Seize the Throne [Open/OOC/Fantasy]

by **The V O I D** » Thu Jan 03, 2019 11:12 pm

Seize the Throne

In Character Thread

This world has felt a rather large loss. This world is called Gaia. It is a world with one continent surrounded by endless ocean. The continent is named after the Terran Empire - which has reigned over it since, perhaps, the dawn of civilizations. It matters not. Terra - and Gaia with it - may yet suffer from the tragic loss.

What great tragedy has struck, you ask? Was it the Daemons, who dare to inhabit Gaia and taint it with the scents of the Underworld? Was it, perhaps, a great plague that has begun sweeping through Terra, slowly destroying Gaia's life?

No. It was none of these; at least these threats, the Empire has faced before and could, mayhap, recover from. Empress Artemis II Regina, the last living member of House Regine, has died of an unknown illness. She had no proclaimed no Emperor-Consort, and she had no children. There is no one to sit on the Terran throne for the first time in history.

It is because of this that various members of the nobility and the military, along with members of races who had lived peacefully under Terra's reign, have become suddenly full of a deathly tension. Every House wants their House to be the one sitting upon the Throne of Gaia. Every House wants theirs to be in command of all of Terra, and all of Gaia through Terra's mighty power. And even still, every non-human race has begun to consider if they wish to remain ruled by the Terrans now that the fair-but-firm House Regine is extinct.

Of all the nobility, the most likely to succeed any chance at claiming the Throne of Gaia is Lord Jonathan XIV Carnifex, of the House Carnifex. With such a clear and obvious likely successor, one might wonder why there is a crisis within the Empire's very unity, to begin with. It is a simple answer: House Carnifex is, perhaps, the most repugnant of the noble Houses - and it was only kept at bay through House Regine's control over the Gaian Throne, for the Lords of the House feared reprimand too much to speak openly of their ideals.

Now, without House Regine? Should the House Carnifex lay hold over the Gaian Throne, all under Terra would be at the tender mercies of Jonathan XIV - who has been accused of allowing rampant slaving guilds, as well as the purging and murder of races not 'human' enough, among other heinous crimes.

As for what stake you have in this, well, I imagine that you, yourself, are a noble who leads a House. Or, perhaps, you are a village leader, tired of the old Houses proclaiming their right to rule? Or - or even more interesting, maybe you are a non-human who has never questioned living under the reign of the Empire until House Regine became extinct, and the risk of living under House Carnifex became very apparent?

Time will tell who shall seize the Gaian Throne - for your sake, whoever you are, I hope it isn't the Lord of Carnifex.

Welcome to Seize the Throne, a fantasy RP set on the world of Gaia, on the continent/empire of Terra. As you can see, you have some number of options to participate in this roleplay. From nobility to revolutionary, from human or elf or goblin to orc or dragonborn. That ultimate choice is yours, and yours alone.

All standard RP etiquette is required, and you all should be experienced enough to know the standard rules. Yes, magic exists; no, that doesn't make you god. No necromancy, unless you want to attract the attention of Daemons who would surely murder you and possess your corpse for trying to steal souls from them - after all, no mortal is powerful enough to steal souls from the Heavens.

Code: Select all: [box][align=center][size=200][b][i]APPLICATION:[/i][/b][/align][/size] [b]Name:[/b] (Full Name: Title, first name, surname/house name, any additional titles.) [b]Age:[/b] [b]Sex:[/b] [b]Race:[/b] (Human, Elf, Orc, Goblin, Dragonborn, etc.) [b]Appearance:[/b] [b]Personality:[/b] [b]Skills:[/b] (include any magical skills/knowledge) [b]House:[/b] (if any; also position within the House, if not the Lord/Lady) [b]Loyalties:[/b] (Do you support the Lord Carnifex? Do you wish for the legacy of the House Regine to go on untarnished? Or do you have more separatist ideals among you?) [b]Biography:[/b] (3 Paragraphs, minimum) [b]RP Example:[/b] (3, minimum, unless I know you) #SeizeTheThrone[/box]

APPLICATION:

Name: Lord Jonathan Carnifex of the House Carnifex, Fourteenth Lord Jonathan of the Carnifex Autocracy, Master of the Inquisitors' Guild
Age: 45.
Sex: M.
Race: Human.
Appearance: Lord Carnifex.
Personality: Cunning, witty, and always ready to strike with words as he is with weapons. Jonathan has long since mastered the art of political manipulation and scheming, and is absolutely decadent: he willingly engages with slave guilds, even going so far as to own slaves in his own personal harem. He knows no boundaries and has a watchful eye to help him tear apart his enemies either politically, economically, socially, or literally. He is ruthless and can easily be cruel. Contrary to this, he is beloved by his people because of his masterful manipulation of their perception of him and inspires a boundless loyalty among his soldiers and men.
Skills: Silver tongue, spymaster, dark magic practitioner, political manipulation, swordfighting.
House: Lord of House Carnifex.
Loyalties: Himself.
Biography: Jonathan Carnifex, the fourteenth of his name, was born to the House Carnifex and the Carnifex Autocracy - a region of the Terran Empire with a dark history. It is said that the Lord Carnifex learned all of his cruelties and skills from his father, and his father from his grandfather, and so on. The Lord Carnifex has always been bold, and had easily secured his position as Master of the Inquisitors' Guild - much to the dismay of many of his fellow nobles. Yet, he managed to manipulate many into believing he was good - despite the rumors of his character.

The Lord Carnifex was masterful in his execution of Daemon-worshiping heretics and Daemons themselves, even going so far as to personally slay a Daemon Lord himself. Of course, this does not make up for the fact that the Lord Carnifex is accused of a great many crimes that have gone uninvestigated because of his unilateral and deliberate consolidation of the Guild's power over the ability to investigate noble Houses.

The Lord Carnifex is even rumored to be conspiring heresy himself, in that these rumors say that he works with a Daemon Lord and eliminates the Daemon Lord's enemies among the other Daemons, but these - like all rumors - are difficult, if not outright impossible, to substantiate beyond what is plainly visible. After the Empress' death, the Lord Carnifex has positioned himself in such a way that it is entirely possible that the Grand Order of the Throne of Gaia will have no choice but to appoint him to the Throne. Of course, with tensions on the rise, it is possible that his appointment could lead to war...

by **The V O I D** » Thu Jan 03, 2019 11:12 pm

Accepted Characters:

Jonathan XIV, the Lord Carnifex of House Carnifex, Lord of the Carnifex Autocracy, Master of the Inquisitors' Guild - Played by the OP.
Lord Arthurius IV Conradiner of the Spirelands, Count of the Pale Spire, Count of the Grayfort - Played by Ruskland-Preuben
Baron Uther Kęšgatui of Uhabaritz, Palatial Steward and Lord-Regent of House Blazenheart - Played by Barratistan
Sir Morr Grimm of House Grimm, the Count of Gallowkeep and vintner of Stonehollow - Played by Union Princes
Kauashe-o’-wisp, Servant to Thrones - Played by Khasinkonia
Mako Mordue, Envoy of Atheo - Played by Bla Ary
General Liecsturn von Draconia-Sterpol, Head of Minor House Draconia-Sterpol and Imperial Court Appointee - Played by The World Capitalist Confederation
Lord Aerion d'Autriche of House d'Autriche, Count of Aceiwyn - Played by Woodstovia
Sabemai, the Traveling Orc Healer - Played by Joohan
Nichithe Nakeet-Xhaachith, Chief of the Forest Tribe of Lizardfolk - Played by Tasuirin
High Duke Valerius XXXIII Velira, Protector of the North-Eastern Lands and Seas, Lord of the City of the Fang - Played by Elysian Kentarchy
Kelerín Najaríldom'we, the House Carnifex's Court Mystic - Played by Erhialam
Siona Willun, the Black Raven - Played by The Twelve Isles
Sir Corryn Blackshield, Knight of House Blackshield, Marshal of the Royal Army and Imperial Court Appointee - Played by Nova Corina
Brendan Blackhand, High King of the Artanni, the Blackhand, Earl of Galwood and the Southern Isles - Played by Utceforp
Duncan Thorn, Captain of the Red Company - Played by Utceforp
Sir Aleksander Greifen, Gryphon Knight, Heir to the Duchy of Pommersk and the Lordship of Whitecliffe - Played by Sraelyn
Grand Duke Randyll Lancelet VII, Duke of Eroria and Grenadiere, Protector of the South and Lord of House/Castle Lancelet - Played by Zapatha
King Felix XI Asheroth of the Presvulcane, Grand Prince of Livingstone, Duke of Blackveil and Riverlow, Lord of House Asheroth - Played by New Cobastheia
Suld, Court Arcanist to Lord Enalph of the Free City of Gestead - Played by Krumbia

by **The V O I D** » Thu Jan 03, 2019 11:13 pm

The Grand Order of the Throne of Gaia: Created to resolve crises wherein succession to the Throne is in question as a precautionary measure by Emperor Aurelius VI Regine after he inherited the throne during such a crisis, as his aunt was Emperor and there was no one else to succeed the Throne for a temporary time. The Grand Order protects the Throne and has created golems to assist them in the protection of the Throne-city.
His/Her Majesty's Inquisitorial Order: Otherwise known as the Inquisitors' Guild. Controlled by the Lord Carnifex after his appointment by Empress Artemis II Regina. Responsible for eliminating heretics and fighting Daemonic forces/corruption, wherever it may be found.
The Palatine Guard: Exclusively a palace guard, this modest in size force was created 400 years ago to police grounds around the imperial palace and various important government buildings of high importance and most importantly the Empreror/Empress(nowdays the members of the Grand Order of the Throne) and their immediate family.

Unlike the smaller ceremonial and elitist heavy armoured spear-wielding soldiers of the Imperial Guard; their function is not of decorative nature. Drawn exclusively from the lower freedmen classes across the Empire(except the capital itself), they are selected for having no loyalties outside the people whom control the throne. Provided a stipend and allowances for their equipment, they serve for 20 years - any promotion is based on seniority of service. During hours reserved for audiences, the guardsmen are standing in the antechamber of the imperial apartments, not visual to the public even at formal occasions, while the Imperial Guard sits on either side of the throne as befitted to their status.

The Palatine Guards are said to be fearless and their loyalty to the empire absolute; a testament of their harsh training, their very discipline surpasses even the value of their lives - cowardice leads to execution. Brutality of certain members is infamous, holding absolute power over commoners whom must tread carefully in the wake of such license or risk great danger to themselves and their loved ones since the guardsmen are above legal approach

Isle of Artana:
Artana is a large, temperate island about one tenth the size of Terra, located to its northeast. It has moderate summers and frigid winters. The northeast of the island is dominated by a large chain of mountains and several smaller islands. The south of the island is a flat, fertile grassland that was once an enormous forest known as "Gylwed Forest". The northwest of the island is a frigid wetland, with many rivers constantly changing course. first appears in the written record around 5,000 years ago, during the Terran Empire's exploration of the seas. The island of "Yrtain" was described in the written records of a Terran sailor as being home to countless petty "Yrtaini" kingdoms, who occasionally united under a "High King".

About 3,000 years ago, Artana reenters the historical record. According to runic inscriptions, oral tradition, and the epic poem The Lay of Argos, Artana was invaded by raiders from across the ocean known as the "Umirlings", named after their leader, the warlord Umir the Lame. Umir the Lame was supported by his various children, including Ivar the Pale, Wulfhildr Long-Tooth, Bjorn of the Black Hand, Sigfrith the Skinner, and Argos White-Hair. Umir the Lame is generally assumed to have been real, but the historicity of his children is highly disputed - in particular, Bjorn of the Black Hand and Argos White-Hair are often considered to be wholly legendary or later warlords unrelated to Umir. The Umirlings had originally been invited to Yrtain as mercenaries by High King Yrgais, but betrayed him. Native Artanni oral tradition holds that the Umirlings betrayed Yrgais because of their thirst for blood and gold, while the Lay of Argos claims that Yrgais was a Daemon-worshipper who ruled with the aid of witches, and that Argos White-Hair persuaded his father and his siblings to overthrow him after falling in love with Yrgais's abused daughter. Descendants of the native Artanni also believe that Yrgais, who they call "The Old King", employed magic-wielding druids, but that those druids received their gifts from the gods, not from Daemons. The native Artanni also believe that Yrgais's magical sword is hidden somewhere on the island, and someday the true ruler of Artana will find it, reactivate its magic powers, and drive the Umirlings out.

At any rate, Yrgais was defeated and slain in battle by Umir, and his dynasty faded from history. Umir died coughing up blood later that year, furthering rumours that Yrgais and his followers practiced dark magic. Umir's children divided up Yrtain between themselves, forming a handful of petty "Jarldoms". The Artanni clans of the northwest retained their independance, due to the difficulty the Umirlings found in navigating the wetlands.

The two cultures slowly assimilated into each other. The Umirlings swiftly adopted the "clan" structure of the native Artanni. "Yrtain" became "Artana", "Jarls" became "Earls", and "Gylwed" became "Galwood". Clan Payle ruled the forests in the south. Clan Longtooth ruled the northeastern mountains, Clan Ribbell ruled the northwestern wetlands, and Clan Skinner ruled a small archipelago off of Artana's eastern coast. The new Umirling clans elected their own High Kings, usually when threatened by the wetlands clans.

Around a thousand years after the Umirlings first arrived in Artana, Alpin Argoss, Chief of the minor clan of Argoss, was declared High King of Artana by the other clans. High King Alpin commissioned a group of the kingdom's most accomplished bards and scribes to write an epic poem honouring his clan's founder, Argos White-Hair. The result was The Lay of Argos, which incorporated oral tradition, older sagas, and Alpin's own theories into an epic story about Umir the Lame's youngest son. Clan Argoss would lose much of their newfound influence after Alpin's death, but The Lay of Argos would go on to become an integral source of information about the early Umirling period, and have a massive impact on Artana's cultures and languages.

Of the various clans, the Payles eventually became the most powerful, as they controlled the fertile southern lands of Artana that had once been Gylwed Forest. For almost a thousand years they held a monopoly on the title of High King. The title became pseudo-hereditary, and permanent, rather than elective and temporary. The Longtooths, Ribbells, and a variety of minor clans all swore fealty to them. Meanwhile, Artana was increasingly influenced by the Terran Empire, and the Terran language, the worship of Gaia, and some of the trappings of feudalism spread to much of Artana through cultural diffusion.

In 11,277, High King Dunchad Payle subjugated the Eastern isles, executing Thorfinn Skinner when he refused to swear fealty. One of the minor clans of the Eastern Isles was Clan Blackhand Brennus Blackhand had fought against the Payles alongside the Skinners, and thus feared for his life when King Thorfinn was executed. Brennus, his family, and many other Clan Chiefs fled from the Isles to Terra, where they were granted asylum by the Terran Emperor. Brennus reached an agreement with the Emperor, where the Emperor would provide men and ships to depose King Dunchad, and in exchange Brennus would swear fealty to him.

In an elaborate ceremony, the exiled Artanni lords elected Brennus to the position of High King in absentia, and he was given a crown by the Emperor. Soon afterwards, he returned to Artana with an army of Terran knights at his back. The Skinners betrayed Dunchad for Brennus after a few victories, while the Ribbells remained neutral, and the Longtooths initially remained neutral but eventually sided with the Payles after learning of Brennus's agreement with the Terrans. The Payles and Longtooths were defeated in a series of battles, and eventually Brennus came to control the whole of Artana. Brennus held a coronation ceremony, where the great clans formally elected him a second time.

Brennus had the main line of Clan Payle killed in order to prevent them from claiming his crown. The lesser branches of the clan were allowed to live, but were forced to abandon their surnames and found new clans. The most powerful of these clans were Clan Thorn, founded by Thorin Payle, and Clan Vulne, founded by Volnarr Payle. The Blackhands seized control of Galwood and the Eastern Isles, and have reigned as High Kings ever since.

The Regines rarely interfered with Artana, albeit mostly due to lack of interest. With the instability caused by the death of Empress Artemis, however, the Blackhands are increasingly concerned that they will be dragged into mainland politics.

The City of Atheo
The city of Atheo is a large underwater dwelling, home to the Charcharions. It has developed over millions of years, evolving with it's inhabitants. The city was once grown from the rock basin it sits on from special coral. However, since joining the empire the city has become a pinnacle of architecture and masonry around the empire from it's stonework. The capital building specifically, features a tall spiral staircase adorned with statues of the empires envoys.

The city has a regular cleaning crew and a few magic implements to ward off algae and other scum that disturb water visibility. The city itself is located on the east coast of the mainland, in a large shallow field. In the cities center however, lies a dark secret. "The pit," a mysterious prison miles deep has been kept secret from the empire for thousands of years. The pit holds some of histories most notorious and dangerous warlords and criminals in the undersea realm. Pirates, thieves, scoundrels, and rogues from all corners of the globe. The pit is the only portion of Atheo with an air bubble to hold land dwellers.

Rumor has it escape is impossible, because those who manage to outwit and outsmart the many puzzles and traps that have been laid are sure to be killed by the monster that guards the exit. Despite this, the pit has not seen a new inmate in over ten thousand years. The only new story to be told, is that the pit's warden having no one left to oversee, has left his post to pursue political aspirations. A simple man with a common name, "Thresh."

Prevulsca

by **Utceforp** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:37 am

Tag.

Should there be apps for houses/races/territories/etc. as well?

by **Khasinkonia** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:49 am

Eyyy, long time no see! I had a neat idea, but I’d need OP approval. Basically, I was thinking of making an immortal servant/slave, perhaps a golem of sorts, that’d be inherited alongside the throne. Would that be acceptable?

by **Skarten** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:52 am

T A G

by **The V O I D** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:16 am

Utceforp wrote:Tag.

Should there be apps for houses/races/territories/etc. as well?

I think it's mostly covered by character apps as we build forward. But I might add those apps in the future if it is cause for concern.

Khasinkonia wrote:Eyyy, long time no see! I had a neat idea, but I’d need OP approval. Basically, I was thinking of making an immortal servant/slave, perhaps a golem of sorts, that’d be inherited alongside the throne. Would that be acceptable?

I suppose so, but I would generally prefer you play someone who is more affected by the Throne being open (e.g. a noble, a peasant, or what-have-you).

by **Ruskland-Preuben** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:19 am

The V O I D wrote:
Utceforp wrote:Tag.

Should there be apps for houses/races/territories/etc. as well?

I think it's mostly covered by character apps as we build forward. But I might add those apps in the future if it is cause for concern.

Khasinkonia wrote:Eyyy, long time no see! I had a neat idea, but I’d need OP approval. Basically, I was thinking of making an immortal servant/slave, perhaps a golem of sorts, that’d be inherited alongside the throne. Would that be acceptable?

I suppose so, but I would generally prefer you play someone who is more affected by the Throne being open (e.g. a noble, a peasant, or what-have-you).

This golem thing might become emperor for all we know.
Also hey VOID.

by **The V O I D** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:30 am

Ruskland-Preuben wrote:
The V O I D wrote:
I think it's mostly covered by character apps as we build forward. But I might add those apps in the future if it is cause for concern.

I suppose so, but I would generally prefer you play someone who is more affected by the Throne being open (e.g. a noble, a peasant, or what-have-you).

This golem thing might become emperor for all we know.
Also hey VOID.

Greetings. And I kinda doubt it? If the golem is “Guardian of the Throne” or something, that means it is magically forbidden from being able to claim it.

by **Ruskland-Preuben** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:33 am

The V O I D wrote:
Ruskland-Preuben wrote:
This golem thing might become emperor for all we know.
Also hey VOID.

Greetings. And I kinda doubt it? If the golem is “Guardian of the Throne” or something, that means it is magically forbidden from being able to claim it.

Now this may be a bit bullshittery, but what “OS” does the golem run on?
Ah forget it, I’ll probably throw in a Konrad Curze-like char, app in a day or so, these things take time (for me anyway lol).

by **Skarten** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:40 am

So there Is only one Empire/Nation (Terran Empire) right?

by **The V O I D** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:57 am

Skarten wrote:So there Is only one Empire/Nation (Terran Empire) right?

Yeah, the Terran Empire rules the entire continent of Terra. Of course, there's many, many noble Houses and sub-states that answer to the Empire, along with a multitude of semi-autonomous villages, etc.

by **Skarten** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:08 am

The V O I D wrote:
Skarten wrote:So there Is only one Empire/Nation (Terran Empire) right?

Yeah, the Terran Empire rules the entire continent of Terra. Of course, there's many, many noble Houses and sub-states that answer to the Empire, along with a multitude of semi-autonomous villages, etc.

Well, What if you were to be one of those "Sub-States" who decided to declare independence?

by **Khasinkonia** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:20 am

The V O I D wrote:
Utceforp wrote:Tag.

Should there be apps for houses/races/territories/etc. as well?

I think it's mostly covered by character apps as we build forward. But I might add those apps in the future if it is cause for concern.

Khasinkonia wrote:Eyyy, long time no see! I had a neat idea, but I’d need OP approval. Basically, I was thinking of making an immortal servant/slave, perhaps a golem of sorts, that’d be inherited alongside the throne. Would that be acceptable?

I suppose so, but I would generally prefer you play someone who is more affected by the Throne being open (e.g. a noble, a peasant, or what-have-you).

Well, considering the servant would have to personally put up with whoever sits next on the Throne, I guarantee you they’ll have some strong, strong opinions over who they’d prefer to be inherited by.

by **Utceforp** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:41 am

I was thinking of making an island off the northeastern coast of the continent, with a sort of mix of Celtic and Norse influences, inspired by the "Hiberno-Norse" of northern Ireland and western Scotland in the middle ages.

by **Ruskland-Preuben** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:53 am

APPLICATION:

Name: Lord Arthurius IV Conradiner of the Spirelands, Count of the Pale Spire, Count of the Grayfort
Age: 37
Sex: Male
Race: Human
Appearance: Arthurius Conradiner
Personality: Harsh, straight-to-the-point, and downright cruel, Arthurius, in spite of all these negative attributes, is a just man, though his justice is quite skewed, quite literally as he skews criminals alive inside the court of the Pale Spire for all criminals on death row or not to see. He also has the mind of a brilliant strategist and a shrewd diplomat, with his mind, he has prevented other houses in interfering with his domains. His people, as prosperous as they are, still only begrudgingly accept Arthurius as their ruler, preferring him over any other alternative. He frees any slave that comes into his lands, to the indignant squawking of his neighbors. He is also a staunch defender of the faith, executing heretics with extreme abhorrence, though he personally doesn’t believe in any god, as he thinks that, if there is a god, then why is this world ruined. Lives a life of moderation, not spending extravagant amounts of money on trivial things such as jewellery or silk clothes, always decadent when executing or torturing criminals. Other races have settled in his lands, though rarely, as they fear him too much, though he will never kill any of them without just resson.
Skills: Perhaps the finest swordsman this realm has ever seen, good with diplomacy, masterful in military strategy, perhaps the finest interrogator in the entire empire, hands down.
House: Conradiner
Loyalties: A supporter of Regine, though will try to prevent any poor ruler from getting the throne, including himself.
Biography: We shall begin with the history of the house as a whole, as it will provide some necessary context for some of Arthurius’ life. The Noble House of Conradiner, also called Konradin/Conreydn/of Conrad, was founded by the knight of infamy, Conrad “the Accursed”. A vile man with the tendency to spread his vile seed to any women he came across, this lifestyle gave him a legion of children, any bastards he had were legitimised, and he held his new realm in an iron fist of tyranny. His children, however, would lead a rebellion, killing him. They then all swore an oath to be servants of the realm, to be just and to dispense justice whenver possible. Anyone who strayed too far was culled, via assassination or outright rebellion.

When the empire arrived at their doorstep, they begrudgingly bent the knee as to stay in power in their lands, they were no longer Kings, but mere Lords, their duty to the people however, never abated, and they garnered a reputation as ruthless but just stewards, this allowed them to gain the position of Steward on the imperial council most times. We shall now fast forward to a few decades before Arthurius’ birth, during the time of Arthurius II, this was the time where the blood feud between Conradiner and Carnifex began. We won’t go into detail but it revolved around a series of incidents known as the St. Steven Massacres, which were around the general vicinity of a modestly sized city of St. Steven on the border. Rest assured, no Conradiner and Carnifex will stand under the same roof without bloodshed.

Another fast forward, this time brief, to the time of Arthurius III, he has been given a son by his wife, which he had named after himself. The Third was a proud man, proud in his dispensing of justice, and his work. Suffice to say, this pride would be his downfall, he was killed when young Arthurius was 5, and his mother, a tall and imposing woman, took charge of the regency. Tragedy seemingly never stopped however, as when he was 7, his mother died. At this point, young Arthurius was growing up to be quite tall for his age, and displayed sadistic tendencies along with considerable intelligence. His uncle Steven would come to become regent in his mother’s place, and with his will of iron and coarse hands, moulded the young Arthurius from a monstrous sadist, into a bringer of justice like his forebears, averting his culling. His intellect grew, his sense of justice skewed, though skewed in a way that was acceptable.

At the age of 16, his mentor and father figure of an uncle would die from a large group of bandits. Said bandits would be hanging upside down with parts of their skin flayed off on the walls of the Pale Spire, in the nearby town, and in the woods, their heads on spikes scattered about his realm, one of his first banners was a helmeted head of a rapist on a pike. His reputation was sullied after this, though he was able to shift it around to his advantage.

Years have passed, the throne is empty, the Carnifexes are poised to take the throne.

Death before Dishonour. Ave Dominus Nox.

RP Example: You know me.
#SeizeTheThrone

by **Barapam** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 11:15 am

1. Do non-human noble houses exist?
2. Are vampires allowed?
3. Is it strictly "English" fantasy, or can I combine it with foreign elements such as pickelhaubes and katanas too?

by **The V O I D** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 12:14 pm

Skarten wrote:
The V O I D wrote:
Yeah, the Terran Empire rules the entire continent of Terra. Of course, there's many, many noble Houses and sub-states that answer to the Empire, along with a multitude of semi-autonomous villages, etc.

Well, What if you were to be one of those "Sub-States" who decided to declare independence?

Well, in all likelihood, you'd need to align yourself with other such sub-states/Houses that were seceding - or risk the loyalist Houses or House Carnifex coming after you once the matter of succession to the Gaian Throne is resolved.

Khasinkonia wrote:
The V O I D wrote:
I think it's mostly covered by character apps as we build forward. But I might add those apps in the future if it is cause for concern.

I suppose so, but I would generally prefer you play someone who is more affected by the Throne being open (e.g. a noble, a peasant, or what-have-you).

Well, considering the servant would have to personally put up with whoever sits next on the Throne, I guarantee you they’ll have some strong, strong opinions over who they’d prefer to be inherited by.

Oh, certainly, and I have little doubt that the any Throne-Guardian would probably look at the House Carnifex as a rather... 'unworthy' bunch. Of course, the Lord Carnifex hasn't been known to take 'no' for an answer lightly, as well...

Utceforp wrote:I was thinking of making an island off the northeastern coast of the continent, with a sort of mix of Celtic and Norse influences, inspired by the "Hiberno-Norse" of northern Ireland and western Scotland in the middle ages.

That should be fine, I think - though as a fair warning, I'd say even if you're a small autonomous state off the coast of Terra, you're likely strongly influenced by Terra and its politics. I'd say it's definitely fair to believe that you have a stake in things on Terra, if only in how it'll affect your island's independence/semi-independence.

Barapam wrote:1. Do non-human noble houses exist?
2. Are vampires allowed?
3. Is it strictly "English" fantasy, or can I combine it with foreign elements such as pickelhaubes and katanas too?

1. In a minority; the less human-like the race, the less noble ranks they hold. Only the most human-like races (namely, Elves, certain forms of Orcs, and Dwarves) have access to a full House of Nobility within the Empire - and even then, their House is likely in a predominantly Elven/Orcish/Dwarvish populated portion of Terra.
2. Vampires are allowed, but are considered dangerous. Most of the Empire merely fears/loathes them, though the more fanatical/religious of them (especially the House Carnifex) views their very existence as heretical and Daemonic, and so purge vampires with extreme prejudice. A vampire noble is unheard of.
3. It's a mix of various fantasies, yes. I'll accept mostly Eurocentric fantasy, with some Greco-Roman thematics; other fantasy elements from outside of Europe are definitely allowed on a case-by-case basis, though. The Terran Empire is probably similar to a “medieval, feudal Roman Empire” with fantasy elements and a generally-consistent culture that has some differences the further you stray from the Gaian Throne-city/Imperial City.

There is no central state religion, but culturally, Terra follows a sort of pseudo-Abrahamic/Europagan cult, with some Imperial Cult-worship of the Gaian Throne. The Inquisitiors' Guild is the most fanatical followers of this religion. Again, this varies, but generally the closer to Imperial City you are, the more followers this religion has.

Ruskland-Preuben wrote:
APPLICATION:

Name: Lord Arthurius IV Conradiner of the Spirelands, Count of the Pale Spire, Count of the Grayfort
Age: 37
Sex: Male
Race: Human
Appearance: Arthurius Conradiner
Personality: Harsh, straight-to-the-point, and downright cruel, Arthurius, in spite of all these negative attributes, is a just man, though his justice is quite skewed, quite literally as he skews criminals alive inside the court of the Pale Spire for all criminals on death row or not to see. He also has the mind of a brilliant strategist and a shrewd diplomat, with his mind, he has prevented other houses in interfering with his domains. His people, as prosperous as they are, still only begrudgingly accept Arthurius as their ruler, preferring him over any other alternative. He frees any slave that comes into his lands, to the indignant squawking of his neighbors. He is also a staunch defender of the faith, executing heretics with extreme abhorrence, though he personally doesn’t believe in any god, as he thinks that, if there is a god, then why is this world ruined. Lives a life of moderation, not spending extravagant amounts of money on trivial things such as jewellery or silk clothes, always decadent when executing or torturing criminals. Other races have settled in his lands, though rarely, as they fear him too much, though he will never kill any of them without just resson.
Skills: Perhaps the finest swordsman this realm has ever seen, good with diplomacy, masterful in military strategy, perhaps the finest interrogator in the entire empire, hands down.
House: Conradiner
Loyalties: A supporter of Regine, though will try to prevent any poor ruler from getting the throne, including himself.
Biography: We shall begin with the history of the house as a whole, as it will provide some necessary context for some of Arthurius’ life. The Noble House of Conradiner, also called Konradin/Conreydn/of Conrad, was founded by the knight of infamy, Conrad “the Accursed”. A vile man with the tendency to spread his vile seed to any women he came across, this lifestyle gave him a legion of children, any bastards he had were legitimised, and he held his new realm in an iron fist of tyranny. His children, however, would lead a rebellion, killing him. They then all swore an oath to be servants of the realm, to be just and to dispense justice whenver possible. Anyone who strayed too far was culled, via assassination or outright rebellion.

When the empire arrived at their doorstep, they begrudgingly bent the knee as to stay in power in their lands, they were no longer Kings, but mere Lords, their duty to the people however, never abated, and they garnered a reputation as ruthless but just stewards, this allowed them to gain the position of Steward on the imperial council most times. We shall now fast forward to a few decades before Arthurius’ birth, during the time of Arthurius II, this was the time where the blood feud between Conradiner and Carnifex began. We won’t go into detail but it revolved around a series of incidents known as the St. Steven Massacres, which were around the general vicinity of a modestly sized city of St. Steven on the border. Rest assured, no Conradiner and Carnifex will stand under the same roof without bloodshed.

Another fast forward, this time brief, to the time of Arthurius III, he has been given a son by his wife, which he had named after himself. The Third was a proud man, proud in his dispensing of justice, and his work. Suffice to say, this pride would be his downfall, he was killed when young Arthurius was 5, and his mother, a tall and imposing woman, took charge of the regency. Tragedy seemingly never stopped however, as when he was 7, his mother died. At this point, young Arthurius was growing up to be quite tall for his age, and displayed sadistic tendencies along with considerable intelligence. His uncle Steven would come to become regent in his mother’s place, and with his will of iron and coarse hands, moulded the young Arthurius from a monstrous sadist, into a bringer of justice like his forebears, averting his culling. His intellect grew, his sense of justice skewed, though skewed in a way that was acceptable.

At the age of 16, his mentor and father figure of an uncle would die from a large group of bandits. Said bandits would be hanging upside down with parts of their skin flayed off on the walls of the Pale Spire, in the nearby town, and in the woods, their heads on spikes scattered about his realm, one of his first banners was a helmeted head of a rapist on a pike. His reputation was sullied after this, though he was able to shift it around to his advantage.

Years have passed, the throne is empty, the Carnifexes are poised to take the throne.

Death before Dishonour. Ave Dominus Nox.

RP Example: You know me.
#SeizeTheThrone

Accepted; this looks pretty good, actually. I'm looking forward to the Lord Carnifex and the Lord Conradiner having to deal with one another...

by **Barapam** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 12:32 pm

The V O I D wrote:Snip!

Ok, got it! So trolls and witches are ok too, but not as nobles?

by **The V O I D** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 1:11 pm

Barapam wrote:
The V O I D wrote:Snip!

Ok, got it! So trolls and witches are ok too, but not as nobles?

Yes, basically.

by **Utceforp** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 2:44 pm

The V O I D wrote:
Utceforp wrote:I was thinking of making an island off the northeastern coast of the continent, with a sort of mix of Celtic and Norse influences, inspired by the "Hiberno-Norse" of northern Ireland and western Scotland in the middle ages.

That should be fine, I think - though as a fair warning, I'd say even if you're a small autonomous state off the coast of Terra, you're likely strongly influenced by Terra and its politics. I'd say it's definitely fair to believe that you have a stake in things on Terra, if only in how it'll affect your island's independence/semi-independence.

I was thinking the island would be ruled by a "High King", who is ostensibly a vassal of the Empire but usually allowed to just do his own thing. Carnifex might interfere more with the island's affairs, however, leading to tension. I definitely assumed the island would be strongly influenced by Terra - e.g. I was thinking "true" feudalism, as opposed to tribalism based on clan relationships, would have been something imported to the island by the Terrans.

Edit: Can you give a quick timeline of the history of the Terran Empire? I'm planning out my island's backstory and I want to make sure everything "lines up" so to speak.

by **New Cobastheia** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 2:49 pm

by **Ralnis** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:02 pm

So how are minotaurs and other beastmen treated? As slaves? Second-hand citizens?

by **Joohan** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:20 pm

tag for interest. Waiting for a bit more fleshing out of the world before I join

by **The V O I D** » Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:49 pm

Utceforp wrote:
The V O I D wrote:

That should be fine, I think - though as a fair warning, I'd say even if you're a small autonomous state off the coast of Terra, you're likely strongly influenced by Terra and its politics. I'd say it's definitely fair to believe that you have a stake in things on Terra, if only in how it'll affect your island's independence/semi-independence.

I was thinking the island would be ruled by a "High King", who is ostensibly a vassal of the Empire but usually allowed to just do his own thing. Carnifex might interfere more with the island's affairs, however, leading to tension. I definitely assumed the island would be strongly influenced by Terra - e.g. I was thinking "true" feudalism, as opposed to tribalism based on clan relationships, would have been something imported to the island by the Terrans.

Edit: Can you give a quick timeline of the history of the Terran Empire? I'm planning out my island's backstory and I want to make sure everything "lines up" so to speak.

Sure thing - here's the general timeline for the entire world, actually. I'll probably also put it someplace above, likely in the reserve-post.

Ralnis wrote:So how are minotaurs and other beastmen treated? As slaves? Second-hand citizens?

Depends on who's ruling over them; the Terran Empire, in general, puts humans first, though. The more 'humanlike' they are compared to beast-like, the better they are treated.

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