Pretty much done with my sheet now... Hafrek Sheet
I will go in order with the problems I see most prevalent here:
Specialties – You state the Skavian infantry unit (the Berserker) is the pride and joy of House Hafrek yet decidedly went rather naval with your approach which is very concerning as it looks as a sort of inbalance therein. Is the northern-style navy that renowned and truly skilled or is it the footmen of the infantry?
“Legendary _” – My second problem is not unique to this sheet as I keep seeing the equivelant of telling me that Orlandis is affluent with legendary warriors and prodigal combatants. You don’t seem to really give me much of an understanding of Loki outside of the fact that he is apparently “genius” from birth.
Hovedstad – The northern coast of Skavia and Perhyr is known as the ‘frozen coast’ for a clear reason, though I have no issue with the ingenuity of building a city out of ships, I do find it concerning of how you describe it as infinitely indestructible. People utilizing fire ships even with the cold would definitely do some damage, but perhaps given the only naval enemies that have even taken an interest in Skavia are the Stormbroken I suppose the idea hasn’t come to an enemy yet. But when I start the linear event for The North (the Sea of Echoes freezing over like stone) how will this effect Hovedstad for you?
Vassal Map – I’ve PM’d you issues with the vassal map, if you want I can update the province map so we can have a more uniform vassal map; though yeah, you did sort of make this map before I even had an OOC going; be a bit more patient next time, yeah?
Trade – No Northlandic man would ever sell runesteel. Runesteel is not an ore; in fact in the description says it is an ancient forging process from iron, tin, and “other minerals” to create something as enduring as Mythril but much heavier. It is nearly sacred to vyntic traditions and is like the Voltaani selling off the secrets to their precious metalworking secrets and is probably seen as completely against their culture to do so. Also as skilled as Skavian soldiers may be (due to Stormbroken raids and vyntic traditions) I am a little worried that “THEY ARE SOME OF THE DEADLIEST KILLERS IN THE WORLD” sets a bad precedent. But perhaps I am paranoid?
History – Rape is against the cultural traditions and reformed religion of Northmen of Orlandis; the soldiers who found themselves honorable or pious would never have listened to such an order and instead perhaps attacked Crach out of such a non-northmen order. BTW, Perhyr would've been no doubt pulled into that war if that happened. Which I would probably be okay with.
I have some minor gripes outside of the above (grammar/spelling, character bios being a bit too minimal, etc)
@Gowi What about information for House Thralon? It did state we can't change the name--and that's fine with me--but I'm just curious if there's anything I need to know that isn't already on the first post before I write up a sheet.
@Gowi What about information for House Thralon? It did state we can't change the name--and that's fine with me--but I'm just curious if there's anything I need to know that isn't already on the first post before I write up a sheet.
Dierk granted what would be known as Euritia to his younger brother, Torvic, who was less combat inclined but for what he lacked there he had a likable and kind personality. I have nothing written for Torvic's successors.
The only x-factor about playing Terijas or Euritia is that for some reason (up to the player) they want to restore the Imperial Throne; the High King of Orlandis. Though this could happen much later in the RP, again up to the players.
Anyway gotta get up early tomorrow, so I'll be about later.
@Gowi Before I forget, is there a particular animal or symbol in mind when it comes to Dierk or Torvic that you have preference? I'm partial to mythological creatures so I may choose a dragon, wyvern, or leviathan.
Here's my CS. Not too much, but it's me. Some mention of cities in certain areas, but nothing else should step on anybody's toes.
Character Name
Jock Sturgeon
Age 32
Appearance
Jock is thin and of average height. His dark hair is cut close-cropped. He has a fair complexion and his face is thin with a set of brown eyes deeply set into his face. He has a crooked nose that became crooked due to a break and poor resetting of the bone. He goes clean shaven almost always. The short hair and hairless face leaves it possible to add false facial hair and wigs for disguise purposes.
Personality
Simply put Jock is a hustler. He'll do anything he can to make money. He has the likable and easygoing personality a conman needs in order to survive. Depending on the situation Jock can be very cocky and overbearing. As much as conning is a means of earning money for Jock, it's also a psychological aspect. The years of neglect from his mother left a chip on his shoulder. He just doesn't want to take money from you, he wants to prove that he is the smarter than you. The need to prove his intelligence has led to many cons blowing up prematurely, the mark becoming suspicious due to Jock's attitude. He avoids violence as much as possible, preferring to solve problems with his mind and not his fists.
Talents
Jock is a practiced thief with a variety of physical skills that include sleight of hand, pick pocketing, lock picking, and some acrobatic ability. More impressive are his confidence man abilities. Charismatic and likable, Jock is also practiced in acting, rhetoric, and disguise.
Friends & Rivals
Vesta Sturgeon - Jock's mother. Vesta works for many underworld figures across the world. She only occasionally shows up into Jock's life at the most inconvenient of times.
Tiberius Munroe - Local crime lord Jock pays tribute to in order to operate in his part of Bayyard. Munroe also acts as Jock's fence, paying for any stolen goods he may have to sell.
Commander Normand - A high-ranking member of the Bayyard watch who also demands tribute from any thieves, bandits, or cutthroats operating in his sector. His authoritarian nature rubs many members of Bayyard underworld, Jock among them, the wrong way.
Wallis - An old conman and thief that mentored Jock when he was younger. Wallis still travels across the world, pulling jobs when and where he can get them.
Gingy - Owner and operator of Gingy's, a pub that Jock lives above. Gingy is Jock's landlord and friend.
Monjoni - A fellow thief, Monjoni is leader of a four-man crew that performs burglaries and robberies all over the city. Jock has a tendency to run afoul with Monjoni and his boys anytime their paths cross.
Background
Jock Sturgeon's early life was one of hardship. His mother, Vesta, gave birth to him when she was just thirteen years old. A farmer, Jock's father died a year later when he was kicked in the head by his plowhorse. Vesta soon abandoned Jock and gave him to her parents, running off to Léonez. In Léonez, she fell in with seedy types, men who did bad things for lots of money. She grudgingly came back when Jock was three and her father threatened to abandon the boy as well. She took him to the city and half-raised him, seeing the boy as nothing more than a burden. Men came and went and Jock, as he got older, began to notice the things his mother and her friends did. He watched and quietly learned.
By the age of thirteen Jock and a group of boys from the neighborhood formed their own pickpocket gang. At fifteen he and another man ran a rigged street betting game. A year later Jock was steadily committing burglaries through Léonez. He made the mistake of operating too frequently in too small of an area. Soon the city watch was on to him and he had to flee town, sent halfway across Orlandis to hideout with friends of his Vesta. In exile, Jock's education began properly. He learned from seasoned thieves and grifters about the skill of the con, both short and long. Jock soon began to put the lessons to use.
For ten yearsm Jock operated around Orlandis as a confidence man and burglar. He ran long cons, short cons, heists, scams, and grifts. He pulled every sort of job from the One-Armed Priest to the Steward of Skavia to the Brothers Corletonsia. More often than not the jobs were successful, but Jock had to occasionally pull out of the cons, just one step ahead of the authorities. A decade of running and scamming made him weary of traveling and grifting. Jock soon settled in Bayyard, a large city situated on the coast in Veronia. A month of working on the docks soon took their toll and Jock was back in the game, running a variety of short-term cons through the city and kingdom, learning from the mistakes of his youth to grift smart and to grift quietly.
Other Information
Nothing much to add, really. I love crime stories and I just want to experiment with genres, telling those stories in a setting where they don't always show up. This is just someone who operates on a very small scale compared to the houses, but there ae plenty of chances for him to cross paths with someone if the opportunity rises. I always love the idea of the common man on the street, trying to do his job while bigger things happen behind the scenes. Let the nobles have their intrigue and scandal, Jock just wants to make some coin.
I will go in order with the problems I see most prevalent here:
Specialties – You state the Skavian infantry unit (the Berserker) is the pride and joy of House Hafrek yet decidedly went rather naval with your approach which is very concerning as it looks as a sort of inbalance therein. Is the northern-style navy that renowned and truly skilled or is it the footmen of the infantry?
“Legendary _” – My second problem is not unique to this sheet as I keep seeing the equivelant of telling me that Orlandis is affluent with legendary warriors and prodigal combatants. You don’t seem to really give me much of an understanding of Loki outside of the fact that he is apparently “genius” from birth.
Hovedstad – The northern coast of Skavia and Perhyr is known as the ‘frozen coast’ for a clear reason, though I have no issue with the ingenuity of building a city out of ships, I do find it concerning of how you describe it as infinitely indestructible. People utilizing fire ships even with the cold would definitely do some damage, but perhaps given the only naval enemies that have even taken an interest in Skavia are the Stormbroken I suppose the idea hasn’t come to an enemy yet. But when I start the linear event for The North (the Sea of Echoes freezing over like stone) how will this effect Hovedstad for you?
Vassal Map – I’ve PM’d you issues with the vassal map, if you want I can update the province map so we can have a more uniform vassal map; though yeah, you did sort of make this map before I even had an OOC going; be a bit more patient next time, yeah?
Trade – No Northlandic man would ever sell runesteel. Runesteel is not an ore; in fact in the description says it is an ancient forging process from iron, tin, and “other minerals” to create something as enduring as Mythril but much heavier. It is nearly sacred to vyntic traditions and is like the Voltaani selling off the secrets to their precious metalworking secrets and is probably seen as completely against their culture to do so. Also as skilled as Skavian soldiers may be (due to Stormbroken raids and vyntic traditions) I am a little worried that “THEY ARE SOME OF THE DEADLIEST KILLERS IN THE WORLD” sets a bad precedent. But perhaps I am paranoid?
History – Rape is against the cultural traditions and reformed religion of Northmen of Orlandis; the soldiers who found themselves honorable or pious would never have listened to such an order and instead perhaps attacked Crach out of such a non-northmen order. BTW, Perhyr would've been no doubt pulled into that war if that happened. Which I would probably be okay with.
I have some minor gripes outside of the above (grammar/spelling, character bios being a bit too minimal, etc)
Berserkers- They're... Vikings. The whole shtick of being a viking is getting on a boat and being a badass hand to hand combatant. Plus medieval naval warfare was basically the same as ancient. Ram that ship over there and if it doesn't sink jump on and hack away at the sailors. They are better as marines/infantry though. Landing on beaches and then having a land battle is preferable.
Legendary-Well that just comes from the Game of Thrones theme you've got going on. Everyone in Westeros knows who Jamie Lannister is and can recognize his face even though they have never met him? That and people like to talk about the ruling families of their country. As for Loki, I'll go add more detail if you want.
Hovedstad- Never said it was indestructible, just that it has never been destroyed. Obviously if a large number of boats caught fire there would be trouble. The Skavians however LOVE this city. If they know an enemy is heading to Hovedstad they send EVERYTHING they have to protect it. If an enemy reaches the Floating City, most of the Skavian military must be dead. Loki and his rebels will never attack Hovedstad because of the strong mystical belief they have in this city. They truly believe it is protected by the gods. The entire north sea is going to freeze over? Well I guess the name will change to "The City Stuck in Ice"
Vassal Map- I welcome the help with that. As I said the best I can do is copy the entire political map to microsoft paint and crop everything else out. Let's just say that isn't my forte.
Trade- Understood with the runesteel, consider it removed. Deadliest Warriors sound better? Northmen are tough.
History- That just seems unrealistic to me. It was a time of war and the Vynts had been raiding Skavia for some six years. I just have a hard time believing that the entire military sees rape as taboo. I guess I could explain that away by having Crach handpick the most evil and un-holy bastards he could find. Plus every soldier knows that rape is morally wrong, but in war it happens. They can understand that what they are doing is bad, but in the end they are soldiers. I doubt that anyone would say, "Ha! I will never rape a woman, not because it is morally wrong in every way but because I grew up in the North!"
As for Perhyr getting involved, yeah that would have been inevitable. It was quite some time ago but they definitely would have gotten involved just because of proximity. For relations, I would like the two to be old allies since Hafrek only exists as a great house because of Balkr, but that alliance is being strained because of what Skavia's crown is doing right now. Maybe Perhyr would support the rebellion?
Grammar mistakes happened because I seem to have a hard time proof reading my work directly after I write it. I was going to go back over it after you had seen it. I can add to the characters if you want, but that was more of a "who this person is" than a detailed character sheet for each one since I'm playing as a house and not a single character. Plus the recent history section is pretty substantial.
@Gowi Before I forget, is there a particular animal or symbol in mind when it comes to Dierk or Torvic that you have preference? I'm partial to mythological creatures so I may choose a dragon, wyvern, or leviathan.
Dragons are more of an Atularis thing, but other than that no thoughts there.
Berserkers- They're... Vikings. The whole shtick of being a viking is getting on a boat and being a badass hand to hand combatant. Plus medieval naval warfare was basically the same as ancient. Ram that ship over there and if it doesn't sink jump on and hack away at the sailors. They are better as marines/infantry though. Landing on beaches and then having a land battle is preferable.
The Battle of Lepanto was in the middle ages; though that wasn't in the northern seas of Europe where the development of naval combat wasn't as well-developed. Given that Skavia would mostly fend off the Stormbroken and their Vyntarland cousins, it probably makes sense that most of it is transport ships; though I imagine the Stormbroken perhaps would have small ballistics/catapults attached to their ships, but I have to see if the Stormbroken player shows up.
Legendary-Well that just comes from the Game of Thrones theme you've got going on. Everyone in Westeros knows who Jamie Lannister is and can recognize his face even though they have never met him? That and people like to talk about the ruling families of their country. As for Loki, I'll go add more detail if you want.
Jamie Lannister was also a prodigal knight and renowned more for the fact he was a "kingslayer". I just want to make sure we don't have people making too many people who are combat geniuses and warriors.
Hovedstad- Never said it was indestructible, just that it has never been destroyed. Obviously if a large number of boats caught fire there would be trouble. The Skavians however LOVE this city. If they know an enemy is heading to Hovedstad they send EVERYTHING they have to protect it. If an enemy reaches the Floating City, most of the Skavian military must be dead. Loki and his rebels will never attack Hovedstad because of the strong mystical belief they have in this city. They truly believe it is protected by the gods. The entire north sea is going to freeze over? Well I guess the name will change to "The City Stuck in Ice"
For a time, yeah. The "totally-not-the-king-beyond-the-sea" will end up uniting the tribes in Vyntar and crossing it by foot and mount; and I have a feeling the best time for when this event happens will be midway into your Civil War haha. But to give you an idea at the start of the RP in the Northlands the coastline is starting to freeze a bit preluding a harshly cold spring in the North, foreshadowing the events to come.
Vassal Map- I welcome the help with that. As I said the best I can do is copy the entire political map to microsoft paint and crop everything else out. Let's just say that isn't my forte.
Trade- Understood with the runesteel, consider it removed. Deadliest Warriors sound better? Northmen are tough.
I can go with “hardy, yet fierce” or similar descriptions, just try to avoid the “BEST IN DA WERLD” sort of tone with them, alright? I just want to make sure I can trust my players to not steamroll over others which is a problem I see in actual Nation RPs. Good thing this about story and not min/maxing huh?
History- That just seems unrealistic to me. It was a time of war and the Vynts had been raiding Skavia for some six years. I just have a hard time believing that the entire military sees rape as taboo. I guess I could explain that away by having Crach handpick the most evil and un-holy bastards he could find. Plus every soldier knows that rape is morally wrong, but in war it happens. They can understand that what they are doing is bad, but in the end they are soldiers. I doubt that anyone would say, "Ha! I will never rape a woman, not because it is morally wrong in every way but because I grew up in the North!"
As for Perhyr getting involved, yeah that would have been inevitable. It was quite some time ago but they definitely would have gotten involved just because of proximity. For relations, I would like the two to be old allies since Hafrek only exists as a great house because of Balkr, but that alliance is being strained because of what Skavia's crown is doing right now. Maybe Perhyr would support the rebellion?
Grammar mistakes happened because I seem to have a hard time proof reading my work directly after I write it. I was going to go back over it after you had seen it. I can add to the characters if you want, but that was more of a "who this person is" than a detailed character sheet for each one since I'm playing as a house and not a single character. Plus the recent history section is pretty substantial.
Surely not every single Northman is honorable or pious; but ever since they distanced themselves from their bloodthirsty cousins in Vyntar, a lot of their culture shifted into that of honorable nature. I borrowed a lot from the Starks and mixed it in with a lot of my ideas. However rape and killing unarmed men/women is seen as extremely immoral to the point that it should be punished. Know this when considering the Northlands. Though anger and fear make normal men do things out of character in many ways.
@Perhyr: Well, Viktor definitely would not like Skavia's current liege, but he is practical and wouldn't burn trade and tradition. He might take a wait and see approach, or send one of his sons to Skavia to give him eyes on the conflict. Probably Henrik.
If anyone's interested, foreign merchant/ totally-not-a-spy/pirate/smuggler for hire. Will naturally need to make some edits from his original signup
Name: Sind gwa Bad, son of the sea (actual name Amir Sand gwa Nayram) A.K.A. Sindbad.
Age: 25
Appearance: Sind is the type of personal who's immediately noticable even from a distance. He usually dyes his long hair a vibrant purple through the use of highly expensive water-proofed pigments and he's consistently covered with bracelets, bracers, necklaces, rings and other assorted bits of jewelry and bling. He'll also often wear the traditional hooded 'burnoose' of Matar, although typically one with far too many swirling designs and cloak-tassels and far too rich a fabric to be practical. He wears an eyepatch over his left eye as well. underneath these odd excesses, Sind is a slim but muscular man tanned and hardened from endless days in the sun and aboard the decks of ships, his back and body crisscrossed with scars.
Personality: Sind generally projects an air of being larger than life, an utter peacock of a man who's a little too friendly to the world in general and whose appetite for parties, luxury and debauchery is exceeded only by his love for risk and adventure. He's the type to try to exchange pleasantries and banter with someone even if they call him lowborn pirate scum, and a firm believer in there being no problem that can't be solved with the right amount of alcohol. Sind himself naturally insists that he's not a pirate of any sort, merely a merchant and occasional mercenary who pursues 'aggressive business strategies and high risk ventures'.
Underneath the vain, friendly and hedonistic exterior lies the shrewd, complex and surprisingly noble mind of Sand gwa Nayram, adopted fourth son of the Sultan of Matar. He uses the mask of the foolish and hedonistic pirate Sindbad to hide his competence as a merchant, scholar and warrior, though if discovered or questioned he'll admit that he enjoys the role and isn't sure how much of it is an act.Growing up in the courts of Matar gave him all the benefits of a prince's life, and when his guise is dropped he's a courtly, restrained and keen individual with a nose for intrigue that comes naturally from growing up with three powerful elder brothers who all saw him as an upstart. His vain and highly recognizable appearance means all it takes for him to become invisible is a solvent for his hair dye and a quick change of clothes,the parties and revels are as much sources of information as entertainment, since few people can hold tight to their secrets after a few dozen rounds of drinks, and in the business of 're-selling goods', having friends and information everywhere is invaluable and having blackmail is better still.
While he is a pirate, a smuggler and a mercenary Sand hates slavery with a passion, sells his goods cheap both to undercut his competition and to help the poorer elements, treats his crew like a second family provided they don't try and usurp him, and only works for causes or people he likes even when doing otherwise would be more profitable. He's also an avid chronicler and explorer when he can be, taking advantage of sailing in order to write notes and journals on all the places he's been to and all of the cultures, people, and notable events he encounters.
Biography: Sand was born a lowly orphan in the capital of Matar, turning to thievery to survive, and barely being good enough at it to do that much. His fortunes only changed when he was desperate enough to pickpocket one of the guards in the Sultan's retinue as it passed by one day and was brought before the Sultan himself to be judged. Rather than punishing the boy, the Sultan was moved by Sand's pathetic state and adopted him, raising him with every advantage and kindness afforded to a son of his own house. His elder brothers welcomed and cared for him at first, but unfortunately after their father died they eventually came to see him as an upstart parasite taking that which he wasn't born to have, especially after the Sultan's will gifted him a sizable sum of money from his personal treasury. Many often subtle attempts on his life began soon afterward.
The instinct he'd developed on the streets and the training he'd received since made him harder to kill than anticipated and over the years he proved resillient, but rather than attempting to get his brothers killed or punished in return once he finally figured out who was behind the many threats he faced and risk causing both familial and political upheaval, he set out to sea under an assumed name to travel far from the shores of Matar.
Before his first journey could even really begin, the ship he traveled aboard was attacked by pirates from the notorious crew of the Wandering Blade and they, recognizing his wealthy appearance and more importantly his hidden stash of money, kidnapped him in hopes of extracting a hefty ransom. When he finally explained that he had effectively been disowned they were obviously quite disappointed, and wanting both to torment him and to get further use out of him they forced him to work as their cabin boy and powder monkey. Luckily, the captain and crew he was forced to serve found his princely education useful and he made himself indispensable over the years, to the point where once he was older and the previous captain died, he was elected the new captain of the ship in accordance with the Wandering Blade's charters. At this point the young Captain gained a lofty ambition: Since he'd been denied his place in the Sultanate of his land, he would become Sultan of the Seas, a goal he's subtly pursued ever since.
If it's alright with you, @Gowi,I think I'm going to design a vassal for Peryhr. I think it will either be for Frosthold or Svellhold. Am I allowed to change the family name? Also, is there a sheet separate for vassals?
If it's alright with you, [@Gawi],I think I'm going to design a vassal for Peryhr. I think it will either be for Frosthold or Svellhold. Am I allowed to change the family name? Also, is there a sheet separate for vassals?
Same sheet, just tweak it a bit. Also, changing a vassal name for Frosthold or Svellhold is fine by me.
Okay @Gowi, here is my kingdom sheet. Everything is closish to finished besides the history (I want to wait to see how I can incorporate other PC kingdoms into it) and a few character sheets. I am also willing to change or expand anything you don't like.
House Name House Aublanc
Sigil
House Words "The Bloodline is Precious."
House Specialty Pferdjager Cavalry – The first nation to put archers on horseback, Gradiar's specialty lies with their unique cavalry unit. Especially useful for hunting and protecting herds, the Pferdjager have also made important appearances in the warfare of House Aublanc. Each rider must be a skilled equestrian with well developed leg muscles, for the use of a bow requires the rider to temporarily ignore the reigns. Though lightly armored during the hunt, the Pferdjager mounted cavalry is a heavy unit during battles, with both rider and mount being outfitted with heavy chainmetal skirts and interlocking metal plates. These heavier units form irregular, rapidly swirling lines advancing in seemingly-chaotic unison that converge in the center of their opponent, raining volleys of arrows the entire time. Some lighter units might also be utilized for flanking and for fighting smaller groups of enemies with the Ababi shot, a military tactic that involves archers engaging and retreating from an enemy while turning their upper bodies backwards and shooting behind their mounts.
Ancestral Weapon l'Odyssa – A longbow created for the founder of House Aublanc, Fleur the Merchant, to signify the completion of his journey across the known world, bringing back the riches that would be used to lay the foundations of his grand house. Crafted by the master bowyer of legend, Iphitus Eurytus, l'Odyssa is a beautiful thing with its ornate bone centerpiece, thick yew limbs, and curling platinum horns. Not every man is able to string this great bow from nook to nook, for it's strong body stands over five feet tall with smooth, rolling curves.
Important Members
Florus Aublanc: The King of Gradiar and head of the Aublanc family, Florus is a man strong of will and formerly of arm. Ascending to knighthood early in his life, he would go on to succeed his father, Florian Aublanc II, to the crown only Three decades into his life. Appearance: The King of Gradiar is a refined, distinguished looking man, standing just over six feet tall with broad shoulders and long – almost lanky – limbs. His handsome face and strong jawline show the beginnings of wrinkles, signs of the pressures of ruling. He is of fair skin. His dark brown hair is cut short and beginning to show some streaks of gray. It leads down into a sharp, short beard he keeps perfectly trimmed and shaped. He evaluates situations with piercing and somewhat unkind eyes. Personality: Florus is singularly focused on success. He is calm and commanding, inner strength apparent to all under his leadership. Though not a master tactician or expert warrior, Florus is determined to learn from his limited experience. As a father, he is stern and unrelenting, demanding only the best from his children. Florus works hard to maintain the appearance of dominance, for his pride won't allow for anything less. He is not a man of honor, and he will take any action to ensure the success of House Aublanc and his legacy.
Liliane Aublanc: The Queen of Gradiar and wife of Florus Aublanc. Born into another noble family, her marriage to Florus was made purely for political reasons. Appearance: Liliane Aublanc could be very beautiful if her appearance wasn't so harsh. The Queen dresses extremely modestly and pulls her hair back tightly, giving the overall appearance of a stern, reserved teacher or bookkeeper. She is tall and fair like her husband but with blonde hair. High, pronounced cheekbones and the finest blushes and powders suggest fine breeding and a prosperous lifestyle – exactly the things she wishes to portray. Personality: Liliane and Florus fit together perfectly, if not in a loving relationship, then a tactful partnership. Like her husband, the Queen values success over morality. She works hard to entertain the ladies of her court and keep the talk of her superiority on the lips of all. She commands several servants to tutor her in all things befitting a noble lady from etiquette and dancing to reading, foreign languages to embroidery, horse riding to a knowledge of wine.
Florian Aublanc III: Named after his grandfather and his grandfather's father before him, Florian is the very image of a gallant, dashing knight. Appearance: Florian is still a growing boy, but he carries himself like a man. He is good looking but with a youthful and boyish face. Whether dressed in his glorious armor or fine silk tunics, Florian has the quintessential look of the “fabulous knight in blue, pink and white” from the children's songs every child in Gradiar grows up hearing. From the way his hair is styled for him to the instruments he can be seen playing in the many portraits of the Aber Keep, it is almost as if Florian has been styled as the hero of stories, a facade from the crown to inspire hope in the difficult lives of the hardy people of Gradiar. Personality: His father always wanted a famous warrior, and through years and years of intense training from the most skilled mentors, Florian has become just that. Though not born with spectacular strength or skill, Florian has become a very competent fighter with the bow, lance, and infantry sabres. This competence has led him to many triumphs in House Aublanc tournament... when paired with a “helping hand” from the man who organizes the tournaments, his father. Despite the fact that he will almost surely succeed his father as king – being the only male heir alive – Florian has little interest in politics and court intrigue. Supremely confident as a result of his privileged upbringing, Florian loves his female adorers almost as much as he loves himself.
Martine Aublanc: WIP Appearance: Personality:
Meline Aublanc: WIP Appearance: Younger and even prettier than her sister Martine, Meline Personality:
Casimir Aublanc: Casimir is a child, born a bastard to Artur Aublanc, the brother of King Florus Aublanc. Because he is the only child of the King's brother, Dorian Aublanc, Casimir has been raised in the family, second only to the legitimate children. Appearance: WIP Personality:
Courtiers and Retainers Chancellor: Sebastien of House Aryllin (Lionsreach) Steward: Perrin of House Aryllin (Lionsreach) Keeper of the Treasury: Aggar Black Master of Shadows: Stefan Walesa, Baron of the Twilight Keep (Shadowweald) Master of Arms: Oren of House Aryllin (Lionsreach) General Field Marshall: Robert Staghammer Court Chaplain: Aksel of House Avalusk
Vassals House Aryllin, Duchy of Lionsreach House Bertrand, Duchy of Westpool House Hoying, Duchy of Pipersden House Stormgaard, Duchy of The Storm Coast House Tarsith, Duchy of Shadowweald House Longclaw, Duchy of Rhi'on House Avalusk, Duchy of Bradfirth House Brachyour, Duchy of Arthron House Mout, Duchy of Aaren's Frontier
Realm The Kingdom of Gradiar in the Lower Midlands, Upper Lowlands
Primary Holding Aberfin Porth – The capitol city of Gradiar is the second largest center of trade in the Kingdom (after Westpool). It is a bustling port city that sprawls across several miles with manses, granaries, storehouses, taverns and inns, market squares, brothels, and many, many fishmarkets. Wharfs, piers, and quays are swamped with various boats, neatly paralleling the nearby slums – those swamped with the poor. Tournaments are frequently held in a small collisseum just outside the southeastern gates. The Aber Keep is the seat of power of the kingdom of Gradiar and the home of the royal family. Not much of a military stronghold, the Aber keep – like the rest of of the port city – is primarily focused on trade. Its wide gates are virtually always open, allowing merchants from all across the Kingdom to enter freely and ply their wares among the fountains and greenery of the sprawling courtyards.
Keep of the Roses – A stronghold on the western outskirts of Aberfin Porth, the Keep of the Roses is the familial stronghold of House Aublanc. It is ruled over by the King's brother, Prince Dorian Aublanc. In the event of the Aber Keep becoming compromised, the Keep of the Roses is designed to fill in as the seat of power in the kingdom of Gradiar. The Keep of the Roses features a castle – much older and more equipped for war than the Aber Keep. It's towering walls surround it to the east, west, and southwest with the south and southeast protected by the mountain range running through the east of Gradiar. To the north, the keep has an entire port, complete with docks, wharves, and shipyards. Also held within the walls are storerooms, barracks, halls, stables, courtyards, a smaller keep, and gardens. All of the household positions in the castle itself are held by experienced vassals from House Bertrand and Hoying. The castle features a great keep and great hall with a crypt, dungeons, towers, and turrets.
Vassal Holdings
Influence & Relations Terijas
Veronia
Exports & Imports Aquaculture (Squid) – Many cities in Gradiar (Aberfin Porth, Westpool, Pipersden, Stormgard, Bradfirth) have rose to prominence because of their location close to the sea. Apart from the trade that is abundant along the coast and through the riverbed, one major cause of this prosperity is the success of local squid fisheries. Squid are active at night and attracted to the lights of these various fisheries. Because jigging equipment is fairly cheap, the threshold to break into the squid fishing profession is fairly low, enticing many of the hardy, determined folk of Gradiar.
Horses - Gradian horses, a sub-breed of horse native to Orlandis, are hardy and able to traverse both the mountainous environments and rolling, riverside plains of the Kingdom of Gradiar. They are not the fastest or the best for pulling carts, but their sturdy, thick bodies are great for transporting heavy loads of luggage and heavy people individually.
Ore (Tin, Copper, Platinum) – The mountainous passes of Gradiar are home to heavy riches in raw ore but also to dangerous creatures like feral wolves and dire spiders. Miners must work with others and either double as warriors themselves or hire guards for their mining parties.
Okay, I'll make a few changes when I can, but am I accepted yet? Can I move my sheet over?
*edit Alright so I took another look at my sheet and made the changes you suggested. I took out the part where I said Loki might be the smartest man in the north and left it at the "one of" stage.
I took out the bit where I said they were some of the deadliest killers in the world and replaced it with "extremely fierce."
I like the idea of a Vyntic invasion interrupting my civil war. Not sure midway would be the right time however, more like before the final battle or slightly earlier. That is completely up to you though.
I added a bit about a mass mutiny in Crach's army after the "rape everything" order. (Which I still don't see as necessary, but hey you're in charge.) Also don't forget that Old Man Hafrek was pissed when Crach returned and banished him for eight years. So he was indeed punished.
I was thinking of using a wolf for House Thralon of the North.
So far Euritia seems to be a cross between England/Prussia and the royal family is looking like Tywin Lannister and his siblings when they were younger.
Would it be feasible for House av Snaggasson to keep their fighting men top-notch by sending them to Vyntarland to fight and raid before recalling them as fully-blooded warriors who've proved their worth?
