Characters:
Maximum two characters : Please place each character in a hider beneath this section, with the below information about them in their relevant tab : if they are from separate provinces, please fill out separate applications for them.

Province:
Please write the full name of your province or kingdom here : along with a small description of what it entails. Eg: perhaps your region is fruitful when it comes to farming, or maybe it boasts endless riches from its mining towns. Maybe it’s dirt-poor and survives only on the generosity of neighbouring regions. Up to you.

Location:
Please draw on the map where you would like your region located; or describe its whereabouts. Green represents unclaimed land. Once accepted, I will add it to the official royal inquisitor’s map; after which, you may delete this section from your application. Same goes for if your region has a capital city or numerous cities (not too many though please) :)

Please also keep it to a reasonable size : it should be smaller than Wynterwood.

Further Information
If you have anything else you’d like to include, such as the nation’s history or reasons why your character/s is uncourted, please include them here : anything else you see as relevant to your application may go here as well.

Characters:


Province / Region:

Character: Odessa Leonora


Kingdom: Alcyone; though relatively small is very influential, its fingers reach far. What they don’t have they trade for and they’d be able to sell your own mother-in-law to you.
Capital: Sensaridh – City of Silks and Spices
A bustling coastal city with its many canals and build up of several levels over and on top of one another. The most influential and rich owning land and living in the fairest spots connected to the platform parks. But overall it has a place for everyone.
The Spice Houses sell more than just spices, they offer an experience for the tired and bored traveler, whilst the best deals are struck in the Auction and Market Houses of the Basin.
The variety of different structures hint at the freedom of expression or belief, resulting in a strange mix of buildings and sections of the city.
Naturally the de Tintagel live in their respective home overlooking it all, which is known as the Ard Pallas. Or in common: the Sea Palace.

Nestled nicely, this city enjoys the crystal clear marine waters at its luscious shores.
It draws people from all over, seeking freedom, trade or to make their fortunes one way or another.
It once began as a small fisherman’s village that through its location and protective barriers soon became known as a safe city. Difficult to sack or to think lightly off as most enemy ships didn’t even make it to the harbor without a clear go ahead.
Wealth: Its wealth lies in the goods its carries, starting off with pearls, coral, salt and finely crafted lace they cut down a forest for their merchant shipping fleet, with which they trade and transport goods all over. The traders are seen as a welcome guest bringing goods from far off places or necessary tools or materials one needs for their own business or crafts.

Location: The Island on the lower left

Further Information:
She is sought after by others, but belonging to family who has ambition, will not settle for a lover’s demand, when there is a prince to be won.

Leonora is well aware her of her position and potential future, all she can truly hope for is a husband that isn’t a cruel or adulterous man, lest she runs the risk of having to deal with mistresses.
She’s no fool, but she can’t be bothered with cleaning up the mess of ill-tempered ‘children’ who are barely flowered and have no sense of business or politics. Looking at her father’s late mistress here of the age of 16 and seeing her nearly destroy the close ties with one of their closest allies, cost Leonora dearly in smoothing that whole ordeal over.

Kingdom: Steinland (The Five Valleys)
Location: The top left peninsula.

A Description of Steinland:

Where Wynterwood is harsh, filled with perilous mountains, frozen lakes, and bleak ice fissures, Steinland is a picture of ancient rounded mountains, lush river valleys, endless castles and stunning vistas. Bordered to the south by the Karinkar Mountains, and by the Ocean on all others, there is a certain sense of peace and security to be found here.

The name Steinland, or the Five Valleys, comes from those same geological features, though they are not the intense savage mountainscape one might expect. Deep and wide rivers snake down from the mountains and the soaring peaks of the south quickly give way to rolling hills, rounded ancient mountains, and a certain sense of walking into antiquity. The mountains here are old, far older than those of the south, and thousands of years of rain and wind have battered them into a pleasing undulating landscape.

Deep forests are common here, but unlike the Valewald Forest of Myremarke, they are filled with mighty oaks, colourful maples, and delicate aspens. This is a land poets and bards sing of when they bring forth songs of beauty and prosperity.

Castles dot the landscape from small strategic holdings to the massive citadel at Steinbach. The Nobles here fight each other as often as they have external enemies and no lord is to be caught without a formidable redoubt to call home.

The People of Steinland:

Steinlanders are a fair folk, tall, well fed, and great fans of ales, meads, and violent sport. Often considered dour and studious by their neighbours, that is a reputation gained from those who have come from behind the natural barriers that protect these fine people.

Those in Steinland love as much as they fight and the population has remained strong for many years. The abundance of water and resources has allowed for a comfortable lifestyle, even for the peasant classes. It is no surprise then that Steinland considers itself the true heart of the nation.

The Economy of Steinland:

Steinland draws much of its wealth and strength from the Karinkar Mountains, and the ancient mineral deposits found throughout the land. High quality coal and plentiful iron have allowed Steinlanders to make their mark as the finest blacksmiths in the land, producing incredible armour and weapons. It is a true status symbol to be equipped with Steinland plate.

Two major ports, Steinbach and Ostfelsen, allow a steady flow of trade with the rest of the continent, as well as those across the sea. Not lacking for agricultural goods or the bounty of the sea, Steinland is loath to part with much of its homegrown wealth.

Steinbach:
Steinbach is an ancient and soaring city that has spread across the mouth of a major river and up the sides of the mountains that embrace it. Stunning architecture, powerful industry, and a studious, if at times ridiculous people, make this city a true powerhouse in the realm. The finest swordsmen and armour come from this region.

Unlike the frozen hellhole Wyntermills, Steinbach enjoys a mild year round climate with the temperature rarely dropping below freezing while the summers are pleasant and most desirable.

Ostfelsen:
Ostfelsen lies to the north of Steinbach along the coastline and straddles a series of rivers and canals that make it a wonder to visit. Unlike Steinbach, with its heavy industry and love of weaponry, Ostfelsen is popular with craftsman and makers of liquor.

The architecture here is less brutal and formal, allowing it to attract folk from far across the seas as a place of learning and study.

Further Information:
It is an open secret that Steinland considers itself the best part of Dawnhilt. With the death of both Dawnhilts King, and the King of Steinland, it remains to be seen how the Crown Prince will react to the new leadership hopefuls in Wynterwood.

Character: Karl Müller-Hohenstein
Title: Crown Prince of Steinland

Age: 25
Height: 5’8
Description:
Karl was once a tall and proud young man but the injuries he suffered at the hands of pirates has left him bent and twisted. His shaves his head completely, and never permits himself to grow any stubble on his face. His teeth are either gone or broken, painful to the touch. His right leg is bent and gnarled, forcing him to use a cane. Both his feet are badly mangled and angle inward causing him to walk duck footed. His once broad shoulders have shrunk to little more than the that of a youth. His fingers, all broken before healing into a gnarled mess, had to be rebroken when he was rescued, healing again into some approximation of claws.

It is his eyes that still give life to an otherwise piteous being. They are a pure and hate filled black. Like two pools of evil that try to draw you in and drown you.

Notable Traits:
Spymaster: Spies, assassins, mercenaries, all of it falls into Karl's purview and he wields those resources with terrifying skill, both within Steinland and abroad.
Cunning: Those who cannot wield swords, wield words, and Karl has proven himself time and time again to be a skilled negotiator. To those paying any attention, a sudden cessation of local feuds hints at a unification within Steinland.
Useless fighter: Karl couldn't fend off a child.

Personality:
Karl is cunning and cruel on a level that very few people can imagine. The cruelty that he suffered at the hands of pirates following his capture at eighteen left him scared and vengeful. The once handsome and confident young Prince has become a twisted and evil person, driven only be the desire for revenge and to make his enemies suffer as he suffered. Many of those in Steinland, where martial prowess is so highly valued, have come to respect him for his intelligence and common sense. Among the cheerful folk of Steinland, Karl is considered a serious person. He rarely smiles, never laughs, and is known to enjoy inflicting pain on others.

Karl loves one person, his twin sister Michaela. To what extent this love goes is anyones guess, but he dotes on her and she has forever accepted him.

Character: Michaela Müller-Hohenstein
Title: Princess of Steinland

Age: 25
Height: 5’10
Description:

Description:
Michaela stands taller than most women of Steinland with a height of 5'10 with skin so pale that she doesn't bother with whitening it with makeup like most other women and thick hair as red as a sunrise that reaches her lower back. She has a slender, but muscular build, as she trains daily in various combat styles.

As cultural standard demands, Michaela is often stoic, playing the graceful and polite hostess. In more private settings or when provoked, she'll show more raw feelings. When in the field, she'll wear men's clothing over women's, taking comfort and ease of movement over beauty and societal standards. Because of this, she will also have her hair up in a high ponytail, so that is stays out of her face, rather than spend time on some elaborate up-do.

After her brothers capture she began to train in martial skills and wears a longsword and a short stabbing dagger strapped to her hip for most occasions, showing her status to others as a Knight. The only time she is without either of those blades are when she has to be in a formal setting dressed in a flowing dress of green or blue, but she will always have dagger on her person for protection.

Notable Traits:
Artist: Michaela is a talented artist, capable of recreating any scene or object from memory with great detail. As a daughter of a King, she is trained in the proper etiquette and customs of her people.
Average Swordswoman: Michaela had to modify her sword style to accommodate for the fact that most of her opponents would be able to easily strike her down if she relied on strength alone. Thus, she focuses her training on speed and her ability to parry strikes.
Poor Archer: While she can string a bow and nock an arrow, she has poor aim and will often miss the target.
Adept Strategist: While on the field - Michaela is able to analyze the battle in front of her and make decisions accordingly. She shows promise and will flourish under guidance.
Adept equestrian: Kanna has a love for horses and rides well. Her skill in fighting from the saddle is well known.

Personality:
Michaela is a confident young woman and takes after her father in some ways. She is cunning on both the battle field and when dealing with others, often catching her opponents off-guard due to their misogynist views of the capabilities of a woman in a position of power. She has the capacity to be ruthless and will be so when it comes to her twin brother and upholding her father's wishes.

However, underneath it all is a compassionate woman who cares for her people and will try to find a fair middle ground when possible, but only if it doesn't interfere with her father's orders. If one is fair with her, she will respond in kind. Offer anything less, and she will respond with malice. She is not generally swayed by emotions and handles most situations with a calm perspective. After a long demanding days, she enjoys taking a nice hot bath followed by some quiet time with a canvas and some brushes.

Michaela is closest with her twin brother and will do anything for him to a fault. Her biggest fear is to lose her other half on the battlefield and not being able to do anything to stop it. Her next fear is sharing the same fate as her mother, married to a lord who will keep her locked away from the world and all it's wonders. After those two things, there isn't much else she has come to dread on this earth. While Michaela is mostly a calm woman, once she is set off she can have the most terrible temper and act without regard for her own safety or to her limits.

Important Note:
It is largely believed that any future heir to Steinland will come from Michaela. Rumours circulate suggesting that Karl cannot produce any children following his torture.

Name: Talvyrn Amberclad, Heir to and Master Minister of the Grand Duchy of Myremarke
Age: 29
Height: 5'10"
Description:
A serious looking man with sharp green eyes that light with determination and an even sharper gaze fueled by ambition. He has a resting dour look on his face making him look annoyed or disapproving in most cases. He is skinny and lean, a result of living in the Mire as children rarely fatten up, yet a life time of avid hunting through the forests and bogs has made him strong and athletics, letting him move across knee deep water without slowing and pulling back the heaviest warbows Myremarke can make.

Face Claim:
(WIP)

Family Crest: A two-pronged spear flanked by an arrow on each side set on a field of green

Qualities:
- Exceptional archer and hunter, and physically fit as is to be expected of a Myremarke noble
- Appointed Master Minister by his father (effectively the minister of the interior and coin master) and has proven himself more than capable of the role
- Posesses incredible vision and can spot moving objects in the distance
- Known for his focus and determination, a stubborn, single-minded pursuit of a task
- Independant and used to working alone or with very limited outside assistance

Additional Notes:
Typically Myremarke dukes are seen as lazy, apathetic or otherwise very content to just stay in their lane to the point its sometimes a joke by the other kings and nobles. Talvyrn is probably the first Amberclad in at least two centuries to buck the trend and show this kind of drive and ambition to the point some say his father's current illness is actually due to him poisoning him and his late older brother (who died as a child) was killed by Talvyrn to ensure he would be heir. Talvyrn as of right now is content to let those rumors continue mostly to spread his name.

Location: Left most coast on the main continent, under the mountain

Description:
Myremarke is not blessed and counts itself among the poorest of the kingdoms in Dawnhilt, too poor to even be considered kings. It is only through the trade of amber that its ruling family, House Amberclad, sustains itself and its position. Half of the land is taken up the by Fenglan Wetlands, a foggy mess of mud and bog, and the other is taken up by the Valewald Forest, a dark and untamed woodland, with only a sliver of the Karinkar Mountains to carve rock and mine coal from. Only brute determination and clever construction of man made islands and crannogs help keep the realm afloat.

Living up to its name, the Mire is a place where few would willing go without cause yet its people remain, stubbornly holding on to what little they have, determined to make something of it. The Valewald isn't a majestic forest and the Fenglan Wetlands are nearly impossible to traverse in some places but with some clever engineering, the roughest of roads have linked the scattered fortified villages with the largest towns in Myremarke who themselves are seen as some of the smallest on the continent. Due to its foul landscape and fouler reputation, it has become a hotspot for bandits and criminals, fleeing justice by hiding out in the deep woods and swamps, coming out only to prey on the locales.

Culture:

The people of Myremarke are a dour and rugged bunch, widely believed to be hostile to outsiders. This is only partially true as suspicion is more common than outright hostility, mostly as a result of bandits who live in the most remote parts of the Mire. To live in Myremarke is to live a harsher existence than those in the more "civilized" and gentler kingdoms. People sew swamp grain in murky flooded fields, hunt for frogs and boars with spear and bow, harvest peat and bog iron from the wetlands and chop gnarled trees from the forest. For this, Myremarke is seen as being "less civilized", more backwards or even more barbaric than the rest of Dawnhilt with its people living in crude huts and trudging through muddy paths everyday. Yet in this, they take a degree of pride, boast (mostly to themselves) about how they live in a place where most would either give up or die, that their struggle makes them stronger rather than going soft.

Their homeland has also made Myremarke famous for its hunters, trackers and survivalists, naturally trained by virtue of growing up in the Mire. There is also a long tradition of archery where every man, woman and child is expected to be proficient with a bow by law as some of the trees in the Valewald make for excellent bows. Even nobles aren't exempt from this law leading the armies of Myremarke to have very little knightly noble horsemen and many more longbowmen and noble archers to pepper the enemy. The Mirefolk are also more egalitarian than some of their "civilized" neighbors where the same effort and grim determination is expect of men and women out of necessity; there simply too much work and too little time or people to care about who is doing the labor as long as it is done.

Economy:

There is little land that can be cultivated in Myremarke, that few patches that can are often logged with water forcing farmers to grow swamp grain or tangled with roots of trees, forcing them to scatter the seeds of root vegetables in the hopes they will find enough dirt to grow. There are no major ports in Myremarke simply because there isn't enough things of value to trade. Timber from the Valewald is too knotted and gnarled to be used by most carpenters, no one wants to buy swamp peat or bog iron when they have actual coal and iron ore to use instead, the meat from hunted animals is too gamey for outsiders and their furs while warm and waterproof aren't the refined, soft manes favored by others, and there's barely any surplus food to trade away most years. Instead there is only two things of value to that keep Myremarke on the map: Salt and Amber.

While Myremarke is hardly the only place to produce salt, no one else has put so much effort into making so much. Evaporated sea salt takes time and mined out blocks of salt can be expensive but Mirefolk have their own ways of teasing great quantities of salt from the salt marshes kept secret only by the fact few care to travel so deep into the Mire to learn how. Ultimately, once the salt is on the table only the most refined (and snobbish) diner can taste the difference between salt and mire salt. Amber on the other hand is more unique to the land and while some others have trees that can produce amber, Myremarke and House Amberclad has forests of amber. Since the earliest records, use of amber as jewelry or religious items has been common in various parts of the continent. Even today with apothecaries and Wynterwood gems open to sale, Dawnhilt's taste for the warm honeyed amber of Myremarke has never gone away.

Although a largely domestic market, Myremarke's cobblers and shoemakers have created the "Mire Boot" that goes up to the shins and is made of specially treated leather, flax and herbs that makes them warm and more important completely water-proof, a necessity in such a swampy land.

Places:



Further Information:
Myremarke has long been the redheaded stepchild of Dawnhilt, being lead by a series of middling and uninspiring dukes in the best of times. Yet with the death of the king, some speak of the ambition of the heir, seeking to elevate the land (or himself) into prestige and power.