Of Iron and Fire (Ancient/City-State/Fantasy, OOC, OPEN)

[Nea Byzantia]

Perhaps caused by a religious revolution?

Or later incursion by western "barbarians," per his app. The point is just to remember that the Rhean Empire was a long time ago, and that whatever cultural ties once existed have had many centuries to become attenuated.

Fair enough.

[Nea Byzantia]

Looks like we made our city real close to one another, we both must have seen the advantages of the location's geography. Do you want to co-opt one another's story and work a common canon out or should one of us move?

A common canon sounds good to me, if you're willing.

Can I join in on this...Phylesia is pretty close to you (see map)

[The Hoosier Alliance]

Can I join in on this...Phylesia is pretty close to you (see map)

I was thinking the same thing. Sounds good to me!

[Nea Byzantia]

Can I join in on this...Phylesia is pretty close to you (see map)

I was thinking the same thing. Sounds good to me!

So where do we begin?

[Jade Confederacy]

Can I join in on this...Phylesia is pretty close to you (see map)

I dont see why not, the river valley has become extremely densely populated. There are 5 cities totaling over three million people within a weeks travel from one another. A trade or defense league may be up for discussion but it'll have to be very loose and prone to infighting else we'll just steamroll the rest of the cities states that do not band together.

Edit: the backstory is that we were probably the core of a fairly substantial nation that dissolved half a millennia ago. In the time period since infighting and barbarian invasions inducing cultural drift in all the cities. The reason why we never reunited is that once one city gained too much power, the remaining cities would band together and defeat the rising power to restore the status quo. In times of danger such as the intrusion of a massive barbarian horde, the cities would unite into a league and elect a Hierarch to lead them. However, these leagues would never last more than a decade since we all competed with one another too much for a lasting alliance to form.

[The Hoosier Alliance]

So where do we begin?

Well, it depends on how you want to do this. Are we stilling going off of Thal sacking Phylesia after being invited to do so in exchange for empowering the bankers? Or is that a no go? Relations could be either warm, with (I believe) a mutual military tradition and what I guess you could call mild imperialism for the age. Or, we could be rivals of sorts. If Thal did sack your city and help put those bankers in power, your people could resent mine for the years of starvation and such that followed. Or, we could be pretty neutral, with trading relations, and have had some skirmishing in the past over disputed territory, raiding, and what have you. Religion could also be a factor, with Thalmos worshiping the guy that (maybe) sacked your city and installed the bankers. Maybe we've created a temporary alliance in the past, to try and break Almaria's impenetrable walls (which failed, of course) leading to friendly relations. If you've got any ideas, I'd love to hear 'em.

[The Hoosier Alliance]

Can I join in on this...Phylesia is pretty close to you (see map)

I dont see why not, the river valley has become extremely densely populated. There are 5 cities totaling over three million people within a weeks travel from one another. A trade or defense league may be up for discussion but it'll have to be very loose and prone to infighting else we'll just steamroll the rest of the cities states that do not band together.

Good points, and true.

[Andsed]

Hey uh Vison is pretty close to you guys do you mind if I jump in as well?

[The Hoosier Alliance]

Hey uh Vison is pretty close to you guys do you mind if I jump in as well?

I know I'm cool with it. It'd be nice to have a good common lore of the general area we're all in.

[Jade Confederacy]

Erethios, in theory, has the best position since it gets to monopolize an entire inland sea, but since its so isolated, it will probably be considered the boonies of the RP. Im betting that its the first one to get wiped by dragons

Looks like I was right, Erethios is the first to get hit by dragons, which means its confirmed that the dragons will probably come from the south and work its way to the north.

[St George Territory]

ery much so.

My initial plan with Salenippos is the preparation of a large-scale war to challenge the trade dominance of Thassalos, and aiming to enlist brutish navy mercenaries like those of Xenos is definitely something I will try.

Overall Tasuirin, are you also willing to engage our two City States in this type of conflict?

Loving the gods btw.

Do you want to have a shared canon? I was thinking that I could probably have my navy act as your mercenaries for your wars or something like that.

[The Hoosier Alliance]

Should have a post up late tonight/early tomorrow.

[Nea Byzantia]

So where do we begin?

Well, it depends on how you want to do this. Are we stilling going off of Thal sacking Phylesia after being invited to do so in exchange for empowering the bankers? Or is that a no go? Relations could be either warm, with (I believe) a mutual military tradition and what I guess you could call mild imperialism for the age. Or, we could be rivals of sorts. If Thal did sack your city and help put those bankers in power, your people could resent mine for the years of starvation and such that followed. Or, we could be pretty neutral, with trading relations, and have had some skirmishing in the past over disputed territory, raiding, and what have you. Religion could also be a factor, with Thalmos worshiping the guy that (maybe) sacked your city and installed the bankers. Maybe we've created a temporary alliance in the past, to try and break Almaria's impenetrable walls (which failed, of course) leading to friendly relations. If you've got any ideas, I'd love to hear 'em.

I'm thinking Phylesia and Thalmos could be on good terms with each other, as the sacking of Phylesia occurred centuries ago, and both nations have similar values. What is Thalmos' stance towards the Old Empire?

[Nea Byzantia]

Well, it depends on how you want to do this. Are we stilling going off of Thal sacking Phylesia after being invited to do so in exchange for empowering the bankers? Or is that a no go? Relations could be either warm, with (I believe) a mutual military tradition and what I guess you could call mild imperialism for the age. Or, we could be rivals of sorts. If Thal did sack your city and help put those bankers in power, your people could resent mine for the years of starvation and such that followed. Or, we could be pretty neutral, with trading relations, and have had some skirmishing in the past over disputed territory, raiding, and what have you. Religion could also be a factor, with Thalmos worshiping the guy that (maybe) sacked your city and installed the bankers. Maybe we've created a temporary alliance in the past, to try and break Almaria's impenetrable walls (which failed, of course) leading to friendly relations. If you've got any ideas, I'd love to hear 'em.

I'm thinking Phylesia and Thalmos could be on good terms with each other, as the sacking of Phylesia occurred centuries ago, and both nations have similar values. What is Thalmos' stance towards the Old Empire?

Also, on a more strategic level, Phylesia is the Breadbasket of Rheas, and Thalmos has unparalleled ironworks...so there's a natural strategic alliance there.

[Andsed]

Hey uh Vison is pretty close to you guys do you mind if I jump in as well?

I know I'm cool with it. It'd be nice to have a good common lore of the general area we're all in.

Okay great! So I was thinking the Vison was founded near the end of the Rhean Empire and had isolated itself to keep itself from the fallout of the empires collapse which is why it follows a policy of neutrality.

[Nea Byzantia]

I know I'm cool with it. It'd be nice to have a good common lore of the general area we're all in.

Okay great! So I was thinking the Vison was founded near the end of the Rhean Empire and had isolated itself to keep itself from the fallout of the empires collapse which is why it follows a policy of neutrality.

Makes sense.

[Toaslandia]

Hey uh Vison is pretty close to you guys do you mind if I jump in as well?

I know I'm cool with it. It'd be nice to have a good common lore of the general area we're all in.

I'm in the same region but not that close by, so I'll stay out of the canon unless you want me to join in.

[The Hoosier Alliance]

I'm thinking Phylesia and Thalmos could be on good terms with each other, as the sacking of Phylesia occurred centuries ago, and both nations have similar values. What is Thalmos' stance towards the Old Empire?

If I understand the cannon properly, Thalmos would look at the Old Empire favorably, as a cultural and religious predecessor. Thalmosans still worship the Telenian Pantheon, Thal is just the main deity of the city and has joined, as far as they're concerened, the Pathenon. They likely inherited a number of traditions from the Old Empire, obviously changing slightly through the years since the collapse. And yes, the fact we have complimenting economies (breadbasket vs. skilled iron workers) would definitely have a strategic effect on relations. It does appear, however, that we are both strong on land but weak on sea. Something that we'll have to remedy, perhaps with Xenos mercenaries?

[Nea Byzantia]

I'm thinking Phylesia and Thalmos could be on good terms with each other, as the sacking of Phylesia occurred centuries ago, and both nations have similar values. What is Thalmos' stance towards the Old Empire?

If I understand the cannon properly, Thalmos would look at the Old Empire favorably, as a cultural and religious predecessor. Thalmosans still worship the Telenian Pantheon, Thal is just the main deity of the city and has joined, as far as they're concerened, the Pathenon. They likely inherited a number of traditions from the Old Empire, obviously changing slightly through the years since the collapse. And yes, the fact we have complimenting economies (breadbasket vs. skilled iron workers) would definitely have a strategic effect on relations. It does appear, however, that we are both strong on land but weak on sea. Something that we'll have to remedy, perhaps with Xenos mercenaries?

Perhaps...As long as there are no Oligarchs there.

[Robo-Nixon]

I'm thinking Phylesia and Thalmos could be on good terms with each other, as the sacking of Phylesia occurred centuries ago, and both nations have similar values. What is Thalmos' stance towards the Old Empire?

If I understand the cannon properly, Thalmos would look at the Old Empire favorably, as a cultural and religious predecessor. Thalmosans still worship the Telenian Pantheon, Thal is just the main deity of the city and has joined, as far as they're concerened, the Pathenon. They likely inherited a number of traditions from the Old Empire, obviously changing slightly through the years since the collapse. And yes, the fact we have complimenting economies (breadbasket vs. skilled iron workers) would definitely have a strategic effect on relations. It does appear, however, that we are both strong on land but weak on sea. Something that we'll have to remedy, perhaps with Xenos mercenaries?

Don't you steal them from me! Jokes aside, I really want to get to know the four Rheas powers now to keep Salenippos involved.

[St George Territory]

Perhaps...As long as there are no Oligarchs there.

Only freemen of the waves. We are ruled by the Grand Admiral though, and the council of one hundred citizens, so not really an oligarchy.

[Farahdeen]

OF IRON AND FIRE APPLICATION

NS NAME: Farahdeen
CITY NAME: Sypria
POPULATION: 200,000 in Sypria; 150,000 on the Peninsula of Vesgius (350k in all)
SYMBOL OF CITY: The Syprian Eye of Wisdom and Fortitude

LOCATION OF CITY:

MAJOR COLOURS OF CITY: Ochre: for agriculture, strength, and people; Sky Blue: for justice, the seas, and naval war; White: for honesty, philosophy, and religion
GOVERNMENT TYPE: Sypria is primarily a Stratocracy, where all its ruling officials are (or have been) in the military. The military is combined with the state. A council of philosophers (called the Zora) help balance out the ruthlessness of the state; they give advise, control the market and food sources, and are the religious head of the city-state. Lucius Baelius is the Chancellor of the State (ruler); Viktorus Pritori is the Chancellor of the People (head of council), he is the second most powerful in all of Sypria.
CULTURE OF CITY: Visos and Irphos are the most popular pantheons in Sypria. The people try to emulate both these gods because they believe a balance between wisdom and war is necessary. Gerkos and Skiro are the least popular pantheons.
Syprian culture is heavily influenced by the ocean and seas. Fishing and trading make up a big bulk of the market. Legends of sea-dwelling monsters and tales of heroic men fighting in naval war are told to young children.
There are four castes in the city-state: Phirsis, men of war; Zestrians, men of thought; Gevadans, women; and Orphinians, common men. Parents often choose a caste for there sons to be in; rarely do boys switch castes. Children are assigned and start learning in their caste at the age of 7.

Phirsis: Boys that are sent to be in this caste have to have all their equipment bought by their family, regular Ophinians can have their sons become Phirsis if they have enough money. Boys growing up as Phirsis are mentored by Phirsis men and are sort of adopted into a Phirsi's family; boys are taught the art of war, naval skills, strategy, and how to be an honourable and just character. In addition to this, common education is taught by a Zestrian teacher: Syprian Philosophy, basic mathematics, literature, Syprian History, and writing are taught. Training is grueling and difficult and can at times lead to the death of a boy, but it produces maybe the finest warriors in southern Rhea.
Zestrians: Boys that are sent to this caste are mentored by Zestrian men, sometimes a councilmen of Zora even mentors a boy. Boys are taught philosophy, mathematics, literature, Syprian History, Telenian history, writing, language, theology, and science. Other topics can be taught to the boys, but it just depends on their mentor. Zestrian men are considered to be very wise and extremely knowledgeable. Zestrians are commonly put in positions of power and religion. Parents who wish to have their son become a Zestrian must pay the council of Zora.
Gevadans: Orphinians and Gevadans are equal castes, but the Gevadans are strictly for women. All girls become Gevadans regardless of their parents financial status. Girls are usually taught by their mother on how to be a Gevadan. Basic agriculture, literature, writing, basic mathematics, Syprian History, basic philosophy, housekeeping, motherhood, child-rearing, and etiquette are taught. Some women married to influential or powerful men can in their own right become almost as powerful as their spouse. A women is considered to be a bit lower than a man because Syprians believe that the gods made man first and then women. If a Gevadan dies in childbirth they are immortalized with their statue upon a pillar bearing their name and age; this is the highest honour a woman can get.
Orphinians: Families that cannot afford to send their son to become a Phirsis or Zestrian have no other option besides becoming an Orphinian. Fathers pass down their knowledge of basic philosophy, Syprian History, writing, basic literature, basic mathematics, agriculture, and basic fighting/defense. Orphinians can be as lowly as a peasant farmer, or as a high as a rich merchantman. In times of war the state can order them to leave their homes and become militiamen.

CIVIC SPECIALISATIONS: Shipbuilding, wine, and agriculture
MILITARY SPECIALISATIONS: Syprians prefer to fight at sea and do best at sea. Spears and swords are the favored weapons of the military. Tridents and javelins are used as well. Shields vary in size and weight, it depends on the type of Phirsis that wields it. Syprians tend to favor mobility and so have lighter armor than the average Telenian warrior. All Phirsis, and many miltiamen are skilled in sailing and how to operate a ship. The Phirsis are regarded as very capable and resilient in nature; they are taught to be honourable and just in battle.
COMPOSITION OF ARMY: 90,000 men: 15k professional, 75k common men
Maximum of 75k militamen: Equipped with spear, shield, and light armor (sometimes a bow as well if the militaman has one)
15k Professional Warriors (Phirsis):
-1,000 Omnichros: Equipped with sword, shield, and heavy armor
-4,000 Dorphinians: Equipped with spears, large shields, and medium armor
-3,000 Vaersis: Equipped with javelins, bolas, backup sword, and light armor
-5,000 Pivians: Equipped with spear, shield, sword, and light armor
-2,000 Trisians: Equipped with net, trident, small shield, and light armor

NUMBER OF SHIPS: 300 military ships, 400 mercantile ships

HISTORY OF CITY: Sypria was supposedly founded by two brothers: Naelius and Istrophus. Naelius was the military man and Istrosphus was the philosopher and wise man. Together they brought the ancient ancestors of the Syprians together and formed the city-state of Sypria. Historically Sypria has been involved in many conquests and campaigns across the seas, fighting in Pelagia and Rheas while Sidonia has largely been untouched by the Syprian military. The Vesgius Isthmus Wars were fought against the Rheas barbarians who have tried multiple times to invade the Peninsula of Vesgius, of which Sypria has immediate control over.
The Peninsula of Vesgius is controlled by Sypria, villages and small cities are scattered across the land and they are subject under Syprian rule. The peninsula is dominated by the Syprians and the people that inhabit it are considered Syprian citizens.
The sea has brought great prosperity to Sypria. Trade flourishes and many citizens are skilled in sailing a ship. It is no wonder why Syprian warriors are considered to be one of the best at fighting at sea.
The city of Sypria is semi-aquatic, meaning the city is partially built into the coastal waters. Some sections of the city are only accessible by boat because the streets are often times just a canal. Flooding is only an issue during severe storms. A large port has been constructed to accomodate all the merchant ships and the navy.
#OIAF app - DO NOT DELETE

1. Temple of Gerkos
2. Temple of Kunis
3. Temple of Gera
4. Temple of Imlus
5. Temple of Mira
6. Temple of Mathon
7. Temple of Visos
8. Temple of Ophina
9. Temple of Skiro
10. Temple of Irphos
11. Temple of Kyver
12. Council of Zora
13. Ruling Sector
14. Zestrian Sector of Teaching and Thought
15. Phirsis Sector of Training and Strength
16. Wealthy Residential District
17. Orphinian Sector of Entertainment and Work
18. Gevadan Sector of Womenhood and Love
19. Commoner Residential District
20. Docks and Shipbuilding
21. Middle Class Residential District
22. Prison Islands
23. Market Islands
24. Public Sector and Public Buildings/Facilities
25. Craftsmen Islands
26. Farmlands and the Syprian Countryside
27. Other

[St George Territory]

[box]

OF IRON AND FIRE APPLICATION

NS NAME: Farahdeen
CITY NAME: Sypria

Welp, there goes my naval monopoly. Unless you want to be friends?

[Nea Byzantia]

Perhaps...As long as there are no Oligarchs there.

Only freemen of the waves. We are ruled by the Grand Admiral though, and the council of one hundred citizens, so not really an oligarchy.

Cool.

[Robo-Nixon]

-SNIP-

Hmm, possibly an immidiate threat and rival or an addition in my Coalition against Thassalos.