Romero

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756

2nd of March

The news of the weakening grip that The Viswan Empire has over the Indian subcontinent has still only freshly arrived in Europe, but already there is a reaction. The Empire of Grimhout already has colonial holdings in the Americas, but perhaps their attention now turn towards the east. A trade delegation is assembled and sent on their way, and many believe that if this delegation finds safe harbour, more will surely follow. While this move may well be seen as a threat by The Republic of Kalseran, it also does little to sweeten the sour relations between Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi.

6th of March

As war becomes increasingly likely, The Empire of Khazaria begins swelling it's army. Not only does the empire begin raising more soldiers of the line, Khazaria also begins drafting the nomadic tribes into their ranks. These nomads are a callback to the hordes of Khazaria that were once the scourge of eastern Europe, and although they are perhaps relics of a bygone age now that powder and cannon-fire rule the battlefield, they are still a frightening sight, and they are more than willing to achieve a glorious death for Khazaria.

7th of March

The Kingdom of Arhan has been the staging ground for a complex wrestle for influence between The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout, and for the last few weeks, the air has felt electric, like the calm before the storm. Just after dawn, the storm finally breaks. The Hispalis diplomat in Arhan, Julio Cotilla, requests an audience with Queen Ameline, and reports on a plot that threatens to plunge Arhan into a civil war. Julio claims that a group of nobles, led by a 'Lord Favre', are planning to place a usurper on the Arhan throne. Even while this announcement causes shock waves to roll through the Arhan court, Julio continues. The diplomat lays clear the intent of Hispalis to form a dynastic union with Arhan, marrying Prince Adrian to Princess Marie. Despite the chaos already ensuing through the rest of the court, Queen Ameline remains calm, thanking Julio for his report, and retreating to meet with her most important advisors.

8th of March

The Kingdom of Arhan issues orders for the arrest of Lord Favre and a number of other prominent nobles from the southern province of Colveil. Rumours are already swirling that Lord Favre has fled back to Colveil, others claim he has retreated to sympathisers in The Empire of Reria, while some even suggest that he has raised an army in Colveil and prepared for war. As is often the case, reality is far more bland than fiction. Lord Favre walks to the gates of the palace and surrenders himself. He is dragged before the inner court, and while the diplomats of both The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout attempt to be present for what follows, their requests are politely but firmly denied.

11th of March

While the dramatic events within The Kingdom of Arhan continue to unfold, the rest of Europe does not sit idle. The Kingdom of Paranas has been internally struggling, caught between The Kingdom of Altenten and The Empire of Khazaria, but finally they find some respite. All too aware of their allies quandary, Khazaria officially announce that they will honour the neutrality of Paranas. No doubt inspired by this, Altenten make a similar declaration, and for now at least, Paranas can relax. However this move also favours The Kingdom of Stevata, at least temporarily, as their potential front-line narrows yet further.

13th of March

The trial of Lord Favre and his companions in The Kingdom of Arhan has dragged on, and despite the best efforts of The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout, their representatives have largely been kept in the dark regarding the proceedings. In fact, both delegations report back to their superiors that they have been carefully and subtly restricted to certain areas of the palace and its ground, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that while their presence is not yet unwelcome, it is also no longer 'required'. Rumours also continue to swirl that the kingdom's forces in Colveil have been mobilised, ensuring that their presence is felt by the local population. All throughout this, The Empire of Reria is watching warily on. Reria and Arhan have rarely seen eye-to-eye, and this potential weakness may encourage the empire to be more bold.

17th of March

Even while relations deteriorate to the west, an attempt is made to perhaps mend the relations of the east. The Kingdom of Dorist announces the holding of an elaborate state dinner. Invites are sent to the nations of The Kingdom of Fosbak , The Kingdom of Altenten, The Kingdom of Stevata, The Kingdom of Teclav, The Kingdom of Paranas, The Republic of Kalseran and The Kingdom of Komentiolos. With the attempts of Fosbak to steer Dorist and Stevata towards peace largely grinding to a halt, this is clearly a state dinner that is intended to act as a staging ground to resolve the conflict. However The Empire of Khazaria is a noticeable exception, and behind the hope that the news of this summit brings, there rides a darker rumour. Reports tell of King Freud himself describing Khazaria as 'a land of savages', and in one fell swoop, all the good intentions falls apart. Stevata refuse to attend unless an apology is issued, and Khazaria are invited to any future summits. Teclav unsurprisingly follows the example of their ally, as Paranas also refuse, citing their self-imposed neutrality, although few believe that they take the words of the Dorist king lightly. The state dinner may well still go ahead, but it will be without Stevata, and so little progress will be made towards resolving the tensions. In fact, this seems to reignite the conflict, as Stevata resume the heavy patrolling of their border.

19th of March

While their attempts to improve relations to the south appear to have been scuppered by the conspiracy unearthed within The Kingdom of Arhan, there is more success to be found elsewhere for The Empire of Grimhout. The empire has long enjoyed good relations with The Principality of Asmont, and the charm of Princess Juliette is only helping their cause. But it is not only to the near east that Grimhout are looking. In a somewhat rogue move that few expected, a diplomatic delegation is sent on the long journey to The Empire of Stabuga. The two empires have little history with each other, but Grimhout clearly hope to find some middle ground. Perhaps it is reading too much into it, but Stabuga have strong cultural ties with Teclav, and therefore with Stevata. Is another nation announcing which side of the line they stand upon, or is Grimhout simply looking for a potential new opportunity in the cold north?

22nd of March

The Kingdom of Arhan finally breaks their silence. The official declaration is intentionally vague on the results of the trial, but the message is still clear. Arhan has been caught in a rug-of-war for too long, and Queen Ameline is tired of other nations treating her kingdom like a plaything. The nobility of Arhan closes ranks, and the delegates of the various nations that currently hold residence in the royal palace, The Kingdom of Hispalis and The Empire of Grimhout among them, are quickly left with the distinct impression that they would be advised to return to their respective nations sooner rather than later. For now, the kingdom of Arhan is closing it's doors, and rumours are already swirling of a purge amongst the ruling class, and perhaps even a drastic change in the nation's direction.

23rd of March

Even as the trade ships of The Empire of Grimhout make the long journey towards India to capitalise on the crumbling of The Viswan Empire, those who are already there are not laying idle either. The Republic of Kalseran begins a wide-scale project on improving their colonies in the region, expanding their already impressive trade routes and looking to improve relations with the locals. The colonists have no way of knowing that other European powers have turned their attention towards the subcontinent, but they are already working to accommodate the shift of power in the region.

26th of March

While the feast of The Kingdom of Dorist seems to be falling apart, the feast of The Empire of Khazaria is a roaring success. Intended to bring the major tribes together in one place, the feast last days and nights, many great stories being shared between the tribes. It is rare for these nomadic tribes to gather together, and it has served as a reminder of how much they have in common with one another. There is violence, but it is largely brawls over 'honour', whether it is the honour of a woman, a man, a tribe or a horse, and the brawls all end in laughter and shared merriment. Not only does this feast unite the tribes, it also unites them behind Khazaria, and even more fresh recruits flock to the recruiting call of the empire's army.

28th of March

Far to the west, the tension in the Americas between the colonies of The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi refuses to dissipate. The colonies of Grimhout begin a public display of training procedures for their militia units, no doubt intended to serve as both a display of strength, and a sign of intent. While few think Grimhout will be bold enough to launch any direct action against Kehsi, the various tribes that populate the un-colonised reaches of America may be wise to keep a wary eye on their European neighbours.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756

1st of February

Perhaps in preparation for a coming war, or perhaps simply the beginning of a long-planned project, but The Kingdom of Hispalis begins a wide-scale refitting of it's shipyards in the province of Malaca. The docks there have long been the heart of the kingdom's navy, due in no small part to it's close proximity to the vital strait into the Mediterranean. This new project will take time, but it is a crucial sign of intent. For years, Hispalis has relied on other nations for it's naval strength, but control over the strait has seen bountiful gold flow into the kingdom's coffers, and it is clearly high time for Hispalis to claim it's own place as a naval power.

3rd of February

While the news of The Kingdom of Hispalis looking to expand their shipyards is still making it's way across Europe, Hispalis does not rest on its laurels. Envoys are dispatched to The Kingdom of Komentiolos and The Republic of Kalseran, two nations that have established themselves as naval powers in their own right. The envoys carry with them a proposed deal, as well as not insubstantial payment. The negotiations are short, and when the envoys return to Hispalis, they are not alone. Not only are they accompanied by shipwrights of Komentiolos, they are also carry with them the promise of warships from Kalseran. This is another clear sign of intent, and the Hispalis navy is beginning to benefit from the kingdom's wealth.

7th of February

While the heir of The Empire of Grimhout works on 'diplomatic' relations to the south, the other child of Arch-Duke Jean-Baptise Dervau is also not sitting idle. Travelling east to The Principality of Asmont, Juliette is welcomed into the palace of her uncle's father-in-law, Prince William Asmont. The rumours quickly begin to circulate through the court's of Europe that it is not William that Juliette has arrived to spend time with, but rather his son and heir, Alexandre. The young prince is recently widowed, with no children, and it is thought that Grimhout are looking to further strengthen their ties with their neighbours to the east. Whether Juliette is able to mend a broken heart, only time will tell.

8th of February

In recent history, The Empire of Khazaria has been a nation struggling to find an identity for itself. While it's close relationship with The Kingdom of Paranas has seen the nation take great leaps of progress forwards, large parts of the empire still cling to their nomadic and tribal roots. It is in the rich and quickly expanding coastal cities that these tensions threaten to flare up. The young emperor is not oblivious to the plight of his people, and he announces a great feast in the province of Kumbag, with the intention of bringing the great tribes of his empire together, and of finding a solution to this growing problem. Some of the most powerful chieftains still live as nomads in the eastern reaches of the empire, but sure enough, the great tribes begin to gather.

11th of February

Not satisfied with simply signing a treaty with The Kingdom of Kehsi, and perhaps spurned on by the growing influence of The Empire of Grimhout in The Kingdom of Arhan, The Kingdom of Hispalis sends a military envoy to Kehsi, led by one of the kingdom's most important admirals. Although their role appears to simply be one of observation, learning the art of naval warfare from a nation with a long and decorated history of it, it is still a symbol that the relationship between the two nations is growing, and that inevitably steers Hispalis towards more conflict with Grimhout, even if the tensions between the two still leans more towards a war fought in the shadows than on the battlefield.

13th of February

While one conflict continues to gain momentum to the east, the war further west threatens to reach terminal velocity. Perhaps realising that the balance of the coming war is not quite as in their favour as it once was, The Kingdom of Dorist appears to be a nation that is attempting to move all it's pieces onto the board. Emissaries are dispatched to The Kingdom of Komentiolos, The Kingdom of Fosbak and The Republic of Kalseran, treaties in hand. Whether any of those treaties bear fruition is yet to be seen, for now, as negotiations are understandably prolonged.

17th of February

The Kingdom of Stevata is also a nation that is preparing for war. With an ally to the east, a potential ally to the south, and an enemy to the west, it is unsurprising that they look to the north. Their own envoy to The Kingdom of Fosbak arrives mere days after that of The Kingdom of Dorist, and it creates a tense situation within the Royal Palace of Elhavn. Many believe that as Queen Marta is the sister-in-law of King Freud, Fosbak will lean towards Dorist, but no queen wants to lead her people to war, and for now, the negotiations continue back-and-forth, often running long into the night.

18th of February

While other nations consider which side of the line they stand upon, some nations do not have that luxury. The Kingdom of Paranas not only has a close alliance with The Empire of Khazaria, but also a connection with The Kingdom of Altenten through marriage. They find themselves torn between two sides that seem hell-bent on driving towards war, and all across the kingdom, the debate is raging regarding what action Paranas should take if that war arrives. For now, King Markus is silent on the matter, but it is very difficult for a nation to remain truly impartial in war, and there are supporters of both side within his nation's borders. A decision will have to be made, even if that decision is to make no decision at all.

21st of February

Finally, the heir of The Kingdom of Hispalis arrives at the Royal Palace of The Kingdom of Arhan to attempt to court some favour in the northern neighbours. It is unfortunate that he arrives more than a month after the heir of The Empire of Grimhout, but he still takes to his task with enthusiasm. While the rest of Europe seems to be hurtling towards war, in the luxurious surroundings of the palace, two young men compete for the affection of a young woman. It is a tale as old as time, in perhaps slightly unorthodox surroundings.

25th of February

The two nations of The Kingdom of Stevata and The Kingdom of Dorist are truly teetering on the brink. With armies amassed on their shared border, it would only take a spark to ignite the powder-keg, as the saying goes. The problem with this gathering of soldiers, and this whipping up of patriotic fervour, is that the spark does not always come with orders, sometimes it comes from a man wanting to be a hero, and then war can begin before it is called for by either side. Perhaps wary of this, Queen Marta begins taking a personal hand. While the negotiations within her palace are aimed towards ultimately bringing The Kingdom of Fosbak into the war, Marta begins pushing the talks instead towards preventing war entirely. Whether this can be achieved, or whether the tensions between the two nations have already turned too sour, only time will tell.

28th of February

War is not a commodity unique to Europe, and far to the east, India is a nation that has seen it's fair share of bloodshed. While the exceedingly powerful Viswan Empire has ruled over much of the sub-continent for centuries, their grip is beginning to weaken. The nations that already have colonies in the region, The Kingdom of Kehsi and The Republic of Kalseran, are already beginning to flex their muscles more than before, an opportunity to increase their influence in their area seeming to present itself. The steady crumbling of Viswan Empire also opens the door to other European powers who may be casting their gaze towards the riches that the sub-continent promise.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

The 0th OOC post now contains the Major Events, and the Family Tree of each European power. Some are more complex than others, and if anyone has any serious complaints about their nation's family tree, just let me know, but this should give you an idea of who is who.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756

7th of January

The tensions between The Kingdom of Dorist and The Kingdom of Stevata only continue to intensify. Like moths to the flame, other nations find themselves drawn to this seemingly inevitable conflict. Perhaps emboldened by their recent bond with The Kingdom of Komentiolos, persuaded by their neighbours to the north, or simply looking to settle old scores, few are surprised when The Kingdom of Altenten begins moving it's own forces to the border with Stevata. But the development that will be most concerning to the Dorist ruler, King Freud, is the rumours that The Empire of Khazaria is keeping a watchful eye over the developing tensions. There is no love lost between the nations of Dorist and Khazaria, and Khazaria enjoys a close relationship with Stevata. This re-ignition of old rivalries is already threatening to consume Europe, and other nations will no doubt have to decide which side of the line they stand on.

8th of January

The two nations of The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Hispalis have long fought a battle of influence over The Kingdom of Arhan, and that battle has only grown more furious as time has passed. Queen Ameline I has ruled capably since the death of her husband, King Michel IV, but she has not remarried, and the pair only sired one child. That child, Marie, has not only grown into a charming and graceful young lady, but she stands as the sole heir of Arhan. It is perhaps no accident then that both nations have recently sent delegates to the Queen's Royal Palace. The Empire of Grimhout has drawn first blood though, as their delegate was accompanied by the Empire's own heir, the dashing young Christophe, and he has already made his introduction to both the Queen and her daughter. The Hispalis heir remains in the capital of Toletum, although it would not be surprising if his own journey to Arhan was not being quickly arranged.

14th of January

The conflicts that are growing between the European nations are not limited to the continent, and far to the west, in the Americas, the tension between The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi has spilled into their colonies. Grimhout sends a small fleet across the Atlantic, moving to re-enforce the already sizeable navy that currently resides in the empire's trading posts of the region. While it is not an outright move of an aggression, the Kehsi colonists are quickly uncomfortably aware of the fact that they are not outnumbered in the region, and that this shift of power does not bode well for Kehsi's own aspirations.

17th of January

Unsurprisingly, The Kingdom of Kehsi send's it's own fleet towards the Americas, no doubt in a direct reaction to The Empire of Grimhout. This increasing of tension is made even worse as the news breaks that Kehsi has signed a treaty with The Kingdom of Hispalis, including a defensive pact. Grimhout and Hispalis have long been rivals over The Kingdom of Arhan, but this symbolises the rivalry becoming something else entirely. Whether this treaty will prevent the outbreak of war, or whether it will instead accelerate it's arrival, still stands to be seen.

23rd of January

The fears of The Kingdom of Dorist are fanned yet further, as The Empire of Khazaria seemingly confirms it's support of The Kingdom of Stevata. A caravan of gifts, escorted by Khazaria's finest riders, begins the journey to the Stevata capital of Ravoza, but perhaps more concerning are the rumours that quickly begin to swirl, rumours that Khazaria has begun moving forces to the empire's border with Stevata, perhaps preparing to re-enforce Stevata in the case of war.

26th of January

More nations continue to be drawn into the conflict. The Kingdom of Stevata has few friends in Europe, but that does not mean that they are entirely without them. The treaty between Stevata and The Kingdom of Teclav has long been considered the crowning achievement of the young King Oswald IV, and indeed it was one of his first actions after his father's sudden death. Teclav do not stand idle, and issue an official declaration that they will honour the treaty, and that Teclav men will march to defend Stevata territory is war does come to Europe. The two sides are finally poised, but some begin to believe that now they they face the combined strength of Stevata, Teclav and The Empire of Khazaria, it may be time for The Kingdom of Dorist to start looking for more allies of their own.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud. Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, my friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen

Spring of 1756

2nd of January

The new year dawns over a continent on edge, as across Europe, tensions continue to build. The border between The Kingdom of Dorist and The Kingdom of Stevata is heavily garrisoned by both sides, as it has been for months, the bloody events of the Siege of Kronik still fresh for the two proud nations, while The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Fosbak, those old enemies, warily watch each other from across the channel. Europe has known war for countless centuries, and despite all of the promise of these changing times, there are few that believe the continent will not see war again.

3rd of January

The recent marriage between King Nikolaos II and Princess Anna Rainer represents a new bond between The Kingdom of Komentiolos and The Kingdom of Altenten. A country who's history has long been tied more to Africa, and their immediate neighbours, than to the rest of Europe could this marriage represent Komentiolos turning it's attention elsewhere? Only time will tell, as delegates of half a dozen nations begin making their way to the city of Tarsus to witness the marriage.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

@Lunamaria Hawke Unfortunately, the RP is shut at the moment, but once the RP gets underway (towards the end of this week hopefully), I intend on opening it up for people to take over NPC nations. I'll keep you posted.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

Without further ado, here are the available characters that you can wed with your siblings/children. The list details the nation of origin, the relation that each character has to the current ruler, and their age. As a note, this list contains no current rulers or heirs, but this is a good opportunity to start building diplomatic connections. I'm working on somewhat of a first come first serve basis, but bear in mind that I still need to approve each claim. So even if you claim one, you don't necessarily have it. Happy hunting. And now I will stop talking about fictional characters like they are objects!

Available Bachelors and Bachelorettes

Altenten

• Sophia Rainer (Daughter - 24)

Asmont

• Emila Asmont (Sister - 50)

Genstadt

• Quinten Jassies (Brother - 24)

Orvag

• Mika Kotka (Son - 30)

Paranas

• Sofia Glareli (Sister - 42)

Stabuga

• Katerina Barinov (Sister - 53)

Teclav

• Aleksandr Sidorov (Brother - 25)

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

@Heyitsjiwon@LordZell@Abefroeman@urukhai@SonOfALich@Murtox If you would turn your attention to the 0th OOC post, you will see the Provincial and Nation maps. I will PM you all with a discord link, and we can start working on the second phase.

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

Provincial Map

1-10

1: Narshi

2: Kunvi

3: Rakla

4: Talsaare

5: Lohvus

6: Kuhula

7: Orsos

8: Eskildal

9: Albo

10: Halvik

11-20

11: Karlsund

12: Nylev

13: Hundhus

14: Ekdal

15: Favrborg

16: Varden

17: Gruca

18: Magna

19: Vystovy

20: Stuberok

21-30

21: Brstek

22: Rechyda

23: Vatnesti

24: Cahita

25: Hutina

26: Povatin

27: Strenita

28: Bialeny

29: Limonlu

30: Klaske

31-40

31: Bogthar

32: Khazar

33: Itil

34: Samkarsh

35: Terme

36: Askhat

37: Tyrus

38: Ptolemais

39: Cilicia

40: Osroene

41-50

41: Cyzicus

42: Cappadocia

43: Bithynia

44: Kavatsona

45: Helensa

46: Metara

47: Synia

48: Altintas

49: Daylan

50: Ostrosko

51-60

51: Shardvul

52: Doirst

53: Brundwig

54: Porrenkkon

55: Artessia

56: Sygyroi

57: Sa Dari

58: Lessina

59: Giannia

60: Connau

61-70

61: Southern Thalfer

62: Northern Thalfer

63: Statros

64: Alkren

65: Emzand

66: Asmont

67: Pargues

68: Colveil

69: Massina

70: Losaira

71-80

71: Syralano

72: Pesana

73: Cosi

74: Barcino

75: Carthago

76: Malaca

77: Bracara

78: Emerita

79: Cesaracosta

80: Vaconia

81-88

81: Levassons

82: Vilselt

83: Bruglaas

84: Woluzen

85: Dilmonde

86: Eeksen

87: Sarseau

88: Kumbag

Current Nations

Altenten

The Kingdom of Altenten

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Niklas IV
Age: 19

National Capital: Etterselt, in the province of Porrenkkon
National Currency: The Etter
National Languages: Sygyian

Arhan

The Kingdom of Arhan

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Queen Ameline I
Age: 43

National Capital: Cappes, in the province of Colveil
National Currency: The Arha
National Languages: Colveili

Asmont

The Principality Of Asmont

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Prince William Asmont
Age: 50

National Capital: Aarborn, in the province of Asmont
National Currency: The Asmonti
National Languages: Illwi

Dorist

The Kingdom of Dorist

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Freud Thumer
Age: 33

National Capital: Talfist, in the province of Dorist
National Currency: The Verg
National Languages: Doristian

Fosbak

The Kingdom of Fosbak

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Queen Marta II
Age: 27

National Capital: Elhavn, in the province of Orsos
National Currency: The Olska
National Languages: Albian

Genstadt

The KIngdom of Genstad

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Queen Margriet I
Age: 32

National Capital: Amersdorp, in the province of Alkren
National Currency: The Amer
National Languages: Doristian

Grimhout

The Empire of Grimhout

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Arch-Duke Jean-Baptise Dervau
Age: 40

National Capital: Rivierberg, in the province of Dilmonde
National Currency: The Berg
National Languages: Dilmondian

Hispalis

The Kingdom of Hispalis

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Charles XII Philip
Age: 37

National Capital: Toletum, in the province of Emerita
National Currency: The Oro
National Languages: Hispalian

Kalseran

The Republic Of Kalseran

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: The Grand Lady of the Republic, Luisa A'Dera
Age: 31

National Capital: Kalseran, in the province of Giannia
National Currency: The Aquan
National Languages: Ilata

Kehsi

The Kingdom of Kehsi

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Janek II
Age: 24

National Capital: Sabica, in the province of Lohvus
National Currency: The Tubat
National Languages: Kehsian

Khazaria

The Empire of Khazaria

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Şahin Macar
Age: 17

National Capital: Sarkel, in the province of Itil
National Currency: The Yarmaq
National Languages: Turkish

Komentiolos

The Kingdom of Komentiolos

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Nikolaos Andreas Koromelas II
Age: 39

National Capital: Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia
National Currency: The Pontus
National Languages: Greco

Orvag

The Kingdom of Orvag

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Valterri IV
Age: 59

National Capital: Ekda, in the province of Ekdal
National Currency: The Valterri
National Languages: Albian

Paranas

The Kingdom of Paranas

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Alexandru I
Age: 26

National Capital: Alirgos, in the province of Synia
National Currency: The Mark
National Languages: Sygyian

Reria

The Empire of Reria

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Emperor Clarenzio III
Age: 55

National Capital: Lederata, in the province of Syralano
National Currency: The Clarenzi
National Languages: Ilata

Stabuga

The Empire of Stabuga

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Tsar Petya Barinov
Age: 38

National Capital: Monsk, in the province of Magna
National Currency: The Rov
National Languages: Cahitian

Stevata

The Kingdom of Stevata

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: King Oswald IV
Age: 22

National Capital: Ravoza, in the province of Hutina
National Currency: The Wald
National Languages: Zarsozian

Teclav

The Kingdom of Teclav

Portrait of Leader

Name of Leader: Grand Prince Fridrik Sidorov
Age: 36

National Capital: Lebin, in the province of Cahita
National Currency: The Rov
National Languages: Cahitian

African Colonies

1: Major Influence - The Kingdom of Hispalis

2: Minor Influence - The Kingdom of Hispalis

3: Minor Influence - The Empire of Reria

4:

5: Major Influence - The Kingdom of Komentiolos

6: Minor Influence - The Kingdom of Komentiolos

Indian Colonies

1:

2:

3:

4: Minor Influence - The Empire of Grimhout

5:

6:

7:

8:

9: Major Influence - The Republic of Kalseran

10: Minor Influence - The Republic of Kalseran

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12: Minor Influence - The Kingdom of Kehsi

13: Major Influence - The Kingdom of Kehsi

American Colonies

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4: Minor Influence - The Empire of Grimhout

5: Major Influence - The Empire of Grimhout

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7: Minor Influence - The Empire of Grimhout

8:

9: Minor Influence - The Empire of Grimhout

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11:

12:

13:

14:

15: Minor Influence - The Kingdom of Kehsi

16: Major Influence - The Kingdom of Kehsi

Major Events

Recent History

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The Conquest of Duarte (1487): The North African city of Duarte has served as an important naval hub of the Caliphate for centuries, it key strategic location on the narrow strait allowing it to serve as a launching point for the raids that plagued The Kingdom of Hispalis since it's founding. However, in the late 15th Century, the Caliphate finally began to splinter apart from internal conflict, and Hispalis saw it's opportunity. With ships from their cultural neighbours of The Kingdom of Arhan and The Kingdom of Kehsi, and with a substantial landing force, Hispalis descended upon the city. The cities garrison was caught off guard by the sudden attack, and the city itself was in Hispalis hands before the day was out. There it has remained ever since, becoming a crucial part of the kingdoms control of its trade routes, and serving as a staging ground for future ambitions in North Africa.

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The Peace of Khazaria (1708-1756): Ever since the Regency of Sevil Macar and even from past emperors, The Empire of Khazaria has turned inwards, slowing their expansion west and north to instead focus on lucrative trade with their neighbours in The Kingdom of Paranas. The Macar family had always had great relationships with the merchants and princes of Paranas due to their contacts and trade links, and it is perhaps no surprise that once the Macar dynasty rose to power, both Khazaria and Paranas solidified their relationship as allies, Khazaria's fleet beginning to swell due to the welcome influx of Paranasian natives and shipbuilders.

During this golden age, the nomadic tribes of the empire began to settle, leaving their traditions behind to gather in cities along the coastline. The vast hordes that Khazaria were once able to call upon began to shrink as the wild warriors of the steppes began to soften and modernise. Realising the growing issue, it was Sevil Macar herself, the aunt of the empire's current ruler, and arguably the true power behind the throne, who realised the potential that modern warfare represented. She has restructured the empire's armies, creating arsenals and equipping Khazaria's soldiers with muskets rather than horse bows, and invested heavily in the growing naval infrastructure that is supporting the nation's fledgling fleet.

The cities of Khazaria have enjoyed decades of peace and prosperity that has never been seen before amongst the warring nomadic tribes. Artists and engineers have flocked to a nation that has long been labelled as savage and uncivilised, but that is not to suggest that the empire has forgotten it's roots. To the east of the nation, nomadic tribes still roam, and the more traditionalist nobles within the empire hope that the rise of a new emperor may see a return to the ways of the past.

Khazaria is now a mix of eastern and western ideas. To a foreigner, the empire may still seem like a barbarian nation, particularly by those who have not witnessed for themselves the great steps that the current dynasty has made in bringing order the wild.

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The Siege of Velerra (1719): Velerra is a prosperous city of The Kingdom of Altenten that sits close to the border with The Kingdom of Stevata. Over the centuries, many descendants of Stevata had called the city their home, but in the hot summer of 1719, the underlying cultural tension in the city ignited. A new tax against the non-natives was brought in, and riots erupted across the city. The Altenten garrison struggled to maintain order, and news of the riots reached the Stevata king, Oswald III. Unable to ignore the cries of his people, and in a flagrant act, Oswald sent an army across the border and into the city. The Stevata soldiers brought efficient order to the city, if a little heavy-handed. The stories pouring out of the city spread across the two nations like wildfire, and even now, historians are not entirely sure which atrocities are true, and which are pure fiction. All anyone knows is that after nearly a week of the riots, and with Altenten moving their own armies towards the city, the Stevata army withdrew, taking with them countless refugees that gratefully returned to their homeland. Relations between the two nations lay in tatters, and it took months of careful diplomacy to avoid outright war. Both nations still blame the other for the blood that ran through the streets of Velerra, and the wounds are yet to heal

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The Siege of Kronik (1734): The Kingdom of Dorist and The Kingdom of Stevata have a long and bloody history, the border between the two shifting through the centuries as wars come and go. The province of Shardvul, long held by the Kingdom of Dorist, had been seized by Stevata in one such war in the last year's of the 17th century. It did not take much to fan the flames of war. There was a series of skirmishes between the two nations until the Dorist army found itself before the gates of the Stevata capital in the province, the city of Kronik. The siege was bloody and drawn out, and a Stevata relief force was gathering in the neighbouring province of Hutina. As the relief army neared, the Dorist army sent a meagre force to hold them back. At the head of this force was a young commander by the name of Wolfgang Draton. With an almost manic defiance, this small force beat back the relief force, and as news reached Kronik, the city finally surrendered. All too wary of their many enemies sensing weakness, Stevata was quick to sue for peace, ceding the province to Dorist as they retreated to lick their wounds.

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Older History

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The Great Migration (5th Century): The Iberian Peninsula was once a sparsely populated region, a mere handful of population centers scattered along the coastline. Tribes whose descendants now inhabit the nation of Kehsi populated the northern coast, while the southern coast enjoyed rich trade with North Africa across the narrow strait. The tribe that would become The Kingdom of Hispalis settled on the foothills of the Pyrenees, and quickly established itself as a major power in the region over the following century. The fledging Kingdom of Hispalis was founded by its first ruler, King Theo I, and through both diplomacy and war, managed to unify the peninsula under a common banner.

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The Eternal Conflict (8th-15th Century): While still in its infancy, The Kingdom of Hispalis quickly found itself threatened by the Caliphate of North Africa. The centuries that followed saw regular raids on the young kingdom from the Caliphate, and under this constant threat, the northern lords of the kingdom splintered off, establishing their own nation that would eventually become The Kingdom of Arhan. Although the conflict between Hispalis and the Caliphate continued for countless generations, the kingdom steadily grew in strength, and continued to hold their ground against the would-be invaders.

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The Grimhout-Kehsi Wars (12th-18th Century): The history between the the nations of The Empire of Grimhout and The Kingdom of Kehsi is a long and bloody one. Countless wars over the centuries between the two natural enemies provides no shortage of bad blood, and the infant colonies that both nations have established in the Americas only adds another theatre for the two nations to clash. The Lohvus Channel has long been the backdrop for the battles between the two, but now the warmer waters to the west stands poised to see new clashes, and yet more bloodshed.

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The Concordat War (Early 13th Century): In the early days of the republic, while the fledgling nation was still coming to its feet from being a hegemonic trade nation into an incorporated whole. The old kingdom that has now become The Principality of Asmont saw an opportunity in the verdant and rich lands and waters to the south, and attempted to expand into the territories the Adriatic sea. Expecting little in the way of proper resistance from the nascent nation of The Republic of Kalseran, they were surprised when they were faced with a sizeable army. While no means a professional army, or matching the numbers of the Asmonts, the loose confederation of soldiers and mercenaries were still able to drag the invading army into unfavourable terrain and dangerous situations, slowing their progress to a stall, stretching what should have been a short few battles into a multi year war.

That seemed to change with the first battle of Kalseran, when the host of Asmont caught the unified army by surprise and scattered them into the countryside. Content with this victory the army of Asmont turned their attention away from the scattered army and began to lay siege to the city itself, finding most of the bridges to the city proper having been burned and broken, halting any forward progress they obtained. Still they had their prize in their grasp, so they settled in to wait them out. Months would pass, until they seemingly began to make cracks in the defenders spirits, but as the army waited one last night to finally end this charade of a war, scores of soldiers began to choke and die, the cause of which was quickly discovered as poisonous plants had been ground into the water and food supply. Then all at once they were beset by a host that seemingly oozed from the darkness of the night. The army returned, a new wave of defenders surged out from Kalseran smashing into the attackers, driving them off in what was then called, almost as a joke the second battle of Kalseran. While this cemented the republic as the ruler, the dishonourable tactics used earned the ire of Asmont, which has cooled over the years but still colours the opinion of the two nations to this day.

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The Thousand Saddle Marches (Late 13th Century): The ancestors of The Empire of Khazaria were not the only tribe wrestling for power on the steppes of Eurasia, and when they were in their infancy, they were far from the greatest. The Bujir horde to the east numbered in the hundreds of thousands, and at it's peak it threatened to roll across the whole of Europe. Somehow, The Khazarian khanate survived this onslaught, and the story of this heroic victory has quickly passed into legend, known as the Thousand Saddle Marches.

The greatest horse riders of Khazaria fought a string of bloody stalemates against the steady advance of the horde, desperately attempting to buy time. When they could hold the tide back no longer, the khanate threw the dice. The ancestors of the nations that now populate eastern Europe rallied behind Khazaria for one final gamble. In particular, it is said that a young Khazarian khan swore a blood oath with a prince of The Kingdom of Paranas the night before the battle, and that the two warriors fought side by side throughout the battle, swearing a final oath to find each other in the afterlife before charging into certain death. As dawn broke, the entire amassed cavalry that Khazaria could bring to bear threw itself into the gates of hell. The battle that followed has become folklore, but the stories do not do the bloody carnage of it justice. Few survived to see the sunrise, and the Bujir horde was shattered, it's talismanic leader killed somewhere in the maelstrom.

Khazaria was quick to fill the power vacuum, supported by the neighbouring countries that were now bound with blood. The Thousand Saddle Marches is a history-defining moment for Khazaria, forging the nomadic khanate into a serious power and imprinting the values of duty, loyalty and bravery into the very fabric of Khazaria.

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The Collapse of the Genorist Empire (14th-17th Century): At it's peak, the Genorist Empire ruled over cast swathes of central Europe, it's borders encompassing the current nations of The Kingdom of Dorist, The Kingdom of Altenten, The Principality of Asmont, The Kingdom of Genstadt and even parts of The Kingdom of Fosbak. Over the centuries however, this once mighty empire fell victim to the same problems that plague all great empires. Corruption and wars chipped away at the empire's control, and although the collapse was gradual, it was still undeniably a collapse. Although the empire now only exists in the history books, it is still a single thread that connects several nations in Europe, and a shared history amongst the various cultures that now exist in the empire's old lands lends itself to a feeling of comradeship.

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The 25 Years War - The Golden Horde of Khazaria against the Western Crusaders (1398-1423): Known as the disaster of the Third Crusade (and final) cemented in the annals of history the mythic legend of Nursultan Ruslan. Regarded as one of the greatest Khans in the history of The Empire of Khazaria, and among the Eurasian peoples, one of the greatest military leaders to have ever come thundering across the vast steppes. Without Khan Nursultan there would be no Empire of Khazaria as it is known today, his resounding victory over the combined forces of the Western Crusaders and their allies from The Kingdom of Komentiolos ensured the future of Khazaria for centuries afterword.

Such a victory is not without consequences, and none felt such repercussions more than the Kingdom of Komentiolos, the heir to the Diorite Empire. Yet to understand the end results of this war, one must understand its beginning and the events that transpired over its duration. The nomadic peoples of the vast Eurasian steppes were no strangers to the sporadic incursions of the Western Europeans, but it was the culmination of the two previous Crusades (1031 to 1142 and 1299 to 1304) that led to the disastrous results of the third. Khan Nursultan grew up on tales of the foreign invaders, and it is said that upon becoming Khan of The Golden Horde, he vowed to forever put an end to these crusades.

The early weeks of summer, in the year 1398, saw the massive buildup of Western European Crusaders along the port cities of the Kingdom of Komentiolos, which at that time encompassed much of the Southern territorial lands of what is now modern territory of The Kingdom of Paranas, The Republic of Kalseran, and Khazaria. These Crusaders were granted safe haven and supplies by the Komentiolians, something that Khan Nursultan did not overlook. While never hostile with the people of Komentiolos, none could say they were friendly, and such an act of overt and blatant hostility, would not go unpunished. They say that Khan Nursultan and ten thousand mounted riders descended upon the Northern encampment of Crusaders in the middle of the night, setting fire to tents and wagons, killing thousands, before vanishing into the early morning mists and fog. Thus began the twenty five year struggle between the Crusaders and the Golden Horde, fighting raging all across the frontier, and upon the Komentiolian hinterlands. No matter how many horsemen fell, it felt as if two more took their place.

Yet, truth be told, for a time, it appeared as though perhaps the Crusaders might win, having established coastal fortifications along the Crimean peninsula and more, slowly fighting inland year by year. However, none had ever been able to definitively find and defeat Khan Nursultan, who remained elusive and undefeated. No doubt the Eurasian people of Khazaria suffered their share of defeats, but no army ever led by the great Khan Nursultan ever lost, save one battle at the end of the war, if one can call such a defeat. Still, many battles were fought, yet none greater nor more decisive than the Battle of Samkarsh. In the spring of 1423 the combined forces of the Crusaders and their Komentiolian allies met the fury of Khan Nursultan. On the banks of a muddy river, tens of thousands of men fought and died, turning the river red with blood, and the dried earth to mud. That day, the Crusaders fought their final battle, losing three kings, and the Komentiolians losing their prince. The shattered army fled the field of battle, leaving behind all manner of supplies, desperate to escape the Scourge of Eurasia. These tattered remnants, harried by the ceaseless hordes of Khan Nursultan, barely made it to the coastal stronghold of Kothelio, since renamed Kumbag, sheltering behind its high walls and thick gates.

A crisis of continued determination struck the battered and beleaguered Crusaders, most of their army was dead, with the rest scattered to the winds, and all that stood before Khan Nursultan were 4,000 tired men, against nearly 60,000 invigorated horsemen. The forces of Eurasia had siege equipment, fresh forces still trickling in, and nothing but time. Making matters worse, the Golden Horde's fleet lay off shore, blockading the port city and its rapidly dwindling supplies. To all within the city, all seemed lost, that their God had abandoned them. And thus, brings us to the Khan's only defeat, though many argue whether or not this can be attributed to him at all. In the closing days of the Third Crusade, a savage spring storm wracked the coasts of the Crimean peninsula, delaying Khan Nursultan's intended siege of the last true vestige of Crusader power in the region. (There were other strongholds and fortifications, however, since the defeat of the combined Crusader army, these territorial holdings soon found themselves surrounded by the hordes of Khazaria and its allies.)

As the forces of Khan Nursultan hunkered down, a daring relief force attacked the naval forces blockading the Crusaders, the Komentiolian navy with its larger ships and centuries of experience, shattered and burned the Khazarian fleet in its entirety. All knew the lives of the Crusaders and the city's citizens depended upon their victory, though none could have dreamed it would arrive in the midst of a storm. In a feat still sung in ballads, the Komentiolian fleet evacuated the city in a night and day, the last ship rowing out from the piers as the city gates shattered open. This would spell the end of war, and lengthy peace talks that would see Komentiolos cede vast swathes of its northern territories to Khan Nursultan and his new empire, as well as its western territories to the Kingdom of Paranas.

To put this into a broader perspective, whilst Komentiolos was fighting the Khazarians, they were attacked by Saracens in the south and east. Unable to effectively fight two wars on two fronts, especially after the financial burden of supporting the foreign crusaders, as well as the sacking of Apatosolios, the Komentiolians sued for peace with such generous terms to the Khazarians in order to survive this new foe, and retain their hold over the core regions that made up their kingdom. This, however does not diminish the achievements of Khan Nursultan and his victories. His tactical prowess gained his people an empire, his daring raids gained both respect and fear, and his life becoming the tales of legend. To this day, the echoes of this war are felt, a festering wound that eats away at peace and friendship. The Khazarian horsemen fast and nimble upon land, the Komentiolian dominating the vast seas, two powerful and proud nations, both of whom remember the Third Crusade for different reasons.

Since the days of Khan Nursultan to now, there have been minor border skirmishes, enterprising Khazarian youth raiding across borders, trying to entice Komentiolian forces to foolishly follow them too deeply into the steppes, only to elicit Komentiolian naval forces to burn fishing and trading vessels in return, not daring to stay on land for too long. A back and forth that flares up ever so often, a fort built there, a village raided, a trade vessel sunk, posturing that seems to have no end. A narrow valley now separates the two nations, the Greater Caucasus controlled by the Khazarians, while the Lesser Caucasus controlled by the Komentiolians.

Family Trees

Altenten

The Kingdom of Altenten

Arhan

The Kingdom of Arhan

Asmont

The Principality Of Asmont

Dorist

The Kingdom of Dorist

Fosbak

The Kingdom of Fosbak

Genstadt

The KIngdom of Genstad

Grimhout

The Empire of Grimhout

Hispalis

The Kingdom of Hispalis

Kalseran

The Republic Of Kalseran

Kehsi

The Kingdom of Kehsi

Khazaria

The Empire of Khazaria

Komentiolos

The Kingdom of Komentiolos

Orvag

The Kingdom of Orvag

Paranas

The Kingdom of Paranas

Reria

The Empire of Reria

Stabuga

The Empire of Stabuga

Stevata

The Kingdom of Stevata

Teclav

The Kingdom of Teclav

Pro Patria Mori - A Tale of Sailships and Muskets II

Official warning to any and all lurker. 6pm GMT (so in around 3 hours) is acting as a deadline. If you don't get a Nation Sheet in by then, unfortunately you'll have to wait till the RP is established and I can think about you taking over an NPC nation.