Crusader Kings, A game of Thrones (Gilded Throne Reborn)

[Raptorman]

Well in that case the second one will be my claim then. Khan take note please

[GreivousKhan]

I meant the south point between the heartlands and that island/peninsula. If I have time to get to a paint I can make it more clear, it would be the land just southeast of the Gold region.

[Raptorman]

How about this one?

Hider

@Raptorman

So, as I said, how about this? Nexerus already has a different place on the map and I did request it.

[Gowi]

Borderless, but I think this is everyone accounted for with claims outside Nex who is looking at a new area.

[Isotope]

A simplified blank map:



A simplified blank map with basic topography:


(Yes the random mountain on a river is an error, its been fixed)

I'll be using this to provide a more intuitive political map in the future, and the overlay maps we've seen until now can be made more easily by overlaying this simplified version when i add claims to it.

Thoughts/Suggestions?

[Gowi]

Thoughts/Suggestions?

1) A smaller resolution map, my laptop seems to not like loading it at its current size.
2) Forests? Roads (when cities are added)? POI's?

[Pepperm1nts]

Smaller resolution pls. This page lags now.

[The Nexerus]

The images you just posted are broken. I went to the source link, which took a fucking eon on my mobile, and Imgur told me the image had an error and couldn't be displayed.

[Pepperm1nts]

Those maps are great, but seriously, I had to block the images to be able to browse this page without lag.

[Abefroeman]

Legion, whatya doing stealing me little islands off the East Coast. Island thief! Or, shall it be a little fun between us like Canada and Denmark... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Island

[Legion02]

Legion, whatya doing stealing me little islands off the East Coast. Island thief! Or, shall it be a little fun between us like Canada and Denmark... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Island

@Abefroeman

I looked at the map and you didn't seem to have claimed it. Sorry man, but that glorious mountain island filled with gold and silver belongs to me now! Muahahahahhahaha

[Pepperm1nts]

- Disregard this -

[Slamurai]

A few basic ideas for my House:

• House Duvard's progenitor was the first and closest retainer of Lalaifia Valarien, or so they say.
• It has been a staunch supporter and friend of the Valariens and its institutions since its founding, which may or may not entitle it to some political benefits (or so its members would like to believe)
• While loyal to a fault, the Duvards are also vain and can be regarded as excessively opulent by distant houses. Its open displays of subservience to the Heartlands may be cause for some dislike among humbler houses.
• Duvard's land has seen a significant share of foreign invasions, and thus has been a bulwark of defense between the sea and the Imperial Heartlands. (Assuming Nex relocates)
• House summary in insult form: "Pedigree/Pampered attack dogs of House Valarien."

[Abefroeman]

Wells, I claimed thems on the first page with my maps. They has no gold... only maple syrup, and no silver, only sugar cane fields.

Jokes aside,

Territorial Claim

If this is cool, I would be stoked to have dominion over the southern most islands, and perhaps being known as the Federated Kawachi States.

No clue what type of editing software you folk are using, so, if you wish to make it look prettier, go right on ahead. Summary incoming.

@Abefroeman

Whoever with their epic shading abilities skipped over them little islands. Hmm, how about we share joint ownership over them, as a token of friendship? A small naval repair and support facility is upon those islands, and its mineral wealth is shared? Yes?

[Abefroeman]

This is a Work in Progress... yey!

Kawachian South Ethica

House Name: House Swiftwave

Head of House: Viceroy (High Count) Ryan Swiftwave

House Specialty: Naval Combat and Naval Shipbuilding

House Ancestral Artifact: The Staff of House Swiftwave – An ancient, yet beautiful wood and iron staff as old as the house itself. Atop is fixed an azure and white gem, that looks like the crashing waves of the ocean itself. The gem glows brightly, as though it were bestowed upon House Swiftwave by the God themselves. It is said this staff imbues it's chosen users with mastery over the sea, with the ability to calm the waters of the endless tides, or to call great storms upon the foes of House Swiftwave. Only one Swiftwave may lay claim upon this herald artifact at any given time, and only those who are truly worthy, are able to wield it. Darker tales speak of the need for blood to power such a boon, making it both a blessing, and a curse. (Currently wielded by Ryan Swiftwave.)

Important Members:
Viceroy Ryan Swiftwave – 24 years old, sole surviving son of the late Viceroy William Swiftwave.

Viceroy William Swiftwave – 58 years old (Deceased, died with the late Emperor in his ship's sinking.)
Jace Swiftwave – 36 years old (Deceased, died with the late Emperor.)
Dererr Swiftwave – 33 years old (Deceased, died with the late Emperor.)
Alessi Swiftwave – 30 years old (Deceased, died with the late Emperor.)
Kimbely Swiftwave – 27 years old (Deceased, died with the late Emperor.)

Vicereine Deana Swiftwave – 52 years old, widow of the late Viceroy William Swiftwave.
Lee Swiftwave – 54 years old, brother of late Viceroy William Swiftwave.

Nation/Realms Name: Kawachian South Ethica

Sigil:

Flag:

House Motto: Eternity begins and ends with the ocean’s tides.

Region/color on map: Green

Race name: Kawachian's

Racial appearance: The men tend to stand anywhere between 5'10” to 6'5” on average, with the women ranging from 5'8” to 6'1” in height. The vast majority of the Kawachian people share either grey-green eyes, or a hue of greenish-brown eyes. Their skin color is that of toasted tan color, due to the tropical sunlight and climate. Their weight averages no more than 215 lbs for the men, and 125 lbs for the women. Their hair colors range from hues of brown to dirty blonde, with the occasional rusty reddish brown showing up.

Racial traits: Most, if not all men of Kawachi are known for their rugged seamanship, skilled sailors who ply their god given gifts upon the waves of the endless oceans of their world. They are said to know when a sea storm approaches, when to sail, and when to batten down the hatches and tide over the storm. Their skill as sailors has lead to many a man of Kawachi to strike out and join as crewmen on not only their own ships, but those of neighboring realms as well.

Capital: The City of Point Break

Capital Population: 66,000 roughly.

Other Major Settlements: City of Kongo – Seat of House Greenmane, currently ruled by Lord Beren Greenmane. 51,000 people.
City of Musashi – Seat of House Demetria, ruled by Lady Sally Demetria. 54,000 people.
City of Fuso – Seat of House Abbendis, ruled by Lord Alan Abbendis. 48,500 people.
City of Mikasa – Seat of House Marjhan, ruled by Lady Sabine Marjhan. 58,000 people.
City of Izumo – Seat of House Tolgraine, ruled by Lord Darrion Tolgraine. 44,500 people.

Population: 673,000

Culture: WIP

Type of Government: Hereditary Monarchy, regional power residing with Viceroy Swiftwave, and all other families paying fealty to the ruling family in Point Break.

Influence and relations: The main influence that the people of Kawachi have over the realm is their ability to produce naval ships on a large scale, and at a rate that is enviable. They are known for taking orders from surrounding regions and building the ships they need, big and small, military and trade, at an affordable and quality level. They currently have standing orders for numerous ship building contracts with nearby regions, some just starting, others nearing completion.

Military - WIP

Unit demographics: WIP

Landscape: A very tropical region, akin to Vietnam or Burma. Volcanic mountains long since dormant created a fertile region where growing crops is easy and a mainstay, though the climate precludes large crops of wheat and barley, which has the majority of crops being devoted towards rice, and other crops that can grow easily in the tropical climate. Numerous trees and forests dominate the islands, leading to the dominant industry of lumber and shipbuilding.

Wildlife: Like any other tropical region, bugs, bugs, and more bugs. Lots of birds, reptiles, large tigers, and oxen. Tropical forests, wavy grasslands, and jungles, along with dormant volcanic mountains.

Economy: The economy of Kawachi falls in the middle. There are those who are rich, like the noble families, and those that are extremely poor, criminals and beggars, and then the majority, who fall in the middle. Lucrative shipbuilding contracts help fund much of the region, while fishing, salt, and sugar exports also help keep the region relatively well off. Kawachian South Ethica retains enough wealth to live comfortably, but not in an excess to where they can afford massive standing armies, the newest fashions, and so on.

Religion: Kammeth is the Sun God, and warms the world. He is the primary god of Kawachi, with two others falling below him in importance. The first, is Kammeth's son, the Sea God Watatsumi. Depicted as a dragon, his temples dominate the coastlines of Kawachi, often being prayed to before a ship sets sail, the sailors very superstitious folk. These temples to Watatsumi house the wares of thousands of ocean voyages, gifts given up to the Dragon of the Seas, as tribute, and to stay his fierce desire to have have sailors for his vast undersea fleet. A darker cult, known as the Sea Dragons, believe that it is Watatsumi who is the one true rightful god to rule the Sky Pantheon. Thankfully, their sect is isolated only on the southern most island of Kawachi, known aptly as Furutaka, the large mountain that rises from the sea. Their temples dot the Southern coasts, with their largest and greatest built into the mountainside, grander and greater than any other temple on that islands.

The third god, or rather goddesses that are worshiped in Kawachi are the three sisters, daughters of Kammeth, known as Kim-Rae-Ali, the three sisters of the mountains. These goddesses are worshipped by farmers, hunters, and woodsmen, with their temples built into the mountains of Kawachi, and its outlying islands. The three goddesses are well regarded upon the islands, and tales of their beauty are traded among many a man and woman alike. Depicted within the temples as three loving sisters, they stand next to each other, holding hands and smiling, looking down at those who come to pray before them. Kammeth is usually painted onto the ceiling of these temples, looking down at his daughters with pride, and at his own loyal subjects as well.

Kammeth is paramount of all gods, but in Kawachi, he has only two temples, each larger than any of the other temples in all of Kawachi, excluding the Sea Dragon's monastery redoubt built in Furutaka. The temples of East and West, to mark the rise, and setting of the sun, built on opposite ends of the Kawachian realm, herald Kammeth and all his glory. The sun rises, and falls with Kammeth, and with him, the world awakens, and slumbers.

Secretly, last of all, is Ryan Swiftwave, who is a secret follower of Watatsumi and his cult of the Sea Dragon. He has never told anyone, nor plans on doing so. His private quarters hold a small shrine, a beautifully crafted dragon that he prays to and lights incense for, when he feels the need to.

History: WIP

Strengths: Archers – If the enemy can never land on our shores, what need do we have of infantry? Kawachian's pride themselves on archery, using their skills in it to defend their ships and lands from any enemy who would dare attack them. Their bows are built from two types of wood, domestically grown Kuma wood, which grows in the mountains of Kawachi, and when there is spare wood, Webwood tree wood.
Naval experience – The sea is the lively hood of Kawachi. Why turn your back upon it when you can use such a great gift to your advantage? Kawachian sailors have an almost innate ability to tell the weather, when to sail, and when to put in. They have rudders that have mapped vast portions of the oceans and coasts of Ethica, all of which are fiercely guarded to the death.
Warships – With all their focus on the sea, they people of Kawachi have crafted some of the finest war vessels of the realm. These ships are used primarily by the Imperial navy, and themselves, for these war ships are closely guarded, and scarcely, if ever, sold to anyone else. A fine vessel that is a cut above everyone else, or at least in the eyes of the Kawachians.

Weaknesses: Terrible Calvary – Kawachian South Ethica posses little to no true calvalry units, most if not all being only used as very light scouting units and dispatch runners. Horses are very scarce among the Southern Islands, only owned by nobility, and by Imperial Units.
No Heavy Infantry – Due to a lack of large reserves of mineral deposits to create Steel, let alone Iron is sufficient quantities, the military forces of Kawachi are almost completely devoid of any heavy infantry, save for the ceremonial guard unit stationed in the regional capital.
Shields... ha, we laugh at those things – The people of Kawachi never really developed the usage of shields, seeing it as a useless weight to hinder a man on the battlefield, and create the image of a coward who hides behind objects from his foe. The entire standing and levy military of Kawachian South Ethica is devoid of shield bearing units, preferring to use two handed weapons, duel wielding, or bow and arrow.

Export: Ships – With the largest naval ports and shipbuilding yards in the realm, the pride and joy, along with the bread and butter of Kawachi, is the production and sale of seagoing vessels.
Sugar Cane – With a wonderful tropical climate, sugar is easy to produce and on a large scale. It would seem the rest of the realm likes sweet things.
Rice – A major foodstuff crop, the excess is exported to support the realm and feed those who need the extra sustenance.
Fish – With large ports come large fishing fleets, and the need to feed not only themselves, but to help out the Empire as a whole.
Salt – Well, you are surrounded by ocean on all sides, and salt is needed to preserve food, make it taste good, and so on. So, you collect, and sell it to the folks to the North of Kawachi.

Import: Iron – As of now, iron is a hard item to come by in truly large quantities. This leads to the reason of Kawachi not having heavy infantry, heavy armor, shields, and so on. Iron is highly valued, though one day perhaps an iron mine of sufficient quantity will be discovered.
Wheat – Due to the hard nature of tropical climates, wheat is harder to grow in a sufficient number to create bread from the people of Kawachi. As such, wheat is imported, or its processed form, for food supplementation.
Horses – Horse are not naturally native to Kawachi. As such, they are imported from the mainland, but not for military use, but rather agrarian usages, and civil engineering.
Webwood lumber – Something is magical about this wood, its amazing to say the least. It is used in the largest of naval vessels, providing a large boost to the ships overall strength. Very costly, but well worth it for anyone who ply's the deep waters of the world.

[Pepperm1nts]

Putting this here for safe-keeping.

I edited my claim a bit. I trimmed a bit off the southern border and a bit off the northern border, but I pushed into the mountains a bit. Basically, the south and north borders are the rivers. The break in the mountains between me and Ethan is fortified and tolled by my nation.

Click

Someone with more talent can make it pretty if they want. That's the best I can do.

[gorgenmast]

House Name: House Lastren

Head of House: Anastus Lastren

House Specialty: Light cavalry. When Vidor Lastren swore fealty to the Emperor and denounced Tihune in favor of Kammeth, the Emperor gifted Vidor with one hundred fine riding horses so that his unmounted clansguard "might ride as true imperial knights". From this original stock came the hardy Varlander: a hardy, stocky steed with the endurance and speed to run down lightly-armored infantry. Additionally, there is a tribe of indigenous horse people who owe fealty to House Lastren known as the Narze. Riding upon shaggy and nimble Tkarin horses, the Narze dispatch their foes with long javelins. These mounted javelineers are among the finest light cavalry in Ethica. A troop of Narze riders serve in Lord Lastren's retinue, and freelance troops can be called upon if the Lastren Lord need their assistance.

House Ancestral Artifact: None. House Lastren joined the Empire long after the age of Lalaifia and missed out on Kammeth's divine gifts.

Important Members:
Pending

Nation/Realms Name: The Septentrion

Sigil: Pending

Flag: Pending

House Motto:

Region/color on map: Pending

Race name: Pending

Racial appearance: Pending

Racial traits: Pending

Capital: Vardfork

Capital Population: 9,000

Other Major Settlements:
-Vandaster
-Riffleford
-Cape Finisterre
-Frostmouth Keep (Imperial outpost)

Population: 100,000

Culture: Pending

Type of Government: Feudal aristocracy

Influence and relations: Highly dependent upon the Empire.

Military - Pending

Unit demographics: Pending

Landscape: Pending

Wildlife: Pending

Economy: Destitute

Religion: In the cities and feudalized south of the Septentrion, worship of Kammeth prevails. But the old god of the land - Tihune - is revered by many, particularly in the unsettled North. Lord Vidor Lastren converted to worship of Kammeth when he swore fealty to the Emperor and zealously forbade the old rites of Tihune worship during his rule. His heirs, more concerned with keeping the Septentrion intact than maintaining an impractical facsimile of a southern kingdom, relaxed their stance on Tihune worship. The sparse population merits few clergy to teach the laity the exact parameters of Kammeth's faith; as such, syncretism between the new religion and the old ways is common.

History: House Lastren was the last dynasty to join the Empire of Ethica. A leader of a settled tribe of Northkin named Vidor Lastren sought the audience of the Emperor. Before the Emperor of Ethica, Lastren pledged his allegiance to his Empire and forsook the old god of his people - Tihune - in favor of Kammeth. With Imperial support, Lastren carved out a fledgling kingdom out of the Septentrion by pushing his unsettled kin out into the hills and forests to make room for farmsteads and feudal estates. While Vidor Lastren had modest success in fashioning the southern marches of his dominion into a simulacrum of a functioning feudal kingdom, the vast majority of the country was simply inarable. Windswept hill country, dense forest, sheer mountains, and harrowing winters confounded Vidor's efforts to establish a feudal enclave in the northern lands.

To make matters worse, the Northkin tribes that had been displaced during the initial wave of imperial conquest returned in the following years. They avenged themselves by raiding the functioning estates in the south of the realm and pillaging the farmstead hamlets. Vidor demanded his imperial benefactors send more soldiers to put paid to the rampant forays of the savages. The Septentrion was developing into a financial burden and a military quagmire for the Empire as whole. Before he could see the situation improved, Vidor suffered an untimely death when he fell from his horse at a gallop and was accidentally trampled by one of the steeds of his retinue.

Aetius Lastren - rechristened with an Imperial name by his late father - took the reigns of House Lastren and was dismayed by the state of the realm he had inherited. His first priority was to quell the unsettled Northkin within his realm. Aetius was not as stubborn as his father had been, and was not as inclined to see his way meted through force as Vidor had been. Aetius, after all, was born as a Northkin himself and could empathize with the unsettled neighbors that his father wanted only to expel through force. Aetius called a council to be attended by all the Northkin tribes living within the Septentrion. Through much negotiation and compromise, an uneasy truce between House Lastren and the tribes was brokered. In exchange for a meager tribute from the tribes, the Northkin would receive protection from House Lastren and the Empire of Ethica so long as the Northkin left feudal estates and settlements in peace. This arrangement was shaky and often violated, but it was instrumental in restoring order to the countryside.

Anastus Lastren is now Lord, and his policy has been a pivot back to the Empire. Taramyth Paragon grossly neglected the northern garrisons, and Anastus has had to battle for each Imperial soldier posted at the remote northern fortress at Frostmouth. Word has filtered back to the Webwood savages that Ethica's northern flank is exposed. Perceived Imperial weakness has resulted in exacerbated incursions by the savages, stretching House Lastren's men-at-arms and the Imperial soldiers all too thin. Now, with Taramyth's death and a coming long night, the state of the realm is dire indeed.

Strengths:
+ Seasoned: The Septentrion is a hard place. Constant barbarian incursions, squabbles for supplies, and general hardships cultivate a stronger people. Fighters Septentrion have seen combat time and time again with marauding raiders often possess extensive combat experience. Even the peasant levies will typically fare better in combat than their softer southern counterparts.
+ Remote: At the Northernmost fringe of the Empire, the Septentrion is far removed from the political turmoil that seethes in the more populous south. Imperial oversight is scarce and House Lastren is usually left alone unless their Lord requests imperial attention.
+ Supported: Barbarian incursion is a fact of life in the far north. Fortunately, the Empire is (usually) amenable to backing the realm with military support. Imperial armies, in addition to helping protect the countryside, prove useful in quashing peasant revolts. This defrays the cost of military endeavors.

Weaknesses:
- Savages: Lord Aetius Lastren's efforts at smoothing over hostilities with the indigenous Northkin did much to pacify the realm. However, not everyone got the memo. Raiders from the Webwood trickle through treacherous mountain passes into northern Ethica, presenting a constant nuisance at best and an existential threat to the Empire at the worst.
- Inhospitable: The fact of the matter is that the Septentrion is poorly suited to sustaining a feudal realm. Agriculture is only feasible in the south of the realm. Flocks, fishing, and imports from the south are necessary to feed the populace, small though it may be.
- Depauperate: The Septentrion would be able to pay its dues were it not for constant Imperial support. Make no mistake, there is natural wealth to be had in this land - the north is ripe with mineral wealth and quality stands of old-growth timber. However, the inhospitable nature of this land is such that this wealth is difficult to extract.
- Dependent: Without the Imperial garrisons' assistance in containing the barbarian incursions, the Septentrion would collapse and northern raiders would overrun the realm. House Lastren expends much energy in reminding the Emperor's court that without reinforcement, barbarians will wash across the Septentrion and stream down into the valuable southern realms.

Export:
- Wool
- Timber
- Honey

Import:
- A better question is 'What don't they import?'

[GreivousKhan]

Alright, I was going to save this for OOC, however, that will be paused for the moment and I'll post this here for those interested.

Behold the true NORTH

Note some sections may be subject to change or add-ons. The Tribes of the North are a very different playstyle to the Houses and their sheet reflects this. They can gear toward war more easily but, can just as quickly falter and fall apart from fragmentation. Feed the warbands with plunder or watch them eat each other alive.

The main difference between the Houses of the Empire and the tribes of the north is their manner of rule. The Nordheim only recognize the strong and will never follow a man or women merely because of birthright. They do not recognize noble blood nor do they follow a tradition of voting for their ruler. Typically those who wish to rule most prove themselves in some manner of contest either a duel, wrestling and defeating all challengers, or other contest of skill that depends on the tribe. Even the most organized of the tribes of the north are limited to elective gavelkind succession in where their lands and holdings are split among their sons.

The tribes are also much more mobile than those of the south. Capable of migrating when the need arises. It is also not unheard of for sons to challenge their fathers for position if they believe they can win.

Jarl(ess): (The name of your ruler, and main character)

God: (The Nordheim follow a pantheon of gods much unlike their southern brethren, these gods play an active role in their lives, see the appeasement section under the god to know what acts will grant you unique blessings. The form these take depend on the god, but may include calm seas, or a sudden storm to cover a tribes retreat.)

Clan and Kin: The minor characters of your clan, such as your spouse, children, and vassals or housecarls. A Jarl typically has up to two Arls serving under him, as well as a number of Thanes, the Nordic version of Knights, and Thralls or slaves.)

Dynasty Bio: (A brief description of your tribes rule and history. Unlike other kingdoms, the strong rule in Nordheim rather than bloodlines, so it may be typical to see power being shared by many different families over the course of the generations.)

Tribe Bio: (A description of your tribe, their successes, defeats, or grudges.)

Military: (A generous word for the warbands that fight under a chosen Jarl, Tribes of the North are unique in that the more success they are met with the more Northmen will flock to their banner over time. Even once enemy tribes will join you if they believe loot is to be had. Win enough and perhaps become the next High King! Fail and...well come what may.)

PM me any questions you have or post it in chat.

[Hannibal]

Gowi thank you for putting my location on the map and pardon my lack of details in defining its location. One quick question, what's the basis for artifacts?

Edit: Nevermind

[Gowi]

Putting this here for safe-keeping.

I edited my claim a bit. I trimmed a bit off the southern border and a bit off the northern border, but I pushed into the mountains a bit. Basically, the south and north borders are the rivers. The break in the mountains between me and Ethan is fortified and tolled by my nation.

Click

Someone with more talent can make it pretty if they want. That's the best I can do.

@Pepperm1nts

Following your lead on redefining my borders:

My Hider