I'll throw my hat in the ring for this, looks very interesting. The first idea that comes to mind is playing a splinter group of a now-collapsed empire, that have become a pseudo-scavenger/pirate faction in recent years, a haven for renegades and runaways based around a Port Royal style home-planet/star-base. Would that be something that could work?
I may not be the GM, but I can certainly say that your idea definitely sounds pretty good to me, and funny thing, someone else was planning a similar faction but unfortunallty couldn't join due to IRL reasons.
Edit: Your an Ascendancy too @Legion02? Best buds :P
@Legion02 Actually, you mentioning your faction being sort of "Apprentices" could very well change how the cultists reacted during the Great War. With their I assume, more positive outlook on the Ashtar, this could've caused a sort of schism in the Asrian Sect, some of the cultists engaging in terrorism, others(those that probably hailed from Noble Worlds or Asra itself), would've fought against their brothers, causing a very confusion situation for all, although granted the cults/sects were a very disorganized bunch during the war, with no central authority to answer too and such.
And in the present time, although the Asrians and Jalaryians differ great on the Ashtar, I could see relations between the two possibly being somewhat warm, depends really.
@Legion02 There isn't much history for me to cover, but would it be alright if your nation had an Ashtari Cult/Sect by the time of the war?(They possibly would've engaged in terrorism and all that during the war), could also explain the number of human psonics within the Ascendancy.
And depending if relations havnen't soured from the acts of said sect, there would possibly still be a small amount Ashtari faithful within your nation, plus some missionaries directly from the Ascendancy.
A young power on the rise in the Western Outer Rim regions of the Galaxy. Ruled under the divine guidance of the Messiah and the Ascendant Church.
History
When the Ashtar first arrived over a century ago, it was a waning time, the nations of the Galaxy refusing to bow before them. However, as the years passed and the Ashtar having cemented their indefinite reign over the galaxy, people on millions of worlds slowly begun to revere them as divine beings, slowly morphing into a new religion that would spread through the galaxy like wildfire. Varying cults and sects of the Ashtari Faith soon sprouted up on many worlds, spreading their message, their divine interpretation of the Ashtar.
Once the Ashtar had vanished, followed by the start of the Great War, the Ashtari faith was thrown into disarray, many blaming the nonbelievers for the disappearance of the Gods, and how the nations of the galaxy were tarnishing the peace the Gods brought to the galaxy. The Ashtari soon declared their own Holy War upon all participants of the Great War, engaging in acts of terrorism, launching insurrections, and many more. Their Holy War kept on for the first five years of the Great War, before the Ashtari received the Call.
On the Outer Rim world of Jalaryias, the one claiming to be the Messiah summoned all the faithful to her side, claiming that divinity runs through her veins, claiming to be a Half-breed, a Demigod. Many sect leaders were at first, skeptical of these claims, but eventually they, and many others ceased all operations, and begun a mass exodus to the western reaches of the Outer Rim, converging on the lush world of Jalaryias. This world would soon be at the very heart of the newly established Ascendancy, in their short term isolation, the Ascendancy launched a series of campaigns against neighboring systems, conquering fledgling human colonies and primitive alien civilizations. Decades into the present, the Ascendancy has emerged as a potential power in the Outer Rim. Once the message from Llyena reached the Ascendancy and all faithful across the galaxy, much rejoicing followed as the Gods seemed to have returned once more.
By the time the Message was received, the Ascendancy had already opened itself up to the greater galaxy, establishing alliances, trade routes and spreading the faith ever further. However, this entanglement with the great powers of the Milky Way has proved to be a bane in the end, the political ramifications of Jalaryias' official entry in the emerging conflict would be utterly disastrous, however many within the church, military and citizenry would simply take matters into their own hands, a plot the Ascendant Council was all to aware of and quietly gave their consent.
Major Holdings
Jalaryias: The seat of power within the Ascendancy, once a remote human colony, the world of Jalaryias is one of serenity, lush jungles and forests covering the surface, dotted by grand cities and humble settlements, it is also the homeworld of the Messiah and where she summoned the faithful.
Talania: The polar opposite of Jalaryias, Talania is a world of heavy Industry, it's surface littered with hundreds of foundries churning both civilian products and military equipment.
Jericho: An arid world located within the gateway systems between the fringe and the core, and home to the Jericho Fleet Yards Corporation, the primary manufacturer of the Ascendancy's newer generation of Warships, its orbit dominated by hundreds of shipyards.
Demographics
Population
The Ascendancy is home to numerous species from all across the galaxy. Be it Human, Nonhuman, it matters not, all are equal in the Holy Light of the Ashtar. The latest species to be added to the flock of the faithful are the Dathir, a peculiar, vaguely insectoid species, and the Repto-mammalian Aldzam. Both conquered in the early years of the Great Crusade.
The culture of Jalaryian Ascendancy is one of piety, devotion and order. Most citizens of the Ascendancy strive to become faithful servants of the Ashtar, and to be worthy one day to ascend and be among with their Gods. Despite some semblance of peace and prosperity, it is far from it, such peace is often maintained through brutal force. Although a segment of the population are content with their lives, many other citizens think otherwise, and often are marked as either apostates or heretics, and often will be hunted down by the Inquisitors.
Economy
Like in all aspects, the Ascendancy lags behind many other nations in economic power, but it's simply bidding time as the Ascendancy has slowly emerged as a potential powerhouse in the region, in the short few decades of its existence, several influential corporations have already manifested, forming the bakcbone of Jalaryias' potential industrial might and commercial value. Exporting whatever products one needs, be it food stuffs, resources and military hardware.
Government
The Ascendancy is a Theocratic Monarchy under the rule of the Messiah Ilya, a truly rare Ashtar Half-breed. Under the Messiah are the general caretakers, the Ascendant Council of Apostles. It's members consists of representatives from of the most influential institutions within the Ascendancy, The Ascendant Church, the Military and the Bureaucracy or the Central Government as it is called often. Each member of the Council is given the title of Apostle and the one to lead such a council is given the title of Oracle.
The Council functions both to act as the governing body of the Ascendancy as a whole and to administer church functions and activities, Promoting and spreading the Light of the Ashtar and keeping order within the borders of the Ascendancy. Despite the rather equal footing the members of the Council seem to present, the Church is by far the most powerful of the three, using its secretive enforcement arm, the Inquisition, to root out corruption, enforcing the faith and the will of the church within the Central Government and on the streets of dozens of worlds. The Ayrie Knights fulfill a similar function, Knight chapters assigned with military units giving the task to see if their faith stays true.
Technological Information
Major Techs
Compared to the participants of the Great War, the Ascendancy lags far behind in many aspects. However, due to their formerly remote location, the Ascendancy was allowed both time and peace to work on new military technologies to better themselves, and for the most part, it has bored fruit, but in limited quantities, developing such feats as directed energy weapons that ranged as small as firearms, to as large as a assault batteries for starships, as well as developing hover vehicles to better navigate unforgiving terrain on more harsh worlds.
Military Information
Military Overview
Describe general doctrine, history, whatever floats your space boats.
Pilgrims Once the call for Crusade was sounded, tens of thousands of regular citizens took up arms and embarked on a grand Pilgrimage to claim the Holy Land in the name of the Ashtar. Jalaryian Pilgrims form the core of the Crusade's irregular forces, acting as guerilla fighters and light infantry in large scale battles. The more fanatical and fearless among their ranks will often then not, strap various explosives upon their person, willing to take their own life and those around them for the glory of the Gods.
Army Regular A grade above the Pilgrims, the regulars of the Jalarysian Army form the the heart and soul of the crusading armies of the Ascendancy, although their equipment lags behind other armies, their devotion to their Gods and State more then make up for such inadequacies.
Vanguard The more veteran elements of the Ascendancy's military. The Vanguard act as the elite shock troops of the ground forces, only the best of the infantry are chosen to join their ranks and train in the Vanguard program.
Cleansers A sub-section of the standard army regulars and as the title suggests, the Cleansers main task is to simply cleanse the battlefield of heathens and infidels in divine flame. Armed with Plasma flame throwers, the Cleansers are among the more zealous even among the faithful.
Redeemers
Utility Jeep
Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Armored Personnel Carrier
Main Battle Tank
Mobile Artillery
Anti-Air
Mobile Command Vehicle
Crusader-series Combat Armor Developed to eventually phase out the old combat exoskeletons. Trooper Variant Officer Variant Heavy Powered Armor variant Recon Variant War Angels
Scout Bike
Utility Vehicle
Modular APC
Artillery
Main Battle Tank
Siege Platform
Marine Light Combat Armor
Crusader-series Marine Powered Armor
Established shortly before the outbreak of the Great War, the Sacred Order of the Lost Ayrie Knights, or the Ayrie Knights as they're commonly referred too, were among the more militant of the Ashtari Sects, tracing their origin to Sirona, a rural colony world on the very fringes of what is now Federation Space.
For a brief period, the rather feeble Sironan Government was quickly overthrown in a violent Ashtari uprising spearhead by the precursors of the Order and had declared Sirona their Dominion. Their rather short-lived rule over the colony was bloody, the populace continually resisting the Ashtari Usurpers, only to be met with crackdowns, however it would not be long before the Sironan people's plight had reached the ears of the Federation of Nations. Not too long a Federal Strike Force made planefall, and within a few months, the Federation had successfully liberated the planet from the Ashtari.
Battered and defeated, the Sironan Sects fled far from Federation Space, still eager to answer the call of Holy War upon the Galaxy, traveling system to system, aiding their brothers and sisters in the destruction of the Infidels.
Once all the faithful received the summons from the Messiah, the Knights were among the tens of thousands of sects to answer the call. And due to their distinguished service in the Crusades to secure Jalaryias' place in the Outer Rim, they were made the Elite of the Elite. The Sacred Order of the Lost Ayrie Knights was officially established and was made the Military Arm of the Church. Armor Variants Although a great number of the Order's ranks are granted the honor of personalized suits of armor, many more are yet to be granted such privileges and are equipped with more standardized set of armor.
Squire Light Combat Armor
Yeoman Powered Armor
Lancer Powered Armor
Judicator Powered Armor
Notable Knight Chapters Sisterhood of the Dawnbringer Herself
Oathsworn of Izani
Scions of Mishri
Redeemers of St Sierata
Fleet/Navy
Capital Ships Initiate-class Corvette
Crusader-class Gunboat Like many others before, the Crusader Gunboats are civilian transports converted into light warships. The Crusader fulfilling the role of an anti-fighter ship, a small array of AA guns bolted down onto its hull, and acting as a medium troop transport, ferrying the faithful in the hundreds to one target to another.
Acolyte-class Frigate
Zealot-class Destroyer
Archer-class Torpedo Frigate Another product of Lokoid engineering. The Archer frigate's purpose is to act as a light artillery platform, lobbing waves of torpedoes at enemy warships from at a fair distance.
Martyr-class Cruiser
Prophet-class Battlecruiser
Strike/Support Craft Watchmen Gunship Designed by the Lokoids and later purchased by the Ascendancy in bulk, the Watchmen fulfilled a small role in the young Ascendancy as a fast response patrol ship, policing the at the time, untamed region that would come under the Ascendancy's rule. It would be a role the Watchmen excelled at greatly compared to an already aged fleet of retrofitted freighters. Armed with two PDF cannons and two torpedo tubes, a lone watchmen was more then enough for your bog-standard pirate vessel. After decades of long service, the Watchmen still persists, patrolling the borders. In wartime, particularly under the command of the "rogue" Agdemnar Crusaders, the Watchmen fulfills the role of a Heavy Fighter-Bomber.
Space Superiority Fighter
Interceptor
Bomber
Ferrymen Dropship Once a common sight among many independent human colonies far from Federation Space. The Ferryman was the go-to colonial utility craft, from troop deployment, to logistic transports, even retrofitted as light gunships, its modular nature proved a boon for poorer colonies. Despite its old age, the ferrymen served many worlds well for centuries to come, even into the Great War. The ferryman also proved as a very useful asset for many Ashtari Sects once they declared their Holy War, allowing cells far greater reach as they waged their many insurrections.
Now in the preset time, the ferryman's time has come, many still in reserve and in use, but is slowly being phased out by the more much advanced and sophisticated Virtuous Combat Dropship.
Capital Ships Umbra-class Stealth Corvette
Righteous-class Corvette
Devotion-class Frigate
Penance-class Missile Frigate
Retribution-class Destroyer
Order-class Cruiser
Justice-class Battle Carrier
Smite-class Artillery Cruiser
Reverence-class Battlecruiser
Valiance-class Battleship
Divinity-class Dreadnought
Strike/Support Craft Space Superiority Fighter Developed by the Yanis Aerospace Corporation as part of a new wave of modern strike craft. The
Bomber
Interceptor
Diplomatic Shuttle
Salvation Combat Dropship Among the new wave of modern auxiliary craft and to replace the aging Ferrymen dropship. The Salvation was designed to fulfill a modular role just as its predecessor before, using its state of the art magnetic clamps to transport heavy cargo or armored vehicles with ease. The standard National-grade model of the Salvation is equipped with one heavy repeating laser turret, two sets missile launchers, one dedicated for armored targets and the other for lightly armored targets or infantry and lastly a small manned laser turret place in the troop bay in the back of the vehicle. Salvation Dropships sold outside Ascendancy Space are significantly of lower quality, but remain reliable and sturdy.
Multi-Purpose Heavy Transport
Errant-class Frigate
Gallant-class Cruiser
Valiant-class Battlecruiser
The Truth Seeker Serving as Mobile Headquarters of the Inquisition, the Truth Seeker is an experimental warship built for prolonged missions around Ascendancy Space, capable of moving and sustaining its crew for over a decade without the urgent need for resupply or drydock. Armed with a small array of Point defense guns, anti-ship batteries and missiles, the Truth Seeker is more then a match for any pirate vessel, in addition to her defense systems, she carries over seventy strike craft and two dozen support craft.
Sentinel-class Assault Shuttle The primary mode of transportation for Inquisitors throughout Ascendancy Space. The Sentinel serves as a harrowing reminder of the Inquisition's far reach throughout the Ascendancy, serving as simple shuttles to ferry Inquisitors to their targets, to deadly pursuit craft if their target proves more elusive and flees offworld. The sentinel is armed with four forward facing plasma reaper cannons, one missile launcher and one defensive tail gun to ward off any potential attackers from the rear.
Hyperdread
Ascension-class Hyperdreadnought By far the most technologically sophisticated warship ever constructed by the Ascendancy. The Ascension is the pride and mighty Fist of Jalarysias and serves as the symbol of the Ascendancy's slow, but creeping technological evolution, and one of their many steps towards becoming a major power in the Galaxy. Similar to its Federation and Commonwealth counterparts, the Ascension serves as a Fleet Command vessel, however has more "teeth" so to speak. The Ascension's armaments consists of hundreds of point defense guns, anti-ship batteries, Missile and Torpedo launchers and lastly its primary weapon, the Particle Burst Cannon. Echoing the design of the Federation Solaris, the Burst Cannon runs the length of the Ascension. In addition to its armaments, the Ascension carries a small fleets-worth of auxiliary craft in any scenario that the Ascension engages the enemy alone.
Foreign Relations
Allied/Friendly Asra Ascendancy Star Republic of Rolvius Taulron Empire
Neutral/Cold/Unknown Federation of Nations Valerius Federation Harmonic Conflux of the Innumerate Suns WARGRID Lokoid Hierarchy Urdji Civîneşra
Hostile Imperial Systems Commonwealth Empire of Alduur Utopia Project
Type of Government: Autocracy Head(s) of Government: Lord Chancellor Zelimir Bartos Economy: Due to the Ongoing Unification War, Talania has slowly become more militarized, focusing more on Arms Manufacturing, Heavy Mining and Extraction of Metals, Minerals, and Hydrium. Unfortunately, Oil is more scarce in Greater Talania, having to be imported from their new ally, Hastur, as well as other necessitates such as food stuffs, and luxury goods, and in exchange, Talania ships it's surplus of weapons to the Empire. Primary Species:
Population: 72 Million Culture: Religion and Other Beliefs: Location/Territories: Climate: Military:
The Mighty Sword and Shield of Talania. The Talanian Army is by far the most well-equipped, and most numerous out of both the Navy and Air Corps.
The beating heart of the Talanian Military, these valiant patriots proven to be the most versatile, fulfilling whatever roles that are needed on the battlefield. Standard Gear
Winter Gear
Officers
Desert Gear
An Elite formation within the Army, the Talanian Stormtroopers act as elite shock troops, utilizing thick combat armor and higher grade weapons compared to the army regulars. Stormtrooper Light Combat Armor
Stormtrooper Heavy Armor
Established after the declaration of the Unification War, Bartos was inspired by the Rankani's use of magical shock troops during their invasion, their use partially the cause of such massive pushbacks. However, once Talania moved on the offensive, Bartos gathered many volunteers strong in magic, using their talents to great effect. However, as the years pass, Magic became more increasingly nationalized, the Lord Chancellor forbidding magic outside the Military's control. Eventually, Magic users were no longer given a choice, and forcibly conscripted into the Military's Arcane Divisions.
AC-15
AC-19
T-24
T-60
The Talanian Air Corps lie between the threshold of the Army's favoritism and the neglected Navy. Like the Navy, the Air Corp is a far smaller beast compared to the army, however, recent military innovations have made the Air Corps something to be feared and respected with the advent of aerial warships, Talania trying their hand at such marvels of warfare, able to go where the Navy simply cannot, and rain death upon Talania's enemies. F-25 Razor
FB-12 Talon
HB-30 Claw
Peacemaker -class Support Airship
Supremacy-class Aerial Battleship
TT-2 Mini-Zeppelin Transport
Although years of warfare has severely reduced Talania's naval capabilities, but even in such a reduced state, the Talanian Navy can still make a formidable foe, fulfilling its basic goals of coastal domination over their immediate neighbors. Dominance-class Battleship
Unity-class Cruiser
Patriot-class Destroyer
Lance-class Corvette
An Elite, near-fanatical Corps separate from the Army, the Talanian Republican Guard serve as Bartos' chief enforcers in Talainia, with the aid of the National Militia, the Republican Guard keep the citizenry in line and are to crush any semblance of rebellion.
Alongside the Republican Guard, the National Militia act as Talania's last line of defense in the case of invasion, acting both as a military force, and as law enforcement, although not as well equipped compared to the Army, the Militia make up their failings in their devotion to the Chancellor and Country.
Magic Prevalence/Usage: Magic is quite abundant in Greater Talania, however, its usage in the hands of ordinary citizens is outlawed, and any person gifted with magic is to be immediately collected and conscripted into Talania's Arcane Divisions. History/ Background Info: The current state of Talania can be traced over twenty five years ago, the young, fledgling Republic of Talania struggled through years of warfare against their larger, more aggressive neighbor, The Rankan Empire. The leadership proving ineffectual in the face of such a dire opponent. As the conflict drew on, famine had plagued the land, not unlike the one that would be suffered years later. All seemed lost, until a General in the Talanian Army, Zelimir Bartos, grew tired of the chaos, set in motion his own plans that would effect both the war, and the nation as a whole.
General Bartos, along with his loyal troops, instigated a bloody coup in the capital city of Sajoszgrad, storming the streets, gunning down any who would stand against them, and had managed to rally desperate citizens who saw this coup as their salvation. Before long, Bartos and his men stormed the Parliament building, executing all members of the previous government, and declaring himself Lord Chancellor of Talania.
With a renewed sense of vigor and morale, Talania within a year, had managed to push out the Rankani past their border, for some, this would be more then enough, however, Bartos had other plans. The next day after their great victory over the Empire, Bartos had personally traveled to the border, gathering several army groups and citizen militias for a grand speech, many assuming this would be the sign of the war's end.
However, it was far from over. Bartos stood, given speech of a long lost legacy of the old Kingdom, how it once stood as a powerhouse in the region in ancient times, the King himself declaring the land as part of Greater Talania. The patriotic need to honor that legacy permeated the soldiers witnessing the speech as Bartos became more and more passionate. It was then and there, the war would never be over until the Old King's decree was finalized, until the land would at long last be united under the banner of Greater Talania, no matter the cost.
It was there that Bartos declared this a War of Unification, a war that would wage on to this day. For the the next decade, Greater Talania, fought battle after battle against their neighbors, first to fall was the Rankani Empire, their smaller, weaker neighbors were to follow and for the time being, both sides were in a fierce stalemate, however, the Century of Ash would change it all for the worse. For over a decade the world was covered in ash, crops withered and died, temperatures dropping, the war became a desperate fight for survival.
Several attempts at a truce would repeatedly be ignored as the talanians made their advance, even as people starved, Bartos kept the war going, convincing his generals that this crisis was the ample opportunity they needed, even if the Talanians suffered the most.
Nation Relations:
Hastur: Relations within the last century had been turbulent, the defunct Kingdom of Talania participating in a Crusade upon a weakened Hastur, besieging and occupying the Port City of Merzifon. For over a century the the previous governments and for a limited time, its current successor had held the city until Hastur took an opportune moment and retook the city amid the chaos of the Century of Ash. In the aftermath, the Hasturi leadership, impressed by the efforts of the talanians, had hired out the services a number of veterans of the battle to train their soldiers.
Soven-Ampara: Relations with Soven and Ampara are rather poor, both countries forming their pact in response to Talania's imperialistic ambitions, Soven more so, as they lay within the drawn borders of "Greater Talania".
Andria: Like Soven and Ampara, relations between Andria and Greater Talania are poor, moreso for Andria as currently, the two countries are in a state of war as Talania invades Andria's shores.
Usoma: Due to their frigid climates, and the strain of decades of war, Talania uncharacteristically is in open talks with the Usoman Empire, of course, such attitudes are but a temporary facade as Talania bids her time when the resources are more readily available to strike.
Ocreau: For now, Talania has very limited contact with the Ocreau Commonwealth, but once the opportunity rises, the Commonwealth too will fall under the banner of Greater Talania.
Acrad: Although parts of Acrad lie within the Greater Talanian Region, Talania has formed a Non-aggression pact with the Acradian Republic, and have agreed upon a partition between Soven and Ampara if victory over the Federal State is achieved.
Type of Government: Autocracy Head(s) of Government: Lord Chancellor Zelimir Bartos Economy: Due to the Ongoing Unification War, Talania has slowly become more militarized, focusing more on Arms Manufacturing, Heavy Mining and Extraction of Metals, Minerals, and Hydrium. Unfortunately, Oil is more scarce in Greater Talania, having to be imported from their new ally, Hastur, as well as other necessitates such as food stuffs, and luxury goods, and in exchange, Talania ships it's surplus of weapons to the Empire. Primary Species:
Population: 72 Million Culture: Religion and Other Beliefs: Location/Territories: Climate: Military:
The Mighty Sword and Shield of Talania. The Talanian Army is by far the most well-equipped, and most numerous out of both the Navy and Air Corps.
The beating heart of the Talanian Military, these valiant patriots proven to be the most versatile, fulfilling whatever roles that are needed on the battlefield. Standard Gear
Winter Gear
Officers
Desert Gear
An Elite formation within the Army, the Talanian Stormtroopers act as elite shock troops, utilizing thick combat armor and higher grade weapons compared to the army regulars. Stormtrooper Light Combat Armor
Stormtrooper Heavy Armor
Established after the declaration of the Unification War, Bartos was inspired by the Rankani's use of magical shock troops during their invasion, their use partially the cause of such massive pushbacks. However, once Talania moved on the offensive, Bartos gathered many volunteers strong in magic, using their talents to great effect. However, as the years pass, Magic became more increasingly nationalized, the Lord Chancellor forbidding magic outside the Military's control. Eventually, Magic users were no longer given a choice, and forcibly conscripted into the Military's Arcane Divisions.
AC-15
AC-19
T-24
T-60
The Talanian Air Corps lie between the threshold of the Army's favoritism and the neglected Navy. Like the Navy, the Air Corp is a far smaller beast compared to the army, however, recent military innovations have made the Air Corps something to be feared and respected with the advent of aerial warships, Talania trying their hand at such marvels of warfare, able to go where the Navy simply cannot, and rain death upon Talania's enemies. F-25 Razor
FB-12 Talon
HB-30 Claw
Peacemaker -class Support Airship
Supremacy-class Aerial Battleship
TT-2 Mini-Zeppelin Transport
Although years of warfare has severely reduced Talania's naval capabilities, but even in such a reduced state, the Talanian Navy can still make a formidable foe, fulfilling its basic goals of coastal domination over their immediate neighbors. Dominance-class Battleship
Unity-class Cruiser
Patriot-class Destroyer
Lance-class Corvette
An Elite, near-fanatical Corps separate from the Army, the Talanian Republican Guard serve as Bartos' chief enforcers in Talainia, with the aid of the National Militia, the Republican Guard keep the citizenry in line and are to crush any semblance of rebellion.
Alongside the Republican Guard, the National Militia act as Talania's last line of defense in the case of invasion, acting both as a military force, and as law enforcement, although not as well equipped compared to the Army, the Militia make up their failings in their devotion to the Chancellor and Country.
Magic Prevalence/Usage: Magic is quite abundant in Greater Talania, however, its usage in the hands of ordinary citizens is outlawed, and any person gifted with magic is to be immediately collected and conscripted into Talania's Arcane Divisions. History/ Background Info: The current state of Talania can be traced over twenty five years ago, the young, fledgling Republic of Talania struggled through years of warfare against their larger, more aggressive neighbor, The Rankan Empire. The leadership proving ineffectual in the face of such a dire opponent. As the conflict drew on, famine had plagued the land, not unlike the one that would be suffered years later. All seemed lost, until a General in the Talanian Army, Zelimir Bartos, grew tired of the chaos, set in motion his own plans that would effect both the war, and the nation as a whole.
General Bartos, along with his loyal troops, instigated a bloody coup in the capital city of Sajoszgrad, storming the streets, gunning down any who would stand against them, and had managed to rally desperate citizens who saw this coup as their salvation. Before long, Bartos and his men stormed the Parliament building, executing all members of the previous government, and declaring himself Lord Chancellor of Talania.
With a renewed sense of vigor and morale, Talania within a year, had managed to push out the Rankani past their border, for some, this would be more then enough, however, Bartos had other plans. The next day after their great victory over the Empire, Bartos had personally traveled to the border, gathering several army groups and citizen militias for a grand speech, many assuming this would be the sign of the war's end.
However, it was far from over. Bartos stood, given speech of a long lost legacy of the old Kingdom, how it once stood as a powerhouse in the region in ancient times, the King himself declaring the land as part of Greater Talania. The patriotic need to honor that legacy permeated the soldiers witnessing the speech as Bartos became more and more passionate. It was then and there, the war would never be over until the Old King's decree was finalized, until the land would at long last be united under the banner of Greater Talania, no matter the cost.
It was there that Bartos declared this a War of Unification, a war that would wage on to this day. For the the next decade, Greater Talania, fought battle after battle against their neighbors, first to fall was the Rankani Empire, their smaller, weaker neighbors were to follow and for the time being, both sides were in a fierce stalemate, however, the Century of Ash would change it all for the worse. For over a decade the world was covered in ash, crops withered and died, temperatures dropping, the war became a desperate fight for survival.
Several attempts at a truce would repeatedly be ignored as the talanians made their advance, even as people starved, Bartos kept the war going, convincing his generals that this crisis was the ample opportunity they needed, even if the Talanians suffered the most.
Nation Relations:
Hastur: Relations within the last century had been turbulent, the defunct Kingdom of Talania participating in a Crusade upon a weakened Hastur, besieging and occupying the Port City of Merzifon. For over a century the the previous governments and for a limited time, its current successor had held the city until Hastur took an opportune moment and retook the city amid the chaos of the Century of Ash. In the aftermath, the Hasturi leadership, impressed by the efforts of the talanians, had hired out the services a number of veterans of the battle to train their soldiers.
Soven-Ampara: Relations with Soven and Ampara are rather poor, both countries forming their pact in response to Talania's imperialistic ambitions, Soven more so, as they lay within the drawn borders of "Greater Talania".
Andria: Like Soven and Ampara, relations between Andria and Greater Talania are poor, moreso for Andria as currently, the two countries are in a state of war as Talania invades Andria's shores.
Usoma: Due to their frigid climates, and the strain of decades of war, Talania uncharacteristically is in open talks with the Usoman Empire, of course, such attitudes are but a temporary facade as Talania bids her time when the resources are more readily available to strike.
Ocreau: For now, Talania has very limited contact with the Ocreau Commonwealth, but once the opportunity rises, the Commonwealth too will fall under the banner of Greater Talania.
Acrad: Although parts of Acrad lie within the Greater Talanian Region, Talania has formed a Non-aggression pact with the Acradian Republic, and have agreed upon a partition between Soven and Ampara if victory over the Federal State is achieved.
Still a work in progress, but the sheet so far, more will be added later.
Union of Free Dathanari States
Type of Government: Confederation Head(s) of Government: The Council of Dathanar, currently headed by High Councilor Valter Ohlson Economy: (Main imports, exports, industries, technology level, etc.) Demographics: Population: 25 Million
Dathan – Descendants of the Avalian human refugees, although nearly two centuries of separation had changed the Avalian population over time, recognizing themselves as the Dathan. Although they've incorporated Old World, namely Avalian, culture of the time period, the Dathan have developed their own identity, creating new traditions and reforming the old into some new and of their own design.
Tzücomen – Humans native to much of the southern half of the New World, where they've been roaming as herdsmen and nomads since time immemorial. They are distinguished from other humans by their swarthy complexion and artificially deformed cone-shaped skulls, achieved through ritual head binding. Militarily they are competent light cavalry and skirmishers, that have allied and sporadically warred with the Dathanari. Today, they work alongside them as auxiliaries to fight their common enemies.
Gardonian – Population:
Male
Female Harpy –
Male
Female Grogar –
Jakai – Insectoids native to Ukan Badlands, the Jakai are the distant cousins of the Tervigen, sharing biological and cultural traits, with their own set of differences of course. For instance, the build of a jakai is considered much more weak and frail compared to the toughened hide of a Tervigen. From a distance, it would be difficult to tell between a male and female Jakai, but upon closer inspection, males posses wings. Culturally, the Jakai generally take a more conservative approach in their ventures, while males are indeed outgoing, and adventurous, most of the time it is to an limited extent, for many, not wanting to venture too far from their home Warren.
However, there indeed exists many more males, and even females that have ventured beyond their Warren, beyond Dathanar. The more adventurous ones that stay within Dathanar are among the few to enlist in the Combined Defense Forces, particularity the Sky Corps.
Yeshai –
Amrean –
Gnülonlar –
Culture: Due to the harsh past of the original refugees, the Dathanari are a people that value Independence, autonomy and equality above all else, slavery and the likes long since been outlawed by the Ruling Council of the Free States. The traditional divides of the Old World, that of Noble and Commoner, became more and more blurred in Dathanari Society, replaced by one of finical standing, a position that can be obtained and lost by any and all on a whim, no matter of their birth status.
Religious and Other Beliefs: While officially there is no State Religion, the most dominant religious institution in Dathanar would be the Church of the Sky King, a faith brought over and held onto by the Humans of Avalia during their cruel enslavement under the Dragons. Now forever free, the faith was able to blossom, spreading the prophecies of the Sky King to the savage peoples of the land, embracing his light. Location/Territories: Climate: Military: Magic Prevalence/Usage and Elemental Alignment: Magic is common occurrence in Dathanari society, were it not for the mages among the refugees, life in the New World would be more harsh, unforgiving and Dathanar as a whole would be a far different beast then in the present. Three schools of magic are the most prominent within Dathanar: Solid, Liquid, and Plasma.
History/Background Info:
The Dathanari Rebellion: The beginnings of the Nation of Dathanar can be traced back to the Old World, at the heart of the Yllendyr Imperium hundred eighty-Two years ago, in the massive Slave Slum that came to be known as Dathanar, one so large, that it was itself considered a separate settlement from the City it was attached to. The word "Dathanar" came to be a word the Elves have come to adopt as a scathing insult, the word often associated with "worthlessness", "Nothing" and "Less then Dirt", a word that at first, came to dishearten and break down the population. However, over the years, resentment grew, and in turn, the fires of revolution.
It all begun in May 3rd of 4719, the day the ill-fated Dathanari Rebellion took place. It begun as it would end, in bloodshed. A group of determined slaves, led by a man named Firgus Holen, had ambushed and brutally murdered their elven guards, taking their equipment, this act alone was more then enough to rally the other slaves, as more and more guards were killed in the first few nights, their weapons and armor taken off their fresh bodies, this eventually invited unwanted attention by the Regional Viceroy, who had immediately ordered several battalions to restore order in the Slums, once they stormed the streets, the soldiers were greeted by mobs of of armed slaves, soon fierce fighting had erupted throughout the slums, several days the slaves fought for all their worth, unfortunately their causalities were far outnumbering that of the imperials.
The short-lived rebellion would come to a bloody end, as the elven soldiers had received unexpected reinforcements, a flight of Dragons came souring in the sky as they begun to lit the slums aflame. The original instigators of the rebellion, Firgus Holen, his cohort and the rest of the rebels made their last stand, and held off the encroaching elves, the fires raging on as the whole slum was consumed in flame.
In the aftermath of the battle, the Slum was burnt to ashes, charred corpses littering the streets as more soldiers arrived to the grizzly scene, and were greeted by the sight of thousands upon thousands of now homeless slaves, surrounded by the armed soldiers.
The Exodus: Despite their crimes committed, the Imperial Viceroy had saw it wasteful to simply slaughter the now defeated rebels, and instead opted for a more creative punishment, the rebels were to be sent to fight and eventually die against the Zeeborg-Fallian Union as cannon fodder.
The affair would last two weeks as ships from across the Imperium were converging to on a nearby port city, the rebels and an abundance of other defiant slaves now were housed in a massive makeshift prison camp, awaiting for their inevitable deaths. However, Firgus and his allies had seen this as a grand, "once in a lifetime" opportunity, and the time to wait for the arrival of the entire fleet was more the enough to organize with the other groups. For their entire stay in the camp, the Dathanari rebels had discussed their plans to the other slave groups, some more welcoming then others of the plan, regardless though, they would be involved one way or another, the plan? Instigate a fleet-wide mutiny against their captors and if successful set sail for the west, far from the Imperium, it was a suicidal plan, if it fails? Their deaths are more then assured before they even reach enemy territory, if it succeeds? Death is still a certainty, as tales of the Cursed West had spread to even the slave slums, any ships that sail beyond the Imperium's borders were never to be seen again.
Regardless, the possibility of true freedom from the Imperium was too alluring, and even if they were to perish to the cursed western seas, at least they would die free men.
And so the plan was set in motion, the Dathanari forging alliances with fellow humans, and reluctantly, a flock of harpy slaves, although in these uncertain times, any help is needed. After weeks of planning and preparation, the fleet had finally arrived, the slaves herded into cramped spaces, a tactic to further demoralize the slaves, unaware of the mutiny soon to take hold.
Once a few days had passed, the time had finally arrived, Firgus' group was the first to instigate the mutiny, slaves assigned as cleaning personnel had abandoned their positions and overwhelmed a few guards, repeating what they had done in the Dathanar Slums, relinquishing them of their weapons, and keys to the holding pens, this act along was enough to trigger chaos among the ranks as the slaves aboard the first ship swarmed every corner, fighting tooth and nail against the ship's crew, many dying in the process, in the chaos, several slaves gathered smashed piles of wood, burning it as they lit the signal for the other slaves to revolt, one after the other, the fleet was complete disarray as the slave rose up once more, some succeeding, others failing, but the fight drew on until all was silent, in the end, the slaves emerged victorious for the first time in centuries, however their own dead was far too great, thousands of their own lying dead.
With no time to spare, the best burial to be given was to be tossed overboard alongside with their enemy, as Firgus took charge as their new leader, his first decree, setting sail for the Cursed West, and braced themselves for whatever challenges and terrors it may hold for the battered refugees.
The New World: Journey through the Western Seas would be on of death, fear and desperation. As the refugee fleet was beset be vicious storms, starvation, infighting and even cannibalism on a number of vessels, and worst yet, monstrous beasts, the dreaded Kraken, would drag whole ships down to the depths with their massive tendrils, one by one, a refugee ships would sink and be claimed by the Cursed Sea, until only a small handful of ships remained, it seemed death was inevitable for the many survivors, as hope of finding land drifted away from their collective minds, however, that day sooner then expected. The Day has finally come, after months of hardship and death, what's left of the refugee fleet had finally crossed to the other side, a whole New World for the taking.
Rise of Dathanar Although True Freedom has been tasted, tensions run high among the thousands of survivors as past wrongs spring up, especially towards the Harpies, or had committed most of the cannibalistic acts during their voyage. Tensions rose further as fights broke out, the harpies forced to flee south. Over the first few decades, the refugees, who now proclaimed this land as Dathanar, slowly built up their fragile and divided civilization, settlements dotting the landscape north to south, slowly growing larger, this growth however, was met with harsh resistance, the land, as they soon came to realize, had its own set of inhabitance, some less then welcoming.
For years, human settlements would be besieged by native tribes, having to contend with each other over past rivalries and dealing with a resurgent flock of Harpies as they made their move north. Fortunately for a select few settlements, not all the natives were hostile, meeting like-minded humans in the Dry North, and meeting with envoys from the Amrean Celestial Empire, assuring alliances with a number of coastal and northern colonies, while colonies down south were less then fortunate.
Regardless, for decades Dathanar was both a land of opportunity and of bloodshed, a true test of will for the settlers as they fought for the very soil, however, their true test was to come as force with a dark, insatiable appetite was over the horizon.
The Striogi War and Present It is quite obvious the arrival of the Dathanari did mot come unnoticed, for quite sometime, the lands of Dathanar being under heavy watch by the Strigoi of the Realms of Wulfram, making the occasional incursions in their territory, harvesting whole villages, however, this was not enough.
On August 14th, 4752, a cabal of Strigoi Lords bordering Dathanar had conspired together, mustering their personal armies to march into the new fertile lands, conquering and enslaving many villages and settlements, regardless if they were Dathanari or Native, for a month they moved virtually unopposed, crushing all who be bold enough to stand in their way.
Eventually, once they had gathered allies in neighboring lands, the Dathanari were able to repel the Strigoi after several years of warfare. The aftermath of the Strigoi War led to the formation of the Union of Free Dathanari States as they are known today.
Valter Ohlson, recently elected High Councilor of the UFDS. Alexander Syren, Supreme Commander of the Union Combined Defense Forces.
Still a work in progress, but the sheet so far, more will be added later.
Confederation of Free Dathanari States
Type of Government: Confederation Head(s) of Government: The Council of Dathanar, currently headed by High Councilor Grawdrin Imeise Economy: (Main imports, exports, industries, technology level, etc.) Demographics:
Anhreinn – Population: 7 Million
Tzücomen – Humans native to much of the southern half of the New World, where they've been roaming as herdsmen and nomads since time immemorial. They are distinguished from other humans by their swarthy complexion and artificially deformed cone-shaped skulls, achieved through ritual head binding. Militarily they are competent light cavalry and skirmishers, that have allied and sporadically warred with the Dathanari. Today, they work alongside them as auxiliaries to fight their common enemies. Population: 4 Million
Ellempyr – Population: 50,000
Male
Female Harpy – Population: 250,000
Valkyrian – Population: 100,000
Male
Female Grogar – Population: 3 Million
Jakai – Insectoids native to Dathanar's Badlands, the boundary between the dry north and the lush south, unlike the Gnulonlar and Grogar, the Jakai are considered "civilized" among the peoples of the wastelands, their weak and frail build lending to their more cooperative nature, and their rather large groupings. Regarding gender, one can easily differentiate between males and females, Male Jakai possessing wings, while the the females have none. Population: 2 Million
Amrean – Population: 3200
Half-Breed – Population: 50,000
Culture: Due to the unfortunate past of segment of the population, the Dathaari are a people that value Independence, autonomy and equality above all else, slavery and the likes long since been outlawed by the Ruling Council of the Free States. The traditional divides of the Old World, that of Noble and Commoner, became more blurred in Dathanari Society, replaced by one of finical standing, a position that can be obtained and lost by any and all on a whim, no matter of their birth status.
Religious and Other Beliefs: There is no single dominant religion in Dathanar, rather it is home to a multitude of differing faiths, many brought over from the Old World. The more prominent of these Old World faiths is the Church of the Forge Father, a third iteration of Cromism, shortly after their arrival, the people of Dathanar would undo the Dragon's revisions, and for the most part, had restored the faith. Location/Territories: Climate: Military: Magic Prevalence/Usage and Elemental Alignment: History/Background Info:
Grawdrin Imeise, recently elected High Councilor of the CFDS. Erthius Urial, Supreme Commander of the Combined Defense Forces of the Free States
Member
BigPapaBelial
LadyAmber
Chronic
LimeTime966
Liotrent
Izurich
Andreyich
Taeryn
Lunamaria Hawke
