Out of curiousity, have you read the history of other nations involved, particularly Viria?

Now that uou mention it, my drunken writing seems to be quite identical to the Virian empire. In all due truth, I didn't know I even wrote this.

However, I'm afraid I won't be able to join.

In all due truth, I didn't know I even wrote this.

Been there, brother.

I was around for the first one, but don't recalling it getting off the ground. I'd be game to hop in again, although it looks like I'll have to find a new spot. Pickings seem pretty slim at this point, though.

I was around for the first one, but don't recalling it getting off the ground. I'd be game to hop in again, although it looks like I'll have to find a new spot. Pickings seem pretty slim at this point, though.

@Thrashy It does seem like we're running out of space for new nations.. I was wondering if, hypothetically, a player could come in and apply to create a semi-landless faction? For instance, a mercenary camp, or a group of knights, or a religious order, and so on? We did that in a similar NRP I was in, and it worked out rather well (There was a different CS to go with the different faction, but that was about it)

There's a little space up against the mountains in-between the Kingdom of Eilean and Virian Empire. I might position myself there, as I was aiming for an elven nation and it happens to be very near the Forests of Ellion - coincidentally inhabited by many elves.

@Aristo That looks neato! If you'd like to work out some history with Eilean at all, feel free to shoot a PM my way. (Maybe Eilean took some of the elven land during its initial expansion etc..) Entirely up to you, however! :)

@The SparrowPM sent!
I also share a border with the Virian Empire remnant and the Kingdom of Baile. If you folks playing those want to get in on this too, by all means!

You can send things my way as well.

Very WIP; marking my progress for curious parties:

@Aristo I think you might have claimed land with in my nation.

EDIT: I realize I never put down a picture for my claim. Damn do I feel stupid right about now >///<"

@ClocktowerEchosIs it supposed to be this?
I read that post as it being a free spot, I didn't know you intended to set up camp there. I noticed your CS but didn't see a claim.

Well, Aristo you could just move to that northern slice instead. Technically clockwork did state a claim to it first.

@ClocktowerEchosIs it supposed to be this?
I read that post as it being a free spot, I didn't know you intended to set up camp there. I noticed your CS but didn't see a claim.

Yeah, I wanted to claim the bottom one near the moutains. Sorry >-<

Also @Raptorman, its Clocktower, not clockwork :P
Just call me Clock tho

@ClocktowerEchosNo worries, I'll leave you to it!

Unfortunately I won't be able to pursue the elven dilemma with you, @The Sparrow. I can move up north and irk out Sotraeca's existence there, but it's not wooded enough for my tastes. My other option is way down south, but I recalled @Nerevarine deciding on that (though it was 8 days ago and no reply/NS since).

I made a little map with all the definite claims to make things easier:


Those southern forests are pretty enticing for my theme; I only wonder if Nerevarine plans to make another appearance.

I'd be up for creating history with someone if anyone is game.

I'd be up for creating history with someone if anyone is game.

I'm up for that, if you think Vastoria and Pelataria may have done some dealings in the past, or perhaps currently have some arrangement!

WIP - several grammar errors exist. Just wanted to put down more than an 'interest' post.


History
Runvall was originally a few independent farming towns out in the unclaimed wilderness. A thousand years ago, dragons and all sorts of mythical beasts started to show up out of no where and terrorize the villagers. Knights and adventurers came to the area, seeking to make a living by fixing the peasant's problems. Over time 5 major forts of operation were built to act as bases of operation in purging the lang of great beasts. Eventually merchants and other peasants started to build up cities around these areas and seek a profit by maintaining the forts. This built friendship and dependence on both sides of their relationship and the values that define Runvall to this day.

Generations passed and eventually the vast majority of the great beasts were driven out or slain, and there was much rejoicing. The question of "now what?" arose. The knights could go home, but after spending two hundred years purging the darkness of Runvall they realized Runvall was home. The knights could go conquer, but they were tired of fighting. So the knights stayed with their keeps and continued doing what they had always done - keeping the land clear of darkness, fighting bandits, or going off elsewhere and then coming back home with their paycheck. Eventually leaders for each of the forts were elected based on deeds, and the forts combined into Runvall.

Over time government developed, and due to the continuous state of peace the land developed into a healthy society where farmers could profit, knights could be just, and infrastructure could be developed. Recently however, a debt has hit the throne because of a drought that passed through the land. Taking out loans to support the peasant class and prevent mass starvation was worthwhile, but expensive.
Traditions & Culture
Defend those who cannot defend themselves! Triumph over those who wish to spread darkness! If we stay stalwart in our conviction, we will make this world good!

Military
The Runvall military is well equiped, trained, and motivated. While smaller than most armies, they can pack a punch if used with an ally. Alone, Runvall faces several difficulties.

The only peasants that fight with the Runvall army are the archery corp. While well equipped and somewhat trained, they are by no means re-known. About two thirds of the army in wartime is filled with longbow levies trained to shoot in volleys and provide support for the knights.

Everyone else who fights is a knight. They have a strong military tradition focused around chivalry, loyalty, and honor. Incredibly motivated by the Task, their morale is intense. This is the major feature of the Runvall military and is what makes it a pain in the neck to fight.

First, the knights have Rankorian horses. These horses, possibly spawned by magic, are difficult to compare to normal horses. They can carry heavy armor without a problem, can be aggressive, and can go incredibly fast.


The knights usually charge first with lances, capable of shattering all but the most elite heavy infantry. Then they fight with heater shields and longswords, using the horses and their maneuverability to their advantage. Killing a knight on one of these horses is a difficult task - the knight and horse are both wearing full plate armor to help deflect arrows.

When fully armored, it is difficult but possible for opposing light horsemen to be able to catch up to these heavy knights. However, you still have to kill these elites. Seriously don't bother running away. If necessary a horn will be sounded and the knights will return to get new lances and once again do an incredible charge.

Runvall also runs excellent supply caravans in peacetime, and that practice helps with wartime as well. The ability to keep troops well fed and watered is something Runvall is known for - many armies have to pillage the land they are in to sustain themselves, but the caravans of Runvall make that unnecessary for the knights. Overall, the knights make the Runvall military maneuverable, devastating, and quick to get around.

One of the reasons that Runvall is able to maintain off of caravans though is that the army is small. Compared to a nation of it's size, Runvall only has about 70% of their numbers. This helps keep coffers full and peasants from dying, but makes maintaining a drawn out battle somewhat of a challenge.

Additionally, the job of the knights is to defend the weak. That means not sending the weak in front of you as infantry as cannon-fodder. The Runvall infantry consists of knights whose horses have died on the field of battle and are forcing a fair fight from the ground.

Finally, Runvall has no experiences with siege warfare - this kingdom was made in peace, not conquest. While the castles and forts of the old orders are incredibly strong, offensively Runvall has no idea about what to do.

These weaknesses force Runvall to work with an ally to be able to hold ground or take land. Luckily, Runvall has a good reputation as an ally and can be depended upon for cavalry support.

Economy

Reputation
Known as honorable to a fault, a dependable ally in both peace and war, and a bit out of place in this world.

Glad I saw this in the NS area. If you don't mind, I'll claim that southern land. I don't really need the forest incase the elven player returns.

Enjoy my Calvary.