Caldaria is a world of opportunity. A nation divided by six powerful nations, all vying for power. Though they have tasted peace, there is always war to be waged, or to be ready for. And between these six nations are countless people, from the lowliest beggar to the noble warlords, seeking opportunities to advance their well being beyond their station. Be you peasant, merchant, or warrior, there is a life of strife that will challenge you physical and mental abilities. Those who are weak are eaten alive. But those who are cunning and strong, they will prosper and shape the destiny of this world.
There are six major nations that rule parts of Caldaria, and have been in active and cold wars against one another. Some claim rulership of the land thanks to their relationship with the ancient empire that once ruled the contient, while others lay their claims in through their strength and conquests. Each of these nations differ vastly in their culture and means, though ultimately their goals are the same: to defeat one another and conqueror Caldaria.
The Kingdom of Swadia, a nation of knights and counts who are descended from the old Caldaria Empire. They value chivalry and duty, but behind the romanticized courtly romance is a decadent court surrounded by enemies who are all vying for power, and care little for the commonfolk who often suffer in the scheme of nobility.
Their leader is King Harlus. One of the oldest claimants to Caldaria, but his age has not weakened him. Far from it in fact: his elven blood enables him to gather multiple lifetimes of experience, and is one of the most skilled knights in Swadia. However he's well aware that he is surrounded by enemies, and no amount of experience can protect him from being attacked from all sides. He is known to be an affable king who goes out of his way to maintain some semblance of peace, but this very same nature enables more ambitious folk to scheme up into ranks, and Harlus' own desire for peace requires him to stay his hand against the power struggles within his ranks.
The Swadians have one of the best heavy cavalries in the land. Their mounted knights are skilled with the lance and sword, making them a terror on the field of battle. Even their man-at-arms are skilled warriors capable of supporting the knights whether they're on foot or on horseback. However the Swadians are not known for their archers, which they have, but there is more emphasis on swordplay than archery.
Their leader is King Harlus. One of the oldest claimants to Caldaria, but his age has not weakened him. Far from it in fact: his elven blood enables him to gather multiple lifetimes of experience, and is one of the most skilled knights in Swadia. However he's well aware that he is surrounded by enemies, and no amount of experience can protect him from being attacked from all sides. He is known to be an affable king who goes out of his way to maintain some semblance of peace, but this very same nature enables more ambitious folk to scheme up into ranks, and Harlus' own desire for peace requires him to stay his hand against the power struggles within his ranks.
The Swadians have one of the best heavy cavalries in the land. Their mounted knights are skilled with the lance and sword, making them a terror on the field of battle. Even their man-at-arms are skilled warriors capable of supporting the knights whether they're on foot or on horseback. However the Swadians are not known for their archers, which they have, but there is more emphasis on swordplay than archery.
The Rhodok Republic, once a part of the Swadians, had separated to become a republic instead of a monarchy. They espouse freedom and equality for every man and woman, and are stout mountain folk. However for all their talk of freedom, ultimately the one who rules are those who had the strength of arms and wealth to rally the most support, thus luck influences who is important more than actual ability.
They are lead by Dictator Graveth. A controversial leader among the Rhodoks, he began the Dictator when he assumed power when the amassed nobility of the Rhodoks were going to be captured or executed by a Swadian Warband. Despite their laws forbidding weapons during royal meetings, he arrived armed and armored and demanded that they make him ruler, or he would let them be slaughtered by their ancestral enemy. Despite his heavy-handed means of taking command, ultimately he proved that his means were correct, and was able to ward off the invading swadians and ensured the Rhodok's prosperity remained. A harsh but fair leader, he truly does reward those by their strength, and cares little if they are rich or poor, noble or craven. He cares only for their deeds and actions.
The Rhodoks are well suited to fight in mountainous terrains, boasting some of the strongest spearmen in the land. Whether they're fighting with long pikes or using spears and stout shields, they're capable of holding the line against all manner of threats. But what is more dangerous than their spearmen are their sharpshooters: armed with powerful arbalests, their crossbows can pierce through even the hardest of plate mail, making their already indomitable mountains nearly impassable to anything that would dare encroach on their lands. But their lands don't lend them to raise horses suitable for cavalry, making them rely on slow and tough formations instead of hard hitting and mobile armies.
They are lead by Dictator Graveth. A controversial leader among the Rhodoks, he began the Dictator when he assumed power when the amassed nobility of the Rhodoks were going to be captured or executed by a Swadian Warband. Despite their laws forbidding weapons during royal meetings, he arrived armed and armored and demanded that they make him ruler, or he would let them be slaughtered by their ancestral enemy. Despite his heavy-handed means of taking command, ultimately he proved that his means were correct, and was able to ward off the invading swadians and ensured the Rhodok's prosperity remained. A harsh but fair leader, he truly does reward those by their strength, and cares little if they are rich or poor, noble or craven. He cares only for their deeds and actions.
The Rhodoks are well suited to fight in mountainous terrains, boasting some of the strongest spearmen in the land. Whether they're fighting with long pikes or using spears and stout shields, they're capable of holding the line against all manner of threats. But what is more dangerous than their spearmen are their sharpshooters: armed with powerful arbalests, their crossbows can pierce through even the hardest of plate mail, making their already indomitable mountains nearly impassable to anything that would dare encroach on their lands. But their lands don't lend them to raise horses suitable for cavalry, making them rely on slow and tough formations instead of hard hitting and mobile armies.
The Kingdom of Nords are hardy seafaring folk who are no stranger to warfare. With strong shields and sharp axes they have carved out a home for themselves against all enemies, and among the many factions they are considered to have one of the strongest armies. However they're so focused on military might that their economy is practically reliant on raiding and slavery, with many of it's citizenship being thralls or at best, freemen who are too feeble to be warriors.
King Ragnar commands the Nords and it's people. A mighty warrior among a culture of warriors, and arguably one of the strongest fighters among the claimants. However only the foolish and ignorant would think that his strength would mean a lack of intelligence: Ragnar is a skilled warrior both in the field of battle and a cunning tactician, knowing his limits and surrounding himself with people who can make up for his deficiencies. His inner circle ensures that his nation can thrive despite the harshness of their land, however that same reliance on those people mean that should Ragnar lack council, his decisions could lead him to defeat.
The Nords employ axemen who's blades split shields and sunder armor alike. Their own armor is stout and strong, capable of withstanding punishment from both weapons and nature. Eager to shed blood, Nord warriors charge into battle in massive shield walls to crush their enemies beneath their feet. Their signature axes take on two forms: their long axes which they use to chop their foes in twain, and their throwing axes which can kill a man with a single throw. This enables their foot soldiers to be a threat from both up close and afar, however this specialization means that they lack dedicated ranged troops or notable cavalry.
King Ragnar commands the Nords and it's people. A mighty warrior among a culture of warriors, and arguably one of the strongest fighters among the claimants. However only the foolish and ignorant would think that his strength would mean a lack of intelligence: Ragnar is a skilled warrior both in the field of battle and a cunning tactician, knowing his limits and surrounding himself with people who can make up for his deficiencies. His inner circle ensures that his nation can thrive despite the harshness of their land, however that same reliance on those people mean that should Ragnar lack council, his decisions could lead him to defeat.
The Nords employ axemen who's blades split shields and sunder armor alike. Their own armor is stout and strong, capable of withstanding punishment from both weapons and nature. Eager to shed blood, Nord warriors charge into battle in massive shield walls to crush their enemies beneath their feet. Their signature axes take on two forms: their long axes which they use to chop their foes in twain, and their throwing axes which can kill a man with a single throw. This enables their foot soldiers to be a threat from both up close and afar, however this specialization means that they lack dedicated ranged troops or notable cavalry.
The Khergit Khanate live among the massive steppes of Caldaria, and many of it's people are some of the world's best horsemen and archers in the land. In tuned with nature and their beasts, even among the hostile steppes they find prosperity. They don't have many permanent cities and most villages consist of nomadic clans, but they still manage to thrive, but at a cost. In the lands they live it is survival of the fittest, with no mercy for the weak and feeble, and kindness is rarer than gold.
The Khergit ultimately follow the orders of Sanjar Khan. A hunter, warrior, and leader of men, he knows what it means to be a Khergit and has united the many tribes under his command because of his ability to unite everyone towards a common enemy. His ability to influence other leaders through sophistry and words are equal to his ability in battle, where he can coordinate his massive horse-back army with the skill of an artist. However his ability as a commander hides the fact that Sanjar is not quite as good of a warrior as those who fight for him, and his distance from the front lines brings his courage into question.
The Khergit are the best horsemen in Caldaria, bar none. Their lancers are faster and stronger than tigers, and their archers can and do snipe down all manner of prey while galloping fully on their horses, be it rabbits on the run or soldiers in the midst of battle. Practically every Khergit warrior is born to ride a horse and learns to master the horse as they train. This enables their army to be highly mobile, striking hard and fast, and their hardy lifestyle ensures they can maintain supply lines despite how quickly they move. However without their horses, the Khergit are not great foot soldiers. They do their best when they have speed on their side, not standing their ground and taking hits like a rock.
The Khergit ultimately follow the orders of Sanjar Khan. A hunter, warrior, and leader of men, he knows what it means to be a Khergit and has united the many tribes under his command because of his ability to unite everyone towards a common enemy. His ability to influence other leaders through sophistry and words are equal to his ability in battle, where he can coordinate his massive horse-back army with the skill of an artist. However his ability as a commander hides the fact that Sanjar is not quite as good of a warrior as those who fight for him, and his distance from the front lines brings his courage into question.
The Khergit are the best horsemen in Caldaria, bar none. Their lancers are faster and stronger than tigers, and their archers can and do snipe down all manner of prey while galloping fully on their horses, be it rabbits on the run or soldiers in the midst of battle. Practically every Khergit warrior is born to ride a horse and learns to master the horse as they train. This enables their army to be highly mobile, striking hard and fast, and their hardy lifestyle ensures they can maintain supply lines despite how quickly they move. However without their horses, the Khergit are not great foot soldiers. They do their best when they have speed on their side, not standing their ground and taking hits like a rock.
Kingdom of Vaegirs live in a frozen tundra and have some of the beast archers in the land, with mighty hunters who are said to be stronger than the bears and beasts that live in their woods. With strong hearts and strong bodies they're able to bring life to a lifeless land and it's people are proud of what they can do. However that pride has it's costs. The people of the Vaegir are often divided among their villages, all fighting for scares resources even when they should try to cooperate. It's largely thanks to the hostile environment that protects the Vaegirs from outside threats, but that itself won't be enough if it's own people destroy each other first.
King Yaroglek is one of the younger rulers among the six main claimants, having inherited leadership from his father, the previous king. Having trained among the Vaegir elite he knows the hardship of his people and has worked tirelessly to improved their lives, making him well loved by both commoner, soldier, and noble alike. He is a skilled fighter and his youth and skill makes him a dangerous foe even against the more experienced warrior. However it could be said his kindness is his ultimate weakness: much of the improvements he's made to his people has come out of his own coffers, and his relative inexperience makes him easy to anger whenever his people or his country is threaten and insulted.
The lands of the Vaegir are full of mighty and deadly beasts, ones who can rip apart an armored knights with their claws and fangs. Thus, many of their warriors are trained to fight from afar with bows and polearms, and the Vaegir archer is especially deadly. Armed with a deadly bardiche and a powerful longbow, these soldiers can stare down all manner of monsters and men up close, or drop them with a single arrow from half a mile away. Their horsemen are no slouches either, as they rely on some of the fastest steeds to strike as hard as lightning. However as most of their equipment comes from beasts or the woods, they cannot spend much of their precious metal on armor, only weapons, thus the Vaegirs must end their battles quickly and decisively. Anything else means defeat.
King Yaroglek is one of the younger rulers among the six main claimants, having inherited leadership from his father, the previous king. Having trained among the Vaegir elite he knows the hardship of his people and has worked tirelessly to improved their lives, making him well loved by both commoner, soldier, and noble alike. He is a skilled fighter and his youth and skill makes him a dangerous foe even against the more experienced warrior. However it could be said his kindness is his ultimate weakness: much of the improvements he's made to his people has come out of his own coffers, and his relative inexperience makes him easy to anger whenever his people or his country is threaten and insulted.
The lands of the Vaegir are full of mighty and deadly beasts, ones who can rip apart an armored knights with their claws and fangs. Thus, many of their warriors are trained to fight from afar with bows and polearms, and the Vaegir archer is especially deadly. Armed with a deadly bardiche and a powerful longbow, these soldiers can stare down all manner of monsters and men up close, or drop them with a single arrow from half a mile away. Their horsemen are no slouches either, as they rely on some of the fastest steeds to strike as hard as lightning. However as most of their equipment comes from beasts or the woods, they cannot spend much of their precious metal on armor, only weapons, thus the Vaegirs must end their battles quickly and decisively. Anything else means defeat.
The Sarranid Sultanate, a nation to the south that are a newcomer to Caldaria. Crossing the vast desert that once blocked off most of Caldaria from the southern end of there continent, the Sarranids have created a vast nation built around oasis, and they are considered one of the more advanced nations in terms of technology, with such wonders such as plumbing and astrology enabling them to accomplish accomplish things that most other nations could only consider to be magic. However the rule of the Sultanate is absolute, and anyone who lives under him is his servant, no matter what your own desires are.
Sultan Hakim is the absolute ruler of the Sarranid Sultanate. Once part of a vast empire to the south, the Hakim lead his people north when the empire began to break apart due to internal disputes. The exodus north was harsh, but those who followed him learned that Hakim is a wise and strong leader, willing to put himself on the front lines to prove his dedication to the people. Whether he needs to raise his blade against bandits or share his food with the poor, Hakim is not a craven of a man. He is, however something of a tyrant. He has no patience for dissenters and no mercy towards anyone who dares raise their weapon against him. The old empire and the trials Hakim had to withstand taking his people to these lands has made him cold, distant, and almost inhuman.
The Sarranids are lightly armored but hard hitting warriors, be it on foot or on horseback. Favoring maces and hammers alongside their scimitars, they're frightfully effective against the heavier armored warriors of Caldaria, and even they are one of the only factions who employ the rare compound bow, a weapon that requires much strength from it's user, but in returns gives much strength to the arrows it releases. Overall their army is fairly balanced between their foot soldiers, cavalry, and archers, but with an emphasis on power over durability.
Sultan Hakim is the absolute ruler of the Sarranid Sultanate. Once part of a vast empire to the south, the Hakim lead his people north when the empire began to break apart due to internal disputes. The exodus north was harsh, but those who followed him learned that Hakim is a wise and strong leader, willing to put himself on the front lines to prove his dedication to the people. Whether he needs to raise his blade against bandits or share his food with the poor, Hakim is not a craven of a man. He is, however something of a tyrant. He has no patience for dissenters and no mercy towards anyone who dares raise their weapon against him. The old empire and the trials Hakim had to withstand taking his people to these lands has made him cold, distant, and almost inhuman.
The Sarranids are lightly armored but hard hitting warriors, be it on foot or on horseback. Favoring maces and hammers alongside their scimitars, they're frightfully effective against the heavier armored warriors of Caldaria, and even they are one of the only factions who employ the rare compound bow, a weapon that requires much strength from it's user, but in returns gives much strength to the arrows it releases. Overall their army is fairly balanced between their foot soldiers, cavalry, and archers, but with an emphasis on power over durability.
Character Sheet:
[b]Name[/b]:
[b]Appearance[/b]:
[b]Race[/b]:
[b]Age[/b]:
[b]Homeland[/b]:
[b]History[/b]:
[b]Skills[/b]:
[b]Equipment[/b]:
[b]Other[/b]:@EmyBear8913
A bit bare bones, but I expanded more about the six nations. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Take your time with posts too, I tend to be a bit slow with 1x1, though if the whimsy strikes I could respond multiple times a day too. Just depends on the mood tbh.
