Dark LightHouse Starborn
We Light The Way
We Light The Way
House Name:Starborn
Head of House: Victor Starborn, King of Mivaen, Grand-Mayor of Starborn.
House Specialty: The Starborns are known to be pragmatic merchants, able to look past moral qualms in pursuit of profits. This may have made them unpopular with some houses but the Starborns are quick to excuse their actions with their common saying; gold has no conscience. Their ability to see profits above all other considerations has given them a certain focus in their mercantile dealings, and their rich coffers are evident of this fact.
House Ancestral Artifact: The Tri-Star Crown - In a time since before the Empire, a sailor was hopelessly lost at sea. His crew dead, his provisions spent, the man was on the brink of death when a vision came to him of angelic beings singing of prophecy. They said that he was destined to found a great city and a dynasty to last the ages. The angels cast a blinding light across the sky, a trail to lead him to his destiny, which erupted three stars in a radiant glow. Following his new path, the sailor made landfall at long last. Setting foot in the realm of Mivaen, which at the time was a fueding realm of divided clans. The sailor, born anew, took the name Starborn, united the clans under his rule and laid the foundation for the city to come of his name. For his efforts, Kammeth smiled upon him and sent him a gift from the heavens, his kingly crown. The Tri-Star Crown, adorned with three shimmering jewels representing the the Sisters' Stars that led the first Starborn home, remains within the same lineage to this day.
Important Members:
The pragmatic head of the Starborn Dynasty, and ruler of Mivaen and Starborn City. A man of near sixty, he is widely respected among the lords of Mivean while reviled in greater parts of Ethica. Seen by many as greedy, or a midas touched by others, no one can doubt his shrewd mind for finances.
Though the younger of Victor's two sons, Willim is thought to be favoured among his father and vassals for the succession, given the keen mind for business he learned from his father. Sharing his father's pragmatism, Willim's love for family and empire is overshadowed by his love of gold.
Though the elder of the two Starborn sons, Tybolt has exhibited little interest in rule beyond that of his own ship. A seasoned sailor and explorer, Tybolt is the naval commander of Mivaen's fleet, and is content with that title.
Elana is Victor Starborn's eldest child, and enjoys the coveted title of Imperial Ambassador. Stationed in the capital, it is Elana's charge to conduct diplomacy and represent Mivaen interests in the Emperor's court. She is a shrewd woman when she knows what she wants, but is sparing with favours and quick to carry favour with the lords of the land, offsetting the ill reputation of her father.
The Warden of the Steel Quarter, a fortified district within Starborn City that houses the city's prison and City Watch headquarters. As well as a warden of the city, Vance also sits upon the king's high council as Royal Martial. He is a brutally honest man who does not mince words, and does not believe in honeyed speech.
Seras Rightspear is the Baroness of Buntry, and the principal ruler outside the walls of Starborn City. Years ago Seras was taken hostage by the Dread Pirate Rareik. Seras was freed by Tybolt Starborn, and though Rareik escaped, she has shared a special bond with Tybolt ever since, despite their arranged marriages to different rulers.
Garret Hardrow is the Baron of Hardrow, his family a long standing rival of the Starborns and former kings of Mivaen. Garret himself has a sound working relationship with King Victor, any disdain born from their family history kept at a distance in favour of peace. In his private counsels, however, Garret remembers his family's former glory well.
A charismatic noble within Starborn City, Sir Giles Gisborn comes from a long line of prosperous traders. Giles himself often charters trading expeditions to far away Lointaine. Considered the leader of the House of Nobles of Starborn City, Giles is often frustrated by the lack of influence held by the house.
Faryn is a testament to the rising power of the merchant class of Starborn City. Though a lowborn without landed titles, Faryn is a highly successful trader, and owns three trade cogs frequent busy ports across all Ethica. His success prompted his ascension to the royal council, King Victor naming him Royal Steward much to the chagrin of much of the nobility.
Known in Mivaen as the Dread Pirate Rareik, Rareik is actually of noble blood, belonging to House Farwyn that were principal rulers of Mivaen before the rise of the Starborns. His ancestors defeated by the Starborns, their ancestral lands conquered, the Farwyns were exiled into the western badlands which have since taken their name. Though inhospitable, the rivers and lake that border the badlands offered Rareik much opportunity to hone his seamanship. A competent sailor, Rareik harasses and pillages Starborn merchants at every opportunity. He is currently in hiding following a defeat at the hands of High-Captain Tybolt Starborn.
Nation/Realms Name: Mivean and Starborn interchangeably. (While technically a kingdom, the concentration of power in Starborn City renders it a city-state.)
Sigil: A battlement before a blue sea, crowned with three stars.
Flag:
The traditional Mivaen Flag, depicting the Tri-Star Crown, bordered by the Sisters' Star and the North Star, all of which that play a vital role in navigation for the kingdom's sailors.
House Motto: We Light The Way
Region/color on map: Grey
Race name: Miveans (human)
Racial appearance: Due to intermingling between different ethnic groups, a result of the busy port city of Starborn, it is sometimes hard to discern the native attributes of Miveans. In the border regions of the kingdom, however, there are some who endeavor to keep the Mivean bloodlines pure. These people tend to have reddish to black hair, and radiant amber eyes.
Racial traits: Mivaens hold a special reverence for the sea, and the starry sky for the role it plays in navigation. The people of Mivaen are known for their mastery of ship and sea.
Capital: Starborn City - Largely considered the jewel of the south, admittedly by Mivaens themselves, Starborn City is a bustling merchant port and one of the largest cities in the empire. Central to the city is the Starry Palace, seat of the Starborn Dynasty. The palace is known for it's three towers, representing the three stars, the Sister Stars prevalent in the houses origin.
Capital Population: 100,000
Other Major Settlements: Buntry (6,500) - The only other major settlement in Mivaen, surrounded by short stone walls, a town and harbour, dominated by an obsidian stone tower.
Hardrow Hall (800)- Once the proud seat of kings before the rise of the Starborns, Hardrow Hall's glory is long past. It now stands as a decrepit hall surrounded by a village and neglected port.
Westport (500)- the westward most settlement in the kingdom and the gateway to the lawless Farwyn badlands. Westport is the site of a small harbour and a hall for the local baron, with a disorderly village surrounding the hill.
Seastone Tower - An ancient fortess raised up from the ocean rocks from beneath the sea. Legends say it was built by the infamous wizard Flarnax. An affront to the Gods, Flarnax was vanquished by the Sea God Tritus but his tower still stands. Now it is occupied by Starborn troops and guards the southern coast as well as a way station for Starborn fleet. In times of peace, it is populated by shipwrights exercising their craft, but in times of war it can be garrisoned by as much as one thousand troops and provide a defended harbour.
Population: 400,000
Culture: The Mivaens are a proud seafaring people. They mainly worship the Sea-God Tritus and hold the sea in a deep reverence. For the most part, the peasants of the land work on the merchant and fishing vessels, followed by foresters and farmers. The nobility busy themselves trading, most owning their own vessels from which they use to trade across the empire, and most reside within Starborn City. There is a rising merchant class within the city that have reaped the fruits of trade within the city, some of the more affluent have gathered enough wealth to rival the richest of the nobility.
Along with the reverence of the sea, the captains of ships are held in high honour in Mivaen society. Such men are highly regarded for having the strength to tame the power of Tritus, that is the sea. Such show of respect is often evident when Mivaens go into a naval battle, often taking risks to ensure an enemy captain is captured alive, and treated with the respect given to his station.
In the rural lands of Mivaen, beyond the walls of Starborn City, many stay to their clan culture that was prevalent since before the rise of the Starborns. Along the borderlands, Mivaens endeavour to keep their bloodlines pure, are led by clan elders, and lead an isolated existence. In Starborn, on the other hand, the city is a lively mix of many different cultures and races. While the nobility is made up of Miveans exclusively, the influential merchant class is highly diverse.
As a result of this diversity, the art and fashion of the city takes on a more worldy flavour, with elements from across the continent woven into music, paint, and dress. There is also a large degree of tolerance for other races and cultures unlike in the Mivaen countryside. Starborn City is a city of the world, but beyond the walls Mivaen culture is fiercely protected from outsiders.
Type of Government: Mivaean is an Elective Monarchy, with the vassals and nobility able to wield a vote for who among the Starborn Dynasty will rule. Mivaen is divided into baronies, who rule over elders and chieftains respectively. Starborn City is divided into wards, each ruled by a warden, a hereditary title akin to a baron. Apart from these rulers is the House of Nobles that offer collective guidance to the king and vote on the succession.
Mivaen and Starborn City are ruled by a king who also holds the title Grand-Mayor of Starborn City.
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 - The Mivaen lack any kind of standing army, save for the City Watch of Starborn City. This force, mainly occupied with internal disputes within the city walls, are lightly armoured and typically carry maces or other blunt weapons. There purpose is to keep the peace within the city, though in times of war they are called up to defend the city walls.
The bulk of Mivaens fighting forces are made up of peasant levies. A force of about one thousand may be rallied to defend the city and surrounding baronies. As one might expect from such a force, they are ill equipped fishermen and farmers, and not much good at fighting.
The noble families of Starborn City and Mivaen are the kingdom's greatest strength insofar as land forces. Mounted and with heavy armour, typically forged outside the kingdom, this force is generally well organized and equipped.
It is at sea that Mivaen's pride themselves, however. The Starborn Fleet, under direct control of the king, numbers some ten war dromonds. While the wardens and barons hold a combined fleet of fifteen. The king has also been known to press the merchant navy into war, should the need arise, further complimenting their navy, though these ships are ill suited for battle.
Unit demographics:
2000 Peasant Militia
1000 Vassal Army (Mostly Militia and Ligth Infantry)
500 Noble Knights (Heavy Cavalry)
500 Light Infantry (City Watch)
10 War Dromonds (Starborn Fleet)
15 War Galleys (Baron/Warden Fleet)
25-50 Merchant Ships (Merchant Navy)
Landscape: Mivaen is dominated by a large central forest, known as the Amber Wood. Deposits of amber have been mined to exhaustion generations ago, but it still stands as a reliable source of lumber, hides and food. Beyond the wood, grasslands, rolling hills and farmlands extend out to the shorelines and land borders. A single source of stone was quarried long ago to build the oldest parts of the city, mainly the palace, and inner wall. Expansions generations later are mostly made from wood, any stone having to be transported in for surrounding areas. What remains of the quarry is known as Gnarled Redoubt, and is a known haven for brigands.
In the western reaches of the kingdom an expansive badland is prevalent. There are scattered forests of ashwood and some fishing villages sprung up along the coast and along the rivers and lakes. These villages largely live outside Starborn's sphere of influence, though in times of need, stewards are sent to extort taxes or raise troops. The prominent group in the badlands is a nomadic peoples, the Farwyn, who travel the harsh landscape, never settling in one place for too long.
Wildlife: The Amber Wood is heavily populated with deer, rabbits, wolves and bears. It can be a dangerous place for the unwary, but the experienced Mivaen foresters have a deep understanding of the local flora and fauna. In the waters that surround the south and east of the kingdom, teems with bite-fish, tuna, and salmon. There are also sharks that stalk the waters and deeper out to see, are the mammoth whales that are a prize hunt for Mivaen whalers, who use the great animals fat to make whale-oil.
Economy: Starborn City is a trading hub of the south. Merchant vessels trading their goods across the southern shores routinely pass through Starborn City before continuing up the eastern coast to the north. As a result, Starborn City has reaped much profits from port landing fees, and taxes, making the city very prosperous.
Religion: Mivaens primarily worship Kayo, the God of the Sea and Atonement. Their reliance and reverence on the sea for sustenance have created a strong affinity for the god. That their god is blind and deaf plays into their innate caution of the sea, and the dangers of becoming lost. To the Mivaens, the aspect of atonement plays more into navigation, and appeasing the God in order to find their way home.
The Mivaen people abhor Lohennir, none refer to him as the Fisherman, as such is a common and respectable occupation among the kingdom's people. He is believed to dwell under the sea, who is able to churn the waters of the sea to draw out ships, and beset sailors with the fog of his foul breath, whereupon becoming hopelessly lost, he ensnares them.
History: Before the rise of the Starborns and the Empire, Mivaen was considered a petty kingdom of feuding clans. Times in which clans were untied was seldom, usually when faced with an outside threat. In these times the Hardrow Clan wielded the greatest power and influence, and were one of the few that could manage to unite the clans under their banner.
When the First Starborn landed, the Hardrows and Farwyns were his rivals. They attempted to unite the clans once more against Starborn, but the Mivaens were divided. Some had chosen to follow Starborns banner, and after a series of battles and crushing defeats, Hardrow Clan was forced to surrender and swear fealty to Starborn. The Farwyns never bent the knee, however, even after Starborn razed their hold-fast to the ground. Their ancestors now live a nomadic existence in the wastes to the west.
During the conquest of Lalaifia Valarien, Grand-Mayor Gilles Starborn ruled the city of his namesake, which had grown into a prosperous center of trade, but the surrounding clan lands were strife with unrest and rebellion. The Hardrows had grown in power once more, and threatened the city. Seeing the power of the Phoenix Queen, and believing in her cause, Gilles swore fealty, and with her help, vanquished the Hardrows and restored his rule across Mivaen, reclaiming the kingship.
After his victory, King Gilles Starborn led a fleet in Valarien's name, sailing west and winning a great victory against the Bastard King, though Gilles perished from wounds a fortnight later. Gilles son and heir, Tybolt, finished out the conquest, but suffered a grave defeat that smashed his fleet and forced him to take refuge in the Seastone Tower. Besieged by enemy forces, Tybolt was facing starvation. Luckily, just before the possibility of surrender seemed assured, the Veletian Marine broke through the enemy blockade and broke the siege. In the aftermath the houses of Starborn and Gracieux formed a friendship, but soon soured as competition between the houses grew.
In 657 AU, during the Great Drathii War, the western fleets were smashed by the Drathii. In response, the Emperor Durrus VI gathered the eastern fleets to combat the invasion, including the Starborn Fleet. Unfortunately this compelled the Starborns to work closely with the Gracieuxs of Violette. Starborn City had been diminishing Violette economic dominance in Ethica over the centuries and a rivalry had formed between the two high houses. Both competed for the position of admiral, the infighting further slowing the navy's ability to mobilize. Before the matter could be resolved, the Drathii armada arrived in the south, and scattered the Starborn Fleet, making landfall in Mivean.
Over the course of the next year, the Drathii were able to lay siege to the major hold-fasts of the kingdom and surround Starborn City. At Seastone Tower, the Starborns struggled to repair their fleet, but frequent raids by the Drathii made it impossible. By 658, when the Battle of Kawachian Straits would see the tide of naval supremacy turn for the Empire, Mivaen was exhausted from the siege. Though the Veletian Marine was able to scatter the Drathii raiding ships, causing the Drathii besiegers to strike camp, the Mivaen navy was unable to recover until after the war.
With the Veletian Marine robbing the besieging Drathii of their method of resupply, the invaders strike their camp, their siege of Starborn City now in doubt. King Garrus Starborn, marred by defeats throughout the war, and humiliated by the Violette Republic, eagerly pursues the Drathii as they march inland, making for the Ignesian capital to join their fallen brethren's siege.
King Garrus assaulted the rear flanks of the enemy, and along with Ignes sorties and Xandrian charges, the Drathii invaders crumbled, and Garrus could save face, finally being part of a great victory in the war.
Strengths: House Starborn has unfettered access to the strong red oaks of the Amber Wood. The lumber cut from the Red Oaks is preciously sought by shipwrights and carpenters alike. Under the care of a discerning craftsmen, red oak can be forged into some of the finest woodworks in the world, and there are none like the craftsmen of Mivaen.
Weaknesses: While Mivaens are known for their craft of lumber and their mastery of ships, they have proven to fare far less in matters regarding land warfare. The peasant militias are a mere rabble of small folk armed with pitchforks and hunting bows. Knights of the kingdom are more concerned with their status and tourneys then actually fighting, and the City Watch of Starborn City are gifted with clubbing a cutpurse over a swordsmen.
Export: Red Oak Lumber and crafts, Whale Oil, and Hides.
Import: Iron and iron works, precious metals and baubles, fashion finery and other luxuries.
House Ancestral Artifact: The Tri-Star Crown - In a time since before the Empire, a sailor was hopelessly lost at sea. His crew dead, his provisions spent, the man was on the brink of death when a vision came to him of angelic beings singing of prophecy. They said that he was destined to found a great city and a dynasty to last the ages. The angels cast a blinding light across the sky, a trail to lead him to his destiny, which erupted three stars in a radiant glow. Following his new path, the sailor made landfall at long last. Setting foot in the realm of Mivaen, which at the time was a fueding realm of divided clans. The sailor, born anew, took the name Starborn, united the clans under his rule and laid the foundation for the city to come of his name. For his efforts, Kammeth smiled upon him and sent him a gift from the heavens, his kingly crown. The Tri-Star Crown, adorned with three shimmering jewels representing the the Sisters' Stars that led the first Starborn home, remains within the same lineage to this day.
Important Members:
The pragmatic head of the Starborn Dynasty, and ruler of Mivaen and Starborn City. A man of near sixty, he is widely respected among the lords of Mivean while reviled in greater parts of Ethica. Seen by many as greedy, or a midas touched by others, no one can doubt his shrewd mind for finances.
Though the younger of Victor's two sons, Willim is thought to be favoured among his father and vassals for the succession, given the keen mind for business he learned from his father. Sharing his father's pragmatism, Willim's love for family and empire is overshadowed by his love of gold.
Though the elder of the two Starborn sons, Tybolt has exhibited little interest in rule beyond that of his own ship. A seasoned sailor and explorer, Tybolt is the naval commander of Mivaen's fleet, and is content with that title.
Elana is Victor Starborn's eldest child, and enjoys the coveted title of Imperial Ambassador. Stationed in the capital, it is Elana's charge to conduct diplomacy and represent Mivaen interests in the Emperor's court. She is a shrewd woman when she knows what she wants, but is sparing with favours and quick to carry favour with the lords of the land, offsetting the ill reputation of her father.
The Warden of the Steel Quarter, a fortified district within Starborn City that houses the city's prison and City Watch headquarters. As well as a warden of the city, Vance also sits upon the king's high council as Royal Martial. He is a brutally honest man who does not mince words, and does not believe in honeyed speech.
Seras Rightspear is the Baroness of Buntry, and the principal ruler outside the walls of Starborn City. Years ago Seras was taken hostage by the Dread Pirate Rareik. Seras was freed by Tybolt Starborn, and though Rareik escaped, she has shared a special bond with Tybolt ever since, despite their arranged marriages to different rulers.
Garret Hardrow is the Baron of Hardrow, his family a long standing rival of the Starborns and former kings of Mivaen. Garret himself has a sound working relationship with King Victor, any disdain born from their family history kept at a distance in favour of peace. In his private counsels, however, Garret remembers his family's former glory well.
A charismatic noble within Starborn City, Sir Giles Gisborn comes from a long line of prosperous traders. Giles himself often charters trading expeditions to far away Lointaine. Considered the leader of the House of Nobles of Starborn City, Giles is often frustrated by the lack of influence held by the house.
Faryn is a testament to the rising power of the merchant class of Starborn City. Though a lowborn without landed titles, Faryn is a highly successful trader, and owns three trade cogs frequent busy ports across all Ethica. His success prompted his ascension to the royal council, King Victor naming him Royal Steward much to the chagrin of much of the nobility.
Known in Mivaen as the Dread Pirate Rareik, Rareik is actually of noble blood, belonging to House Farwyn that were principal rulers of Mivaen before the rise of the Starborns. His ancestors defeated by the Starborns, their ancestral lands conquered, the Farwyns were exiled into the western badlands which have since taken their name. Though inhospitable, the rivers and lake that border the badlands offered Rareik much opportunity to hone his seamanship. A competent sailor, Rareik harasses and pillages Starborn merchants at every opportunity. He is currently in hiding following a defeat at the hands of High-Captain Tybolt Starborn.
Nation/Realms Name: Mivean and Starborn interchangeably. (While technically a kingdom, the concentration of power in Starborn City renders it a city-state.)
Sigil: A battlement before a blue sea, crowned with three stars.
Flag:
The traditional Mivaen Flag, depicting the Tri-Star Crown, bordered by the Sisters' Star and the North Star, all of which that play a vital role in navigation for the kingdom's sailors.
House Motto: We Light The Way
Region/color on map: Grey
Race name: Miveans (human)
Racial appearance: Due to intermingling between different ethnic groups, a result of the busy port city of Starborn, it is sometimes hard to discern the native attributes of Miveans. In the border regions of the kingdom, however, there are some who endeavor to keep the Mivean bloodlines pure. These people tend to have reddish to black hair, and radiant amber eyes.
Racial traits: Mivaens hold a special reverence for the sea, and the starry sky for the role it plays in navigation. The people of Mivaen are known for their mastery of ship and sea.
Capital: Starborn City - Largely considered the jewel of the south, admittedly by Mivaens themselves, Starborn City is a bustling merchant port and one of the largest cities in the empire. Central to the city is the Starry Palace, seat of the Starborn Dynasty. The palace is known for it's three towers, representing the three stars, the Sister Stars prevalent in the houses origin.
Capital Population: 100,000
Other Major Settlements: Buntry (6,500) - The only other major settlement in Mivaen, surrounded by short stone walls, a town and harbour, dominated by an obsidian stone tower.
Hardrow Hall (800)- Once the proud seat of kings before the rise of the Starborns, Hardrow Hall's glory is long past. It now stands as a decrepit hall surrounded by a village and neglected port.
Westport (500)- the westward most settlement in the kingdom and the gateway to the lawless Farwyn badlands. Westport is the site of a small harbour and a hall for the local baron, with a disorderly village surrounding the hill.
Seastone Tower - An ancient fortess raised up from the ocean rocks from beneath the sea. Legends say it was built by the infamous wizard Flarnax. An affront to the Gods, Flarnax was vanquished by the Sea God Tritus but his tower still stands. Now it is occupied by Starborn troops and guards the southern coast as well as a way station for Starborn fleet. In times of peace, it is populated by shipwrights exercising their craft, but in times of war it can be garrisoned by as much as one thousand troops and provide a defended harbour.
Population: 400,000
Culture: The Mivaens are a proud seafaring people. They mainly worship the Sea-God Tritus and hold the sea in a deep reverence. For the most part, the peasants of the land work on the merchant and fishing vessels, followed by foresters and farmers. The nobility busy themselves trading, most owning their own vessels from which they use to trade across the empire, and most reside within Starborn City. There is a rising merchant class within the city that have reaped the fruits of trade within the city, some of the more affluent have gathered enough wealth to rival the richest of the nobility.
Along with the reverence of the sea, the captains of ships are held in high honour in Mivaen society. Such men are highly regarded for having the strength to tame the power of Tritus, that is the sea. Such show of respect is often evident when Mivaens go into a naval battle, often taking risks to ensure an enemy captain is captured alive, and treated with the respect given to his station.
In the rural lands of Mivaen, beyond the walls of Starborn City, many stay to their clan culture that was prevalent since before the rise of the Starborns. Along the borderlands, Mivaens endeavour to keep their bloodlines pure, are led by clan elders, and lead an isolated existence. In Starborn, on the other hand, the city is a lively mix of many different cultures and races. While the nobility is made up of Miveans exclusively, the influential merchant class is highly diverse.
As a result of this diversity, the art and fashion of the city takes on a more worldy flavour, with elements from across the continent woven into music, paint, and dress. There is also a large degree of tolerance for other races and cultures unlike in the Mivaen countryside. Starborn City is a city of the world, but beyond the walls Mivaen culture is fiercely protected from outsiders.
Type of Government: Mivaean is an Elective Monarchy, with the vassals and nobility able to wield a vote for who among the Starborn Dynasty will rule. Mivaen is divided into baronies, who rule over elders and chieftains respectively. Starborn City is divided into wards, each ruled by a warden, a hereditary title akin to a baron. Apart from these rulers is the House of Nobles that offer collective guidance to the king and vote on the succession.
Mivaen and Starborn City are ruled by a king who also holds the title Grand-Mayor of Starborn City.
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 - The Mivaen lack any kind of standing army, save for the City Watch of Starborn City. This force, mainly occupied with internal disputes within the city walls, are lightly armoured and typically carry maces or other blunt weapons. There purpose is to keep the peace within the city, though in times of war they are called up to defend the city walls.
The bulk of Mivaens fighting forces are made up of peasant levies. A force of about one thousand may be rallied to defend the city and surrounding baronies. As one might expect from such a force, they are ill equipped fishermen and farmers, and not much good at fighting.
The noble families of Starborn City and Mivaen are the kingdom's greatest strength insofar as land forces. Mounted and with heavy armour, typically forged outside the kingdom, this force is generally well organized and equipped.
It is at sea that Mivaen's pride themselves, however. The Starborn Fleet, under direct control of the king, numbers some ten war dromonds. While the wardens and barons hold a combined fleet of fifteen. The king has also been known to press the merchant navy into war, should the need arise, further complimenting their navy, though these ships are ill suited for battle.
Unit demographics:
2000 Peasant Militia
1000 Vassal Army (Mostly Militia and Ligth Infantry)
500 Noble Knights (Heavy Cavalry)
500 Light Infantry (City Watch)
10 War Dromonds (Starborn Fleet)
15 War Galleys (Baron/Warden Fleet)
25-50 Merchant Ships (Merchant Navy)
Landscape: Mivaen is dominated by a large central forest, known as the Amber Wood. Deposits of amber have been mined to exhaustion generations ago, but it still stands as a reliable source of lumber, hides and food. Beyond the wood, grasslands, rolling hills and farmlands extend out to the shorelines and land borders. A single source of stone was quarried long ago to build the oldest parts of the city, mainly the palace, and inner wall. Expansions generations later are mostly made from wood, any stone having to be transported in for surrounding areas. What remains of the quarry is known as Gnarled Redoubt, and is a known haven for brigands.
In the western reaches of the kingdom an expansive badland is prevalent. There are scattered forests of ashwood and some fishing villages sprung up along the coast and along the rivers and lakes. These villages largely live outside Starborn's sphere of influence, though in times of need, stewards are sent to extort taxes or raise troops. The prominent group in the badlands is a nomadic peoples, the Farwyn, who travel the harsh landscape, never settling in one place for too long.
Wildlife: The Amber Wood is heavily populated with deer, rabbits, wolves and bears. It can be a dangerous place for the unwary, but the experienced Mivaen foresters have a deep understanding of the local flora and fauna. In the waters that surround the south and east of the kingdom, teems with bite-fish, tuna, and salmon. There are also sharks that stalk the waters and deeper out to see, are the mammoth whales that are a prize hunt for Mivaen whalers, who use the great animals fat to make whale-oil.
Economy: Starborn City is a trading hub of the south. Merchant vessels trading their goods across the southern shores routinely pass through Starborn City before continuing up the eastern coast to the north. As a result, Starborn City has reaped much profits from port landing fees, and taxes, making the city very prosperous.
Religion: Mivaens primarily worship Kayo, the God of the Sea and Atonement. Their reliance and reverence on the sea for sustenance have created a strong affinity for the god. That their god is blind and deaf plays into their innate caution of the sea, and the dangers of becoming lost. To the Mivaens, the aspect of atonement plays more into navigation, and appeasing the God in order to find their way home.
The Mivaen people abhor Lohennir, none refer to him as the Fisherman, as such is a common and respectable occupation among the kingdom's people. He is believed to dwell under the sea, who is able to churn the waters of the sea to draw out ships, and beset sailors with the fog of his foul breath, whereupon becoming hopelessly lost, he ensnares them.
History: Before the rise of the Starborns and the Empire, Mivaen was considered a petty kingdom of feuding clans. Times in which clans were untied was seldom, usually when faced with an outside threat. In these times the Hardrow Clan wielded the greatest power and influence, and were one of the few that could manage to unite the clans under their banner.
When the First Starborn landed, the Hardrows and Farwyns were his rivals. They attempted to unite the clans once more against Starborn, but the Mivaens were divided. Some had chosen to follow Starborns banner, and after a series of battles and crushing defeats, Hardrow Clan was forced to surrender and swear fealty to Starborn. The Farwyns never bent the knee, however, even after Starborn razed their hold-fast to the ground. Their ancestors now live a nomadic existence in the wastes to the west.
During the conquest of Lalaifia Valarien, Grand-Mayor Gilles Starborn ruled the city of his namesake, which had grown into a prosperous center of trade, but the surrounding clan lands were strife with unrest and rebellion. The Hardrows had grown in power once more, and threatened the city. Seeing the power of the Phoenix Queen, and believing in her cause, Gilles swore fealty, and with her help, vanquished the Hardrows and restored his rule across Mivaen, reclaiming the kingship.
After his victory, King Gilles Starborn led a fleet in Valarien's name, sailing west and winning a great victory against the Bastard King, though Gilles perished from wounds a fortnight later. Gilles son and heir, Tybolt, finished out the conquest, but suffered a grave defeat that smashed his fleet and forced him to take refuge in the Seastone Tower. Besieged by enemy forces, Tybolt was facing starvation. Luckily, just before the possibility of surrender seemed assured, the Veletian Marine broke through the enemy blockade and broke the siege. In the aftermath the houses of Starborn and Gracieux formed a friendship, but soon soured as competition between the houses grew.
In 657 AU, during the Great Drathii War, the western fleets were smashed by the Drathii. In response, the Emperor Durrus VI gathered the eastern fleets to combat the invasion, including the Starborn Fleet. Unfortunately this compelled the Starborns to work closely with the Gracieuxs of Violette. Starborn City had been diminishing Violette economic dominance in Ethica over the centuries and a rivalry had formed between the two high houses. Both competed for the position of admiral, the infighting further slowing the navy's ability to mobilize. Before the matter could be resolved, the Drathii armada arrived in the south, and scattered the Starborn Fleet, making landfall in Mivean.
Over the course of the next year, the Drathii were able to lay siege to the major hold-fasts of the kingdom and surround Starborn City. At Seastone Tower, the Starborns struggled to repair their fleet, but frequent raids by the Drathii made it impossible. By 658, when the Battle of Kawachian Straits would see the tide of naval supremacy turn for the Empire, Mivaen was exhausted from the siege. Though the Veletian Marine was able to scatter the Drathii raiding ships, causing the Drathii besiegers to strike camp, the Mivaen navy was unable to recover until after the war.
With the Veletian Marine robbing the besieging Drathii of their method of resupply, the invaders strike their camp, their siege of Starborn City now in doubt. King Garrus Starborn, marred by defeats throughout the war, and humiliated by the Violette Republic, eagerly pursues the Drathii as they march inland, making for the Ignesian capital to join their fallen brethren's siege.
King Garrus assaulted the rear flanks of the enemy, and along with Ignes sorties and Xandrian charges, the Drathii invaders crumbled, and Garrus could save face, finally being part of a great victory in the war.
Strengths: House Starborn has unfettered access to the strong red oaks of the Amber Wood. The lumber cut from the Red Oaks is preciously sought by shipwrights and carpenters alike. Under the care of a discerning craftsmen, red oak can be forged into some of the finest woodworks in the world, and there are none like the craftsmen of Mivaen.
Weaknesses: While Mivaens are known for their craft of lumber and their mastery of ships, they have proven to fare far less in matters regarding land warfare. The peasant militias are a mere rabble of small folk armed with pitchforks and hunting bows. Knights of the kingdom are more concerned with their status and tourneys then actually fighting, and the City Watch of Starborn City are gifted with clubbing a cutpurse over a swordsmen.
Export: Red Oak Lumber and crafts, Whale Oil, and Hides.
Import: Iron and iron works, precious metals and baubles, fashion finery and other luxuries.
