To Fell an Empire
Welcome to the collaborative medieval feudal fantasy RP in the Game of Thrones/Pillars of the Earth/Saxon Tales/The Witcher/Dragon Age/Way of Kings tradition, To Shred an Empire's third installment. The RP, originally begun by the National Dominion of Hungary, carried on by Of the Quendi and presently OP'ed by yours truly, The Starlight, is a collaborative joint story-telling effort that we refuse to let die. So let us begin, once again!
The Empire of Pandyssium is in decay...
These lands have always been troubled... ever since the first realms of elves and dwarves fought for dominance, ever since the collapse of the Elven Empire, and ever since, these lands have always been divided, be it by race, by culture and by greed. Many would-be conquerors learned the hard way that Pandyssium was not prone to peace and unity. Yet, for the last 437 years Pandyssium has been under a single banner, been driven by a single purpose and followed a single leader. Indeed, great men have always strived to do the impossible, and the name of this particular man was Titus Rahtis. A military and poltitical genius who brought the warring nations of Pandyssium to heel, conquering them one by one. Does the end always justify the means? Does the death of hundreds upon hundreds of thousands somehow means less in exchange for achiveing more or less, lasting peace? Lasting peace is a noble goal but when does the blood price become too much? Regardless of what one may think of it, he brought peace forcibly to Pandyssium, and became Emperor of his newly forged Empire. And so, Titus Rahtis would forever be known as Titus the Great, 398 years after his death, all men, women and children across Pandyssium, elf or orc, noble or beggar, still speak his name. His line, the House of Rahtis has ruled the Empire built by their forbear ever since, for better or worse through war and peace. Through ages of gold and ages of ash.
The House of Rahtis has a long history, known far and wide across the world through the deeds of Emperors and Empresses both great and good, managing to hold their diverse Empire together for over four centuries through cunning, negotiation and when honeyed words or poisoned wines had failed, through sheer brutality. Bolstered by centuries of relative peace on the continent of Pandyssium, a developed and robust military, and thriving commerce between ethnically diverse provinces, the Rahtis Empire was a leading political, economic, and cultural force in the world. The line of Titus Rathis ruled with relative peace and prosperity, but within 50 years, mismanagement and political infighting become the norm. In more than one case, wars are fought over the throne, including for example the War of the Bleeding Heart. Periods of internal strife came in between decades of peace and growth and the occcasional war with foreign powers such as the Empire of Augrilac.
For the last decades however the Empire has been in a period of decay. Emperor Silus was a drunkard, as long as the roast suckling pigs were delivered to his tables and the exotic courtesans to his bed he was happy as could be, his son Emperor Pelargius was not much better, the grandson however... His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Orius was certainly an exceptional persona when compared to his father and grandfather. This Emperor of Pandyssium, Lord Paramount of Pandyssia, Sovereign of Pontium and Makhras, and Senior Protector of Angren, Riverdell and Ellander was a firm and decisive ruler, as perhaps one should expect from someone so abundantly titled. He was the kind of man who, when hit, made a sound suggesting he was forged of steel and not molded of bird dung. Being unmarried, he led a rather casual private life. And his unfortunate death caused by riding over a cliff while hawking has made the realm's future uncertain as he has no trueborn children. There is of course his first daughter, Cassyndra, fathered upon a common serving wench that the Emperor took away from the mother and raised as his own, but never legitimized. A comely twenty-and-two year old girl with green eyes and dark red hair. The girl is however mentally retarded, much closer to a child then a young woman in her mind. Yet, Cassyndra is not the late Emperor's only child. There are two small children, a son and a daughter, fathered with his noble-blooded mistress and living with their mother in her castle.
Now, as the Emperor's body has been carried back to the Imperial Palace the noble houses of the Empire, both great and small have begun plotting and scheming, sharpening swords and daggers, for a time of great turmoil is doubtlessly descending upon Pandyssium, and much blood will have flowed before it is at an end.
To solve this debate of succession, the Lord High Steward has called every house of Pandyssium, great and small, to the first Caer Aard Gathering in a century, where the Lords and Ladies of the realm shall decide who shall carry on the legacy of Pandyssium and rise to the Imperial Throne. Someone must sit on the Imperial Throne, for the Empire of Augrilac to the west across the sea is always lurking, waiting for that moment of vulnerability, so that they may board their ships, and bring death and ruin to Pandyssium.
What role will you play in these coming days of darkness?
The House of Rahtis has a long history, known far and wide across the world through the deeds of Emperors and Empresses both great and good, managing to hold their diverse Empire together for over four centuries through cunning, negotiation and when honeyed words or poisoned wines had failed, through sheer brutality. Bolstered by centuries of relative peace on the continent of Pandyssium, a developed and robust military, and thriving commerce between ethnically diverse provinces, the Rahtis Empire was a leading political, economic, and cultural force in the world. The line of Titus Rathis ruled with relative peace and prosperity, but within 50 years, mismanagement and political infighting become the norm. In more than one case, wars are fought over the throne, including for example the War of the Bleeding Heart. Periods of internal strife came in between decades of peace and growth and the occcasional war with foreign powers such as the Empire of Augrilac.
For the last decades however the Empire has been in a period of decay. Emperor Silus was a drunkard, as long as the roast suckling pigs were delivered to his tables and the exotic courtesans to his bed he was happy as could be, his son Emperor Pelargius was not much better, the grandson however... His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Orius was certainly an exceptional persona when compared to his father and grandfather. This Emperor of Pandyssium, Lord Paramount of Pandyssia, Sovereign of Pontium and Makhras, and Senior Protector of Angren, Riverdell and Ellander was a firm and decisive ruler, as perhaps one should expect from someone so abundantly titled. He was the kind of man who, when hit, made a sound suggesting he was forged of steel and not molded of bird dung. Being unmarried, he led a rather casual private life. And his unfortunate death caused by riding over a cliff while hawking has made the realm's future uncertain as he has no trueborn children. There is of course his first daughter, Cassyndra, fathered upon a common serving wench that the Emperor took away from the mother and raised as his own, but never legitimized. A comely twenty-and-two year old girl with green eyes and dark red hair. The girl is however mentally retarded, much closer to a child then a young woman in her mind. Yet, Cassyndra is not the late Emperor's only child. There are two small children, a son and a daughter, fathered with his noble-blooded mistress and living with their mother in her castle.
Now, as the Emperor's body has been carried back to the Imperial Palace the noble houses of the Empire, both great and small have begun plotting and scheming, sharpening swords and daggers, for a time of great turmoil is doubtlessly descending upon Pandyssium, and much blood will have flowed before it is at an end.
To solve this debate of succession, the Lord High Steward has called every house of Pandyssium, great and small, to the first Caer Aard Gathering in a century, where the Lords and Ladies of the realm shall decide who shall carry on the legacy of Pandyssium and rise to the Imperial Throne. Someone must sit on the Imperial Throne, for the Empire of Augrilac to the west across the sea is always lurking, waiting for that moment of vulnerability, so that they may board their ships, and bring death and ruin to Pandyssium.
What role will you play in these coming days of darkness?
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 multiple 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.
The RP Commandments and Guidelines (Read before applying.)
Military Guidelines (Read before applying.)
Yes, I know it's a big app. Too bad for you.
Great House + Realm Application. Delete everything in parenthesis.
- 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]What is House's view on the Empire?:[/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 and sex and any other info)[/b]
[b]Court Position Request: (Family member, position)[/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]Race Composition (Percentage of each sentient race):[/b]
[b]Status of the races other than men:[/b]
[b]Majority Religion: (Minorities of other two 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]
[b]Other:[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b] (Post in spoiler, unless you were in TSAE 2.0, then you don't need to do this.
[b]Did you read everything?:[/b]
[b]Time Zone:[/b]
[i]#TFAE3.0[/i] (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. [b]Do not remove.[/b])
Vassal House Application.
- Code: Select all
[b]NS Nation Name: [/b]
[b]House Name:[/b]
[b]House Banner: (Describe or post picture.)[/b]
[b]House Rank:[/b]
[b]Description of House: (History/Customs etc.)[/b]
[b]What is House's view on the Empire?:[/b]
[b]Description of Head of House (name, age, and sex):[/b]
[b]Description of Relevant House Members: (name, age and sex)[/b]
[b]Court Position Request: (Family member, position)[/b]
[b]Vassal to which House:[/b]
[b]Name of Holding:[/b]
[b]Seat of Power: (Name, location.)
[b]Description: (Geography/History.)[/b]
[b]Description of Economy (Include major imports/exports):[/b]
[list][*][b]Exports:[/b]
[*][b]Imports:[/b][/list]
[b]Military Description:[/b]
[list][*]Total Numbers
[*]Navy
[*]Army[/list]
Strengths/Weaknesses:(Must have several of both)[/b]
[b][/b]
[b]Other:[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b] (Post in spoiler, unless you were in TSAE 2.0, then you don't need to do this.
[b]Did you read everything?:[/b]
[b]Time Zone:[/b]
[i]#TFAE3.0[/i] (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. [b]Do not remove.[/b])
Character Application (This is for if you're playing a character and not their entire house. Also, if you're applying as a house and if that small section wasn't enough for you, then this is what you can use as well. However, don't make a dozen of these, only your really important characters. If you don't want to do this, that's fine too.)
- Code: Select all
[b]NS Name:[/b]
[b]Character Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Race:[/b]
[b]Image:[/b]
[b]House, if any:[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Biography/Background:[/b]
[b]Court Position Request, if any:[/b]
[b]Character's view on the Empire?:[/b]
[b]Equipment:[/b]
[b]Strengths:[/b]
[b]Weaknesses:[/b]
[b]Theme Song:[/b] (Hint, hint, Two Steps from Hell is one of my favorite bands. Optional, I guess, but it's fun, so why not do it?)
[b]Other:[/b]
[b]RP Sample:[/b] (Post in spoiler, unless you were in TSAE 2.0, then you don't need to do this.
[b]Did you read everything?:[/b]
[b]Time Zone:[/b]
[i]#TFAE3.0[/i] (Leave this here, this is for identifying apps. [b]Do not remove.[/b])
New Rule: Everyone must post in the IC at least every 3 or 4 days. TG me if you cannot meet this requirement. If you are interacting with someone and you mysteriously disappear, I will RP as your character if you're gone too long. Warnings will be sent out if someone does not meet this, and after two warnings, your character or house will be put in stasis, and I may allow another Rper to take your place.
