gowia

STATEHOOD: The Founding Brothers [The Island Nation of Balruba, 1947]

Rupert Sullam III

Rupert found his seat early, alongside other members of the New Balruban Front, to settle the matters of the judiciary promptly. He carried with him a briefcase filled with a stack of papers on a number of different ideas and some notes to be used in his speaking for the party. Swiftly enough the room soon filled with the other members of the conference, amidst the rising racket of hundreds of voices Rupert too sought to converse with those around him on potential points of order before finally the speaker called to open discussion on the judiciary of the new constitution. There had been lengthy discussion within Rupert's own party on this matter, making it something of a cause for great division, and they had finally come to a majority over the position that would be adopted. Standing to speak on the matter first, Rupert allowed the room to fall into relative quiet before opening.

"It is vital, in any modern and liberal nation and this day and age, that a government - as well as the citizens it represents - be held accountable to the laws of the nation. There are, however, numerous problems that arise to challenge true just law. I begin with the criminality of the individual, for if we were to allow the power to invest judges to rest in a single individual then they would be beholden to he, and he alone. Any of you with half a brain could rightly see the risks this carries of allowing for awful misuse of the rule of law to suit the nefarious desires of someone unfit to rule." Rupert would raise his hands, challenging to meet the gaze of all those sat around on the front benches.

"We cannot ignore the opposite, however, in the form of a trial by the masses. A court placed entirely within the hands of the populace, made up of men at the whims of popular support, creates a group who will be bent time and time again by necessity of re-election over the truth of justice. When the lives of our citizens hang in the balance I will be ashamed if this conference finds it at all feasible to hand over power of the courts to the voting masses, allowing for manipulation and popularism to abuse the most sacred of governmental pillars. Accountability. This is why it is impossible to consider any other option than a system in which our supreme judges are selected by the legislature. As representatives of the people, as well as politicians of some repute, we will enjoy some of the protection from the need to popularise the judiciary system, as well as safety from the horrors of an individual becoming above the very laws they are sworn to maintain." Rupert lent forwards, his arms resting as he smiled charmingly.

"Gentlemen, you must understand that what I speak is the truth, I thank you for your time." And, with that, Rupert returned to his seat, immediately conferring with the team around him before the next speaker were to rise and take their turn.

STATEHOOD: The Founding Brothers [The Island Nation of Balruba, 1947]

Rupert Sullam III

A familiar face sat around the first rows of the constitutional congress, flanked by other members of the New Balruban Front, as he listened intently to the chorus of voices bringing to bare their opinion on the future of their legislative branch. To his own disdain the room was full of all manner of beings from a plethora of backgrounds, many he deemed unnecessary for the formation of a constitution. Despite the vital role of the armed services, the military had no place in the administration of government in his mind and numerous others in the room had done little more than sit around whilst patriots such as himself had campaigned tirelessly.

It was then that a man he recognised, one Elliot Webb, spoke on the matter. Concise, and too the point, there was a slight guffaw from from those around Rupert. Even the party leader could not help himself from a gentle chortle at the remark. Seizing upon a break in the sound, Rupert stood and waited with his hands raised as a slow hush fell and one of the comparatively elder statesmen begin his position on the matter.

"Whilst I respect the effort, the blood, and the expertise of the General Webb, I think I can speak for a majority here when I say our nation has only just escaped the dominance of one global power. Many of you know me, know my passion, built over decades of pushing for independence, and you will all know I would sooner die than give this finally sovereign nation over to another global power. We should not be looking outwards, but instead turn inwards to soothe and heal this fragile new country and the citizens who now desire peace." Rupert paused, allowing for those who supported his sentiment to make themselves known across the room.

"The world has only recently emerged from a conflict brought about by extreme ideology, and it seems in the coming years that it will soon become embroiled in another. Do we really want to dive head first back into such an affair? I say no! This country will require two houses in its legislature, to better represent the will of the people and protect them from the danger of extremists. With the first house elected directly by the people, and having the second selected. By protecting one of these houses with selection, rather than election, we will insure that the corruption and interference rampant in other countries can be expunged from our own. BY working in the tandem we will balance the short and long term needs of the people for the betterment of the nation." He gestured vaguely in the direction of the the Balruban flag.

"This is the right answer for the people, and the one that all members of the New Balruban Front will be supporting in their loudest voices." At that, a chorus of cheers and approval erupted from the members of the party, taken up by those around the room who also shared that particular view. Rupert sat, pleased with himself, and smiled as he peered around to hear what other voices might have to say.

STATEHOOD: The Founding Brothers [The Island Nation of Balruba, 1947]

@Theodorable

The New Balruban Front.

And will sort out my stuff after making dinner

STATEHOOD: The Founding Brothers [The Island Nation of Balruba, 1947]

@Theodorable

Competition and liberty please!

STATEHOOD: The Founding Brothers [The Island Nation of Balruba, 1947]

Could I sneak an application in now?

EDIT: I got a application ready for perusal ^^

Rupert Edward Sullam III, my State char application

Character Name: Rupert Edward Sullam III

Character Age: 50 (25 Experience)

Brief History:
The Sullam family claims to have been one of the first to arrive from Britain many generations ago and, can proudly say, worked tirelessly in a plethora of different administration postings over the course of the nation. As time went on the old English stock was bred out as local families were able to marry in. Rupert is the offspring of one such relationship, his father a minor civil minister and mother the daughter of a local businessman. The familial connections allowed Rupert an education in Britain from a young age, however the first world war erupting caused Rupert to sign up and fight, eventually being demobilised at the rank of lieutenant. Rupert went on to study for three more years in England, law and politics, before finally returning to Balruba. At the age of twenty four, Rupert took up his first posting in the civil service, courtesy of his father, and earned a reputation for himself of being a hard working and efficient staffer.

Experience in the military, civil administration, and a higher education finally pushed Rupert into joining the political scene proper. Standing as a moderate conservative, he was able to rest on his families financial resources to fund local projects based out of the capital seeking home rule for Balruba, as well as ensuring his selection for other roles in the government. The beginning of the second world war, despite being eligible to enlist/be conscripted, meant Rupert was invited to join the wartime colonial government as an under secretary and his work was focused on managing foreign affairs. Throughout Rupert was an advocate of the thought that such participation in the war would warrant home rule on the cessation of war. So, when this was not forthcoming, Rupert became a late addition to the founding brothers. Utterly convinced that democratic freedom was no longer forthcoming.

The new government would need men who knew how to run it, he argued, and a revolutionary government would need men who with popular connections. He sought to fill both these roles and now, with peace finally achieved, Rupert desires to lift himself to the highest office.

The Dawn of the Civilization (Stone age tribal NRP)

By definition stone age tribes really shouldn't be 'permanently settled', nor farming, or any form of metal working :L. Like, the whole defining characteristic of the beginning of the bronze age is the establishment of permanent settlements (Coming from the development of farming and husbandry that made a nomadic lifestyle obsolete since you could have access to those resources without moving) and the ability to begin working more technically with basic ores to produce hardier tools.

Also, post is up, made a brief reference to a nasty happening you are welcome to play off @Irredeemable of being responsible for and we can look at a future collab from there :)

The Dawn of the Civilization (Stone age tribal NRP)

The Narthskr: Descent From the Mountain

The gentle glow of campfires ebbed from within the doorways of the huts sprawled in a rough circle around the central point of the plateau. Within each clans settled down for their evening meals and put younger offspring to an early night, in a futile attempt to offset complaints of tiredness the following day. Despite the faces of rock that were still visible around the camp, the exposure of the site meant blustering gales hit the tents regularly and from time to time men emerged to strap down the pelts and hides that acted as shield to the people sheltering inside. They only planned to stay the night, having already scavenged the barest of resources from nearby, and tomorrow would begin trudging down the well remembered mountain paths to the next site - one much closer to the forests - where the collection of what they needed could begin in earnest. They had had to avoid one of the paths of the previous year, it had been submerged in a deluge of spring water coming down the mountains, and so were at least a day behind the schedule they tried to keep. No one spoke of this, of course, but they all knew and were silently chastising themselves and those around them for this delay.

In one of the huts a man lay sprawled out on a mat, his body covered in the thick tresses of a fur that acted as his blanket, attempting to absorb as much of the diminishing warmth his fire could provide. His efforts were in vain, however, as the slowly squirming form of his two sleeping sons, who were put to bed closer to the bright embers, caught a majority of the coveted heat. He watched them affectionately, ensuring they did not roll so far over as to risk being burned. Meanwhile, his partner fussed over the sealing of a small beaker which carried some seeds the family intended to eat the following night. She was prone to bouts of anxiety and the man had long since become immune to her night time awakenings, panic stricken, over the state of some mundane utensil and its location in their tent. At least, that is what he told her.

"Hari." He murmured, gently, so as to not wake their children. "Come rest, you will need your energy in the morning. We have many steps to go, and time when we wake to check everything is secure." A quiet sigh met his instruction, followed by a continued effort of checking.

"If it's not all properly stored we might lose some on the journey." She retorted, icily. "And the last time that happened you had to go hungry for two days. We cannot afford that again if you are to bring back enough for the cold seasons."

"And, does it look like it has been closed properly?"

"Yes..."

"Then come sleep!" The man chuckled as he spoke, adjusting the covering he used to allow her space to slide in front of him and share his warmth. Protest seemed to melt then and, with a final adjustment of the beaker, Hari lay down with her partner. They both wore the same clothes they had when they left the winter camp and, despite a quite pungent odour, they had been kept in relative warmth and comfort so far.

When are your brothers to return, Storvi?" Hari asked her partner. "They've been gone since we finished setting up." The man paused, chewing his lip slowly as heavy lidded eyes started to make their final descent.

"Mmm, they took the girls and went to see Halga and the rest of her clan. I imagine they are still eating. They have many more mouths to feed."

"And many more hands to work." Hari said, slowly, as she seemed to drift into the same semi-sleep state of her partner.

"It's true, but Luka and Lars will be old enough to come on the hunt soon. Then there will be enough when I am too old to hunt, and you are too old to work. We might even take to hosting others like Halga does." Hari scoffed with a gentle shudder, settling into a soft snore that indicated she had very quickly fallen asleep. Storvi stroked his partner's hair affectionately, before cursing his brothers for staying out later. They would likely wake up the whole tent and he did not look forward to three belligerent members of his family rudely awoken.

His brothers were still young, as were their partners, and still enjoyed a life with relatively less responsibility than he and Hari. In time, however, they would have children and be required to settle down for the good of the clan, as well as their offspring. As the head of his clan, Storvi had a right to attend the meeting of the elders the following night but, as he lay awake and wondering, he knew he would decline the offer again. He had barely passed twenty winters now, whereas some of the elders had surpassed the archaic point of forty, and he felt inferior to the wisdom they had. In time, when his children had children, he might feel more confident sitting in council. But for now, his place was in the wild with the other men of the tribe, to provide for that very family and ensure their survival through the next winter.

Simple need to survive was not all that plagued Storvi's mind, however, as a stranger had arrived at the tribe a few days ago. He had been babbling and close to death when found, only managing a few incoherent sounds. But, the intention was clear, that something quite violent and terrible had befallen his people. How far he had come they could not tell, and it was remote that the same thing might fall upon the Narthskr. Even so, he was concerned for what lay lurking in the night.

The Dawn of the Civilization (Stone age tribal NRP)

The Narthskr People

The Clans of the Narthskr

The People:
Hailing from the northern lands of the world, the Narthskr are a comparatively sedentary tribe who move between a number of rocky outcrops on the mountain based on the seasons. During the warmer months they descend lower down the slopes, enjoy the bounty of hunting, fishing, and gathering stuffs that can be taken from the forests at the foot of the mountains. When the temperatures drop, however, and lots of resources become scarce, they retreat further into the mountains where they live off the excess they have collected and hide away scraps in case of times of shortness in the highest points that remain permanently frozen - though they live lower than that.

The lifestyle and climate has made the Narthskr a tough and gritty people, used to hardship and unafraid to suffer for their survival. This does leave them less populous than other tribes which enjoy a simpler and easier life, but the question of moving down from the mountains has been rejected flatly any time it comes up. They are a highland people, this is all they have known.

The Faith:
The Narthskr practise a form of ancestor worship, honouring their dead for the loss of each person is felt even more acutely than in other tribes. If the person lived to the benefit of the society, their name and deeds will be remembered in the Laaj Wal. The Laaj Wal is the Narthskr equivalent to a consecrated ground; found on the apparent location of the first Narthskr home, it is a cliff face, oddly smooth and sheer, which has the names and deeds of every past member of the tribe to die having completed services to the tribe. Suffice to say those ejected from the tribe are not remembered there.

The path to this mystical area is dotted with shrines erected by the different clans to the memory of truly remarkable people. Most complete offerings with small crafted object, as the act of creating such a trinket is supposed to channel the energy of the crafter into empowering the ancestors spirit. Another outcome of an existence that allows little time for leisure or play.

The Leader:
The Narthskr exist in perpetual danger, as do all in this age, and so do not waste the young and energetic on matters of tribe direction, instead utilising the wisdom of the old and the frail. The eldest member of each clan acts as the head of their family and, regularly, meets with the other elders to discuss any matters concerning the tribe as a whole. Given the autonomy of most clans in the tribe, however, there has been no need for any extensive mechanism of governance.

The Home:
There are a number of rocky outcrops with enough flat space amongst the mountains and in the highlands near the forests in the north to allow for the tribe to move according to the seasons around a single area. With one permanent residence near the Laaj Wal, which they inhabit in force during the bleakest and coldest winters, leaving the barest makeshift houses for people to live in during the warmer months in case they need the Laaj Wal, their home at all other times is an easily packed away and moved collection of tents. The secrets of farming and husbandry allude the Narthskr - keeping them from the age of bronze - and so their travels down the mountain are more expeditions for resources than any actual attempt to reside there any longer than necessary.

The Conflict:
Given that permanent warriors are nothing but a drain on resources most of the year round, the Narthskr have none. Instead each person is held accountable for their survival and, if a rival tribe comes into conflict, required to serve the interests of the tribe and repel aggressors. The tools of war are their tools of hunting, a flint spear meant for a boar kills a man just as easily.

The Story:
The Narthskr tell their children a story that in the time before people, giants and great natural entities fought for dominance over existence. Each sought to exact their will permanently on the land and, in time, destroy all others. There was no single victor, however, and imstead an uneasy peace was established, creating the world in a changing image where one part of nature struggles with the other and the weather, enviroment, and land changes according to who is winning this conflict. The beings, no longer corporeal, live as spirits in the land now.

It was following this that the first people emerged, having been hiding the previous violence and uncertainty in a different world. They came down from the mountains and dispersed into their tribes to eek out a new existence in the new peace of the world. Acceding to the story tellers the peace cannot last, and the world goes through a cycle of peace and conflict when the spirits fight once again. The last recorded moment of this was the previous age of ice that settled on the land and finally passed.

Persons of Note:
To be expanded.

The Dawn of the Civilization (Stone age tribal NRP)

Might this perhaps still be open for me to join? I am certainly interested

EDIT: I put together a sheet for the tribe I'd be interested in, as I am an eager beaver.

The Narthskr People

The Clans of the Narthskr

The People:
Hailing from the northern lands of the world, the Narthskr are a comparatively sedentary tribe who move between a number of rocky outcrops on the mountain based on the seasons. During the warmer months they descend lower down the slopes, enjoy the bounty of hunting, fishing, and gathering stuffs that can be taken from the forests at the foot of the mountains. When the temperatures drop, however, and lots of resources become scarce, they retreat further into the mountains where they live off the excess they have collected and hide away scraps in case of times of shortness in the highest points that remain permanently frozen - though they live lower than that.

The lifestyle and climate has made the Narthskr a tough and gritty people, used to hardship and unafraid to suffer for their survival. This does leave them less populous than other tribes which enjoy a simpler and easier life, but the question of moving down from the mountains has been rejected flatly any time it comes up. They are a highland people, this is all they have known.

The Faith:
The Narthskr practise a form of ancestor worship, honouring their dead for the loss of each person is felt even more acutely than in other tribes. If the person lived to the benefit of the society, their name and deeds will be remembered in the Laaj Wal. The Laaj Wal is the Narthskr equivalent to a consecrated ground; found on the apparent location of the first Narthskr home, it is a cliff face, oddly smooth and sheer, which has the names and deeds of every past member of the tribe to die having completed services to the tribe. Suffice to say those ejected from the tribe are not remembered there.

The path to this mystical area is dotted with shrines erected by the different clans to the memory of truly remarkable people. Most complete offerings with small crafted object, as the act of creating such a trinket is supposed to channel the energy of the crafter into empowering the ancestors spirit. Another outcome of an existence that allows little time for leisure or play.

The Leader:
The Narthskr exist in perpetual danger, as do all in this age, and so do not waste the young and energetic on matters of tribe direction, instead utilising the wisdom of the old and the frail. The eldest member of each clan acts as the head of their family and, regularly, meets with the other elders to discuss any matters concerning the tribe as a whole. Given the autonomy of most clans in the tribe, however, there has been no need for any extensive mechanism of governance.

The Home:
There are a number of rocky outcrops with enough flat space amongst the mountains and in the highlands near the forests in the north to allow for the tribe to move according to the seasons around a single area. With one permanent residence near the Laaj Wal, which they inhabit in force during the bleakest and coldest winters, leaving the barest makeshift houses for people to live in during the warmer months in case they need the Laaj Wal, their home at all other times is an easily packed away and moved collection of tents. The secrets of farming and husbandry allude the Narthskr - keeping them from the age of bronze - and so their travels down the mountain are more expeditions for resources than any actual attempt to reside there any longer than necessary.

The Conflict:
Given that permanent warriors are nothing but a drain on resources most of the year round, the Narthskr have none. Instead each person is held accountable for their survival and, if a rival tribe comes into conflict, required to serve the interests of the tribe and repel aggressors. The tools of war are their tools of hunting, a flint spear meant for a boar kills a man just as easily.

The Story:
The Narthskr tell their children a story that in the time before people, giants and great natural entities fought for dominance over existence. Each sought to exact their will permanently on the land and, in time, destroy all others. There was no single victor, however, and imstead an uneasy peace was established, creating the world in a changing image where one part of nature struggles with the other and the weather, enviroment, and land changes according to who is winning this conflict. The beings, no longer corporeal, live as spirits in the land now.

It was following this that the first people emerged, having been hiding the previous violence and uncertainty in a different world. They came down from the mountains and dispersed into their tribes to eek out a new existence in the new peace of the world. Acceding to the story tellers the peace cannot last, and the world goes through a cycle of peace and conflict when the spirits fight once again. The last recorded moment of this was the previous age of ice that settled on the land and finally passed.

Persons of Note:
To be expanded.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets (Still Recruiting)

The Holy Territories of Edoniras (The HTE)

---

The chorus of cheers and cacophony of praise echoed around the great basilica of the Serene Palace; constructed around two thousand years prior by a monarch of antiquity, the pagan iconography had been stripped bare during a great iconoclastic schism in the centuries that followed. Blood, invisible to the eye but still very present in the soul, wept down the white marble of the sanctuary and even as the worshippers announced their devotion to the platform high above them, the Pope saw the crimson stain in his mind. Stepping out into the light the cheers erupted into a deafening roar and for a moment the elderly statesman and disciple of God was almost knocked back. The very earth shook with the stamping of feet and the call of voices, this was the kingdom of God. Sitting atop the ruins of kingdoms gone before, the thought of which could only bring a smile to the lips.

A God of victory, survival and righteousness. There was no greater God.

"Blessed children of God-" The Pope's voice rang out across the space as people fell silent. Despite his years the voice of the Invictus was clear as twenty years younger and would need to remain as such if he intended to hold his office for long. A Pope unable to preach or proselytise was no Pope at all. On either side of the there was three men. The Tetrarchs, except Marcellus Lucio. He had returned to the Redcliff Empire. His time would come. "I welcome you to our capital, the home of these most holy of states and the home of all of your eternal souls. I have called this festival to celebrate this flock and show you the kindness of God to his faithful - to honour our Father and show him our dedication to the righteous cause." The cheering ruptured the social barrier again as people uncontrollably expressed their joy forcing the man to raise his hands, smiling as he indicated for quiet again.

"I must be serious now, you are not foolish people - as the sceptics might claim - and you are all aware this air of celebration occurs whilst Europe consumes itself in the flames of war. Most shocking of all brother kills brother now in the east to the tune of gain for only the most despotic of rulers. Our brothers, the people of Redcliff have been led astray. Denying the authority of the church and God. Furthermore the heathens of the Hadeen continue their advance on the beleaguered kingdom of Sescos - some of you here now I am sure have fled this very conflict to seek shelter. And so, the Holy Light now marches east. In it's wake we will liberate believers in the land of Redcliff and return it to the glorious bosom of our Lord. Then, from the lands of the Might of Arms we shall depart on crusade." A stunned silence, a moment of shock. Crusade had not been declared for hundreds of years - considered a medieval practice it was believed such a call would not happen again.

"For many years the people of Europe have been disconnected and disorganised, giving into their lusts and the desires of the flesh, whilst the throngs of people like you call for betterment. Until now there has been no safety. The tinderbox is ready to be set alight and return us to a kingdom devout to the true word of God and his son, Christ. I call you now not to take fear into your hearts; instead, take joy. Joy that we will welcome back the people of our faith and bring back so many of the lost into our flock. There is no safety for the heathen and we will show that not only do we guard the souls of the people, but also do we guard the very borders of Europe from incursion of all sides. We are the guardians of the light, the peace and the heavens. We are the children of God and - together - we will carry forth a new golden age for Vipionists across the continent."

---

The following days...
The province of Salid

---

"What are y'saying, boy?" The gruff infantryman said as he stood guard from the watchtower at the north of the town. Leaning on his musket he spat a thick globbet of plegm in the direction of his partner who - much to the veterans delight - recoiled practically in horror.

"I-it's just that those buckle are not nearly cleaned to regulation and given our duty I doubt you'll have time to bring them up to code." The rather thin recruit had the first spouts of hair appearing on his chin which only made him look even younger than he actually was. "And if-"

"Listen, you greasy little toe rag, whatever they are saying about why we are here make no mistake. Redcliff won't take kindly to this. Whilst their navy is about as effective as that Edo toast, your so fond of, floating in a marsh, their army is at least something to be reckoned with. If the leadership is any good we'll be camping here over winter and waiting before going any further..."

"But, what about being in Tr-"

"Travton? By the end of the year? If only. No, if God is kind we won't be there by the end of the year."