The End of an Era: An Age of Beginnings - [OOC/OPEN]

[Ghondra]

The End of an Era: An Age of Beginnings
A Medieval Low Fantasy RP
(THEME)

Gone are the Miracles of Ages past, the Age of Wonders that was the age of Bismarck is long past, now only the greed in the
hearts of men remain. What was once one is now dozens, a continent deeply divided between those who wish to revive the
legacy of Bismarck or make a new world in their own image. What was once a land where miracles was true and dreams did not
remain that way is now a land where only will and greed will allow you to advance.

Come my lord, for the horns of war are sounding, a storm is upon us, will you weather the storm and remake the world anew?
or will you destroy what is left of the ruins? Choose wisely, and with luck, your name will be known to every child,
spoken with reverence of the highest order… or make the hearts of men tremble in fear.

An Age of Endings and Beginnings is near...

WELCOME TO BRETTONIA

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What is The End of an Era: An Age of Beginnings
TEoaE:AAB, (a bit unwieldy I know, we'll figure something out) is a Low Fantasy RP, a fusion between Character and Faction RPs. Taking inspiration from my previous RP "Of Gods and Kings", G.R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, and many other works. This RP is set on the continent of Brettonia in the world of Terra. (creative names I know )

It is set a thousand years after the fall of the Bismarck Empire, a fusion of Roman Culture and Carthage's Navy, the RP begins with the Conclave at Winhover, a town near the city of Bismarck, now the territory of a successor state of the Empire. The Conclave is formed to discuss the election of an Emperor. The first Emperor of Bismarck/Brettonia since the fall of the Empire with the sacking of Bismarck, the Conclave is a response to word of two Invasions, one larger than even the invasion of Reaver King Ragusson that led to the fall of the Empire. One was by the Northmen, once again united by a Reaver King, one stronger and more powerful than even Reaver King Ragusson. And an Invasion by the clans of Gaella and Nestoria, who are united by an alliance between King Leofwyn of Gaella and King Aethelred of Nestoria.

So that's where we will start, whether the Conclave succeed or not is your choice.

So if you're still interested, let's give you guys some background detail

Note: There are only 9 Regions but you can still apply as a Minor house or as a single character. Remember: First come, first serve.
Second Note: The person who applies for Region 9 must name his/her kingdom "The Aeld Empire" scroll down to see why. You can still name your House though and its current state is yours to write.

The Kingdoms are not the only Political Entity in Brettonia, there are the Knightly Orders. Groups of Warriors and Knights of the Trinity. Currently there are three major Knightly Orders. Players can submit their own Knightly Order/Mercenary Band Application.

The Knights of the Inquisition
The Knights of the Inquisition are the personal soldiers of the Trinity Church, under the direct command of Pope Gregoras IV, the Trinity is bound by a code not unlike that of the Monks of the Trinity, they are not allowed to marry or have children and are essentially Warrior-Monks. However the Knights of the Inquisition is a corrupt and often idle institution and the last inquisition ordered by the church was in 800 A.F., 200 years before the start of the RP.

The Guardians of Bismarck
Descendants of the Original City Watch of Bismarck, the Guardians are an order of Warriors tasked with protecting Bismarck from any and all threats and whose responsibility is the protection of the Citizens of Bismarck. They owe no loyalty to any lord, and their only masters are the Citizens. They are not religion based and the Guardians contain both Old Gods and Trinity worshipers.

The Knights of the Black
The Knights of the Black is the Order of Trinity Knights that are tasked with the protection of the Aeld Emperor, sort of a Varangian Guard. They are equipped head to toe with Black Armor inspired by the Imperial Legionnaire's Armor with some modern upgrades. They, like other Knightly Orders are bound by a code of Honor and Ethics, the Knights of the Black however, are allowed to have children and marry which is unusual in Trinity-based Knightly Orders. There are 12 Knights of the Black but the Order commands some 500 Men-At-Arms

The Bismarck Empire, before the sacking of Bismarck, was one of the largest and most powerful empires in World History, it commanded great legions of men that conquered all of the North and was in the process of subjugating the southmen, the court of the Emperors was one lush with luxuries unknown to everyone except the courtiers and the Emperor himself, and he himself, the Emperor was one of the most powerful (and last) mages to exist, an unbroken line stretching from the great migration almost a thousand years earlier. To everyone, including its leadership, the Empire was completely invincible, which served to make the fall even more shocking.

Before the fall, the Empire was held up as invincible, a beacon of civilization in a barbaric world, however most of it was illusion, yes the empire had vast legions, but it was populated mostly by mercenaries from the conquered territories, mostly concerned with their pay instead of any loyalty to the Empire.

Yes it had mages, an increasingly rare breed of humans who were able to wield the elements like it was extensions of their bodies, who made up the majority of the Empire’s nobility, but they were resented by the general population, who were envious of their powers and angered at their elitism, which itself was a danger to them as an emphasis on ‘keeping the magic in the family’ had created not only massive resentment but horrific inbreeding, most mages would never live to see their 16th birthday, and those who do were often conscripted into the Imperial Guards, to be sent off to die to fight in some far off land.

And yes it had one of the greatest systems of roads ever seen, most of which were in shambles as the effort to maintain them all was simply beyond the Empire’s resources . The Empire was, in truth, very far from invincible, and the Reavers of Evora, who had, for more than two decades, brazenly and with almost ridiculous ease raided the coastlands with impunity, knew that fact very well. And to the self-styled Reaver-King Felix Ragusson, it was an opportunity to ensure that his name would forever be recorded in the histories.

The Reaver-King departed for Bismarck with his army in tow to begin his invasion of the North.

In a master stroke of strategy, he managed to bribe the generals with promises of lands and wealth in a new Reaver-dominted Empire if they would disobey orders to defend Bismarck.

The Reaver Army rolled over Bismarck’s defenses, sacking the city in what would be called the Rape of Bismarck in contemporary circles, but simply known as the Fall of Bismarck to the people of the present day.

However with the help of the loyalist Third and Sixteenth Legions the young Emperor, a boy by the name of Maximilian, managed to escape to the southern Colonies, re-establishing an Empire that admits itself as the Bismarck Empire but was later known as the Aeld Empire (Aeld is Old or Relic in Ancient Bismarcker)

Soon after the collapse of the Empire, the Generals of the Imperial Legions (minus the Third and Sixteenth Legions) declared themselves Kings, followed by the lords of the Empire who declared themselves independent of any Emperor or Empire. A 200 year long era known as the Age of Blood killed about 1/5 of all the Brettonians, through War, Disease, or both were killed and the Continent is still recovering from that Chaotic Age.

The Trinity/The Faith
Type: Polytheistic
Deity(es): The Father, The Mother and The Son
Origins: Faith of the Bismarck, Mix of native beliefs and Evoran Polytheism
CRWC*: Roman Catholicism
The Trinity, known to most as the Faith was once the religion of the Bismarck, with the dissemination of Bismarck culture throughout Brettonia, the Trinity has been adopted by many Brettonians, and its followers outnumber every other faith combined.

The Faith is based around the concept of the Family, three deities; The Father, representing Paternal Wisdom, steadfastness and Patience. The Mother, representing Maternal Wisdom, sacrifice and courage. And the Son, representing valor, strength and passion. A follower prays to the father for guidance, the mother for wisdom and the son for strength. The Trinity has invented the concept of knighthood and chivalry as a way to attract young warriors to its banner, a Knight is blessed in the light of the Son. The Trinity is based in Bismarck, and the current leader is Pope Lucas I, with an anti-papacy in the Auld Empire’s capital under Pope Gregoras. It has an educated clergy assisted by a sisterhood of nuns.

The Old Gods
Type: Polytheistic
Deity(es): Hundreds, most pray to the God of the Sky and the Goddess of Fertility.
Origins: Native Beliefs
CRWC: Greek/Roman Paganism
The Pagan religion of Old Brettonia has long been forgotten by most, however there are still those who worship the gods of old, mostly in the areas where tribalism, and not feudalism is the order of the day. The origins of the old faith is almost impossible to trace. As the mythos has been disseminated over countless peoples and generations, most agree that it originated within Nestoria. There is no belief system like the Trinity, the religion is highly ritualized, with no holy books or texts, at least not formal ones, it is almost purely spread by word of mouth and not oriented to conversion, unlike the highly organized belief system of The Trinity.

Bismarck Gods
Type: Polytheistic[/b]
Deity(es): Dozens, Principal gods are the Great Mother, The Lady Mage, and the Lord Warrior
Origins: Faith of the Bismarck, Evoran Polytheism
CRWC: Nordic/Anglo-Saxon Beliefs
The Religion of the old Bismarckers, the Gods of Bismarck came with their followers during the Great Migration from the Bismarcker's native lands in Evora. It emphasizes how Humans interact with their environments principally through magic. An extremely old Religion with very few believers outside of Evora, it is a dying religion because the near-mythical mage-priests, who are said to be able to heal with the lightest touch, who are also the last mages known to the world outside of the Isle of Tears, are dying. Though the religion is being kept alive by the Reaver-People and the Evorans through word of mouth. Like The Old Gods of Brettonia, they have no official religious texts or dogma.

*CRWC: Closest Real World Counterpart

North Brettonia is a mix of English and North German Culture, and the Language is North Brettonian, which is mutually understandable with South Brettonian but is more modern and is represented by Modern English. South Brettonia leans more towards Celtic/Anglo-Saxon culture, its language is South Brettonian, also mutually understandable with North Brettonian. It is represented by a Scottish/Irish accented English

Rank I - Kings/Emperor
Rank II - Dukes/Duchess
Rank III - Earls/Countess
Rank IV - Barons/Baronesses

Brettonia is a male dominated patriarchal society where women (with some exceptions) are often treated as chattel, more property than people and little standing in high society (again, with some exceptions). The society is feudal in nature, where lords are the ultimate authority in the realm.

The lowest person in society is the peasant, bound to their lord’s lands, working the land as farmers and craftsmen in exchange for protection, and in the case of craftsmen a small wage. The men in the middle of society are the Guildsmen, traders, artisans and advanced craftsmen who keep their trade to themselves and are based in cities, in some areas the guildsmen and the lords are in a precarious balance of power.

And finally the highest rung of society, the nobility, they are the men (and sometimes women) who rule the realm, not all of them are landed and many of them are part of a burgeoning bureaucracy who manage the finances and business of the realm in service to their lord, presenting them with… opportunities, so to speak.

Social mobility is, surprisingly, high. A farmer can become a craftsman, who in turn can be apprenticed by an artisan or a more skilled craftsman who in turn become a member of a guild, a guildsman can purchase nobility, a peasant can rise from the bottom and into the highest echelon of society, though it's uncommon and takes many years.

Magic in Brettonia is a forgotten element, reduced to fairy tales and old wives tales. However it does exist. The last wielders of magic, the descendants of refugees from the Imperial Court resides in the Isle of Tears, a few miles from the coastal city of Victoria in the Kingdom of Victoria. They are thought to be cannibals by everyone else however, and some say they do not even exist. Magic is largely genetic and the gift as it is known to mages are extremely rare.

The power of magic is virtually limitless, able to manipulate objects and the elements, capable of being used as a tool to construct and destroy civilizations. A single magic wielder is worth 200 Knights in full battle armor, and worth a hundred thousand workers. Some magic wielders are even capable of reading minds and taking direct control of other beings. Sentient or no.

If you have any questions not answered by the above, please ask through the RP or TG me.

Before you apply you should know this isn't the usual run-of-the-mill RP. It's more a joint storytelling/worldbuilding effort. All significant events such as who wins a battle will be planned out by the players and what happens is decided on the basis of what is best for the story. You may not try to "pull a fast one" on other players to get the upper hand. We also work on a fluid timeline. There is a general "present" but players are allowed to do flashback posts. Finally, this is a heavy character RP. You would control any number of characters that you develop. Exploring your character's thoughts, feelings, fears and motivations is a requirement. If any of these isn't your thing then don't apply. In addition, This RP is half-sandbox half-railroad. Meaning that half the time your characters can scheme, kill and whore as much as they want but when the plot calls, you will answer and your characters may or may not have to be taken control by me, if only temporarily.

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Application Forms

Code: Select all

[b]NS Nation Name: [/b]
[b]House Name:[/b]
[b]House Banner: (Describe or post picture.)[/b]
[b]Description of House: (History/Customs etc.)[/b]
[b]Description of Head of House (name, age, and sex and any other info you want to describe, like a short summary):[/b]
[b]Description of Relevant House Members: (name, age, appearance, sex and any other info)[/b]
[b]Seat of Power: (Name, location.)[/b]

[b]Realm Number: (See map)[/b]
[b]Realm Name:[/b]
[b]Realm Description: (Geography, history, note that north is colder/south is warmer.)[/b]
[b]Capital City:[/b]
[b]Population: (Be realistic)[/b]
[b]Majority Religion: (Minorities of the other will exist.)[/b]
[b]Description of the people and culture:[/b]
[b]Description of Economy (Include major imports/exports):[/b]
[list][*][b]Exports:[/b]
[*][b]Imports:[/b][/list]
[b]Major Cities (max six):[/b]
[b]Major Citadels/Fortresses (max six):[/b]

[b]Military Description:[/b]

[b]Strengths/Weaknesses: (Must have several of both)[/b]
[list][*]Total Numbers

[*]Navy

[*]Army[/list]

[u][b]Everything Below is optional:[/b][/u]
[b]RP Sample:[/b]
[b]Did you read everything?:[/b]
[b]Time Zone:[/b]
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[b]NS Name:[/b]
[b]Character Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]House, if any:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Appearance:[/b]
[b]Biography/Background:[/b]
[b]Equipment:[/b]
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]Theme Song:[/b]
[b]Other:[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b]
[b]Did you read everything?:[/b]
[b]Time Zone:[/b]
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Nation Name:

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[b]Guild Name:[/b]
[b]Head of Guild:[/b]
[b]Function of Guild:[/b] (Trading, Mercenary, etc.)
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]Wealth:[/b]
[b]Military:[/b]
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[b]NS Nation Name:[/b]
[b]Name of House:[/b]
[b]Vassal of:[/b]
[b]Brief History of House:[/b]
[b]Noble Rank: (Refer to OP)[/b]
[b]Head of House:[/b]
[b]Members of House:[/b]
[b]Seat of Power:[/b]
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[b]Description of Lands:[/b]
[b]Population of Lands:[/b]
[b]Economy of Lands:[/b]
[list][b]Exports:[/b]
[b]Imports:[/b][/list]
[b]Cities: (Please take from your Region's list of Cities)[/b]
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[b]Military[/b]
[list]Army:[/list]
[list]Navy: (if Coastal)[/list]
[b]Navy[/b]
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RULES AND REGS!

The Nine Commandments!
1. I am the OP, my word is law in this RP.
2. Those who cannot or will not follow the rules and/or direction of the OP and Co-OPs are subject to ejection from the RP.
3. No godmodding.
4. No one-line posts in the IC. Have the courtesy to post at least a decent paragraph, please and thank you.
5. This is a detailed character-driven roleplay. Do not apply if you cannot or will not make an effort at quality posts.
6. Keep the discussion civil, and keep it PG-13.
7. That said, this RP may contain mature content (death, sexuality, violence), but it must be kept to the IC thread, and in good taste.
8. I maintain the right to railroad the plot if I think that a segment, say a meeting, is going too slow. This is in the interest of having a constant flow of story.
9. Have fun!

Military Guidelines
1. Consider travel time and your army's ability to maneuver. No "Surprise! My whole army is at your capital and you didn't even know it! XD"
2. Consider logistics. Putting armies in the field costs resources, you need to feed/pay/arm the troops etc. It's an undertaking which should not be done on a whim.
3. These are feudal armies. In other words, armies that are mobilized and formed when war is all but imminent. You will only have a fraction of your forces active in peacetime and your total troop count even during wartime (levies counted) is unlikely to be more than 0.5 to 1% of your population. This includes garrisons, household guards, et cetera.
4. Be reasonable.
5. Victories and defeats will be decided by coming to an agreement, in the best interests of the story.
6. I maintain the right to arbitrarily decide the outcome of battles. I'll probably never use this power though.
7. Absolutely no Gunpowder weapons, unless explicitly Authorized by the OP

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NS Nation Name: Ghondra
House Name: House Cunningham
House Banner:

Description of House: The House of Cunningham descends from a warlord simply known as the Legionnaire, nothing is known about him except his family name and his great strength and ambition. House Cunningham grew from a ducal family ruling the Victorian plains to become the King of Victoria, one of the most powerful and wealthy houses. House Cunningham has a tradition of producing great warriors and commanders, and not too shabby rulers either. It is custom for the first and second born to be married outside of the family and usually into any of the other three royal houses.
Description of Head of House:

Name: King Arthur Cunningham
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Bio: Raised by his father, the late great King Christian "Ironsides" Arthur was raised to become a great military commander and warrior, and a capable ruler. His father believed that he was destined to become not only King, but Emperor of the Brettonians, to drive the Nestoriansand Gaellics back into the mountains where they came from, and this has caused him to have an unsatisfiable drive. He had just been crowned as King after his father died during campaigns with the Southern Kingdoms to drive the Gaellics back into their country, and he's looking for vengeance, and determined to lead the armies of a United Brettonia and fulfill his 'destiny' once and for all.

Description of Relevant House Members:

Name: Queen Mother Adelaide Cunningham
Age: 39
Gender: Female
Appearance: (Image or Detailed Description) Brown hair with Blue eyes, high cheekbones and other aristocratic features. She is slightly shorter than her daughter.
Bio: Born into the Imperial Family of House Serra Adelaide is an elegant, smart, capable and beautiful woman even in her (relatively) old age, her marriage to the former King was rare as it was one born out of love, and not simply a political calculation, she has helped her son in anyway she can, and will defend him and his dreams whatever the cost may be. An incredibly loyal woman who holds loyalty to family above all else... even if that means the death of their enemies and even the deaths of innocents.
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Name: Princess Abigail Cunningham
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Appearance: (Image or Detailed Description) A few inches shorter than her brother, She has Dirty blonde hair and the Cunningham Sea Green eyes, she inherits most of her mother's features.
Bio: The twin sister of Arthur, who inherited her mother's beauty and intellect but lacks her wisdom, she is a rash and willful, something her mother disapproves of but only makes her twin brother loves her more (not in the Lannister way ), like her brother, she has a youthful temper and wishes to serve her family and her brother, but her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to herself often clashes.

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Name: Prince Alexander Cunningham
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Appearance: Brown hair with green eyes. He isn't very tall and is the same height as his sister. He has a slightly chubby face with a roundish chin.
Bio: The youngest of the Cunningham clan and Arthur's current heir. Unlike his siblings, Alexander is a soft-spoken and patient person, and does not have the ambition of either of his siblings. Alexander loves nature and hates the idea of violence but he is anything but cowardly or weak-willed, willing to defend anyone or anything he loves.
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Seat of Power: Castingham

Realm Number: 1
Realm Name: Victoria
Realm Description: A land of hills, fertile plains, rivers and bays. Victoria is strategically placed at the north of the Continent, almost all commerce from Northern Kaea and Southern comes through either Bismarck or Victoria. The realm is densely populated with most of its population sequestered in the numerous coastal or riverine cities and towns that dot the realm. Large mountains that stretch into the West exists in the North but only a few hunters and farming community inhabit it.
Capital City: Victoria City
Population: (Be realistic) 4.9 Million
Majority Religion: The Trinity
Description of the people and culture: The culture is North Brettonian, with most people speaking a northern dialect of Brettonian, that sounds 'posh' to most in the southlands. The majority of people are still farmers and craftsmen but a growing class of traders taking advantage of a boom in trading, growing in wealth and influence.
Description of Economy (Include major imports/exports):

• Exports: Food stuffs, Industrial metals, Exotic goods (imported), wood
• Imports: Exotic goods, horses, Precious minerals

Major Cities (max six):
Victoria City
Bismarck City
North Point
Sangster
Bransfield
Castingport
Major Citadels/Fortresses (max six):
Castingham
Castle Ironsides
Fort Bunker
Moat Yolanda
Jonas Rock
Military Description:

Strengths/Weaknesses: (Must have several of both)

• Total Numbers
  35,000 in Peacetime
  110,000 with Levies
  
• Navy
  15 Capital Ships
  45 Screens
  60 Transports
  
• Army (Peacetime)
  25,000 Infantry
  10,000 Cavalry
  300 Artillery pieces (catapults, ballistae)
  500 Knights

Everything Below is optional:
RP Sample: Umm let me think...
Did you read everything?: No, of course not, Its not like I wrote it or anything!
Time Zone: UTC +07
#AAB.01 (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. Do not remove.)

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NS Name: Ghondra
Character Name: King Arthur Cunningham
Age: 23
Gender: Male
House, if any: House Cunningham
Personality: Prideful, Stubborn, Ambitious, Confident, Brave
Appearance: Tussled Dark Blonde, almost Brown Hair, the Cunningham Sea Green eyes. He has a strong, slightly chiseled chin, high cheekbones and a slightly pointed nose and full lips. He can be considered handsome by any standards. He has a long diagonal scar across his forehead. Arthur is a muscular man with a wiry frame, neither bulky nor thin. Something like this...
Biography/Background: Raised by his father, the late great King Christian "Ironsides" Arthur was raised to become a great military commander and warrior, and a capable ruler. His father believed that he was destined to become not only King, but Emperor of the Brettonians, to drive the Nestorians and Gaellics back into the mountains where they came from, and this has caused him to have an unsatisfiable drive. He had just been crowned as King after his father died during campaigns with the Southern Kingdoms to drive the Gaellics back into their country, and he's looking for vengeance, and determined to lead the armies of a United Brettonia and fulfill his 'destiny' once and for all.
Equipment: Bismarck Steel (Damascus Steel) Greatsword "Lionsbane"
He wears a full set of Plate Battle Armour.
Strengths: Intelligent, Strength, Ambition and Personal Drive
Weaknesses: Stubborn to a fault, Arrogant, A bit rash
Theme Song: O FORTUNA!
Other:
RP Sample: Completely inexperienced
Did you read everything?:
Time Zone: UTC +07

This Magical RP created by yours truly run in a system of Cycles. That of sleep and awake. When in sleep you terrify your beloved OP by not checking in, and when this RP is awake you pleasantly surprise (read: provoke tears of joy) your OP. Don't ask how this works it just does K?

[Ghondra]

NEWS
Region 1 is taken by Ghondra
Region 4 taken by Mesrane
Region 9 taken by Cymrea
Region 3 taken by Argentumurbem [RESIGNED - NEEDS PLAYER]
Region 2 taken by National Dominion of Hungary
Region 5 Reserved by Of the Quendi
Region 6 Reserved by Great Korean Empire.
Region 7 reserved by Valloria.
Region 8 Reserved.

Let it be known that Applications must be high quality. If there are two people who reserves the same region and writes an application I will accept the better one.
Let it be known that you can still serve any of the regions not already taken.
If anyone who reserved are declared [MISSING] the second reserver will be considered the first one, and the original reserver's reserve be declared Invalid.

[Ghondra]

Their Royal Majesties

Ghondra - Kingdom of Victoria - House Cunningham
National Dominion of Hungary - Kingdom of Valmange - House Vaer Erengard
Argentumurbem - Kingdom of Jaelund - House Prestor - [RESIGNED - NEEDS PLAYER]
Mesrane - Kingdom of Torrian -House Kersey
Of the Quendi - Kingdom of Brythain - House Pendragon
The Great Korean Empire - Kingdom of Asturia - House Astor
Valloria - Kingdom of Valgar - House ca Vespicz
Aquesta - Kingdom of Aramis - House Drayce
Cymrea - Auld Empire - House of Serra

The Lords and Ladies of the Realm

Yuzhou - House Volmund - Duchy of Volmund - Vassal of House Torrian
Kisinger - House Munoz - Duchy of Munoz - Vassal of House Torrian
Das Germane imperie - The Anti-Papacy - Anti-Pope Gregarus IV
The Grim Reaper - House Bloodstain - Duchy of Stainedhall - Vassal of House Cunningham
Elysian Kentarchy - House Vaer Olderen - Duchy of Vaer Olderen - Vassal of House Vaer Erengard

The Honorable Guildsmen

G-Tech Corporation - The Wyrd of the Grim
Esselman - The Kaman Order
Laurvier - The Yales
Relikai + New Finnish Republic - The Singing Swords - Edward Daggerson - Shimazaki Haruna
Cuprum - House Soria - Iron Bank of Summerhaven
Woodstovia - Order of the Dying Sun

[Cymrea]

NS Nation Name: Cymrea
House Name: Serra
House Banner


Description of House: House Serra was a cadet house of the Imperial family before the sack of Bismarck. This knowledge is lost to the mists of time and no evidence remains to counter the claim that Serra was itself the Imperial House. Since planting the Imperial banner at Linmarck, the rulers of the Aeld Empire have slowly and cannily rebuilt their power structure; and since the second decade after the Fall, those emperors and empresses have been of House Serra. Scions of Serra tend to be even tempered and rule their Empire justly, though with an iron will.

Description of Head of House: The current Prima (eldest scion) of House Serra is Empress Rheannon III Victoria o Serra Regina. She is 21 summers old, closer to six feet tall than five, with molten copper hair and jade green eyes that are flecked with gold.



Description of Relevant House Members

• Owainn II Cambrius Serra: younger brother of Empress Rheannon and Lord of Linmark, age 19.
• Rhys IV Linmarkis Serra: youngest brother of Empress Rheannon, age 17. Currently being trained by the Knights of the Black.
• Fianna Gloria na Malia Serra: dowager queen and mother of Rheannon, formerly of House Malia and consort of the late Emperor Owainn.
• Owainn Cambrius o Serra Rex: deceased; father of Rheannon and late Emperor of Aeld.

Seat of Power: Draegar Palace, Linmarck

Realm Number: 9
Realm Name: Aeld Empire
Realm Description: Fertile coastal lowlands rise high into three mountain ranges: the Dagdus Mountains in the north, the Artemis Peaks in the south, and the Aegis Mountains in the east. Mines in the mountains yield metals and minerals, the foothills are a patchwork of grapes and olives and orchards. In the north, old growth forests of dark duskwood cloak the land. Through the valleys are a series of well-maintained roads - a previous failing the Aelders would not repeat.

The arcane breeding programmes were ended long ago, alchemy and sorcery were banned, and any Aelder demonstrating arcane talents were made wards of the empire. Arcane wards, known as maegos, were kept in Draegar Palace and utilised as scholars and philosophers, focusing on schools of thought and advising the throne. They were not permitted to marry or conceive children, and the line of magic users was soon snuffed out. In place of magic, Aeld has strived to advance the sciences and technology. Engineering and innovation of older tech keeps Aeld moving forward.

A thousand years ago, the Reaver King exploited the duplicity of traitorous marcher lords and smashed the Bismarck Empire. With the aid of loyal and steadfast legions, the Third and Sixteenth, young Emperor Maximilian escaped to the southern strongholds. He planted his banner at the garrison of Linmarck, declaring it the provisional capital of the surviving Bismarck Empire and began solidifying his position. For the next millennia, his descendants would maintain and fortify the Aeld Empire with an eye ever watchful for the opportunity to unite the empire once more and bring to heel the descendants of those treacherous thieves and usurpers that would style themselves as kings and queens.

Capital City: Linmarck
Population: 3.5 million
Majority Religion: Trinity
During the events of the Fall of Bismarck, there was a schism in the Church of the Trinity. Pope Justinian was killed under suspicious circumstances during the seige; bishops and cardinals loyal to the Empire fled with Maximilian and his Legions, while the schemers and traitors remained behind. From each group of survivors a pope was elected, and to this day there remains a split in the Church. The church in the Aeld Empire continues to refer to the religion as the Trinity, while the archdioceses in the north now call it the Faith. Pope Gregoras leads the Church of the Trinity from the Pontifexus in Linmarck, supported by the College of Cardinals and the Ordo Sororitas, an organizations of sisterhoods of nuns.

Description of the people and culture: The people of Aeld are much the same as they've always been: farming, fishing, crafting, and fighting in time-honoured traditions - all but one. Magic and its wielders are no longer revered as they once were; the arcane practices are viewed as one of the primary reasons for the Fall and Aelders are now averse to all things magic. Technology, sciences, and innovation of engineering are the trails which the brightest Aelders blaze.

Description of Economy: Aeld exports its surplus crops and natural resources, as well as manufactures items. Imports are primarily woods of a type other than duskwood, some livestock, textiles and dyes, and luxury items. Prized Linzii horses are considered to be the finest warhorses in Bretonnia and the sale and breeding of selected sires and dams command high prices from foreign stables. Linziis are noted for their deep blue-black colouring.

• Exports: Grapes, olives, tree fruits, olive oil, wine, industrial ores and metals, precious metals, duskwood timber and lumber, boats and ships, select horses.
• Imports: Timber and lumber, livestock, textiles, dyes, luxury items.

Major Cities: Threnody, Dragoncrown, Amaranth, Westfall, Summerhaven, Atalanta
Major Citadels/Fortresses

• Rookwood Castle, Threnody
• Wyrmstone Palace, Dragoncrown
• The Stone, Amaranth
• Fort Westfall, Westfall
• Palatia Aestas, Summerhaven
• Arx Delphina, Atalanta

Military Description:


The first military elements of the Aeld Empire were the Third and Sixteenth Legions, loyal to the Imperial House and stalwart in their defence of the throne. Over time the two Legions have become the Knights of the Black: twelve of the empire's greatest fighters, sworn to protect the emperor/empress with their very lives. Supporting the Black Knights are a martial order of men-at-arms called the Black Legion; they too wear all black armour and equipment, and bear the Blood and Gold Banner into battle.

The armies of Aeld are still organised into Iron Legions, of which there are currently twenty, each numbering over a thousand soldiers. The Black Knights and Black Legion are the First, followed by Iron Legion II (Blood Legion) and Iron Legion III (Gold Legion). Iron Legions IV through XX bear the names of noble animals.

• Iron Legion IV - Aquila
• Iron Legion V - Lupus
• Iron Legion VI - Corvida
• Iron Legion VII - Leonis
• Iron Legion VIII - Ursus
• Iron Legion IX - Axipita
• Iron Legion X - Draconis (Empress' Own)
• Iron Legion XI - Equus
• Iron Legion XII - Aries
• Iron Legion XIII - Vulpis
• Iron Legion XIV - Cervus
• Iron Legion XV - Salamandra (Burning Legion)
• Iron Legion XVI - Pegasus
• Iron Legion XVII - Tigris
• Iron Legion XVIII - Pardus
• Iron Legion XIX - Vespis (Night Legion)
• Iron Legion XX - Pheonix

Aeld Iron Legions are combined units that include cavalry, infantry, archers, pikes, and engines, with skirmishers and scouts in support. Troops are well armoured and well equipped, maneuver in cohesive and disciplined formations, and stand fast with confidence and courage. The generals and captains for the Iron Legions are loyal to House Serra and serve the imperator/imperatrix directly.

The Aeld navy is composed of longships, cogs, and holks that primarily defend trade ships and transport the Legions as needed. Hulls are constructed of duskwood, noted for its dark colour and its hardness. The primary weapon of Aeld warships is a flammable liquid known as Dragonsbreath. It is used sparingly because it's quite expensive to produce and extremely volatile, and the composition is one of the most tightly held secrets in the Empire. On those rare occasions it is employed in battle, the results are terrifying.

Strengths/Weaknesses:
Army Strengths: Well equipped, well disciplined, well trained, courageous.
Army Weaknesses: Limited numbers, take a year of training to replace, expensive.
Navy strengths: Many smaller hulls, faster, Dragonsbreath.
Navy Weaknesses: Small number of dedicated warships, primarily for defence.

• Total Numbers: about 34,000
• Navy: about 6000
• Army: about 28,000, including about 6000 trained auxiliaries

Everything Below is optional:
RP Sample:
Did you read everything?:
Time Zone: Pacific (UTC-8)
#AAB.01 (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. Do not remove.)

[Ghondra]

Tag.

I actually screamed Cymmie when I saw your post XD I think I woke the neighbors

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

Hahah, some of this looks familiar xD

I'll have an app up soon!

[Ghondra]

Hahah, some of this looks familiar xD

I'll have an app up soon!

I... don't know what your talking about!

Oh and guys, again, please reserve the realm you want as soon as possible.

[Ghondra]

Oh, and guys, you can apply to play Pope Gregoras, and don't forget to spread the word about this RP

[Rygondria]

would a mercantile guild be acceptable ?

[Ghondra]

would a mercantile guild be acceptable ?

Certainly acceptable but make sure you know how to connect the guild with the main story line. Everyone needs to be involved.

[Rygondria]

would a mercantile guild be acceptable ?

Certainly acceptable but make sure you know how to connect the guild with the main story line. Everyone needs to be involved.

The story is about an invasion right ?

[Ghondra]

Certainly acceptable but make sure you know how to connect the guild with the main story line. Everyone needs to be involved.

The story is about an invasion right ?

Essentially, yes. But the story also involves a lot of intrigue and infighting between the Kingdoms of Brettonia.

[Cymrea]

Tag.

I actually screamed Cymmie when I saw your post XD I think I woke the neighbors

Lol...nice! Couldn't turn down the newest bit to the world I helped build.

I'm applying for realm 9, the Aeld Empire. App is under construction, if you want to peek.

[Ghondra]

I actually screamed Cymmie when I saw your post XD I think I woke the neighbors

Lol...nice! Couldn't turn down the newest bit to the world I helped build.

I'm applying for realm 9, the Aeld Empire. App is under construction, if you want to peek.

Nah I can wait, oh btw, is Ptolemais still active in NS?

[Cymrea]

He was on 22 hours ago, so I'd say yes.

[Aquesta]

Tag

[Ghondra]

Totally not a Tag.

[Mesrane]

Well, tag.

Is region 4 more in the South Bretonnian sphere or does it fall more within the northern culture?

Another question I have is one of size. How large is the continent compared to say, Western Europe?

[Ghondra]

Well, tag.

Is region 4 more in the South Britonnian sphere or does it fall more within the northern culture?

It falls more into the Southern sphere but there's plenty of Northern Influence, especially in the cities.

[Mesrane]

Well, tag.

Is region 4 more in the South Britonnian sphere or does it fall more within the northern culture?

It falls more into the Southern sphere but there's plenty of Northern Influence, especially in the cities.

Thanks, that helps.

Well then, I shall reserve Realm 4.

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

NS Nation Name: The National Dominion of Hungary
House Name: House vaer Erengard
House Banner: A Golden Chalice upon a field of deep blue with golden trim.
Description of House: The noble House of vaer Erengard was was born long ago, even before the formation of the Bismarck Empire, the Erengards have ruled Valmange since the Valman tribes first migrated into the area. They are a truly ancient and proud, indeed, sometimes very arrogant and highly stubborn House. They are firmly comitted to the Valman traditions and the Erengard way of doing things, the House has a history of producing capable, learned rulers and skilled generals. They value education and religion, often making contributions to the church and the inquisition, a number of Erengard have even been Grandmasters of the Inquisition in the order's history. They are deeply ingrained with the Kingdom they rule over, having ruled over it for milennia.
Description of Head of House:
Name: King Hienrik VI vaer Erengard.
Age: 32
Gender: Male.
Bio: Second son of King Harlan II vaer Erengard and Queen Mathilda vaer Erengard (neé vaer Plangent). Hienrik would traditionally be given to the Priesthood, he spent his childhood studying maps and history with his father, combat with his brother alongside mathematics, theology and philosophy with his tutor and courtly graces with his mother. Despite his broad education he is most adept at the theoretical lessons he had with his tutor, father and mother, he was a much more of a general and statesman than a warrior, becoming a middle-skilled swordsman at best. He remained in Licheberg until 21 years of age before he was finally shipped of to a monastery, where he remained for 6 years as a novice. However, after his death of his father and shortly afterward his elder brother, it was he who was next in line to the throne as he had not taken the vows of a clergyman. Learned, intelligent and wise beyond his years King Hienrik's rule has been a peaceful one, his rule has been just but also firm as tradition dictates, he has spent most of his time on an ambitious project of building a system of dikes and levees to control the rivers during flood season. King Hienrik has a rather typical Valman look about him, dark blonde hair and sharp, stoic features, his watchful gray eyes seem to miss no detail.

Description of Relevant House Members:
Name: Prince Bransen vaer Erengard.
Age: 29
Gender: Male.
Bio: Prince Bransen Erengard is King Hienrik's younger brother. He has a pair of blue eyes and also the brown hair common among the Valmen but shaves his head bald, keeping a very short beard. An large, ugly scar from a skirmish with bandits goes across his face. Bransen was raised by his uncle Harmond who turned him into a warrior and battle commander, he is blunt and speaks his mind directly, lacking skill in subtlety. He is however a renowned and dutiful warrior and skilled commander, he is a proven tourney champion and also has a bit of an unforgiving nature and brooding demeanour. Lord Bransen was married to Lady Wylleth, daughter of Duke vaer Amberoven and has a single daughter with her. Bransen is a man loyal to his House, keeping a Valman warrior's code of honor close to his heart. He is the current heir to the Valman throne.

Name: Prince Harmond vaer Erengard.
Age: 62
Gender: Male.
Bio: Harmond vaer Erengard is a harsh old man, he may be old but neither his mind nor his body are weak. He is a stout man with hair long since turned gray. He is very resolute but also quite amiable and reasonable. He had spent his time as a squire and then as a knight. He is married and has four children, three sons and one daughter, being the fourth son of King Heribert the Ancient there was no real plan for him so he had to make his own place in the world, this mostly came to travelling the continent with a band of mercenaries composed of other fourth sons, fifth sons and similar detritus of the Valman nobility, until his brother King Harlan called his brother back to the Kingdom. He had served as an advisor to his brother and now does the same for his nephew.

Seat of Power: Licheberg Citadel in Dunnharrow.

Realm Number: (See map) 2
Realm Name: The Kingdom of Valmange
Realm Description: Fed by the great river Thermidor and river Braag, the Kingdom of Valmange has a climate of long, cool summers and short winters. It is characterized by it's rolling hills, rocky outcrops, deep, dark forests and it's large fertile fields and pastures. In the northern parts of the Kingdom hills rise into mountains and are very heavily forested as are the eastern and some of the southern land, however a good number of villages dot the outskirts of the woods and several towns peopled by miners and metalworkers lay closer to the northern mountains. Most of the population inhabits the green and fertile river valleys and the plains and rolling hills that surround them. Valmange is a land of misty forests and old castles on rocky hills. The land owes it's fertility to the annual floods of the rivers Braag and Thermidor, which sometimes rise so high that they flood villages and towns near the river, but most Valmen see this as the price they must pay for their bountiful harvests.
Capital City: Dunnharrow
Population: (Be realistic) Approx 4.0 million
Majority Religion: The Trinity.
Description of the people and culture: A rather unique sub-culture of North Bettonian culture, speaking in a very distinct, rustic dialect. The Valmen have a reputation as a backward and overly rural people. This is largely undeserved as the realm has many well developed towns and cities, the northern ones being home to great smelters and smith's guilds while the central ones are known for their cloth and dye industries, Valmange does much trade with the surrounding lands. Despite this the Valmen are often seen as a smattering of inbred bumpkins, but, as many Valman nobles like to point out, even the basest peasant can often trace his ancestry back for many generation and take pride in a heroic ancestor. At their best the Valmen are calm, thoughtful and take their time about things, they are fond of tales and stories of ancient Valman Kings and Heroes, the local tavern is as much of a center of life in the village as the chapel is, there the people gather to listen to their favourite stories, to gossip and to hear the occasional news from the outside world. At their worst they are superstitious, isolationist and xenophobic. They are a highly conservative people and take great pride in their traditions which leads to many strange customs being present in the realm. But, as the Valmen say, "Tradition is there for a reason, it was found good and worth keeping."

Description of Economy: A well developed economy based on agriculture and supported by several other industries. Much of it's income comes from trade and export of foodstuffs, various natural resources, crafted products such as tools, jewellry and furniture. The realm is mainly known for it's textile manufactories, dyeworks, furs, jewellry, steel products and it's amber. Imports are mostly focused on more exotic goods, wines both cheap and expensive and some resources and materials such as marble.

• Exports: Foodstuffs, Cloth, Timber, Metals, Precious Metals, Various metal and woodcraft products, Furs, Dyes, Amber.
• Imports: Exotic Wares, Various Luxuries, Wines, Gemstones, Marble.

Major Cities (max six): Dunnharrow, Aswijckdale, Hojswick, Eijsenlaan, Ambersby.
Major Citadels/Fortresses (max six): Candlehearth Castle, Castle Wellspring, Castle Valaandren, Castle Riienspring, Fort Ardell.

Military Description: A Feudal military comprised of forces derived from tributary vassals. The governing body does not suffer direct financial loss except in the case of the King's own troops, as the military is funded by the tributary lords, who are still required to pay a static monetary tribute. Mobilization time is moderate. However, vassals are more likely to withdraw their support or perhaps even rebel in the event of strings of military defeats, long, protracted warfare, or an illegitimate or incompetent ruler ascending to the throne. The Valman military is highly focused around cavalry and both the Kingdom cultivate a proud cavalry tradition. While the 'Hammer' of the Valman Army is it's cavalry, the 'Anvil' are the infantry. These infantrymen are composed of various troops, from heavily armored men-at-arms employed by the nobility to medium infantry fielded by city and village muster and light infantry composed of drafted levies. Archers and crossbowmen can be either be professional men-at-arms or drafted levies. The King's Own are the Household Guard forces of House vaer Erengard, made up of the best Knights in the realm.

Strengths/Weaknesses:
Strenghts:
Valmange is a wealthy Kingdom, rich in natural resources and thus it's knights and soldiers are well equipped with good quality arms and armor for the battles awaiting them.

The main force in the Valman army lies in it´s cavalry and heavy infantry. The Knights of Valmange are feared for their powerful charges, known to have broken the back of many an army.

Deeply rooted patriotism and traditionalism form a strong sense of national unity. This breeds an "us versus them" mentality that is a great factor behind the Valman morale and ferocity in battle and concept of self-sacrifice in the name of the King and Country.

Weaknesses:

The Army's tactics are based around coopreation between the different forces, adhering to the Hammer and Anvil doctrine. Should cooperation between the elements cease, they would be at a serious disadvantage.

Adherence to old warrior traditions, while making the soldiers of Valmange quite ferocious also makes them a bit ill-disciplined, sometimes they can charge without orders and can have difficulties keeping in formation as every man want to get a crack at the enemy.

The Navy is poorly equipped, it's marines and sailors poorly trained and it is commanded by comically incompetent officers, this is unlikely to change soon because serving the navy has almost no prestige.

• Total Numbers
  47 100 Men (Full mobilization)
  57 Ships.
  
• Navy
  10 Holks.
  35 Two-banked War Galleys
  12 Cogs.
  
• Army 47 100
  10 000 Levy Spearmen
  8 000 Levy Archers
  5 000 Levy Light Infantry
  10 000 Heavy Infantry
  3 500 Crossbowmen
  6 000 Light Cavalry
  4 500 Knights.
  100 King's Own.

Everything Below is optional:
RP Sample:
Did you read everything?: Some of it is a bit familiar. xD
Time Zone: UTC +1
#AAB.01 (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. Do not remove.)

[Ghondra]

NS Nation Name:
House Name: House vaer Erengard
House Banner: A Golden Chalice upon a field of deep blue with golden trim.
Description of House: The noble House of vaer Erengard was was born long ago, even before the formation of the Bismarck Empire, the Erengards have ruled Valmange since the Valman tribes first migrated into the area. They are a truly ancient and proud, indeed, sometimes very arrogant and highly stubborn House. They are firmly comitted to the Valman traditions and the Erengard way of doing things, the House has a history of producing capable, learned rulers and skilled generals. They value education and religion, often making contributions to the church and the inquisition, a number of Erengard have been Grandmasters of the Inquisition. They are deeply ingrained with the Kingdom they rule over, having ruled over it for milennia.
Description of Head of House (name, age, and sex and any other info you want to describe, like a short summary):
Description of Relevant House Members: (name, age, appearance, sex and any other info)
Seat of Power: (Name, location.)

Realm Number: (See map) 2
Realm Name: The Kingdom of Valmange
Realm Description: Fed by the great river Thermidor and river Braag, the Kingdom of Valmange has a climate of long, cool summers and short winters. It is characterized by it's rolling hills, rocky outcrops, deep, dark forests and it's large fertile fields and pastures. In the northern parts of the Kingdom hills rise into mountains and are very heavily forested as are the eastern and some of the southern land, however a good number of villages dot the outskirts of the woods and several towns peopled by miners and metalworkers lay closer to the northern mountains. Most of the population inhabits the green and fertile river valleys and the plains and rolling hills that surround them. Valmange is a land of misty forests and old castles on rocky hills. The land owes it's fertility to the annual floods of the river Thermidor, which sometimes rise so high that they flood villages and towns near the river, but most Valmen see this as the price they must pay for their bountiful harvests.
Capital City:
Population: (Be realistic) Approx 5.5 million
Majority Religion: The Trinity.
Description of the people and culture: Could be described as a mix of English and Dutch culture, the Valmange have a reputation as a backward and overly rural. This is largely undeserved as the realm has many well developed towns and cities, the northern ones being home to great smelters and smith's guilds while the central ones are known for their cloth and dye industries, Valmange does much trade with the surrounding lands. Despite this the Valmen are often seen as a smattering of inbred bumpkins, but, as many Valman nobles like to point out, even the basest peasant can often trace his ancestry back for many generation and take pride in a heroic ancestor. At their best the Valmen are calm, thoughful and take their time about things, they are fond of tales and stories of ancient Valman Kings and Heroes, the local tavern is as much of a center of life in the village as the chapel is, there the people gather to listen to their favourite stories, to gossip and to hear the occasional news from the outside world. At their worst they are superstitious, isolationist and xenophobic. They are a highly conservative people and take great pride in their traditions which leads to many strange customs being present in the realm. But, as the Valmen say, "Tradition is there for a reason, it was found good and worth keeping."
Description of Economy (Include major imports/exports):

• Exports: Foodstuffs, Cloth, Timber, Metals, Metal and woodcraft products, Amber.
• Imports:

Exotic Wares, Some Luxury Wares, Wine.
Major Cities (max six): Dunnharrow, Aswickdale, Hojswick, Eijsenlaan.
Major Citadels/Fortresses (max six): Candlehearth, Castle Wellspring, Castle Valaandren, Castle Riienspring.

Military Description:

Strengths/Weaknesses: (Must have several of both)

• Total Numbers
  
• Navy
  
• Army

Everything Below is optional:
RP Sample:
Did you read everything?: Some of it is a bit familiar. xD
Time Zone: UTC +1
#AAB.01 (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. Do not remove.)

I understand that this is an incomplete app? And also, please reduce your population to anywhere between 3 and 4.2 million.

[Argentumurbem]

Reserve Three plz x

[Ghondra]

Reserve Three plz x

Roger that

[The National Dominion of Hungary]

Quite incomplete. All right will fix the pop.