Nation SheetLocation:Flag:When King Kaelan, founder of Oswaria and the nation's first ruler came in front of the people with this flag he said, and I quote...
"This my brothers will be the flag of our great nation. The red symbolises the blood which was shed by our warriors so that we can have a nation of our own today. And the horse is the symbol of our people. The most beautiful and majestic of animals."Nation Name: - Kingdom of Oswaria(Official name)
- Oswaria(Common name)
Demonym: Oswarian, oswarians
People/s: 89% Oswarians, 11% other denizens.
Population Scale/Nation Size: Medium - Approx. 447.000 people
Government: In Oswaria the entire power is concentrated in the hands of a king or a queen(depends). There is a council of ministers which serves as an advisor to the king/queen. Unlike other monarchies in Oswaria there are no lords or dutches. Queen Scarlet, the current ruler of Oswaria took away all their fortunes and made them commoners when she became ruler. Right now the only people with fortunes are the ministers from the council, but even they are kept on a very short leash. Everything else belongs to the state. Ever since she came to power, especially in the violent and brutal way she did, Queen Scarlet has ruled Oswaria with an iron fist and all those that dared to oppose her have ended up either dead or in a dungeon for the rest of their lives.
People of Importance:
Aged 29, Scarlet's exact origins are unknown. The former king, Marduk III saw her on the streets when she was just 6 years old. He became very fond of her so he adopted her and raised her as his child. Of course those at the palace gave her a hard time because of that. That made Scarlet very depressed and upset. There were times when she even thought about running away. When she was a teenager she became very close to Supreme Commander Berilius, who back then was just a captain. Berilius taught Scarlet how to fight and use weapons, typically the sword. She loved it and concentrated alot on that and becoming very skilled very fast. When she reached her 20's she began thinking that she deserves more from life then to be just some beautiful princess or some king's wife. When she was 21 she killed her brother, who was rightful heir to the throne. She secretely followed him when he was off hunting in the forest and after she saw an opening she struck him with an arrow straight to the heart. His son's death made the king fall into a deep brooding depression. The next year she confronted her father and told him that she wants the throne and that nothing will stand in the way of her and her destiny. She tried to stab him with a knife but the royal guard interfered and stopped her before she delivered the killing blow. Scarlet overpowered the two royal guards that were taking her to the dungeons and ran away to Isthar Fortress from where she made her base. What followed was a civil war between those loyal to the king and those loyal to the wannabe queen, Scarlet. Berilius, a general at the time, kept his integrity and stayed by the king's side. Or that's what everyone thought. One night, after 2 years of civil war, during a night attack at the king's palace, Berilius showed his true colors and helped Scarlet take over the palace. After confronting the king a 2nd time Scarlet confessed to him that she was the one that killed his son during that hunt. As the king started crying and screaming Scerlet thrusted her sword in his stomach and watched as he fell on the ground. A couple of seconds later he died. The next morning Scarlet proclaimed herself queen as she sat on the throne in front of the council of ministers. Those still loyal to the king could not accept such an outrage and ran into the Rocky Mountains. The civil war continued for another 4 years but the rebels were eventually overcomed and defeated. Scarlet ordered the heads of the rebellion's leaders to be chopped off and impaled in spikes positioned in the main market of Belcoast as a remainder for anyone who might dare to go against the queen in the future. Scarlet secured her position by stripping the nobles and lords of their fortunes and forcing them to live like commoners. Berilius, who was now supreme commander of the army, a rank that never existed before, was spared of this fate since he was essential in Scarlet's takeover. The ministers were spared as well. Also to appease the people Scarlet lowered down taxes and raised salaries. Especially since now the treasuries of Oswaria were full to the brim with the fortunes of the nobles. She also started rebuilding the army, which the previous king, an adept of peace and diplomacy had decomissioned. In time the people got used with Scarlet and no one contests her anymore.
Aged 51, Berilius was born in a wealthy family of nobles. He joined the ranks of the Oswarian army when he was 18 and worked his way up the ladder. When Queen Scarlet attempted to take over power from the former king, he was the key factor which helped her succeed. Back then he was a general. For his loyalty and services, Berilius was made Supreme Commander of the Oswarian Army and allowed to keep his family's fortune. He is also the one that trained Queen Scarlet in the ways of war, back when she was just a teenager. In battle Berilius likes to wield a large two-handed sword.
Nobody knows where The Masked came from. His past and origins, as well as his real name and age are very blurry. He recieved this name because of the fact that he is always seen wearing a white mask that he never really gets off. The Masked rarely speaks a word but he is a fierce and very talented warrior. The best Oswaria has right now. Many fought him, even skilled soldiers from the military and they all lost. He is always seen armed to the teeth with two broadswords, three daggers and a couple of throwing knives that he keeps in a pouch. The queen was fascinated by him and she took him out of the fighting arenas of Oswaria's capital and made him her personal bodyguard.
Capital: The port city of Belcoast has been Oswaria's capital ever since the nation's creation. It first started out as a small port city with only 50.000 inhabitants. But as the years passed the city has increased in size. Right now Belcoast houses 234.000 people, which is almost a half of Oswaria's population. The city is protected by very thick walls and guard towers.
Settlements: Oswaria's cities are composed of medieval style buildings constructed primarily of stone and also some wood in certain places like the windows, doors and roof. Aside from the 5 major cities, Oswaria also has some villages scattered throughout the territory and a fortress designed to protrect the capital.
The CapitalPopulation: 234.000 people
The Fishermen's City - A calm and quiet settlement, where the most fishermen in Oswaria reside and do their job.
Population: 43.000 people
The North Port - A relatively new port city, whose construction was finished 53 years ago. Built at the very edge of the cliff, Branora is Oswaria's link with the north.
Population: 61.000 people
The Sister Cities - Vivec and Telasero are both called "the sister cities" because they are both located in the Rocky Mountains of Oswaria and are pretty close to each other. Because they are built in the mountains these 2 cities suffer the most because of wyvern attacks..
Population:
- Vivec: 52.000 people;
- Telasero: 39.000 people.
Vivec
Telasero
The Gauntlet - The fortress of Isthar was erected shortly after the capital with the sole purpose providing aid and protection in times when the capital might be threatened or under attack. Also...Isthar is built exactly on the main road to Belcoast. So whoever wants to reach the capital has to pass through the fortress first.
Population: 6.000
Nation Description: Oswarians are descendants of a tribe of nomadic barbarians who had that exact name. They travelled all over the continent, never staying in one place for too long. However one day, a barbarian named
Kaelan became leader of the oswarian tribe. Kaelan believed that his people should settle down and have a nation of their own, just like all the others. They travelled until Kaelan found a place he fell in love with. And it became the territory of what is today known as the Kingdom of Oswaria. There was only one problem though. The territory was already occupied by two other barbarian tribes. A war soon broke out, war which lasted 8 years. Despite the odds beying against him, Kaelan and his oswarians emerged victorious, but at the cost of many lives. The next day after the conclusion of the war Kaelan proclaimed the new nation, the Kingdom of Oswaria, or Oswaria as everybody calls it and declared himself king. Kaelan ruled for 47 years. After his death, he was embalmed and buried in a vast tomb built in the Rocky Mountains. This happened 800 years ago. Nowadays Oswaria is ruled by a woman. The first female ruler in the nation's history. Coming to power after a bloody 2 year civil war, after which she killed her own father and took his throne.
Religion: Because they descend from barbarians, Oswarians don't have any real religion. They do however worship their ancestors, the founders of the nation. King Kaelan in particular. Many shrines and statues in his honor have been erected throughout Oswaria. And the people often pray to him for prosperity, well-beying and other things like that.
Flora & Fauna: Oswaria has a temperate climate, and to that extension the flora and fauna resembles that. Ironwood forest covers about a half of Oswaria's territory and it is filled with all kinds of animals typical to a temperate climate like fox, deer, elk, racoon, wild boar, bear, wolf, rabbit, various types of birds, skunk, weesle, linx, moose, beaver and many more. Plus a couple of exotic additions like elefants, which can be found in the plains outside of the forest, hippogryphs and wyverns.
Wyvern - Wyverns are creatures that are similar to dragons. The only differences are that they are smaller in size and have no front legs. Unlike their larger dragon brothers, wyverns are much more violent and bent of causing chaos. They are carnivourous and can be found in the caves of the Rocky Mountains located to the south. Their skin is green, eyes are blue, they have a snake like tongue in their mouth and two horns on their head. A row of spikes is present on their backs and it extends from the head to the half of the tail. On the other half of the tail and allthe way to the tip, the spikes are present in two rows, one to the left and one to the right and have interdigital webbing. Unlike dragons, wyverns do not have a breath weapon, but they possess very sharp teeth, designed to cut through flesh like a knife through butter. Also their bite is venomous. So if you happen to get bit by one and survive, don't be happy, because the venom will definetly finish the job. Wyvern venom is sitotoxic, which means that it damages the tissue, causing necrosis and the victim will eventually die because of the necrosis and blood loss.
Hippogryph - Hippogryphs are flying creatures, half eagle half horse. They can have various colors or aspects. Just like the wyverns they can also be found in the Rocky Mountains, but unlike them, hippogryph's are tameable and Queen Scarlet even saw their potential in battle.
Magic: Oficially no oswarian is able to use magic, however rumors circulate that within Ironwood forest, which occupies about 50 percent of Oswaria's territory, which
druids exist. These druids have a very tight bond with nature and will not hesitate to strike down anyone that might cause it harm. They are rumored to be adept at using nature spells and even shapeshifting in animals. Of course nobody has proven that they exist for real, although some people, especially hunters, claim to have seen them while they were in the forest hunting.
Tech: Medieval, comparable to the 1300's.
Ambitions: Ever she killed and overthrowned her adoptive father Queen Scarlet has re-activated the army and invested alot of time and gold in rebuilding it. Under her rule Oswaria has become quite unfriendly towards other nations, although the respect remains. Trade routes are still open and will always be. But the re-establishment of the army plus all the investements in it and the new units have left room for worries amongst other nations. Oswaria will be ready for a war whenever Queen Scarlet feels like it.
EconomyImports: Gunpowder, cannons, exotic fruits, rum, artwork
Exports: Stone, fish(especially dorado and salmon), wine, lumber, horses, iron.
MilitaryArmy Size: Approx. 26.040 men.
Regular troops:Foot soldiers: Numbering 5000 men, the main purpose of these foot soldiers is to assist the cavalry. They are equipped with a longsword and a shield. They are armored with a mix between chain mail, plate, and thick leather armour. They are disciplined and very well trained.
Shock Troopers: Complelety covered in plate mail armor and equipped with a flail and a tower shield, shock troopers are the special forces of Oswaria, numbering 500 men. Shock troopers are trained very rigorously and are able to withstand the weight of their armor.
Archers and
Javelineers: Numbering 2000 units each. These soldiers are usually found protecting the walls of cities by either shooting arrows or throwing javelins at the enemy. They also assist foot soldiers and shock troopers on the battle field. They are also equipped with a secondary weapon in case they are forced to fight from up close. Most of them choose the short sword, although a flanged mace is also an option.
Riders: Oswarians are a nation of horsemen. It is mandatory for every oswarian, boy or girl to learn how to ride a horse since a young age. The riders are the pride and joy of the Oswarian army and represent the bulk of it. Exactly 15.000 units. They are protected by chain mail and a steel helmet. They are usually equipped with a sword and shield, although some prefer an axe instead of the sword.
Heavy Cavalry: Numbering 1000 units, the oswarian heavy cavalry is designed to sew terror on the battle field. Armed with either long spears or polearms, heavy cavalry units and their horses are dressed in armor thus making them a little slower then the Riders but very resistant plus the punch they pack is very powerful. Heavy cavalry riders are also given the priviledge of choosing their own armor style, which is why most of them look differently.
War Elephant: War elephants were adopted in the army only recently. Elephants are covered almost completely in plate armor for increased protection. A box is placed on the elephant's back. The box is big enough for 3 men to fit in. Two archers and one person that controls the elephant. These elephants have also been taught how to use giant swords with their trunks. These swords have been made especially for them. War elephants number 40 units.
Hippogryph Rider: Numbering 500 units, hippogryph riders appeared out of the neccesity to fiind a useful solution to deal with the increasing number of wyvern attacks of the cities and villages of Oswaria. A hippogryph rider basically consists of a tamed hippogryph and an archer that rides it.
Navy: Size: Somewhere around 5.000 sailors and 36 ships, out of which 24 are
frigates and 12 are
battleships.
The JuggernaughtThe Juggernaught's construction was finished 3 years ago and ever since then the huge ship has served as flagship for the Oswarian navy. It has no more no less then 4 rows of cannons plus a couple of other cannons on the back and in the front. It can house somewhere around 500 to 600 men and also has 6 life boats.