Old Glory (GoT-styled RP in a post apoc medieval USA)

[ClocktowerEchos]

O L D G L O R Y

They say that in the ancient times, before the Reckoning that destroyed the Earth, America had an empire that stretched from sea to shining sea, horizon to endless horizon. The Founders chose the President-King who in turn sent out armies of knights and legions of bards to spread their influence across the seas and even into the stars. Now, we're all that's left. Five kingdoms all claiming to be the heirs of an empire none of us really know much about.

I pity Old America; I'd hate for her to have to see what's become of her children.

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PREMISE

Welcome to Old Glory aka "Game of Thrones but in a post apoc America based on the mod After the End for CK2". The idea is to have a sort of collective story where the adventure is in the journey and not really the end. As such, while I expect (and sort of encourage) the things and tones of GoT, none of it should ever be a sudden surprise and everyone should know what's going to happen; secrets are only in character, not out. Working together to build a connected world and all those good relationships is what I'd like to aim for. Also 18+ because politics and intrigue and war are rarely PG-13 and I don't intent to bowdlerize them too much.

Beyond GoT's stuff, the other big theme is America, or namely how its been misconstrued in this new world as you can see above. It has been at least a thousand years since the Five Kingdoms were united into one with at least a few hundred years of post apocalyptic stuff before that. Which means no guns, electricity, etc. If you are wondering why, its because like After the End, this is mostly to get a very medieval America.

I want at least four/five players to play as the major houses that would rule each of the five kingdoms, once those are filled other people can join in as either cadet branches, vassal houses or other characters within those major houses. Lore is listed below, I have more ideas but I'll add more based on interest. Character sheets will also come at a later date with enough interest or time. I'm aiming for this RP to be "high casual", there's a lot of lore and thought going on in the background but your actual posts don't need to be novellas, just enough to work with/get the point across.

The main plot is still up in the air but there is going to be an inciting incident to kickstart the RP. Right now ideas are ranging from the death of a large portion of the Ivory Throne's line of succession to a mad king to some kind of rebellion, either before, during or after.

Discord here.

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LORE

The main setting is the Five Kingdoms located in what's known in-character as "Atlantica". Each is ruled by monarchy who all swear loyalty to the Ivory Throne in Washentown. They each claim legacy from America or some part of it. The main faith in the Five Kingdoms is the Faith of the Founders, a deification of the Founding Fathers into a sort of polytheist pantheon.

The Five Crowns

The Northern Marches is made of the New England states as well as New York and portions of northern Pennsylvania; known in shorthand as "Yankee", "the March" or "the North". They boast a strong industry of fishing, whaling and forestry among others and commonly viewed as having a cold exterior with a warmer interior and being more superstitious of the paranormal, sometimes to the point of heresy. As the northern most kingdom, they regularly deal with the Prince and Princesses of Quebecois and the Ursuline Church and while usually on good terms, the North has been the target of more than a few Ursuline crusades, once having even been completely conquered. Their bastards are given the surname of Frost.

The Old Dominion is made of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and parts of North Carolina; also called "Keystone", "the Midlands" or just "the Dominion". They are often seen as the capital realm of the Five Kingdoms and one of its breadbaskets for wheat and livestock as well as having the second strongest mining economy in the realm. It comes as no surprise that many "Dominioners" are seen as self righteous and self important, often being the first to intervene in another kingdom's affairs for better or for worse. As the White Palace and the Ivory Throne are located within its borders, those who control the Old Dominion and more specifically the ancient city of Washentown are often the rulers of the Five Kingdoms. Their bastards are called Woods.

The Lakelands is made of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconson; sometimes referred to as either "the Great Lakes" or "Laurentinia". Many outside the Lakelands believe that Lakelanders are immune to the cold, very polite (although "polite" doesn't always mean "nice") and more than a little warlike due to the regular raids from the Canuck Wintermen from across the Great Lakes. While they farm and craft like any other, the Lakeland is known for one thing: Marine at Arms. Sworn knights specialized in river and water-based combat, it is Lakelanders who make up most of the Mississippi Water Watch and fight the Wintermen or the Ursuline when needed. Their bastards are called Rivers.

Appalachia is made of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, southern bits of the Great Lake states and the northern bits of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi; they're called "the Great Mountains" or (more derisively), "Hillmen". While outsiders see them as simple minded, Appalachians see themselves as industrious, hearty and loyal for as children they are taught to never break an oath once made and to never take oaths lightly. They mostly keep to themselves in their clan hillocks and mountain villages and mine the bounty beneath the earth for metals and coal while also making some of the finest alcohol in the Five Kingdoms. Of which they often like to use in battle as fire bombs against the Ozark Tribes who sometimes raid across the river. Their bastards are called Stone.

The Sunbelt is made of the states of Florida and the southern portions of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina; some call them "the South", "Dixon" or "the Stormlands" for the hurricanes that sometimes arrives in the area. Of all the kingdoms, the Sunbelt takes honor and chivalry the most serious, its knights are held to a strict code that is beyond what most of the other kingdoms demand. And while their love of family is sometimes overexaggerated, it is true that to a Sunbelter, duty to the family is more important than duty to others which sometimes results in maddeningly no-win scenarios. The finest warhorses come from the south, and they grow rich on farming and trade with the Carib kingdoms to their south. They also boast the most impressive castle in the realm, that of Cinderrel Castle. Their bastards are called Sun.

Faith of the Founders

The Faith of the Founders (also known as Founderism, Americanism or just the Founders) is the primary faith of the Five Kingdoms. According to Congressional Canon, the Founders first found the world while sailing through the stairs and created America to enact their will. Priest and priestesses are called "Representatives" as they represent the will of the Founders on earth and the high ranking Representative is called the Speaker for the Founders speak through them. Collectively the clergy is known as the "Congress" and the temples to the Founders are also called Congresses. There are five officially recognized Founders along with the Champions who represented them in Old America.

The Six Divine Founders

Washington, the Father is considered to be the King of the Founders who delegates his power to both other Founders and mortal men. He is the Founder of honor, honesty, virtue and. He has no Champions as the everyone from the common lowfolk to the President-King are supposed to embody his ideals.

Lincoln, the Liberator is considered to the the Founder of change, commoners and laborers. He is very popular among the peasantry but less so among the upper class with many invoking his name when confronting unjust lords and unfair decrees. His champions are King Martin and Prince Kennedy, both great nobles who were martyred in his service.

Roosevelt, the Warrior is the Founder of battle, courage, nature and expansion and is considered the patrons of soldiers. Antlers are considered his holy symbol and thus many professional soldiers often carry a trinket of antler or animal bone in the hopes of gaining his strength in battle. His champions were Master MacArthur, who conquered the seas for America, and Cathay the Maid, a woman who disguised herself as a man to become a Rough Rider Knight.

Jefferson, the Scribe is the Fonder of writing, law, bards and community. His likeness is often found before the gates of a town and his statues and busts are the second most popular ones installed in town squares and meeting places after Founder Washington. His champions were Marquis Twain, a noble playwright, and Earnest of Hemmingway, a lowborn playwright.

Lady Liberty, the Guardian is the Founder of defense, women and the poor. Like Lincoln she is often seen to be popular among the lower classes but unlike him, she is also found near noble castles and upon house banners. Where as the previous four were said to have been first discovered upon a cliff face beyond the Mississippi, the monument to Lady Liberty was found in the harbor of Yorick. Where as Roosevelt expanded America, it was Lady Liberty who defended it and its people. Her Champions were Norton the First, a mad but devoted emperor, and Lord Monroe who saw to extend the guardianship of Lady Liberty beyond America's borders to its neighbors.

Franklin, the Inventor is the Founder of innovation, knowledge and tradesmen. It is said that he created the wonders of Old America that the faithful used in their crusades against the Red Demon and the Black Shadow. Scholars pray to him for inspiration while smiths invoke his name while working metal and any good tutor worth their salt has a medallion of his lenses on them. His Champions are Edison Lightbringer, who illuminated the darkness, and Maiden Airheart who flew across the world on wings of iron. However, some believe that Edison is a false champion and instead praise one known as Tesla of the East as his champion instead.

Zealots of the faith are called Patriots and holy order knights are often called Patriot Legion Knights. The main force which opposes the Founders are the insidious forces of the Red Demon and the Black Shadow, lead by the Arch-Traitor Benedict, who was cast out of Heaven for betraying the Founders. July 4th is a holy day known as Ascention Day, where it is believed the Founders ascended to heaven and left behind a line of great President-Kings to rule in their place. Lords and kings are coronated in the name of the Founders, sometimes all of them, sometimes just one (most often Washington).

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FAQ

Questions and Answers

Q: Why are there no guns and electrity and other modern stuff?
A: For themeatic reasons and just like in After the End, its just a justification to have knights in plate armor running around in a somewhat familiar setting of America.

Q: What about other modern ideas, beliefs, thoughts, etc?
A: Same as above, keep that medieval low fantasy theme.

Q: What do you mean by low fantasy?
A: Again, think of GoT, "magic" doesn't really exist according to most people who believe magic died with Old America. However you still have stuff like near-magical not!Valyrian swords, one on one duels in combat, questing, "magical" creatures/monsters that are actually just mutants and everyone speaking the same language.

Q: What exists beyond the Five Kingdoms?
A: The Mississippi River divides "civilization" from the rest of America which most believe to be filled with wandering nomads and petty tribal kings among vast stretches of nothingness but there are rumors of a "Celestial Empire of California" in the west filled with riches and wonders. Only a few have made the journey and even fewer have returned. Canada is divided up between the Canuck Wintermen tribes and the Quebecois Princes along with the Ursuline Church. To the south there is the Carib islands rich for trade and then the kingdoms of Mextiqa. Rumors say that even further south there is an empire born from the jungles that never truly fell during the Reckoning.

Q: Can I play as these? Why are we limited to east of the Mississippi?
A: No you can't play as them, they're basically world building and fleshing out. If you're in the northern kingdoms you could have had some ties to Canada like blood or relationship or trade, ditto with the southern kingdoms and the Caribbean. I'm limiting the playable area to keep things focused on one area and the conflict within it.

Q: What happens to cities and other major constructions? How long as it been since the Reckoning?
A: Its been close to 2,000 years since the end of the world happened. The only thing that might remain of a city or high way would be especially stony ground filled with concrete and asphalt. Of course, new cities have been built on the remains or ruins and still serve as major centers.

Q: Why did you spell Washington as "Wasentown"?
A: Something I want to try out and I'm not fully on board with just yet. Basically it would be changing names to show that their original names have degraded over the years. So New York might become Yorik, Atlanta might become Atalana, Richmond might become Rikmount and so on. In addition you might have new phrases or words like "gunning" someone would just mean "to kill from range", baseball would become strikeball, football could become bloodbowl, President could mean "high king", and a jayfekayer might mean "an assassin" among other things.

Q: I am from one of the irl areas of the Five Kingdoms/I have lore ideas I'd like to contribute, can I do that?
A: Yes! Please! Do contribute your own lore whether that before for interactions between Houses, possible history, local customs or whatever. I wrote this mostly based on stereotypes I could find and stuff from After the End.

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CS Stuff

House CS code

[b]House Name:[/b] (Self explanatory, just don't use the bastard names for a region.)
[b]House Words:[/b] (The slogan, motto or catchphrase that describes your house or its values.)
[b]Coat of Arms:[/b] (Pictures or words, doesn't have to be complex.)

[b]Seat:[/b] (Where is their main seat of power/castle? Can be region or old state/city.)
[b]Titles:[/b]
[list][*] (Crowns of the five kingdoms are called "Lords/Ladies" as they are all sworn to the King. Lord is also used to refer to whatever castles they control.)
[*](The title of Sovereign is equivalent to Duke and Governor of an area, typically based upon a state of Old America.)
[*](More honorific titles like "Wardens of the North" and "Chamberlin of the Mountains" are given out in recognition of service or achievement.)[/list]
[b]History:[/b] (Short bit on the backstory of your house, are they an old, established lineage or an upstart cadet branch?)

[b]Head:[/b] (Who is the head of the family at the moment? Just a name and maybe titles or epithets, don't describe them here.)
[b]Heirloom:[/b] (Every great house has at least one valued artifact from a mythic weapon to a crown to something exotic. Try not to have too many.)
[b]Traits:[/b] (What are some common traits in your house, physical or personality wise?)

[b]Misc: [/b] (Other stuff you want to put down like traditions, alliances, rivalries, historic claims, cadet branches, vassal houses, number of living members, etc.)
[b]Quote:[/b] (An in character summary quote that should be about your house and how people perceive them, can be an outsider or a member of the house. Entirely optional but fun.)

House CS example: House Ironwit

House Name: House Ironwit
House Words: "Strength beyond arms"
Coat of Arms: The golden Bell of Liberation of the Founders on a blue background (the Liberty Bell).

Seat: The Old Dominion, Washington, the White Palace
Titles:

• King-President of Atlantica
• Sovereign of Maryland
• Protector of the Realm
• Lord of the White Palace
• Lord of Seiyah

History: House Ironwit has ruled over the Five Kingdoms for nearly three centuries, taking the throne from House Deveram. They claim to be descendants from Jefferson Ironwit, Spymaster of King Maximall Deveram and Lord of Seiyah who took the throne after King Maximall went mad. Jefferson in turn claimed lineage from noble house of Old America that survived the Reckoning.

Head: King Franklin "Four Finger" Ironwit
Heirloom: The Crown of Atlantica, "Truth" the Axe of Founder Washington, Fragments of the First Declaration
Traits: Ironwits are usually known to have straight brown hair, piercing eyes and the ability to talk like a walking book, never lying but making liberal use of half-truths and technicalities.

Misc:

• As King-President, every year they make a "State of the Realm Adress" before all of the assembled lords of the Five Kingdoms.
• They have two major cadet branches, House Ironwit-Verna in the Sunbelt and House Ironwit-Shore in the North.
• After a civil war between the house for the Ivory Throne, half the house was banished across the river. Legends say that those banished became the Windstorm Kings and that they seek to one day reclaim their throne.
• Most of the house is actually lactose intolerant or "milk shunned".

Quote:
"Careful what you say about the Ironwits lad, they say even the shadows listen on their behalf. Some claim that the last Deveram king went mad not because of the voices in his head, but the voices in the shadows."
- Minor lord to their heir

"The Iron in Ironwit is not hyperbole, for it takes men of iron will and great ability to rule. Lesser folks will claim power corrupts. Power only corrupts if you are weak enough to let you. Our reign has proven thus for only has two of our numbers ever succumbed to that temptation. And none ruled long enough to produce an heir. We have made sure of it, personally.
- An Ironwit King to an unnamed Lord

Character Sheet

Name: (Use whatever title would announce your presence if you were to go to a feast or tournament.)
Age: (Duh. The oldest people live to now a days is about 65-ish, 16-18 is considered adult depending on where you are and you can drink, marry and fight starting at that age.)
Sex: (Duh)

Appearance:
(What do they look like? Most fashion is a medieval version modern clothing made of cotton, flax, wool or leather. Local fashion might also influence things like the Old Dominion using a colonial-style of dress, Appalachian nobles might still wear rugged worker-ish clothes and the northern nobles may like fur lined rough weather cloaks while the south wears lighter and more breathable fabrics.)

Lineage: (Their parentage and what houses they descend from. While patrilineal inheritance is most common, matrilineal inheritance isn't uncommon especially for houses with powerful women or female founders.)
Background:
(Short history of major events that shaped their lives and what they've been doing up until now.)

Personality Traits:
(Their personality but in traits instead of long sentences. They are what they MOST OFTEN display, think like traits in CK3 if you've played that game. It should be obvious that they will not like people with opposite traits: cynical vs zealous, kind vs cruel, just vs arbitrary, brave vs cowardly, etc.)

Ambitions:
(The goals of your character, their driving motives.)

Achievements:
(Major personal achievements like increasing revenue, slaying a great beast or monster, fighting in a battle, dueling a known champion, establishing a new trade route or treaty.)

Relationships:
(This can include family, marriages, friendships, rivalries, etc. Talk with other players to see if you can connect your houses and characters with each other!)

Misc:
(Other stuff you'd want to put in like habits, mannerisms, fears, personal belongings, etc)

Example Character: President King Franklin Ironwit

Name: President-King Franklin Ironwit, Protector of the Realm
Age: 51
Sex: Male

Appearance:
Franklin Ironwit is a well aged man with old eyes and a white beard. He is no longer the energetic young man he once was but has morphed into a wise, if not slightly arrogant, king. While once he lived in his armor, he now wears mostly fabrics of Sunbelt cotton and Northern furs, woven into colonial-style jackets. As is custom within the Old Dominion, he wears a white wig under the Tricorn Crown of the Five Kingdoms. He carries a walking stick made of Brazilwood with the symbol of Founder Roosevelt on it.

Lineage: Father was Jefferson Ironwit II and his Mother was from House Lostpine, Sovereigns of Maine
Background:
Franklin Ironwit was raised as many Ironwits are by private tutors in Wasentown. Much of his formative years was within the halls of the White Palace on in the surrounding town. At age 19 he joined his aunt in the defense of Appalachia when the Ozark tribesmen launched an invasion over the river, driving them off and slaying three pagan champions in single combat. When he was 23, he was wed to a woman from a lesser house to cement an alliance, siring two boys and a girl with her. Now however, he is becoming ill from old age or some old wound and despite his vigor, the constant flow of doctors, apothecaries and alchemists in and out of the White Palace is a worrying sign as he does his best to make sure his youngest son Alexander will inherit the throne instead of the older but more volatile George.

Personality Traits:
- Dutiful
- Arrogant
- Honest
- Stubborn

Ambitions:
- Maintain the position and prestige of House Ironwit
- Keep the realm at peace
- Make sure his youngest son gets the throne instead of the less capable eldest son

Achievements:
- Made a truce with the Ursuline Church, preventing another Crusade into the North

Relationships
- Has two sons, George and Alexander. Alexander is the younger and the favored heir while George is the older but less capable (and stable) son
- Married to _____ of House _____, cementing an alliance with them.
- Has two sisters, both married off to other houses. Had a brother but he was killed in a "hunting accident".
- (More to be added?)

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Claims

@Nallore of House Forgefyre, the Steel Lady of the Old Dominion
@Infinite Cosmos of House Brewer, Lord the Lakelands
@DX3214, Lord of the Sunbelt
@Paradoxial of House Delver, Lord of Appalachia
- The Northern Marches

[Nallore]

This looks interesting

[ClocktowerEchos]

@Nallore Thanks, any ideas of what you want to play?

[Infinite Cosmos]

Interested. Will definitely keep a look out for this.

[ClocktowerEchos]

Here is the House CS. You don't have to follow this format exactly, you just need to have the information displayed.
Character CS to come soon.

House CS code

[b]House Name:[/b] (Self explanatory, just don't use the bastard names for a region.)
[b]House Words:[/b] (The slogan, motto or catchphrase that describes your house or its values.)
[b]Coat of Arms:[/b] (Pictures or words, doesn't have to be complex.)

[b]Seat:[/b] (Where is their main seat of power/castle? Can be region or old state/city.)
[b]Titles:[/b]
[list][*] (Crowns of the five kingdoms are called "Lords/Ladies" as they are all sworn to the King. Lord is also used to refer to whatever castles they control.)
[*](The title of Sovereign is equivalent to Duke and Governor of an area, typically based upon a state of Old America.)
[*](More honorific titles like "Wardens of the North" and "Chamberlin of the Mountains" are given out in recognition of service or achievement.)[/list]
[b]History:[/b] (Short bit on the backstory of your house, are they an old, established lineage or an upstart cadet branch?)

[b]Head:[/b] (Who is the head of the family at the moment? Just a name and maybe titles or epithets, don't describe them here.)
[b]Heirloom:[/b] (Every great house has at least one valued artifact from a mythic weapon to a crown to something exotic. Try not to have too many.)
[b]Traits:[/b] (What are some common traits in your house, physical or personality wise?)

[b]Misc: [/b] (Other stuff you want to put down like traditions, alliances, rivalries, historic claims, cadet branches, vassal houses, number of living members, etc.)
[b]Quote:[/b] (An in character summary quote that should be about your house and how people perceive them, can be an outsider or a member of the house. Entirely optional but fun.)

House CS example: House Ironwit

House Name: House Ironwit
House Words: "Strength beyond arms"
Coat of Arms: The golden Bell of Liberation of the Founders on a blue background (the Liberty Bell).

Seat: The Old Dominion, Washington, the White Palace
Titles:

• King-President of Atlantica
• Sovereign of Maryland
• Lord of the White Palace
• Lord of Seiyah

History: House Ironwit has ruled over the Five Kingdoms for nearly three centuries, taking the throne from House Deveram. They claim to be descendants from Jefferson Ironwit, Spymaster of King Maximall Deveram and Lord of Seiyah who took the throne after King Maximall went mad. Jefferson in turn claimed lineage from noble house of Old America that survived the Reckoning.

Head: King Franklin "Four Finger" Ironwit
Heirloom: The Crown of Atlantica, "Truth" the Axe of Founder Washington, Fragments of the First Declaration
Traits: Ironwits are usually known to have straight brown hair, piercing eyes and the ability to talk like a walking book, never lying but making liberal use of half-truths and technicalities.

Misc:

• As King-President, every year they make a "State of the Realm Adress" before all of the assembled lords of the Five Kingdoms.
• They have two major cadet branches, House Ironwit-Verna in the Sunbelt and House Ironwit-Shore in the North.
• After a civil war between the house for the Ivory Throne, half the house was banished across the river. Legends say that those banished became the Windstorm Kings and that they seek to one day reclaim their throne.
• Most of the house is actually lactose intolerant or "milk shunned".

Quote:
"Careful what you say about the Ironwits lad, they say even the shadows listen on their behalf. Some claim that the last Deveram king went mad not because of the voices in his head, but the voices in the shadows."
- Minor lord to their heir

"The Iron in Ironwit is not hyperbole, for it takes men of iron will and great ability to rule. Lesser folks will claim power corrupts. Power only corrupts if you are weak enough to let you. Our reign has proven thus for only has two of our numbers ever succumbed to that temptation. And none ruled long enough to produce an heir. We have made sure of it, personally.
- An Ironwit King to an unnamed Lord

[Infinite Cosmos]

@ClocktowerEchosI would like to play someone from the house whose seat is in the Lakelands, as that is closest to where I'm actually from.

Can you enlighten me as to what the house name would be and their words/sigils and such? Unless you would like me to create it.

[ClocktowerEchos]

@ClocktowerEchosI would like to play someone from the house whose seat is in the Lakelands, as that is closest to where I'm actually from.

Can you enlighten me as to what the house name would be and their words/sigils and such? Unless you would like me to create it.

@Infinite Cosmos

Those are all things for you to create! If you have local wisdom as to what they'd be like (mixed with what they're currently like in the setting) that would be grand.

Oh also, do you have discord by chance?

[Infinite Cosmos]

@ClocktowerEchosOk. I'll do my best with that.

Also, yes. I do. You have a server link?

[ClocktowerEchos]

@Infinite Cosmos Its in the OP under the premise but here it is again: https://discord.gg/QFMgSQtT

[Infinite Cosmos]

House Brewer of the Lakelands

House Name:House Brewer
House Words:"Praise be the Harvest"
Coat of Arms: A golden frond of wheat, on a background of blue (Pantone 2905 U, to be specific)

Seat: The Lakelands, "Chicago", Citadel of the Lakes (Old Shedd Aquarium)
Titles:

• Lord of the Lakelands
• Sovereign of Illinois
• Warden of the Great Lakes
• Marine Masters of the Mississippi

History: House Brewer, or rather, the Brewers, has been around for ages. The Brewers have always served the old lord in the North, working as laborers and occasionally men at arms. Over the centuries, Brewer men have always worked hard and, when necessary, fought bravely. However, even with their hardy nature and tireless work ethic, the Brewer's as a house did not amount to much.

Until one faithful campaign.

The lands to the West of the Lakelands, namely Minnestar and the Dako Plains, were considered strategically important and some were even fertile farm lands. The old lords in the North oft waged wars against the tribes in the North to seize the lands for themselves and the kingdom as a whole. These campaigns were mostly successful, but often at the cost of men and war beasts alike. One campaign, aptly named "War of Grains" saw the lords of the North, along with Brewer men at arms, wage a costly war against the tribes of Minnestar. On the morn of the decisive battle, one Camden Brewer was a common man at arms, fighting under the banner of lords of the north. The battle raged on around him. Arrows loosed from drawn bows and men cleaved at each other with crude iron swords.

Camden, knocked from his horse, rose to see that he was one among a few. One of those was the lord of the north. A tribesman was about five paces from the lord and had an arrow drawn. A sudden burst of courage overcame young Camden. He charged forth and tossed a nearby spear at the tribesman while diving in front of the lord. A whizz was heard. The lord, unharmed, pulled Camden to his feet but noticed that he was wounded. An arrow stuck out from his left shoulder like a grotesque branch from a tree. The action of Camden, however, served as the rallying cry for the rest of the troops, as the act of a young soldier in the face of danger is oft to do. The battle, and the rest of the campaign, was theirs. The lords of the north took over the fertile lands of Minnestar for their own.

For now.

Young Camden, for his bravery, was given a title and a minor land to hold as his own, in Illinois. Now, as lord of Wind Castle, Camden's family finally was able to settle and prosper. As a port on one of the great lakes, Illinois had plenty of commerce and trade. Over the years, House Brewer moved on from simple laborers to merchants and traders. Of course, their men at arms still fought for the lords in the north. The campaigns west never quite stopped, or were they as successful for the lords in the north as War of Grains. The foothold they gained west of the Mississippi were eventually ceded back to the tribes of Minnestar, in order to forge a peace treaty...

This was about 300 years ago now. Over the century, House Brewer grew strong. From simple farmers, to knights, to lord. Things of note that occurred within the past century. One major event of note was the marriage of Camlion Brewer, son of Camden I, married Starlinea, daughter of the high chieftain of the United Minnestar tribes. Starlinea, a weaver of dreams for the tribe, prophesied that a son of Camden would rise to rule the Lakelands, and with his blood unite the Tribes of the Lakes once again. Camlion, seeking glory and prosperity, moved the ancestral seat of House Brewer from Wind Castle, located within the heart of Illinois, to a location by the coast of the great lakes. Upon that land, he built Citadel of the Lakes, the new seat of House Brewer that has remained since.

One more thing can be said about Camden I, and his rule as lord of the lakelands. Along with his physical might, he had insight. He was able to think and plan for the future of his house. He knew that in order for his house to truly grew strong in the land he has been given, he has to expand the realm of control of House Brewer. A minor lord with naught but one keep to his name would never amount to anything. House James, the former ruling house of the Lakelands based in Ohio, held the Lakelands as a region with an iron fist. With such a rule, there were bound to be dissent among the people. The taxes are always too high, the working hours are always too long and the pay is never enough. However, he had to bide his time. He had already endeared himself to Lord Leron James, the former lord of the Lakelands. With his hold being at Wind Castle, Camden I worked to secured himself a trade route to and from the both the coast of the great lakes and the mighty Mississippi. He made recommendations, often tenaciously, to Lord James, about how to tax and regulate trade. Over time, Camden I was able to increase profits from trade five-fold while not incurring the gripe of the locals over heightened taxes. Satisfied with this work, Lord James made Camden, now in his fifties, accompany him to The Old Dominion and to see the King. The King, liking the potential that he saw, promised Camden I a substantial title, should he be deemed capable of succeeding Lord James.

Camden, being still younger than old Lord James, effectively took control of House James, as the old lord did not have a proper male heir. The old lord passed the lands, and holding to Camden upon his death. Having been exposed to the high courts in The Old Dominion, Camden passed on that knowledge to his successor, Camlion. Camlion was raised to understand that politics is a treacherous slope. One must tread with caution but also be brave for his people's sake. Camlion, taking his father's words to heart, moved the house's seat from Ohio back to Chicago and established Citadel of the Lakes. Camlion, young and full of ambition, continued to leverage the path his father had laid before him and continued to amass wealth for his house. As the second generation to an upstart house, murmurs were bound to sprout up about the competency and potential changes that Camlion was going to bring. Camlion, being a forward-thinker, started forging an alliance with the western frontier. Sending emissaries, missionaries, and other friendly scouts, Camlion made his presence known amongst the tribesmen as a even-minded and fair leader. Small skirmishes still rose, but Camlion dealt with them with as little bloodshed as possible, often preferring to broker peace through trade rather than wielding iron.

The prophecy of Lady Starlinea rang true as Camlion is currently Lord of the Lakelands through the acts of his father who was declared heir to House James... The sons of Camden I would continue to rule the Lakelands for as long as the starts shone at night.

Another major event was the War of Seventy Five. A 'civil war' of sorts that took place 100 years ago between factions within House Brewer. Lysander Brewer, cousin to Camden I, thought he should take the seat at Wind Castle and be the rightful lord of House Brewer. Camden, and Lysander, both in advanced age at this point, could not come to an amicable resolution of this issue. Lysander roused his household troops, and anyone who would like to share his 'spoils' and thought to march on Camden and forcibly take Wind Castle. Seventy five men, including Lysander and his son Lycon, marched on Wind Castle. Camden, seeing this farce from his bastion, called out to his cousin one last time, hoping for peace. When the troop did not stop, Camden ordered his archers to open fire on the men below, but spare Lysander and Lycon. The aftermath was obviously bloody, and with Camden taking zero casualty. Lysander, in his foolishness and madness, knelled and fell on his own sword. Lycon was banished to the Badlands as a result. Spies that brave the frontiers for House Brewer last reported that sons of Lycon had braved the wasteland that lie beyond the Dako Plains and was headed further west, in search of the fabled Celestial Empire of California, in search of riches and a force to take back what is rightfully theirs.

The life of Camland, son of Camlion, was quite uneventful. Camland was a born scholar, preferring the company of books and arts to people. Under his rule, House Brewer established the Museum of Fields, an emblematic display of the rich natural history of his lands and its people. He established many places of higher learning, including the establishment of the College of Greater Chicago, a place of higher learning that is ranked amongst the best in the Five Kingdoms.

Camden II, son of Camland, was born during a winter storm that seemed to have raged on for a fortnight. Born to starless nights and cloud-covered days, Camden II has carried the nickname of "Stormbringer" with him as he grew up. His father, Camland, has been bedridden for years now. At first, before Camden II's coming of age, Camland's counselors, some of his closest allies, ruled the lands in his stead while teaching young Camden II how to be a benevolent lord. Under their tutelage, Camden II grew strong, both intellectually and physically. Now, in his early twenties, Camland peacefully abdicated his seat at Citadel of the Lakes to his son, who some people have said to share the wisdom of Camland alongside the physical might of Camden I...

Head: Lord Camden "Stormbringer" Brewer II
Heirloom: "Jewel of the North Star" A prize given as a sign of peace from the Minnestar Tribes. An aquamarine gem of flawless quality, found in one of the great lakes. Currently inlaid into the pummel of the great axe used by Camden II.
Traits: Brewers are known to be fair-skinned, golden haired with piercing blue eyes. Typically, they are quiet friendly and are known to be great hosts of feasts.

Misc: Given the fact that half of House Ironwit was banished into the Badlands of the Dako Plains, House Brewer often serves as the first line of defense against the would be usurpers. Brewers are also known as clan of hardy people, unafraid of the cold they often endure.
Quote:
"Ah, the Brewers. They surely live up to their name. The ales they brew are known far and wide for their subtle honey taste, and a refreshing finish, like a quick dip in a lake on a hot day"

-The blabbing of a local drunkard.

"What we know of the Brewers are that we have a peace treaty with them. We gave them our L'Étoile, they gave us His helm. But, if I had to wager a bet, I'd bet they're readying themselves to take our lands and harvest again..."

-Whisperings of Minnestar tribal chiefs, said with a slight tinge of contempt.

[ClocktowerEchos]

House Brewer of the Lakelands

House Name:House Brewer
House Words:"Praise be the Harvest"
Coat of Arms: A golden frond of wheat, on a background of blue (Pantone 2905 U, to be specific)

Seat: The Lakelands, "Chicago", Shedd House (Old Shedd Aquarium)
Titles:

• Lord of the Lakelands
• Sovereign of Illinois
• Warden of the North
• Marine Masters of the Mississippi

History: House Brewer, or rather, the Brewers, has been around for ages. The Brewers have always served the old lord in the North, working as laborers and occasionally men at arms. Over the centuries, Brewer men have always worked hard and, when necessary, fought bravely. However, even with their hardy nature and tireless work ethic, the Brewer's as a house did not amount to much.

Until one faithful campaign.

The lands to the West of the Lakelands, namely Minnestar and the Dako Plains, were considered strategically important and some were even fertile farm lands. The old lords in the North oft waged wars against the tribes in the North to seize the lands for themselves and the kingdom as a whole. These campaigns were mostly successful, but often at the cost of men and war beasts alike. One campaign, aptly named "War of Grains" saw the lords of the North, along with Brewer men at arms, wage a costly war against the tribes of Minnestar. On the morn of the decisive battle, one Camden Brewer was a common man at arms, fighting under the banner of lords of the north. The battle raged on around him. Arrows loosed from drawn bows and men cleaved at each other with crude iron swords.

Camden, knocked from his horse, rose to see that he was one among a few. One of those was the lord of the north. A tribesman was about five paces from the lord and had an arrow drawn. A sudden burst of courage overcame young Camden. He charged forth and tossed a nearby spear at the tribesman while diving in front of the lord. A whizz was heard. The lord, unharmed, pulled Camden to his feet but noticed that he was wounded. An arrow stuck out from his left shoulder like a grotesque branch from a tree. The action of Camden, however, served as the rallying cry for the rest of the troops, as the act of a young soldier in the face of danger is oft to do. The battle, and the rest of the campaign, was theirs. The lords of the north took over the fertile lands of Minnestar for their own.

For now.

Young Camden, for his bravery, was given a title and a minor land to hold as his own, in Illinois. Now, as lord of Wind Castle, Camden's family finally was able to settle and prosper. As a port on one of the great lakes, Illinois had plenty of commerce and trade. Over the years, House Brewer moved on from simple laborers to merchants and traders. Of course, their men at arms still fought for the lords in the north. The campaigns west never quite stopped, or were they as successful for the lords in the north as War of Grains. The foothold they gained west of the Mississippi were eventually ceded back to the tribes of Minnestar, in order to forge a peace treaty...

This was about 100 years ago now. Over the century, House Brewer grew strong. From simple farms, to knights, to lord, and now Warden of the North. Camden II has ready the stories and saw the relics. He knows the history, and his place.

Head: Lord Camden Brewer II
Heirloom: "Jewel of the North Star" A prize given as a sign of peace from the Minnestar Tribes. An aquamarine gem of flawless quality, found in one of the great lakes. Currently inlaid into the pummel of the great axe used by Camden II.
Traits: Brewers are known to be fair-skinned, golden haired with piercing blue eyes. Typically, they are quiet friendly and are known to be great hosts of feasts.

Misc: Given the fact that half of House Ironwit was banished into the Badlands of the Dako Plains, House Brewer often serves as the first line of defense against the would be usurpers. Brewers are also known as clan of hardy people, unafraid of the cold they often endure.
Quote:
"Ah, the Brewers. They surely live up to their name. The ales they brew are known far and wide for their subtle honey taste, and a refreshing finish, like a quick dip in a lake on a hot day"

-The blabbing of a local drunkard.

"What we know of the Brewers are that we have a peace treaty with them. We gave them our L'Étoile, they gave us His helm. But, if I had to wager a bet, I'd bet they're readying themselves to take our lands and harvest again..."

-Whisperings of Minnestar tribal chiefs, said with a slight tinge of contempt.

@Infinite Cosmos

Looks good although I have two things:
1) The Lakelands aren't the "true north". You could keep the title of Warden of the North, but whoever takes control of the Northern Marches will likely want that title for themselves.

2) History is interesting although how did the Brewers go from holding a port and castle to becoming the Lords of the Lakelands? Intrigue? Coup? Rebellion? Marriage inheritance? Did the Ironwits name the Brewers the new Lords after the old house did something?

[Infinite Cosmos]

@ClocktowerEchos

Regarding the warden title. Can I change it to Warden of the Great Lakes?

The history bits. I thought you wanted a short version haha. I will get to work on that part and expand it.

[ClocktowerEchos]

@Infinite Cosmos

Yeah Warden of the Great Lakes works fine. As for history, don't be afraid to stick it all in a hider.

[Infinite Cosmos]

@ClocktowerEchosChanged. Let me know if that works!

[ClocktowerEchos]

@Infinite Cosmos I'm still a bit confused on how exactly the Brewers rose to power. It seems like that they married someone who could see into the future who gave them a prophesy that told them they would rule and unite the lakes so they built a new castle and some how that gave them the title? Also, you won't be reestablishing a collage based on an ancient manuscript, its been nearly 2000 years and just scraps remain. Even the Constitution which has had been taken care of with incredible care is now reduced to scraps and shreds.

Also this a much more minor but Shedd House doesn't sound... regal? It sounds like a port side business and not really a castle. Maybe Castle Shedd or Watershedd? Again, tiny thing and ultimately its your call, I'm not going to hold you to this part as much compared to the stuff above.

[Infinite Cosmos]

@ClocktowerEchosThe prophesy thing is just for flavor, not a whole lot in it. But ok, I will keep working on the history.

As to the castle, I can change that as well.

Thanks!

[ClocktowerEchos]

Character sheet. This is for the main PoV you'd be playing and thus has the most info. Again, don't have to use this exact format, just the information mentioned. If you want to have other characters, feel free to make smaller CS's for them

Character Sheet

Name: (Use whatever title would announce your presence if you were to go to a feast or tournament.)
Age: (Duh. The oldest people live to now a days is about 65-ish, 16-18 is considered adult depending on where you are and you can drink, marry and fight starting at that age.)
Sex: (Duh)

Appearance:
(What do they look like? Most fashion is a medieval version modern clothing made of cotton, flax, wool or leather. Local fashion might also influence things like the Old Dominion using a colonial-style of dress, Appalachian nobles might still wear rugged worker-ish clothes and the northern nobles may like fur lined rough weather cloaks while the south wears lighter and more breathable fabrics.)

Lineage: (Their parentage and what houses they descend from. While patrilineal inheritance is most common, matrilineal inheritance isn't uncommon especially for houses with powerful women or female founders.)
Background:
(Short history of major events that shaped their lives and what they've been doing up until now.)

Personality Traits:
(Their personality but in traits instead of long sentences. They are what they MOST OFTEN display, think like traits in CK3 if you've played that game. It should be obvious that they will not like people with opposite traits: cynical vs zealous, kind vs cruel, just vs arbitrary, brave vs cowardly, etc.)

Ambitions:
(The goals of your character, their driving motives.)

Achievements:
(Major personal achievements like increasing revenue, slaying a great beast or monster, fighting in a battle, dueling a known champion, establishing a new trade route or treaty.)

Relationships
(This can include family, marriages, friendships, rivalries, etc. Talk with other players to see if you can connect your houses and characters with each other!)

Quotes:
(This can be something your character had said or something someone else says about them.)

Example Character: President King Franklin Ironwit

Name: President-King Franklin Ironwit, Protector of the Realm
Age: 51
Sex: Male

Appearance:
Franklin Ironwit is a well aged man with old eyes and a white beard. He is no longer the energetic young man he once was but has morphed into a wise, if not slightly arrogant, king. While once he lived in his armor, he now wears mostly fabrics of Sunbelt cotton and Northern furs, woven into colonial-style jackets. As is custom within the Old Dominion, he wears a white wig under the Tricorn Crown of the Five Kingdoms. He carries a walking stick made of Brazilwood with the symbol of Founder Roosevelt on it.

Lineage: Father was Jefferson Ironwit II and his Mother was from House Lostpine, Sovereigns of Maine
Background:
Franklin Ironwit was raised as many Ironwits are by private tutors in Wasentown. Much of his formative years was within the halls of the White Palace on in the surrounding town. At age 19 he joined his aunt in the defense of Appalachia when the Ozark tribesmen launched an invasion over the river, driving them off and slaying three pagan champions in single combat. When he was 23, he was wed to a woman from a lesser house to cement an alliance, siring two boys and a girl with her. Now however, he is becoming ill from old age or some old wound and despite his vigor, the constant flow of doctors, apothecaries and alchemists in and out of the White Palace is a worrying sign as he does his best to make sure his youngest son Alexander will inherit the throne instead of the older but more volatile George.

Personality Traits:
- Dutiful
- Arrogant
- Honest
- Stubborn

Ambitions:
- Maintain the position and prestige of House Ironwit
- Keep the realm at peace
- Make sure his youngest son gets the throne instead of the less capable eldest son

Achievements:
- Made a truce with the Ursuline Church, preventing another Crusade into the North

Relationships:
- Has two sons, George and Alexander. Alexander is the younger and the favored heir while George is the older but less capable (and stable) son
- Married to _____ of House _____, cementing an alliance with them.
- Has two sisters, both married off to other houses. Had a brother but he was killed in a "hunting accident".
- (More to be added?)

Quote:
"You say I am not giving you an option but I am. Either you do your duty or I will do it for you and you will not have a second chance to do it yourself."
- King Franklin threatening an official of his court

"Oh yes father is great and all but he's too afraid of war and thinks pen and ink can replace steel and blood. Sure he's signed a peace with the Ursulines but what, does he think he can sign a peace with the Wintermen? The Ozarks? The Windrunners? I suppose next he'll try to make peace with the storms and hurricanes so they stop landing in the Sunbelt."
- Prince George Ironwit criticizing his father's treaty with Quebec and the Ursuline Church

[Paradoxial]

Hider

House Name: House Delver
House Words: "Hands of Mole, Backs of Bear, Hearts of Stag"
Coat of Arms: A golden painted mountain range, backed by stripes of verdant green and dark red

Seat: the Great Mountains, the Low Lands, the Ashen Pit (Clingmans Dome)

Titles:
* Foremost-Man of all Diggers
* Lord of Appalachia
* Protector of the Great Mountains
* Favored of the Mountain Mother

History: House Delver has been the unflinching, stalwart leader of the Great Mountains for around 400 years, and shows no sign of stopping. Long ago, when House Deveram called for support against the righteous revolution, the lazy and drunken once-lords of House Stiller decreed that all noble Appalachian clans take up arms with the loyalists. The matriarch of clan Delver at the time, the great Mountain Mother Anastasia Delver declared that they would have no part in defending such a callous and cruel empire, and brought many other clans into an alliance which would oppose any support of House Deveram. House Stiller paid little mind to those who refused to sally to war, and brought forth the Great Mountains antiquated military at the time, ill trained knights and conscripted foothill-men to battle. When the majority of the “knights” of Appalachia had left, it was then that the great alliance of clans struck. Sneaking through the mountain forests, at home in the cliffs and trees, the clansmen led by Anastasia slew the fat lords of Stiller, and declared that Appalachia would no longer be a place of intoxication and gross laziness. Under the watchful eye of the Mountain Mother, and due to her blessings, the mining industry was revitalized due to the rise of Stone-Whisperers, who could commune with the earth and discover places rich in ore and gold. It was also House Delver who instituted the “Bear in Cave” doctrine, which led the military of the Great Mountians into one of less than significant offense, but frighteningly efficient and deadly defense, utilizing guerrilla tactics and extremely well trained archers.

Head: Foremost-Man, Amicus Delver.

Heirloom: The Plucking Whistler, The 4 Ores Necklace, the Metal Mole

Traits: Delvers are typically quite tall and broad shouldered in stature, but perpetually hunched over slightly due to being in the mines more often than not. All are brown or black haired, with dark colored eyes ranging from dark brown to a verdant green. Delvers are quite honest and typically polite, but are not trained in matters of decorum or state craft most often. They manage to be quite brusque, and also proficient businessman as well, using uncompromising tones and supreme confidence in their wares (usually because they dug it up themselves.)

Misc:

* Delvers, as a matter of tradition must always have a pair of working gloves either on, or somewhere on their person, even when dressing nobly.
* Foreigners are generally prevented access to the actual mountain range, as a matter of principal. Little is known to even the common folk of Appalachia about the locations of fortresses, or particularly important mining locations within the dense forests and tall cliffs deep within the range.
* Alcohol is widely available and widely traded, and known to be the best in all the kingdoms. However it is against the law to bring “Shine” into any mining site.

Quote:
"I know that when I was a young lad, I too wondered just what the Mountain Men were hiding in those tall, misty peaks of theirs. But I’ll tell you boy, I’ve known a few who stepped to close to those wooded trails, and arrows appeared at their feet as if by magic, no archer in sight. Best to stick to the foothills anyhow, all the Shine you could barter for and besides, the ore from the mountains will end up in the lower markets come it’s time."
- A trader speaking to his apprentice

"The House Delver is blessed by the Mountain Mother, you all remember that now. It was them who’s drove out the Stag Tribes, it was them’s who started digging into the ground, and sure as the Foremost-Man done Pluck the Whistler, they’ll be leadin this’un kingdom till we’re all minerals ourselves.”
- An Appalachian Learner, speaking to a bunch of Little’uns

As requested, moved to the general interest check!

[DX3214]

Okay so claim on sunbelt after much thinking.

[ClocktowerEchos]

So as of right now, none of the house are really connected to one another. In an effort to remedy that (and to make writing the opening events of the RP more interesting and easier), I'd like to point out that right now President-King Franklin Ironwit is married to an unnamed woman of an unnamed house and has had two kids. He also has two sisters who have been married off that could form alliances and have become mothers.