Nation Building Empire Divided CS

[Petroshka]

Flag:
Post image

Motto:
(Optional)

Primary Colours:
The colours your empire uses to represent itself Red, and yellow, purple and black, etc

Type of Government:
democracy, monarchy, etc

Leaders/important characters: (May have multiple characters to help portray your faction. Leader is obviously required.)
(do the rest of the CS first)

Spoiler: Leader CS

Name:
Age:
Race:
Background:
Reputation:
Personality:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Quirks:
Other:

History:

Faction Capital:
State name, and province

Map Of location: see maps sheet (use paint)

Number of Controlled Provinces: (less than five unless gm allows more)


Major cities: (do the rest of the CS first)

Spoiler: Major City Sheet

Name:

Type:
(Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)

Population: (do the rest of the CS first)

Major Industries:

Significance:

Province:

History:

Religion:

Composite Species:
The kinds of species who live in your duchy

Population: (2 million or less)

Demogrphics:

Military:
Describe your military in detail
(basic infantry, heavy infantry, cavalry etc)
(what are they good at? whats their weakness? whats their equipment?)

Special unit: you start off with one (like your leader or a champion) for having a single province, then two once you hit five provinces, three when you hit ten, four when you hit twenty, etc.
The Special unit is like a heroic unit, describe what are they based off of? A Royal guard? knights that ride griffons?

Strengths [3+]: (explain why dont just list)
What your empire is good at

Weaknesses [3+]: (explain why dont just list)
The cons of your empire

Other:
Bonus stuff like trivia, national songs, etc.

Empire Relations:
The political relations with other empires. Discuss with the player controlling each empire how you want the relationship to be with their empire

NOTE: ANY FORIEGN NATIONS HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY ME OR A MODERATOR BEFORE WORKING ON THE CS

 

[Shireling]

The Duchy of Grissenholt



Motto:
The fetters and chains on mankind's destructive impulse are the State.

Primary Colours:
Black, White, and Red

Type of Government:
Duchy/Hereditary Autocracy


Leaders/important characters:

Spoiler: Lord Grissen

Name: Lord Deramore Grissen
Age: 42
Race: Human
Background:
Deramore is the twentieth Duke of Grissenholt and has reigned for seven years. He inherits his father's position as well as his penchant for cutthroat politics and ruthless military acumen. Since taking the ducal throne, he has pushed Grissenholt in an ever more hostile and anti-Imperial direction.
Reputation:
The Duke has a reputation for embodying everything essentially Grissenholtian: cold, calculating, ruthless, and strong-willed. He is known to target his opponents at their weakest points and is feared and respected by the vampires of House Vorstein and the lycans of House Briar.
Personality:
In personal conversation, Duke Grissen can best be described as wolf-like. He is polite enough, but always seems to be sizing up whoever he is talking to. Perhaps this is out of paranoia, but his confident demeanor would hide this motivation well. He has a deep respect for the pre-Imperial traditions of his people and for the Grissenholtian bloodline. Unlike some leaders, he is not prone to fits of rage or outbursts. When he is angered, he will simply grow calm and stew.
Strengths:
Politically Savvy, Warrior Tradition, Traditionalist
Weaknesses:
Economically Unskilled, Poor Equestrian, Not formally Educated
Quirks:
Duke Grissen enjoys things that are not customarily "manly". A favorite sport of his is croquet and he is a teetotaler that does not drink liquor.

Spoiler: Count Vorstein

Name: Count Aleksandr Vorstein
Age: Around 800
Race: Vampire (previously Human)
Background:
In his first life he was Aleksandr Rumokav, a Grissenholtian of peasant stock from the province of Southwind. As a third son with some latent magical talent, he was sent to the College of Magic in its early days. Aleksandr proved a star pupil with his instructors and came to be one of the most respected alumni after he graduated a trained alchemist and conjurer. He spent time as an apothecary in Grissen City before returning to the college several years later as part of the faculty.

After his return, Professor Rumokav taught for several years before beginning his research into what is usually considered the greatest red herring in alchemy: the elixir of life, a potion that would grant biological immortality to mortals. He convinced several of his students to become research assistants, and set up his laboratory in the windswept caves near the college. He labored for years, travelled the world searching for alchemical tomes, and finally, before his eightieth birthday, he found the draught that he thought would restore his youth and grant him immortality. With no time to experiment, he downed the draught and was instantly transformed. The potion left him permanently disfigured, but what is more with a desire for mortal blood. He summarily murdered his research assistants and disappeared into the hinterlands of Southwind. For a hundred years, the secret laid buried. He and his assistants were assumed dead, but he emerged a century later in the Vors taking on the name of Vorstein. Through treachery and subterfuge, he ingratiated himself with the Count of the Vors who did not fully understand what Aleksandr was or his motives. By degrees, he turned subsequent generations of the House Feramore, the then rulers of the Vors, into his thralls until finally their house died out and he was left the steward of the estate and henceforth Count.

Imperial authorities who caught wind of this treachery attempted his assassination, but by this time Count Vorstein reigned in the province. His agents and thralls had infiltrated every level of the provincial government. An uneasy peace was brokered with the rest of the duchy, and the Duke formally recognized Count Vorstein's claim as ruler of the Vors.
Reputation:
Count Vorstein is abhorred by most of the people of the Vors and the country more generally as a usurper, a liar, and a sin against nature. The great power he wields, however, has seduced the ruling parties into an uneasy alliance with him.
Personality:
Where Duke Grissen is a wolf, Vorstein is a snake. Malevolent and menacing, he cares only for himself and the furtherance of vampirism which he defines as the pinnacle of the races of the world. He is unfathomably intelligent, and it is clear his twisted mind hides much knowledge. His wanton cruelty knows no bounds, and his lusts for wealth and power are insatiable. If there is one redeeming factor to Count Vorstein, it is that he regards his subordinate vampires as his family and shares a deep emotional bond with them.
Strengths:
Supernatural Abilities, Superior Strength and Agility, Magically Trained
Weaknesses:
Militarily Unskilled, Weak to Blessed Weapons, Silver, etc.
Quirks:
He still tinkers in alchemy from time to time, and he has a pet raven that he can conjure out of the aether.

Spoiler: Lord Briar

Name: Lord Aldous Briar
Age: 45
Race: Human/Werewolf
Background:
Lord Briar is the latest iteration of the House Briar, an old noble family from the province of Ables. The Briars are unique as far as werewolves are concerned, in that they are considered an upstanding and law abiding folk. The House Briar was cursed with lycanthropy in time immemorial, and because of this their family figures prominently in the military mythology of pre-Imperial Grissenholt. They used their powers for the betterment of their kinsfolk, namely in slaying monsters too dangerous for other warriors to fight. The people of Ables, however, have always been wary of werewolves and are distrustful of the entire family, which is sometimes exasperated when one of the lesser family members breaks out of their cells on the full moon and subsequently kills someone or destroys property in their blood frenzy.

Lord Briar is, in contrast to Duke Grissen and Count Vorstein, wary of separatism and still considers himself an Imperial subject, yet a vassal of the Duke first.
Reputation:
He is distrusted in the province and in the country generally, but his attempts to ingratiate himself with the locals have been working to some degree, although people accuse him of using bread and circuses to distract people from the crimes of his family.
Personality:
Anyone who knew Lord Briar would consider him an upstanding, family man with a good sense of humor and a charming personality. He is sometimes ashamed of his family and understands the stigma that the commoners have attached to him. He hopes that in time he will come to be seen as a kind ruler with an affliction rather than a despot who preys on the people of the province.
Strengths:
Werewolf Abilities, Military Experience, Economically Savvy.
Weaknesses:
Can be killed by the standard means, silver, etc. Must be locked up for four days during the full moon in a cell.
Quirks:
Lord Briar, unsurprisingly, likes dogs. He takes this to such a degree that sometimes he enjoys sleeping in the kennel with his hunting hounds.

Religion:
The Imperial Cult

Composite Species:
Men, Vampires, Lycanthropes, Under-men, Halflings

Population:
1,700,000

Demographics:
78% Human
2% Vampire
4% Lycanthrope
7% Under-Men
9% Halfling

Detailed Map of Grissenholt



History:
Grissenholt was settled almost two thousand years ago by a barbaric tribe of Men known as the Gargrissen, who are said to have sailed in fable from the frozen southlands to conquer the continent. Eight hundred years ago, Imperial forces marched into Grissenholt and took advantage of the squabbling between ethnic warlords and feudal despots to conquer the region and form it into what was then the Imperial Colony of Grissenholt. Surprisingly, the people of Grissenholt adapted quickly to their new Imperial yolk and worked to curry favor with the Emperor Eucleasias IV in the Eternal Capital, who finally declared the region a self-governing duchy of the Empire.

Grisseners have played key roles in many major Imperial victories. Grissener heavy infantry, armor, and steel were crucial in winning the Battle of Ekoroth over Rathgorians and Grissener timber and ore travels throughout the Empire. Yet, in later years, the relations with the Eternal Capital have grown cold. Two hundred years ago, the wicked Count Vorstein began inhabiting the old Imperial fortress in Vorsburg with the approval of the reigning Duke, which soured relations. Furthermore, the existence of the slave trade and a tolerance for necromantic magicks was, although not explicitly banned, a blemish on the moralizing of the Imperial elite in the capital. This culminated in the Vibravian Decree issued by the weak emperor Vibravian II that officially criminalized slavery in the Empire, but led to dissent in the ranks and in the end he was poisoned and the decree rescinded. After another century, the rift between Grissen City and the Eternal Capital was obvious in the dress, customs, religion, and outlook of the different peoples. A burgeoning Grissener nationalist movement has been building since, spearheaded by the reformist House Grissen.

In recent years, a new scientific mindset has gripped the people of the Duchy, whilst old prejudices and superstitions prevail. The Under-men, once considered a military threat, have grown into unwilling allies thanks to the command the vampire lords can exercise against the Undead. Lycanthropes led by the House Briar have come to power in Ablesrock, challenging old grudges against their kind, whilst halflings from the hinterland villages emigrate to the interior cities to work in the growing war factories of the Ducal Army. A population explosion has occurred, thanks to the power of a new agricultural tool: thousands of elven slaves working on vampiric plantations across the Vors. The Duchy of Grissenholt is in every sense a new and burgeoning nation, ready to break out and unleash its potential for good and evil upon the crumbling ruins of the Empire.

Faction Capital:
Grissen City, Grissen

Map Of location:


Number of Controlled Provinces:
Five

Major cities:


Military:

Spoiler: Infantry

Grissenholtian Peasant Levy, (Sword, Bow) are drawn from the townsfolk of the villages under the administration of the Duke Grissen. Plentiful and cheap, these soldiers have little in the way of armor and usually carry antique, family heirlooms for weapons.



Suggested Stats:
[Sword Peasant]
HP-100
Attack-2d6
Defense-0
Movement-2
[Peasant Bowman]
HP-100
Attack-2d6 (ranged), d6 melee
Defense-0
Movement-2

Pikemen make up a sizeable amount of the Ducal Army. Professional soldiers, they are skilled at dealing with cavalry and disrupting tight infantry formations.



Suggested Stats:
HP-100
Attack-3d6
Defense-1
Movement-1

Halberdiers are the core of the Ducal Army, forming a solid heavy infantry backbone to hold the frontline in a variety of situations. Highly-trained professionals, Grissenholtian haldberdiers are the most skilled heavy infantry in Rumalia and highly esteemed in Olvani widely.



Suggested Stats:
HP-100
Attack-2d10
Defense-2
Movement-1


Grissenholtian Handcannoneers


Grissenholtian Marksman


House Vorstein Vampiric Hand Cannoneer


Fumigators are special infantry drawn from the ranks of medical staff in the towns and villages with knowledge of poisons and alchemy. They carry glass globes full of deadly nightshade oil which, when thrown, will create a cloud of fire and toxic smoke. Alongside their sword, they also carry a censer that emanates deadly nightshade smoke, damaging enemies in melee range without poison resistance.


Shacklers are swordsmen infantry drawn from the ranks of bounty hunters and slavers. They typically fight with two swords or with swords and a brace of pistols. Deadly up close.

Spoiler: Cavalry

Outriders (Scout Cavalry)

Black Riders (Heavy Charge Shock Cavalry)

Griffon-Knight (Unique Unit)

Spoiler: Military Magicians

Blight Wizards (Minor Plant Mage, Minor Necromancer) are the wizards of decay that have studied death and disease and have atuned themselves with the magical properties of this part of the life cycle. They can resurrect freshly-dead corpses, turn crops fallow, and generally work rot and decay on any living creature.


Fire Caster (Destruction Mage)

Special unit:
Griffon-Knights of Grissenholt

Strengths [3+]:
Excellent Heavy Infantry and Shock Cavalry
Reasonably Advanced
Strong Non-Human Infantry

Weaknesses [3+]:
Lackluster Navy
Reliance on Slave Labor
Unstable Internal Politics
​

Empire Relations:
Poor relations with Riret, Ashenfall --- Neutral relations with Dewsburgh, Serena's Watchers, Shogunate, Lunar Theocracy, Roma Imperator, Offreriad, and the Voshali Dynasty.​

 

[Crumbli]

• Overview
• Important figures
• Descriptive information
• Settlement information
• Military information

• Name:
  The duchy of Riret.
  
  Motto:
  Bless'd are those who hold faith above fortune.
  
  Primary Colours:
  Gold and brown.
  
  Type of Government:
  Duchy
  
  Faction Capital:
  Atita, Pinto
  
• Leaders/important characters:
  
  
  Spoiler: Ruler

  

  
  Name: Celestine Espinosa.
  Age: Undetermined.
  Race: Divinalita.
  Background: The reigning duchess of Riret for the past twenty seven years. Having watched her family rule over the duchy for the past hundreds of years she decided to stand up for the position and challenge her sister for authority over Riret. Having their firsts battle to submission Celestine won the challenging duel without a single swing of their swords.
  Reputation: Attempting to govern the duchy and determined not to play games about it, she portrays herself publicly to be a very strong and dependable figure. In the company of foreign guests she attempts to remain as diplomatically neutral as possible. To those closest to her, she is also regarded as a touch paranoid about her position and those that stand against her.
  Personality: Duchess Celestine is known to be fair wherever it's needed but incredibly bitchy whenever possible. She's petty to an extreme and her addiction with tea is one of the worst cases among the Divinalita. She behaves in a manner deemed far too childish at times but these moments are often fleeting and last mere minutes. She holds friends and family close but keeps all at an arm's length away as to reduce the risk of spies or potential assassins. Some consider her paranoid as she performs regular sweeps over her palace and keeps guards with her at all times, even during rest, and while these concerns about her safety may be warranted it's still caused a great deal of concern for the former duchesses.
  Strengths: Politically astute, Powerful dual caster Divine/Lightning, Intimate knowledge of personal staff and higher ups.
  Weaknesses: Physically weak, Below average strategist, Appears to be a child, Paranoid, Vain, Strong-willed.
  Quirks: Despite the fact she isn't technically a child, and has one of the most important roles in the duchy, duchess Celestine has a collection of dolls that range in age from early empire to present day. These dolls are one of her best kept secrets and whenever it's even hinted towards, she becomes incredibly defensive.
  Other: Shrine Espinosa has been the only shrine to produce duchesses since the dawn of the duchy and before that, was the first shrine to rally the people in Riret to their united cause. It is believed that those of the shrine are natural born leaders or hold a fire within them that the other shrines have since lost.
  
  
  Spoiler: Faith

  

  
  Name: Isaura Castilla.
  Age: Undetermined.
  Race: Divinalita.
  Background: Hand chosen by the current duchess upon her ascension to duchess, Isaura had been one of the first to convert to the imperial faith. She approached the imperial clergy with her faith held true and asked them to bless her with permission to make her own church. The clergy permitted this and she was declared an imperial priestess in the name of the emperor and his future heirs. She dedicated her life to practising the imperial tenets and celebrating every festival with enthusiasm.
  Eventually, as time passed and hands changed, she was selected by the current duchess to be the grand cleric and esteemed lady of the emperor's flock. She graciously accepted the title beginning her duties immediately. In her time as the grand cleric, she's found none who appear eager to rival her for the position.
  Reputation: Isaura is seen as too humble to those in upper society but holds an important position in the eyes of the commoners and lower classes. Her unwavering loyalty to the faith and irreverence of death inspires many willing to give their lives for the duchy and comforts those who suspect their own is coming to an end.
  Personality: She's one of the few to actively champion charity spending all of her personal compensations on helping the unfortunate and destitute. She's selfless in almost every regard and because of this, she's seen as a lovable figure to many. She's loyal to the duchess and very much informed when it comes to religious matters. With her many strengths however, come key weaknesses. She is a very delicate woman and as such, a few harsh words can leave her wounded. She finds it hard to muster up the courage to correct others, and lacks the courtly manners of many others. Opting to remain silent on matters she finds problematic as opposed to expressing her desires.
  Strengths: Beloved by the people, Religiously astute, Powerful Divine mage.
  Weaknesses: Politically inept, Below average strategist, Unquestioning loyalty (Duchess/Emperor), Physically weak, Weak willed.
  Quirks: She often opens the doors to Saint Marina I's Cathedral to the public, as opposed to former grand clerics who kept the capital cathedral reserved for holy and important figures. She wears a servant's gown not in an attempt to blend in, but to show everyone that she is a servant of the emperor and that his will comes before her pleasures.
  Other: The Divinalita are named after their shrines. Each surname, rather than referring to blood, refers to the shrine of their constant rebirths. If a family of Divinalita ceases to exist then they're either experiencing a mass rebirth or their shrine has been destroyed.
  
  
  Spoiler: Intelligence

  

  
  Name: Linnor Espinosa.
  Age: 57
  Race: Elf/Cervi.
  Background: Born into the care of the shrine Espinosa, Linnor was raised by a busy mother and father and a heavy handed overseer. When she came of age, aged twelve, she was a shy and timid little girl who was prone to flinching whenever a hand was raised. Terrified of the world she was taken away by the overseer to undergo the trial of the Cervi. When she was broken over the course of two years, and made to feel joy from satisfying the needs of others, she was returned to the shrine and back into the care of the overseer.
  Unlike other Cervi, she was spotted by an aspiring politician named Celestine and adopted as her private maid. Linnor, a broken and shattered girl, was cared for by Celestine. Wherever possible she'd let the girl walk free and often sent her on 'official business' like visiting the bath house and learning rumours around the town. She became more skilled at sifting out the rubbish from the gems and would return all of her findings to the duchess who would force her to write them out, teaching her how to read and write in the process. If anyone ever questioned her or touched her she would inform her carer. Those responsible were often punished for damaging another's property. Because of this immunity she was granted by being in the care of such a rising power player, she rarely found herself relating to others of her kind. She remembered it with vivid detail but she couldn't feel what they felt. She'd been numbed to their suffering. Rescued by her carer.
  When she was thirty her carer duelled the former duchess for authority over the duchy, and emerged the victor. Celestine began to promote council accordingly, washing away the former to install her own. When she was done with the ceremonies she dubbed Linnor as the keeper of secrets and lady of shadows. She was now the spy master and was entitled to take as many Cervi, Humans, and Elves as she deemed necessary. She was granted freedom so long as she remained in the service of the duchess and has been willingly playing the role of personal maid ever since.
  Reputation: Still seen as a member of the Cervi and nothing more beyond those who serve beneath her, Linnor earns very little respect from anyone. Even elves find her to be something of a traitor. However, despite this poor reputation, she has a very unlikely and incredibly strong group of supporters. The sentinels see her as one of their own as do the spies.
  Personality: Deaf to the cries of her people and numb to their suffering, Linnor is nothing more than an incredibly damaged person. She's incredibly disturbed, still having dreams of the beatings she received as a child. She views the duchess as something of a saviour, sparing her from a life of beatings and cruelty, but also holding a quiet resentment for overseers in general for forcing people to undergo such experiences. She's incredibly well informed and if you approach her as an equal, somewhat easy to get along with. She enjoys playing the part of humble and clueless maid.
  Strengths: Unlikely candidate, Trained in subterfuge, Strategically aware, Politically astute.
  Weaknesses: Disliked by society, Loathed by elves, Untrained combatant, Distrusted by peers, Religiously inept.
  Quirks: She's prone to night terrors where she can be seen screaming about the whippings and begging invisible assailants to let her go. When asked about these terrors, she claims to have no recollection.
  Other: In the duchy of Riret, it is customary for an elf or member of the Cervi to be given no surnames upon birth and to instead be given the name of their owner or their carer. It is possible for an elf or member of the Cervi to be born into a family, thus inheriting that name where it may be changed if they ever experience a changing of hands.
  
  
  Spoiler: Sentinel

  

  
  Name: Corona V. Espinosa.
  Age: 46
  Race: Human/Cervi.
  Background: A commoner girl born of a common mother to a peasant father. Corona was destined for nothing at birth and never aspired to anything. She started work young in life as a farm hand for her father and while she wished to work the looms with her mother, there simply wasn't the luxury open to her. In the fields she'd work from sun rise to sun set only pausing at high noon to eat a quick meal. Life was harsh and unforgiving, but also sweet and refreshing. She didn't know how to write but her mother taught her what little she could with regards to reading. She could read most signs of her town and those she couldn't she'd explore to figure out what they meant. When she wasn't working with her father of course.
  When she was twelve she began to flower into a young woman. She was exploring herself. Her sexuality specifically. She was told she'd fall for a boy one day and he'd be beautiful but she couldn't find one that was. All the boys who helped in the fields were undesirable, they either looked hideous, smelt awful, or bullied her relentlessly. More often than not it was a combination of all three. By fourteen she'd started to give up on these desires until she stumbled across a florist. The florist was tended by a man and a woman, with the man being tall and dark and the woman being short and beautiful. The woman made her heart skip a beat. She was so pretty. Suddenly she could only think of the woman and no one else. She spent weeks trying to ask the woman out on a date and when she finally did it escalated quickly. She kept her age hidden and the two had three encounters before one of the commoner boys found them together.
  He shamed her to the others, told her father, and eventually they couldn't overlook it. While engaging in homosexual activities wasn't something illegal it was problematic for a young girl and very few in their home town accepted it. She was flogged by her father and beaten by her mother. Then the worst came. One of the boys claimed she could be cured and demanded all the other farm hands help him cure her. She was dragged to a stable and abused for hours where she laid there in the hay unmoving for a day. When she was found, it was by another one of the boy's fathers. He was kinder to her than the boys were and tried to help her back to health but she wouldn't have it. She ran in the middle of the night as far as she could. She was taken by the guards and returned to her parents who said they had no daughter. She was then dragged to the gaols for being a stowaway. While there one of the men she was locked in with got too touchy with her, and she resorted to biting him. This is when she was dragged away to be given to an overseer.
  She began her trial of the Cervi already battered and abused but she refused to give in. She was a fighter. It took them three and a half years to break her with almost daily attention being given to her. She experienced beatings, obscure torture, and humiliation. All of which seemed to make her more defiant at first. She attempted to rally the others undergoing the trial to revolt and while she did get two elf boys to fight with her, they were quickly put down by a sentinel who was patrolling the cells for new sentinels. Of course she caught his eye. When her training was finish and she was properly broken, he returned and claimed her for the order. She was stripped of titles and her family name and was forced to undergo the painful training of a sentinel. While others hated this, she loved the pain.
  Five years into her time as a sentinel and she'd already earned the respect of many serving by her side. Her love for the pain of training spurred on by the rage of her untreated abuse made her appear ferocious and the envy of many of her peers. They respected her and rightfully so. She rarely did anything poorly whatever she did poorly was usually on purpose to help another in her group. She served the sentinels faithfully until duchess Celestine rose to power.
  When the duchess ascended she selected a new sentinel to lead their cause. Such a thing was rarely done. She forced every sentinel to perform their best to impress the duchess for the title and while many tried there were few who stood out from the crowd. In a sea of men and women hungry for the authority there was a group simmering with rage and an undying flame. She made them challenge one another and the winner would be their new vigilant. Corona fought against her peers with vigour and bested every one of them. She was chosen to be their new leader and her oath was renewed directly to the duchess.
  Reputation: A perfect sentinel. She's seen as the epitome of their order to outsiders and those who stand beside her regard her as perfection incarnate. Her skill with a blade and sheer hatred for life come together to create a frightening aura that brings most unfamiliar with the order on edge. To the Cervi she's a beacon of suffering, to the people a monster to be feared, and to the court a symbol of perfect loyalty.
  Personality: From a glance most can tell that she's cold and unapologetic. Her emotions are skewed at best feeling very few but those she can she keeps hidden behind a straight face. Rarely does she ever stop replaying the events of her turning into the sentinel she is today. It does very little to phase her anymore and the idea of others experiencing the same seems normal. She represses all her desires as best she can but occasionally has moments where she almost caves to temptation. Be that an extra cup of tea, another slice of bread, or companionship from another.
  Strengths: Skilled combatant, Strategically aware, Beloved by peers, Religiously astute.
  Weaknesses: Member of the Cervi, Politically inept, Masochistic, Below average literary capacity, Inept sailor, Unquestioning loyalty (Duchess/Emperor), Lack of empathy, Violent.
  Quirks: When having a poor night's rest, she may be seen with her thumb between her lips as she sleeps.
  Other: Harrowing presence is a unique 'gift' that Corona possesses where she constantly terrifies those in her company without meaning to. Sentinels are forced to swear an oath of loyalty to the duchy. While the oath isn't too lengthy it is often repeated at the beginning of meals as a replacement for the common prayer. "Our lady, our suffering, our emperors, and our bondage, these things we must remember. Come thick and thin, come fire and ice, there is no end until I am given permission. My honour and my life are sworn to the lands beneath my feet. My shame and my death are sworn to the emperors above. I have service, duty, and loyalty unending."
  
  
  Spoiler: Navy

  

  
  Name: Samuel J. Vela.
  Age: 41
  Race: Human.
  Background: Samuel was born of a loving mother and distant father in the city of Atauri, Cadalso. While it wasn't his father's choice to be so distant, it was his duty as a commander in the imperial navy. He often patrolled the seas punishing any privateer or small scale fleet attempting to turn their efforts against the imperial imports. He appeared as a fleeting image in Samuel's life leaving a new child with his wife every time he returned. By the time his father finally appeared as a stable figure Samuel had a total of nine siblings with him being the second eldest. He lived a relatively happy childhood with his mother giving birth to three more siblings before she was eventually taken into the grace of the emperors during labour with twins. His father took four members of the Cervi into his custody and sentenced them to function as nannies for his children. He then returned to the navy properly while Samuel was sixteen.
  Samuel was already considered an adult by the laws of Riret. While the nannies made sure he received his tutoring he found that he wanted to prove himself as a man. The way his father had. He loved his siblings, and was fond of the Cervi's works, but not their swaddling of him. He enlisted to join the navy and sent a letter to his father informing him of such. He was quickly taken on as a deck hand and promoted once the crew became aware of his father's rank to cabin boy. He worked hard and wrote many letters to his father but never got a reply. His fathers silence about his hard work angered him and inspired him to become greater than he was. He proved himself on board and during a particularly nasty fight, he managed to save two members from going overboard.
  He was moved from the corvette he trained on to a galleon where he was promoted to the rank of officer. He rose the ranks quickly and by the age of twenty two he was a captain. He returned to land where he was greeted by shaken siblings. He was confused at first, but when they explained that they'd been informed of their father's passing long ago and that his ship had been lost at sea for quite some time, he understood. He felt remorseful. He returned to his family and sent a request to the admiral for an operation less distant from home. Likely with the coast guard. The admiral however had another idea in mind. He'd heard of the man's merits and wanted to spark competition between the shining captain and his two sons. Both of which served in the imperial navy. One as a commander and the other as a rear admiral. He was placed into the same fleet as a commander and sent away to fight against a strange beast far off that had been terrorising the trade routes. While they found no beast, they found a well armed fleet of what appeared to be pirates ready and waiting to attack the imperial fleet.
  The battle was long and hard fought with a third of the fleet being lost. One of the members lost in the fighting was the vice admiral. When they returned to the admiral and informed him of their losses he lashed out at his son, promoting Samuel to the rank of vice admiral and castrating his son with a demotion to captain. His son was mortified and harboured a hatred for Samuel, though he didn't care much either way due to the new title.
  By this time, Celestine had already been in power for six years. When her admiral retired he elected Samuel to be his successor and thus, Samuel was promoted to admiral of the duchy's fleet. His family was granted nobility and while he had very limited land, it was carved out of central Cadalso to include a section of dense forest and access to the inland lake for fresh water. Since then he's been serving the duchess loyally and has showed his gratitude for their lands wherever possible.
  Reputation: He's seen as a perfect suitor to many noble fathers and something of a heartache to more mature noble women. Aboard his ships he's regarded as far too uptight but has been known to get somewhat uncouth while far enough out from bay. The last time he indulged his crew in a drunken cruise, he challenged every single officer on board to a fist fight and upon winning challenged the mast to an arm wrestle. Because of this he's regarded positively between both his subordinates and noble society with both groups seeing a side of him that they find relatable.
  Personality: Prim and proper. A cold and calculative mind behind a refined yet hardened exterior. Many have referred to him as charming and urbane, and the rest call him sir. He's a charming man that wears his medals with his chin held high. He considers himself an amazing admiral and believes himself to be objectively better than other admirals around. While he isn't boastful about his beliefs, he does display them in most conversations and with his posture. When in the company of a woman he behaves very differently than that of men, offering smiles and physical contact in a form beyond hand shakes and violence.
  Strengths: Politically aware, Strategically astute, Skilled combatant, Gifted sailor.
  Weaknesses: Incapable of riding a horse, Inept with bows, Arrogant, Proud, Possessive, Flashy.
  Quirks: Often walks around with a staff of some sort. Has fourteen Cervi with three of them being his private concubines. One of which is male.
  Other: In the duchy, it is customary for a new duchess to completely strip all chains of command when she takes over. In the case of duchess Celestine and her desire to keep the navy as it was, she refused to do so and provided the admiral with an opportunity to remain in charge.
  
  
  Spoiler: Military

  

  
  Name: Julian S. Ayers.
  Age: 36
  Race: Human.
  Background: Born on the Ayers estate in Viyao to a violent mother and timid father, Julian was gifted with nobility upon birth. He only had to share the estate with two older siblings, both of which were boys. While his mother couldn't be overjoyed enough to have three sons, his father appeared to wish for a daughter. Despite this he attempted to be as positive an influence as he could be to his sons.
  Julian was very close to his brothers Harriet and Bernat often being tied up by them and left out in the fields for the farm hands to find. He was once left in the fields for two days before his mother forced his brothers to find him and bring him home. When he returned exhausted and dirty, she proceeded to take the nearest instrument she could find and hit his brothers with it until it broke. She wasn't any easier on Julian however as once the wooden spoon broke, she struck him in a fit of screaming rage telling him how worried she'd been about him. Because of this, Julian grew to have a twisted image of love.
  He fell for one of the Cervi present at the estate who served as a house maid. He asked his brothers for help and of course they provided awful advice. They suggested he call her names and hit her whenever he walked past. That way she'd know he'd spied her. Of course he did these things but the Cervi didn't appear to be interested back once he started. He eventually confronted her about it to which she was hesitant to explain. Once she did, Julian was furious and took it out on his brothers. His father had to ride to town to get a priestess over to tend their wounds. He continued attempting to sweeten up the Cervi who eventually succumbed to his charm only to have his brothers mistreat her days later. He was furious with them once more and assaulted the once more.
  His mother claimed he was far too angry a young man and sent him off to join the military. He was only fifteen but he had enough hair to pretend he was seventeen. She packed his things and gave him enough coin, while his father rode him to Biede where he could enlist. He asked to serve as a footman but was told he couldn't enlist as a commoner as he came from noble birth. He was put in as an officer to a squad of swordsmen and began training. While there weren't any real enemies to fight he did get all the kick backs of a soldier such as a wage and bragging rights at taverns. He began to flirt with bar hands and found himself getting a lot more handsy with Cervi. He was removed forcibly from many establishments. When he reached twenty he was given a service promotion to squad captain, as being noble reduced service duration requirements by half under former duchy law. While it should have only taken him four years however, fellow soldiers discovered his early enlisting and rendered his first year of service ineffective.
  The duchy experienced a general exchange over as the duchess allowed the former to retire once he'd also elected a suitable replacement. The replacement was in favour of the sentinel's training and demanded all military personnel of every town report into their local barracks five days a week for rigorous daily exercise. While many of the conscripts refused to join in on the mandatory exercise, attending two to three times a week, Julian found the training to distract him from banned establishments and fooling around. It helped centre his focus. His men who did attend with him grew to respect his dedication but hated being caught up as his sparring rival. By the age of twenty six he was promoted to field commander and entitled to hold significant say over what can and can't happen within squads. Of course he made sure all of those under him did their exercise and flogged those who didn't.
  He met a charming young girl who he proceeded to court on and off for two years whenever they met. She was from Atauri and had many stories to tell of her brothers and sisters. He found her enchanting as she'd talk for hours about things he'd never even thought of. When she left Biede suddenly he was confused. He'd fallen for this girl and she left in the middle of the night without a goodbye. He was insulted and thus rode to the one place he thought he could find her. Atauri. He scoured the city high and low before finally finding her. He approached her on horseback with a scowl upon his face and a firm grip of his reins. He called her out for abandoning him without a word to which she played devil's advocate, asking why he'd even care. He proposed to her then and there in the middle of the street with plenty of onlookers. She agreed and the two were wedded within the month. Her brother, the proclaimed admiral, wasn't fond of this union. He believed the boy to only be interested in her as a trophy. When the girl's family was decreed as nobility he was overjoyed as the two now had proper estates to share.
  The boy's military duties hadn't been forgotten and the admiral attempting to tarnish the boy's name approached the duchess about his reckless abandon of his duties in Viyao. The duchess summoned him to her court where he explained that not only could he not contain his love, but that his military duties would have been better spent in Cadalso as the forests are more prone to house threats than the open fields. Smitten with his love story and respecting his stretched claim, the duchess approached the acting general with an offer that he willingly accepted. He took Julian under his wing and began tutoring him all that he knew. Four years later the general retired and placed Julian in his position, to which the duchess approved.
  Reputation: Seen as a fair and reasonable general asking his men to endure nothing he wouldn't be willing to, he's an in the fray type of general who prefers the field to a chair. This makes him inspiring to his men and something of a stereotypical knight in shining armour to the common folk.
  Personality: Bashful and charismatic. Julian was something of a womaniser before marriage and is known to still behave as a flirt. He's a fiery man with a short temper but he's also quick to forgive. He's one of the more hands on people in the courts, finding intellectual pursuits necessary but thoroughly uninteresting.
  Strengths: Strategically astute, Beloved by peers, Skilled combatant, Silver tongued.
  Weaknesses: Below average politician, Inept sailor, Renowned deviant, Short tempered, Pig headed, Unrefined.
  Quirks: Julian will get drunk with his immediate inferiors at least once a week and if he can afford to fit it in more often, he will.
  Other: Julian has openly shown his support for those in the clergy that promote polygamist ideals despite stating he'd never take a second wife.
• Map of land claim:
  
  
  
  
  Number of Controlled Provinces:
  Five.
  
  Religion:
  Imperial clergy - Traditionalist.
  
  Composite Species:
  Divinalita, Human, Elf, Other - Foreign merchants/minority races.
  
  Population:
  724,000 registered citizens according to the last census.
  
  Demographics:
  Divinalita - ~2%
  Human - 82%
  Elf - 12%
  Other - 4%
  
  History:
  Riret has been the centre of many pre-imperial stories and a power player in the northern most sections of Regalia since the earliest forms of documented history. Food had always been their main export and their tracts of farm land prove invaluable to any aspiring nation. It's no surprise that they were the site of many kingdoms and that their Divinalita played important hands in the dealings of internal matters.
  
  The duchy's earliest form of unification was as the kingdom of Paladora, a kingdom that lasted for a total of three kings. An unfortunate combination of maritime raiders, power hungry nobles, and abused peasantry spurred on its fall. The raiders destroyed what little fleet they had, the nobles hoarded their men away from the king's aid, and the peasants did the rest. A mistake the next kingdom to replace it would learn from.
  The kingdom to rise in its wake was founded by a band of raiders and saw plenty of mingling with the commoners and peasantry. They were as gentle to the peasants as they could afford to be but often abused nobility with violence and a lack of class. Their disdain towards the nobles caused their hungry efforts to combine with one another as they forcibly took the throne from these foreigners. Needless to say, the kingdom of Bilvar lasted barely a generation.
  
  There were many more kingdoms and rulers who claimed authority over the lands, learning from their immediate predecessor and while they always changed the only one thing staying true time and time again was their faith. Their religion was unchanging, its messages being clear and obeyed without falter. The goddess of fertility and love and her children the Divinalita. Of course the reverence to their kind had always been present but with the people losing faith in their kings, they turned towards the holy to guide them.
  At first many Divinalita were reluctant with a handful finding the idea of total authority being sickeningly enticing. Those select few rushed at the chance and declared themselves as the chosen few. They took up all the responsibilities and pleasures of being queen with many of them taking husbands and concubines to indulge themselves with. Of course, with their purity being corrupted, they aged and it lead to these royal Divinalita aging and eventually dying. This was unheard of and caused the new (leaderless) nation to split. While each shrine rose to take the authority left open to their kind, there were two groups who held dominance. The shrines of Riret were united beneath one banner, the cause of tradition and virtue, while the shrines of Faras and Viyao were brought together under the banner of unity and domination. Many other shrines simply attempted to guide their people to safety or enslave them all for the protection of the shrines.
  
  Five generations would live to see these warring shrines meet one another on the battle field only to die and be reborn days later. The battles were pointless and there always seemed enough vessels to be sacrificed for each group to return in full. While it seemed that way outwardly, the cause of a greater Riret was suffering great loses and eventually fell to the need to continue their fight over the need to remain in the moral right. They forced families to keep their children pure and if they passed the age of fourteen they were free to live their lives as all others did.
  The message of greater Riret spread far to neighbouring shrines and thus rallied others to their cause with their largest backing coming from the small province of Pinto. While the two groups never truly won the war, they did call a truce where the holds of greater Riret forged a kingdom of their own, and the union of Biscaz, named from the fields that crossed the borders of the two provinces, forged their own holds. These two groups in a constant passive war built up their fortifications to repel one another for whenever they got cocky. Though few battles were ever fought.
  
  By the time the first Regalian empire came about the kingdom of greater Riret and the union of Biscaz had already been waiting for the other to strike. Their fortifications were impregnable and their people keen for battle. The concept of fighting wasn't foreign or frightening but had been greatly romanticised with the rebirthing of the Divinalitas whenever they left for war. For the people at town it was something you'd always return back from. Because of this, they were eager to run head long into combat.
  The first empire attempted to breach Biscaz via Viyao and marched through the forests of Cadalso to attack greater Riret. Cadalso's wooded areas and surplus of hidden locations for shrines to be shielded from prying eyes and skirmishers to attack from under the cover of darkness, the forces that marched through were halted but mostly from being caught off guard. Viyao however wasn't quite as lucky. Their fortresses were too strong. The empire saw this and resorted to starving them out. After many expensive battles Biscaz was able to repel the invading forces. They did however lose a number of shrines in an attempt to show their superiority of immortality, resulting in the Divinalita connected to it to perish slowly.
  The first empire sent two more armies to Biscaz assuming the forests were bad luck and refusing to send another army within it. The fortresses were weakened by the first army and by the defeat of the second, they were practically rubble. With the arrival of the third army Viyao had already lost most of its southern keeps. The third army stripped Viyao from the union of Biscaz and drove itself deep into Faras before being pushed out.
  
  By the time this army was repelled, a new enemy had arrived. This enemy called itself the true empire and held high their emperor and his eternal city. They claimed him a god and challenged all who questioned it. This enemy forced itself into Riret and Faras claiming these lands as their own and asking for those who owned them to bend the knee or suffer. Riret had seen the struggles of Biscaz and was quick to yield, while Biscaz' remnants continued to refuse foreign authority. The empire accepted before assaulting these lands with a fury unmatched by those of before. Every shrine found in Faras and Viyao was smashed, where they attempted to start the same in Riret.
  The leader of the kingdom of Riret was scared, as were all the Divinalita, and chose to do what was smart. She told the soldiers to stop and declared these shrines gifts from the emperor. She said they were his speakers and all of them were his chosen to champion his word. At first the forces felt they'd been tricked, but after pleading to the emperor himself for a meeting, he declared these words to be truth. The queen of greater Riret was declared a noble woman and that her lands were now her duchy.
  
  Many refused the conversion from the mother of fertility to the emperors but the Divinalita continued to claim the emperors as gods. In time, those who doubted were replaced with those who believed. Many Divinalita didn't believe at all but continued to preach out of duty and their love of life rather than their morals, seeing tomorrow more important than the end of a sword.
  Biscaz yielded to the empire and the emperor, in an act of generosity, declared their shrines the property of greater Riret and all their holdings the same. Riret was given the lands of Viyao and Faras and the Divinalita of the union, while still holding their superiority above other races, conceded and were thankful to be spared from eternal death. What few shrines remained were kept around the lands. Soon after, a large number of the union's Divinalitas began to age. It became somewhat clear to the Divinalitas of the duchy that the union's Divinalitas hadn't been as mercifully spared as the soldiers hadn't told them, and that the defiling hadn't stopped at their shrines.
  
  As the empire continued to expand the imperial faith was enforced over Regalia with greater might than everyone had hoped. The willingness to comply and reverence of the emperors in Riret sparked the senate to hold them up as an example of what true faith looks like. The lands of Riret became a quick pilgrimage to many priests and clerics attempting to prove they too were pure of faith. The influx of holy people provoked the duchess and clergy of Riret to begin erecting enormous cathedrals and statues in the honour of the emperors.
  It quickly became common knowledge that Riret was, for the most part, the religious capital of the empire beyond the eternal city. Riret's clergy grew in influence and saw many of the smaller clergies around the empire turning to them for guidance and validation. The immortal nature of the child women tending to these churches sparked debate within the senate between those who viewed them as a threat and those who viewed them as quite literal embodiments of the emperor's divine authority.
  
  When the empire eventually collapsed, Riret was strangely unaffected. Most of its power and authority came from the faith and their trade with foreign powers. The amount of pirates in the waters increased, granted, but their navy was able to repel them with relative ease. Their influence over the faith remained strong though the number of faithful appears to wane with each passing day with many of those who were faithful converting to the reformist branches of the faith. Only those in close proximity to Regalia and the eternal city respecting the religious authority of the Riret clergy.
  
• Major cities: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  
  Spoiler: Atita

  Type:
  Duchy capital
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  211,000
  
  Major Industries:
  Textiles
  Fishing
  Shipyards
  Tea (import and distribution)
  
  Significance:
  Atita is the capital city of the duchy of Riret. It holds the new palace of the duchess, Saint Alexia III's cathedral, the house of heralds, and sees most of the political activity and legislation that directly impacts the population of the duchy. It also houses the majority of the duchy's fleet and is the centre point of most things naval.
  
  Province:
  Pinto
  
  History:
  Atita is one of the timeless cities known to exist in the duchy of Riret. It has existed as far back as early documents can tell and according to stories, existed long before then. It was supposedly built by fishermen to house one of the sacred Divinalita shrines but quickly grew as they were blessed with plentiful bounds of fish.
  The name Atita stems from ancient traditions and is believed to mean something akin to "Dirt fish" by many scholars who've found stone tablets and writing walls. Regardless of the city's original name meanings, it has proven to be vital to almost every sea faring nation and group that attempts to utilise its assets. Being one of the first cities to have a proper navy, the bay has always been something of a safe haven to fishermen and sailors. Rarely ever did they experience raider assaults and when they did, many of the raiders were repelled.
  
  In more recent times it's been the birth place of many great Riret ships and the heart of the tea trade. With its safe bay and naturally deep waters, it can safely house the biggest of ships and this proved instrumental to the former kingdoms, the eventual duchy, and of course the empire. During the time of the kingdoms Atita and the province of Pinto attempted to remain neutral at first but noticed that the union of Biscaz possessed a powerful message. Pinto lost its neutrality and began to experience its own shrines fighting for supremacy while those in the city of Atita and near the city stole the cause of Riret as their own. They approached Riret with their intentions made open, and those that opposed the ideas of Riret were ultimately over ruled or exiled to the union's territories.
  Atita was only elected to be the capital in recent years as duchess Celestine decided the heart of the tea trade was better suited to become the heart of the duchy.
  
  
  Spoiler: Vellano

  Type:
  Port
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  181,000
  
  Major Industries:
  Textiles
  Shipyards
  Food produce
  Alcoholic exports
  
  Significance:
  Housing Marina I's cathedral, Vellano is the former capital of the duchy and still considered to be the religious capital of the duchy. It houses a large number of the Divinalita shrines from all over the province of Riret and possesses a sprawling orchids and wheat farms. Additionally, the city holds many large scale breweries for wheat based alcohols.
  
  Province:
  Riret
  
  History:
  
  
  Spoiler: Atauri

  Type:
  Port
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  120,500
  
  Major Industries:
  Lumber
  Shipyards
  
  Significance:
  Ahh
  
  Province:
  Cadalso
  
  History:
  
  
  Spoiler: Biede

  Type:
  Agriculture
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  90,500
  
  Major Industries:
  Food produce
  Textiles
  
  Significance:
  Ahh
  
  Province:
  Viyao
  
  History:
  
  
  Spoiler: Sarro

  Type:
  Agriculture
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  70,600
  
  Major Industries:
  Textiles
  Food produce
  
  Significance:
  Ahh
  
  Province:
  Faras
  
  History:
• 
  Military:
  
  Spoiler: Terrestrial

  Crossbowmen
  Sourced from the poorer regions of the duchy, these conscripts find themselves in a comfortable position loading and firing crossbows from relatively safe locations. In terms of experience these fine men are equipped with a few weeks of training and constant practice using the crossbow during their daily training exercises while out in the field or at a barracks. They're far from the best, but they're not the worst thing to fight in this world.
  

  

  
  
  Riflemen
  While the smoking sand is a weapon recently given to man to use against itself, the duchy was quick to take the invention provided by other factions. They understand the mechanics behind these weapons but attempts to build upon the current design have all failed. There are only a handful of riflemen in a squad and those squads are spread out throughout the duchy to provide the illusion of a full embrace of this new technology.
  

  

  
  
  Archers
  The archers use bows for the most part. While most were trained to use them some arrive as hunters or farmers wishing to use the bow instead of the sword or crossbow. They're given a recurve bow and a quiver that can comfortably hold around twenty arrows.
  

  

  
  
  Spearmen infantry
  These men use polearms and shields in combination to attempt to form unbreakable lines or small scale blockades of human bodies. The majority wear chain link and bucket helmets to protect them from on coming attacks. Their shields are large, being classified as a tower shield, but they have been known to use smaller shields depending on their position.
  

  

  
  
  Swordsmen infantry
  The unbreakable front line. More intimate than the spearmen and more versatile during a siege battle. Their heavily armoured shoulders and arms provide them with much need protection from over head or upper body attacks. Their legs remain relatively armour free to allow for increased mobility. They're often seen sporting a heater shield and a one handed weapon. The weapons include maces, swords, and on rare occasions even axes.
  

  

  
  
  Private cavalry
  These riders use a combination of the bow and the spear while on horse back. Unlike other duchies, the cavalry of Riret aren't a chapter of the duchy's banner but instead serve as their own group of equines and game hunters. Much like a militia, the cavalry don't receive any noteworthy training and are self regulated. The cavalry appears capable enough to take down fleeing enemies or rag tag groups of rioting peasants but the majority are yet to see any real battles.
  

  
  
  
  Spoiler: Aquatic

  Corvette
  Carrying around 4-12 cannons, the Corvette is the light jab of the Riret fleet. It possesses a single deck dedicated to guns but beyond that, it's a fairly mundane ship. It's utilised primarily in reconnaissance or as agile escorts to the larger, slower moving ships.
  

  

  
  
  Schooners
  The boarding vessels of the Riret fleet. While schooners may see proper warfare along side its larger siblings, they're commonly seen lurking around the ports and harbours of the duchy's claims. They utilise their speed and large carrying capacity to get in close quickly, where members aboard can cross between the ships with relative ease. These ships are a majority in the private sector, but are seen in limited quantities within the official fleet.
  

  

  
  
  Galley
  A lightly armed, heavily populated, ramming ship. The Galley is usually found in the front line as the violent impact for the volley of fire. Their large crews prevent boarding parties from taking a hold over their ship. Galleys are often pushed forward by Cervi allowing all professional sailors aboard to utilise deck guns and fight of boarders without a need to worry about rowing.
  

  

  
  
  Galleon
  One of the largest boats in the Riret navy and a sign to behold. The Galleon is loaded with a total of 12-18 guns all together and is one of the heavy hitters in the navy. Its large sails help to keep it mobile despite its size and healthy storage capacity allows for munitions and crew to be kept together with comfort and practicality in mind.
  

  

  
  
  Man of war
  The rarest of all the ships in the navy and one of the most feared. Known as overkill incarnate, the Man of war can carry anywhere from 24-38 guns and often carries the role of flag ship among actual fleet encounters. They're far from nimble but their abundance of guns and sheer hulking size make her an intimidating foe to see and a dangerous beast once in range.
  

  
  
  
  Spoiler: Special units

  

  
  Special unit: His lady in waiting and most holy of maidens, divine daughter Tabitha Orelia.
  Elected to be the hand of the emperor's will and champion of his holy clergy, Tabitha was acknowledged at the age of thirteen for performing life saving miracles. She saved a number of small animals and rescued a drowned orphan boy before being adopted from her parents into the clergy. She was raised as a nun where she continued to perform miracles in regards to healing others without the study of holy magic. It was something that came naturally to her. She was nominated by her church in the Kayoran expanses to move to the imperial cathedral of Saint Alexia III where her magic could be focused by the divinalita present.
  At the age of twenty four she expressed a desire to fight along side those who claimed to be the swords and shields of the clergy. Her wish was granted by the faithful present and she was entitled to as much training as she wished. While she did attempt to train along side the sentinels, she was often pushed to her limits and forced to stop long before they'd finished their training sessions. Regardless, her actions were noted and when the emperor passed the clergy held another election to determine the next lady in waiting for the heavenly kingdom.
  All eyes fell upon the three chosen women with Tabitha being the only one of the three capable of wielding a blade. The faith militants almost unanimously picked her as their favoured, and the faith lawful were split with favour tipping in favour of Tabitha by barely a fraction. Once the senate began to house their next meetings she was venerated by imperial decree and her position as most holy of maidens was official. For the past five years she has been working closely with the sentinels and commanding duchy forces against rebels and foreign banners who would seek to destroy their sanctuary.
  
  

  

  
  Special unit: Sentinels of the Warrens.
  The sentinels are a tragic weapon forged through ordeal and suffering. None choose to devote themselves quite like the sentinels and those that do are a rare kind of masochistic. The sentinels usually begin their training as young people, below the age of twelve, collected from the gaols and sentenced to the trial of servitude. After weeks of breaking them both physically and mentally, their superior sentinel begins training them. They undergo nothing short of extraordinarily painful tasks that require they build their patience and their strength. From taking an egg in the forest trees and holding it until it hatches, to climbing down the cliffs of the emperor's vigil.
  Their broken minds but whole bodies turn them into merciless killing machines with the intent of serving both emperor and country being their only focus. They're reckless to the point of suicidal, devoted to the point of blinded, and obedient to the point of stupid. They've been known to continue fighting even when their allies have abandoned them. To these sentinels there is no greater reward than dying in the thick of battle in the name of the emperor and the duchy.
  
  Strengths [3+]:
  Strong intelligence force (Spies/Scouts) - Members of the duchy are relatively well informed about terrain information, enemy troop movements, and current powers at play within the dying empire's borders.
  Well armed, well trained, siege combatants - The duchy's known to have one of the more reliable forces when it comes to siege warfare. While laying siege to a city they're just as happy using their siege engines as they are in starving the city out.
  Excellent combatants in naval warfare - One of the better navies in the empire but not entirely by choice, the duchy's constant attacks from pirate forces and foreign enemies of the empire as forced them to have their best at the ready at all times, or to lose a ship filled with valuable goods. Riret puts its best foot forward at all times when it comes to the navy and uses a combination of heavy fire power and mobile ships to support their authority over their usual trade routes.
  Multiple ports providing safe homes for fleets and trading - The ports are the life blood of any empire, and the duchy of Riret was always a hub for trade. Their large coastal fronts allow them to see a surplus of trade and provide perfect locations for large navies while they resupply or await new orders.
  Leading exporters for grown produce such as grain, vegetables, and fruits - Because of their many farm lands, orchids and general surplus in livestock, the duchy exports large quantities of it to foreign nations and less self reliant neighbours. While the majority remains in the empire, it's still the centre of their foreign exports in terms of pelts and dried food goods.
  
  Weaknesses [3+]:
  Relatively low population - While a low population doesn't sound too bad for a food exporting nation, it also means that there are large tracts of land where there's very little to no resistance from communities. Each town is fairly spaced out and the cities see most of the population housed within their walls.
  Predominantly human combatants - A lack of diversity within the army may sound like a good thing. To an extent, it is. While there's little racial tensions within the army there's the fact that there are no natural immunities or wild factors that set the army apart. In fact their racial composition makes them incredibly vulnerable to most forms of magic, as well as poisons and most basic weapons.
  Poor quality cavalry - Since the cavalry is unorganised and expected to train and control themselves, the cavalry in Riret is less than awe inspiring. While it can help in a pinch the cavalry often serves more to get in the way than it does to change the tide of combat.
  Large communities addicted to tea - While a seemingly innocent enough thing, the level of tea addiction within Riret is extraordinarily high. There have been riots in the past due to tea shortages and it's theorised that many of the tea addicted communities would be willing to riot again if their tea supply was cut.
  Import most of their ores and luxury goods from long distance providers - Fairly self explanatory. If you take out the trade routes, you take out the life blood of the duchy. It relies on trade for most things and because of that the trade routes are one of its greatest needs. Get rid of those, and you get rid of Riret.
  
  Trivia:
  The duchy of Riret was home to the first conceptualisation of the tea bag. Made of silk and tied into a triangle, the bags can be rinsed and reused after brewing tea. The use of parchment as a form of tea bag is also being explored but is yet to yield any positive results.
  A list of major festivals celebrated in Riret:
  Day of the bride
  Week of penance
  Trail of the emperor
  Eve of love
  Son's day
  Alexia's parade
  Sylvia's parade
  Arandel's parade
  Dawn service for the lost - start of every month
  
  Political Relations:
  Duchy of Grissenholt- Poor
  Duchy of Dewsburgh- Neutral
  Voshali Dynasty- Healthy, trade partners
  Serena's Watchers- Poor
  Shogunate of Enryaku-ji- Neutral
  Ashenfall- Neutral
  Roma Imperator- Neutral
  Madjian- Poor
  

 

[doodleSM]

Duchy of Dewsburgh

Flag:


Primary Colours:
White and blue

Type of Government: Hereditary Duchy

Spoiler: Leaders

Leaders/important characters:

Name: Grand-Duke Wulf von Dewsburgh
Age: 37
Race: Human
Background: Monster Hunter
Reputation: The house von Dewsburgh are renowned for their monster hunting and their problem solving in the Empire. The House, before the collapse, had saved several villages from rampant werewolf raids.
Attitude: Paranoid, watchful.
Personality: Lack of trust for others, however he is a dependable and reliable when it comes to assisting others.
Strengths: Agile armor that is made from leather, allows him to move quickly. He is a werewolf.
Weaknesses: Uncontrollable when the moon is full. Lack of wisdom, lack of raw strength. Doesn't know about his werewolf infection.
Quirks: Always takes contracts, never denies.
Other: He appears to scratch the back of his head often.

Name: Count Trier von Rotsburgh
Age: 33
Race: Human
Background: Vampire Hunter
Reputation: He is a very well known vampire slayer, and has a good standing with other vampire hunters.
Attitude: Strict, harsh, short tempered.
Personality: He suffers from being very aggressive and unnecessarily rude to others and believes he is in the right.
Strengths: Trier isn't easily persuaded. Cold heart, doesn't like his
Weaknesses: Trier doesn't listen to logical arguments, instead preferring his own methods.
Quirks: Trier has never read a history book in his life.
Other: Trier really likes the taste of Vampire blood.

History:

Faction Capital:

Spoiler: Map of Location

Number of Controlled Provinces: Five provinces


Major cities: Dewsburgh (The only city in the duchy, and houses the two manors)


Religion: Imperial Clergy

Composite Species:
Although there are some elves, the majority population is HUMANS

Population: 900,000

Demographics:
97% Human
3% elf

Military:
Describe your military in detail
(basic infantry, heavy infantry, cavalry etc)
(what are they good at? whats their weakness? whats their equipment?)

Special unit: you start off with one (like your leader or a champion) for having a single province, then two once you hit five provinces, three when you hit ten, four when you hit twenty, etc.
The Special unit is like a heroic unit, describe what are they based off of? A Royal guard? knights that ride griffons?

Strengths [3+]:
What your empire is good at

Weaknesses [3+]:
The cons of your empire

Other:
Bonus stuff like trivia, national songs, etc.

Empire Relations:
The political relations with other empires. Discuss with the player controlling each empire how you want the relationship to be with their empire

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

WIP

Serena's Watchers​

Flag:

Motto:
"Nature finds a way."

Primary Colours:
Brown, green and gray

Type of Government:
Theocracy

Leaders/important characters:

Spoiler: Head of Kingdom

Name: Emrick Denann the Wise Oak
Age: 76
Race: Sprite
Background: The current Lord Archbishop of Serene's Watchers, a wise and devout leader of his fellow Watchers. He once started off as a simple guardsmen before he found his gift in nature magic. During training to be an official Priest, he rose to the top of his class after managing to form his own Sidheog and was posted as a Sigheog Meister. His might and prowess as a Meister soon caught the attention of the then Lord Archbishop Llywellyn Denann, who challenged the young Meister to a duel while the Archbishop was doing an incognito visit to the Meister Temple. Their clash is now the stuff of ballads and tales told around the campfire but curiously, they never revealed who was the winner. Still, after their duel, Archbishop Llywellyn revealed himself and declared Emrick to be his heir.
Reputation: As a Ruler, Emrick had the devotion and loyalty of all of his Sprite followers who deem the Lord Archbishop to be the mouthpiece for the Spirit of Nature itself. But he is also popular among the human population after he allowed the inclusion of both part-human and full humans to be in his inner circle, an act previously unheard of. Even so, there are those who want him off the throne for various reasons. A truly polarizing person for his culture.
Personality: Emrick is like most Sprites, hard to read and seemed to always have a dour expression on his face. Even so, his aloof attitude hides a gentle and progressive person as evident with his addition of humans to his inner circle. Add to the fact that he allowed the alliance with the Drow, the long loathed elves by all Sprites, he truly is a man who is willing to bend his own culture to better the future of his state.
Strengths: Strongest nature magus in the Theocracy, firm yet gentle ruler who doesn't discriminate, surprisingly progressive for a full blooded Sprite, skilled diplomat
Weaknesses: Stubborn, surprisingly lazy, hides a conceited side, physically frail due to his age
Quirks: Really has a thing for tea, having drunk some while on his travels. A particular brew from the West is his favorite.
Other: The Denann surname is less of a surname and more of a title, only the Lord Archbishops are known to carry that surname.

Spoiler: Head Forester

Name: Deri the Silent Mistletoe
Age: ??
Race: Human/Sprite mix
Background: No one truly knows Deri's full past nor the real reason he doesn't speak. All that can be confirmed is that he once tried to fight the Lord Archbishop only to be completely trounced without mercy. That fight humbled the man that soon became known as Deri and he now serves the Lord Archbishop as the unofficial leader of the Shrike Stalkers and Guardian of Illya's Grove.
Reputation: A feared person among both the human and Sprite population. His merciless attitude and overall silent nature makes him unsettling to confront and worse when he corners a target.
Personality: Not much can be said due to Deri's intentional muteness. What can be gathered is that he's an analytical and cunning sort of person with a strong sense of duty and loyalty. Then again, that can be easily faked. Right?
Strengths: Skilled tracker and spy, uncanny with a bow and musket, unyielding loyalty, skilled codebreaker
Weaknesses: Insistent on communicating non-verbally, rather aloof and secretive, horrid at direct combat, lack of magic
Quirks: Simply chooses not to talk without any known reason. Some suspect its due to losing his tongue during his duel with the Lord Archbishop but no one truly knows.
Other: Keeps a pet hawk that he uses to send messages and perform scouting duties.

Spoiler: Head Priestess

Name: Anwyn the Fair Orchid
Age: 38
Race: Sprite
Background:
Reputation: The sharp tongued High Priestess of the Meister Temple is beloved by the populace and feared by potential Meisters. Her penchant for creative and sociopathic punishments are rather infamous as well.
Personality:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Quirks: Has a rather pronounced habit of biting her nails when stressed.
Other:

Spoiler: Militia Commander

Name: Rhiain the Thorny Rose
Age: 34
Race: Human
Background:
Reputation:
Personality:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Quirks:
Other:

Spoiler: Naval Commander

Name: Gareth the Hardy Redwood
Age: 42
Race: Sprite/Human mix
Background:
Reputation:
Personality:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Quirks:
Other:

History:
The story of Serena and her Watchers is one marred with blood, trickery, and a deep connection with nature. Before the Empire subjugated her, Serena was a simple country of scattered villages in the thick woods. Its people, the Sprites, were simple people who learned to co-exist with nature. Taking enough to prosper while allowing the forest to remain healthy. They fancy themselves as defenders of the holy glades and defend it they did.

Then along came a group of strange people from a far off land, preachers of the good faith did they claim to be. Spreading the beauty and grace of this... Emperor of sorts. They wished to make a settlement in the Sprites' holy woods and immediately they faced bitter opposition. Many argued that the outsiders should be sent away before their disease of faith taints the forest while a smaller majority had enough foresight to see a potential deal in the making. Advanced technology in exchange for letting a potential guardian force stay nearby while keeping a close enough eye on them to ensure the preservation of the forest. After a short and almost bloodless argument among the village elders and their sons, a deal was struck. They would happily be a vassal to the Empire if they agreed to leave the forest to the Sprites. Surprisingly enough, they agreed and the far flung colony of Dalkeith was set up.

Before the entire mess back in the Empire's homeland, life in Dalkeith was simple. Sprites would supervise logging and helped the Empire colonists with hunting and farming while the colonists would teach the Sprites about advanced technology like metalwork, shipbuilding, and alchemy. Even a few odd humans showed an interest in the Spirit of Nature, insisting it must be the Spites' own version of a guardian deity. In their polite stance against the colonists, the Sprites mostly agreed about it but some went the extra mile to attempt to explain the true background behind the Spirit of Nature and twist it to suit the colonist's own beliefs. In addition to allowing the colonists to live near their forests, the Sprites also served as scouts and marksmen with a particular penchant for putting down elven rebellions without mercy or hesitation. Even so, the Sprites simply kept their intolerance towards their colonial masters hidden while awaiting for the perfect moment to strike.

That chance came following the huge mess back in the Imperial homeland. As the humans began to panic, their faith in the Empire began to dip as they continued to throw more of their young and able into pointless wars. That was when Archbishop Atawn stepped up and started a mini crusade to teach the 'lost sheep' the true way by evangelizing the colonists in the faith of the Spirit of Nature. While a majority of the colonists were swayed over, there were a group that lead a resistance movement and attempted to find a way back to the Empire. They never managed to leave the forest.

Following the Fall of the Empire, Serena is once again an independent Theocracy currently lead by Archbishop Denann. Its people all devout guardians of the forest but now with the added bonus of having their weapons being on par with their neighbours thanks to their old alliance with the Empire. While mostly peaceful, they still distrust outsiders and only do trade as a business. Mostly lumber, furs, exotic meats, potent herbal cures and grain in exchange for ores and rare items.

Faction Capital:
Illya's Grove, Serena

Map Of location:

Number of Controlled Provinces: 5


Major cities: (do the rest of the CS first)



Religion:
Most of the human settlers along with all sprites practice an archaic form of Nature Worship where they believe that all forest life is interconnected and that they will one day return to the soil. This is partially the reason behind the sprite's infamous fatalistic and blase attitude towards the threat of death. That is until the forest is threatened. To a sprite, forests are considered sacred and is believed to play host to a being they call the Spirit of Nature, an all encompassing avatar of nature who breathes life into all in its care.

Composite Species: Humans, Sprite, Other sentient species

Population: 765,000

Demogrphics:
Humans: 68.7%
Sprites: 29.5%
Others: 1.8%


Military:

Spoiler: Infantry

Musketeers

Humans and Sprites trained in marksmanship with a matchlock rifle. Alone, they are only a threat within a certain distance. In a group, their volleys bring hell on earth in the form of a hail of lead. Despite carrying swords, they actively avoid close combat due to their rifles getting in the way.

Guardsmen

Men and women trained to serve as an army. They serve to mostly bolster the flanks and serve as a shock-absorber against charges. In other words, they are the shield that protects the rest of the army.

Archers

Archers form the core and backbone of Serena's army. Their skill and precision with the bow are the stuff of legends, although its mostly thanks to the bombastic tales of famed hunters and huntresses.

Priests and Priestesses

Both skilled mages and members of Serena's main clergy, Priests and Priestesses also serve as frontline mages using nature magic to assist by either forming cover or bombarding the enemy with thorny vines. Some may even command animals and birds to do their bidding or serve as healers to mend wounds.

Spoiler: Siege, Mounted, and Ships

Mounted Archers

Archers on horses. Boosted speed and mobility on plains allow for hit and run tactics but they see limited use within the Kingdom except for the wide open plains of Denaan. The bond between the horse and rider is deep thanks to their shared training since a young age.

Cannons

A lovely gift from the Empire before its downfall. These are rarely used on the battlefield due to the need to conserve their gunpowder stocks but are worth every shot.

Ballista

The main siege engine used by Serena's armies. A well trained crew can fire, reload and fire a second shot faster than the quickest cannon crew. Its use of bolts also allow it to act as carries of fire bombs or other fluid filled ammunition, giving it more versatility over cannons.

Schooners

Fast, nimble, and decently armed ships. A schooner's flatter bottom allow it to come closer to shorelines and its lighter weight makes it faster than other warships. The downside being its lower number of cannons and fragile defenses.

Brigantine

Brigantines are the largest ship class in Serena's navy. Being a jack of all trades kind of ship, brigantines have stronger firepower and defenses compared to their schooner escorts but require luck, planning, and skill to tackle larger ships fielded by other navies.

Special unit:

Spoiler: Sidheog Meisters

Meister

Sidheog Meisters are Serena's best magi and can turn the forest and the very ground into an extension of themselves. They can change the landscape with a flick of their hand or mold it into Sidheogs, large brutes formed by soil, rock, trees, and other natural materials. Given the composition of a Sidheog, it can theoretically fight forever if not for the large toll it takes on the Meister.
Sidheog

Spoiler: Shrike Stalkers

Shrike Stalkers are an all Sprite unit trained to act as assassins, trackers, and spies. They can traverse the thickest of forests with nary a sound and walk with an almost supernatural silence. Communicating with perfectly mimicked bird calls and whistles, they can plan an ambush right above the enemy's heads without them noticing. A select few are also skilled nature magi, usually acting as trappers by turning the terrain into a deathtrap.

Strengths [3+]:
Excellent pathfinders - The people adapting a co-existent form of living within forests teaches them how to traverse the thickest forests by using animal trails or even traversing via treetop. Virtually no part of the forest is out of their reach.
Marksmen - Hunting is a dangerous game and a missed shot can very well be the last mistake you can ever make. From young, every person worth their gunpowder is taught how to aim and shoot at the right moments. Years of practice and training make Serena's Marksmen one of the best in the region. After all, a missed shot is just like shooting yourself.
One with nature - Sprite and human magi who were lucky enough to be gifted with the ability to tap into the latent energies of the forest are the most valuable. They can literally control the forest as an extension of themselves to repel attackers.
Excellent herbalists - Living so close to nature makes sprites familiar with almost every single type of plant that grows. This allows them to pick out herbs and process them in such a way that it maximizes their curative properties. The same can be said for poisons although they avoid doing so as it may endanger the forest.

Weaknesses [3+]:
Weak naval presence - Being focused more on protecting their home glades, Serena's Watchers have only a bare-bones navy comprising of mostly schooners and ships of the line being mere brigs. Even with better gunpowder, the navy is only effective at safeguarding the Kingdom's ports with the aid of coastal batteries.
Heavy reliance on cover - The tactics used by Serena's military takes heavy usage of terrain and setting up firing lines. This slow form of combat is useful for defense but can easily be countered when done offensively.
Fatalistic - Their belief that they shall already one day return to the soil and life shall spring up anew makes sprites rather fatalistic. While this essentially makes them fearless, it also widens the gap between them and the humans who live in the Kingdom due to how callously they treat the dead.
Small, scattered villages - Due to their worship of the forests, villages tend to be rather small and spaced far apart to allow more space for trees to grow. The only exceptions would be Illya's Grove where the trees serve as the foundation but even so, its rather small compared to other capitals.

Other:
Jingoistic- Due to the sprites' distrust of outsiders who might seek to do harm to their sacred glades, the nation as a whole is rather xenophobic and would gladly look for reasons to chase out visitors and even their own allies should they break one of their rules. This also means that the nation is rather secluded and shut off from the rest of the world.
Racist - Oddly enough for being considered a member of the elven race, Sprites loath other elves for believing they didn't worship nature devoutly enough and abandoning their roots as beings of nature. This made them rather ruthless towards those of elven blood due to their history as enslaving elves while in service to the Empire.

Empire Relations:
Duchy of Grissenholt- Neutral
Duchy of Dewsburgh- Neutral
Voshali Dynasty- Trade partners, strictly business only
Duchy of Riret - Neutral
Shogunate of Enryaku-ji- Neutral
Ashenfall- Wary trade partners and allies
Roma Imperator- Neutral
Madjian- Neutral[/SPOILER]

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Shogunate Of Enryaku-ji
​

• Overview
• Characters
• Descriptive info
• Settlements
• Military

• 
  Motto:
  "United, we stand tall"
  
  Primary Colours:
  Generally red and yellow
  
  Type of Government:
  Shogunate (Monarchy)
  
  Faction Capital:
  Kimozaki in the Honoji province
  
  Strengths [3+]:
  -Exports fine silks and gems, like jade
  -High tolerance of other religions
  -Next to unbreakable moral from their monks
  -Strong agricultural industry
  
  Weaknesses [3+]:
  -Disdains nobility
  -No gunpowder weapons
  -The language barrier is still a problem, as they remained isolated while developing their cities
  -Annoying tendencies, sometimes a group of monks might decide to build a shrine or temple further away from their borders for a little peace and quiet, without asking the original land owner
  
• 
  The Shogun
  
  
  Spoiler

  Name: Youta Tanaka
  Age: Appears around ten
  Race: Chīsana mono
  Background: The son of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. He was sent to rally the revolutionaries against the old emperor of Enryaku-ji. He's become the Shogun after the revolution.
  Reputation: He is loved by all his people and his childlike nature has turned him into a jolly and happy ruler who has defiantly won the hearts and minds of his people.
  Attitude: He presents himself as a polite (young?) boy, listening intently when diplomats are talking to him and attempting not to be rude to any visitors or people he is a guest of.
  Personality: He's a pleasant and jolly boy, always wearing a smile and always willing to do the best for his people. He's an odd blend of childlike wonder and a certain maturity.
  Strengths: Demi god, loved by his people, commands absolute authority and loyalty.
  His powers-
  -Summon large gusts of wind strong enough to throw people to the ground.
  the shogun in some more formal robes alongside his dragon.
  -Heal most wounds that aren't fatal, like a missing head or leg.
  -Can summon a small dragon, this dragon is more of a glorified mount that can breath a small amount of fire
  Weaknesses: Small and physically weak, Still pretty childish despite being somewhat mature, not an efficient military commander.
  Quirks: None
  Other: None
  Head Of Warfare
  
  
  Spoiler

  Name: Yamagata Takemichi
  Age: 35
  Race: Human
  Background: Yamagata was born into a minor well to do family. However he spent less time at the temples and more at his training ground. To him, a perfection of both the body and spirit was essential. Eventually his days become, by his own choice, a combination of only going to pray and to train. Any free time he had was spent learning, reading on the tactics of those that came before him. Its unknown why he had such a fervor for this but it eventually caught the eye of the shogun. Yamagata climbed the ranks of the military quickly, soon become the head of warfare.
  Reputation: He's known as a wise man and logical military commander. Despite this he is known to be a kindly man even if he doesn't show it.
  Attitude: He, like many others within the shogunate, presents himself well in public. Being quiet unless he must speak up, however he will interject if he believes he must.
  Personality: He's a stern and no nonsense man, Really he has to be given that he's the head of the military, because the current shogun isnt the "best" military commander. Yamagata, while stern and stiff upper lipped, does have a kind hearted side, like a tough but caring father figure.
  Strengths: One of the best fighters and commanders in the shogunate. Does not panic easily and can maintain himself under pressure.
  Weaknesses: Is not used to gunpowder combat. Almost too loyal, sometimes preferring to fight to the death rather than flee, luckily this hasn't killed him. Yet.
  Quirks: Old fashioned, his weapons and armor are out of style by a few hundred years, however they are still fully functional.
  Other: None.
  Head Of Subterfuge
  
  
  Spoiler

  Name: Ishino Sanesue
  Age: 32
  Race: Ratfolk
  Background: Ishino was born among a small litter of 3 ratfolk. Even still, he was the smallest of his brothers. He was born into a family of shinobi however, so his small size and natural abilities as a ratfolk made him an excellent candidate as one. Natural he agreed to become one. He wasn't an amazing ninja at first, but he wasn't the worst. He was a very average student at the beginning. But he soon became friends with one Yamagata Takemichi. Yamagata agreed to teach him what he knew about strategy. The two became good friends and soon, using his combination of natural abilities and racial prowess. Ishino climbed the ranks of his class incredibly quickly. Once again catching the shoguns eye, and was appointed head of subterfuge.
  Reputation: He's known as a surprisingly laid back character and he possess a good sense of humor. He's known to work with Yamagata a lot, given their 2 fields of work often go hand in hand.
  Attitude: The few times he openly goes to any diplomatic meetings he presents himself well, if not a little arrogantly.
  Personality: He's laid back and doesn't get stressed over petty things, although he can be rather arrogant at times.
  Strengths:He always "knows a guy". Hes good with a dagger, for obvious reasons.
  Weaknesses: Not a combat fighter, he's better suited to stealth.
  Quirks: None
  Other: None
  Head Of The Navy
  
  
  Spoiler

  Name: Shouni Tadanaka (Affectionately known as the "The Bilge Rat")
  Age: 30
  Race: Ratfolk
  Background: Shouni was practically born into piracy, spending only a few years of his life on land. He became a pirate because he hated the oppression of the Emperor. so he took to the seas, raiding imperial ships and taking that he could from them. He continued in his life of piracy for a while, until the revolution started. When he was approached by the men of the Shogunate who asked if he would lend his aid in taking down the Emperor he agreed. Because he was one of the most influential pirates to help, he was made head of the navy, a position that's stuck with him.
  Reputation: He's known as a slightly wild character, often preferring the violent option in more confrontational matters.
  Attitude: He doesn't present himself that well, he's not a menace to those around him but he's not the most polite person in the world.
  Personality: He's pretty blunt at most times, normally calling people an idiot or stupid, never sugar coating his words. But he can be polite and even jovial at times, especially after drinking.
  Strengths: Amazing captain. Highly skilled at boarding enemy ships. Good swimmer.
  Weaknesses: Not good at coordinating fights on land. Dislikes being ordered around.
  Quirks: None
  Other: None
• 
  Currency:
  Koku, a form of gold coins
  
  Religion:
  "Heiwana te"
  "peaceful hand" A religion that believes the non violent path is the best for everyone, and war and harm is the last and desperate option.
  
  Composite Species:
  -Humans
  Humans, don't really have to describe them.
  -Ratfolk
  Ratfolk, These are bipedal rat people, they grow at the same rate as humans, growing to the same height and age as they do. But they have more flexible bodies and a better sense of sight and smell than humans, although they're more "fragile" than humans.
  -Chīsana mono ("small ones")
  Chīsana mono take the appearance of young boys. They are in essence the shogunates version of angels. Beings from the sun goddesses realm that have to find an appropriate place to manifest. When a Chīsana mono is "killed" they dissipate out of existence and return to the realm of the sun goddess, and they have to manifest again, which can take time. If that area is destroyed they can no longer manifest.. They are born of the world around them, of a combination of emotion and the general theme of the place they're "born" so a Chīsana mono born near a training area will be hyper, and energetic. Where as a Chīsana mono born near a monastery will be calm and quiet. Because of this they have a variety of different personalities, just like humans.
  
  Population: (2 million or less)
  710,000 in total
  Demogrphics:
  1% Chīsana mono-7100
  49% Ratfolk-347900
  50% Human-355000
  
  History:
  The Shogunate Of Enryaku-ji has a bloody past, one marred by civil war and rebellions.
  
  Many years ago, the Emperor of Enryaku-ji declared that the religion of the land be banished and all who would still practice it be killed. As he viewed himself as a god, and only he was worthy of worship. The samurai class, who where the nobles who served the emperor at the time, set to work.They hunted down all manner of people, monks, peasants and any who dared defy the emperor. To ensure total military control, the Emperor executed the Shogun.
  
  The following years where brutal, the land was saturated in blood, shrines and villages would become littered with corpses of the faithful, or just those that wanted no part in the war. This period in the history of Enryaku-ji was know as "The Summer Of Sorrows". However, the Emperor was met with opposition. The warrior monks from all temples banded together in an attempt to defeat him. These men's skill was no laughing matter. Some people viewed these men as the ultimate blend of faith and ferocity, But even faith has its limit and the peoples faith waned in the face of defeat.
  
  Monks and peasants alike prayed that they be gifted with divine intervention. The legends tell you that the temple of Kaiju was under attack, the walls crumbling, the defenders dead, now only a few warrior monks and peasant guards left, as well as some normal monks. It was when the walls where breached that the statues of dragons and beasts came alive in a great burst of flame. The monks and peasants fought with the ferocity of demons against their attacker, their resolve bolstered by the help of the divine. Naginata's where bloodied, men screamed as the statues crushed their armor under foot and tooth.
  
  However when the dust settled, the statues where back in their place, cold as the day they where put in place. But among the flames of the burning temple sat a young boy. Of course the monks tried to get him out of the way of the flames, but before they could the boy opened a fan and swiped it in the air, causing the flames to subside and vanish. It was then they heard the voice of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, She told the monks, both human and ratfolk, that this boy was her son, an extension of her will. He would guide the faithful to victory. No longer would young men be tricked into killing each other mindlessly by bitter old men, like the emperor.
  
  From then on, the peoples faith was restored, flocks of peasants joined the faithful, ashigaru where trained, some samurai even abandoned the emperor, for one reason or another. It seemed now that the tide had changed, the armies of the sun goddess marched through the country, now, the emperor would quake when he heard them approach.
  
  The army of faithful marched through the land, carving through the emperors armies, taking new converts every day. Within the month they where at the Emperor's gates. However the emperor had not been idle during this time. His fortress was immense. Walls as that touched the sun and walls twice as thick as any fortress before it. The faithful threw themselves upon the walls, burning gates and archery towers as they went, they fought for each inch of the castle, with sword, spear, tools and fist. Eventually they made it to the main building, they stormed it, cutting down guards and samurai until they reached the main room. The emperor had already taken his own life, either out of cowardice or defeat, it was never known. Youta, the knew shogun, stood at the highest balcony and congratulated his men, promising that this would be the rebirth of the land, an age that would be prosperous and peaceful. His promise was kept the the land was rebuilt, burned towns where built up once more.and sacked temples where re stocked.
  
  The next few years where ones indeed of peace, the people where happy and the sun shone bright over the land. But one summer morning, the same date as the initial massacre, Youta rose from his castle and informed his commanders that there was a knew quest to undertake. Yuota had seen a distant land, one in peril and unrest. In his dreams his mother spoke to him, and told him to lead his people there. For they had to restore peace and harmony wherever they could.
  
  They sailed in great ships, peasants, warriors and monks alike. When they finally reached this foreign land they bided their time. They became isolationists for some time, building up their cities and towns, setting up farms and such. They also helped any travelers that wander upon them.
  
  
• 
  Faction Capital:
  Kimozaki in the Honoji province
  
  Map Of location:
  
  
  Number of Controlled Provinces: (less than five unless gm allows more)
  5
  
  (provinces labeled)
  Major cities: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Spoiler

  Name:
  Kimozaki
  Type:
  Province Capital
  Population:
  300,000
  Major Industries:
  Nothing in particular, although the blacksmiths of Kimozaki are famous for their swords and armor being more reliable than those from other cities.
  Significance:
  Apart from being the capital it was the first city they started to build, with orders from the shogun himself. It contains the largest and most well fortifies fortress monastery in all of the shogunate.
  Province:
  Honoji
  History:
  Kimozaki was the first city that was ordered to be built, with direct orders from the shogun. It was since become a large and thriving city, with bust markets and shops, temples full of those who have come to pray and even has many halls for kabuki performances.
• 
  Military:
  The military is made almost equally of Humans and Ratfolk
  Ground Forces
  
  Spoiler

  Shinobi
  Shinobi or Ninja are the stealth and subterfuge units of the shogun, often described as the shogunates "hidden hand". They make excellent assassins and saboteurs. They are mainly made up of Ratfolk, given then have certain natural abilities that make them excellent at stealth. If its a dagger in the back or a poisoned drink its all within the Shinobis arsenal.
  
  Ashigaru
  Ashigaru are the bread and butter of the shogunate's army. They are the conscripted army, peasants who have been given adequate training to fight as foot soldiers, they are normally lightly armored and are fielded in large numbers. They all carry a Wakizashi as a sidearm but they mainly come as three variants, Katana (basic sword) Ashigaru, Naginata (Pole arm, as seen in picture) Ashigaru and Bow ashigaru.
  
  Warrior Monks
  Warrior Monks or "Sohei" are the most famous and well known unit the shogunate has to offer, These men are militant faithful. They are incredibly strong in both strength and faith and will defend the Shogunate to their last breath if need be. Each Monk carries a Katana as their sidearm and different monks will specialize in a specific weapon, these weapons are the Naginata, the Yumi (bow) or the Tetsubo, a large wooden club with metal studs.
  
  Shizoku
  Shizoku are former Samurai that have abandoned the Emperor for the Shogun. Before the rebellion the Samurai where the warrior nobility of Enryaku-ji, these men where disliked by the revolutionaries, however they where given a second chance. Now these grizzled war veterans put their skills to use for the Shogunate. These men carry a Katana,Wakizashi and Tanto as well as a Yumi bow, all of which they are proficient to a deadly degree with. They also wear a full set of medium samurai armor.
  
  Sharpshooters
  Sharpshooters are probably the most unique units in the Shoguns army. These men are usually ex hunters, now putting their skills of the patient hunt to use on the enemies of the shogunate. These men specialize in the use of the Yumi bow. They also carry a Tanto, a type of dagger, however these are fallback weapons. Sharpshooters are hit and run units, not meant for close quarters combat. They are very lightly armored and generally only wear clothing, perhaps some leg or arm guards, even a helmet.
  
  Peasant Mobs
  Peasant mobs are not a permanent military unit, only rising up when their home and hearth is attacked, and even then its rare for peasants to risk their lives in battle. Of course these men wear no armor, only their standard clothes. They carry whatever farm tools they have, scythes, sickles, axes and such. Maybe a few old swords.
  
  Navy
  
  Spoiler

  Kaizoku Raiders
  These men where originally pirates, however after the revolution they where given a choice, be destroyed, or become privateers. These men men primarily use flaming arrows in attempts to burn larger ships, but also participate in boarding.
  
  Magic units
  
  Spoiler

  Onmyōji
  onmyōji are spell casters, usually drawn from young monks or town healers. These people practice primarily healing magic. They seek to close wounds not open new ones. Their spells include, healing wounds, at most closing a severed limb. Reviving dead crops, they still have to be cared for afterwards. They can however summon small gusts of wind to knock over enemies.
  Special unit:
  -Great Temple Guard
  
  Spoiler

  Great Temple Guard are one of the most powerful units at the Shogunates disposal. The guards are no normal men, in fact, they are not men at all. They are the spirits of warrior monks and Shizoku that have possessed a large suit of armor, made specifically for them. Some men choose to take an oath, that if they die they may still server. Other than that the ritual to create these beings is a mystery, although it is known that they are made up of many, many souls. They wear large heavy armor and sport either naginata or nodachi's and an use them to great effect. These near 8 ft tall "men" are normally used as personal guards for the shogun, or as shock troops in battle.
  
  -Red Devils
  
  Spoiler

  The Red Devils are the only cavalry unit the Shogunate had access to, as transporting cavalry on boat is difficult. These men have been practically born into the saddle. These men are former samurai and their sons. They are armed with Yari (a type of spear) and Katana. Of course they are known as "The Red Devils" because of their bright red armor, adorned with gold crests that resemble horns. They are incredibly dangerous during their cavalry charges, able to smash through military lines and route units of men.
  
  
  

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

Drows of the Ashenfall

Motto:
(Optional)
​

• OVERVIEW
• Descriptive Information
• Military information
• Others

• 
  Primary Colours:
  Gray, Dark Purple and Red
  
  Type of Government:
  Monarchy(Formerly), Great Houses
  
  Leaders/important characters:
  
  Spoiler: Sgathach Sgitheanach

  Sgathach Sgitheanach
  ​

  
  Age:
  Undetermined. Was rumored to be 30 before she became a Divine spirit of Cinders.
  
  Race:
  Elf(Former), Dark Elf
  
  Background:
  A Legendary Warrior woman and Martial arts teacher, the Queen of the realm of Cinders, Sgathach Sgitheanach is a national hero of the Dark Elves who possesses immense power to rule and close the gate of the "Land of Cinders", a mythical place overflowing with countless ghosts of the day of the Eruption. It has been said that she became the mentor of the Three Knights of King Conchur Ness whom would later form the Great Houses of the Drows and their eventual madness that will befall on them.
  
  She currently resides with her sister Aoife Sgitheanach in the outskirts of Dún Scáith by a Castle only accessible with her permission, She is also the Matriarch of House Sgitheanach and used to rule with the Great Houses of The Drows. Having turned halfway into a Divine Spirit of Cinders at the end of a long time, Sgathach can no longer die as a mortal. Neither a beautiful death. Nor even a hideous death. She must simply continue to exist, until the time when the world - and its outside - finally disappear.
  
  Reputation:
  Well known as one of the Founders of the Great Houses and a Formidable Warrior Heroine and Teacher. Due to her Heroic Status, she has a large influence on the Great Houses should the need to intervene is possible.
  
  Personality:
  A Strict but Caring teacher, she teaches to those who she deemed worthy while protecting her students as if they were her children, She personally dislikes cowards and wont hesitate to show no mercy to them.
  
  Strengths:
  -Master of Weaponry and Rune Magic
  -Immortal to some extent. if she dies, she is resurrected but wont have any memories of the day she died.
  -She also has Access to the Land of Cinders
  
  Weaknesses:
  -She's Immortal to some extent. she still has the mortal weakness of Battle Fatigue or fatigue in general.
  -Despite her mastery on Weapons, she only specializes on Rune magic and is weak on using normal Magic.
  -Despite Access to the Land of Cinders, she has no control on the forces inside of the realm.
  -Despite the apparent immortality, her physical self can be harmed and killed.
  
  Quirks:
  She often acts like an mother to her students, letting Aoife, her sister to tease her about it.
  
  Other:
  None
  
  
  Spoiler: Aoife Sgitheanach

  Aiofe Sgitheanach
  [/font]​

  
  Age:
  30
  
  Race:
  Elf(Formerly), Dark Elf
  
  Background:
  Sgathach's Sister, and the current Repesentative of Clan Sgitheanach in the Great Houses, she is a also a Rival of Sgathach and used to be at war with her, hostilities ceased upon her defeat by Sgathach's Champion, who spared her life in-exchange that she should bear him a child. She now works as a Representative in the Great Houses and lives with Sgathach's Champion and their only child.
  
  The Legend states that Sgathach's champion has come to train in arms under Sgathach when a battle breaks against Aoífe. Sgathach, fearful of her champion's safety, gives him a sleeping potion to keep him from the battle, but a potion that would put most people to sleep for twenty-four hours only knocks him out for an hour, and he joins the fray. Aoífe challenges Sgathach to single combat, and he fights as Sgathach's champion, but before the fight he asks Sgathach what it is that Aoífe loves most, which Sgathach reveals is her chariot and horses.
  
  They begin to fight, and Aoífe shatters The champion's sword, at which he cries out that Aoífe's chariot and horses have fallen over a cliff. When Aoífe turns to look, he overpowers her, throws her over his shoulder, and carries her back to his side. He held his sword at her throat as she begged for her life. He chooses not to kill her, on two conditions: that she cease hostilities with Sgathach and she bear him a son.
  
  Reputation:
  As a Representative in the Great Houses she is well respected, by the other Representatives and the people.
  
  Attitude:
  Proud and Righteous, formerly a Rebellious one but her defeat has changed her.
  
  Personality:
  Has a High Authoritarian-like Personality during Courts but has a Soft heart for her only Child.
  
  Strengths:
  -Charismatic individual,
  -a Warrior herself being the one of those who challenged Her sister's Champion.
  
  Weaknesses:
  -She has a Fondness for her Chariot and Horses as well as Family(Son).
  -Temper problems
  -Over Protectiveness of her belongings
  
  Quirks:
  
  Other:
  
  
  Spoiler: Cu Roy Dara

  Cu Roy Dara
  ​

  Age:
  35
  
  Race:
  Elf(Formerly), Dark Elf
  
  Background:
  Son of the Fallen Knight Torias, he became the Army's general before and after the Cataclysmic event that unfold right before his eyes. while being a General. he is also the head of House Dara, one of the founding members of the Drow's great houses.
  
  Reputation:
  As a Representative in the Great Houses he is well respected, by the other Representatives and the people.
  
  Attitude:
  Proud and Righteous, his loyalty to his nation is unwavering
  
  Personality:
  Has a High Authoritarian-like Personality during Courts and discussions, but nontheless loyal to his Family and the needs of the nation and dislikes those who are cowardly and does nothing to help their growing nation.
  
  Strengths:
  -Slightly Charismatic individual.
  -Knows the Arcane Arts.
  
  Weaknesses:
  -His paranoia about his wife.
  -Despite his Arcane abilities, his style is a concentrated version of what the Battlemages use, despite of it. its weaker than its Burst type.
  
  Quirks:
  He is usually seen eating a Golden Apple, nothing worth mentioning the apple as its just a Unique flavourful apple that he love to bring.
  
  Other:
  Had a Duel with Sgathach's champion, nobody knows who won, but in the end. the two of them drank themselves silly by some bar afterwards.
  Spoiler: Galath

  Galath Dulac
  ​

  Age:
  25
  
  Race:
  Elf(Formerly), Dark Elf
  
  Background:
  Grandson of the Fallen Knight, Sire Lamhcalad, one of the first founders of the Great Houses in which where they govern their nation after the abdication of their old King. he's the Patriarch of House Dulac, a Family that served during the times of the Elven Kingdom and the present day Drows, he was a Knight just like his fathers before him.
  
  Reputation:
  As a Representative in the Great Houses and a General in the army, he is well respected, by the people, he is albit looked down upon as he is the youngest among them.
  
  Attitude:
  Proud and Righteous, his loyalty to his nation is unwavering
  
  Personality:
  Unlike the others, he is a More Reserved person. pointing out the flaws of the plan and tells how to improve of it should he see one, he is also a good natured person but is willing to fight back should it endangers his nation.
  
  Strengths:
  -well trained on the art of Chivalry and Politics within the Tables of the Great House
  -well versed in literature and speech, giving him a charismatic appearance.
  
  Weaknesses:
  -being a Good natured man, he refuses retaliation with no act of justice and rightousness
  -has a tendency to disobey orders of other if he deems of being injustice and unrightous about it.
  
  Quirks:
  He's noticably sweet among the women that he meets but has yet to find a perfect one for him.
  
  Other:
  
  
  History:
  Formerly the Elven Kingdom before The Great Catastrophe, the Drows of Ashenfall was formed when the Empire collapsed and the Catastrophe has forced the Elves to undergo a mass exodus, leaving their homes and ancestral lands, wiped out by the destruction. The Dark Elves came to be when the Ashcloud rained upon the refugees, it's magically imbuned Ash seared into their skin, changing them physically which will forever be a part of their lives for many generations. However, some were unfortunate enough to killed by the process. as a result. the population dwindled, with the remaining lot serving as the main population of the Dark Elven faction.
  
  
• 
  
  Faction Capital:
  Dún Scáith, Province of Skye
  
  Map Of location:
  
  Number of Controlled Provinces:
  7
  
  Major cities:
  
  Dùn Scàith
  Type:
  Province Capital
  Major Industries:
  Metals and Construction Materials.
  Significance:
  The Capital of the Dark Elves, it is the central hub of Industry and commercial as well where the Great Houses are located.
  Province:
  Skye
  History:
  Where the Final resting place of the Dark Elves before they stayed here and began to rebuild their Society from the long Exodus after the Great Catastrophe, as such the Drows of Ashenfall is established here and where the Great Houses rule its people.
  
  
  Emain Mhacha
  Type:
  Province
  Major Industries:
  Metallurgy, Minerals, Gems and Stone
  Significance:
  Mining Capital of the Drows
  Province:
  Ard Mhacha
  History:
  Originally a Mining town, its population grew and soon it became a city of Miners, it has a vast underground networks, fortunately. you wont get lost in the mines as Miners and Foremen places signs towards the exits.
  
  
  
  Ráth Cruachan
  Type:
  Province
  Population:
  
  Major Industries:
  Fishing and Port Seafaring Industry
  Significance:
  City Fortress
  Province:
  Tuilsce
  History:
  A Fortified Port city, was originally a Coastal port but due to Soldiers getting posted here brought along their families, a town was established and grew into a port city connecting to Dùn Scàith.
  
  
  Brúnabóinne
  Type:
  Province
  Major Industries:
  Fishing and Port Seafaring Industry
  Significance:
  Historic Cultural Site
  Province:
  Contaenamí
  History:
  A Town to the south of Dùn Scàith, originally a homestead manor, Connla Brúnabóinne founded the Small town after recruiting some people to live on his land from any social status and wealth, after his death. the Town was named after him. Every Frostfallen, the people of Brúnabóinne celebrate the founding of the town and birth of their founder.
  
  Cnocnateamhrach
  Type:
  Province
  Major Industries:
  Stone Mining
  Significance:
  Astraltific Location, houses the Mages Guild
  Province:
  Dún Seachlainn
  History:
  A Village founded on top of a Hill, its famous landmark "The Stone of Destiny" Legend say that the Stone came from the Volcano that caused the Great Catastrophe, it is said that it has the magical properties to allow the person to see his destiny in his life. other notable locations is the Mages Guild built around the Stone of Destiny, serving as both a Guild and a College of Magic.
  
  Fionntrá
  Type:
  Province
  Major Industries:
  Fishing and Port Seafaring Industry
  Alcohol
  Province:
  Gaeltachtaí
  History:
  a Large Town, notable for its Beer and Ales. its rich location and land was discovered by a famous alchemist who sought to create the ultimate alcoholic Beverage as they now famous in the Community to drown out the sorrows and stresses of life, due to this. the Town grew exponentially.
  
  Religion:
  The Dark Elves were formerly Paganistic in worship, today's Religion is a combination of Paganistic and Polytheistic in Worship.
  
  Gods:
  Gwynth
  "God of The Dark Elves/Godfather of the Drows, Guardian of Darkness, God of Ashes and Cinders."
  The one of the main Deity of the Dark Elves, first worshipped after the end of the Exodus, His legend states that he sympathized with the Elven Exodus and used the Ashes of the cataclysm and the Fire of Life to baptize them with new life for them to start a new. Depicted as a Dragonic Elf carrying the Dark Ash used to create the Dark Elves and the Fire of Life to give it life.
  
  Gwydolin
  "God of Light, Guardian of Light, The Forsaken God, Brother of Darkness"
  The God that the Elven people prayed during the time of the Great Catastrophe alongside Brighid, only to be forsaken by the Elves for the failure of his guidance and Protection as the Cataclysm that followed has destroyed what remains of their once proud nation and the suffering they endured in the exodus. his worship is currently forbidden with some secretly worshipping him still.
  Goddess:
  Aine
  "Goddess of Fire, Embers, Fertility and Life."
  The Deity of worshipped as the habinger of life, her legend states that she gave the Fire of Life to Gwynth and he infused it with the Darken Ash Catalyst to give birth to the Dark Elves during the event of the Exodus as a sign of sympathy, she is depicted as a Beautiful lady, whose warmth calms down the soul of an individual, it is said if a male chosen one was picked by Aine, she will bring them to her Land by the Outcrop of the Land of Cinders and bed with them. harboring their child for them before returning them to their realm, although. there was no case of this yet.
  
  Brighid
  "Goddess of Waters and Protection, The Forsaken Goddess."
  she was an Elven deity whose celebration befall onto the day of the Great Catastrophe, only a few worshipped her and believed in her as the cataclysm that the people wanted her protection did not come, however. a few of her worshippers are sailors, relegating her as the Goddess of the waters, in hope of safe travels across the okeanos, she was originally depicted with a shield, but after the Great Catastrophe and the waning worship of her, she is now depicted with a vessel on the calm waters.
  
  Composite Species:
  Dark Elves/Ashlanders
  
  Population:
  369,510
  
  Demogrphics:
  90% Dark Elf
  10% Ordinary Elf
  
  
• 
  
  Military:
  
  Spoiler: Swordsman

  
  Agile Footsoldiers, the basic infantry of the dark elven army, armed with sharp sickle like swords and durable well rounded shield, they're the backbone of the Army.
  Spoiler: Spearman

  
  The Defensive line of the Army, wearing heavy plates of Bone and metal under the layer of cloth, they also wear protective masks that shield their faces from the harmful gas that sometimes emits from the Soil they march upon or disturbed by the battle upon the land, also serves as a Faceplate which protects them from blows from other Weapons.
  Spoiler: Battlemage

  ​

  Battlemages are the Offensive magical spellcasters of the army, often weilds short sickled swords in battle and either a magic spell on hand or a Scepter on the other, they typically fight at medium distances, using magics of either Fire or Ice magic from their staffs to defeat or weaken the advancing enemy, should they get close. their short swords will be their adversary.
  
  Battlemages also include Nature Magic, using its power to heal their allies with Nature's blessing and hamper their Enemies advance by growing vines to trip a formation.
  Spoiler: Drow Rangers

  ​

  Also known as the Hunters, they are the most Elite of the Dark Elven soldiers in the army, they are responsible for Scouting, Assassinations, Spying and other clandestine operations of the Dark Elves. in battle they are known to go behind enemy lines and wreak havoc among the forces, making them easy pray for the Swordsmen and Spearmen of the Dark Elves. being fast and agile units. they have lighter armor with little metal to protect them, to counteract this, they are trained to strike from the shadows and utilize the magic of plant life to shroud themselves with Nature to strike.
  
  They also utilize Nature's Magic in their tactics by growing natural concealment in areas with soil and strike or hide from the said concealment.
  
  Naval:
  
  Spoiler: Naval Ships

  
  A Small fast attack ship armed with 6 cannons and Smoothbore Cannon at its bow, the only naval presence they have. They are also used to patrol Rivers in the swamp and sometimes converted to Transport ship filled with all sorts of Goods and Passengers.​
  
  Special unit:
  
  Spoiler: Heroic Unit

  Freagarthach the First Hunter
  
  "Tonight... Freagarthach joins the hunt...."
  ​

  Freagarthach was the first of the Drows to become a Hunter, a deadly unit comprised of talented Assassins who were notable to hunt down their targets like wild wild animals, he is widely considered the pioneer of the first Drow Assassins and until now the leader of the Rangers.
  
  However, before the Great Catastrophe, he was nothing more but a simple Elf who lived peacefully by the outskirts of the Great Capital, where he honed his skills in hunting down his game a few years before the cataclysmic event which forced everyone to evacuate from their homeland.
  
  Class: Hunter, he is usually sent behind enemy lines, hunting down officers and disorganizing armies for them to be picked off by the Drow Rangers with their Bows, he's a fearsome unit who strikes from the shadows, some say he never dies, but others claim he dosen't die because not a single sword has struck the First Hunter.
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  

  The Ashfallen Knights of Cinders
  
  "They are born of the ash, made mad by the cinders, undone by the flames, their rage have yet to be unleashed, fear the burning cinders of hatred."
  ​

  The One First founders of the Great Houses given to them by the old Emperor Conchur Ness, They were the Personal knights of the Emperor before he abdicated the throne, putting his trust on the three knights. They were personally trained by Lady Sgathach of House Sgitheanach.
  
  Years pass by as the Great Catastrophe occured raining fire and brimstone on their Capital, forcing a mass exodus, the 3 Knights remained, their successors fled with the mass exodus of elves, the ashes covered their armor before the cinders and flames engulfed them, their armor were welded shut by the hardening ash and the fires burned them inside, however, by a miracle, they survived.
  
  however the magic imbuned in the ashes that covered their armor has trapped their souls in their scorched armor, driven mad by the suffering they endured, unable to speak nor act like a decent elves the 3 Knights went on to find the now Dark Elves, despite their madness. they were able to tell the difference between friend and foe, but made them operate as single unit.
  

  ​
• 
  Strengths [3+]:
  - Terrain
  [ Due to the Swampy terrain, heavier units will get bogged down as well as the Army's movement is decreased. ]
  
  - Strong Coastline Defenses
  [ The Dark Elves pride themselves in playing Defensive battles, as such, they focus on the construction of Defensive empacements in Key locations of the land should they know of one. ]
  
  - Fast Naval Units
  [ While originally Land locked and know little of the seas, as such. their Navy is virtually non-existant with the exceptions of Small-classed ships. due to their size, they're extremely mobile and their relatively low weight lets the move faster than any other ships. ]
  
  - Natural Defenses
  [ Due to the surrounding swamp and the boggy terrain any heavy unit or large forces within will have trouble traversing the land, literally getting bogged down by the swamp, due to this it was considered to be a Natural Defence for the Dark Elves.]
  
  - Strong Intelligence agency
  [ The Dark Elves were Masters of stealth and and deception, the Archers and Assassins were trained to rely on mobility and stealth to attack their enemies indirectly, this training has been seen being used by the Assassins and Spies of the Dark Elves in order to know their enemy and friend alike. ]
  
  - Semi-Rich land
  [ The Swampy soil enriched by the dead plants and animals have the best nutrients that the land has to offer, and underneath the surface lies Coals and Oils as well rare metals due to the conditions of the terrains. ]
  
  Weaknesses [3+]:
  - Not Native to the Land they're in.
  [ They were Evicted from their original lands by the Great Catasrophe, as a result. they know little of the lands they have settled in. ]
  
  - Terrain
  [ Due to the Swampy terrain, heavier units will get bogged down as well as the Army's movement is decreased. ]
  
  - Weak Naval presence
  [ Originally Land locked. they know little of the seas, only rivers and lakes, as such. their Navy is virtually non-existant with the exceptions of Small-classed ships. ]
  
  - No Cavalry units
  [ Due to Swampy terrain, Cavalry has no use in a boggy swamp. not to mention all of their horses died from the Exodus thanks to the Ashes that befall onto them. ]
  
  - Slightly disorganized due to Conscripts
  [ The Policy of Consciption into the Dark Elven Army was established by the Great Houses of the Drows, as such. every able bodied Men and Women are to be conscripted in the army just incase of an attack, but as a result. most of the Conscripts barely know how to fight properly. ]
  
  - Low Population
  [ The Devastation brought on by the Great Catastrophe has caused most of the population die to starvation, natural disasters, etc. ]
  
  Other:
  
  Empire Relations:
  The political relations with other empires. Discuss with the player controlling each empire how you want the relationship to be with their empire
  

 

[Karcen]

dovah klov clan


Primary Colours:
Dark green and brown

Type of Government:
Tribes with one chief

Leaders/important characters: (May have multiple characters to help portray your faction. Leader is obviously required.)

Name: lotdovahdrog (it is a title more than a name)
Age: 24
Race: Siigonis
Background: Lot is one of the children of the last chief who died when she was only 12 and with her siblings she was required to take part in the untak do vrii a ritual trial to steal a scale from the nearest dragon who is viewed as a deity. there would be only one winner and only one survivor as siblings either turned on each other or the dragon killed those to loud or stupid to steal an already shed scale. when she returned Lot took command and started to absorb some of the decimated tribes and has over seen the growth of her tribe as she bides her time to launch a campaign to unify all her people.
Reputation: She is little known just another chief of the backwater Siigonis, and therefore not seen as important.
Personality: Lot is a rather forward thinking leader, wanting to forge her people from a random assortment of clans into a true nation. She can be kind or cruel as the situation dictates, often seen as letting people off lightly but making sure they know at any time she will kill them for screwing up. Her greatest frustration is her people's reliance on slave trading, not that they do it but that it is not sustainable and would have to stop if they unified. She has hope that Slen will bring forth a solution and when he does she sill make her people into something respectable.
Strengths: ambitious, visionary, skilled fighter, decent diplomat
Weaknesses: unorthodox, stubborn, easily insulted, can't use magic, has never commanded a large scare raid before , can't ride a horse, has a low reputation outside of home.
Quirks:
Other:

Name: Slenmedronk (Slen for short)
Age: 34
Race: Siigonis
Background: There is little known about Slen before he showed up before lotdovahdrog and displayed his newly discovered magic which could alter the abilities of living creatures making them stronger, or faster, or tougher and promising that with her support he would find a solution to their tribes unspoken problem.
Reputation: His only reputation is in the clan and that is of the leader's favored currently. His magic both interests and repeals people.
Personality: Slen is interested primarily in expanding his mystic powers, pushing what it can do and refining the process. He would rather experiment than do most other things recording his discoveries and methods over bother with politics. This means he tends to rather blunt and up front and is rather loyal once he casts his lot.
Strengths: skilled in flesh magic, loyal
Weaknesses: blunt, distant, obsessed, not a great fighter, dosent waer armor, can't ride a horse, dosent like tea, can't sail a boat, can't speak multiple tounges, is a lizard man, lacks a reputation.
Quirks: tends to rub his hands together when excited.
Other:

History: The dovah klov clan is a clan of Siigons that decided to ally with them empire when they came and claimed the swamp. They quickly started trading with the empire using captives from others clans to get food, weapons, and armor which they in turn used to capture more in a repeating cycle. This has lead to them being the biggest and most powerful tribe, though they have yet to try to fully take over the swamp as if they controlled everything then they would run out of tries to raid.

Faction Capital:
staad kolos dovah hil nok in the Trumgol kolos lot dovah mah area

Map Of location: see maps sheet (use paint)

Number of Controlled Provinces: 1


Major cities: (do the rest of the CS first)
Name: staad kolos dovah hil nok (aka slave city swmp city lizard home stink hole the putrid city Freeport )

Type: Capital

Population: 1,000

Major Industries: Slave trade

Significance: It is the capital and center of power

Province: Trumgol kolos lot dovah mah

History: The tradtional home of the Dovah Klov clan it has grown as their power and reach have extended, some of those there aren't even from the clan originally but were absorbed when their clan was destroyed.


Religion: dragon worship

Composite Species:
Siigonis

Population: 3000

Demogrphics:
Siigonis 100%

Military:
Ruzaak: These bunch are equipped with blow pipes and poison darts that are actually meant to paralyze not kill those they hit.

Zahkrii: These are your basic swordsmen, steel swords and hardened leather armor.

Qiilaan: Archers by another name not much to say about it, though they like iron arrow heads over stone, though they rarely get any back.

Horvutaan: Masters of the net not exactly a military unit but they are used in raiding party to help take captives.

Special unit:
Siigonis flesh shaper: A special mage that can alter the form and physical capabilities of other creatures, this is a new magic that the Siigonis have just figured out others likely already know it.

Strengths [3+]: (explain why dont just list)
Living in a swamp and having to be good at taking enemies alive they are expert ambushes and great at fighting on rough terrain.

Their flesh magic allows them to augment their troops and the means to birth more, though this has very unpleasant side effects.

They are naturally camouflaged to the swamp and blend in well.
Weaknesses [3+]: (explain why dont just list)
Their chosen home is lacking in remeasures meaning without outside help they can't support large number and would have no metal.

Most of their magic is rather unrefined and primal and crude.

Their home is not unified actually being home to many small tribes meaning their power over the others is limited and their safe havens are none existent if their home is attacked.

Other:
Bonus stuff like trivia, national songs, etc.

Empire Relations:
Most see them as harmless simpletons, honest traders if a bit lacking in the art of the deal, they make good slaves and tend to always have more to export.

 

[general ostruppen]

Roma Imperator

Flag:

Motto:
"Land of my forefathers
Land of beauty
Home of the Courageous
Forever brimming in glory"

Primary Colours:
Red, Gold, Purple
Type of Government:
Classical Republic
Leaders/important characters:

Spoiler: Maximus Flavius Aurelian

Name: Maximus Flavius Aurelian

Age: 29
Race: Human
Background: Aurelian is known to be from house Flavius, a noble senator who has had his fair share of combat experience in foreign territories during what was known as the "Great Collapse". During that time Aurelian along with other loyalist of the empire attempted to assist the Emperor in restoring order. However with news of rebellion spreading across the continent like a wildfire, Aurelian understood that saving the empire was far from realistic and the amount of manpower needed was no where to be shared. So with permission from the senate of Roma, the legions that were stationed across the empire were requested immediately to return to their homeland to defend against possible invaders. Since then Aurelian has fought many invading armies and kept the peace across his homeland. He has attempted many times to convince the senate that expansion of their territories must be their highest importance, as the lost of trade has started to show its strain on Roma. He has lately begun to gain immense support of the people and a few from the senate. However many senators believe that he is attempting to seize power and gain more territories to suite his overwhelming ambition. To become the new Emperor.
Reputation: Aurelian is known to be gaining a large popularity amongst the citizens of Roma, but his reputation/relations with the senators is mixed. However many respect him for his military skills in both combat and in strategy. He has lost very few battles, and has returned home with much loot from his early years of service to the Empire. In fact his title is known by everyone as the "Golden Patriarch" due to his religious mask that he wears to mask his face.
Attitude: Aurelian is known to be respectful and calm when interacting to anyone he meets, even those who he dislikes or do not like him. However in battle, he is mostly quiet and does not speak unless he barks orders. His generals state that in battle they could feel a sort of dreadful aura around Aurelian. As if death was riding beside him wherever he went in a battlefield.
Personality: Since his early youth he has been known to be quiet and self-collected throughout., in conversation he gives off a friendly feel and doesn't usually use formalities unless needed. He does not like those who show signs of disrespect and cockiness. He is organized and quite a religious man who believes in his gods and would be happy to debate with other followers of different religions. His personality in battle changes, he is observant, aggressive, and bloodthirsty.
Strengths: Genius General, Charismatic, Organized
Weaknesses: Power-hungry, Independent to a fault, cruel
Quirks: He tends to blatantly stare in open space and goes into deep thought.
Other:

Spoiler: Julianus Volaginius Milonius

Age: 58
Race: Human
Background: A prestigious and rich senator from a lineage of well known senators. He has helped Aurelian push several military and economic reforms in an effort to improve the kingdom. He is also known to own many companies that produce both olive oil and furnitures. Making him the 3rd richest man in Roma. He has had his share of combat and retired as being a general due to several injuries he had sustained. He has decided to stick with politics and continue prospering and assisting the promising senator Aurelian.
Reputation: Known as the 3rd richest man in Roma, respected by the majority of the senate, and was known to have won a decisive battle against the invaders near the mountainous province by sheer will.
Personality: Bold, Honest, and a man of opportunity. When he see's an opportunity or a deal he cannot resist, he will take it with utmost consideration and will also take risks. He is not to be taken lightly for a man of riches, as he himself has combat experience and does not shy from spilling blood. However if you are willing to cooperate and share a cup of wine with him, then consider him a excellent asset for your ambitions.
Strengths: Wise, Rich, influential, and a excellent negotiator.
Weaknesses: Takes too many risks, greedy, bad foot
Quirks: Likes to play with a gold coin on one hand
Other:

Spoiler: Marcus Papirius Calvus

Age: 27
Race: Male
Background: A captain within the 1st Legion 5th cohort. He is the son of senator Mettius Pullo Calvus who was once a general of the 1st legion, but retired to live the rest of his days serving the people as a senator. Marc joins the army in the attempt to reach the same glory and position that his father once achieved.
Reputation: A valiant soldier who risks his life to save his fellow country men. He has in records managed to recaptured a large town that was under enemy occupation. Despite being outnumbered 3-1, Marcus was able to route the enemy after defeating their leader.
Personality: Loyal, stubborn, disciplined, kind, protective
Strengths: Skilled soldier, tactical, durable
Weaknesses: cocky, pride, and overconfidence
Quirks:Makes clicking sounds when bored
Other:

Spoiler: Tiberius Tettius Encratis

Age: 27
Race: Male
Background: The current general of the 1st legion, Tiberius is a close friend of Marcus's father who both fought side by side. When his father retired to political life, he assumed command and has since commenced major raids near the enemy country side. His combat skills and the added myths and rumors of him has caused the title "Fierce Lion" be emplaced on him.
Reputation: A respected general by both the senate and his men. He has lead countless attacks on the enemy country side, but he has yet to receive permission to actually invade enemy strongholds.
Personality: Honest, Intelligent, Brutal, Honorable, up where the action is
Strengths: Patient, Decisive, Quick, and observant.
Weaknesses: sympathy, strict, blunt
Quirks: Doesn't seem to be seen without his lion pelt
Other

History: The Impera of Roma has been recorded to exist as far as 1289 BEC, when a man named Cassius Vatinius Cumanus established the city of Romae. He is known by historians as the first king to establish a monarchy and establish Roma's borders with many victories. But by 1032 BEC, political unrest with the Nobiles , Patricia, and Equites were discontent with King Aulus Pomptinus Ancus who had decided to raise taxes on the majority of the middle and high class members to compensate his greedy intentions. A civil war broke out in 1030 BEC when the Nobiles assembled an army of 900 men and laid siege to Romae. A month passed and another army consisting of 1200 men were assembled by the Patricia and Equites. With this large force, an assault on Romae's walls was commenced with heavy casualties being brought on both sides. At first it would seem that the defenders would've been able to repel the attack and win. However a mysterious warrior manage to fight his way to the gate with a small group of soldiers and open the gates. This warrior however was killed by a hail of arrows as the gates were opened. Despite his name never being known, he and the other brave men were honored and remembered with several statues of them in the city square which still stand to this day. With the city gates now barred open, the assault began to pickup with a relentless attack. Hundreds of loyalists were slaughtered in the streets along with those in the populous who were speculated or accused to be loyal subjects to the king himself. The Nobiles and the others eventually made there way to the kings living courter and found him in the middle of dining. The Nobiles then began to demand for the king to step down from his title of king, or he and his family would be crucified and paraded in the streets. The king of course reluctantly stood down and his family was allowed to leave with their lives. However sources state that Aulus Pomptinus Ancus and his family were killed two weeks after they had left the capital. No one knows for sure if this was by a group of robbers, thieves, or perhaps assassins.​

Despite the major victory of capturing the ancient city of Romae, other loyalists that decided to stay put in their small regions. Had decided to band together and form the Villanovan League. So for the next 180 years, Roma and the Villanovans would engage in many battles across the land. Eventually even other neighboring kingdoms had joined in for the spoils of war. For the next millennium, blood and fire would be spilt across the far western region of the Wild Timberlands. Roma would through trial and error, was able to eventually create a formidable army thanks to a senator by the name of Appius Treblanus Amelius. A senator who was a hero to Roma, and had repelled seven major invasions from the nearby kingdoms. These wars that the senator had faced, helped shape his ideas and create the "Amelius Reform". Which forced the state to maintain ten legions, standardize equipment, form wages depending on rank, and introduced a conscription system that was polished over the years, including the rewards that would await for those that fought in the legions. With these new reforms, the kingdom was able to turn their army from a unbalanced army to a professional/disciplined army.

Then in 57 AEC, a diplomatic envoy from the empire had made contact with Roma. Stating that an expansion to the south was soon to commence, those who wish for the continuation of their civilizations would join them. Others who would resist the influence of the empire would face the sword. At first the senate was outraged with this threat and were almost on board with fighting the empire. However others had brought up the oppurtunities that would occur if they were to join the empire. Such as getting aid in fighting their mortal enemies that have been fighting them for a millennia. This argument lasted for two weeks before finally an agreement was made. Out of the 600 senators, 571 of them agreed that joining the empire should be done. Within one year, the empire had helped wipe out the enemies of Roma. This sheer power had struck awe to the people of Roma and senators, thus began a everlasting loyalty to the empire. Sending legions to far foreign lands to carry the order of the Emperor. Until the very year that brought utter chaos to the land.

Faction Capital: Romae
Map Of location:

Spoiler: Map

​

Number of Controlled Provinces: 5

province name:
Italica
fliunia
esceau
preora
oprium

Major cities:

Spoiler: Major cities

Name: Romae

Type: Capital

Population: 354,910

Major Industries: Pottery, Olive oil, Agricultural goods, metal working, Horses, Wine, clothes, slaves, spices.

Significance: The capital city of the kingdom and known for its glorious coliseum where every sunday it is free of charge to enter the building and watch annual slaughters of gladiators killing each other or mythical beasts. (Sponsored by olive garden)

Province: Italica

History: This is known to be the very first city of Impera Roma. It is not known when exactly the city was built, but what is known is that many great warriors and senators have been brought and raised in the city. Even unlikely people have risen to prestigious titles and positions, such as Agrippa Canuleius Virginius. A gladiator that had won his freedom and gained the position of centurion and led the 3rd cohort of the 5th legionary in 187 BEC, or Placus Domitius Saunio. A low noble who pushed for representation to be given to the lower class and give them a voice, this gained him a boost of popularity amongst the lower class which he eventually won and created the plebias tribune.
Name: Trio
Type: City
Population: 39,776
Major Industries: Clothes, Jewelry, furniture, Coin making, and Sculpting
Significance: A market city that attracts many traders and business men who wish to make a fortune. It is known also to be the founding place of Julianus's companies.
Province: Preora
History: It was first constructed and built in 458 BEC and was at first just a small town of a population of 1,012. Eventually however over time, crafters had decided to set up shop do to its relatively close position to the mines north in the oprium province. Thus attracting many workers and entrepreneur's to the city.

Name: Fort Vall
Type: military Fort/base

Population: 2,809

Major Industries: steel weapons and armor

Significance: A military fort stationed to the west of the esceau province. It is where all troops go to train, and a good resting spot for legions who are returning from the frontier.

Province: Esceau

History: This fort was constructed in 179 AEC in an effort to finally establish a training/military base near the frontier. It has been built and stocked with enough food and supplies for one year. It has of course faced many enemy armies but has held off long enough for reinforcements to arrive. The closest that the fort was penetrated was when a sapper was able to bypass the 1st and second defense (Ditches, steep earthwork, and a moat) and set off an explosive on the southern gate, which allowed the enemy to pour in. Luckily the enemy forces were funneled and cut down to size and were repelled. Since then the defenses have been revised and better improved to not allow that incident happen again.

Religion: Ancient Gods
Composite Species: Elves, and Dwarves
Population: 1.87 million
Demographics:
92% Humans
7% Elves
1% Dwarves
Military:

Spoiler: Army

Legionnaires

Legionaries are the backbone of the army and are mostly consisted of humans who are either volunteers are draftee's that are called up to serve their country. Soldiers must be at the least 16 years of age or the latest being 45, be able to past a training test, and be 5'6-6'2 in height. in order to be assigned to a cohort. In most cases draftee's or volunteers may not be able to join due to excessive weight, underweight, or simply to short or to tall, which they will be given a rejected scroll stating that they can not join the army. Volunteers are welcomed to come back and try again when they meet majority of the requirements. Once a draftee/volunteer past their test they are given their standard issued equipment, if they lose any of these equipment they will have to pay with their own money as the state provided it. The first few items given are the gladius and scutum shield, these shields are sometimes varied depending on the legion you are assigned. Some are rounded like the one above, or sometimes they are square and curved. Either way the scutum is built to be long and wide enough to cover the majority of the soldiers body and protect him from any blows/projectiles received from the enemy. The gladius is also known to be a deadly weapon for its thrusting power, but it can also be equally as deadly in hacking enemies. Each soldier is also issued two pilums which are used to fight against cavalry, stop the momentum of enemy charges, or to throw at the enemy and charge afterwards. The great thing about the Pilum is that the tip of the weapon bends when impacted with something solid, so it cannot be thrown back by the enemy. Finally you have the lorica segmentata which is mostly made of steel, leather strips, and other bits of metal, and a steel helmet with also footwear. Once the soldier is equipped he is put into immediate physical training and drills of formations. These soldiers are disciplined to fight as one, a slaughtering machine that cannot be stopped. Legionaries are trained to also be able to march at least 12 miles a day and train with shields and gladius's that are twice their original weight. This intense training has helped keep the majority of soldiers in top shape and ready for combat. These soldiers also are taught many different formations that are memorized by heart, anyone that screws up will be punished severely.Now a soldier is required to serve 15 years of service before being allowed to retire, earn a very nice pay, and some farmland. Foreigners/non-citizens that are drafted are required to serve 20 years before receiving the same benefits and a citizenship.
Legionnaire Captain:

Captains are usually consisted of decently educated citizens who have shown skills in both combat and leadership. If a volunteer/draftee believes that he is qualified to lead, then he is put into the test. If he passes he is given a helm that distinguishes him as captain. He is then assigned to lead a century of 35 men and make sure that they are not causing trouble and not compromise formation when in combat. In case the commander of the cohort is killed in combat, the captain that is fighting in the 1st century is given command (There are 2 century's in a cohort). When the battle is over the captain of the 1st century will be allowed to take the title of centurion, if he does not survive then the next captain takes his place.
Centurion

Centurions are the commanders who leads their cohort into battle and have some or plenty of leadership skills/experiance. His job is to mainly keep the soldiers in his cohort in top shape, and discipline them to fine soldiers. If punishment must be made, then he executes it himself or forcing his soldiers to do the punishing. He makes sure that his men is well equipped, fed, and cared for. Majority of centurions are soldiers that are selected from either soldiers who have distinguished themselves in battle, veteran reserves, or lower nobles. These commanders are also given the priveledge to lead their cohorts in battle without needing orders from the general. As long as they understand the generals intention and goal in a plan, the commander can maneuver his troops in the battlefield and not waste valuable time.
Devinos

Devinos are enchanters who are recruited from various villages/cities who have talent in using magic. Each of these men are assigned to one cohort and are tasked in helping the troops be protected or give them inspiration and any other buffs that will aid them. They are more of a support type of men and have few offensive capabilities. They are given a gladius to defend themselves with and are distinguished by an animal that they had slayed during a test they are given before being enlisted which proves that they can indeed defend themselves (many die to the test then actual combat). These men are also given a bit more of a reward after serving 15 years like other soldiers.
Generals Bodyguards

These soldiers are one of the finest trained soldiers that the army can offer. These troops are equipped with enchanted chain mail/leather armor and gladiuses. These bodyguards are trained in using bows, spears, double gladiuses, and using some a mixed martial arts that is based in close combat (like wrestling and such). These troops are hand picked by the general himself who believes that they are worthy to be trained and become his personal bodyguard. These troops go through harsh training in order to meet the requirements, but the pay is better and the end reward is outstanding. However these troops are required to serve 25 years, and are required to protect the general at all cost. If the general is slain in battle, it is the body guards job to recover his body or die trying. Any bodyguard found not attempting to recover the general's body resulted in a brutal beating to the death by his own comrades.
Bivari Archers

Bivari Archers consist of mostly elves and few Humans. These men are considered the most skilled archers in Roma and are equipped with steel plated armor, Long bows, and Daggers. These troops if needed are able to also be used as front line units that can wreak havoc on the enemy, or ride by horseback to harass the enemy.
Legions Cavalry

These cavalry men are consisted of mostly nobles and mercenaries who are trained to hit the enemy hard and split them in half. Majority of battles they are used to protect the flanks and fight other enemy cavalry. They mostly wear a variety of armor such as steel plated, chainmail, or both. There weapons consist of a lance and a knightly sword.

Sicario Impera

The Sicario Impera is a espionage organization that focuses on gathering information of the enemies recent actions, movements, and background. They also carryout assassinations on targets that are deemed a threat. Their arsenal consists of hidden blades, gladius, poison, crossbow, throwing knives, and the garrote wire. Most of the assassins are elves while spies consist of humans.

Praetorian Guard

The praetorian guard are both elite soldiers who protect the senate, while also policing Romae and keeping the peace. Majority of these praetorians are veterans or lucky recruits who happen to show some skill with the sword. Majority of the time they are found standing guard near the Senate dome or patrolling the streets at night in packs of 8. These praetorians are taken under the command of the Praetorian Prefect who is selected by the senate. This is determined by selecting five Centurions who are close to retirement, and then voting which one of the five should be the Praetorian Prefect. That Prefect if willing to take the job will be required to serve for life, however he is given the title of noble and given a villa with some plots of land.

Hastati

Hastati are the militia/garrison troops who have some training but lack the better armor and weapons then the standard armies. However these troops do consist some veterans who help to lead small makeshift cohorts and quell any criminals, barbarians, invaders, and etc. Nearly every village and town have some men who are equipped and trained by the military thanks to mandatory training by all legal aged men at some point in their life.

Spoiler: Navy

Impera assault ship

This ship is the standard transport/assault ship in Roma's navy. Being able to carry a maximum of 200 men per ship and with a maximum speed of 13 knots if both rowing and decent enough wind. This ship is idea for landing on enemy beach heads, emplacing a oneger/ballistae near the front of the ship, or simply boarding enemy ships with a good enough ramming speed.

Impera Warship

The standard warship in Roma is known to be the largest ships that they have yet to built. Being 100 meters long and 20 meters wide, this ship is manned by 400 men along with 3 towers, 6 catapaults, and 3 scorpions. 4 of the catapaults are stationed in between the two towers in the back. While the other two are stationed in near the tower closest to the front. The scorpions along with a squad of archers are stationed on each tower in order to fire upon enemy troops from a good height. This ship despite only being able to go 10 knots at max speed has delivered terrifying damage upon ramming enemy ships and even close to splitting enemy ships in half. Some ships have different shaped rams at the front of the ship, while others have small ones as they prefer to fire upon enemy ships with their catapults.

Special unit:

Spoiler: Unique Units

Aurelian's Trident Legion

During the collapse of the Empire, Aurelius had secretly formed his Trident Legion which consisted of three cohorts worth of soldiers who hand selected from the ten different legions. These men were loyal to Aurelius and only Aurelius as he had proven himself a true patriotic soldier during the Great Collapse. These soldiers were introduced to a series of brutal and horrific trials. Whenever a soldier was close to being killed, Aurelius would take grab them by the sideline and immediately treat them and bolster them enough to get them back on their feet and make them continue the course. These soldiers have survived going through swamps, mountains with low density air, torture, starvations, and many more. Even going as far as brainwashing them in order to keep them in line and continue these brutal trials. By the end of 2 years these men had become nothing but mindless soldiers who could think nothing but serving Aurelius. If he wanted them to murder an entire city, they would not stop till every man, women, and child were slaughtered. If he wanted them to cut off a their own thumb, they would chop it off within a second. These soldiers are trained to not think, not feel, but fight. They have also been brainwashed to have a switch of persona so that the senate did not find out of Aurelius's secret legion. The switch, is a code in which if a word is said or written to a soldier who is part of the trident legion, and he hears or reads the code. They will instantly turn into their Trident soldier persona, when their mission is complete and the Emperor dismisses them they snap out of it and forget what they have done not to long ago. Despite them sounding indestructible, these soldiers can of course died from excessive loss of blood, being smashed to a bloody pulp, chopping their head off, etc etc.

Talos

Talos is a 30 meter tall giant who was first discovered 200 years ago by Senator Amelius Quntillius Varus. Varus was on a quest to quell a rat infestation that was reported in the mountain side of the country. When they arrived the citizens had reported that the ratlings had made refuge in a large cavern in the mountains. So Varus had took a century with him and went on to search the ratling nest. As they traveled further and further into the mountain, they had found signs that the ratlings had deserted the mountain. This was confusing to the soldiers and Varus, until they had stumbled upon Talos. Talos had at first violently started swinging at the Varus and his men and retreated into tunnel system. Luckily no one was hurt, but the troops were frightened beyond relief and demanded to return to the surface. Varus however was however insistent that they attempted to make contact with this giant. Giants were very rare to Roma and having these as an asset would be very useful. So Varus decided to allow his soldiers to return to the surface while he went to visit the giant. The Giant at first was very reluctant to slam his hand on Varus, but Varus had quickly shown that he was no threat. He had simple attempted to make conversation with the giant, the giant answered with very few words and grew somewhat impatient on the Senator. So the Senator decided to promised the giant to bring back food if he promised to not squish him here and now. The giant thought and decided to allow him to leave, while also warning him that if he lied that he would leave the mountain and wreak havoc to the nearby villages and towns. So Varus immedietly returned to the surface and assembled a group of soldiers to gather as many goats, lambs, and cows as they could and get them to the giants Lair. The soldiers thought that the senator had gone mad, but they followed orders with a confused and concerned face. Eventually the giant received his promised request. Then he was later given a large rope and toga to wear which took a month to make. The Giant eventually addressed his name as Talos and was indebted to Varus for he had been starving and freezing in the mountains for many months due to the winter and lack of animals. Talos had also stated that the ratlings were the only things that kept him alive but made him sick and again went hungry when they scurried. So Varus decided to offer Talos a deal where he would be given all sorts of benefits like food, shelter, clothes, and even armors/weapons. If he joined the Roma military and serve as a soldier. Talos agreed at some point and would be known as the "Golden Giant", Smashing rebellions, Destroying Castle gates, and even chucking bolders at the enemy. Tho he has had his share of victories, he's had his defeats as well. There was one time where a group of knights had managed to lure him into a trap where he had been hit with the 3 giant boulders to the face and leaving him unconscious. If it weren't for the 9th legion saving him, his head would've been cut off and showed off as a trophy. Talos cannot forget that loss, and goes into a fit of rage when someone mentions that defeat.

Strengths [3+]:
Professional Army: For years Roma has perfected and reformed its military into a highly professional military force. Mandatory service is required by all, training is a frequent activity, and the organization of the army was considered revolutionary during its time. Whether other kingdoms have followed suite of this, they can never match the might of our army.
Logistics: An army is runned by its stomach. Thanks to recent reforms by Aurelian, new logistical systems and practices have helped ease the supply problems that many legions have faced in past campaigns. This allows our armies to travel farther or last longer on what we have.
Enchanted Golden Eagles: Since as far as the creation of Roma, the warriors of the ten legions were each given golden eagle staff. These staffs are believed to be gifts from their gods that grant immunity to fear, a slight boost of strength and stamina, and a shining light to blind the enemy. However past events of legions losing a major battle have lost their golden eagle staff, losing this staff was a major humiliation to Roma. If a Staff was taken then the legion that lost it will be noted as a "Disgrace and embarrassment" of an army, they are tasked to retrieve the staff at any cost or face eternal humiliation forever. The last golden staff that was lost and retrieved was the 7th Legion , which took them nearly 38 years before they had found and retrieved their lost staff which allowed them to regain their reputation and respect.
Conscription: "Chop off a head and two more grow." Since the Amelius Reform, every roman citizen as soon as they turned the age of 18 are required to head to the nearest recruitment station and ask for a conscription scroll. This conscription scroll allows the person to be given a small wage and a initial one month of training as a soldier. This allows nearly every peasant in the land to defend themselves against bandits, and be ready to be called up to arms immediately when things come to worse. All members will have a expiration date to their scroll, which indicates when they are no longer able to be conscripted which is usually at the age of 45.

Weaknesses [3+]:
Rough Terrain: Tho the army is excellent fighting in open field battlefields, terrains such as mountains, forests, and steep hills are area's that hinder the full might of the legions.
split party: Many of the problems within Roma is the fact that there are competitive parties that stall progress and important decisions that could help the country. This has caused some delay in response to military invaders due to deciding who would lead the legion to fight them, or a tax debate, even sending a diplomat to a certain country but three parties have a hatred towards that specific country.
Aggressive neighbors: With the old Empire long gone, old rivals have regained their power and have assembled joint-alliances to crush Roma once and for all.
Expensive Army: Having a strong military force is great, but the cost is nothing but an annoyance. Despite its large god mines in the northern provinces, the expense of keeping up with maintaining supplies, weapons, armor, and other essential equipment brings a strain to the economy. In order to keep the armies expense afloat, usual raids and looting on the neighboring rivals is required.
Other:
Bonus stuff like trivia, national songs, etc.
Empire Relations:
Aggressive to neighbors currently, but others neutral​

 

[Petroshka]

The Voshali Dynasty
Flag:


Motto:
"When you are gone, we will remain"

Primary Colours:
Purple and Gold

Type of Government:
Theocratic Monarchy

Leaders/important characters:

Spoiler: Grand Arasi Acvella Voshali

Age
77
Race
Naga
Background
Being born in the ruler caste and third daughter of the former Grand Arasi, Acvella's ambitions proved too much for her older siblings as she "convinced" them to step down from the throne leading to her becoming the next Grand Arasi after her father died. Through her reign she saw the building of large port cities and far more interactions with the surface dwellers than what was previously had, she introduced new weapons, tactics, and more importantly the meddling of empires affairs for her own benefit. The Progressive style of her rule was not met without conflict nor resistance however as many of her siblings and regional governors voiced their discontent only to be ignored.

Reputation
Acvella is known as one of the strongest water mages in existance, that with her understanding and study of magical objects and runes makes her a valuable subject to any mage around. She is also known for being an agreeable person with fair deals when it comes to trading, and diplomatic talks. To her people she is seen as a messenger of god and her words are guidance, people revere her and her siblings as just that. To her siblings she is seen as a tyrant, subverting opinions and maipulating those she does not think are on her side with all things.

Personality:
Acvella was born into nobility and acts just like it, she is wary of her actions, as well as pampered as she isn't used to things going wrong for her. although training and experience has let her cooped with these feelings of frustration and annoyance sometimes they overcome her making her rash with her actions. She views everyone as under her, especially peasants of the lower races, slaves arent even people anymore they become objects for use, disposing of them is easy for her and those around her know this. When not frustrated or bothered she takes from her grand mother, constantly thinking of various schemes and how to strengthen her people and her position on the throne.

Strengths:
Strong Water and Lightening magic
Manipulative


Weaknesses:
Prone to rashness
does not care about what others think


Quirks:
none
Other:
none

Spoiler: High Governor Irta

Name: Irta Aburkt

Age: 35

Race: Naga

Background:
Although younger than her other counterparts being born in the ruling caste gives many benefits including authority at a very young age and intellect that surpasses many other adult naga castes. At first Irta was simply sent after the province of Yare was taken over by what was now essentially the Voshali's Dynasty's territory that they bought. When the provinces controlled within the Ovalina grew her influence within the trade market increased making her come into the watchful eye of the Grand Arasi

Reputation:
Many Naga perceive Irta as a naive governor but the opposite is true, she has had lots of experience other races, particularly with humans of Ovalina making her valuable to most of the dynasties hierarchy
Personality:
Irta considers all under her rule her responsibly, this makes her rather compassionate especially for a naga towards other races. Although she is still limited by the basic Dynastic laws that each government adheres to, such as only Naga may own businesses and such. Workers safety and treatment are protected under Ovalina Dyntasty laws but slaves are not other than that they may not be killed for no reason. However the reason does not have to be a good one.

Strengths:
Compassionate towards those under her ruling
Has relations and is experienced with other kingdom rulers
Weaknesses:
Mildly disliked by other naga
doesnt know anything about warfare
Quirks:
has a soft spot for children of all races
Other:

History:
The Voshali Dynasty has existed for many millennia witnessing the rise and falls of many civilizations and empires with it only surviving through its focused caste system and adapting to political changes from outside the dynasty. Manipulating nobles and being the instruments of insurrection from within other empires who were distinctly against the Dynasty the Naga have all but secured their reputation and influence with most empires. They have mastered the art of water magics and the taming of large and powerful beasts under their control. With these skills and talents they have conquered most of the worlds waters and subjugated much of the water-folk with those defying their orders being sold in the thriving slave market, although their control over the surface dwellers remained non existent as soon, internal strife plagued the dynasty.

As all good things come to an end, the Voshali Dynasty soon split between four factions as the 80th Grand Arasi and his wife was assassinated by non other than his sons and daughters, Acsuda, Igeyat, Tashi, and Erarci. Tashi, the oldest brother and undoubtedly the strongest he was the face and leader of the assassination plot and subsequent takeover of the imperial city. Acsuda, eldest daughter and the plotter of the betrayal, she poisoned her siblings with words of insurrection long before any of them and even dreamed of ruling over the Dynasty, She is the grandmother of Acvella. Igeyat. younger brother and second born, he was the least radical of the four, constantly wishing and devising different ways to usurp their parents rule, he never lasted long. And finally, Erarci fifth born and distrusting of all those around her, she was the first to betray the Four Lineage Kingdoms, whether it was for her personal gain or she uncovered a plot to get rid of her was irreverent now.

Over the period of a century the Four Lineage Kingdoms waged a war that caused the Voshali dynasty to become but a shadow of its former self, the once subjugated merfolk escaped the grasp of the nagas as well as other subjugated races that the naga once had. The two younger siblings fell quickly in the grand scheme of things, Erarci fell first for starting the first war with Acsuda a mere 15 years after the usurping of their parents. Acsuda took most of her territory with Igeyat taking a portion, but right after that Tashi jumped at the opportunity to take out those who threatened his right to the throne. Acsuda and Igeyat both fended him off at a great price, there was an uneasy peace between the remaining three kingdoms however Igeyat died under mysterious circumstances prompting a second great war, this time between the two elder siblings. This war lasted longer than the last one and completely crippled both Dynasties forcing them into a standstill where borders seemingly didnt move, the two dynasties cooped in different ways however.

The True Voshali Dynasty in which Acsuda founded looked outward toward the other kingdoms where has the Original Voshali Dynasty looked inward to rebuild and grow within. This caused a quiet the tidal shift as the Voshali grew into what would now be the largest trade empire amassing vast amounts of wealth through trade and subterfuge on foreign kingdoms. Where as the Original Voshali Dynasty grew increasingly Militant and Xenophobic, often having parties go out to kidnap and scout to obtain information leaving little to be known about them. Although The once great imperial city is in the hands of the Original dynasty that did little to hinder the more well known and current larger of the two.

The Olvani Imperium throughout all of this stayed ignorant to the struggles of the Nagas, as their history mostly revolved around the land they reside in knowing the Voshali Dynasty as only the Mercantile people they appear to be. Trading exotic goods to the great nobles of the land and winning the favor of a few of them, increasing their reputation little by little. Although the merfolk and other water dwellers have stayed wary of this new dynasty they find themselves confronting the economic prosperity and goods they bring are all but too tempting. The Dynasty under Acvella found themselves settling upon the shores of beaches establishing port cities and learning the ways of combat on the land. When the mountain of Serenity's Summit erupted the dynasty saw this as an opportunity to subvert the land to become their puppet state and focused their efforts on Ovalina under the guise of helping them reunite and bring back the imperium.

The Original Dynasty resides in the depths waiting for their time to come.

Faction Capital:
Yare, Rimemere, Grimaso

Map Of location: see maps sheet (use paint)


Number of Controlled Provinces: Three
(Yare, Finaris, Gratal.)

Major cities: (do the rest of the CS first)

Spoiler: Rimemere

Name: Rimemere

Type:
Province Capital

Population: 600,000

Major Industries:
importation and exportation of exotic goods to other kingdoms, Rimemere serves as a long distance trade port with ports lining its entire coast. the city is rapidly expanding and has already claimed most of the province of Yare. Many goods from the other port cities in other continents find their way here where the other kingdoms import their special needs. All of the food is imported from either other kingdoms or from the smaller cities around it.

Significance:
Rimemere serves as the capital of all naga activities within Ovalina making it one of the most fortified cities of naga control in the continent. with only two landbridges connecting it to the rest of the continent these fortifications are rather easily maintained and the only real threat would be a large navy from sea. It is also the main trading hub that all Naga convoy ships eventually set sail from.

Province:
Yare

History:
Originally part of another kingdom whose owner had long since died the Voshali Dynasty had set a guild at this location for its position and access toward the other regions and provinces, it being surrounded by water and dug inland made it a natural trading hub for any sea faring kingdom. The old baron who had allowed their guild to foster within his territory found his economy rise, however after a few years he died under mysterious circumstances that no one could figure out and soon the nagas rose to prominence within the region eventually owning the territory.

Spoiler: Hapsivania

Name: Hapsivania

Type:
Province Capital

Population: 520,000

Major Industries:
land trade with the Kayoran Expanses, this city imports their goods and exports goods from all around the continent to this region making them a major player in the economy, although some of the other coastal cities may trade with Rimemere, the land locked nations would take great care and effort to trade to this city making banditry rather common in the region.

Significance:
Hapsivania is the local trade hub of The Kayoran Expanses as well as other nations east of Ovalina that do not have access to ships and boats.

Province:
Finaris

History:
the next city to follow the fate of Rimemere, Hapsivania was originally a shipyard city which quickly grew after the Naga guild was set up in their town. The lagoon that Finaris surrounds provides the city with much needed food making it much more stable than Rimemere and food costing less as not all of it is imported.

Spoiler: Phranchet

Name:
Phranchet

Type:
Province Capital

Population: 465,000

Major Industries:
Land trade with Regalia, this city functions very much the same as Hapsivania with the only difference being the lack of banditry as Regalia is a much more stable region with the vestiges of the empire still clinging on to whats left.

Significance:
Hapsivania is the local trade hub of Regalia as well as other nations west of Ovalina that do not have access to ships and boats.

Province:
Gratal

History:
Third city and province to fall under Naga rule, this city was just like its sisters, already there in the form of a small and poor fishing village, when the naga took an interest in its location and situation they were welcomed with open arms as it was known that with naga influence a pronvince or city grew exponentially, although not as prosperious as its sister cities it still plays a major part in trade with Regalia.

Religion:
Ascent of the Voshali


Composite Species:
Naga - and all the different castes
They are an aquatic serpentine peoples who can breathe underwater. Although they can breathe air they cant stay too far away from coasts as the air dries the further inland you go, needing to stay wet or at least not too dry for very long.

Human
Looking for work and to spend earned money back to their families these humans come from abroad of neighboring provinces or on boat. they make themselves home in the inner territories of the naga controlled provinces

Orc
The orc tribes of the surrounding area were used to abuse and prosecution but found it rather lax when it came to the major cities where there were a myriad of other races, along with the humans they flock to the naga territories to find work as menial laborers


Population: 2 million

Demographics:
40% Naga
20% Human
20% Orcish
20% Other


Military:

Mercenaries

Spoiler: Human/orcish Mercenaries

Mercenaries employed from the mainlands these rabble are usually guarding Naga convoy ships and their cargo. They carry a variety of arms and armor ranging from simple padded armors to full on steel plate and from daggers to halberds. There isn't really a standard to these sellswords other than they are there for easy money and are fairly seaworthy people.

Spoiler: Townguard

The Townguards usually patrol the inland villages and cities, they wear light armor and maintain the order and law. they dont do much other than watch for crime and defend their assigned villages.

Orcish Hunters(yeeaah couldn't find an adequate picture)
Serving as caravan scouts and village hunters these men and woman are quite valuable for smaller communities and small caravans or travelers as they use their skills in the wild to keep away from danger or hunt for food. They are great at the bow, with their draw high draw weight and accuracy these hunters rarely miss and leave a little more than a dent

Spoiler: Fire-lances

the fire-lances are a unit equipped with matchlock firearms, they are only used onboard ships or in land warfare, they are excellent against masses of unarmed masses and large creatures and they are quite imposing as they march in formation.

Naga Infantry

Spoiler: Hyksos

Armed with Glaives and Spears these soldiers have a long reach and are usually heavily armored with corrosion resistant steel plates and a tighter packed scale armor running down their body covering most of it. They are fast, especially in the sea where it is their own habitat, making use of javelins attached to ropes they can pull others out of formations or boats if successfully impaled or entangled. They make up the bulk of any Naga army usually in loose formations

Spoiler: Avari

These warriors are armed with large halberds and are able to stand toe to toe with most soldiers on land, at sea(or submerged) however they are a force to be reckoned with as they are much faster and harder to hit. Their armor consists with the same material as their Hyksos counterparts but their design helps them in close combat with the many various spikes offering the Avari ways to get the enemy weapon caught and pull it away. Unlike the Hyksos the Avari are few and far between and are often found at the flanks of any Naga army.

Spoiler: Nuvari

Serving as the heavy infantry the Nuvari wield a variety of heavy weapons ranging from great swords to war hammers due to the monsterous nature of the Nuvari caste of naga they are much stronger and able to wield them with relative ease. Their armor is the thickest and they are used as first line infantry as well as breakthrough infantry, crashing through enemy lines.

Spoiler: Rorari

The Rorari used to be the hunters of the fledgling Voshali Dynasty, however they proved themselves to be excellent marksmen for when the Dynasty expanded. Their bows and arrows allow them be fired underwater although the range is significantly reduced than from on the surface. their bodies allow them to be in unconventional locations and let them scale and traverse rough terrain and they usually wear light armor.

Spoiler: Hurashi

Acting as scholars and mages this naga caste is proficient in all types of water magics with different Hurashi specializing in their own respective schools with few mastering multiple ones. Some Hurashi even master lightening magics although most will only study water magics as they are more useful.

Special unit:

Spoiler: Scylla

A sea serpent to its very name, it is a giant serpentine monster that the nagas have tamed and rose, it can constrict entire ships and can breath hot jets of steam at enemies from a distance.

Spoiler: Hydra

The Hydra is a large five headed reptilian


Strengths [3+]:
Trade with other empires bring wealth as well as a diverse cast of mercenaries and monsters they have at their disposal. They bring exotic goods from various teas to luxury items such as high quality silks.

Each and every Naga infantry can be doubled as naval units, they are also very skilled when it comes to fighting in the water, excelling at it even. The Naga ships are built with size, durability and capacity in mind as they would often travel with convoy ships. They don't need a fast ship as the nagas themselves often travel with these fleets and trust in themselves to be faster than any attacking boat.

As primarily water beings almost none are superior to their research in water magics, they study all schools from destructive to healing they cover a wide range of magics to varying degrees. Destructive water magic has never been too useful unless it was on the surface so that hasn't be research very thoroughly but illusion and healing have definitely been researched heavily as both are extremely useful.

Weaknesses [3+]:
The Voshali Dynasty is large and its reserved forces are else where to keep the peace and to prepare for war along any front, the continent of Ovalina is considered a stable zone so the military presence in and around the continent is extremely low. Along with this the vast majority of the militant Naga warriors are spread thin and usually guarding various important cities and villages

Untrusted neighbors, with exception of the other Dynasty most neighbors that the Voshali dynasty borders is distrustful of the Nagas, the Seafolk, and other humans who have caught on to their slow takeover of the central northern part of Ovalina are making it hard for the nagas to claim more territories.

The Naga's are limited in what they could use in warfare as they can not use any sort of land Calvary due to their size and are regulated to using various forms of infantry, they also cannot operate siege equipment instead relying on monstrous creatures to do that for them.

Other:

Empire Relations:
The Voshali Dynasty is currently trading with all kingdoms with coastal cities







​

 

[BLK]

• Overview
• Important figures
• Descriptive information
• Settlement information
• Military information

• 
  
  Name: Madjia
  Motto: A coin to fill your coffers is a coin better spent than a coin to fill your cup
  Primary Colours: Orange and Black
  Type of Government: Merchant Republic
  Faction Capital: Haakensburg
  
  
• 
  
  Spoiler: Jan Van Spaats

  Name: (High Minister) Jan Van Spaats
  Age: 47
  Race: Human
  Background: Born to rich parents, Spaats spent his early years learning banking under the tutelage of his uncle, a leader of Sveajbank, the fourth largest bank in the nation. During his young, formative years, Jan formed a unique ambition, that many young men do not look towards when they have his opportunity. Traditionally, the richest children of bankers would become bankers, the nobles and children of bureacrats would become ministers and others holding governmental positions, mercenaries and soldiers would become soldiers, and the poor would strive to bring their children out of poverty to join the soldiers and tradesmen of the middle class. Spaats however, sought to control the Madjian government at the highest office. As such, he sent off on his quest, and after six short years as a minister, he was elected the High Minister by his peers. Before being appointed to the senate however, he had to gain favor with the Administrative Council, a group of 12 ministers who suggested who should be appointed to fill a position. Fortunately, as the young socialite he was at the time, Spaats quickly gained favor after a short two years of attending their parties and wooing their daughters.
  Reputation: Known as a rather opportunistic man, Spaats is feared widely among the lower classes for his establishment of the Madjiasbereau; a brutal police force intended to keep order in the cities. Although it is officially meant to be as described, it is rife with corruption, and the units are nearly perpetually stationed in the ghettos so that the government may keep public resistance at a minimum.
  Personality: Quite the charmer, Spaats will tell you one thing to your face, and say the other to the man next to you. Not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, Spaats sees Madjia's ascent to the top of the economy as his duty to achieve, regardless of the cost.
  Strengths: A cunning man, Spaats is rather intelligent in comparison to even the most competent banker or mage. Outside of his intelligence, Spaats has lost his youthful good looks he had in his younger days, sadly, leaving his brains to be all he can offer. With that, he has always found himself to be a superficial charmer, flattering when he wants something from a college or peer.
  Weaknesses: A definitively savage and unforgiving man, Spaats refuses to think about others outside of how he can manipulate them. Lacking in all empathy and compassion, Spaat's drive is a double edged sword, in that he has become a reclusive and volatile man.
  Quirks: Bald as all hell.
  Other: N/A
  Spoiler: Lois DeChalle

  Name: (General) Lois DeChalle
  Age: 56
  Race: Human
  Background: Born with a noble as a mother and a banker as a father, Louis was destined for greatness. His father sent him to the most prestigious school for boys in the nation, The Haakensburg Royal Academy. During his time there, he was forcibly made into a man with a great capacity for taking orders, and limiting his own creative thinking. When his father realized Lois had no future in the world of banking, where independent thought was a must-have, he was sent away once again, to a military academy. After graduating as a distinguished student, Louis entered the Madjian army, and quickly rose through the ranks. Eventually, he rested as a Lieutenant General for a great deal of years, until the untimely death of a standing general forced his promotion, as the next-most senior officer. Having never seen a day of real combat in his life, DeChalle seems to be in position to be the first general in Madjian history to ever be forced to retire.
  Reputation: Known across the land as "The Pig With a Stick", DeChalle has a somewhat disappointing reputation for a general, in the sense that he has no love anywhere outside of in the Senate.
  Personality: DeChalle is a timid man, with no personality outside of indecision.
  Strengths: In his indecisiveness, when he is given a job, he will see to it that it is completed- to the extent of his abilities that is.
  Weaknesses: He is, as stated, timid, and inflexible, with somewhat of a temper. His age has also brought a level of physical unfitness not commonly seen in military-men.
  Quirks: He has a penchant for styling his facial hair, as it is all that he has left outside of his eyebrows.
  Other: N/A
  Spoiler: Hans Merchenshaff

  Name: (Admiral) Hans Merchenshaff
  Age: 32
  Race: Elf
  Background: Born to a local administrator, Hans was molded into a Madjian nationalist from a young age, through various forms of irresponsible parenting. Spending his younger life aspiring to move up in society, the boy did his best in his schooling, which was afforded to only the fortunate upper class. However, his ambition was shortly crushed by his discovery of the long-established castes in Madjian society. Merchenshaff set his eyes on something different after that. His fiery desire to join the governing body still lived, but he saw a different path. The boy knew that joining the Army would be a waste of effort, as few lasted longer than a year before getting injured fighting bandits, but the navy was a bastion of stability in Madjia. Using his father's influence to enter the force as an officer, at 18, the boy threw himself into his new task. Over 18 years, through hard work, and no shortage of luck, not a boy anymore, but a man. Hans was declared Admiral of All Republican Fleets, officially marking the completion of his youthful goals.
  Reputation: Known widely as a hard worker who minds his own business, Hans seeks only the betterment of the Madjian economy, as he sees money as the nation's path to power.
  Personality: A quiet and stoic man, Hans rarely speaks more than barking an order to his staff, or crew. Outside of his obvious love of nation, Hans has taken up a hobby of collecting wine, when he is not at sea.
  Strengths: Physically strong from years at sea, Hans also knows his place in the grand scheme of the nation.
  Weaknesses: Lacks much ambition outside of naval expansion, leading to complacency with his- and his nation's- situation.
  Quirks: First elf to reach beyond the rank of Captain in the navy.
  Other: N/A
• Map of land claim:
  
  Number of Controlled Provinces: 4
  
  Religion: Secular state
  
  Composite Species: Humans, Elves, Half-Elves, Goblins, Kobolds, Various unique species (Dwarves, Gnomes, Trolls, etc.)
  
  Population: 594,000
  
  Demographics:
  
  • 53% Human
  • 24% Elf
  • 8% Goblin
  • 3% Kobold
  • 12% Assorted Unique minorities (Less than 1% each)
  
  History:
  Long before the time of the empire, the region of Madjia was essentially uninhabited, save for a few goblins and kobolds who lived deep in the earth, which would prove a problem for the immigrants who would be flocking to the cape in troves. However, in the times of relative peace, the creatures constructed great quarries and mines below the surface, the likes of which couldn't be found anywhere else in all of the southernmost timberlands. As many things do; however, their centuries of peace were abruptly halted by a loose collection of people fleeing the empire's aggressive military expansion. Primarily humans and elves, the immigrants lacked supplies and organization, but they made up for any disadvantage in pure numbers.
  
  Initially, the first few waves of immigrants were met with open arms by the two underground races, as they provided nearly free labor that kept coming, but the elves, ever crafty, were not content to be pretty laborers. Instead, they established permanent surface dwellings, with a small collection of humans, and began to farm what land they could. The land they found themselves in was rough and heavily forested, however, the areas to their west, east, and north were rich and rife with nutrients. Setting out westwards, the elves gathered most humans and established the city that would become Eidelban. Over the next century, more immigrants, almost entirely humans, would move to the region, as the Empire drew closer. More towns and even cities sprung up, and the region began to develop a sense of identity.
  
  However, just as the subterranean kingdoms lost their labor, the region would soon lose it's freedom. The Empire, as the cave-dwellers knew they would, came knocking, and with no army to speak of, the region knelt down and accepted formal subjugation. Of course, it was merely lip-service. As many soldiers as the empire sent to bring law and order to the region, it had already begun to resist it's rulings. Of course, some people joined the empire's army or governing body, which often resulted in their farms being razed, and houses sacked.
  
  Long before the empire arrived, the humans and elves, seeking to protect their people from the dangers of the mines, but still turn a profit for toiling below ground, would send delegations that would work the mines when they wanted, and collected as much pay as they could. Given, humans and elves were much bigger in every way than the kobolds and goblins, this system worked. Often recognized as the seeds of Madjia's mercenary traditions, this system took a much more sinister turn under the Empire. A short five years after occupation, a group who were previously recognized as bandits offered their protection to the city of Eidelban, for a steep fee. The richest man in town, often recognized as the govenor of sorts, agreed to pay the fee, primarily with his own money, taxing the citizens a small amount to cover the rest of the costs. This system spread across most of the former bandit groups that roamed the outskirts of the region, who formed new rigid sets of rules that essentially made them into honorable organizations, and not scum that preyed on the weak. Of course, outside of the cities and contracts, the Madjian region was still lawless, with the exception of two Empire controlled forts.
  
  The region continued this way for a while, and the cities and towns began to form a loose confederation that ruled itself, and payed most of their taxes to the Empire. This combination of unrest and complying for the most part, gave the region de facto self-governance. They slowly developed a system through which the most powerful representatives of the cities would all meet in one city, and discuss their plans for the next few months, before reconvening a sort time later. Of course, as all systems based on personal power, the group began to collaborate with the Empire for their own personal gain. As far as their rulers were concerned, this was a great idea. It quelled unrest, which meant they had to pay less soldiers to keep the region under control. The two forts were even ceded to the council's control after several decades of service.
  
  However, as any good Madjian does, one man found a way to mess it all up for the empire. A staunch proponent for the region's self determination, William Haaken (The second), was the richest man in Madjia for most of his life. Born to two wealthy parents, he established the first Madjian Bank, Madjiaskollect, and worked primarily to subvert the government's power from the city that would become Haakensburg. The man joined the council the day his father died, and was shortly declared it's leader. He declared himself the official governor of Madjia, and established the Madjian Senate, and assembly of 72 power figures from across the region. Madjia was officially in control of it's own fate. Of course, outside of establishing their republican traditions, Haaken took all money that the Empire gave to him, and put it exclusively into Madjian infrastructure. This was widely regarded as the most popular decision a Madjian official has ever made.
  
  As the empire's power began to wane, Madjia found itself essentially a free state. It began exporting it's guilds and long-since official mercenaries across the region, with some troupes marching openly under their own banners within 100 kilometers of the Empire's capital. This trade would shortly be nationalized by the Madjian senate, as it was seen as the primary industry of the region. With this came a need for a strong trade-fleet, so the acting governor, Harald Von Kranshlau, a Half-Elf, established Madjiaskuip, a government sponsored shipbuilding yard. The senate immediately diverted funding towards the fleet, and began cutting most expendatures in other military areas, most notably compromising with the guilds and mercenary troupes, lowering their fees, but raising their autonomy. By the time Kranshalu resigned after being exposed for taking on seven mistresses in a four year period, the navy consisted of over 30 merchant vessels, 12 schooners, 3 Frigates, and a Ship-Of-The-Line. The official collapse of the empire was essentially disregarded in Madjia, outside of the government seizing some light arms, and officially integrating the forts into their budget.
  
  Now the fledgling republic finds itself where it is today, a slave to the banks and those with money. Will the nation be able to rise above the rest? High Minister Jan Van Spaats, will you be able to lead your people to glory? Can you claim the throne of gold that awaits you? Will you create a nation that will stand the test of time?
  
• 
  
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Haakensburg
  
  Type: Capital
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries:
  
  Significance: Historical center of population, although not the largest.
  
  Province: Haaken
  
  History: First above-ground settlement in the region.
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Eidelban
  
  Type: Magical center of the nation
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries: Magic and education
  
  Significance: M A G I C
  
  Province: Listed above
  
  History: People didn't like kobolds and goblins. Wow
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Christenvald
  
  Type: Largest mining city in Madjia
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries: Ore mining
  
  Significance: Former kobold mine system
  
  Province: Listed above
  
  History: Basically just people settled on the kobolds and they made them deal with it.
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Lamond
  
  Type: Province capital
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries: Shipbuilding
  
  Significance: Not much outside of being big and with lots of shipbuilding
  
  Province: oml
  
  History: Was small. Made ships. Got big.
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Kadjasburg
  
  Type: Province capital, economic center
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries: Banking and trading
  
  Significance: Just banks
  
  Province: Listed above
  
  History: Bankers moved over there to escape main government control.
  Spoiler: City

  Name:
  
  Type:
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries:
  
  Significance:
  
  Province:
  
  History:
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Fort Wirth
  
  Type: Fort
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries: Housing soldier?
  
  Significance: Former empire stronghold
  
  Province: listed above
  
  History: Former empire stronghold?
  Spoiler: City

  Name: Fort Jurne
  
  Type: Fort
  (Port, Province Capital, Fort, Mining etc etc)
  
  Population: (do the rest of the CS first)
  
  Major Industries: Housing soldiers??
  
  Significance: Same as other fort...
  
  Province: Listed above
  
  History: Listed above
• 
  Military:
  
  Spoiler: Terrestrial

  Army:
  Madjian Republican Army (Conscripts and volunteeers. Poorly trained.)
  

  • 700 Pike-Men
  • 100 Honor-Guards
  • 50 Integrated First Order Magi

  Haakensburg Mercenary Company (Professional soldiers. Highly trained.)
  

  • 1,000 Pikemen
  • 300 Swordsmen (Honor-guards)
  • 500 Crossbowmen

  Eidelban Mage's Guild
  

  • 50 Integrated Second Order Magi
  • 5 Integrated Third Order Magi
  
  
  Spoiler: Aquatic

  Boats:
  

  • 32 Merchant Ships
  • 12 Schooners
  • 3 Frigates
  • 1 Man-Of-War

  3,500 Conscripted sailors
  
  
  Spoiler: Special units

  Third Order Magi:
  Recognized as a master of magic, a third order mage is likely to be either found leading a mercenary group, or in the administrative body of the Eidelban Mage's College. Only about 45 are in active service, and most are working independent of a company or guild. Extremely expensive to employ, most have severe personality issues, due to extended exposure to often mind-altering magic.
  
  Strengths [3+]:
  Strong Economy
  The Madjian state is built upon generating revenue, and keeping the national coffers filled to the brim. To do so, the nation taxes all exports and imports, albeit only slightly. Given the size of the nation's economy, and the booming mercenary industry, the Madjian government rarely runs below the red.
  
  State-Sponsored Magic
  The Madjian senate offers large tax breaks to all magi who work with the state, in almost any manner. Even just a first-order mage in a small company that has a contract with the government will pay less at the end of the year. The various magical colleges also receive some funding from the senate, at the start of the year, in exchange for preferential treatment by their associated guilds.
  
  Shipbuilding Effort
  The Madjian senate is currently undergoing a massive shipbuilding effort, from the city of Lamond. Aiming to expand the number of proper warships they have, the government has begun employing Kobold and Goblin miners in Haaken to extract the ores needed to build the nation, and offer large payments to logging companies as well. The largest expense by far, the government has commissioned 13 Galleys, which will be rowed by Kobold conscripts, 7 Schooners, 6 Frigates, and 2 Man-Of-Wars.
  
  Grand Ambitions
  Driven by their High Minister, the Madjian sees itself as the true heir to the world's stage. Although smaller and weaker than many of it's neighbors and rivals, those with faith in the Republic, despite it's various issues, the State is dedicated to it's ascension as a true world power. The ashes of the Empire are ripe for the taking, and the general consensus of Madjians is that they should be seized immediately.
  
  Weaknesses [3+]:
  Personal "Liberties"
  The Madjian government as assured some levels of personal freedom to their fiercely independent people, promising never to be rulers like the Empire, to all citizens. By all citizens, the senate means Humans primarily, and some to elves. The government has promised never to conscript a human or elf, but willingly ignores their prior obligations with kobolds and goblins. This has essentially forced the sub-surface dwellers into a perpetual status as second-class citizens.
  
  Subterranean Resistance
  The Goblins and Kobolds have been forced into servitude to the humans and elves, over the past few centuries, but they have not been complacent in that state. Often groups of the forced-laborers will destroy a mine shaft or quarry in protest, forcing new conscripts to be brought in. Few willingly work for the state, and those that do are regarded as traitors. The Kobolds in particular actively subvert government activity in the mines.
  
  Rampant Corruption
  The Madjian Senate is a body of appointed officials, not elected. The standing senators appoint replacements, or keep old members in. This has led to long standing corruption in the highest offices. It is commonplace for a senator to openly accept a bribe from a bank, or powerful economic entity, like the Eidelban Mage's college. Due to this, several factions have formed, primarily based on a senator's economic backer. The three strongest are know as the "Kataag SP", which is a group backed by the Madjiasboter, a group of mid-sized banks in western Madjia. The "Madjia Svelt", the largest of the three, which is backed by the largest bank, Madjiagilt. The third group, and second largest, is "Majiskint", which is essentially controlled by the most powerful, and richest, magi in Madjia.
  
  Blackpowder Importation
  For a sizable navy, cannons are a must-have, and as the Madjian Republic lacks the materials needed to create the powder, they must import it wholesale from various factions around the world. Primarily buying from their northern counterparts, the senate uses a good portion of the funds allocated for imports on the Blackpowder. More than tea, or more than other luxuries, it buys the powder for it's budding navy.
  
  Inefficient Army
  The Madjian army is built on the backs of the nation's mercenary industry, and as mercenaries are far better trained than a normal soldier due to extensive combat experience, the Madjian Republican Army is nothing more than a glorified militia. Most of the time, the conscripts and volunteers work other jobs to provide for their families, and even when called to battle, they are rarely activated. Instead, the Senate favors the mercenaries who are actually combat effective, unlike their smaller counterpart.
  
  Protected Industries
  In Madjia, the government interference in the economy is rare, however, some professions are ensured certain rights and protections against governmental and corporate abuses, while others are left to fend for themselves. In many of those industries, singular companies or groups often have a stranglehold on the market, preventing competition, and colluding with what little they could have.
  
  Trivia:
  Most high ministers and senate members do not serve full terms, as the Madjian Press is prone to exposing them for crimes or social taboos they commit.
  Political Relations:
  Strictly business. Importing tea from the boat-boys, but outside of that, hostile. Selling small amounts of Mercenaries to neighbors.