Quest for the Crown (medieval, OOC, COMPLETED)

[Damak Var]

Jestrion is a good fighter but not quite in the league I put above. At least not yet. I don't think Esme is either.

[Damak Var]

By the way for the match ups, don't take into account loyalties. Obviously Galvion and Artanis or Mikhail and Drogodar would not try to kill each other. Just think skill, prowess, ability. It's all entirely subjective as there isn't much to go off, but it's still fun to think about.

And now that I think about it, Halleon has a warrior character too. Ser Oris. But I'll leave him out for now as there isn't much to go off.

[Ublia]

Sorry for the inactivity but my Great Aunt passed away and I have a funeral that I have to attend plus the mourning family, pretty much life rearing its head up demanding its share of attention. I hope to be able to return to Nation States at least next week with free time and not being busy with life.

@ Ublia its up to you doesn't matter to me really, when I'm more active I'm thinking about creating a event or something for the Church so I can post more and not have to wait or have people waiting on me.

Okay anyways when you can let's get the meeting on the way.

[Of the Quendi]

Just gotten Damak Var's permission to take over Lordship over Firania and will finish an app for it tomorrow.

I haven't yet read through the entire thread (I have read all my predecessors posts though) so if there is anything I should be mindful of when making the app let me know.

Also I will be introducing a new dynasty to rule Firania so if anyone have any particularly clever ways for the Delacroix to perish/be deposed I am open to suggestion. So far the best I can think of is a plague on their house.

Anyway look forward to partake in this RP.

[Damak Var]

Oh, I was going to give you a summary. Don't worry, you don't need to read through everything.

[Merodin]

Oh, First, quit?

Aw.


Perhaps a coup? A revolution?

[Damak Var]

Merodin, he wasn't posting so much I decided to replace since the Delacroix's could use an active player.

I posted this for Ublia a while back.

Short background of Derria:

Derria is one realm structured in the same manner as Westeros as you said you are familiar with (medieval, feudalistic, european like). It was a patch work of kingdoms, fiefdoms, tribes and whatnot like Westeros before the conquest of Vedrion Wallstryn (like Aegon Targaryen). Derrian culture is homogeneous. There are differences in the regions but those are considered subcultures of the greater Derrian culture. The south bellow the Burrowlands is desert and inhabited by unconquered tribes and such. Its like the wildlings but in the desert. East is the Dellitan City States, like the Italian City States and the ASOIAF Free Cities. A big trading partner of Derria though they won't be RPed much (at least for now). Also is the outer fringes of the Gaitanen Empire, a Chinese/Japanese like civilization. IC, Derrians know very little about it and what is known is shrouded in myth and legend. West is Agrasca, an Arabian like civilization and another Derrian trading partner.


The story so far goes as follows:

1. King Telvion Wallstryn III is mad but at least reclusive. His son, the beloved Prince Galvion and daughter, Princess Charlia were the de facto rulers of the Kingdom.
2. Reports came in that the desert tribes were assembling in the south under a desert lord by the name of Akmal the Vicious (who I play). Galvion ordered each great house to contribute troops to a combined army in order to put down this host.
3.The Royal Army and the desert army met at the plain at Ahkour in the south to do battle. During the battle, Prince Galvion was betrayed by Lord Balthazar Thorn and stabbed in the back during the fighting. Akmal's host is routed and defeated.
4. Galvion did not die and was critically wounded. Akmal's troops captured him during their route and nursed him back to health. Galvion remains a prisoner of Akmal along with Elendil Helyanwe. Although the rest of Derria believes that he is dead.
5. The Wallstryns find out about this and are utterly outraged. King Telvion declares Balthazar a traitor and brands him an enemy of the Crown.
6. The Wallstryns call their banners.
7. The Thorns declare Kursturm an independent Kingdom.
8. Prince Jestrion, Galvion's younger brother, Telvion's second son and now the heir to the throne is named Supreme Commander of the Royal Army. Princess Charlia is named Regent.
9. Wallstryn forces gather at Ferndale Castle.
10. Prince Jestrion marches north with 12,000 Wallstryn troops, 2000 Aurenstein, and 6000 Delacroix troops.
11. The Earl of Rupoy't (Thorn bannerman) strikes a deal with the Kazanowskis to remove Balthazar, join forces, and go against the Crown in rebellion.
12. Prince Jestrion fights the Thorn forces at Krieger's Pass, a few days march from Sturmwall (the Kursturm capital and seat of House Thorn). The battle is a royalist victory, the Thorn army is routed back to Sturmwall.
13. 18,000 troops from the Kazanowskis, the Earl of Rupoy't and other Thorn bannermen enter Sturmwall as reinforcements. Sturmwall garrison now numbers around 26000.
14. The Royal Army closes in, knowing they are now outnumbered.
15. The rebel nobles try to negotiate with Jestrion, it fails.
16. Jestrion's host is thrown back from Sturmwall. This is where we are right now IC.
17. Jestrion moves west marching through Vorzov on a chevauchee in an attempt to draw the rebel forces away from their coast. It works.
18. Another 10,000 Royal troops land at Visegrad to try and take a lightly defended Vorzov capital (and the seat of House Kazanoski).
19. Jestrion's army, on the run is worn down through harassment, minor defeats, and disease.
20. The royal troops at Visegrad, suffering heavy casualties abandon the siege. Jestrion's plan to draw the rebels away so his forces can take Visegrad has failed.
21. The Wallstryn's status as "Spirit Worshipers" (the minor and frowned upon religion of Derria) is revealed. Aurenstein and Delacroix contingents of the royal army desert.
22. Heavily outnumbered, worn down, and trapped, Jestrion makes a final stand. He wins a great, Battle of Agincourt style victory. It's an upset. Though a great victory, it achieves nothing strategically except allowing him to retreat back into the Crownlands.

We'll go from there. This is of course, subject to changes.

Now morality is kind of skewed in this. There is no right or wrong side really. On one hand we have the loyalists, headed up by the Wallstryns. They are fighting to keep Derria an united realm and justice for Galvion. Jestrion is a chaotic good character. An asshole to your face but a good guy. Charlia is I'd say, neutral neutral. Very diplomatic, not a bad person but also not above scheming and dirty politics. Galvion is an archetype hero character. Honor, chivalry, compassion and lawful good. Although King Telvion (Aerys II) is mad and has bad reputation. It's like how Aerys II was a wicked King but Rhaegar was great (my opinion). The Wallstryns would be benevolent towards the rebels should they win the war instead of putting them to the sword.

On the other hand we have the rebels who are fighting for independence and freedom from the Crown. Which is hardly an immoral thing either.

[Of the Quendi]

A lot of stuff.

Thank you, that was very helpful. I am a bit confused about who the Kazanowskis are with?

And as for the 6000 Delacroix troops is that only naval troops or is it also ground troops?

[Damak Var]

There's 6k Delacroix troops on the ground with Jestrion who is marching west into Vorzov. Then there's the Delacroix fleet blockading Sturmwall. The Kazanowskis are rebels.

EDIT: "Past Battles" section has been updated.

[Of the Quendi]

There's 6k Delacroix troops on the ground with Jestrion who is marching west into Vorzov. Then there's the Delacroix fleet blockading Sturmwall. The Kazanowskis are rebels.

EDIT: "Past Battles" section has been updated.

Then whose side is the Earl of Rupoy't on? Isn't he and the Kazanowskis plotting against the Thorn's as well as the Crown?

Also I have noticed that there appear to be very diverse cultures in the RP. The Thorn's speaks german amongst themselves, the New Lowlands people speaks some sort of Norse language and in your battle update the title of the rebel commander is Slavic, so how much diversity is allowed culturally?

[Damak Var]

Good question. Derria is one culture and everything is considered more subcultures. There is also one language which is used commonly but others have languages that are no longer in use but were native to their region. So you can differ somewhat in terms of culture just know it shouldn't be too different and your culture is a subculture of the greater Derrian culture.

As for the Earl of Rupoy't, correct, he's on the rebel side. Balthazar Thorn is now practically out of the picture. The rebel leaders are Lord Mikhail, Voivode Drogodar, Donner and the Earl of Rupoy't (Bulgovad).

[Damak Var]

We have a winner, Ser Artanis Helyanwe advances to the next round. Next up is

Prince Galvion Wallstryn: Has the reputation of being the greatest knight in Derria. Is this reputation valid? Or is it just due to being the Crown Prince and the public image that came with it? To his credit he was tournament champion many times and fought superbly at the Battle of Ahkour before being stabbed in the back. Despite being chivalrous, Galvion uses an aggressive and brutal fighting style.

Field Marshal Donner the Rolling Thunder: The more than competent military commander for House Thorn felled many royalist knights and soldiers during the Battle of Krieger's Pass. This includes Ser Halinook "Nook" Belter. Nook was Galvion and Jestrion's trainer and master at arms of Vedrion's Keep.

[Evraim]

Actually I'll make a bracket too, randomized seeds. And I'll throw up a poll every day. The Warriors of Derria....

Prince Galvion Wallstryn (of course I list mine are first, but I am throwing them out at random. there's no order)
Field Marshall Donner the Rolling Thunder
Lord Mikhail Kazanowski
Voivode Drogodar Kazanowski
Ser Kaspar the Brightlance
Ser Artanis Helyanwe
Ser Jekyll Stain
Lord Balthazar Thorn (of course he's last)

I'm just putting characters from more active players. Also only characters who have renown as warriors. Who did I miss?

Lady Diana Rhynarion.

Also, most of the other female characters are missing. And here I thought the southerners liked equal opportunity... Philippa might make the cut, no? And Elendil? On the subject of Diana, she is not well known outside of Sathara, mostly because that would be a huge violation of societal conventions. That said, she is allegedly more skilled with a blade than Remus, which isn't saying much, and competent enough to give Kaspar a difficult time, which is more important.

Perhaps we could also do best couples? Jestrion and Artanis (Jestranis). Ser Jekyll and Ser Karl (Jekyrl). Galvion and Elendil (Galvendil). Bulgovad and Beata (Bulgata). Lord Thorn and Opium (Thorium). Etc. Etc.

Ser Kaspar the Brightlance vs. Lord Balthazar Thorn

Has Lord Thorn recovered from his opium addiction in this scenario?

[Damak Var]

I'm trying to go for the big time warriors. Feel like Elendil is more of an archer/sneak, Jestrion is not quite there yet, New Lowlands has not been active so that excludes Philippa and I don't think Diana is in the same league, sorry. Galvion and Elendil are not in a relationship!

[Merodin]

Galvion and Elendil are not in a relationship!

Someone's in denial....

[Damak Var]

Please....

As for Evraim questions... Jestrion and Artanis have a bromance, but Artanis feels more. Ser Jekyll and Ser Karl (not sure what his title is) would probably despise each other, Bulgovad is hitting it off with Balthazar's wife, Lord Balthazar is obviously more interested in his drugs.

Let's say he's not on it opium at the time, but not suffering from withdrawals yet.

And aww man, Galvion is losing! No way!

[Arbarlorn]

You know this is all very interesting and I'm wondering if it's open for someone new to jump in..

[Damak Var]

It is. I need a replacement for House Velun, a great house. You can either pick up where that player left off or create your own and we'll just pretend they were always the rulers there. You'd have to keep the same geography, military size/composition. But we can change the city names, location of your capital. You would be on the loyalist side for now, have 12k troops camped at Ferndale, but I think you might have to switch sides to the rebels soon.

That's just how we run this RP. It's more a joint story building effort. We plan ahead major events to create to best story. If you aren't down with that then I'm sorry.

Or you can create a minor house, vassal to a great house. Pick a player running a great house who is more active.

[Damak Var]

Re-post of the summary of everything that has happened so far and what we are planning.

Short background of Derria:

Derria is one realm structured in the same manner as Westeros as you said you are familiar with (medieval, feudalistic, european like). It was a patch work of kingdoms, fiefdoms, tribes and whatnot like Westeros before the conquest of Vedrion Wallstryn (like Aegon Targaryen). Derrian culture is homogeneous. There are differences in the regions but those are considered subcultures of the greater Derrian culture. The south bellow the Burrowlands is desert and inhabited by unconquered tribes and such. Its like the wildlings but in the desert. East is the Dellitan City States, like the Italian City States and the ASOIAF Free Cities. A big trading partner of Derria though they won't be RPed much (at least for now). Also is the outer fringes of the Gaitanen Empire, a Chinese/Japanese like civilization. IC, Derrians know very little about it and what is known is shrouded in myth and legend. West is Agrasca, an Arabian like civilization and another Derrian trading partner.


The story so far goes as follows:

1. King Telvion Wallstryn III is mad but at least reclusive. His son, the beloved Prince Galvion and daughter, Princess Charlia were the de facto rulers of the Kingdom.
2. Reports came in that the desert tribes were assembling in the south under a desert lord by the name of Akmal the Vicious (who I play). Galvion ordered each great house to contribute troops to a combined army in order to put down this host.
3.The Royal Army and the desert army met at the plain at Ahkour in the south to do battle. During the battle, Prince Galvion was betrayed by Lord Balthazar Thorn and stabbed in the back during the fighting. Akmal's host is routed and defeated.
4. Galvion did not die and was critically wounded. Akmal's troops captured him during their route and nursed him back to health. Galvion remains a prisoner of Akmal along with Elendil Helyanwe. Although the rest of Derria believes that he is dead.
5. The Wallstryns find out about this and are utterly outraged. King Telvion declares Balthazar a traitor and brands him an enemy of the Crown.
6. The Wallstryns call their banners.
7. The Thorns declare Kursturm an independent Kingdom.
8. Prince Jestrion, Galvion's younger brother, Telvion's second son and now the heir to the throne is named Supreme Commander of the Royal Army. Princess Charlia is named Regent.
9. Wallstryn forces gather at Ferndale Castle.
10. Prince Jestrion marches north with 12,000 Wallstryn troops, 2000 Aurenstein, and 6000 Delacroix troops.
11. The Earl of Rupoy't (Thorn bannerman) strikes a deal with the Kazanowskis to remove Balthazar, join forces, and go against the Crown in rebellion.
12. Prince Jestrion fights the Thorn forces at Krieger's Pass, a few days march from Sturmwall (the Kursturm capital and seat of House Thorn). The battle is a royalist victory, the Thorn army is routed back to Sturmwall.
13. 18,000 troops from the Kazanowskis, the Earl of Rupoy't and other Thorn bannermen enter Sturmwall as reinforcements. Sturmwall garrison now numbers around 26000.
14. The Royal Army closes in, knowing they are now outnumbered.
15. The rebel nobles try to negotiate with Jestrion, it fails.
16. Jestrion's host is thrown back from Sturmwall. This is where we are right now IC.
17. Jestrion moves west marching through Vorzov on a chevauchee in an attempt to draw the rebel forces away from their coast. It works.
18. Another 10,000 Royal troops land at Visegrad to try and take a lightly defended Vorzov capital (and the seat of House Kazanoski).
19. Jestrion's army, on the run is worn down through harassment, minor defeats, and disease.
20. The royal troops at Visegrad, suffering heavy casualties abandon the siege. Jestrion's plan to draw the rebels away so his forces can take Visegrad has failed.
21. The Wallstryn's status as "Spirit Worshipers" (the minor and frowned upon religion of Derria) is revealed. Aurenstein and Delacroix contingents of the royal army desert.
22. Heavily outnumbered, worn down, and trapped, Jestrion makes a final stand. He wins a great, Battle of Agincourt style victory. It's an upset. Though a great victory, it achieves nothing strategically except allowing him to retreat back into the Crownlands.

We'll go from there. This is of course, subject to changes.

Now morality is kind of skewed in this. There is no right or wrong side really. On one hand we have the loyalists, headed up by the Wallstryns. They are fighting to keep Derria an united realm and justice for Galvion. Jestrion is a chaotic good character. An asshole to your face but a good guy. Charlia is I'd say, neutral neutral. Very diplomatic, not a bad person but also not above scheming and dirty politics. Galvion is an archetype hero character. Honor, chivalry, compassion and lawful good. Although King Telvion (Aerys II) is mad and has bad reputation. It's like how Aerys II was a wicked King but Rhaegar was great (my opinion). The Wallstryns would be benevolent towards the rebels should they win the war instead of putting them to the sword.

On the other hand we have the rebels who are fighting for independence and freedom from the Crown. Which is hardly an immoral thing either.

[Merodin]

Please....

As for Evraim questions... Jestrion and Artanis have a bromance, but Artanis feels more. Ser Jekyll and Ser Karl (not sure what his title is) would probably despise each other, Bulgovad is hitting it off with Balthazar's wife, Lord Balthazar is obviously more interested in his drugs.

Let's say he's not on it opium at the time, but not suffering from withdrawals yet.

And aww man, Galvion is losing! No way!

"Galvion stands alone." The white wizard said calmly.

"Not alone." Ser Artanis says, astride his horse. "TO THE KING!" he yells charging down the mountainside.
^That was an awesome scene...

Hmm, where did I leave Esme? I haven't rped her in awhile....

And will the Free Cities play any part yet in the war or no not yet?

Wait, Phillipa is gone now, too?
Was really looking forward to her and Elendil exchanging words after retuning...

[Arbarlorn]

I'm currently working on the House of Vélun

[Damak Var]

You can change the name, characters and history of the house. I also allow in the RP to add characters as you go along. We do it to create bannermen commanders and such. Though you cannot create new characters out of no where for your main family without talking about it with me. Extended family is ok, like NDH created Lord Mikhail to have a brother.

You do not need to make another APP for bannermen, but it helps if they are going to play a large role in the RP.

[Arbarlorn]

You can change the name, characters and history of the house. I also allow in the RP to add characters as you go along. We do it to create bannermen commanders and such. Though you cannot create new characters out of no where for your main family without talking about it with me. Extended family is ok, like NDH created Lord Mikhail to have a brother.

You do not need to make another APP for bannermen, but it helps if they are going to play a large role in the RP.

So are you saying I cannot change the current rulers of Vélun or what?

[Damak Var]

Yes you can. I'm saying you can change the name, family members and history of the house.

I'm also saying you can create more characters as you go along. We do it to make extra commanders or other interesting characters. Just don't add new characters to your main family without talking it over with me first. For example my main family is King Telvion and his children Prince Galvion, Prince Jestrion and Princess Charlia. I can't just throw a curveball all of a sudden and make it so there's another sibling. Unless of course a new child is born, you can do that.

Make your app, make your characters for your house. Just don't throw a new one into the mix all of a sudden later on.

[Arbarlorn]

Name of House: House of Vélun
Brief Description of House: The Great House of Vélun is a relatively new addition to the Kingdom, having been absorbed solely twenty-five years ago as a Grand Duchy after a series of agreements were signed between the contemporary King and the then Duke of Vélun. It is in all other respects an old house; some liberalism in it's nature has kept the bloodline untainted by impurities of imbreeding. Today, the house's line is greatly reduced, with two remaining of the house.
If not mentioned, brief description of House's relationship and feelings towards House Wallstryn: Allied. While being known for a streak of liberalism and independence, the concept of honor and allegiance has never been forgotten by Vélun, who are in debt to the Wallstryns for rising the Grand Duchy up. Despite their reservations over King Telvion III, the Grand Duke of Vélun is perfectly aware that the real rulers have always been Prince Galvion and Princess Charlia, who he has always had deep affections for and perhaps more for the Princess Charlia, who appears so much like his past wife in his mind. Unfortunately, the younger brother of Grand Duke Nysander does not feel this way, believing that his brother's actions leads all of Velunia to doom.
Head of House: Nysander of Vélun (M, 29)
Nobility Ranking: Grand Duke
Brief Description of Head of House: Nysander of Vélun is a man beyond his years. Having lost his wife and child just a year ago to sickness and a brother that countermands him at every turn, he has become a man of stone and an icy visage. Despite this, he has kept a small presence at Court, instead sending Julius (his younger brother and a man much more interested in money) to be Coinmaster while he is left to the maintenance of Velunia without the constant annoyance that is his brother. What few people know is the intelligence and reservoir of strength that exists behind the veil.
Relevant House Members: Grand Duke Nysander of Vélun
Brief Description of other House Member: Lord Julius (M, 25) is the current Coinmaster of the realm and is incredibly qualified for his position. With a head for mathematics, figures, and numbers he is a devious and conniving character who has always been resentful of his older brother. It stems from the love he once had for Nysander's dead wife, whom he had courted zealously when younger but had been spurned (or so he thinks).
Name of the Land they rule over: The Grand Duchy of Vélunia
Geography: Vélunia is a coastal province, at the heart of which lies the delta of a great river; sprawling green farmlands make way for great brick-lined port cities. By necessity, due to it's flat and uneasy to defend nature, the people of Vélunia have become renowned as brick-workers, metalworkers, and mercenaries, and cannoneers, and the province operates many ships from which their ancient Priviledges stem.
Desired Position: 1)Coinmaster
RP sample (1-3): 1 2
Notes: I went a way different position than the previous player of Velunia. I was influenced by Lord Baelish from ASOIAF and Eddard Stark.