Red Wizard

From the ashes of an Empire [OOC]

Just got a feeling :P

From the ashes of an Empire [OOC]

So are people still interested in this or should we call it in?

Munacra - of Sorcery and Science Nation Deposit Thread

WIP

Nation Sheet

Location

Flag

Nation Name: Arlais (ARE-LAYS)

Demonym: Arlaisan (ARE-LAYS-AN)

People/s:

Arlaisan Elves (10%)

The Arlaisan elves originally hail from the great forests of the north, but wandered to the place where Arlais is located today some thousand years ago. The average Arlaisan elf is between 160-170 cm tall, weighs about 50-60 kg, has pale skin, white hair and icy blue eyes, and can sometimes live for as long as a thousand years. These elves are obsessed with perfection and beauty, sometimes to the point of the extreme. They always follow the latest trends in fashion and esthetics, and always strive to keep themselves updated on the most popular topics of conversation. Living like this can be costly, but since the elves form the majority of the aristocracy of the nation, most of them are rich and can afford it. Arlaisan elves are known all across Munacra for their beauty, but rumors of their insanity are also circulating.

Arlaisan Humans (40%)

The human population of Arlais is made up of a mix of natives and immigrants. There were humans living here when the elves arrived some thousand years ago, but they certainly didn’t call themselves Arlaisan, and nobody claims kinship with them nowadays. Their physicality and appearance is very similar to real human beings, and they typically live to see their eightieth birthday. Humans in Arlais are merchants, crafters, scholars, clerics, soldiers, and sometimes aristocrats. They are never laborers. There is a very strong sense of pride among Arlaisan humans; pride in their industriousness, their fortitude and success. While the humans as a whole sees the elves as their superiors, some aristocrats view them as equals, or even inferiors.

Arlaisan Orcs (40%)

Slavery is technically abolished in Arlais. Orcs, however, are seen as an exception. They have a similar physiology and appearance as humans, but have green skin, tusks, hair like horsehair, and a life expectancy of twenty years. The orcs used to live in clans in the mountains west of Arlais. From there they would raid Arlaisan villages and attack innocent travelers. This was part of everyday life for most Arlaisans, though, and while steps were taken to ensure the defense at the borders, no one tried to do root out or exterminate the orcs. Until Urgash came, that is. Urgash was the first orc warlord to unite the clans, and started a bloody war against Arlais. This time, the rulers had no other choice but to answer in kind. The orcs were driven back by the superior Arlaisan forces, but were not exterminated. They were instead captured and turned into slaves, sentenced to be the workforce of Arlais until the end of their days. Today they’re kept in cages and are sold at markets all over the land.

Arlaisan Halflings (5%)

The island of Emiliana was not part of Arlais until a hundred years ago when the native halflings of the isle agreed to a defense pact with their neighbor. Relations had always been good, and trade has always prospered between the two nations, but Emiliana found that they could not keep up with the rest of the world in military strength and so decided to join an already strong side. The halflings look like children to humans, with curly hair, hairy feet, and a tendency for pot bellies in their autumn years. Halflings live for about fifty years. They love cooking food, brewing ale, smoking tobacco and gardening, all of which they’re quite adept at. What halflings love most, however, is peace and quiet.

Immigrants in Arlais (5%)

Immigrants are welcome in Arlais. They have the same rights as most citizens, with a few exceptions.

Immigrants who are judged guilty of a crime are never sentenced to any other punishment than lifelong deportation from Arlais. They are simply left at the border with only their clothes to their name to fend for themselves.

First generation immigrants cannot own land or property and are only allowed to live in certain sections of settlements in Arlais; they are allowed to roam freely, but cannot live anywhere else.

Second generation immigrants are viewed as full members of Arlais and have the same rights as any other citizen.

Population Scale/Nation Size: Large, 600.000

Government: Aristocratic Republic. Arlais has a senate where all political decisions from laws to declarations of war are made, in which only nobles are allowed to vote. Each noble has one vote per occasion to, and may choose to leave it blank if they so wish. Majority rules. While the entire aristocracy is allowed to vote, the reality of the situation is that only a very little part of it is directly involved in the politics of Arlais. Each family has a few representatives in the senate which tells them what to vote for and when. A chancellor, who acts as a mediator, is elected every ten years. There is no limit as to how many times a person may be elected as chancellor.

Heroes:

Nadiege Boudou

Nadiege is the current chancellor of the Arlaisan senate. She is unique in that she is the first human to be chancellor in over three hundred years, and that she at 25 years of age is the youngest person ever to be elected to that position. The Boudous are a young noble family, accepted into the aristocracy only fifty years ago as a token of gratitude of their service in the war against the warlord Urgash and his orcs. They have risen quickly in power however, much due to the income generated from their businesses in the slave trade. Nadiege has only recently been elected chancellor, and is as such still quite new to her obligations and responsibilities, but she has done a good job so far in spite of her nervousness. Mystery and magic has always fascinated the young politician, and with her newfound power she has opened doors previously closed to her; she’s started practicing real magic. While not very good at it yet, she is capable of conjuring small balls floating balls of light, and can cause a teapot to mysteriously levitate using telekinesis.

General Séverin Ducross

As the most brilliant student of the military academy in Onryx, it was only natural for Séverin to rise quickly through the ranks of the army. He is now commanding the legion which is home to the finest company of soldiers in Arlais, the Lions Noirs. Séverin is strong, tough and agile. He is an excellent tactician as well as a crack shot with a musket. He is young, smart, capable – but arrogant and possible insane. Séverin is a vile sadist who finds pleasure in harming others. He is also quite convinced that he is the greatest man in the world, and that no one can challenge him. All in all he is very well thought of by the common soldiers and people who haven’t met him, but despised by those who are forced to work with him.

Capital:

Descardes

Even though Onryx is the biggest, richest and most advanced city of Arlais, and Paly has the biggest port, Descardes is the heart of the nation. Here lies the Boustilie, the royal palace, once home to the king and queen of Arlais and now used as the headquarters for the senate; here lies the Miroir Lunaire, the moon mirror, one of the holiest places in all of the land; here lies the royal theatre, an enormous coliseum capable of housing about fifty thousand visitors; and here lies the great library, guarding countless tomes and scrolls. The city is well supplied and easily defendable thanks to the two rivers surrounding it. Boats can be seen travelling up and down the stream towards Onryx with goods and passengers all day long. The mountains also provide an excellent natural cover, making a direct assault on Descardes nearly impossible. There are about a hundred thousand people living in the capital.

Settlements:

Onryx

Onryx is the biggest, richest and most advanced city in Arlais. The city is built at the mouth of the great river Campagnes, and is a beautiful sight to see. Three hundred thousand people are living in this bustling metropolis which houses all sorts of things from academies to universities, opera houses, theatres, plazas, markets, libraries and much, much more. It is through Onryx that most immigrants pass when they arrive in the country. Onryx naturally has the biggest foreign quarter of any Arlaisan town as a result of this.

Paly

Paly, once the capital of the island city-state of Emiliana is a very small big town. It is a big town, as it houses nearly a hundred thousand people and has the biggest dock in all of Arlais, but it is also very small because its buildings were originally built for halflings. The center of the town has been rebuilt to house individuals of normal constitution, but most of the houses, shops and offices in Paly are still child-sized.

Minor settlements

Apart from these three great cities, most Arlaisan settlements consist of small villages and farms. Most buildings in Descardes, Onryx and Paly are made from stone, while the majority of the buildings in smaller settlements are made from wood.

Nation Description: (What’s your nation like? A text to get the feel of your nation, may include history, culture, etc)

Magic/Tech Barometer: Mostly technology. Magic is rare. Only a few people are capable of wielding it, but even they don’t know much about it. Heroes may be simple magicians. Social tech is equal to late renaissance societies. Military tech is limited to simple mechanics and chemistry, advanced fortifications and gunpowder siege equipment, and muskets.

Religion: (If there's religious worship in your nation, how is it done and what are the deities like?)

Flora & Fauna: (What creatures and plants can be found in your nation?)

Ambitions: (Is your nation expansionistic, trade-orientated, or a mediator? Just a quick summary, almost like a rumor of what your nation will be known as internationally)

Economy: (What kind of economic system does your nation have? What is your nation importing/in need of? What is it exporting/in excess of?)

Military: (What is the size of your military (max 10% of population)? What kind of troops do you have? Do you have a navy?)[/hider]

Munacra - of Sorcery and Science

I see now how that could be confusing, yes. Sorry about that. But thanks for moving the NS :)

Munacra - of Sorcery and Science

Did you read the OP at all? I don't want the NSs here, but in the Deposit thread I linked to. Please edit your post.

From the ashes of an Empire [OOC]

Sure, just edit it into your NS.

From the ashes of an Empire [OOC]

The counter currently says 6 days ago from the original post, but it's been saying that since yesterday night, so... maybe not tomorrow. But the day after, absolutely.

Munacra - of Sorcery and Science Nation Deposit Thread

Welcome!

Please do not post in this thread unless you are participating in Munacra - of Sorcery and Science. Here's a link to the game.

For members of the game:

- Post your nations/factions in the IC of this thread.

- Keep the discussion of those nations/factions to the OOC of this thread.

- Questions and comments that does not concern these nations/factions can be written via PM.

- Try not to confuse the thread.

Thank you!

Munacra - of Sorcery and Science

Munacra: of Sorcery and Science

In this game we will construct and play as the nations and factions of the fictional land Munacra. You can expect diplomacy, warfare, and trade negotiations. I will be as open minded as possible about your nations, but there will of course be limits to what you can do. I don't want overpowered military autocracies. I don't want untouchable utopias. I want realistic, balanced nations and factions with strengths and weaknesses. If you think this might suit you, read on! If not, begone!

MAP

Munacra is 2000km wide between its northernmost and southernmost peak.

The land of Munacra is a place full of wonders, but also a place full of conflict. There are many nations and factions, all with their own ambitions and relations, and while there is peace at times, war often lies brewing under the surface. There are many different kinds of peoples and cultures in Munacra, which provides variety, but also tension. In short, the future of the land is far from certain.

There are many sentient beings besides humans living in Munacra. What they all have in common is that they’re somewhat humanoid in appearance, with arms and legs, hands and feet. A popular theory among many scholars, called Supernatural Selection, says that all the species of Munacra once evolved by magical means from a kind of proto-humanoid sometime in the age before recorded time.

There are also many other magical beings living alongside the sentient ones. Dragons, unicorns, griffons; a plethora of mystic creatures can be found in the various regions of the land. You will create the flora and fauna of your own nation.

Magic is present in Munacra, and is a force as natural as it is unnatural. It is present in all living things to some degree, bound in their spiritual energy, but far from everyone knows how to access this power. Magicians can focus and bend this energy with sheer willpower, causing reality to warp. They can throw balls of fire, travel vast distances by means of teleportation and turn invisible if they will it. As a side effect of this, technological devices, which rely greatly on enhanced natural processes, are disrupted by magicians and magical feats, and will start to malfunction when they are near them. Simple magic includes, but isn’t limited to: small lights, lighter healing, weak telekinesis, etc. Normal magic includes, but isn’t limited to: Fireballs, farseeing, telepathy, etc. Advanced magic includes, but isn’t limited to: Teleportation, resurrection, weather control, etc. Using magic fatigues the caster. The more complex the spell is, the faster the fatigue sets in.

The level of technology in Munacra differs with each nation. A rule of thumb is that the more a country is into magic, the less technologically advanced it is. The latest technological innovations are created by those countries that have undergone an industrial revolution, and thus have tech from that era. The ones most into magic are savages with bows and arrows.

The difference in mechanics between magic- and tech-oriented nations is mostly cosmetic. Magic is more individualistic, with great benefits for a few people. Technology is more socialistic, with lesser benefits for a lot of people. Magic provides stronger heroes, while technology provides stronger armies. Magic grants a better, healthier environment, while technology offers better production. Magic is the slow path to insight, while technology is the fast one to understanding.

Apart from nations, there are many influential, international factions present in Munacra. Guilds, secret societies and political parties can often be found in more than one nation. These factions may be biased in the conflict between magic and technology, but may also be neutral; a bank might not care whether its customers are of a magical or technological persuasion, while a guild of mages certainly would.

One week of IRL gaming will be equal to one month of time in-game. This rule is used to speed up the passage of time, so that longer projects such as construction and warfare may be concluded at a quicker pace than not at all (which unfortunately is the case in many NRPs).

Warfare between nations will ultimately be decided by a system, which I will not divulge further as insight on your behalf could lead to meta-gaming and unnecessary complaining. Trust that I will be fair and consequent in this. Both sides in a conflict may describe their tactics, which will affect the outcome of the war, and then the system will do the rest of the work. PMs will be sent to each party involved with casualties and potential losses and victories. Be warned that war will be terrible for all sides involved, and that disaster may follow even for the victors.

You will create a nation as well as a faction in this game. The faction can be centered in, but not only loyal to, your nation.

---

Creating your Nation

When creating your nation, there are several things you must think of and describe to the rest of the players. Below is a Nation Sheet for you to fill in. Each point in the sheet will have a description to help you (if necessary).

Nation Sheet

Location: (Where is your nation located? Show on a small picture.)

Flag: (What does your nation’s flag look like? Steal one or make one in paint, whatever you please)

Nation Name: (What is your nation called? Are there alternative titles?)

Demonym: (Swedish, Swede, you get the idea)

People/s: (What important peoples are living in your nation? How big a percentage of the population is each? Briefly describe each people)

Population Scale/Nation Size: (Small: 1-99.999, Medium: 100.000-499.999, Large: 500.000-1000.000)

Government: (What kind of government does your nation have and how does it work?)

Heroes: (Who are your heroes, and what are they like? Give a short description of each with appearance, background, pros and cons, etc. 2 heroes, max.)

Capital: (Name and description of your nation’s capital)

Settlements: (Briefly describe your nation's architecture; do they use buildings of wood, stone or both or perhaps only tents?)

Nation Description: (What’s your nation like? A text to get the feel of your nation, may include history, culture, etc)

Magic/Tech Barometer: (Is your nation inclined towards magic or technology? Choose one of the levels listed below:
1) Exclusively magic. Magic is a part of everyday life for everyone. Most people are capable of simple magic. Heroes may be advanced magicians. Social tech is equal to hunter/gatherer societies. Military tech is limited to simple bronze smithy and bows and arrows.
2) Mostly magic. Magic is a common sight and is often involved in religious worship or government. It is common for officials to be simple magicians. Heroes may be normal magicians. Social tech is equal to iron age/early medieval societies. Military tech is limited to iron smithy, simple fortifications and siege equipment, and advanced bows and arrows.
3) Neutral. Magic is normal, but far from common. It is mainly for privileged people. Heroes may be normal magicians. Social tech is equal to medieval/early renaissance societies. Military tech is limited to advanced smithy, advanced fortifications and siege equipment, and crossbows.
4) Mostly technology. Magic is rare. Only a few people are capable of wielding it, but even they don’t know much about it. Heroes may be simple magicians. Social tech is equal to late renaissance societies. Military tech is limited to simple mechanics and chemistry, advanced fortifications and gunpowder siege equipment, and muskets.
5) Exclusively technology. Magic is abolished and technology rules supreme. Heroes may not be magicians. Social tech is equal to early industrial era societies. Military tech is limited to advanced mechanics, superior fortifications and advanced gunpowder siege equipment, and single shot rifles.)

Religion: (If there's religious worship in your nation, how is it done and what are the deities like?)

Flora & Fauna: (What creatures and plants can be found in your nation?)

Ambitions: (Is your nation expansionistic, trade-orientated, or a mediator? Just a quick summary, almost like a rumor of what your nation will be known as internationally)

Economy: (What kind of economic system does your nation have? What is your nation importing/in need of? What is it exporting/in excess of?)

Military: (What is the size of your military (max 10% of population)? What kind of troops do you have? Do you have a navy?)

---

Creating your Faction

When creating your faction, first look up if there already are other factions and see what they’re about. If there’s already a mercenary guild or a laborers political party and that’s what you had in mind, ask yourself if there’s really any need for another one, or what you might make differently in yours. Unique ideas are most welcome. Secondly, fill out the sheet below to give us an idea of what your faction is like.

Faction Sheet

Faction name: (What’s your faction called? Are there alternative names?)

Location: (Where is your faction centered? Or is it without a central base of operations?)

Organization: (How is your faction organized? Who directs it? Is it independent of central leadership? What does the chain of command look like?)

Faction description: (What’s your faction like? A text to get the feel of your faction, may include history, operations, etc)

Ambitions: (Is your faction into trade, war, culture, or some other aspect of society? Is it biased towards technology or magic? Just a quick summary, almost like a rumor of what your faction will be known as internationally)

Heroes: (Who are your heroes, and what are they like? Give a short description of each with appearance, background, pros and cons, etc. 1 hero, max.)

---

Post your finished Nation and Faction in the same post in the IC section of the Nation Deposit Thread for easy reference. Discussions on the various nations will be in the OOC section of that thread. You may wish to edit your Nation and/or Faction as other players submit their contributions (for sake of diplomacy, trade or some other reason). You are of course allowed to do that, but are also required to notify me so I can inspect and accept the changes.

This OOC will be for comments and discussions on the game only.

With all this written and done, you’re ready for action!

Looking forward to playing with you!

Interest Check for Science vs Sorcery NRP

Here's a link to the OOC.