jimapple

Gods, Men and Everything in Between

or is this game done for now :(

Styria: Years of Blood (Adult 18+)

Visserine

---

The Hunter Riding Towards High Castle

The air was cool and breezy due to the rain that fell the night before. A man dressed in a dark green ranger outfit with a red boar insignia on his left shoulder was riding his black steed briskly towards the great structure in the heart of Styria known as the High Castle of Visserine.

High Castle is the ancestral stronghold of House Knightfall for over a thousand years. Alfred “Mason” Knightfall initiated the castle’s construction a thousand three hundred years ago during the 200 years war between Visserine’s great houses. High Castle is on both sides of the mouth of river Visser. Whenever one side of the castle is under siege the other side is free to continue on its normal business. This makes sieges on the High Castle very difficult and why it has never been taken by force. By utilizing its strategic location, house Knightfall managed to control trade and movements of people on land between the east and the west of the island. This has made the city very wealthy and influential. This is especially true during recent encroachment of the Union Empire on Styria. With the Union utilizing its naval fleet to blockade a number of city ports on the island, multitudes of Stryrians have preferred to travel on land to ensure their safety. Knightfall leaders believe that this recent increase of Visserine’s economic and political influence is the real reason why Puranti attacked the city. Since Stryrians have been paying toll to Visserine for generations there was no way they would also pay Puranti, thus justifying a war that ultimately ended in status quo.

The man racing through the forest on his horse is known more colloquially as the Hunter of the Central Forests. More formally, people recognize him as Ser Arty Knightfall, the nephew of the Grand Duke of Visserine. Under his hood he has short brown hair, a full beard, and light blue eyes, which characteristically defines the men of Knightfall. Arty has a sleeker physique compared to his other kin. Throughout the years, he has trained in the central forests around Visserine to be faster, nimbler, and quieter than most. Even his mount moves swiftly around the forest barely making a noise. By this time, Arty had been riding without stopping for some time because of the importance of the message he bears. This message is for Visserine’s High Council and he knows that his words will shape the future of Visserine. As he approached the western gates of High Castle, the guards on lookout saw him from miles away and one of them shouted, “the Hunter is coming.” This message was passed on from person to person until it reached the ears of the High Council. The guards had recognized his silhouette from the many times he sped towards the gates before with critical council business. He quickly passed through the outer gates and a number of interior gates to get to the White Citadel, which is part of the Western Palace the largest structure in the western part of High Castle. Arty arrives inside the High Council chambers with all of its members waiting for him. The council is composed of the heads of the four noble houses of Visserine which are House Knightfall, House Fullerster, House Fairwards and House of Cunningbeard. There are also five additional members from House Knightfall who are tasked with key roles in the management of the city.

“My lords and ladies I have ridden none stop and as fast as I can to tell you that the Grand Duke Avidor says to Visserine that now is the time. He has officially given Duke Buraimi the ultimatum of surrender or destruction.” Arty says to the council members sitting on the long oak table while the sweat continues runs down on the sides of his face. It is evident that he is bone-tired because of the ride.

Lady Galdine of House Cunningbeard is an older lady who is in her late sixties but looks much younger responds sharply, “It is not too late. We don’t have to answer Avidor call. Just because he fancies himself king of Styria and is willing to shed the blood of thousands doesn’t mean that Visserine needs to be embroiled in his war.” Her outfit was an intricate white dress with red laces lining it.

“Avidor is not just some Duke from the north, he is family of House Knightfall and we have an oath to keep to him and to the people of Talins.” Ser Phillip Knightfall responds. He is the Commander of the Guards and is responsible for the city’s defenses. It is from this role is where he gets his nickname the "Warden" from. Philip is also the brother of the Grand Duke of Visserine and would have been the only person in the city that could have matched him in military prowess.

Clenching her left fist Lady Galdine then slaps it on the table after Philip finishes talking. She then looks out of the window and softly responds, “It was an oath that was made by your late father, may his soul find rest, but we are technically no longer bound by it. We must now make a decision and the time for discussions is over.” It was clear that this discussion had been going on for a long time, way before Arty had arrived to deliver the news.

Then a hushed silence fell on the room and all the members looked at the head of the table to the Visserine’s Grand Duke Devarn himself. Then he spoke, “I know some of you are war weary and none more so than me. Although, aside from the oath my father made to Talins many decades ago, I believe that my decision will be what is best for the future of our beloved Visserine. We will answer Avidor’s call.” The Duke continues, “Philip prepare the men who have been chosen to lead our soldiers for this mission we ride in thirty minutes.”

Philip takes a huge drink from his goblet and rises from his chair. He clears his throat to answer, “Your Grace I have already prepared and briefed your knights who will be your commanders. They and all their men are ready to go right now.”

Devarn rises from his seat. He is a towering figure and he says with the finality of his booming voice, “Then I will ride out with them now. Philip, since we are about to go to war, I want you to ensure that we have our city’s defenses fully prepared. I also want High Castle to have enough supplies for men and horses that will last at least a year if not longer should our city come under siege.”

The Visserine army leaving the city comprised of thousands of men who started to move immediately and they were marching to position themselves to the south of Musselia. Their main goal was to cut off the city from any support that would come from the south. Dervan actively used horse riders to constantly conduct scouts of areas around his army to ensure that there would be no surprises against his men and to locate the best tactical positions. Once the army was in position he would use the river Visser as part of the path for their supply lines and to transport their heavy siege equipment. By not carrying their heavy equipment the army was able to move at a rapid speed. The Visserine boar can be seen everywhere on this army. Flags and banners of different colors donned the wild boar insignia on it. All of the knights carried colored shields with the same boar on it. The pike men, men at arms, and long bow archers all wore surcoats with the same boar represented on their chests and backs.

Styria: Years of Blood (Adult 18+)

Visserine

Ruler, Devarn Knightfall

Grand Duke Devarn Knightfall (36 years old) is a large man who cut a formidable presence in any room that he enters. Erect in bearing, muscular with broad shoulders and a broader frame. He has a long face with high cheekbones, a large crooked nose, strong jawline, blue-gray eyes beneath heavy brows and dark brown hair. He is usually clean shaven, even despite being in a campaign for extended periods. A man of quiet strength, he takes very few friends and usually only those he has fought with into complete confidence. Devarn is a quiet individual with few words and his detractors mistake this reserve for pomposity. Life for Devarn is a serious mission, a job to be tackled soberly, unremittingly. Since taking over lordship of Visserine he has had only one goal which is to raise the city stature to be one of the most powerful in Styria. It is no surprise that he has little time or appreciation for culture, art, or the finer things in life. While seemingly calm and collected when he is with his superiors and peers, he regularly loses his temper with family and those below him is standing.

Visserine Ruling House, House of Knightfall

Background: House Knightfall of Visserine is one of the primary noble houses from the Styria. The Knightfalls are known for their uncommon robustness. They are one of the four families that founded the city of Visserine. They defeated their main rival house, the Cunningbeards, hundreds of years ago to be the ruling house of Visserine.

Father: Grand Duke Roland "Trickster" Knightfall (deceased)
Mother: Lady Alysanne Knightfall (54 years old)

Current Ruler: Grand Duke Devarn "Boar" Knightfall (36 years old)
Wife: Lady Melara Knightfall (34 years old) - Sister of Grand Duke Avidor of Talins.
Children:
- Heir: Ser Tywald "Lionheart" Knightfall - 18 years
- Ser Adinet "Unbreakable" Knightfall - 17 years
- Lord Thomass "Tiny" Knightfall - 14 years
- Lady Cerenna Knightfall - 14 years

Ruler's Siblings:
- Grand Duke Damon "Shield" Knightfall (deceased)
Wife: Lady Nerina Knightfall (38 years old)
Children:
- Former Heir Ser Phlian "River Rider" Knigthfall (21 years old)
- Lady Silian Knightfall (16 years old)

- Ser Phillip "Warden" Knightfall (34 years old)
Wife: Lady Imogen Fullerster
Children:
- Ser Arty "Hunter" Knightfall(15 years old)
- Lady Jane Knightfall (15 years old)

- Ser Quenten "Wanderer" Knightfall (31 years old)
- Lady Aquila Knightfall (26 years old)
- Lady Ella Knightfall (22 years old)
Husband: Lord Hugo Varro of Muris

Visserine's Noble Houses & Heads

- House of Knightfall: Grand Duke Devarn
- House of Fullerster
- House of Fairwards
- House of Cunningbeard: Lady Galdine

Visserine Flag

Knightfall House Motto: "None So Fierce"

Capital Description

Visserine is a coastal city-state in central Styria, on the shore of the Azure Sea. To the west lie Borletta and Talins, and to the east Puranti and Ospria.

The city is surrounded by great outer walls. Within, the city itself is a beautiful city, full of graceful brick-and-timber buildings, villas of cream-coloured stone, and trees where the parks and broad avenues are laid out. But it's most distinctive characteristic are its tall white towers, built by the nobility as a sign of their status. The river Visser flows through the city, with four bridges linking the two halves of the city. The great palace of the Grand Duke is on an island in the middle of the river, which can't be entered without an invite.

The city is best known for its glass-working and mirrors. The glass-working district is on an island just offshore. Everywhere in the city windows glint, with statues of coloured glass on the rooflines of the grandest buildings.


River Visser running through Visserine.

History

Devarn never envisioned or aspired to be the Grand Duke of Visserine. He was born the second among all of his siblings. Damon the eldest was the one groomed to become the ruler and caretaker of the city. Damon seemed to be everything Devarn was not and it was as if he was born to play the role and be one of the best rulers of the realm. This suited Devarn quite well as it allowed him to focus on what had intrigued him since his childhood, which was warfare. Growing up he was able to train with his brothers. While Devarn is physically imposing compared to a lot of other men he realized he could never best some of the top fighters in the realm just by his mere physical strength alone. From that time on he honed his swordsmanship. Devarn was knighted shortly before the most recent wars broke out. Devarn, his brother Damon and their father Roland was part of the force that fought in a siege. It was during this siege that Roland was killed and when Damon had to take over as Grand Duke Visserine. During this siege Devarn took a small cavalry unit and was able to coordinate a properly time attack on the flank of the main enemy forces that eventually led to their route. In just one year after the siege Damon was also killed in on one of the largest battle in Styria. It was at this point that Devarn lost himself. Normally in control of his actions on the battlefield, it was at this point when he went on a rampage. He led his men and killed everyone from the enemy camp. There are multiple accounts of him committing horrible atrocities towards men pleading to surrender. Even though he was still consumed with blood lust, he knew that this strategy would significantly help deteriorate the enemy's resolve in this war. Despite his ferocity and ruthless he was recognized as one of the most critical warriors of the entire campaign. It was during this time when Devarn gained his nickname as the Boar, the unrelenting force of Styria. His family, especially his brothers felt that this suited him well considering His large frame, and his violent tendencies, and the boar featured in their family's arms. Devarn was married to Melara and they had four children named Tywald, Adinet, Thomass and Cerenna. Devarn rarely saw them as he was always on the battlefield or training the city’s garrison. He has worked hard to beat his desire for drink and has found a renewal in his life by pouring on all the energy he has to reestablish and grow the Visserine’s standing among cities.

(WIP)

Styria: Years of Blood (Adult 18+)

I should be more clear that it was him and his band of men.

Styria: Years of Blood (Adult 18+)

Here is my application.

Visserine

City-State: Visserine

Ruler: Grand Duke Devarn is a large man who cut a formidable presence in any room that he enters. Erect in bearing, muscular with broad shoulders and a broader frame. He has a long face with high cheekbones, a large crooked nose, strong jawline, blue-gray eyes beneath heavy brows and dark brown hair. He is usually clean shaven, even despite being in a campaign for extended periods. A man of quiet strength, he takes very few friends and usually only those he has fought with into complete confidence. Devarn is a quiet individual with few words and his detractors mistake this reserve for pomposity. Life for Devarn is a serious mission, a job to be tackled soberly, unremittingly. Since taking over lordship of Visserine he has had only one goal which is to raise the city stature to be one of the most powerful in Styria. It is no surprise that he has little time or appreciation for culture, art, or the finer things in life. While seemingly calm and collected when he is with his superiors and peers, he regularly loses his temper with family and those below him is standing.

Flag

None So Fierce

Capital Description: Visserine is a coastal city-state in central Styria, on the shore of the Azure Sea. To the west lie Borletta and Talins, and to the east Puranti and Ospria.

The city is surrounded by great outer walls. Within, the city itself is a beautiful city, full of graceful brick-and-timber buildings, villas of cream-coloured stone, and trees where the parks and broad avenues are laid out. But it's most distinctive characteristic are its tall white towers, built by the nobility as a sign of their status. The river Visser flows through the city, with four bridges linking the two halves of the city. The great palace of the Grand Duke is on an island in the middle of the river, which can't be entered without an invite.

The city is best known for its glass-working and mirrors. The glass-working district is on an island just offshore. Everywhere in the city windows glint, with statues of coloured glass on the rooflines of the grandest buildings.

The River Visser Running Through Visserine

History: Devarn never envisioned or aspired to be the Grand Duke of Visserine. He was born the second among all of his siblings. Damon the eldest was the one groomed to become the ruler and caretaker of the city. Damon seemed to be everything Devarn was not and it was as if he was born to play the role and be one of the best rulers of the realm. This suited Devarn quite well as it allowed him to focus on what had intrigued him since his childhood, which was warfare. Growing up he was able to train with his brothers. While Devarn is physically imposing compared to a lot of other men he realized he could never best some of the top fighters in the realm just by his mere physical strength alone. From that time on he honed his swordsmanship. Devarn was knighted shortly before the most recent wars broke out. Devarn, his brother Damon and their father Roland was part of the force that fought in a siege. It was during this siege that Roland was killed and when Damon had to take over as Grand Duke Visserine. During this siege Devarn took a small cavalry unit and was able to coordinate a perfectly time attack on the flank of the main enemy forces that eventually led to their route. In just one year after the siege Damon was also killed in on one of the larges battle in Styria. it was at this point that Devarn lost himself. Normally in control of his actions on the battlefield, it was at this point when he went on a rampage. Everyone from the enemy camp that was in his path was another person that would take the brunt of his revenge. There are multiple accounts of him committing horrible atrocities towards men pleading to surrender. Even though he was still consumed with blood lust, he knew that this strategy would significantly help deteriorate the enemies' resolve in this rebellion. Despite his ferocity and ruthless he was recognized as one of the most critical warriors of the entire escapade. It was during this time when Devarn gained his nickname as the Boar, the unrelenting force of Styria. His family especially his brothers felt that this suited him well considering His large frame, and his violent tendencies, and the boar featured in their family's arms. Devarn was married to Melara and they had two children named Tywald and Cerenna. Devarn rarely saw them as he was always on the battlefield or training the family’s garrison. He has worked hard to beat his desire for drink and has found a renewal in his life by pouring on all the energies he has to restablish and grow the Visserine’s standing among cities.

(WIP - Waiting to see if any of my neighbor cities get claimed to see if it is possible to develop a mutual history)

Styria: Years of Blood (Adult 18+)

Can I place a dibs on Visserine?

Gods, Men and Everything in Between

hallo

🦄 Tartarean Strands - Chapter 1: The Collision

may i apply?

Gods, Men and Everything in Between

Here

From Dawn Till Dusk (Civilization Evolution RP)(Over)

@6slyboy6 I'm sorry but I think I'm going to back off. I really wished I could play this but I'm just swamped for time right now and can't deliver on the type of writing that's required for this awesome game.