Crusader Kings, A game of Thrones

[GreivousKhan]

Idea pitch,

I'm thinking of creating a Crusader Kings/A Game of Thrones esque style nation Rp, and have in fact been planning it for a while. Now instead of just ripping the script out of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' I've worked out a unique setting of my own along with, what I hope is an interesting plot-line. One that is quite open to player involvement, where the characters will steer the direction of the storyline.

With most of the setting formulated the only thing left is to steer up some interest, and I may as well do it now so those interested can help out with the final touches to the realm. One of the main differences of this Rp to that of Ice and Fire is it will be a slightly more fantasy setting, with magic being a bit more prevalent, but still having a darker edge to it, think Age of Conan meets a Game of Thrones with a sprinkle of Forgotten Realms.

That being said, I might allow races besides humans, but I might leave it open to discussion, though if other races are introduced, I'd like to stay clear of the classic 'fantasy races', like elves, dwarfs, orcs, and hobbits. Now bellow I've detailed some of the basics of the RP and story I will reveal thus far. If enough interest is shown, or if asked, I'd be happy to give out more, specifically in the overall Lore of the setting. Also as a side note, while this is based heavily on Crusader Kings, I'm going to stay away from making it to 'gamey', if I can, I'd rather it focus more on interesting story lines then shoty game mechanics. (That being said I will roll for some special events of intrigue.)

Basic premise:

The Continent of Elyden, an empire sized Kingdom first founded by the Phoenix Queen, Valarien Paragon, Lightbringer, and Lady of Dawn. Since time immoral, it has been Valarien's line that has ruled from the Phoenix Throne from the majestic city of Skyhaven. A mountain top metropolis and the capital of Elyden, and thanks to Valarien's covenant of fire, a powerful magic pact with the Lord of Fire and Sun, the Realm of Elyden has known eternal summer and spring.

In the 700 years of its existence, and the exception of a minor squabble here and there between the lords and the incursions of the beastfolk, all of Elyden has known peace. The turning of the age sees an end to that long peace.

The Rp will start with the death of the most recent High King, Lord Taramyth Paragon 'The Fowler', named so for his love of falcons and obsession with flying. Lord Taramyth was a fairly 'good' king, though this may be due to the fact he was quite an absent one, spending less time ruling and more time hunting, leaving more and more work to his Lord Regent. A tragic accident born of a new, 'flying chariot', saw Taramyth meet an untimely end. Taramyth had two sons, the older of which was young promising if a bit...simple...

However, on the day of his ascension ceremony, tragedy would strike again. As four men dressed in the priest garb of the Order of the Silver flame were revealed to be assassins, and taking his honorguard by surprise, struck the young would be king before they in turn could be killed. One of these assassins managed to stole away with the Crown of Fire, a powerful magical artifact widely known to be the key to the 'Long Summer.' With the loss of the crown, and no immediate heir of age to renew the spells of the seasons, the days are growing cold once more, such as they have been during the days of the Everfrost.

The youngest son is but a child, and the crown is still lost, throwing the realm at large into near utter chaos. It is in the midst of this that Taramyth's cousin, Ealstain Paragon quickly rose up support for his claim to the throne, citing that a mere boy was too young to rule and they could not afford to wait for him to be of age to renew the flames of Long Summer. This has only thrown more oil on the fire, as this act would overthrow countless decades of tradition. Many claim Ealstain is an opportunist, and has no right to the throne, others still see the slowing colder days ahead and wish someone would simply come and put an end to the chaos and restore order. Ealstain has long since fled the capital and currently rallies support for his claim.

---

Players will play as a High House of the Greater Realm, each House rules their own provincial state, and these smaller realms are kingdoms in their own right, but all ultimately swear fealty to the Phoenix Throne. The RP will begin with an immediate call for a Grand Council meeting of all the rulers of the lesser realms to decide how to deal the recent threats to the realm. They will also decide on who will be placed as the new Lord Regent for the newly appointed heir.

Each High House rules at their own domain, lesser realms that are powerful provinces in their own right, with their own armies, traditions, and cultures, but all are united by the worship of the Silver Flame, Lord of Light, the sun god Kammeth himself. Players will have vast control over the lore and events from within their own realm and be a vital part in shaping the kingdom. Tied history between realms is not only expected but encouraged, as these realms have been neighbors for centuries.

Other open Council seats of the Sky Tower:

Lord Regent, The Lord Regent oversees all common affairs both small and great in the name of the Phoenix Throne, and serves as the main administer. Second only to the man or women who sits on the Phoenix Throne itself. Acting as the right hand of the King offers much authority, influence, and raw political power. Only the most trustworthy are given this position, and for good reason.

The Seeker of Secrets, The eye of the crown, the Seeker of Secrets, or more commonly simply called the 'Seeker' by most, oversees the 'Crowns Eyes' an expansive network of spies encompassing from the lowest house servant to the mightiest baron. Their knowledge often obtained by bribes, black mail, or outright threats, few are fool enough to lie to an Eye of the Crown. Though the High Lords of the Greater Houses are above their authority. When the King wishes to know anything, he turns to his Seeker, and it is the business of the Seeker to always have an answer.

Lord Marshal and First Sword, perhaps the second most powerful position in the realm working for the Throne, The Lord Marshal commands the Royal Phoenix demesnes, which are largely made up from levies pulled from across the Great Realm, every house must give an account of their full might, and a sizable portion of this is taken to serve the crown directly. Aside from organizing the standing army and navy, The First sword is named so for often leading these very forces in battle directly in the name of the Phoenix Throne. It is a highly prestigious position to be sure, but aside from his duties on and off the battlefield, the Lord Marshal councils his lord in all things marital.

Master of Coin, Perhaps least glamorous of the council seats, but yet still among the most important, it is the Master of Coin who oversees the kingdom's coin counters and is chiefly occupied with the finances of the realm. In addition to finances, the Master of Coin is also the chief diplomat of the realm, and is expected to be the face of peace representing the Phoenix to the outside world. It is he who must balance the ledges keeps the realm afloat and out of debt, if he can manage it.

Arch Dawnbringer, if the Seeker is the ears and eyes of the Throne, the Lord Regent the right hand and the Marshal the strong arm with the Master of Coin his purse. The Arch Dawnbringer and Chaplin serves as the soul. The unwise might think the Arch Chaplin has little in the ways of power, or influence if the current King is more secular then god fearing. Such men could not be more wrong, for the Arch Dawnbringer is the head of the church of Kammeth, the official religion of the realm, and holds the hearts, minds, and faith of the people, for he is seen as the mouth piece of Kammeth himself. The relationship of the state and the church has always been a tenuous one at best, largely due to the fact that the Arch Dawnbringer often times has as much if not 'more' power then the crown if the masses truly favor him.

Religion
Kammeth, Sun God, Lord of the Sacred Flame.
Kammeth is both seen as the god of light, life the long summer, sky, athletics, spring, self-perfection, vitality and youth, he is also the lord of battles, and master of war. Novices in the Kamthein faith were called the Enlightened while clerics were known as Dawnbringers. The full priests take a new name in his service when they were ready to signify that Kammeth has personally recognized and accepted them. This new name could either be used instead of their old name or simply used only when addressing other Dawnbringers and when in solitary prayer. Due to his aspects of worship, temples to the Lord of Battle look more like military fortresses than the archetypal temple of past or present religions. They feature barracks, mess halls, armories, and training grounds, along with the common rooms for prayer and schooling in the faith.

The church is divided into two parts; militant and ministry. The ministry oversees administrative functions of the church. The ministry also gives spiritual guidance to the church's members. Every kingdom has a network of priests and bishops who answer to the Council of Flamekeep and then to the Keeper of the Sky Flame. The church militant is comprised of warriors, paladins, clerics, and exorcists. Unlike the ministry, it battles evil rather than evangelize to the people. The soldiers live and train in monastic fortresses, and patrol across the territory of Elyden. Knights of Kammeth are often called Kumen
Tenets,
1. be fearless
2. Never turn away from a fight.
3. Obey the rules of war
4. Obey your rightful lord and king

Dogma

Strive always to aid, to foster new hope, new ideas, and new prosperity for all mortalkind and its allies. Perfect thyself, and guard ever against pride, for it is a sacred duty to foster new growth, nurture growing things, and work for rebirth and renewal. Be fertile in mind and in body. Consider always the consequences of thine actions so that the least effort may bring the greatest and best reward. Kammeth does not win wars of one mortal over the other, he helps the deserving faithful win battles in wars of faith and test of strength. War is fair in that it oppresses and aids all equally and that in any given battle, a mortal may be slain or become a great leader among his or her companions. It should not be feared, but seen as a natural force, a mortal force, the storm that civilization brings by its very existence.

So wherever you go, sow seeds of plants, tend the growing things you find, and plant seeds of hope, new ideas, and plans for a rosy future in the minds of all. Whenever possible, see each dawn.

Valarien Paragon, Lightbringer, Phoenix Queen, Lady of Dawn.
It is said Valarien was so favored by Kammeth that he took her as his bride, making her the first and last mortal to ascend to godhood. Her spheres include creativity, renewal, birth, and oaths. Many women who seek to serve the faith in a more militant role often take up knighthoods as Maidens of Valarien. Her dogma dictated the use of careful tactics in battle to achieve victory, under the belief that sound strategy was the best way to win a battle with the most favorable outcome. Her symbol is that if dawn on the horizon. Valarien temples are often much more artistically pleasing then those of Kammeth, making up some of the grandest and breathe taking structures in the realm. Maidens or knights specifically, of Valarien are called Vala's. Worshipers of Valarien are called Valaiths, and preach peace and harmony between neighbors.

[The Nexerus]

So it's 'Crusader Kings/A Game of Thrones' in the sense that it focuses on dynasties over kingdoms?

[GreivousKhan]

The Nexerus said
So it's 'Crusader Kings/A Game of Thrones' in the sense that it focuses on dynasties over kingdoms?

Yes, you more play a house then an actual nation, so technically if someone was to conquer nation B, that player could still continue Rping just fine, and perhaps even reclaim their families lost land.

In case they get lannistered. Characters are very much more the focus of this Rp. (hence why I want to avoid traits and mechanics)

[Olimario948]

Hm I'm interested

[Pepperm1nts]

I'm interested.

[salamimike]

Interested.

[LordZell]

For sure interested.

[The Nexerus]

If it's fleshed out a bit more it could be interesting. I don't think a dynasty-focused NRP loans itself well to the fantasy genre, though.

[GreivousKhan]

Got more interest quicker then I expected. a Couple more and I can open up the OOC,

I'll write up the past lore of the Realm as a whole, should leave enough room for people to build off of when masking their nations.

[Goldeagle1221]

Im in

[Grim327]

Count me in as well!

[Skylar]

I'm in. Going to be contributing a House with a range of different races among its retainers and trusted members. Not sure what archetype to fulfill though... Banking, crafting, or war? Hm, choices.

[GreivousKhan]

Good to hear, so what is the census for races you guys feel? I'll take a few idea's if people have something in mind for playable races (stuck beastlings not being among them) that can add some depth to the world, or we can simply stick with humans if people prefer.

Also a bit of the lore of Elyden, the main continent this will be taking place.

Lore

Early History of Elyden:

The continent Elyden is older than what man can remember, but they have lived in its lands from the very beginning. In the old days magic was strong in the land, and those beasts most inherently skilled in its use were the great wyrm, the children of the skies. Dragon kind was said to have been older then man or any other mortal race. They had long since ignored the squabbles of creatures they saw as little more than ants. In time these ancient winged horrors took it upon themselves to enslave these lesser races, arrogantly believing themselves to be infinitely superior in every way. They hunted men and beast alike of sport, forced others to worship them rightly as gods, while others still they tormented for their own amusement. Great shrines where built in their name, with favored priest given such power as to be seen as petty kings in their own right.

As time went on and the cruelty of their dragon masters continued, the cries of oppressed were finely heard. The Sky Goddess and bride of the God Who Sleeps witnessed the plight of these lesser races and sought to put an end to it. She thus turned to her oldest of children, Kammeth the Lord of the Sun, and begun to beseech him to teach these younger races. The Sun God was moved by his mother’s love of these lower races and sought to teach them the ways of fire, how to forge the deep rocks into iron, and iron into steel. So man had learned well, and used these new gifts they did, but lo, sadly, though they were many, they were weak and small. They flesh easily burnt or their bones easily crushed, and so the dragons mocked them and increased their labors.

So Kammeth turned to his younger sister, Marakash the Star Maiden, and she in turn reached out to the heavens and plucked a handful of stars, these see scattered throughout the lands. Where they landed, those who were touched by them were blessed with magic. This act created all manner of beast, both beautiful and vile. In turn she taught the lesser races how to shape their world around them and thus learned, too, to wield magic. They warred with the dragons again, and again they were soundly beaten, for Dragons were older still and wiser in the ways of magic and ferocious in battle. At last Kammeth one last gift would shift the balance and dug deep into the world. There he found precious metals which he shaped into glorious weapons of such beauty even dragons would turn with envoy when they beheld them. These weapons he gave to Marakash, who breathed magic into their steel, thus naming them Makitherin, which means "Star Metal". These weapons were gifted to the greatest warriors of the lesser races, and in so doing granted these men honored seats of leadership among their people.

Thus the last war of the dragons would commence, and much blood was spilled, tens of thousands of men died, hundreds of even the mightiest of dragons. In the end the last of the great wyrms lay defeated, and the war thus ended, no great songs of glory followed for the losses of the races was great indeed. One last trick the wyrms of old did play however, as with the last breath of the final fire drake, they land was cursed with Everfrost, for the fire of all the realm was tied to his life force. So even in victory did the races know defeat. Those warriors who had lead their people to glory, become greater then lords in their own realms, creating their own kingdoms, their line becoming the High Houses of Elyden, their Makitherin weapons becoming their birthright and signs of ruler ship.

In the years following the long winter had begun to settle over the land strongly. The races who had once turned to the gods above for aid quickly blamed them for their predicament, forced as they were to live in an eternal winter. Old alliances quickly sundered as the cold grew and resources became scarcer. War became a fact of life forever more, great armies clashing and turning the pure snows crimson. Yet the Sun God Kammeth, beseech by his mother once more, did not abandon mortals entirely. He swept his gaze across the lands and found one who still revered the gods above.

Legend of the Phoenix Queen:

Not much is known of the Phoenix Queen before she rose to become conqueror of Elyden. Rumor has it that before she was Valarien Paragon, that she was not but a mere peasant of no House, a girl by the name of Valera. She grew up in a small Hamlet to a hunter father and her mother who was a seamstress for their local community. Life was simple enough if not harsh given the bleak landscape of Everfrost. All of this changed when a wild band of beastling's came upon the hamlet and set fire to her family’s home. Both her mother and father died in the resulting blaze, but Valera lived. Reborn. Kammeth, it is said, came to her within the fiery blaze and told her what she would need to do to finally bring peace and prosperity to the land. She would be his chosen prophet. She took for herself a new name, leaving the old and her past life behind. She slowly rekindled the love of the old Sky Gods among the common people. So touched was she and favored, that she performed impossible miracles time and again, overcoming every obstacle ever set before her.

As the following of the Sky Gods, specifically Kammeth, Valarien received a vision from the Sky Goddess herself. Revealing the time had come for the mortals of Elyden to unite once again. Valarien soon took up her own sigil, and allying several smaller tribes, who had come back into the worship of Kammeth, took up arms against the desperate and still bickering kings of Elyden. Some joined her willingly, seeing the might over the masses and magic she wielded, many others still fight against her rule bitterly, but in the end all eventually bent the knee. In just six years’ time, the faith militant had conquered all of Elyden, bringing an end to countless decades of war. With the people returning to again to the worship of Kammeth, Valarien made a pact on the part of her people known as the 'Oath of Springs Tide'. In so doing Kammeth called upon the power of all his siblings to bestow the Long Summer, and banish the Everfrost.

So the Phoenix Throne and the Oath was firmly established, now tradition dictates that the 'Oath Of Springs Tide' be renewed for every new ruler, during which the land knows a brief season of Mid-winter. 700 years has the covenant stood strong, but this new Era many scholars have foreseen will bring new hardships on all of Elyden, for as of now, no one sits on the gilded throne.

Now as you might guess, the ones chosen to carry the Makitherin weapons are the founders of the High Houses, which is what every one will be creating, thus also gives you a chance to have you own ancestral weapon for your house. The background also reveals why the common man feels inclined to follow members of theses houses, descendents of Dragon Slayers do kind of have that prestige . :P

Anyway I think it's enough info to allow everyone to start on their nation and houses.

Sheet

Theme: (optional)

House Name:(self explanatory, just keep in mind these a generally last names)

Head of House:(self explanatory)

House Specialty: (Each House favors a certain skill, or contains an abundance of a resource. For example, one House might breed superb horses, while another may have expert traders/bankers or sailors, etc.)

House Ancestral Weapon:(The weapon the founding member of the house used in the wars against the dragons in the War of The Wyrms.)

Important members:
(You don't have to list every member of your house, those with great influence or position should be here however or anyone else you deem important for your own plots.)

Nation/Realms Name: (self explanatory)

Sigil: (Your houses Sigil http://www.jointherealm.com/) (as a side note, the Sigil of the Phoenix is reserved for House Paragon)

House Motto:(Your houses famous saying, this is in fact optional, in case 'Winter Be Coming" is all you can think of.)

Region/color on map: (for map placement)

Capital:(Your Houses Seat of Power, this is the land your House has a De jure claim to)

Capital Population: (Keep it reasonable)

Other Major Settlements: (These will often be the capital of those Barons, or Dukes who answer to you.)

Population: (Again keep it reasonable)

Culture:(The Customs, Arts, Fashion, and beliefs unique to these people.)

Type of Government: (Succession Laws and form of Governing/Title used)

Influence and relations: (Any alliances or military pacts with another family? Perhaps born of marriage ties? Work with other players if you seek one ahead of the RP if you so desire.)

Military -
(Details of amounts and types of men. Any war vessels, such as from navies, go here as well, it would be important to note as this is a Middle age Setting that relies largely one levies, no one has the funds for a standing army, aside from the Phoenix Throne.)

Landscape:

Wildlife:(Optional)

History: (A little detail on what has occurred in the House and nation in the past few decades, or even disagreements with other High Houses.)

Strengths: (Similar to House specialty, but often larger in scope no more then two.)

Weaknesses: (At least two, and they have to be real disadvantages, you can't really say you have a terrible navy if your landlocked. These add as much depth a strengths do)

Also here's the map I'm going to be using.


The general size can be compared to Europe in raw square miles. So about an area of 10,180,000 km, which is the equivalent to 3,930,000 miles. So a fairly large place, the Realm is almost on par with the Roman Empire. (though larger then HRE)

[Pepperm1nts]

Can we get any information on climate? The map does a good job showing geography, but maybe a brief rundown on climate and such would help me decide where I'd like to be.

[GreivousKhan]

Fair question.

The Long summer has mostly seen the end of a true winter, but some regions see more rain during the spring like seasons then others.



Dark Purple= Areas circled in this color have very a Mediterranean climate, during the Long summers they vary from hot, dry and cool, but during the spring and midwinter seasons, they see rain. These regions are almost idyllic during the Long Summer.

Light Purple= Similar to a Mediterranean climate with the bigger difference being in that these regions have some of the most fertile soil on the continent due to seeing just the right amount of rain, and during the short Mid winter seasons, are the only places on the Continent that see any snow without the ground freezing over. Severe storms also happen very frequently here due to the positions of the mountains. Think grand canyon more or less when it comes to weather.

Bright Green: These regions are a mix of heavy forests, marshes, and swamps, with the climate being hot and wet even in Midwinter, with temperatures remaining at around 80–82ºF, The primary beastlings in these parts would be lizardfolk for example.

Orange: This region is less of a mixed bag, being primarily dry grasslands where temperate variations are extreme. They have hot summers, colder winters (though true snows are still rare here), and little rainfall, so very few trees can grow there. Think the steppes meet the African savanna. The beastlings of these regions are the Mongrels, fur covered savage wild men that look like a cross between a chimp and a gorilla.

Yellow: Desert, the only desert region in all the Continent, you will notice the further east you go the warmer it gets. Elyden's desert is hot and dry throughout the entire Long summer, and usually receive less than 10 in (250 mm) of rainfall every turn of the Wheel. Most settlements would be around an oasis, on the rivers, or on the coastlines. Gnoll nomadic tribes wonder the interior.

Red: These are the hottest regions on Elyden, even dryer then the desert, oddly enough, they see a complete shift during the midwinter, in that they are the only other regions that see heavy snow fall. They also tend to freeze competently over, mirroring the state of the realm during the times of the Everfrost. (some of the worst/toughest beastlings live here, almost a no mans land really)

The mountains are pretty straight forward, on the mountains, the temperature decreases with altitude (height), and many high peaks are always covered in snow(few places on the continent you will ever see snow year round). Mountain climates are usually wetter and windier than lowland regions. Beastlings love to live in these regions, usually those of the near giant variety(minotaurs for example).

I hope that helps.

As a note, the mountain on its own circled by Orange in the west will be the location of Skyhaven, capital of the realm.

[The Nexerus]

Changed my mind: I'd like to build my dynasty in the passage leading between the land's main mountain range, south-west of Pepper's claimed area.

[Pepperm1nts]

I'd like to reserve this area.

[salamimike]

I would like to reserve here if possible.

Map

[Olimario948]

Can I have some of the Far East desert?

[Tatsua Aiisen]

If there's any territory available once everybody's claimed theirs, I'll take that. If not, I'll just quietly back out~!