Disclaimer: The map and the name of the roleplay are shamelessly ripped from Joe Abercrombie's - Best Served Cold. If you have read the book, awesome, if not, no biggy since we're only keeping map, name, and general premise of violent death/chaos.
Styria, a land of azure blue seas, deep lush forests, mighty rivers, rolling mountains, and fertile fields, a land of war. For as many generations as anyone can remember, Styria has been embroiled in a never ending conflict between those who seek to call themselves King. City-states move and shift between alliances like a school of fish about a shark. Mercenaries grow rich, the great lords grower poorer, and the common folk are left to suffer the armies that cross the land.
This is your legacy, and that of your house. Will you balance the swords edge of neutrality? Will you build an alliance to conquer the land? Perhaps you can find an accommodation to live in peace with your neighbours? Do you live for the clash of steel? Do you want to be King?
OUT OF CHARACTER
Welcome one and all to a roleplay designed by a horrible person for other horrible people. I am looking for folk who want to write the epic story of a land torn apart by warfare. This is going to be dark. It is going to be intense. It is going to absolutely be an 18+ adventure. If that bothers you, back away now and no one gets hurt.
QUICK NOTES/RULES
Tech level is pre-gunpowder, literally just before it was invented. Think 1500's minus the muskets.
Culturally and architecturally, the entire continent is basically southern European with Arabic influences. Think Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Malta, etc.
All city-states are human. There are no non-humans.
Don't get caught up in numbers and the size of a military. A major army won't be more than 30,000 troops. I will trust you all to make grown-up choices and will only step in if I think you're being ridiculous.
Navies are more or less non-existent. What little exist are war galleys at best due to the shallow waters around Styria.
This isn't really about winning and losing, though I suppose both are possible. Not at the same time of course.
If you go away, please tell us. More than a week without activity on discord without prior notice and your city-state will be put up for adoption.
This is an adult level advanced nation-state roleplay. By that I mean I intend to provide you a very basic character sheet and you can make it as complicated as you want, providing you check off some basic/simple boxes for the rest of us. I would prefer to see your characters and nation-state fleshed out in the roleplay itself. That said, I expect you to keep an ongoing list of your important characters on your CS when you create them so we don't have to dig around for information.
City-State: Indicate the city-state you wish to play on the map. I will assign you additional towns or cities once all interested players have chosen their spot. Ruler: Flag: Make your own, find a cool one online, I believe in you. Capital Description: Get creative, write it out if you wish, or find some real world medieval city and model yourself on that. History: I would like at least the previous five years. A paragraph will do. Please chat to any neighbours you have on the discord chat to develop mutual history. / There is also the option of having me pick your allies for you off the bat.
CURRENT DIBS
I allow first dibs on a city-state. That dibs will stand for one week. If you have not posted a COMPLETED CS by the end of the week, you lose dibs and anyone can swap into your spot, or claim said spot if they're new.
Status: WIP Points to add/change: - Relations once neighbours are found
City-State: Westport Ruler: Grand Duke Lucius Maximus Varus Flag:
Capital Description:
The port is strictly split between military and civil piers.
The coastal city of Westport is the largest city on the south-western peninsula. It is in a permanent blockaded status, since Lucius took over the city. The blockade is sustained by the Union as an act of revenge for the invasion. The once important port is nearly out of commision as most ships are intercepted by the Union. The people of Westport are now using land based transportation for trading and sustaining their craftsman guilds. The guilds are most famous for their metal- and stoneworks. History: Lucius Maximus Varus was the leader of the Mortem Legio, a mercenary army plundering in the south-west of the continent. Most of the members were just in there for the money, however some developed respect and loyalty for Lucius over the years. 6 years ago Lucius started his attack on Westport, he gambled that the Union would not be able to send additional troops to defend the city. As the Union was busy fighting elsewhere, his gamble payed of. After the siege was over, he payed his men from the treasury and decided to stay as the new grand duke of Westport. Lucius offered his men to stay and help him rebuild the city, however most of his mercenaries unit went seperate ways, searching for a quicker way to get money. As he payed his men from the treasury, he avoided the anger of the local craftsman guilds that would have come out of excessive pillaging. The last years were used to develop the craftsman guilds and replenish the meager amounts of gold left in the treasury after paying his men. Relations: To be added once the other players assemble.
Ruler: The city-state of Jacra is a peasant's republic, in which the different clans elect an individual from amongst them to raise to the highest office. That individual then has close to dictatorial power for a term of ten years and appoints each member of government, after which another election is held. The people elect in the Assembly of the Clans and, in cases of gross misconduct, can cast a two-thirds vote to end the term of the current High-Syndic early. This will suspend the powers of the High-Syndic, cause an immediate election, and mean the total overhaul of every position in government. Currently this has only happened twice since the affirmation of the supremacy of the citizen.
Current Members of Government:
Aristides of Aicer Responsibilities: The High-Syndic is the elected leader of the people of Jacra, following a gruelling election season they spell out the next decade for the state through their selection of members of government. Furthermore they can step in and adjudicate on any legal case they so wish. Cases of the highest offence are overseen by the High-Syndic always.
Iason of Aicer Responsibilities: The Chief-Apodektai is responsible for the collection of the yearly rolls of land and income, which they then use to calculate tax owed. From there they organise collection and distribution to the appropriate parts of government.
Herodes of Aicer Responsibilities: The Chief-Theorodokoi is responsible for sending and receiving ambassadors, at their own expense, and providing the High-Syndic with reports of the on goings abroad and the interests of abroad inside the state.
Dion of Antachus Responsibilities: The Chief-Hierophant is the highest ecclesiastic official in the city-state. They organise public holidays and events, as well as offer spiritual guidance for the state and act as the divine consultant to the High-Syndic.
Epiphanios of Aicer Responsibilities: The Chief-Polemarch is responsible for keeping the rolls of levy expectation up to date, organising the military affairs of the state, and leading the armed forces in times of combat. As well as this they manage the security of the interior of the city-state.
Euclid of Antachus Responsibilities: The Chief-Navarch is technically responsible for all naval affairs in Jacra. However, bar a trickle of trade, there is virtually no navy. The only other part of the role that has some importance is the encompassing right to any and all naval salvage and flotsam.
Honorifics: As modern as the Jacran state is, in many ways it is still a traditional and medieval society. Titles with little official power are still highly valued and, whilst not a part of government, still carry a great deal of influence.
Current Honorific Holders:
Dareios of Hereklus
Kassandra of Hereklus
Notable Clans:
The Clan of Aicer
Current Patriarch: Aristides
Members:
Aristides
Iason
Epiphanios
Herodes
Offices Held:
High-Syndic - Aristides
Chief-Apodektai - Iason
Chief-Polemarch - Epiphanios
Chief-Theorodokoi - Herodes
Brief History: The Aicer clan originated as a transient band of warriors who sold their services to other larger clans. Following the consolidation of Jacra the Aicer became embroiled with the political interests of Talins. Through financial and information aid they had a meteoric rise and now act as the political tools of the Talins in Jacra.
Rivalries and Bonds: Familial bond with Antachus and blood feud with Hereklus
The Clan of Antachus
Current Patriarch: Dion
Members:
Dion
Euclid
Offices Held:
Chief-Hierophant - Dion
Chief-Navarch - Euclid
Brief History:
Rivalries and Bonds:
The Clan of Hereklus
Current Patriarch: Dareios
Members:
Dareios
Kassandra
Offices Held:
High-Archiater - Dareios
Wild Sibyl - Kassandra
Brief History:
Rivalries and Bonds:
Capital Description: Jacra is a modest city, it's position by the coast and in the nook of the river Guero might suggest of useful naval trade links but with little investment into the development of land that often is host to bandits and warring clans and their retinue, the revenues of Jacra are diminished at the best of times and there is few reasons for extensive trade in Jacra. The populace is fairly well spread and , despite economic deficiency, the city does not suffer from much of the squalor that comes from wealth. And extensive public works are still the main currency of city-wide patronage.
History: The city-state of Jacra has a tumultuous and blood-soaked history. Originally the land was inhabited by clans of peoples who followed the leadership of the horse rearing elite. A man's worth was made in the horses he commanded and each clan would vie for resources and land. This practice evolved slowly over time as time and again High-Kings of the Jacrans were declared at intermittent points. This changed, however, when following the deposition of the last High-King there became a rejection of the idea of monarchy entirely. The pursuit of it had caused death and violence since as long as the records ran and so, during the Rejection of Monarchical Principle, a new system of government was enshrined.
The City-State of Jacra was henceforth a peasants republic, as only peasants served the common folk correctly. This system was, of course, flawed, and the previous families of landowning elite came to form the wealthy patron class that grew to dominate the new political sphere. In the previous decade Jacra has been thoroughly sidelined in business across the island of Styria, through the careful influence of Talins, and reduced to little more than a tributary. The next election will soon be upon the wilful people of Jacra, however, and time will tell if they reject their current lot of sub-ordinance.
Ruler: Grand Duke Devarn is a large man who cut a formidable presence in any room that he enters. Erect in bearing, muscular with broad shoulders and a broader frame. He has a long face with high cheekbones, a large crooked nose, strong jawline, blue-gray eyes beneath heavy brows and dark brown hair. He is usually clean shaven, even despite being in a campaign for extended periods. A man of quiet strength, he takes very few friends and usually only those he has fought with into complete confidence. Devarn is a quiet individual with few words and his detractors mistake this reserve for pomposity. Life for Devarn is a serious mission, a job to be tackled soberly, unremittingly. Since taking over lordship of Visserine he has had only one goal which is to raise the city stature to be one of the most powerful in Styria. It is no surprise that he has little time or appreciation for culture, art, or the finer things in life. While seemingly calm and collected when he is with his superiors and peers, he regularly loses his temper with family and those below him is standing.
None So Fierce
Capital Description: Visserine is a coastal city-state in central Styria, on the shore of the Azure Sea. To the west lie Borletta and Talins, and to the east Puranti and Ospria.
The city is surrounded by great outer walls. Within, the city itself is a beautiful city, full of graceful brick-and-timber buildings, villas of cream-coloured stone, and trees where the parks and broad avenues are laid out. But it's most distinctive characteristic are its tall white towers, built by the nobility as a sign of their status. The river Visser flows through the city, with four bridges linking the two halves of the city. The great palace of the Grand Duke is on an island in the middle of the river, which can't be entered without an invite.
The city is best known for its glass-working and mirrors. The glass-working district is on an island just offshore. Everywhere in the city windows glint, with statues of coloured glass on the rooflines of the grandest buildings.
History: Devarn never envisioned or aspired to be the Grand Duke of Visserine. He was born the second among all of his siblings. Damon the eldest was the one groomed to become the ruler and caretaker of the city. Damon seemed to be everything Devarn was not and it was as if he was born to play the role and be one of the best rulers of the realm. This suited Devarn quite well as it allowed him to focus on what had intrigued him since his childhood, which was warfare. Growing up he was able to train with his brothers. While Devarn is physically imposing compared to a lot of other men he realized he could never best some of the top fighters in the realm just by his mere physical strength alone. From that time on he honed his swordsmanship. Devarn was knighted shortly before the most recent wars broke out. Devarn, his brother Damon and their father Roland was part of the force that fought in a siege. It was during this siege that Roland was killed and when Damon had to take over as Grand Duke Visserine. During this siege Devarn took a small cavalry unit and was able to coordinate a perfectly time attack on the flank of the main enemy forces that eventually led to their route. In just one year after the siege Damon was also killed in on one of the larges battle in Styria. it was at this point that Devarn lost himself. Normally in control of his actions on the battlefield, it was at this point when he went on a rampage. Everyone from the enemy camp that was in his path was another person that would take the brunt of his revenge. There are multiple accounts of him committing horrible atrocities towards men pleading to surrender. Even though he was still consumed with blood lust, he knew that this strategy would significantly help deteriorate the enemies' resolve in this rebellion. Despite his ferocity and ruthless he was recognized as one of the most critical warriors of the entire escapade. It was during this time when Devarn gained his nickname as the Boar, the unrelenting force of Styria. His family especially his brothers felt that this suited him well considering His large frame, and his violent tendencies, and the boar featured in their family's arms. Devarn was married to Melara and they had two children named Tywald and Cerenna. Devarn rarely saw them as he was always on the battlefield or training the family’s garrison. He has worked hard to beat his desire for drink and has found a renewal in his life by pouring on all the energies he has to restablish and grow the Visserine’s standing among cities.
(WIP - Waiting to see if any of my neighbor cities get claimed to see if it is possible to develop a mutual history)
@jimapple, I like it. Though there no epic heroes around here who can fight their way through an enemy camp. Legends are fine, reality is a bitch. CS accepted, please move it into the CS tab! @gowia, keep up the good work!
Capital Description: Sipani is a moderately sized coastal city, long home to many long lived minor noble houses. The rising colorful facades of the centuries old buildings rise up a gentle sloping hill on the coast line, bordered on one side by the gently rolling black waters of the Olba river. Its white walls skirt the hill, while just outside at its base the assembled and scattered hovels of the urban poor are often scattered in hodgepodge hamlets just in the shadow of the towers and bastions. Atop the city mount, the ancient Ducal Palace stands soaring high over the city, from whence the ancient blood-soaked nobility has lived within the comfortable confines of their city.
While outside the walls, vineyards and orchards rolls over the picturesque green hills among wheats and the sentinels of the mills. Castles to the minor nobles lay scattered throughout the land brooding over their own serfs and principalities within the city-state. Their flags form a rainbow that hides the sky when all assembled.
History: The city-state of Sipani has long been ruled by its dukes. Through intrigues or marriage successive families have gone in and out of the ducal palace located at the center of the city, atop its central mount. Priding itself on its fertile soils the families and people of the city accrued a modest wealth to themselves, made all the more better by the river. While the city never ascended to the power and dignity of many of the other cities of the continent, they still came to cherish a certain life-style.
The aristocracy of the state though have always held a long tradition of "chivalric virtue" and romance to war. In ancient times when Styria had a king they would be foremost among his knights, first to charge to battle. Meanwhile at home, for reasons forgotten, they've long held a rivalry with the nearby city-state of Muris that has been the central locust of conflict for the sons of Sipani. Repeatedly over the generations clashes have broken up between them and their neighbor for any number of reasons. Sometimes minor, oft-times major rolling regional conflicts. Though, one side has not gained the upper hand for long and the tides of this seemingly permanent feud are locked in a constant ebb and flow.
Lately, with the forceful demise of the Union in Styria and their ouster from the city of Westport the conflict with Muris was put on hold as a broad coalition of Azure Sea principalities pooled together their resources and battled the Union from their coasts. Sipani was among them, lending their sons and levees into the new enemy of the moment alongside mercenaries from Vesserine and Puranti as well as their rivals of Muris.
With Westporn fallen to its new mercenary king, the knights of Sipani return home ennobled by another grand war and with bounty looted. But as the wine flows, old troubles have not been doused and a war again for the river may return.
The fortress city - Ospria, is built into the mountain slopes, upon the four huge shelves of Mount Tyrn. Each shelf is surrounded by its own tall smooth walls, crammed with lofty buildings, and stuffed with a tangle of roofs, domes, turrets. Entry and exit to the city is granted by passing through its huge gate adorned with steel reinforcements and iron plating. View from the outside of the city allows one to see a roaring lion engraved on the gates, striking fear to those who wish to breach it, or simply enter. Its strong defenses is well known across the land, and is testified by an expression among the Styrian populace: "As impenetrable as Ospria's walls"
The city interior is divided into four levels, levels that are higher than the previous, and with each having its own title and purpose.
The first level; Marble district, serves as the commercial center of Ospria and is the lowest of all the levels. Taverns, trade houses, wineries, workshops, and foundries dot the district. Parading mercenary companies are a common sight here, and is considered as form of entertainment and opportunity by the common folk. Several apartments for travelers and the poor are found in this level as well.
The second level; Quartz district, is the designated level for the residents of Ospria. Here, theaters, bathhouses, and schools compliment the tightly packed residential houses. Lapidarists are given special housing and trade rights in this level.
The third level; Opal district, is reserved for the Osprian military and retainers of the royal family. Nobles owning renowned wineries can be found residing here.
The fourth level; Diamond district, is where the citadel located, with the great towers of the Four Orders. The district clings impossibly a few hundred meters below to the peak of Tyrn, overlooking the entire city and fields below.
The city inherited a relic from the past; An ancient Imperial aqueduct, which curves gracefully down from the mountains to meet the outermost rampart of the city.
Small towns, castles, and villages near the city are known loyal supporters of the rule of Ospria. These settlements specialize in trade or services that have Ospria's profit in mind. In return, they are given military protection and kept relatively independent.
Ospria (Center), Eastwatch Tower (Top right) With rich soil and mineral rich water supplied from the top of the mountains, the fields surrounding Ospria is known to produce fine fruits and vegetation crucial to trade, and survival of the city.
Eastwatch Tower The headquarters of the Osprian military. Historically, the tower served as an Imperial outpost and hold for political prisoners.
The citadel of Ospria The seat of power of the von Osprians since time immemorial.
City outskirts
Somewhere in the lands governed by Ospria, hidden in plain sight, is the famed Osprian diamond mines. The mine is known for producing the finest gemstones known in all of Styria; possibly the world. Gems mined and faceted from this hole in the earth sparked countless conflicts, some of which ended entire bloodlines and settlements. Many believe that an Osprian gemstone becomes more expensive with each drop of blood spilled in its name.
Ruler: Grand Duke Jorgen von Ospria (45)
Ruling House Members: Parents - Franz von Ospria (65) - Irena von Ospria (53)
Siblings - Grandmaster Friedrich von Ospria (42) - Emil von Ospria (Deceased)
Wife - Katarina von Ospria (39)
Children - Leon von Ospria (20) - Lukas von Ospria (20) - Serena von Ospria (Deceased) - Mila von Ospria (17) - Otto von Ospria (8)
Notable Laws Enacted: - Trial by Ordeal (Combat) - Prima Nocta
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The Order of the Silver Lion "In Duty; Honor"
The Order of the Golden Cross "In Coin; Dicipline"
The Order of the Crimson Eagle "In Vigilance; Peace"
The Order of the Crown In Justice; Order
~
Involvement in Coronitz affairs War with Affoia Involvement in Puranti affairs
Many were left dissatisfied with the outcome of the war
Not long after the stalemate with Affoia, a new conflict rose in the west. Puranti; the gate to the western parts of Styria, was plunged into civil war. Initially, Osprian involvement was limited in the form of safekeeping the trade routes between the two cities. But once word got out that Affoians were supporting Murick, thousands of Osprian arms; eager to spill Affoian blood once more, rallied to Cosca's cause.
Three days after Ospria formally allied themselves with Puranti, The Order of the Crimson Eagle along with the Osprian Army was immediately sent to the border with Affoia, cutting Affoians off from reinforcing Murick's forces in Puranti.
History: Affoia has had a colorful history over the past. Some of it painted red with war and blue of peaceful times. The Affoians have a close history with its neighbor to the north Ospira most of it recently has been in the form of war. The War of the Maiden as it was aptly named since it had started with the death of the Ospirian Lady Serena von Ospira who was to Araxes, current heir of Affoia that time. How and why the young woman was murdered is unknown. To the members of Affoia they believed it was banditry gone wrong, what the Ospirian’s think would be a radically different story. Forced to a stalemate with the Ospirans and left a foul taste in mouths of most Affoians. Since the war all trade to Ospira has been cut, merchants that want to risk the journey were allowed but frowned upon.
Affoia has also been in the affairs of the Puratani, including the involvement in their civil war. Backing the eldest son, believing the eldest should take the crown and keep their influence firmly in the city. This, however, failed the Affoian’s since they couldn’t fery soldiers quick enough to back the eldest son. Troops that did make it to Puratani lands found themselves in a war of survival against the combined forces of the youngest son and Ospirian forces. Leaving a thorn in side of Affoia that annoyed them for years to come.
I'm gonna add more later for flavor but otherwise done
Capital Description: Made of solid white stone towering into the sky, Puranti is divided in half by the River Puran and surrounded by tall walls. Statues are scattered throughout the city, detailing heroics of either the Grand Dukes long past or heroes of Styrian legend. It still boasts intact ruins of the New Empire, not in the least being the Imperial Bridge that unites the two halves of Puranti and the Bath-house, a public gathering place for noble and commoner alike. The Duke's Palace sits to the north east of the Azure Sea as the river Puran pours into it, a walled and fortified citadel. On the other side of the river sits the mysterious House of Masks, an assassins guild that allows anyone to deposit a note with a name on it and they will receive a note back soon, detailing when they should return for a price for the assassination.
History: For most of its life as an influential city state, Puranti has stood strong and united. The old Grand Duke Bartova guided his people with a firm but fair hand doing his best to preserve their peace and prosperity. He tied the city's fate to Affoia with his first wife, a noblewoman of the Affoian royal house, from whom he would get his eldest son Murick. His first wife would die birthing Murick, and while Bartova would grieve he would remarry soon after. His second wife would give birth to his youngest son, Cosca. The two boys grew up together, wildly different from one another and clashing over most subjects. Cosca was always held to be the calm and collected one, choosing his path carefully and logically, while Murick favoured bold and brash action letting his heart decide his path.
Throughout their lives, Bartova always made it clear that the next Grand Duke would be Murick. He was the eldest and by Purantian law, that made him the successor. It was considered to be a sure succession, with little turbulence, when the aging Grand Duke died.
That all changed eight years ago. On his death bed, Grand Duke Bartova revoked Murick's as his successor and put Cosca instead. Bartova would die two days later, leaving Murick enraged and hurt. He accused his younger brother of manipulating and lying to a confused and dying old man, as Cosca had been spending night and day with Bartova while Murick took over for their father in running the city. Cosca calmly denied the accusations and had his brother and whoever would believe him banished from the city. Not cutting down Murick then and there would be a mistake Cosca rues to this day.
Murick fled to the city of his mother with his followers and pleaded for Affoian aid to reclaim the throne. Affoia agreed, and raised their banners in favor of the disposed prince. Cosca gained the aid of Ospria and Talins in securing his throne, and the Puranti civil war began.
The war lasted for three years, with Murick never even reaching the walls of Puranti. Affoia was unable to provide military aid, and between the armies of Ospria, the financial backing of Talins, and his brother's relentless pursuit in destroying all his loyal followers, Murick never stood a chance. The last of Murick's forces were destroyed on a march too Puranti, trapped between his brother's soldiers and Osprian reinforcements. Murick himself barely escaped back to Affoia, and has been there ever since.
Cosca, now secure in his throne, turned his attention to proving that Puranti was still strong. Even with the aid of Talins and Ospria, the war was draining. He needed to prove that Puranti could still stand on its own, lest his allies suddenly turn on him in the name of 'order' or sheer desire to rule all of Styria. When a minor border dispute happened with Visserine, he saw his opportunity. Using the dispute to provoke a war, Cosca soon had his army besieging Visserine itself in a surprise attack. His forces would be routed, but not before claiming the life of Visserine's Grand Duke. The war would rage on for another year, when in one of the largest battles in recent memory Puranti's forces were yet again routed after killing Visserine's second Grand Duke. Cosca, satisfied that he had proved Puranti was strong enough sued for peace and the war ended.
He has now been focusing on increasing Puranti's strength and keeping his city out of the growing tension between Talins and Ospria, though he is not sure how much longer he can.
Disclaimer: History subject to change based on info from other players.
Grand Duke Cosca: Ruler of Puran
Duchess Marian: Publicly claimed head of the House of Masks, leader of the faction of Puranti nobles who wish to align with Talins. Strongest claim to the Grand Duchy should Cosca die without selecting an heir.
High General Floran: Head of Puranti's army, former leader of the mercenary company 'The Red Chargers', though it is whispered he still commands their loyalty from the shadows. Leader of the faction of Puranti nobles who wish to align with Ospria.
City on the Water
