One x One Legion of the Damned

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Tamaran: ​

The kingdom of Tamaran is the last remaining bastion of civilization on the planet. All other nations have long since fallen to the Horde, leaving this monarchy beset on all sides. Fortunately, its natural borders, a massive, snow covered mountain range, defend it from all attackers except for a number of narrow passes to the south. A plague recently took the lives of the bulk of the royal family, leaving the twelve year old King Johannes Aldburg on the throne. Seneschal Valin Ralees assists His Majesty, and will look out for the interests of the kingdom until the King comes of age.

The capital of Tamaran is Quris, situated as far north from the passes as possible. Dozens of towns and villages are spread about the nation, ruled by various lords. The entire nation's economy is geared towards war - mining, smithing, and agriculture dominate to keep the soldiery fed and armed. Art, music, religion, theater, science - all were abandoned long ago as unworthy, wasteful pursuits. Tamaran is brutal and repressive, but must be so for their continued security.

The Caste System:​

Long ago, when the Horde first washed over the world, King Maric Aldburg decreed the beginnings of what has become the social system of Tamaran. Only the King can change one's caste, though anyone can renounce their caste to join the Legion of the Damned with the permission of a Baladoi.

Casteless: The Casteless are exclusively members of the Legion of the Damned, or their children. Though the King is technically capable of elevating them to another caste, this practice is entirely unheard of.
Kuroi: The Kuroi are the agricultural and labor caste of Tamaran. They are responsible for feeding the nation, as well as constructing its roads, fortifications, and performing other menial labor. They are easily the largest caste, so numerous that they are buried in mass graves or ground into compost for the fields. To be a Kuroi is to be nobody at all, living in squalor, laboring in all conditions, and dying meaninglessly.
Ataloi: The Ataloi are the metalworkers and miners of Tamaran, toiling ceaselessly to gather metals for weapons of war. The Ataloi are masters of salvage and repair work, and Kuroi laborers provide them with thousands of recovered weapons and armor fragments after battles end. These are melted down and reforged, and many of the weapons currently in use have iron dating back hundreds of years. Most Ataloi die of lung diseases, either from fumes or the dirty air of the cavernous mines.
Baladoi: The Baladoi are the military and aristocratic class of Tamaran. The firstborn child is taught to take over the running of the Estate, while every other child is trained from puberty for war. Their equipment is often the best work of the Ataloi, and their training supercedes that of the rank and file Legionaries. Baladoi are the only people beneath the Monakoi who can officially absolve someone's caste and allow them to join the Legion. This keeps the bulk of the miserable Kuroi from shirking their duties by joining the Legion.
Monakoi: The Monakoi consists solely of the Royal Family. Marrying into the Royal Family does not make one's family Monakoi - Only the person marrying in is considered Monakoi.

The Legion of the Damned: ​

The Legion of the Damned consists of the Casteless, whether they are born into it, volunteer for it, or are forced into it for committing a crime. The Casteless are not permitted to enter cities or towns, and cannot speak unless spoken to, even to the lowly Kuroi. They reside in military style encampments all over the kingdom, building villages where they expect to stay permanently. Kuroi deliver caravans of equipment and food, then depart, often without a word.

Those unfit to serve in battle spend their lives in support roles, cooking, cleaning, and breeding for the Legion's continued survival. Even the Casteless subscribe to a sort of caste system - those born into it are the most respected and receive the best of the salvaged equipment, as well as the most training, as it starts early. Beneath them are the volunteers, who, regardless of their origins, surrender their last name and their past to join. Finally, criminals are the lowest of the low, and have been known to be put in the front battle lines without weaponry to soak up arrow volleys or the first clash of the battle, though some rise to prominence.

The Legion exists to die. Its armies are marched through the passes to seek out wandering Hordes and kill as many as possible before perishing in the plains and forests beyond Tamaran. The Baladoi are responsible for guarding Tamaran itself, watching over the passes from a number of Fortresses.

The Horde: ​

The Horde is the general term for the massive swarms of grey-skinned savages which relentlessly assault Tamaran. Little is known of them - no one cares to research, and they appear motivated only by bloodshed. They are vile pillagers, despoiling and violating everywhere they go, leaving only ruins in their wake.

Magic: ​

Magic is exceedingly rare in Tamaran, with perhaps only a handful of mages alive at any given time. Their rarity is compensated by their power, however. A trained mage can flatten mountains, burn armies, or tear down castles. Currently, only two mages are living, and each are posted at the borders where they are most needed.