Interested. [img]http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/valkyria/images/b/bf/Principality_of_Gallia.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width/640?cb=20100630184515[/img] NS Nations Name: The Valkyrie Empire Form of Government: Aristocratic Monarchy Describe the System: In theory, the Empress of the Valkyrie Empire is its absolute ruler. In practice Location on Map Desired: WIP Capital: (Please point out where in your land you would like this and your other settlements to be otherwise I will put them all on your borders for easy access of an invading army.) Important Settlements: Description: (Describe your nation. Culture, language, currency etc.) The primary currency of the Empire is Important Characters: Empress Sarah Parvadi Calona-Valkyron, ruler of the Valkyrian Empire. A deeply ambitious woman who intends to secure a thousand-year empire for her successors. While her aims are grand, her methods are highly pragmatic as she is willing to "descend" to the level of dealing with the middle merchant class and directly supervise the Army's latest expansion whilst firmly adhering to realpolitik despite having to keep her own ambitious and greedy aristocracy and military in line. The strain of rule is taking its toll however, and her pragmatism is beginning to stray towards paranoia of her own ministers and generals. "The Courier"- The right-hand agent of the Valkyrian Empress is an enigmatic man who is beholden to noone save the Empress and given a licence to act and kill as needed to fulfill her directives. An exceedingly deadly individual loyal to a increasingly paranoid empress. Master of the Armies Minister of Coin Brigadier Sora Whitehall- An rising star cavalry officer in the ranks of the Valkyrian Army. Noted for his tendency towards radical and unorthodox tactics, as well as accumulating a series of equally colorful subordinates. Lady Melina Winters-Whitehall. Brigadier Whitehall's wife, and a rising star in political circles to match her husband. Her love is only matched by how ruthless she is in the application of seduction, poison, and her connections among the aristocracy to further both of their ends. Traits: Elite Army (S)- The Valkyrian Army is one of the most elite forces in the land with infantry, cavalry, and artillery force that can more than match any rival force. Further backed by advanced tactics and drill formations to maximize use of their muskets, and powerful field cannons and mortars to add firepower to discipline and order.(-6) Ambitious Generals- The downside to rapid military success is the expectation of even more success. Glory-seeking and rank-ambition is rife among the upper command ranks and many of the line officers. (+1) Conscription- Various countryside parishes and towns have their taxes waived for manpower levies, in addition to wartime drafts and recruitment of criminals. While no match for the elite standing army, they can assault positions or hold rear-echelon roles to free the Army for other duties. (-1) Militia- The Valkyrian Empire retains militia forces at its towns and cities, composed of a mix of retired frontline troops, conscripts, and civilian volunteers. While of mixed quality of training, it doesn't take elite troops to stand on a wall and shoot at invaders or crew heavy fortress artillery. (-1) Scared of Water- The Valkyrian Navy is decidedly the least important arm of the military, often considered little more than a logistical support arm of the Army branches than a force unto itself. As most of the Empire's ambitions are landwards, the navy remains a purely defensive force. (+3) Rotting Hulls: Likewise, the navy is underfunded and undermanned.... (+2) Landlubbers: And its sailors mostly press-ganged conscripts with little serious skill and lesser sons of nobility with no prospects otherwise. +1 Trading Hub: The Valkyrian Empire is a source of many luxuries, fine goods, and trade opportunities. Making it a grand trade hub even after the Norian Empire's fall and allowing goods and gold to flow freely into the Empire's coffers.(-3) Empowered Companies: The infamous "Great Five" trading Houses of Listrata, Metris, Blackwell, Ragnar, and Kolstot have considerable assets and influence within the Valkyrian Empire, with the Empress' blessing towards their trade actions.