@LordZell I killed Conrad once, I can do it again ... >.> unless you support my Royal Contender.
EDIT: On another note, I will be roleplaying as the Royal family (For those who played Brimstone, it isn't gonna be like the Heinrichs) So if anyone wants preestablished special relations, let me know. I will be working on a family tree for potential marriages, as well as an NS once the OOC ups.
Fool the Conrads can't be killed. I would never support you.
By this do you mean a Northern tribal faction? Atm I want to fill out the Houses a bit more, and by that, I mean Nation sheets on the table. Unless you mean a House in the first place.
Alexander III Valian King of Xandria Keeper of Xanditharima High Magistrate of The Expanse
House Specialty:
The ancestors of House Valian were scouts and trackers. The specialty units of the Kingdom of Xandria descend from that lineage— they are known as Xandrian Rangers. Unlike other specialty troops in neighboring countries, Xandrian Rangers are not brute front-line 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 long-bowmen, they are the most accurate and tenacious archers that one could come across in the continent”.
House Ancestral Artifact:
Hyperion - The origins of the bow called Hyperion are many, but what is known that the heirloom of House Valian is old indeed. Crafted over two thousand years ago, Hyperion is one of the oldest artifacts in imperial history. For all of the myths and legends of the weapon, imperial scholars have claimed that however ridiculous the legends may dictate there is some truth to the stories claiming the indestructibility of the weapon. The timber Hyperion is crafted from is strangely impervious to fire and the wood’s endurance has been tested in battle when the strongest of steel and iron could not even lay a scratch on the weapon. However this is possible has been buried by history as the royal family, scholars, and mystics all have no wisdom or knowledge about it.
Ruling Members:
Royalty Lord Alexander III Valian, 51 Lady Caprica Valian, 44
Royal Heirs Alexander IV Valian, 25 William Valian, 21 Elias Valian, 17 Alexia Valian, 17 Emilia Valian, 14 Mathias Valian, 10
Courtiers & Retainers Chancellor Alester Valian High Priest Tristram Marshal Virgil Hawke Sentinel Egon Vayle Spymaster Ramsay Heartspire Steward Gregor Blackwater
Nation/Realms Name:
The Kingdom of Xandria, AKA The Expanse
Flag:
The Kingdom of Xandria flies the colors of blue, silver, and ivory. The stripes bound by a quiver of arrows joined by a kite shield. This stands for the unity of the four original provinces of Xandria and how they were and are still to this day bound by the arrow and shield. It symbolizes protection of the weak, caution from a distance, and tenacity through unity.
House Motto:
“We Shield the Weak.”
Region/Color on Map:
Blue
Race Name:
Xandir (Xandrians)
Racial Appearance:
Xandrian have a look about them that make them approachable and trustworthy yet also makes a normal individual stop in their tracks in hesitation. The standard individual in the racial group bears a dark yet piercing appearance with hair akin to the blackest night with eyes that represent the deadly calm of the ocean that lies on the coast of their homeland. They are not particularly large or boxy people which is clear as the tallest height on record in the last century for a Xandrian is 5’8”. Their skin isn’t too different than their neighbors though at times is a tint paler in comparison.
Racial Traits:
The people of Xandria have honed their skills for centuries that it has become an art. From their early beginnings as petty kingdoms and territories Xandrian’s have mastered the bow and light blade, stalking the forests with a combination of speed and stealth. There are countless myths and legends telling tales of the ghostly rangers of Xanditharima (the ancient name of the region). Beyond the bow and the hunt, Xandrian’s are masterful fletchers and survivalists thus giving them a wisdom of the creatures of the forest and marsh that others do not have. However, their skills in mounted combat and shipcrafting had never really developed until late into the Imperial Era and whilst their style of unarmed and light-blade combat has been developed greatly there are better riders, sailors, and swordsmen in the realm.
Capital:
Ebonheart
Capital Population:
78,000
Other Major Settlements:
Moonholt Oldcliffe Skyhaven Westport
Population:
10,500 21,000 17,400 6,500
Culture:
The four major noble houses of Xandria are House Valian of Ebonheart, House Hawke of Skyhaven, House Vayle of Moonholt, and House Heartspire of Oldcliffe. These “great houses” have been ruling the Xanditharima Expanse longer than the Imperial Empire has existed. Though perhaps it is in partly due to the fact that the ancient petty Kings swore allegiance to Lalaifia Valarien in the unification of the realm that they persevered past their humble beginnings. Regardless, these royal houses have large populations of citizens under their rule and are all valuable in the grand scheme of the realm.
The smallfolk of Xandria are the backbone of the demesne and they know it… yet for whatever reason their pride never becomes arrogance. Perhaps it is the ideals of ancient Xanditharima that leads people to be honest, hardworking, and loyal or perhaps it is the sort of societal bliss that they hold as citizens of Xandria. Whichever the case, the smallfolk is known on average to value honor, loyalty, and value of one-self over other virtues. However this is not to say it is an entire society of unending utopic ideals— there is grit and darkness underneath; especially as one ventures deeper into the Xandrian woodlands and hollows. The people in these parts of Xandria are more jagged, cautious, and unflinching as they deal with all manners of monsters and banditry. “A full quiver.” is an idiom that comes from these places in the province, roughly meaning “Always be prepared for the worst.”
Type of Government:
Constitutional Monarchy
Influence & Relations:
Erayis Text.
Military:
NAME
Unit Demographics:
NAME
Landscape:
TEXT
Wildlife:
NAME
Economy:
NAME
Religion:
The state religion is unsurprisingly, The Kamthein Faith, though most of Xandria’s citizens connect more with Lyriel and as such have put a focus on the creation goddess over the more centrally worshipped Kammeth. However, Xandrian scholars and priests are not seen as heretics as they value both creation gods. To summarize it, Lyriel is a caring and nurturing god who is responsible for the flora and harvest that the Xandrians owe their way of life to.
Additionally, many of the population still follow the old ways alongside their imperial religious beliefs. This of course is a philosophical following that dictates the sins and virtues of life, the consequences of being sinful, and the reward for being of virtue.
Can I stake a claim on the eastern most peninsula that looks almost like an island? I don't have the time at the moment to put my claim on the map at the moment.
Can I stake a claim on the eastern most peninsula that looks almost like an island? I don't have the time at the moment to put my claim on the map at the moment.
Head of House Kenten Cragmore, Lord of Stormgully and Keeper of The Highlands
House Specialty Diregoat Shepherds and Handlers House Cragmore gained their wealth, which in turn gave them their rule of Stormgully, by breeding goats. House Cragmore's ancestral seat Stonereach is just as much of a fortress as it is a goat farm, and is the sole remaining source of diregoats, which have been extinct in the wild for generations. Cragmores have a natural affinity for the beasts, and though they are tempermental creatures to most untrained laymen, diregoats naturally follow orders from those with Cragmore blood.
House Ancestral Artifact The Mace and Shield of Craggan Though they are only magical when wielded together, The Mace and Shield of Craggan are one of the more powerful artifacts, and are said to call down tumultuous thunder and lightning. The Mace of Craggan is a steel flanged mice, decorated at the hilt with the gilded bones of Craggan's own diregoat, Stonebiter. Those outside of the Cragmore bloodline find it is uncomfortably heavy for a one-handed mace, though Cragmores are able to wield it as if it were hollow. The Shield of Craggan is similarly heavy to those outside of the bloodline and light to Cragmores, and is decorated around its circular rim with more of Stonegrinder's gilded bones. The inscription on the handle reads "We Will Withstand", the words of House Cragmore.
Important Members
Simply put, Kenten is the reason most put "The Once-Great" as a prefix to House Cragmore. Born the bastard son of Lord Ferris Cragmore and a barmaid, Lord Kenten began life as "Kenten Black", being sired at Stonereach 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.
Winning his trial by combat by naming himself as his champion, his aging father Ferris had no choice but to legitimize him, now too old to sire more children. Since then, Kenten is famous for his wanton cruelty, with taxes highest in The Highland's history, entire generations being born and dying in the salt mines, and peasant revolts becoming more and more frequent. That being said, his use of slave-like conditions in the previously minimally tapped salt mines have made House Cragmore (And several of their vassals) much more wealthy than before.
More commonly called "Tall Duncan" by smallfolk, Duncan is the charismatic and well-liked heir of Kenten Cragmore, who is almost universally hated. Though Ferric is far from a skilled ruler, he is a skilled drinker and brawler. Aside from his large size, he is known for being good-spirited and charitable. 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 The Highlands 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 The Highlands, anticipating he will likely put all responsibilities on his small council.
The second-in-line heir for the throne, Benjamin is the more level-headed and well-spoken of the Cragmore brothers. What he lacks in Duncan's strength, he makes up for in his connections, as Benjamin has seemingly made allies in every corner of Ethica. It is a well-known "secret" that Benjamin rules House Cragmore behind his father's back, sending out trade agreements, gifts, and other official documents that veto many of his father's orders. Though this has been going on for roughly four years, nobody has yet made Kenten alert of his son's actions, as they have all been more beneficial than any of Kenten's decrees.
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 a guard for her older brother Duncan, which she has no qualms with -- She abhors the idea of marriage.
Sofia Cragmore is the youngest of Kenten's children. 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 as a result. 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, Melvan as too quiet, 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.
Unlike Benjamin or Duncan, Melvan is soft-spoken and sallow. He is the only Cragmore that has not abandoned Kammeth, or even religion as a whole. Having been born sickly, he believes his life was given to him by Kammeth, and follows him unwaveringly, hoping to one day become the first Cragmore Dawnbringer. He enjoys uncharacteristic hobbies for a young nobleman -- Most of his time is spent either in prayer, walking through the nearby forests, or tending to household chores. He believes keeping himself disciplined and occupied will keep him in Kammeth's graces, thinking that to be born to Kenten Cragmore is already a curse enough. He has a slight limp, and walks with a blackthorn cane, topped with a silver goat's head.
Nation/Realm Name Erayis
Flag WIP
House Motto We Will Withstand
Region/color on map Navy
Race name Erayan
Racial appearance Those from Erayis are usually somewhat short, with ruddy complexions, dark hair, and brown or green eyes. They tan rather than burn, though they are more likely to turn pink-brown in the sun than copper.
Racial traits Aside from their love of Harberry leaves, the people of Erayis simply aren't known for much. Though they are some of the best shepherds in Ethica, this is hardly a boastful statement. They are a very hardworking, if somewhat dry and humorless people.
Capital Stormgully
Capital Population 4000
Other Major Settlements
Population 45,000
Culture Erayans are a hardy people who are as tough and simple as the lands they reside in. Aside from rarely getting sick, the countrymen of Erayis have few racial talents, and are a rustic sort who care for little of the world outside of their homeland. At best, they are viewed by outsiders as tight-knit and hardworking, and at worst they are seen as xenophobic and dim. Most are farmers, shepherds, or miners -- There is a dwindling "middle class" of merchants and artisans, though with Erayis's rise in crime and taxation, more and more move elsewhere every day.
Type of Government Monarchy
Influence and Relations WIP
Military The military of the region is mostly devised between infantry and ram-based cavalry. Archers are well regarded given altitude and hunting culture, but are not as esteemed as those in Xandria. With that said, the region has a staunch history for using their environmental advantage for guerrilla combat, and it has been said that Erayis has won their wars "Not with swords and shields, but with very large rocks on very tall ledges". Aside from their guerrilla tactics, Erayis is known for The Black Herd, a contribution to their military from their ruling house.
The Black Herd is a specialized cavalry of diregoats, which are only bred by House Cragmore and not found anywhere in the wild -- Although not as swift or agile as horses, diregoats 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. Because Stonereach's diregoat population is kept low to create a demand for them, The Black Herd is only about 250 to 300 goats, though they are notoriously harder to kill than horses.
Landscape The lands of Erayis are plentiful with timber as well as large depths of mountains, hills, and valleys. Due to Erayis being situated in the middle of The Highlands, the weather is also a bit colder than that of their southern and eastern neighbors. Within these mountains are swathes of metal ore, occasional gemstones, and increasingly rare gold. Moreso than the rest of the mountain's resources combined, however, is salt -- Salt mines make up about 60% of Erayis's mining efforts. The vast rolling hills are also well-known for massive capacities of animal herding (ranging from sheep, ram, cattle, and fowl), hunting (deer, bear, rabbit, duck, and wolf), and general farming; though the winter seasons are harsher than that in the south of Ethica, so harvest seasons are much more regarded.
Economy WIP
Religion The majority of Highlanders worship Kammeth, though about a quarter of the population worships Gerna, the Goddess of Mining.
I was looking at the map and was wondering where the border between our Empire and the Northern Tribes is drawn. Is it essentially everything above Ethan, Zee and Gorgen's claims?
I was looking at the map and was wondering where the border between our Empire and the Northern Tribes is drawn. Is it essentially everything above Ethan, Zee and Gorgen's claims?
Can I stake a claim on the eastern most peninsula that looks almost like an island? I don't have the time at the moment to put my claim on the map at the moment.
