardiest and devastating warriors on the battlefield. In older times they were seen alongside the Hafrstaka Calvary as the most dangerous troops to come across in war or raid. Rumors have floated around for centuries that Vaskrveurr are so powerful and dangerous merely because of the diet they are put on that includes herbs such as troll’s branch. But no such assumptions have ever been proven.
Ancestral Weapon Vetreldr - Roughly translated to “Winter’s Fire” in the common tongue, Vetreldr is a northern great sword forged of runesteel with a simple handle wrapped in brown cloth. Throughout the blade there are etched carvings, though what they mean has been lost through time.
Important Members
King Viktor Balkr
Age - 43
Appearance - Despite Viktor’s disposition, he does look like a Balkr. This of course with the experience of age has allowed the blonde-haired lord to look the part for his Kingdom or perhaps becoming more grizzled as time has gathered tragedy before him which has started to take effect as strands of gray have become to take shape within his beard. Viktor is not the tallest of men in the North either, but he is certainly not short—with his figure whilst toned has started to give way in this time of peace.
Personality - Viktor is one bred from the tutelage of his father’s court sage, a sage whom prepared Viktor not for entitled rule but proper consul. As the third son of the King of Perhyr, it came to nobody’s surprise that he was expected to be his brother’s steward or chancellor when the time came for him to rule, but the gods would have a cruel and ironic game in mind instead when both of Viktor’s elder brothers perished and he inherited their responsibilities. The sage who instructed Viktor was not the same culture or upbringing, so his education had an unpopular effect on how Viktor was received by family and nobles alike—but in time he won their respect, though the effects of the ignorance did make Viktor question motives and actions throughout his life thus molding him into a sort of a cynic. Despite this cynicism Viktor is still rather honorable and just; even beyond northern standards as he is strongly against going “an eye for an eye”.
Talents - Viktor is a trained warrior, but it is not his strong suit as his upbringing could tell you—he is trained in the intellectual arts and for a northern man is very astute in the ways of other cultures from Orlandis. A charismatic negotiator and a capable steward, his talents have allowed his rulership of Perhyr to be a quality one as he has increased trade, managed taxes, and restored the realm after the damage from the invasion by Enok ‘the Sealord of Praxis’.
Friends & Rivals - Perhaps the closest allies Viktor has in the form of his consul—specifically his chancellor, marshal, and sentinel. The first of this trinity of sorts is Viktor’s younger brother, Martijin whilst the other two were allies in childhood and on the battlefield—Davok of House Skogr and Jorvik of House Volkar. However, where allies are found Viktor has also made rivals and enemies; one such enemy being the one who killed his two elder brothers and countless others in a selfish and dishonorable war; a man named Enok ‘the Sealord of Praxis’. However, Enok remains in the dungeons paying for his crimes against Perhyr, though many wonder why the foreign sealord has not been executed yet.
Background - Born the third son to the King of Perhyr, Harek Balkr, Viktor entered childhood with expectations though some could say they weren’t extraordinary ones given that Harek often found himself in both of his elder brothers’ shadow as they proved to the realm that they were staunch traditionalists with great strength and athleticism. Whilst Viktor was not as strong as his brother Lokir, or as agile as Berir—he found himself through tutelage that his expertise would be in the scholarly arts as he found himself raised for the most part by a sage who was born in Terijas, thus things soon grew complicated despite his deep education in political history, world cultures, intrigue & politics, and mythology of all sorts. Viktor’s wealth of education throughout his childhood came at odds with his traditionalist uncle, Edvard Balkr, who sneered at his “foreign education” and often criticized King Harek’s decision to employ a foreign sage to mentor any of his children; King Harek generally fired back with calling Edvard narrow-minded, short-sighted, and unnecessarily elitist.
However the shadow of his siblings still burdened Viktor to the point he sought out his father’s marshal, and sentinel as he asked both of the veteran warriors to train him in the art of combat as Viktor never desired to be simply regarded as a man of learning—the men of the north knew how to fight and he needed to be properly instructed and better at it; a Balkr should always be prepared to defend himself from hostile invaders whether they are fringe pirates, native monsters, or any sort of threat. Owing himself to his duty as a Balkr, he continued to adamantly train in swordplay. In time he would make a decent swordsman.
By the age of sixteen he was introduced to a girl named Vatka of House Dukar, and a friendship was made. Vatka was a northern girl at heart, and one who had a deep interest in arts, mythology, and culture—foreign and local. Given Viktor’s tutelage they bonded quickly given his knowledge of more foreign customs, societies, and mythologies which created an odd fit between the youths. It came to the point where romantic tension grew and Viktor knew he himself had found the girl he would fight for in the Maerkapp. After winning said contest of marriage and honor, Viktor would treat Vatka well and by his set rules of justice and honor. They would birth several children together: Gunvor, Henrik, and Elsa.
The realm of Perhyr was peaceful for his father’s reign, but once the old King left the world for the gods and his brother Lokir sat on the throne it was as if everything terrible that could happen occurred. Five years into King Lokir’s rule an invasion from a “sealord” descending from the city of Praxis named Enok was upon the realm. For several years this invasion waged and both his elder brothers took the fight to Enok which took a turn for the ages at the Battle of the Frostback Hills. Lokir found himself overwhelmed by Enok’s forces, which resulted into a tense battle where Enok felled not only Lokir but also Berir. The aftermath was bloody and hollow, a falcon was sent to Viktor informing him of his brother’s deaths as well as the succession of the throne falling to him—Viktor Balkr was King.
Viktor’s rule thereon had much issues as Edvard Balkr’s beliefs that he was too influenced by foreign cultures and books to lead as a strong lord had a strong effect on some of the lords who remained unsure on Viktor as their king. However, Edvard did respect Viktor’s rightful inheritance and spoke against civil war so soon after a battle that took two strong Balkr men from this world. Still the thought was already planted in the noble’s heads and Viktor had to prove himself to them over the years—which he did through his virtues.
Queen Vatka Dakar
Age - 40
Appearance - Vatka has aged like a fine northern ale, appearing some odd years younger than her actual age; whilst her husband ages it seems she ages exponentially slower each progressing year as her fair appearance is something to be admired. That’s not to say Vatka looks as she did twenty years ago as few wrinkles given by stress and burden have graced the woman’s face and her flowing dark hair.
Personality - Vatka is in many ways like her husband, Viktor, given her interest in more intellectual arts though as the daughter of an overtly outspoken jarl in southern Perhyr, she has inherited traits from him such as a fiery temper and a boldness to her manner thus making her have a bit more bite than her husband has in some eyes of the royal court. Her interest in other culture is hard to place the reasoning behind as sometimes she can appear earnest and simply curious, others adamantly paranoid and over-prepared—she has once told Viktor that their greatest threat comes from the south and not the north.
Talents - Vatka’s education befits one of intrigue and stewardship, though given her father as a small Jarl in southern Perhyr couldn’t really give her the grandest of educations. Still her position as Queen of Perhyr has allowed her the financial abilities to learn more as her husband cannot come to terms with declining her requests for books and educators—in fact, it was Vatka who picked the current Sage on the royal council. In terms of combat, she can defend herself decently with a northern spear but is not exceptionally talented with it.
Friends & Rivals - TBD
Background - N/A
Prince Gunvor Balkr
Age - 24
Appearance - The first son of Vatka Dakar and Viktor Balkr, Gunvor appears to have the physical traits of his paternal lineage far more than his maternal lineage. In many ways Gunvor appears to be the spitting image of not Viktor, but Viktor’s brother Lokir with strong shoulders and an intimidating physique. His hair is a dirtier blonde and a short beard flows over his face alongside childhood scars from his knack to get into physical altercations with ease.
Personality - An aggressive heir with little patience, Gunvor has the appearance of a heir that lacks the wisdom or talents for the more introspective aspects of rule – though Gunvor is only twenty and four years past his nameday and he does still have much time to learn. However, Gunvor is not simply a brutish imbecile as his actions or appearance may imply as he does have an understanding of history and religion to the point his morals are crafted by his religious respects. Gunvor is honorable, strong, and perhaps resilient.
Talents - Gunvor has embodied a talent for conflict since he was of young age, brawling with other children and striving to be the strongest and toughest warrior of all. His martial skill is not just within his hardiness but his versatility as he has found himself skilled with axe, sword, and spear. Intellectually Gunvor is… average despite having his father and a capable sage at his disposal for tutelage.
Friends & Rivals - TBD
Background - N/A
Prince Henrik Balkr
Age - 20
Appearance -
Personality - The second son of Vatka Dakar and Viktor Balkr, Henrik is his father’s son. Smart, just, and careful are traits that describe Henrik to a tee—and he counters his elder brother’s violent nature with one that is one of intelligence and perception. However unlike his father before him, Henrik is quick on his feet and a bit of a jovial boy of wit and snark. This of course has gotten him into many altercations in the past, but not one’s he has come out of in worse shape since he was a child.
Talents - As quick with his words as he is with a sword, Henrik straddles the middle ground between his father and his brother—being much less short-tempered than the latter. He is educated in theology, mythology, foreign relations, culture, and history with his interests highlighting foreign relations, history, and culture over mythology & theology. He isn’t as outwardly strong and intimidating as his brother, but he is faster and more perceptive and on occasion has bested his brother in childhood brawls due to this fact.
Vassals House Hiroir Duchy of Bynirhold House Ulaar Duchy of Fellhold House Vaald Duchy of Frosthold House Volkar Duchy of Gjorhold House Olak Duchy of Hofghold House Frosk Duchy of Jarnhold House Norvulr Duchy of Norvegrhold House Kulvur Duchy of Svellhold House Roliikr Duchy of Rolhold House Olmaekir Duchy of Vagrhold House Skogr Duchy of Viorhold
Realm The Kingdom of Perhyr, The Northlands of Orlandis
Primary Holding Skjaldhelm - Located on the tip of the cliffs of Snaervatn Bay which draws in the longest river in northern Orlandis, Skjaldhelm is seen as the warden of the northern seas as the northlander castle towers over the city of Fiskrheim which sits beneath the cliffs and operates as a major fishing, wharfing, and trade port. The castle itself has several escape routes carved by the best masons of their time as it runs through the cliffs and into the countryside, hidden from the common eye.
Ardvar’s Gate - The “entrance” from the northlandic countryside to Skjaldhelm. It is disguised in the cliff-side as sculpted stone statues of King Ardvar ‘Stonehammer’ Balkr and his allies; in reality a highly adept system of chains and pulleys allow individuals to open the disguised gate and flee. The town of Grindborg lays not far and has ample stables to aid in a royal escape.
Vassal Holdings
Influence & Relations Erayis
Euritia
Skavia
The Rift - Established by one of the earliest rulers of Perhyr, The Rift is a vague association of territory across the Sea of Echoes in the vyntic homeland, but most notably it is the collection of outposts and strongholds that keep watch on the unruly primeval tribes of raiders, conquerors, and savages. People sworn to be Keepers of the Rift are generally burdened but hardy and know their responsibility well—for Perhyr it is rare to banish someone to the Rift as it should be a duty not a sentence. The current leader of the largest stronghold of The Rift, Vororborg, is the aging uncle of the current King and is known throughout the Northlands by his nickname “The Troll” as a mythic honorific of his strength. The current relations are good, but distant.
Exports & Imports Fish - As the holders of a major fishing port, House Balkr supplies a healthy supply of sturgeon, herring, northern cod, haddock, shark, and northern pike. It is perhaps one of the largest exports of the house.
Furs - Traded to the south for their winter seasons, northlandic furs are seen as a good commodity for the harsh winters. Typically made from hides of wolves, goats, elk, bears, and foxes.
Gems - Gems are not valued particularly well in the northlands thus when diamond or sapphire is discovered in the mining communities it is often seen as easy gold to make to the people of southern Orlandis where engagements and royalty is shown with gems whereas rings in the northlands are generally simple metals embodied with runic writing.
Herbs - Northern flora is essential in certain recipes for medicinal alchemy, and as such is commonly traded. Unsurprisingly, southern Orlandis as well as western Atularis has a much more diverse set of herbs and are generally valued and thus imported.
Ore - The north has plentiful mountains, despite most of them being frigid and frozen thus the most determined of miners can access the mostly untapped supply of ore in the northlands. This also includes the largest deposits of mythrite a gray-blue mineral that when forged has the consistency of steel but with a lesser weight value.
Recent History
Viktor Balkr is born (857 AE) The Invasion of the Sealord of Praxis (881-883 AE)
House Specialty: The Carlisles see themselves as custodians of their land. Certainly, they demand absolute obedience from the rest of their countrymen, but it is for the sake of mutual prosperity. Life in the highlands is rough and short, and thus the Carlisles have no particular love for war, unlike many of the other noble houses. Instead, they seek to endure the hardships of their land, and more: To not only endure, but thrive.
Ancestral Weapons: The Carlisle Kings have passed down for centuries the magnificent claymore Ragenclau, an ancient mythril sword rumored to be forged by magic, lighter than a blade its size has any right to be. On its flat end is inscribed in the old tongue of the highlands the words of House Carlisle, which gleam with coated gold.
Maendon Carlisle, King of Erayis
Age: 54
Appearance & Personality: The reign of King Maendon of Erayis has been long and prosperous, his name toasted across the realm, his reputation one of wisdom and kindness. Few rulers have the love of their people the way Maendon does. Yet he is a deeply unhappy man, who has had to watch as his family suffered tragedy after tragedy. At 54 years of age, he seems a man a decade older, his hair a tangled grey mess, his face sagging and unsmiling, and where he once had a great beard, now there remains only a sad remnant.
Talents: Due to his age, Maendon is no longer the swordsman he once was. Luckily for him, he is still sharp-minded, if prone to lethargy and depression. Throughout his reign, he has provided abundant proof of his far-sightedness and his cleverness with coin, and due to his efficient administration his kingdom is more prosperous than anytime before in living memory.
Friends & Rivals: The King's main rival is his own brother, the Earl of Trethclyde. Their dislike for one another largely stems from the former's response to the latter's dark deeds, notably the banishment of the Earl from his own homeland.
Background: See the "Recent Family History" section.
Other information: N/A
Targan Carlisle, Earl of Trethclyde
Age: 39
Appearance & Personality: The Black Dog of Trethclyde, as he is known, is a handsome man, tall, fit, with bright blue eyes which cause much discomfort among others. He is usually smiling, and laughs and jests a great deal. This merry demeanor is a trap, however: he is a cruel man, who is never as happy as when he is torturing others. He is prone to fits of rage, and his wroth is truly frightening to behold. To his countrymen, he is a hero, a valiant warrior and fearless leader of men, while to his enemies, he is a beast in human flesh, the stuff of nightmares.
Talents: When one considers the Earl of Trethclyde, the first talent one thinks of is his prodigious skill in the art of torture. In this, he is considered one of the finest- if that word may be used- in Orlandis, as his countless victims can attest. He is also quite skilled in the art of violence in general, and as a swordsman, he is among the greatest of this age. For all his faults, none can deny his valor in battle, or his courage. Yet he also possesses a cunning mind, though he prefers to think of the here and now, than the distant future.
Friends & Rivals: As stated previously, the Earl's most bitter rival is his brother, King Maendon of Erayis, who banished Targan after the latter murdered his own son in a fit of rage.
Background: See the "Recent Family History" section.
Other information: Currently serving abroad as a mercenary, due to his banishment from Erayis. Nicknamed 'The Black Dog of Trethclyde'. Heir to the throne of Erayis.
Malcolm Carlisle
Age: 17
Appearance & Personality: When one considers Malcolm Carlisle, one is struck by the difference between him and his father, the wild Earl of Trethclyde. Where his father is bold and valiant, Malcolm is meek and weak, and prefers the solitude of reading to the chaos of battle. He is but an adequate swordsman, and has professed a dislike for the art of the blade. Though considered handsome, he is also gaunt and always displays a certain anxiety.
Talents:
Friends & Rivals: Malcolm is too young to have any true rivals.
Background: Malcolm Carlisle was born in Trethclyde Castle in 882.6.14, to his father's first wife, Lady Issa Maelfon, the second child after his older brother Fergus. Before he could walk, however, his mother was murdered while ridding through the forest. Though the Stormborn were officially blamed for her assassination, men whispered that it was the Earl himself who had killed his wife, though the why of it varied from teller to teller. Needless to say, Malcolm and his brother had a strained relationship with their father in their childhood.
Their father remarried before his wife's corpse was cold, with the new bride suffering an equally suspicious death seven years later. Through his various wives, Targan would go on to sire five children, in addition to his two oldest sons, with two younger daughters, and a boy the youngest. Growing up, Malcolm was revealed to be the opposite of his father: where his father was mercurial and prone to fits of both rage and merriness, his son was a shy, anxious youth, who shunned the art of the blade his father so loved in favor of the scholary pursuits. It was his older brother, Rudolf, who had the temperament of their father, yet it seemed like this resemblance only served to earn Rudolf the dislike of Targan.
They heard and saw all the terrible deeds their father would commit, and it was Rudolf who would always try to rein the wild Earl in. This would inevitably only make Targan more angry and more unpredictable. One day, he returned to Trethclyde from a raid in Stormtir with a train of captives in tow. He gave the women to his garrison, and had their throats slit afterwards. He was not so merciful to the men; Declaring them all to be pillagers and savages, he erected wooden stakes in the castle courtyard, and had the captives nailed hand and foot to them, before leaving them to slowly starve to death under the burning sun.
Their dying cries proved to be too much for Rudolf, who confronted his father in the Great Hall, in front of the entire court. He berated the Earl for his cruelty, and demanded the prisoners be put out of their misery. Outraged at his son's defiance, Targan grabbed an iron candlestick and beat him to death, as his younger siblings could only watch. When he was done making a bloody mess of Rudolf's face, he ordered Malcolm to toss his dead brother into the river. Malcolm did as he was bid, dragging the corpse out of the castle.
However, when Malcolm's uncle, King Maendon Carlisle, heard about his brother's kinslaying, he was outraged, and sent a courier to Trethclyde to inform the Earl that he was no longer welcome within the kingdom. Leaving with his retinue of loyal followers, the Black Dog of Trethclyde began his exile, and would go on to serve as a sellsword in foreign lands. Malcolm was thus left in charge of the castle and earldom.
Other information: Heir to the Earldom of Trethclyde.
Vassals: There are eleven principle duchies which, in addition to the lands of the crown, administer the kingdom:
+ The Duchy of Elgin + The Duchy of Mar + The Duchy of Eglinton + The Duchy of Rothes [M] + The Duchy of Terrisford [M] + The Duchy of Roden + The Duchy of Wexford + The Duchy of Lauderdale [M] + The Duchy of Stormont + The Duchy of Reay + The Duchy of Cavan
**[M]: These duchies are considered Royal Marches, and their holders are titled Mormaer, a prestigious title.**
Courtiers & Retainers: [To be determined with possible Vassal players]
Realm: House Carlisle is the royal family of Erayis.
Primary Holding:
The Carlisle seat, and the capital of the Kingdom, is the fortress of Galenave, a half-ruined citadel said to have been built by the old Highlanders a millenia ago, nestled into the mountainside. Every King of the Highlands since those days has been crowned in and ruled from Galenave, and it has become a symbol of the Erayan people themselves.
The fortress sprawls over a great region, though most of it is ruined beyond use. Now, only the New Keep is garrisoned, a deceivingly-named castle built over a hundred years ago, which nevertheless stands taller than any of the other abandoned sections of Galenave. To reach the New Keep, one must follow a winding path through the ruins, and many an invader have lost themselves there.
The castle ruins are overgrown with vegetation, and infested by honey bees; one needs only take apart bricks in a wall to find honey snuck in by the creatures. These hives are tended by the Carlisles, who harvest large quantities of honey from their uninvited yet welcome guests.
Vassal Holdings: [To be determined with possible Vassal players]
Influence & Relations:
Exports & Imports: The Carlisles, like other highlander families, are not a rich people. They inhabit a rough land, unsuitable for intensive agriculture. Instead, the highlanders of Erayis are primarily fishermen and sheep-herders.
Recent History: The reign of King Maendon of Erayis has been long and prosperous, his name toasted across the realm, his reputation one of wisdom and kindness. Few rulers have the love of their people the way Maendon does. Yet he is a deeply unhappy man, who has had to watch as his family suffered tragedy after tragedy. At 54 years of age, he seems a man a decade older, his hair a tangled grey mess, his face sagging and unsmiling, and where he once had a great beard, now there remains only a sad remnant.
Born to the throne, he was a single child, his mother suffering from countless miscarriages. He grew up alone, lonely in the vastness of Galenave without children of his age to play with, his father always battling some rebellious earl, with only his mother to entertain him. Because of this, he grew very close to her. Unfortunately, when he was fifteen, his mother died in childbirth after a long period of suffering. Yet this time, the babe survived, and was given the name Targan by their father.
By then, however, the age difference was too great, and Maendon mostly ignored his brother, feeling something of bitterness towards the latter for the death of their mother. He duly inherited the throne at the death of father. Faced with a dangerous faction of discontent earls, he married the daughter of one of their peers, Eilidh of Mar, to keep the peace. Contrary to his expectations, she proved to be both beautiful and clever, and they quickly came to love one another. Many say that it was she who ran the kingdom, and not him.
Unfortunately, Eilidh also proved to be infertile, and produced stillborn after stillborn, with none of their children surviving past the first year of their life. This took a toll on her, and less than a decade after their marriage, she died of a fever. Maendon was devastated, and never fully recovered. Despite the urging of his vassals, he refused to take another wife, and became more and more reclusive.
It was at this time that his young brother Targan, before now living under his elder's shadow, began to build his reputation, for better or worse. At the age of 21, Targan led a royal force against the rebellious Earl of Trethclyde, earning victory in a bloody storming of the castle. He hung the Earl from the ramparts upside-down, with the Earl dying only after the sixth day of this torment. For this victory, he was granted the defunct rebel's titles, and became the new Earl of Trethclyde. His renown only grew from there, and he became known for his fierce hatred of the Stormbroken, taking every opportunity to smash their raiding parties. He flayed every stormbroken he could get his hands on, and posted their skins on posts all along the western coast of his fiefdom as a warning to their kin.
Yet for all his heroisms, news of his sadistic deeds began to spread, and King Maendon grew increasingly displeased with his behavior. Targan went through wife after wife, whose deaths, it was rumored, were not accidental. He had an icy relationship with his children, the oldest of whom were his sons Fergus and Malcolm. Matters finally came to a head when Fergus, his 19-year old heir, confronted him over another burst of violence on Targan's part. The argument grew heated, and, angered by his son's insolence, Targan beat him to death with an iron rod as his wife, his children, and his entire court watched. He then made his now oldest son Malcolm drag his dead brother out of his sight. This ended whatever patience the King had for his brother, and he banished the earl from Erayis. Now, Targan is 41 years old, and is currenty serving in a mercenary company in a foreign land.
House Specialty Veronian Ranger The ancestors of House Valian were scouts and trackers for the original ruling dynasty of the kingdom, House Etlas. The specialty units of the Kingdom of Veronia descend from that lineage—they are known as Veronian Rangers. Unlike other specialty troops in neighboring countries, Veronian Rangers are not brute frontline soldiers but rather the ones supporting them. Equipped with mid-range bows and a short sword, they are doubled as support troops as well as scouts. It has been once said that, “whilst they do not have the range of longbowmen from the Hinterlands, they are the most accurate and tenacious archers that one could come across in Orlandis”.
Ancestral Weapon Blackhawk A shortbow made out of blackwood, the strongest timber in all of Orlandis. Carried down since the days it was crafted and given to Alaric ‘the Ranger of Kanthill’ Valian. This bow is older than some legendary swords and is mired in mythic rumors like surviving being lit aflame.
Important Members
King Alexander III Valian
Age - 49
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Queen Caprica Edrid
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Prince William Valian
Age - 29
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Prince Elias Valian
Age - 25
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Princess Alexia Valian
Age - 22
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Prince Tidus Valian
Age - 19
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Princess Emilia Valian
Age - 15
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Alester Valian
Age - 38
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Courtiers & Retainers Chancellor Alester Valian High Priest Tristram Marshal Virgil Hawke Sage Mathias Goldmane Sentinel Egon Vayle Spymaster Ramsay Moone Steward Gregor Blackwater
Vassals House Blackwater Duchy of Black Lake House Edrid Duchy of Bridgehall House Goldmane Duchy of Goldheart House Hawke Duchy of Skyhaven House Heartspire Duchy of Heart's Spire House Irongrove Duchy of Irongrove House Lull Duchy of Liera's Point House Moone Duchy of Moonholt House Nandell Duchy of Rilltown House Rosehill Duchy of Rosehaven House Seawind Duchy of Seaholt House Steelpine Duchy of The Steelpines House Surwick Duchy of Eastport House Vayle Duchy of Oldcliffe House Weston Duchy of Westhold House Wolfheart Duchy of Wolfvale
[url=]Duchy Borders[/url]
Realm The Kingdom of Veronia, The Lowlands of Orlandis
House Specialty: Woestian Chargers - An elite type of infantry that fights with a spear in one hand and a large shield in the other. Chargers are rigorously trained and are amongst the finest warriors in the kingdom. Typically lead the charge in battle (hence the name).
Ancestral Weapon: Ezladéku - A storied and ancient war spear passed down to and from each king. The weapon itself is made of high grade steel, a small gold chain at one side just before the blade. The names of every king are etched into the handle of the weapon.
Important Members:
King Joren Casares II
Age 45
Appearance The King is a tall, attractive man with lightly tanned skin. He stands a confident 6'4, his body in shape from constant training event at his current age. His eyes are a piercing green, his hair has slowly began to turn asenior gray color, it was formerly a chestnut brown shade but his age in combination with his occupation has caused his hair to gray.
Personality Joren is an intelligent, well spoken man, his vocabulary strong and well versed. He is welcoming of all that show his kingdom, its people and himself respect, though he does not allow his trust to be earned easily. The king has earned the respect of his people over the years as a fair ruler who always puts his kingdom over everything else.
He has a warrior's spirit and will back down from no one. He is often confrontational to those he does not like or respect and can be quite the intimidating presence. Joren has a strong sense of honor and justice. He is fiercely defensive of his kingdom, not really paying much attention the affairs of other kingdoms unless they come in contact with his own.
Talents Joren is one of, if not the top swordsman in his kingdom, he is an extremely talented duelist capable with sword or spear. He is also a shrewd negotiator and a charismatic leader. Above all he is a fierce leader, one that inspires greatness in his soldiers. If there is ever a battle then he makes it a priority to spur his men on as an acting general in the battle.
Friends & Rivals Daan Pomeroy - Joren's closet friend since childhood, the two trained together and were schooled together. One of the few men that the king would trust his life with. Daan naturally serves as the Chancellor on the royal council of the kingdom.
Arbitio Casares - His younger cousin, also the marshal of the kingdom. A very skilled swordsman, commander and tactician. Also the only man that Joren has admitted could best him in combat.
Various nobles - Joren is well respected by the nobles of the kingdom, his influence is great and his word carries power amongst them. He treats them with respect and genuinely listens to what they have to say.
Background Joren was the second and last child of King Joren Casares I and Queen Madelien Brochard. His other sibling was a brother four years older than him by the name of Cyril Casares. Tragically, the Queen died three years after Joren's birth from a disease of the heart. The King was greatly saddened by her death and did not take another wife until his death may years later.
Young Joren had a prodigious childhood that others could only dream of thanks to his family's wealth and status. He was taught a variety of subjects that one would need for their royal status. Around his preteen years he took a great interest in combat which he led him to beg is father to let him train in. His father allowed it, letting Joren and his brother receive training in swordsmanship and combat from some of the best teachers across the land who he paid to come to the capital.
Another tragedy hit the family as Cyril suddenly died in a tragic accident at sea in which he was pulled underwater and drowned. The boy was only nineteen, and the tragedy impacted both his father and now his only son. From that point Joren II was groomed for kingship.
Years later the king died, leaving his son to take over the crown, which he did reluctantly, unsure of how well he could rule compared to his father's legacy.
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Queen Rose De Guignes
Age 35
Appearance Queen Rose is a strikingly beautiful woman, one always clad in the finest clothing. Her crown which seemingly always is on her head is made of solid gold with jewels embedded along it.
Personality She is a woman who enjoys the luxuries of life which have come with her status as Queen. Rose loves gold, the fancy clothing and the celebrity status that comes with being Queen. She has no real interest in ruling though, leaving that to her husband. Despite this she is not a stupid woman, she was highly schooled in her younger years.
Talents Rose is a very charismatic woman, one that truly fits the celebrity of being queen. While she has no experience in battle, she knows the basics to using a sword, having been taught shortly after her marriage to Joren.
Friends & Rivals Juliette De Guignes - Her younger sister, probably her closest friend as well. Juliette herself is married to a wealthy man in the capital and the sisters are never far apart from each other.
Vera Amator - Her top personal handmaiden, also one of her most trusted friends. The queen treats her well, sometimes giving her gifts and actually treats her with respect despite her status as a servent.
Background Rose is the oldest daughter of Pier De Guignes, the Duke of Klaasen. She and her other sister, her only other sibling were both raised from the time they could walk to be proper high class women. Both were given the best schooling money could afford.
She met her future husband and future king, Joren when her family traveled to the kingdom many years ago, when Rose was fifteen. Rose was smitten with him the moment she laid her eyes on him, he did not initially return the feelings as she was ten years his junior. Then four years later Joren's father, King Joren I passed away unexpectedly, leaving his only surviving son as next in line for the crown.
A king needed a queen and Rose's father who was close friends with Joren's father offered either of his daughters to the king. To Rose's delight he chose her. They were wed a short time after in a beautiful ceremony. She's been queen since then, supporting her husband and his decisions, raising their two children and gaining celebrity status within her kingdom.
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Prince Julien Casares
Age 16
Appearance Julien is a tall, sturdy young man with green eyes and brown hair reminiscent of his father. Those that knew his father when he was younger often remark just how similar Julien is to his dad in looks.
Personality Julien is a quiet fellow, one that tends to keep to himself and does not create conversation very easily. He is shy and does not often smile, which is quite contrary to both of his parents and his younger sister. He also has no real desire to become king when his fathers passes away, as he is unsure of how well he could actually lead the kingdom.
Talents The prince is a talented poet, writer and musician, his favorite instrument being the guitar. He is also a capable swordsman, having been taught by his father personally, though he doesn't particularly want to actually fight anyone.
Friends & Rivals Arbitio Casares - Julien has a great respect for Arbitio, the marshal of the kingdom and his own relative. Arbitio is typically the second person that young Julien goes to for advice only behind his own father.
Robbert Garrastazu - Julien's closest and only best friend, the two both have much in common being sons of famous and wealthy fathers as well as having the same schooling. Robbert's father is a cavalier.
Background Prince Julien was the first born son of the recently crowned king and queen of the Kingdom of Caelia. His birth was the thing that brought his parents together in raising him as before his birth they were quite distant despite their status as a couple. As was customary with children of royalty he had a lavished childhood where he was given whatever he wanted along with top teachers and entertainment.
Despite this his father still tried to treat him like a normal child, making it a priority to not let his son become conceited and lazy. As soon as he could pickup a sword the boy was trained to use it by his father. He reflected some of his father's skill with a blade.
Julien was much less interested in battle and combat than his father, instead gaining a large interest in music, literature and poetry. Whilst King Joren was quietly disappointed with his son not being more like him, he still loved the boy and provided for him a large library of books from across the land as well as some of the best music teachers in the land.
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Princess Miren Casares
Age 14
Appearance Like her father and brother, Miren is tall even for her age. Her mother makes it a priority to have her dressed almost like herself with fancy dresses and jewelry.
Personality Miren is pretty much the opposite of her brother in personality, she being loud and prone to bouts of laughter. She seems to always have a smile on her face and tends to crack jokes. She sometimes can be stubborn and has bouts of anger.
Talents Miren is actually a better swordsman than her brother, which she finds quite amusing. She like her brother was trained by her father in the art of battle.
Friends & Rivals Arlette Leideman and Cécilia Auguste - Her two best friends, the trio is often seen together around the capital. Both girls are daughters of wealthy nobles.
Renske Crull - The youngest daughter of the Duke of Léger, Renske is the same age as Miren, though the two are not friends, they dislike each other immensely. Renske often calls Miren spoiled and childish when she herself is the daughter of a very wealthy duke.
Background Miren is the second child and daughter of the king and queen, she was born two years after her brother Julien. She was always a loud and sometimes fiesty child, something that King Joren once commented reminded him of his brother Cyril while growing up. Miren is currently going through schooling, and unknown to her mother, occasional sword training with her father.
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Courtiers & Retainers: Chancellor Daan Pomeroy High Priest Cédric Caine Marshal Arbitio Casares Sage Edgar Arculf Sentinel Arjen Zwentibold Spymaster Aubin Sens Steward Robin Leufroy
Vassals: (1) House Renger, Duchy of Grandjean (2) House Boudet, Duchy of Ybarra (3) House Abaroa, Duchy of Voskus (4) House Brochard, Duchy of Ochoa (5) House Hullen, Duchy of Breider (6) House Moreau, Duchy of Duval (7) House Crull, Duchy of Léger (8) House Kasper, Duchy of Clair (9) House De Guignes, Duchy of Klaasen (10) House Ola, Duchy of Tabois
Realm: Kingdom of Caelia, Realm of the Expanse.
Primary Holding: Caedeux is the capital of the kingdom, large stone walls surround the city which sits on the desert shoreline peninsula below the Expanse. It is well known for its large and prosperous harbor which is filled with many fishermen each day. Another feature is the marketplace which sits near the main entrance to Caedeux, tents set up by merchants are a very common site here.
The great capital has a lower population than many of the other kingdom's capitals due to its location right in the desert, despite this it is a populated place, most of the travelers to it being merchants or sellswords aligned to the kingdom.
Castle Caedeland sits imposingly in the back of the capital, near the harbor. The castle is heavily guarded all hours of the day by a rotating shift of guards. The throne room is large and almost awe inspiring, paintings sit on the walls, just behind the throne is a large window which gives a breathtaking view of the sea.
Vassal Holdings: Feel free to be as brief or descriptive as possible with your vassal holding(s), though to reasonable form.
Influence & Relations: Voltaani - The Kingdom of Caelia has a long history with their neighbors, now a longtime ally. Recently relations have been tense between the two. King Joren and his council have been keeping an eye on their neighbors in recent time, due in large part to the crowning of King Mateo. Still trade continues between the two kingdoms and the last thing Caelia would want is a war.
The Ivory Hand - Caelia and the sellsword company have had a strong relationship for years, this relationship has tensed with the death of Ordono Qaizos and the ascension of his second in command as the new leader. Troubling reports have reached the King and he is concerned.
Imports & Exports: Fish - a very common export, particularly from the kingdom which sits right by the ocean. All types of sea life are harvested and exported away.
Gold - A common and well traded resource, gold makes the kingdom a large amount of money in exports. Rings, necklaces, even weapon hilts and more are just some of the things that are made from this valuable resource.
Gems - While not as common as gold or fish, gems are a valuable trade item to the kingdom. They are often times combined with gold in order to create flashy, but expensive jewelry.
Mercenaries - While the kingdom has soldiers of its own they still use foreign mercenaries alongside their own. King Joren sees it as a priority to establish good relations with the mercenary groups.
Recent History: King Joren Casares II's reign began at the age of 29 when his father, King Casares I died one fateful night. Foul play was not believed to be the cause, and the historians jot it up to a sickness. Nevertheless a new king had risen in the Kingdom of Caelia. Joren knew that the day was coming and had begun to prepare himself right after news of his father's passing broke.
From the start of his rule Joren tried to rule in similar fashion to his father who was well liked and respected across the kingdom, though the man was not nearly the warrior his son was. Quickly after his ascension he was matched with Rose De Guignes, the daughter of a duke of Caelia and someone who was said to be the most beautiful woman in the land. He was hesitant to marry a woman ten years his junior and someone that he had not seen in years, but went through with it after some talks with his supporting council.
Shortly after the consummation of their marriage Rose became pregnant with child. Months later Joren's first child was born, a green eyed infant boy who was named Julien after Rose's grandfather, a noble and respected man.
The new king made it a priority to strengthen the military despite the fact that his kingdom had smaller populations than the others. He spent some of the Kingdom's coin on increased training, research of tactics and better weapons and armor. Though thanks to their location beside the dangerous Expanse Caelia had rarely come under attack in the past, it was better to be prepared for anything.
Sigil A golden, two-headed serpent upon a purple background. In the left mouth of the serpent, there is a sceptre. In the right head, there is a sword. The serpent is coiled on a pile of coins.
House Words “Speak Softly, Strike Harshly”
House Specialty The smiths of House Antar are one of the few houses left who fully understand the secrets behind Voltaani Steel, and are the primary exporter of the alloy, predominately among their vassals.
Ancestral Weapon Mordedura de la Serpiente - A falchion, made from a specific alloy of Voltaani Steel meant to be rust-resistant and hold an edge through weeks of heavy use, whose formula was lost prior to the Voltaani exile. Its pommel is carved like a snake's head, and an inscription on the gilded, jewel-encrusted hilt reads “know no fear” in ancient Endosi.
Important Members
King Mateo III Antar
Age 20
Appearance Mateo has a boyish face, with wide green eyes, a button nose, and thin lips, seemingly always drawn back in a frown. His dark blond hair is short and wavy, and the accompanying beard and sideburns are scraggly and poorly maintained. He is of average height, with a figure toned by day after day of training and fistfights, and his olive-toned skin is marked by scars gained during his youth.
Personality Mateo is bombastic, aggressive, and concerned above all with the fate of his family and country. He has little patience for formalities, seeing them as something of a necessary evil. Despite knowing the sacrifices inherent in ruling, he strives to be a strong and just king. He also possesses something of a self-loathing, especially for his carefree and irresponsible behavior in the past.
Talents Mateo knows his way around a brawl, and has been well-trained in the use of swords and daggers, though he is inexperienced when it comes to real combat. His true talent is his ability as an orator, and the force of personality that he puts behind every word.
Friends and Rivals His family – Mateo has a more or less antagonistic relationship with his family at this point. He is wary of his mother's ability to get what she wants, first from his father, and now from the nobles of the court. His sister, too, is taking after him in a way that fills him with some shame, for her and for himself. Only his brother – who he is increasingly beginning to see as weak and ineffectual – and his uncle, whom he has barely known but still respects, are even close to friends.
Osane Iniigo, heir of the Duke of Notura, Duchess of Montas – Originally a small fling two years ago that came to nothing else, Osane is now a friend and confidante of King Mateo. Due to being three years his senior and currently married, some scandal is unavoidable, but the truth of the matter is that Osane's days of sweaty trysts have passed and she sees Mateo simply as a friend, and as a young man currently out of his depth. Only time will tell if her assessment is true.
Iago Arvarid, Duke of Txau – Ever since a day that left his youngest son Bieto with a broken tooth, the Duke of Txau has regarded Mateo as a dangerous and over-privileged thug who hides behind his name. Though this attitude hasn’t changed, he is obviously not going to openly insult his king. Among court, Iago cuts a figure nearly as impressive as Mateo, and his own talent with oration is backed up by decades of experience. In terms of making progress with any of his speeches, Mateo has a formidable rival.
History
Even from a young age, there was a fire in the young prince Mateo Antar that could not be quenched. Throughout his childhood years, ever since he could walk, he could throw a punch. He would often organize brawls with the children in the capital, both sides going to war with each other over a few iron crowns scattered on the ground. As he grew into adolescence, taking in lessons on fighting, religion, economics and etiquette between fist fights and nighttime liaisons with servants and the daughters of visiting nobles, the passion that throbbed through him turned to anger. Anger at the state of his country, which seemed to have lost its pride and replaced it with money. Anger at his father, for so complacently bowing to the demands of his vassals. And anger at himself, for his youthful ignorance and rash, self-indulgent behavior.
It was during one lecture on the maintenance of a castle's budget that he was suddenly called out of his lesson. His father, King Thiago Antar, had suffered a bout of apoplexy in the middle of a conference, and though he recovered, he was now incoherent and bedridden. In a hastily-prepared coronation ritual, Mateo ascended to the throne of Volaanti, and proceeded to swear off the many bad habits he had accumulated in his youth. He knew that, as a king walking into a proverbial pit of vipers, he couldn't afford any distractions, or anything that would make him seem weak in the eyes of his council.
In spite of his young age, he has gained infamy in court due to his aggressive personality, keen head for politics, and major push for military reforms. While some find these traits admirable in a king, the majority of Volaanti nobility is stubbornly against many of the policies the king has adamantly tried to push through, and his misgivings about the increasing political sway of sellsword companies have been met with accusations of paranoia.
Queen Mother Estefania Antar
Age 36
Appearance She is tall and lithe, dark-skinned and black-haired, with amber eyes, a sharp-featured face and full lips. Here and there, stress has caused wrinkles and grey hairs to form.
Personality She is egotistical, does not forgive a slight easily, and in conversation, tries her best to be cordial. However, anyone with the audacity to openly threaten or insult her or her family are sure to pay for it.
Talents Estefania is a smooth talker and negotiator, above all else. She knows what she wants, and what to say to get what she wants. If simple flowery words aren't enough for her to get her way, she is also rather adept at finding out things that others do not want to be made public, and using these secrets to her advantage.
Friends and Rivals Iago Arvarid, Duke of Txau - Iago is neither a true friend or rival, merely someone with a mutual goal: humbling her unruly son. They both have their own methods and motivations for their actions, but in the end, both of them want to see Mateo brought down a peg. This mutual goal has given some degree of respect between the two, though any further pressure by Estefania has been given up, due to the Duke's seemingly incorruptible nature. Various nobles - Estefania has spent nearly every day of the past twenty years extending her influence over the court, through bribery, blackmail, and currying favors. In terms of potential, her son garners a lot of fear. In terms of real influence, she is feared even more.
History Born Estefania Orlanti, Queen Estefania was born the only child of Leon Orlanti, a minor noble serving under the Duke of Castillo. Despite being of relatively low birth, and being arranged to marry a nobleman in Caelia, Estefania managed to catch he eye of the then-Prince Thiago. After pressuring his father into proposing marriage with House Orlanti, Estefania quickly consummated her marriage with the young prince, and was with child within months.
When Prince Thiago succeeded his father as king, Estefania quickly wormed her way in as the king's chief advisor. Often, King Thiago would disregard the advice of both his council and his family for Estefania's advice, advancing her own agenda in his blindness. Thus it carried on until his sudden illness. While some believe Estefania had a hand in it, she herself had nothing to gain from incapacitating her highly pliable husband.
She now serves as an advisor for her son, though she is nowhere near as highly regarded as she was by her husband. This has embittered her towards her son, and she seeks to curry her own favor among the nobles to undermine him.
Cibran Antar, Prince of Voltaani
Age 43
Appearance Long days under the sun have turned Cibran's skin dark and leathery. He has strong, broad features, dark blonde hair bleached by the sun, a long, thick beard with rings braided into it, and blue eyes under hooded eyelids. Though he stands no taller than his nephew, the muscle he's put on makes him seem much larger by comparison.
Personality Cibran is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and highly imaginative. His long years spent in often violent and dangerous locales have hardened him to violence, and his life spent alone and abroad have given him only a vague understanding of the importance of duty and family.
Talents Cibran is skilled in all manner of weaponry, though his favorite is still a spear and shield, due to their versatility and ease of maintenance. He is a shrewd businessman and a highly competent sailor, as well. And, even though he would deny it vehemently, he has a small grasp of Arcane Sorcery from his time in the Imperium iz Olbiaen
Friends and Rivals Various nobles - Cibran is often thought of by the nobility as a vagrant, who abandoned his duties to the crown in order to go on adventures, at the realm's expense. The fact that he has, indeed, left with one of the largest trading vessels ever manufactured, a relic of the now-extinct Voltaani Empire, and come back without it is enough to make him the target of a good deal of scorn. His niece - Prince Cibran sees himself in the wild child that Rosalia has become: a younger sibling, living in the shadow of an older sibling whose achievements are always hailed above your own. This has given a bit of kinship between him and his niece, and he even looks the other way when she takes his old clothes. His younger nephew - He understands Nicolau's hesitation: the responsibilities of being royalty are a heavy burden, especially upon a child. His inability to concentrate on his studies is frustrating, but his uncle doesn't see much wrong with it. After all, he wasn't exactly the most perfect scholar in his youth.
History Cibran was the black sheep of his family, a moody and quiet child who became a dour and highly withdrawn adult, born from the second wife of King Estevo Antar. Much of his misgivings were due to the insults of his father, who made it clear that he existed only as a spare, in the case of his brother's death. Though his brother Thiago had tried many times to mend the gap caused by their fathers' favoritism, Cibran drifted further from his half-sibling and father. By the time the Crown Prince Mateo was one year old, Cibran had already left on trading missions to the east, across the sea.
In foreign lands, he became a famed adventurer and merchant, writing many journals of his discoveries, and of his service as a sellsword to foreign lords of far-off lands. He returned to Voltaani a total of four times, each time merely to greet one of his nieces and nephews, send a copy of his journals to the Sage, and load up his ship before setting off again. But the fourth time would be the last time he set out.
None were as shocked by the news of King Thiago's illness as his brother, Prince Cibran, who had been home from overseas for less than a month before he was confronted with it. Though he had barely spoken to his brother in twenty six years, and had no real love of his country, he knew that duty demanded he stay, until the political situation settled down.
He has angled himself as a contact for various foreign resources, such as sellswords, artifacts, and a very small smattering of magical knowledge which he has not shared with anyone. Unfortunately, his long stay overseas have left him ill-equipped to navigate the current political landscape.
Name Rosalia Antar, Princess of Voltaani, Royal Heiress to the Kingdom-Republic of Voltaani Age 15
Appearance Rosalia is slender, rather tall for her age, and graced by puberty with the mature, sharp features of her mother. Indeed, her face looks like a spitting image of her mother, with the exception of her pale green eyes, and a small cleft in her sharp chin. The playful and soft default expression on her face seems to belie her usual temperament.
Personality Rosalia grew to be spoiled. Her mother and father promised her the world, and she is determined to recieve it, regardless of who stands in her way. When hse fails to get her way, or perceives someone disrespecting her, it often leads to a tantrum. Her ambition is matched by her modesty and frankness, preferring to eschew the more elaborate dresses she's forced to wear during her rare appearances in court for simple, undecorated sundresses, or even some of her uncle's old sailor clothes, whenever she has a chance to steal them.
She also adores animals, as evidenced by her additions to the Royal Menagerie.
Talents Rosalia has applied herself well to mathematics and poetry, and like her older brother, she is classically trained in swordplay. She has also learned a bit of navigation from her uncle, and is a proudly self-taught sneak-thief.
History The circumstances of Rosalia's birth are strange indeed. Queen Estefania apparently gave birth by herself, considering that none who were in the castle at the time recall helping the queen during her labor, and the queen herself could not be found for an entire day. The end result, however, was a healthy and strong baby girl, who would come to be known as a healthy and strong troublemaker by the palace staff before too long.
Whether it is stealing what does not belong to her, or cavorting with undesirables in the slums of the royal capital, there's no end to the grief Rosalia gives to her family. Slicing the face of a servant that accidentally spilled tea on her dress is not the most scandalous rumor that surrounds her by far. The overbearing presence of her brother -- who has far less patience than her father ever had for her antics -- has curbed her habits somewhat, but she is still regarded as rude, impulsive, and cruel by those who aren't afraid to speak against her, and she is determined to not merely be one of her brother's bargaining chips.
Name Nicolau Antar, Prince of Voltaani Age 12
Appearance Nicolau is a scrawny boy, turned gangling and awkward by the onset of puberty. He has the soft features of his brother and father, and the dark hair and amber eyes of his mother. His skin is pale, likely due to how much of a shut-in he is, and his general body language in public is closed in and fearful. There is a slight dent in his cheek, accompanied by a fading, patchy scar, and several smaller scars in various states of healing across his face.
Personality Nicolau is highly introspective and philosophical, though none would guess it by how quiet and listless he seems, and how disinterested he is in his studies. He is much more fond of sitting in his room, thinking and reading, than he is of being outside in a crowd. The very concept of harming a human being is intrinsically horrifying to him, and the ease with which his older siblings have harmed people in the past has negatively colored his perceptions of them.
Talents Nicolau has some skill at astronomy, and a rather deep understanding of human emotion and motivation, though he has a hard time practicing either skill. And despite being out of practice, Nicolau is naturally athletic.
Friends and Rivals His uncle - Prince Cibran sees himself in Nicolau and dotes upon him, and Nicolau is all too happy to receive the attention. His uncle's attention has even been enough to put him back on the path of his studies.
Raul de Noture - A Diosean priest, and the personal tutor of Nicolau. Despite not getting through to the prince when it comes to his role as a tutor, he is a source of comfort for the young man.
History Nicolau's birth was uneventful. The labor was short, and the boy himself, though born in bad health, became healthier as time went on. Much of his early childhood, too, was uneventful, him staying out of much of the mischief that his siblings involved themselves with. He was a playful child, but there was little mischief that he involved himself in, until he had begun teasing a serving boy that had been assigned to him as a personal aide. It was one day, when he was eight, that all of this changed.
A stunt that Nicolau used to pull was jumping off of a low balcony in the palace. He knew how to roll with the fall, avoiding any major injuries he may have otherwise suffered. He pulled the serving boy aside one day, and was determined to teach him how to fall correctly. The boy, afraid for his life, and unaware of what Nicolau was trying to do, reflexively pushed the young prince off of him. Nicolau had no time to align himself, as he plunged, not in his usual landing spot on the grassy hill, but in a bed of roses below the balcony.
The fall cracked his cheekbone, and thorns tore at his face and limbs. The servants scrambled towards Nicolau as he screamed, their rush of action and meticulous snipping of vines preventing any serious damage from the thorns. The serving boy seemingly vanished overnight, no longer seen in the corridors of the castle. And Nicolau has been a timid, nervous wreck ever since.
Vassals 1: House Arvarid, Duchy of Txau 2: House Roivas, Duchy of Castillo 3: House Perris, Duchy of Corazon 4. House Navar, Duchy of Notura 5. House Casca, Duchy of Sebin 6. House Artez, Duchy of Surta 7. House Valari, Duchy of Corte 8. House Leon, Duchy of Valdis 9. House Iniigo, Duchy of Montas
Courtiers & Retainers Chancellor Florentina Leon High Priestess Haieza de Corte Marshal Maxwell Barton Sage Ignacio Rojas Sentinel Dominique l'Soldat Spymaster Zorion Black Steward Mitxel Casca
Realm Kingdom-Republic of Voltaani, Realm of the Verge
Primary Holding Joya del Oriente – The Jewel of the East is the capital city, and seat of the Voltaani royalty. In its spot on the eastern coast of Voltaani, it is the gateway to the countries across the ocean. Both small galleys and cogs made to stop through ports along the rest of the peninsula and continent, and large, royal three-masters meant to sail overseas, are held in one of the largest ports in Orlandis. The influence from trade is tangible, Endosi architecture mixing with Overlandic and Exlandic facades, and spices, dyes and tapestries, both foreign and domestic, flow through the town day by day.
La Ruta del Oro - Outside the capital city, in the outskirts of the duchy it rests upon, stone roads cut through the mountains to the north, and into the southern steppes. Taverns dot these roads, ready to receive the nobles and wealthy freemen who frequently travel to the capital for their business. Due to the high rate of banditry associated with these rich routes, mercenary companies bid ruthlessly for rights to ply their trade on the roads around the capital, with the rights changing hands nearly every other month.
Vassal Holdings Castel del Corazon – A stronghold tucked into the mountains, Castel del Corazon is the only major settlement not predominately protected by mercenary companies, instead preferring to rely on a well-trained levy and the natural defenses afforded from the single pass out of the mountains. Due to its lack of arable land, Castel Del Corazon relies heavily on imports, and the strip of farmland ahead of the pass. Despite this, it stands as the arms manufacturing capital of Voltaani, importing Voltaani Steel from the royal seat and exporting swords, spears, and armor across the country. Ironically, House Arvaraad's greatest customers are the mercenaries they prefer not to hire.
Influence & Relations Caelia – Caelia is a long-time ally of Voltaani, though they have warred in the past. Current relations with Caelia have been tense, partly due to King Thiago's spurning of a marriage two decades ago, and partly due to a growing sense of arrogance and nationalism among the Voltaani court. Though war is the last thing wished by either side, disputes have risen in recent years, including disputes of the succession order of duchies on the Caelia-Voltaani border. Though the disputes have been resolved through trade concessions, there is the chance of them igniting yet again.
The Ebon Blade – Originally a bandit company founded by an Overlandic expatriate, the Ebon Blade was reformed not long after its founding into a mercenary company catering to the personal defense of nobility. Much of the Guardia Real, the Voltaani cavaliers assigned to protect the royal family, are drafted from the veterans of the Ebon Blade, and as such, they are considered a powerful ally to have among Voltaani nobility.
Veronia – Veronia is the source of most of the overseas trade that comes into and from Voltaani. Despite this, relations with Veronia have never been more than neutral, both countries preferring to keep to themselves. A major push to improve diplomatic ties was tried by the late King Estevo, but its backfiring was considered one of the biggest weaknesses of his reign.
The remnants of the Imperium of Vndos - The Kingdom of Voltaani is the largest piece left of the once proud trading empire that it came from, but other parts exist. The Republics of Ortan, Orm, Nevra, Ralos, and Naeos are seemingly mere provinces compared to their might at the height of the Imperium, but they are both invaluable as trading ports, and the few pieces of the Imperium that escaped the collapse following the Voltaani Exodus.
Templo del Refugio - The Eastern Paragon stands as a prominent figure, both in terms of spiritual leadership and political sway. When a noble child is sent to be educated outside their house, there are two choices: the most trustworthy noble house nearby, or the Templo del Refugio. As a mentor to the powerful and the authority on what is just and good, the Paragon has the power to bring any house, including House Antar, to their knees. The main reason why the Paragon has not done so is a need for stability, especially in these growingly turbulent times.
The Western Paragon - The Western Paragon has little sway over the people of the Verge, but still exists as a highly respected religious leader.
Exports & Imports Spices – Voltaani itself grows many peppers and herbs that would not survive outside of the Verge. Combined with the import and resale of more exotic spices from beyond the sea, they have easily earned their nickname of “Spice Country”.
Wine – Wine is a very important cultural drink among the nobility and freemen of the Endosi, and Voltaani consumes enough of it that they have to import it from other countries, including the kingdoms of Caelia and Veronia.
Textiles – A thriving textiles industry exists in Voltaani, exporting clothing and tapestry to the rest of Orlandis, made from both the native linens and cottons of the Verge, and more exotic fabrics imported from the east.
Gold – The eastern mountains of Voltaani are rich with gold veins, and while the majority of this gold is minted, the remainder is taken by jewelers and goldsmiths, who turn it into works of art and jewelry designed to cater to nobility. Gold is by far Voltaani's most lucrative export, though the current difficulties of finding ore in the mountains have slowed trade.
Soldiers – Foreign mercenary companies are commonplace in Voltaani, to the point that they often have their own degree of economic and political pressure.
Recent History The rule of King Thiago III Antar, though peaceful, was an era of erosion for both the prestige and the influence of House Antar. His council had begun to turn on him due to the favoritism of his wife, and his children's wild behavior had only contributed to the image of an ineffectual king, incapable of keeping his own household in order, much less the kingdom. The fact that he had been struck by apoplexy, in the middle of court, did not help the nobility's declining opinion on the state of the royal family. The succession of his son Mateo has been met with some hope for a wise ruler, but even more fear of the infringement of the nobility's rights, as well as the welfare of the economy.
Also present in the time following the last High King of Orlandis, and most likely prior, is a growing sense of detatchment from the continent. A nationalistic portion of the Voltaani nobility has been growing as a vocal minority, demanding the reinstitution of the military system of old, where a professional army of freemen was considered the staple of the army instead of the foreign mercenary companies that are now heavily relied upon. In spite of the oft-repeated restrictions of manpower, the logistics needed to support an army infrastructure, and the loss of support from many sellsword companies that have now become political institutions, the debate continues to rage.
A less vocal minority, however, are the Decentralization Faction. They see the loss of power of the monarchs and the growing sway of the nobility as a natural next step in the growth of the nation, and wish to see the monarchy either reduced to a figurehead, or outright abolished. This is not an overtly popular faction following the illness of King Thiago and the rumors of poisoning, but the sentiment remains.
Other Information Theme Songs, Notes, and so forth.
Great House Antar, ruling house of the Merchant-Kingdom of Voltaani
Sigil
A spartan, yet striking icon: a white-gold disk on a field of undulating chevrons of burnt umber, the symbolism of House Antar’s sigil is twofold. Principally, the disc represents the cyclicity which lies at the heart of Voltaani’s Diosaean belief---but it can also be seen as a direct manifestation of the sun, a powerful icon in the culture of the Huanapada, the indigenes of the Verge whom the Voltaani displaced following their exodus, and a symbol which reigns in the hot and arid lands of the kingdom.
House Words
“Sun and Steel”
House Specialty
Shrewd Tradesmen: Whether it be trading in silks, spices, precious minerals, wine, oil, and even flesh, House Antar are renown for being one of the wealthiest houses in Orlandis, in no small part due to their successful forays into commercial enterprise. The Antar maintain scrupulous relationships with the great merchant families of Voltaani, and have their finger on the pulse of trade in the region and throughout Orlandis. This has led to the adoption of the appellation of “Merchant Prince” to describe certain members of the house.
Ancestral Weapon
Oagílas, roughly transliterated into modern Voltaani as, “Amber Tongue”. The ancient blade of King Ignál---the ruler who founded the Antar dynasty far in the mists of antiquity---who, according to mythological record, forged the sword from the smouldering ore of a fallen meteorite and the tears of his virgin daughter. Even today, the erudite smiths of Voltaani have been unable to replicate the techniques which were used to craft the sword. An icon of unparalleled mythical significance, Oagílas has been kept close throughout the centuries and has followed House Antar across the waves to Orlandis---not even in the confusion of the Rape of Gran Voltá was Oagílas lost.
Important Members
Character Summary: A man of forty-seven years, Aquilino has retained the lithe frame and curled mop of hair of his youth, though that hair has greyed at the temples and his long face of sharp angles and aquiline peaks and ridges has been drawn into wrinkles. His eyes---large, deep, molten, the color of rich coffee---have lost none of their curious vigor. Known for his calm temperament and erudition in a wide range of subjects, since his ascendance to the seat of power Aquilino has ushered in an era of untold prosperity and stability for the Kingdom of Voltaani, thus well-earning his appellation of “The Steward”.
Traits: Scholar, Shrewd Diplomat, Master of Administration
Flaws: Cold, Prone to Mood Swings, Not a Warrior
Character Summary: The daughter of the prominent merchant House Dalphés, Inés is a woman of forty years who, like her husband, has retained her youthful freshness. Known as a great beauty, her hand was vied for by nearly a hundred hundred suitors before the King himself made offer. With skin the color of deep bronze, honeyed eyes, and dark hair, Inés is the archetypal Endosi beauty. She and her husband make an odd couple---he, not by any means naturally gregarious, while she is known as the “Host of Léonez”: charismatic, outgoing, and a raucous partygoer. Her marriage to Aquilino has been known to be tumultuous.
Traits: Charismatic Negotiator, A Worldly Woman, Weaver of Webs
Flaws: Unfaithful, Likes to Argue, Hedonist
Character Summary: The heir to House Antar, only twenty, has proven himself already a successor of his grandfather rather than his father. Onofre is a master of sword, spear, and bow, and an adept falconer---rather than cloister himself away like Aquilino, he roams the country, often surreptitiously and without an escort. At twenty, he has already sired a bastard---Aquilino was wroth to such a degree that he had the boy whipped in the Plaza of the Azaleas before an audience. Thus, he and Aquilino are not on the best of terms---like Aquilino and his father, Onofre and he are diametrically opposed.
Traits: Warrior, Falconer, Attractive
Flaws: Strong-willed to a Fault, Lustful, Hedonist
Character Summary: A spitting image of her mother, Josefa-Bibiana promises to eclipse her beauty. At the age of ten, she already had a throng of suitors vying for her hand. Josefa has however seemed to inherit her father’s fascination with the realm of scholarly inquiry. From an early age, Aquilino doted on her---she was the only child allowed in his library, and he sought to expound to her the wonders and miracles and terrors and mysteries of the world. Now fourteen, she has frequently voiced her distaste at the thought of marriage to her mother, unless a proper suitor has been found. Her protests have been scoffed at.
Traits: Homosexual, Scholar, Shrewd Diplomat
Flaws: Shy, Surly
Character Summary: One of only two legitimate sons (the other being Aquilino) of the late King Godofredo XI, Efraín appears a hybrid of his brother’s erudition and his father’s brawn. Once desirous of the throne, at age forty-five Efraín has long since abandoned his ambitions in favor of building a merchant empire in his own right. A shrewd tradesman, he and his partners represent one of the premier merchant enterprises in Voltaani, importing everything from exotic woods, fruits, textiles, and spices to rare foreign armaments and, most infamously, eastern slaves and whores. Called, “The Richest Man in Orlandis” (a claim which may or may not hold up to scrutiny), he, along with his brother’s administrative maneuvers, have brought newfound wealth and stability to the kingdom. He is also the founder of the Order of the Palm, a state-subsidized mercenary company with clients all over Orlandis and in Atularis. Married to Princess Ursulina Caspár.
Traits: Mighty Warrior, Shrewd Tradesman, Able Administrator
Flaws: Slave Trader, Tendency towards Cruelty, Hedonist, Lustful
Character Summary: The only legitimate daughter of King Godofredo XI, she was born shortly before he died and thus is much younger than her brothers, at twenty-nine years of age. With her eldest brother Aquilino ascending to the throne and busy with the affairs of state, her only recourse was to find a father in Efraín, who at that time had not yet embarked upon his grand commercial enterprises. Thus, she is an experienced warrior, and an adept in the art of horse archery. To this day, she is one of the Grand Captains of the Order of the Palm---though it was determined that she should not lead the Order, fearing that the men “would not follow a woman”, a lamentable consequence of the times. She remains unmarried and mostly aloof from the rest of her family members.
Traits: Warrior, Falconer, Strong-Willed, Chaste
Traits: Cold, Shy
Character Summary: One of Godofredo’s three legitimized bastards (his illegitimate bastards are countless), Erasmo is the eldest (fifty-one) of all of Godofredo’s brood. He was brought to the palace shortly after Aquilino was born, and the two grew up together as fast friends. Even when Efraín was born, none could trespass upon their fellowship. Erasmo is known as Aquilino’s “right hand man”---he serves as the realm’s Chancellor, and resolutely enforces and assists in the drafting of the King’s ordinances. Warm, outgoing, and prone to laughter, Erasmo is a more inviting extension of Aquilino. The King was once quoted as saying, “Without him [Erasmo]---perdition.” He is married to Yona, a trader from Atularis with whom he fell in love.
Traits: Gregarious, Master of Administration, Amateur Warrior
Flaws: Alcoholic, Getting Fat, Honest to a Fault
Character Summary: The youngest (twenty-eight) of all Godofredo’s children and another of his legitimized bastards, Ximena is the second of House Antar’s so called “Warrior Princesses”, along with Úrsula. The spawn of a Euritian whore, Ximena was kept by Godofredo due to her, “lucid eyes”---indeed, her eyes, of a cool cerulean blue, are her most striking feature, other than her powerful body and long, aquiline nose. Boyish, uncouth, rude, and quite pushy, Ximena has never been one for the luxuries of court living. She often accompanied her half-brother, Efraín, on his falconry trips, before Úrsula repudiated her---in fact, the rivalry between the “Warrior Princesses” is just as famous as the princesses themselves. The two are almost polar opposites---Úrsula is an adept with the bow, cool, calm, quiet, and chaste; whereas Ximena is an acolyte of the spear and of close-quarter combat, and is hot-tempered, rude, loud, and something of a hedonist. She once said, “Any man who can make me climax is the man I will wed, and no other.” To this day, none have accomplished the deed.
Traits: Mighty Warrior, Athletic, Falconer
Flaws: Uncouth, Hot-Tempered, Lustful, Hedonist
Character Summary: Little now is known of Joaquín, the last of Godofredo’s legitimized bastards. At the age of thirteen, he was kidnapped by highwaymen on a falconing trip with the castellan, Raúl, and, despite the best efforts of the royal guard, he was never recovered. It is not known whether he lives or perished, though there has been rumor of a mercenary “with Godofredo’s eyes” at work in Orlandis.
Courtiers & Retainers
The Small Council
Chancellor: Prince Erasmo “The Wise” High Priestess: Ajora, Keeper of the words of the Santo’Libro and voice of Saint Jovita Marshall: Duke Carlomagno Ojeda y Fantón of the Duchy of Montáz Sage: Faisal, a Brother of Weisheit from Atularis Sentinel: Ser Basajuán Estèbe, Captain of the Royal Cavaliers Spymaster: Ibiza, also from Atularis Steward: Leandro Dalphés, heir to the merchant House Dalphés
Courtiers
Ser Enzo Huertas, Constable of the City Guard of Léonez
Ser Barnabas “The Tankard” Axto, a famously drunken cavalier in the service of House Antar.
Princess Ursulina Caspár, wife of Prince Efraín
Princess Lupita, eldest daughter of Efraín and Ursulina, age sixteen
Prince Teodór, only son of Efraín and Ursulina, age thirteen
Princess Rigoberta-Flores, youngest daughter of Efraín and Ursulina, age nine
Princess Yona, wife of Erasmo “The Wise”
Prince Fabrizio, eldest son of Yona and Erasmo, age nineteen
Prince Orlando, youngest son of Yona and Erasmo, age fifteen
Mirabel, Xevera, and Isidora, courtesans in the service of Prince Efraín
Aurelio, the Court Bard
Antón, the Court Jester
Portas, the Royal Chef
Vassals
House Artejo, ruling house of the Duchy of Ordón(3)
House Ibrál, ruling house of the Duchy of Calmejos(5)
House Edur, ruling house of the Duchy of Txau(1)
House Navaraño, ruling house of the Duchy of Ximénes(7)
House Borocón, ruling house of the Duchy of Miramanto(9)
House Uvadarse, ruling house of the Duchy of Zuerta(6)
House Ignáz, ruling house of the Duchy of Montas(8)
House Umbertamos, ruling house of the Duchy of Umbería(2)
House Llose, ruling house of the Duchy of Orgales(4)
Realm
The Merchant-Kingdom of Voltaani, the Verge of Orlandis
Primary Holding
The Grand Port of Léonez, Capital of the Merchant-Kingdom of Voltaani Léonez, being situated at the easternmost tip of the Verge, serves as the gateway to Atularis and is perhaps the most bustling port of Orlandis. It was the landing point of the exiles of Voltaani, uninhabited (or so they surmised) and near fresh water, and thus the foundations of the city were laid shortly thereafter. The Quayside is the largest district of the city and where most of the port’s trade is conducted---large shipping houses line the water's edge, constantly abuzz with the activity of exchange; all manner of tongues, creoles, and pidgins can be heard, and seamen and traders from a thousand nations can be seen; hawkers cry their wares, selling oysters and clams and sweets and all manner of foods that titillate the sea-weary sailor; at the far end of the Quayside there are the public houses and whorehouses, offering the two things irresistible to sailors. Few habituate the district, however, for the scent of fish and mud and the raucous clamor of the wineskins do not let up until dawn. Adjacent to the Quayside is the Bell Quarter, where most of the city’s wealthy live. Here can be found the grand mansions of the Great Merchant Houses, and the first chapterhouse of the Merchant’s Guild. But a short walk from the Bell Quarter is the Plaza of Annunciation, in which stands the sweeping spires and steeples of the Templo del Refugio, one of the two seats of the Diosaean faith in the known world and a site to which many pilgrims flock. Rising above even the Templo del Refugio, shimmering atop Mount Cascalboa stands Ignál’s Holdfast, the home of the royal family and the seat of government. Below that stretches the craftsmen’s district of Berlanga’s Ingle, so named because of its smoke from the forge fires. It is in this quarter that the great smiths craft the fabled Voltaani steel. Adjacent to “The Ingle”---as it is known to locals---stretches the ancient Bazaar Carbajal, where most of the city’s trade is conducted. It is said that anything known to human beings has passed through the Bazaar, and that in some nook or cranny of the marketplace, if one looks, one can find peddlers selling the dust of faeries and the powder of dragons’ bones. Finally, the smallest district of the city is simply referred to as “The Slums”, for that is exactly what they are. Once a monasterial complex which was lost to fire, the city’s poor live out their miserable lives in sight of some of the richest people in the world. The outskirts of the city offer some of the most excellent farmland in Orlandis, and many plantations have been erected there. The principal crop is sugarcane, but date palms, oranges, wine grapes, wheat, carob, pistachio, almonds, prickly pear, olives, figs, and pomegranates also thrive and feature heavily in local diets. Further in the interior, many tropical foodstuffs---custard apple, avocado, coffee, and some cultivars of banana---introduced from Atularis, have been introduced and found some success.
Vassal Holdings
WIP
Influence & Relations
The remnants of the Imperium of Vndos: The Kingdom of Voltaani is the largest piece left of the once proud trading empire that it came from, but other parts exist. The Republics of Ortan, Orm, Nevra, Ralos, and Naeos are seemingly mere provinces compared to their might at the height of the Imperium, but they are both invaluable as trading ports, and the few pieces of the Imperium that escaped the collapse following the Voltaani Exodus. (taken from Cerberov)
WIP
Exports & Imports
Wine: Wine is ubiquitous, both on the tables of freemen and of nobles, and Voltaani is known for its fine sweet wines. The hill country of Calmejos and Orgales in particular are renown for the fine vintages they produce, and these are some of the most prized wines throughout Orlandis. Date and fig wines are produced in the south, and while few beyond the cultured gourmand has developed a taste for these in Orlandis, they are extremely popular in the former trade republics of Vndos.
Gold: The eastern mountains of Voltaani are rich with gold veins, and while the majority of this gold is minted, the remainder is taken by jewelers and goldsmiths, who turn it into works of art and jewelry designed to cater to nobility. Gold is by far Voltaani's most lucrative export, though the current difficulties of finding ore in the mountains have slowed trade. (taken from Cerberov)
Spices: Voltaani itself produces a variety of spices, such as cassia, olibanum, cumin, poppy seeds, and saffron, but is heavily involved in the Atularian spice trade, and thus provides Orlandis with much of the spices valued by the nobility and in doing so reaps a fortune.
Mercenaries: Foreign mercenaries are commonplace in Voltaani, comprising much of the military power of the nobility---yet the Order of the Palm, the state-subsidized mercenary company, is commonly hired out by the squabbling lord of both Orlandis and Atularis and famed for their prowess on the battlefield.
Wheat: Voltaani is one of the “bread baskets” of Orlandis, and provides many areas with climes inclement to wheat with the valued grain.
Sugar: Grown in the subtropical lowlands near Léonez, it is exported in the form of stamped muscovado cakes all throughout Orlandis. A common crop in Atularis, Voltaani exports almost all of its sugar to Orlandian clients, who in the past have satisfied their sweet tooth with carrot, beet sugar, or honey.
Textiles: Voltaani exports silks, fine damasks, and light cotton vestments to a mostly aristocratic clientele around Orlandis.
Slaves: Infamous even in Voltaani though not entirely illegal, slaves gleaned from Atularis comprise one of the most lucrative Voltaani enterprises. Many Orlandian clients have even begun selling to the Voltaani in hopes of cashing in on the trade. Most slaves are touted as status symbols by aristocrats in Orlandis, though they are gaining traction as field laborers to some of the more affluent plantation owners in southern Voltaani. Still, they are far too expensive to ever replace the peasantry.
Recent History
WIP
Other Information
WIP
Characters Played By babbysama
Character Name: Joaquín Orozcoso Antar, the “Lost” Prince of Great House Antar and High Captain of the Blue Company; goes under the assumed name "Echbert"
Age: Thirty
Appearance: Joaquín stands at an unassuming five feet and ten inches, with broad shoulders and well-developed musculature. The son of the illicit union between Godofredo XI and a Veronian whore, Joaquín thus bears the features of those two nations---bronze skin, dark eyes, and wavy hair of deep brown, with the angularity and aquiline nose of his father framed by a thick beard.
Personality: Joaquín is an ambiguous man. With his men he can be warm and even bawdy---yet he has proven his coldness and striking cruelty on a number of occasions. He demands the best out of his men and commands their respect, but despite his occasional conviviality he is a man who few can claim to truly know intimately. He keeps himself aloof.
Talents
Martial Prowess: Joaquín has proven himself a more than able warrior, and demonstrated his aptitude particularly with blades and partisans. A leader of a band of mercenaries, he has likewise demonstrated his knowledge of battlefield tactics and is well-known as a highly strategic mind.
Learned: Having been born a prince of House Antar, Joaquín was well-educated, showing particular interest in history, poetry, and the furtive art of alchemy. He was not, however, knowledgeable in mathematics or natural philosophy. And while it has been many years since his abduction from his former life, he has endeavored, as best as he can, to continue his education with what few manuscripts he can acquire. While piddling next to a great mind such as his brother Aquilino or a Brother of Weisheit, compared to the men with whom he deals and the common folk of Orlandis he is well schooled.
Amateur Hurdy-gurdy Player: Joaquín is an amateur player of the hurdy-gurdy, an instrument which he looted from a small hamlet while collecting taxes for a local lord. Curious about the instrument, he has dabbled in learning it, though he could use some practice.
Falconer: A remnant of his years as a prince of Antar, Joaquín remains a disciple of the art of falconry, the greatest pleasure of his youth.
Background Joaquín began his life a prince of the Great House Antar of the Merchant-Kingdom of Voltaani. He was the third legitimized bastard of the late King Godofredo XI, known for his illicit liaisons with whores and his hedonistic lifestyle. Born of a Veronian whore in a bordello in Léonez, Godofredo kept the boy because he had a “strong” look about him, much to the dismay of his wife, Aixa, who had borne the shame of one bastard already. But he was accepted into court and was well liked by his half-siblings---they said he had a “big-head”, and loved to play with him even after he was no longer an infant. He looked so like Godofredo that the Queen Mother, who at that time was already suffering from dementia, thought that she was a young woman again, her breasts swelling with milk. Efraín also took a liking to the child, and when he was eight he took Joaquín on his first falconry trip. It was falconry, it seems, that would be Joaquín’s undoing. He fell in love with the sport, and begged his brother to take him out as often as he could bear. Eventually, his sisters succumbed to the temptation, and the three of them were often seen on Efraín’s heels. But none loved it as Joaquín did. His mind was filled with it always---he dreamt of it, he thought of it as he sat on the privy, he thought of it during his lessons, it was all he talked about. One morning, when he did not have lessons, he begged his brother Efraín to take him out, but he refused, for he had drunk too much the previous night. Thus, Joaquín asked Raúl, the castellan, in his stead. It was a cloudy, dark morning, and the scent of rain was in the air---but Joaquín was not disturbed, and they pressed on, up the coast to the east of Léonez. They had not been out two hours before they had their first quarry. As Ser Raúl bent to retrieve it, a quarrel entered his neck, followed by another to his side. Joaquín drew his sword, trembling, when out of the mists emerged tall, bearded men. They were slavers. He was on the old side for a catamite, at least for Magister Yunaga’s taste, but he sent the slavers away with a purse of silver and a pound of cocoa beans for the boy. Joaquín had been sold to Magister Yunaga of Nevra---and it was this man who would teach him of the cruelty of the world. Yunaga was unaware that the boy was a prince of Antar until long after his purchase ( the slavers could’ve obtained a higher price had they had told him)---and fearing a reprisal by the Voltaani, he kept the boy close. Joaquín was getting on in years, and thus he had to be well used before he was of age. Joaquín, however, was no mere catamite---and Yunaga was no mere pederast. Even in Nevra, a loose city, the Magister was openly scorned and reviled---but he was rich, and, it seemed, that was all that mattered. He forced Joaquín to act out his bizarre sexual perversions---to lay with other boys and girls, to flog them and to be flogged himself, to eat their hair, to bite and be bitten, and many other horrors which will not be named here. He remained in bondage for three years. Yunaga told him that he loved him, kissed him on the lips, and informed him in a calm voice that after the new year he would be gelding him. On the evening of the New Year’s Fête, when Yunaga was in his cups and the guests of the household had passed out for the night, Joaquín woke his master, gouged out his eyes, clove his limbs off, and, for the coup de grâce, cut off his manhood and stuffed it in his mouth, leaving him to die. He burned the manor to the ground, and in the chaos that ensued, stowed away on a ship, bound for where he knew not. (Also, to clarify: the above is making no assumptions or generalizations of ANY kind about homosexuals; Yunaga was a twisted man and that had nothing to do with his sexual orientation, before anyone pounces on this. Also this next part is kind of poorly written, but you’ll get the picture. Sorry!) It turned out that the ship was bound for Orlandis, and the Kingdom of Euritia. For a time he considered the possibility of returning to his family in Voltaani---yet that life, that life he had lived as a prince, felt as distant and alien as the stars. Inside, he thought, he had irrevocably changed; there was no going back, no returning. The prince who he was had died in the first conflagration of his baptism by fire and would not rise again from those cinders. Thus, he renounced that name given to him by his lord father, and elected a new one which he had read in the sagas of the northfolk: “Echbert”. He did not remember who this Echbert was, or what he had done, only the name. It was with this name that he enlisted in a mercenary corps, named The Blue Company. For a time he was so weak that he could barely pick up a sword---but he soon fell into the old rhythms that Ser Raúl had inculcated into his muscle memory: lunge, shield, parry, thrust, shield, parry, thrust...The captains of the company did not pry into his past, nor did his fellows. For a time, he was only a sword. He killed his second man, and then his third, and then lost count. It was in his fellows, however, that he re-discovered living. A difficult man to befriend, Joaquín, but those who endeavored to do so were richly rewarded. In time he remembered other sensations; his time in Magister Yunaga’s manor became more and more distant rather than an incessant burning in his mind; and he grew, at least somewhat, out of his coldness. Meanwhile, he rose in the ranks of the Blue Company, and made connections in high places. It was some time afterwards, following the unfortunate outcome of High Captain Jan’s duel with a local lord, that Joaquín, or rather Echbert, was elected High Captain of the Company. To this day he remains in that office, and while the Company has always been small, Joaquín has kept it together while expanding recruitment. He plans on one day building the Company a fortress-headquarters.
Skavian Berserkers: The people of Skavia are said to have one of the finest fighting forces on Orlandis. The Skavian Berserker is their deadliest soldier. A sort of marine force specializing in everything from boarding enemy ships, to sustained infantry combat, to guerrilla tactics. The Berserker is a member of a shieldwall, a sort of phalanx/pike infantry and short sword unit hybrid. They can be utilized as heavy infantry but still have above average agility and stamina due to their extremely durable, yet light, Vyntic armor. The use a round shield made of hardened wood and steel along with a longspear and choice of short sword or battleaxe. Finally a Berserker is capable of entering into a 'battle trance' in which they seem to be completely impervious to pain. In this trance they become insatiably blood thirsty, causing many of their foes to flee in fear.
Ancestral Weapon
Stormbrytare, or Storm Breaker in old vyntic was forged for the first Hafrek king by house Balkr over three hundred years ago. It is a Runesteel battleaxe hardened with acid during the craft making in nearly eternally sharp. Rumor says that King Erik "The Dragon slayer" Hafrek and his shield-brothers once killed a dragon using Stormbrytare over two hundred years ago. This rumor may be false, but king Erik and his men did bring back a dragon's head to Hovedstad that to this day hangs over the deck of Drage.
Important Members
Name Crach "the Tyrant" Hafrek
Age 56
Appearance
Summary Crach is an extremely impatient man. The youngest of the two sons of "Old Man" Thorir Hafrek, Crach felt he was underappreciated as a child. Because of this he began training himself in combat at a very young age, even for a Skavian. In his youger years he was one of the greatest warriors in all of Orlandis, a fact that he had no problem with sharing. However, despite his quality as a single combatant, his command ability on both land and sea suffered. His rashness often getting the better of him in strategic situations.
He is however an astute administrator. This might be due to his great ambition and greed. He very effectively taxes Skavia for the "crown's interests." His lack of discretion however ensures that most of his vassals are aware that most of, if not all of the extra taxes go straight into his pockets.
He is also a very cruel and hedonistic man. He executes farmers and nobles for their land, rapes peasant wives, and tortures petty criminals on a regular basis. Many of the common people believe that he s cursed by the gods, who knows he may be. He also holds a deep hatred for his much younger bastard half brother Loki, who he has tried to kill on two occasions. The last one causing a great scandal in the royal court and forcing Loki to flee to the southern parts of the country. Rumors of a civil war are brewing.
Name Loki Drittsekk
Age 22
Appearance
Summary The bastard son of Old Man Hafrek and a peasant girl from Terijas, Loki is personality-wise completely different from Crach. Even at his young age, many people believe he is destined to become a great man. He has trained his entire life to become a warrior and excels in both the individual and the strategic level. He is also one of the youngest men to achieve the rank of Berserker in Skavian history.
On the administrative level he leaves something to be desired however. He can order troops around a battle field and achieve victories in what seem like hopeless situations but is dumbstruck by the idea that an army needs food to survive. Because of this flaw, he likes to surround himself with sound administrators to take care of logistics.
Loki is believed to be one of the smartest men in the North however. With age he hopes to gain administrative abilities. First he needs to survive. His much older brother and king of Skavia is trying to kill him. Loki has fled to Grense, the southernmost duchy in Skavia. Here he has met his lover, Astri Biarni, the daughter of one of the most powerful Dukes in Skavia and an avid enemy of "The Tyrant." Rumors of a civil war are brewing.
Name Sigi "The Barren" Hafrek
Age 45
Appearance
Summary If ever there was a woman perfect for a man like Crach, it would be Sigi. The last member of the lesser branch of the Hafrek family, she is her husband's distant cousin on his father's side. A notoriously unfaithful wife, Sigi and her husband have come to an arrangement of "mutual freedom" from each other. Each are known to force peasant and low noble subjects to service their sexual desires. Sigi did however take this even further than her husband. After the birth of the couple's only son Svein, she had her ovaries removed by an Alturian sage. Because of this she has been given the nickname "the Barren" by her subjects.
It is common belief that Sigi is even more cruel and greedy than her husband. Some even believe that she pulls the strings in some of the more horrible of Crach's deeds. There is one infamous story of a beautiful peasant girl from Erayis who Crach impregnated having her child ripped out of the womb and killed in front of the mother as she slowly bled to death. While this may be an exaggeration, many people believe the story.
Name Svein Hafrek
Age 24
Appearance
Summary Being raised by Crach and Sigi Hafrek, it is understandable that Svein has an intense anger problem and is prone to outbursts. However that is one of the only things he has in common with his parents. While he is rash, he is much more calm than either of his parents and finds no joy in torture, rape, or murder. This is not to say he is a chaste individual, he just enjoys the touch of a willing woman. While torture and murder are not things he enjoys, he uses them on occasion as tools to further his agendas. He is not seen as a benevolent person for good reason, however compared to his parents he is... nicer.
Svein is one of the greatest warriors in Skavia but has yet to reach the level of Berserker. He is a much better tactician than his father and shares his administrative abilities. He is also fairly greedy. Svein is a staunch traditionalist and hopes to bring Skavia even closer to its Vyntic roots. While he will fight on the side of his father in a war, he can at least understand that Crach is not a very good king...
Name Astri "the Beauty" Biarni
Age 19
Appearance
Summary Astri Biarni is widely acknowledged as being one of the most beautiful young women in Orlandis, a fact that she knows well. Along with her looks, she is both intelligent and extremely charming. Her father often sends Astri to diplomatic meetings where she uses her abilities of seduction and wit to get the best results for her house. Despite her incredible beauty and powers of seduction, she remain a virgin. A fact that most of the more hedonistic people on the continent refuse to believe.
Astri also has a keen administrative mind. She is capable of everything from collecting taxes, passing legislation, and feeding an army. This creates a perfect balance between her and her lover, Loki. Astri however is not a warrior, she uses her charms to get out of most situations but would not be able to defend herself against a truly skilled warrior. This is her greatest weakness and one that may cause trouble in the future.
Courtiers & Retainers
Chancellor Raegnald Rodrekrson (Crach) Chancelor Ylfing Biarni, the Duke of Grense (Loki) Marshal Hallgrim Avaldi (Crach) Marshal Jorund Erilarson (Loki
Vassals
House Biarni (Duchy of Grense) WIP
Realm
The Kingdom of Skavia
Primary Holding
Hovedstad, The Island of Therifel Hovedstad, the old Vyntic word for capital city (and also know as the floating city by most of Orlandis), serves as a massive bridge over the Skavian channel between Therifel and Gardifel. It is a city built of the ancient ships used by the Vyntic refugees on their original voyage to northern Orlandis. (Well on the coast of Therifel anyway, the rest of the city is comprised of Skavian ships built throughout the centuries and even captured enemy vessels.) These ships are reinforced by stone support beams that reach to the surface of the shallowest part of the channel. Other buildings have also been built without the bodies of ancient ships and resemble the mead halls found on the mainland. Each ship has been refitted into serviceable buildings and are supported by an abundance of anchors. They are all connected by wooden and steel bridges nailed tightly together to keep the current from carrying the ships away. The King's palace is located on the central ship in the Floating City, Drage, the largest ship ever constructed in the history of Orlandis.
Hovedstad is also the largest port in Skavia and its central trading hub. It attracts tourists from all over the world due to its unique construction and is viewed as Skavia's greatest architectural achievement. No man or woman who has ever visited the Floating City has forgotten its wonders. It is believed that the gods themselves watch over the city and its people because it has never been destroyed. Storm, war, and disease have all attacked the city, however instead of being destroyed it always grows larger.
Vassal Holdings
Influence & Relations
To be determined with other players.
Exports & Imports
Timber: The abundance of forests throughout Skavia provide excellent timber for everything from ship construction to firewood. The timber trade in Skavia is the most lucrative career for both nobles and the common people.
Furs: A great number of wild animals roam Skavia. This grants an excellent opportunity to the common hunter. The furs and shipped to the south where they are used in southern fashions.
Fish: Due to the unique position of the Floating City, Hovedtstad is the world's largest fishing village. The people there catch everything from shrimp to shark and sell in markets all over the world.
Mercenaries: Skavian warriors are known to be extremely fierce, because of this a Skavian mercenary is greatly sought after. While this brings no direct income to the kingdom, Skavian kings have been known to lend out small units of troops to other countries for a hefty fee. Although relations between the two countries are seldom that friendly.
Recent History
For nearly eighty years Skavia was ruled by "Old Man" Thorir Hafrek. Becoming king at the young age of 14, Thorir ruled his people peacefully and fairly. Civil strife was unheard of during his reign and not a single peasant revolt was raised during this time. He is believed to have been the greatest king of House Hafrek and perhaps in Skavian history.
Twenty years into Thorir's reign his wife gave birth to Fjorn Hafrek, the heir to the Skavian thrown. She died in childbirth however forcing Thorir to remarry. He found a woman of low nobility from Perhyr and four years later she gave birth to Crach Hafrek. Although Thorir's obvious favorite was Fjorn, the son given to him by the woman he loved.
Over the next twenty years the two brother grew up together. Crach was largely ignored by his father. This caused the young man to becom bitter and rash, often trying to prove his honor and worth to his father. During this time, Thorir gained the nickname "Old Man" Hafrek in his mid fifties.
In 864 AE, Clan Friedyar from Vyntarland declared war on Skavia. They began raiding northern Therifel and burning down hundreds of acres of farmland. Crach Hafrek led his first ever battle against a Friedyar fleet in the sea of echoes in late 864. While the young man was an extremely gifted warrior, his rash strategies led to the largest Skavian naval defeat in 200 years costing the lives of 7000 Skavian sailors and 1000 Berserkers. He returned to Hovedstad in disgrace where he waited out the winter.
Over the next two years Old Man Hafrek and his sons defended the northern coast in many naval battles and the odd large scale land battle. The most famous of which was the victory of Fjorn Hafrek in the siege of Nortdaven where he defeated a Friedyar army twice the size of his own.
In the year 870 AE Crach Hafrek led a massive invasion of the Friedyar lands in Vyntarland. He razed the Clan's lands to the ground and killed thousands of its people. He ordered his men to rape the women and children. He also ordered them to kill two out of every three members of the clan that was captured. An order which caused a mass mutiny in his ranks. The mutineers had to be put down and silenced. He raped the chief's wife and daughters in front of him before slitting their throats and burning him alive. This enraged the other clans of Vyntarland and many of the southern clans began preparing for war. What was meant as a way to end the war swiftly backfired.
When Crach returned home his father was enraged. He banished the young prince and then executed all of his officers in hopes of halting Vyntic rage against the kingdom. Three other Vyntic Clans declared war against Skavia but the war only lasted for another year on the condition that the Skavian crown helped the surviving Friedyars rebuild. After the war ended however, a rogue Vyntic company of one hundred men murdered the majority of House Hafrek leaving only Old Man, Fjorn and his two daughters, Crach, and Sigi Hafrek a distant cousin. The company was hunted down and killed by the Vyntic chiefs in order to maintain peace.
For the next eight years Crach traveled Orlandis as a mercenary with his cousin turned lover Sigi. He visited every country on the continent and quickly became recognized as one of the greatest warrior in Orlandis. six years into their travels they were married and Sigi gave birth to Svein their only son. While in Voltaani, Sigi had her ovaries ritualistically removed by and Alturian sage.
When the couple and their baby finally returned home, they learned that Old Man Hafrek had done the impossible at the age of 72. He impregnated a peasant girl from Terijas who gave birth to another son Loki. The infant was immediately legitimized and his father treated him as he treated young Fjorn. Crach attempted to smother the babe but was unsuccessful.
As young Loki grew up, it was quickly apparent that he was destined for greatness. The youngster learned the art of combat at a faster pace than even Crach. He was a quick study in everything from military tactics, to history, to mythology. He was an instantly likable person and had charm to rival his father's.
By the age of 19 Loki was already accepted into the ranks of the Berserkers and was a veteran combatant. This is also when Old Man Hafrek's age finally caught up with him. At the old age of 91, he died in bed leaving the kingdom to Fjorn who was 57 years old and had no male heirs.
The Skavian people held the largest funeral since the days when the first royal dynasty of Skavia was executed by Kristof the Zealot. The entire nation mourned for their beloved king and every vassal and subject without exception payed their respects to the old king.
Three days after the funeral feats in Drage (and before the coronation o the new king), Crach murdered his older brother Fjorn in cold blood allowing him to succeed to the throne. The murder was blamed on a group of Stormbroken mercenaries staying in Hovedstad who were all executed without a trial. For the last three years Crach has ruled Skavia tyrannically. Even from the early days, the people knew their age of relative peace was over. Crach began using his powers to rape peasant and low noble women with greater regularity, execute farmers and miners for their land, torture petty criminals for fun, and worst of all raised the feudal tax by 30 percent.
Three months ago Crach tried to kill the last real threat to his rule, Loki. Loki and his shieldwall had returned from a raid on the coasts of Stormtir (if that's not okay I will change it) and were resting in one of the many mead ships in Hovedstad. Crach himself attacked Loki with his own shieldwall. Only Loki and two other men were able to escape with their lives and fled to the Duchy of Grense. The Duke there was situated furthest away from the Floating City and was known as an avid enemy of Crach's administration.
Ylfing Biarni, Duke of Grense has spent the last few months trying to convince Loki to lead a rebellion against his brother. He has even resorted to using his daughter Astri and her charms on the young man. Now it looks as if Loki is starting to agree.
House Specialty House Cragmore gained their wealth, which in turn gained them their rule of Erayis, by breeding goats. The Black Herd is a specialized cavalry of House Cragmore’s infamous Diregoats -- Although not as swift or agile as horses, the Diregoats bred by House Cragmore are capable of ramming through shield walls and barricades, as well as traversing hills and mountains without breaking much stride. The Black Herd is also used as a tool of psychological warfare, as historically, the infamous Dread Horns are sounded shortly before the cavalry’s deployment.
Ancestral Weapon House Cragmore does not pass down a sword, but a shield known as Tempest. The ancestral shield of the Cragmores is small enough to wield with a sword or axe rather than a pike, and large enough to cover most of a man's torso. A circular shield, Tempest is made of mythrite, with gilded diregoat bones framing the edges. It was used in The Rebellion of Gullytown, wielded by Percival Cargmore, where he used it to infamously bludgeon Prince Kenten Gahnt to death.
Important Members
Simply put, King Igor is the reason most put "The Once-Great" as a prefix to House Cragmore. Born the bastard son of King Fenric Cragmore and a barmaid 52 years ago, King Igor began life as "Igor Black", being sired at Stormhall with the rest of the Cragmore family. He grew up mean-spirited, unruly, and jealous of the family he never truly belonged to. This, along with his propensity for violence and large frame, made him an obvious suspect in the death of his half-brother Conrad, heir to the throne, who was found dead. Winning his trial by combat by naming himself as his champion, his aging father Fenric had no choice but to legitimize him, now too old to sire more children. Since then, Igor is famous for his wanton cruelty, with taxes highest in Erayis's history, entire generations being born and dying in the salt mines, and peasant revolts becoming more and more frequent.
Duncan, a man of 25 and heir to the throne, has little worries in life. He is as well liked as he can be, being the son of The Bastard-King, for his skill in tourneys. Finding his ancestral diregoats to be too finicky and hard to train, he is known for his immense skill on the direram, which is seen in Erayis as "The Common Man's Steed", as diregoats are only bred by the Cragmores. He is a jouster who has only been bested twice, inheriting his large size and strength from his father. Although he has great martial skill, he has little interest in ruling Erayis, anticipating he will likely put all responsibilities on his small council.
If Benjamin has learned anything from his father, it is only their house words, "We Will Withstand". Although he would be slow to admit it, he shares some traits with his father, as he has little problem bending rules, is utterly stubborn, and has great pride for his house. However, unlike his father, he is quick-witted, personable, and able to hide his anger. At a young man of 23 is somewhat skilled with combat, although not nearly as good as his sister Reliwen, and is the only Cragmore to form a bond with a diregoat. He shares an unusual bond with his brother Henry, which most assume is from pity on Benjamin's part. He is fairly popular and well-liked by his subjects, but he is not without flaw -- When he was a boy, he slew his bastard half-brother Maddock "Mad Dog" Black in self-defence. Although justified, some believe Maddock was killed as he was a candidate for legitimization, and thus a possible heir.
Often called the "Second Cragmore Prince" in whispered japes, Reliwen has spent the 22 years of her life honing her martial ability. She knows she is not especially good-looking, nor is she especially clever, but she is definitely skilled. Reliwen's inherited strength makes her better-suited at using a two handed sword than most her age, let alone most girls her age. Forsaking the normal life of a princess, she has refused to learn to knit, sing, or even read, devoting her life to swordplay instead. She anticipates she will one day serve as sentinel for her older brother Duncan, which she has no qualms with -- She abhors the idea of marriage.
Henry is 17, but has been seen as a child for most of his life. Believed to be stricken dumb and lame after being thrown from his horse at thirteen, beliefs of his injuries were only half correct -- Henry's left leg was badly damaged, requiring him to use a cane, but his mind remained unscathed. Instead, he has spent the last four years feigning stupidity, believing it will save him from any ill fate should his house ever be attacked, which he believes is extremely likely with his father's reputation. The only person to know of his secret is Benjamin, who he helps gather secrets for.
Sofia Cragmore is the youngest of Igor's children, at 16 years of age. While not especially beautiful, and not especially clever, she expects that her singing voice is what will grant her a good husband, and rarely raises her voice because of it. Second to her singing is her skill as a harpist, which she is equally proud of. She is closest to her brother Duncan, seeing Reliwen as too manly and unpleasant, and Benjamin as too serious and prideful of their meager ancestry -- She dislikes her family history as a whole, feeling that an ancestry centered around goats is unladylike and that her father has ruined what remained of the Cragmore name. She hopes to get married soon, if only to distance herself from her house.
Chancellor George Kentham High Priest Toki Marshal Cedric Warwick Sage Ramsay Graves Sentinel Solomon "The Orphaner" Black Spymaster Theodore Webb Steward Thomas Espen
Vassals and Holdings
House Kentham of Stormgully House Kentham supplies House Cragmore with the majority of their shepherds, servants, cooks, and guards. They are the only house but Cragmore to have access to diregoats, and many are their breeders and keepers. Their sigil is a brown lamb on a white field, and their words are "Dutiful and True".
House Blackburn of Fairpool House Blackburn, formerly known for their skill in stonesmithing and architecture, has been in charge of King Igor's salt mines for two decades for their proximity to the mountains. Although one of the oldest and richest houses, they have very little respect for their king as their duties have been shifted from building and mining, to acting as glorified wardens. Their words are "Above All, Create" and their sigil is a black hammer on a yellow field.
House Graves of Marshtown Aptly named, House Graves has supplied soldiers to Erayis for generations. While not necessarily more skilled than other soldiers, they are known for their unwavering loyalty to their ruling house, and their bravery. Although somewhat poor, they are the largest house in Erayis, with 46 members, All children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Ferris "The Fruitful" Graves. Their words are "Let Them Come", and their sigil is a red falcon on a dark blue field.
House Espen of Espen's Port House Espen is known for their naval skills, being situated in Erayis's largest port, and within close proximity to the Stormbroken. They supply Erayis with the majority of the country's seafood, as well as seasalt and croaker meat. They are by no means a house of naval warriors or raiders, but generations of sailing have made them some exceptionally swift. In the rare skirmishes they do have, they are known for their hit-and-run tactics, spearing their enemies hulls and making quick escapes. Their words are "Brine And Blood", and their sigil is a golden fish on a dark blue field.
House Miller of Millden A simple farming house, House Miller is known for little but their bread and humility. They supply a great deal of grain to their country, and are fairly wealthy as a result. Although a small and unassuming house, it is a well-guarded secret that their lord, Daniel Miller II, is only seen with his wife for coronations and appearances, and with Ser Omar Artejo, his bodyguard, all other times.
House Powell of Felarof
House Powell has an unexceptional history, but noteworthy members. Leroy Powell is their lord, who stands a head higher than most men and wields a heavy staff made of steel. He has taken to the Kaardic faith, and has made it his duty to preach and spread temples in his own land. He does not prosthelytize outside of his own lands on the orders of King Igor, but is eager to convert as many in his own duchy as he can. As a show of faith, he has given his three sons traditional northern names – Ulfrik, Uri, and Utir. Their sigil is a purple sun on a red field, and their words are “None So Mighty”.
House Webb of The Webwood
House Webb is, unsurprisingly, synonymous with spiders. They keep the largest nest of spiders in the world, an immense subterranean labyrinth larger than their own keep, housing millions of spiders of varying breeds and sizes. They are notoriously strange, quiet, and all-around unsettling. They are a very rich house, continuing to make large profits selling spider silk, venom, and spider eggs, which are used in potions. Their sigil is a white web on a grey field, and their words are “Spinning Always”.
House Abner of The Green Valley
By every definition of the word, House Abner is a simple house. They are shepherds and farmers, with a small keep and few riches. If anything, they are known by their subjects for being charitable and just. It is rumored that their crippled lord, Gregory Abner, uses his bastard sons as spies. Their words are “All Is Right” and their sigil a brown ram on a grey-green field.
House Croft of Galetown
House Croft the smallest duchy, but one of the grandest castles. Known for their hospitality to guests, their castle, Croftkeep, has been the site of many weddings, as well as hosting Erayis’s army when they are passing through Croft’s land. Their sigil is a grey tower on a green field, and their words are “Ale, Fire, Feast”.
House Southton of Brinepier
House Southton is the house of traders. Although founded by a smuggler, they are in charge of the shipment and oversight of nearly all trade in Erayis, known for their skillful business practice. When sheep are in abundance they sell wool, and when crops are failing, they sell seeds. Their words are “His Breath, His Word” in reference to their loyalty to their king. Their sigil is a blue bird on a yellow field.
House Warwick of Trenchton
“All Things Burn” are the words of House Warwick. Their sigil is a black hand, reaching from flames, on a black field. One of the more grim houses alongside Blackburn, Webb, and Graves, House Warwick is known only for their skill at waging war. In The Great Rebellion, it was Derric Warwick who led the siege on House Gahnt’s ancestral castle, and Derric Warwick who stomped their infants to death. They are trained to be immoral and vicious from a young age, which is reflected in a strange family tradition of giving their eldest son grim second names. Their current lord is Angus Ripred Warwick.
Realm Kingdom of Erayis, The Highlands of Orlandis
Primary Holding
Stormhall is the ancient seat of House Cragmore. Atop Mount Stonereach, Stormhall boasts a near impenetrable design. On the clearest days it is said one can see from Stormhall to the edge of Erayis, and on the cloudiest days, one can see the trees nearest to them. Aside from being at the peak of a mountain, it is also protected by Erayis's natural stormy weather, and the craggy terrain -- Horses have great difficulty climbing Stonereach, aptly named for its steep, narrow path. Diregoats, however, can quickly climb the mountain with no difficulty. This leaves those who wish to lay siege to Stormhall with little options other than travelling up the mountain on foot, which is a daunting task in its own right. Below Stormhall and Mount Stonereach is the capitol city of Erayis -- Fogfield. Although a large city, it resembles an oversized village more than anything. A city of thatched roofs and cobblestone roads, Fairfield is comprised mostly of merchants, the miners they sell to, and the farmers they are fed by. They are a quiet people, although it is uncertain whether it is out of contentment in their prosperous town, or fear of their Bastard-King, who watches with his city patrol from his mountain abode.
Influence & Relations
Voltaani - Cragmore and Antar have always had a healthy trade relationship, with Voltaani receiving cheese, lumber, stone, and grain, in exchange for Erayis receiving wine, spice, and tea. Very recently, this trade agreement has been altered -- Erayis now receives a surplus of weapons and armor, in exchange for nearly all of Erayis's salt. They have had little interaction save for recent events, wherein King Aquilino proposed a betrothal of his daughter Princess Josefa to Prince Benjamin Cragmore, which was accepted.
Gradiar - As part of a longstanding trade agreement, Erayis receives wine, raisins, apricots, pickled fruits and jams, as well as squid and fish.. In exchange, Gradiar receives ram and goat's milk, cheese, meat, as well as wheat and occasional diregoat pelts. Gradiar also receives steel and some salt.
Skavia - A wintry land, Skavia receives essentials from Erayis. Pelts, cheese, meat, milk, grain, and salt, as well as neutered diregoats and female diregoats to use as beasts of burden. In exchange, they send Erayis large bounties of gemstones. The two houses, despite their close proximity, have had little interaction. Roughly 30 years ago, Skavia suffered a peasant uprising, wherein Igor's father, King Ferric, sent him to fight with Skavia to help house relations. The young Crach and Igor fought side by side, the battle was won, and Igor swiftly returned home.
Exports & Imports
Diregoat Products - Cragmore's diregoats yield milk, meat, cheese, and pelts. Considered a luxury due to their connotation with House Cragmore, pelts are more expensive than most, and usually given as gifts to neighboring houses. Neutered diregoats and female diregoats are sometimes sold as beasts of burden, being slower but stronger than any horse. It is worth noting that no house in Orlandic history has ever been given a non-castrated male goat, as House Cragmore is very intent on keeping their monopoly on the ownership of these beasts. During "The Great Quelling" in the second age, Lester Cragmore drove all wild diregoats to extinction.
Dairy - Aside from the Cragmore diregoats, Erayis has an abundance of rams, sheep, and goats of regular size. They have the same uses, but at lower prices and greater quantities.
Wool - The abundance of sheep has given Erayis an abundance of wool, and therefore, a marketable product.
Silk - House Webb's greatest export is their spider silk, harvested from their colony. It is an expensive luxury, used as a sign of status by many.
Stone & Lumber - The Highlands, like many parts of Orlandis, is ripe with forests and quarries, which are logged and mined to sell mostly to southerners.
Salt - Thanks to Igor Cragmore, the past two decades have seen a 300% increase in salt mining, as most crimes are now punishable by a stay in the salt mines. Most of the salt that is traded goes to Voltaani, although there is still quite a bit that is traded to other areas.
House Specialty Reinoan Long Bows, or more accurately, the archers that wield them are unique to Reinoa. The rate of fire and range available to the archers of Reinoa exceed those of archers employed by other kingdoms, though crossbows have better armor penetration, and short bows can be used while mounted.
Ancestral Weapon A spear of some renown, made of a stout beech shaft and a cold-iron leaf head. It has served the many generations of the Crowe family well, serving in hundreds of battles through the centuries. Used most frequently to defend the land from foreign invaders, it is an aptly named weapon, the Boar's Tusk.
Always calm and level headed his capacity to keep his cool in even the hottest of battles and most raucous celebrations have earned him the exaggerated title of "Winter King." He rules with a just heart and clear head, but sometimes he forgets that even the best of men can make mistakes. He is an excellent commander and administrator, but he has little grace for those who waste his time or try to trick or cheat him. Skills: An ardent academic, especially in the needs of a kingdom. A moderately skilled warrior with a spear and shield. Logical and detached, able to see the bigger picture consistently. Flaws: A perfectionist, he does not accept failure from anyone. Personal doubt, he views his inability to sire a male heir as a personal failure.
Patient, kind, and always looking to keep the peace where it can be kept. Queen Dilys has been King Emyr's balance in many things, especially in his insistence that everything be done perfectly the first time. She usually handles the arrangements at official functions. Having grown up as the daughter of the previous Duke of Arlvek, she is a skilled warrior in her own right, though few know it, as it has been a family secret since just after the split of Stormtir and Reinoa. Proficient with a sling, shield and short spear, she is even more of an oddity on the battlefield in that she is left handed; and is capable of making the most of the awkwardness it causes in combat. Skills: Slinger, diplomatic, good singer. Flaws: Stubborn
A headstrong and willful woman, like her mother, Maud, as her friends and family call her, is determined to be the prince her father had hoped for, and his nobles wished for. Her parents, mostly her mother, thankfully have kept her from going too far, though that definition is in dispute. She a skilled rider, and few can handle a mace as well as she, whether mounted or on foot. She is often seen wearing a chain mail hauberk over leggings(the source of many arguments with both her mother and others) with her mace at her side and her shield on her back. She has a royal guard of Reinoa's five best warriors(another series of arguments, and eventually accepted as a compromise for the battle dress) who are with her almost constantly, especially when she travels through the realm. Her dark brown, wavy hair is usually pulled back into a single braid that hangs to the small of her back. It is tucked into her jerkin when she fights, so it doesn't catch on something or get used against her. Despite her stubbornness, she seems to have inherited her father's ability to see things play out before they actually do, and is not often surprised by events or people and has only had to apologize four times in her life. (three times to her mother, once to the new cook) Her constant state of fighting everyone for something, has hardened her heart, and those that break the law, or take advantage of it, will find no mercy left within her heart. Skills: Natural Leader, good planner, listens to advice and wise council(usually), excellent Knight Flaws: Headstrong, Merciless.
Courtiers & Retainers
Chancellor- Aurbeul Lywelyn High Priest- Giolla Ruaidh Marshal- Eoghab Rattray Sage- Haul Goronwy Spymaster- Meurig MacNeil, the Wandering Bard (everyone knows who he is, but few know what he is) Steward- Murchadh Torcuil
Vassals and Holdings
Rimad, held by house Crowe
Mocan, held by house Glynder
Warsten, held by house Caerwyn
Sengenid, held by house Wynael
Bledfa, held by house Lewar
Wrexham, held by house Ryderch
Randirwyn, held by house Brynearn
Trefriw, held by house Tudyr
Cefnar, held by house Gwyntra
Arlvek, held by house Rudgal
Realm Kingdom of Reinoa, The Hinterlands of Orlandis
Primary Holding Rimad, Reinoa.
A notable fortress, not too far from the shore of Reinoa, the better to dissuade raiders, it is supported by nearby towns and serves as the official capitol of Reinoa. Emyr has been able to avoid those members of his nobility who merely wish to hang from his every word by living here since his coronation, unfortunately it had other consequences as well. Still, no one has ever successfully assaulted the walls of Rimad in written history, though rumors abound of armies stirring, and these walls may yet again be put to the test...
Influence & Relations Reinoa's influence is substantial, having spent generations building up their continental trade routes and improving the survival rates of their maritime routes. It isn't quite enough to start a war by itself, but if paired with any of its neighbors it is indeed a formidable force. Most of Reinoa's force is economic, in that it supplies a large portion of the continents raw and worked Iron, tin, and copper. If it decided to withhold these, economies all around them would crumble. (of course their own would quickly stagnate and die as well, unless a new buyer was found) Relations with each Reinoa's neighbors are uneasy acceptance. To the north west a common culture is shared, though the difference in religion has been a sore spot for centuries now. To the north, a bastard king rules, so the kingdom is viewed by many nobles as illegitimate, and a blight upon society. To the East a more sensible nation looks down at Reinoa as barely tamed savages, and to the south lays a country that share only the long history of being targeted by Stormtir raiders.
Exports & Imports Exports: Iron, raw and processed Tin, processed, Copper, raw and processed Precious Stones, processed Precious Metals, processed Timber(soft and hard), processed Slaves, raw Imports: Grain Wine Livestock Slaves Books Salt
Recent History Seeking to build a kingdom that will run itself, in place of a proper heir, King Emyr is drafting many changes in the kingdoms laws, changing what taxes are owed to and by whom, how much taxes are owed, number and quality of levies for each duchy, as well as a reducing the restrictions on trade and replacing the previously complex and tedious system of tariffs and import export taxes, a flat rate of a minimum fee per lb of goods being traded, plus a small percent of profits made in kingdom. Other changes are less influential on the daily lives of Reinoa's populace, and are largely ignored though they often lay the ground work, or make possible the bigger changes being implemented.
The biggest change is the offer of a grant of title and land to anyone who can prove their citizenship and their worth to the kingdom. Opening up the nobility to men of common decent, if they can prove their worth. The easiest way to do this of course is to lead a company of men into battle and perform some outstanding feat of bravery. This isn't the only way of course, just the easiest. In this provision, nobles and the heirs of nobles already in existence are not permitted to participate, unless they forfeit all their current holdings, or their right to inherit any holdings. Most of the available holdings are in Cefnar and Wrexham.
