Thanks.
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by Zjaum » Tue Dec 03, 2019 4:18 pm
by Tomia » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:53 pm
Zjaum wrote:I have increased population from 10,000 to 625,000, which is roughly Switzerland's population at around 1450. I would also like to make Keyrit a territory within either Termain or Marseille, if either player would accept the order as a wishy-washy noble.
by Nuridia » Tue Dec 03, 2019 11:03 pm
by Vestlig » Tue Dec 03, 2019 11:25 pm
by Of the Quendi » Wed Dec 04, 2019 1:16 am
Zjaum wrote:I have increased population from 10,000 to 625,000, which is roughly Switzerland's population at around 1450. I would also like to make Keyrit a territory within either Termain or Marseille, if either player would accept the order as a wishy-washy noble.
by Ormata » Wed Dec 04, 2019 2:43 am
by The National Dominion of Hungary » Wed Dec 04, 2019 2:58 pm
by Sraelyn » Wed Dec 04, 2019 9:00 pm
by Zjaum » Wed Dec 04, 2019 9:13 pm
by The National Dominion of Hungary » Thu Dec 05, 2019 10:38 am
by Nuridia » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:05 pm
by Zjaum » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:48 pm
Nuridia wrote:You and Ormata have some great apps so far, give me a second to read through y'alls backstories tho lol
by Ormata » Thu Dec 05, 2019 3:07 pm
Nuridia wrote:You and Ormata have some great apps so far, give me a second to read through y'alls backstories tho lol
by Union Princes » Thu Dec 05, 2019 3:52 pm
by Nuridia » Thu Dec 05, 2019 4:18 pm
Ormata wrote:MONARCH APPLICATION(Image)
Name: Queen Dei, The Small, Of Hedinbrog
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Race/Species: GiantNative to the kingdom of Hedinbrog, giants are a humanoid species similar to humanity besides a few factors. The average height of a giant is approximately 14 feet, nearly three times that of a human, with similar male-female variances. The average weight of a giant is six times that of a human, the majority of which is made up of thicker bones, muscles, and a hearty cardiovascular system. Some organs are not scaled proportionally, with the liver being 1.5 times larger than that expected. Giant eyesight is noted for being on average slightly better than that of a human while their hearing is definitively better than the same.
Personality:Quiet, observant, and of the opinion that no action is far better than the incorrect action, Dei views the world as a game of betterments and ailments, of actions taken where a position of superiority should be held either passively or through inaction, through not placing oneself in a position wherein that position might be lost. If overwhelmed, Dei holds a tendency to shut down emotionally and to think through all aspects in a cold, clinical manner.
Sexual/Romantic Preference: Heterosexual
Appearance:Standing at 7’4” and still growing, Dei lives up to her name while among friends and towers over foreigners. She’s well built from a time of fishing and working, from periods wherein she might learn such things as construction, mining, metalworking, things which were directed for her to learn by others. Tanned from the long hours outside, Dei’s brown hair is kept short and rather utilitarian.
Biography:Born to the ailing King Ingr, Dei’s time in the kingdom of Hedinbrog has been one steeped in the preparations for the future. Her father already knew that his death would come, come soon at any time for he was sickly and poor in the body, and he knew that the coming of the colored ages, whatever they might not mean to the Giant, still held meaning towards Mankind. Dei was directed in the learning of religion, for the ministering of the King Under’s blessings and curses and the beliefs therein, as well as being directed in the arts and manners of combat. From even a young age physical conditioning was something she was told to embrace, to become one with, and in this Dei did fully. She found something of a joy in the arts of movement, of the simple expending of energy, and so with the childish heart she would run and train with the soldier, the warrior.
Goals: The survival of Hedinbrog throughout the Sunset Era, Continuation of Hedinbrog’s political position
As the Princess Dei grew older, as a sounder and calmer mind came to her, the aspects of duty, of doing as one aught for the simple fact that it would be the right thing to do, these were the things instilled in the young woman. In some ways she became obsessed with it, obsessed with leading her people in the correct way, in the way that would ensure victory against the enemy, and in this manner Dei would become convinced of the idea that if one did correctly, they would be rewarded correctly, they would win their goals and the wars they might be fighting. She wanted to lead her people against whatever might come, the most obvious and unspoken threat being humanity. And yet, her father continued to push for more peaceful relations with humanity, even as he might continue to arm his own people, prepare his own people. Eventually, she would begin to listen to her father, to listen to his actions to peace, his preparations to war, his willingness to place danger before himself because the alternative was certain war. As her father’s illnesses hampered him, Dei would slowly take the reins from him, slowly take the duties and responsibilities entrusted to him. Ingr was reluctant at first, but he was no fool.
Since her father’s death two years prior, Queen Dei has continued to wield her power on the throne in the pursuit of that same peace. Her advisors consider that the direction Hedinbrog is taking is one that’s overall for the better, as through Dei’s actions several new trades have begun to take root within the nation through exchanges as well as new techniques they hadn’t implemented before. They continue to manage the smaller aspects of the nation, though, finding that too much on a single, younger leader to be overwhelming.
Likes: Archery, Bladework, Military Tactics, Simplistic Clothing
Dislikes: The Red God’s Worship, Slaves, Unreasonable Pacifists, Unreasonable Militants
Theme Song: Studzianki
Powers/Abilities: Skilled in Archery, Bladework, Civil ManagementKINGDOM APPLICATION(Image)
Name: Hedinbrog
History:Legends say that the kingdom of Hedinbrog was first created when Hedin, one of the Deep Serpents who hunted in the endless waters while the Gods quibbled over their domains, struck his tail against the earthen shores like a drum. The mountain ranges that were created by these strikes, jagged and craggy against the sky, Hedin likened to knives pointed against the Gods themselves. The giants who would soon come to inhabit this land were outcasts, travelers from the farthest land on the most distant shore over the endless sea, these giants came to know Hedin as he would come, after an age, to regard them as children under his care. Many worshiped the Deep Serpent, communing with their King Under upon the shore and though the Gods knew of their existence, though some thought it was base heresy and others thought it was merely as the giants were in their shore side ranges, the kingdom was not struck down. They came to regard the giants as merely oddities in the world they watched over and maintained, watched over and influenced. They stood in the west, far to the south of those chilled highlands of future Termainia.
Current Leader: Queen Dei, The Small
As the ages passed by, the Harmony and the Colors did not touch Hedinbrog. They stood alone, responding to the outside world only when it chose to intrude upon them. When the first travelers came, they were driven from the peaks and crags by boulders thrown. When the first boats arrived, they too were driven away. Hedin had whispered to those about him that the world at large was not to be trusted, whispered that the Gods themselves were not to be trusted, and whispered such things so quietly that not even the Gods heard him move his mouth in speech. They built, continuing to build a world about them that knew few rivals. Massive mines were constructed in the earth, ground smoothed over for the building of proper stone housing, and they continued to build.
It would not be until the Deep Serpent died, died some say in combat with Forsen at the peak underneath the ocean where not even Osat dared watch, where the blood of their King Under never reached the surface the corpse never rotting, that a giant would lead the giants. Forsen himself sent a message, for the ocean was crimson for a fortnight. A message from the followers of that War God came to the mines of Hedinbrog and, in their resolve, the giants elected their first King. His name was Lemr, a carver who was enraged at their lord’s murder, at the murder of their savior and protector. The giants marched out from their hold for that first time, marched out to war with slings in their hands, boulders at the ready. They laid waste to nine hill forts before the blood lust had been satisfied and, in that age of crude copper, the armies sent against the horde of Hedinbrog were of no consequence. They marched back to their hold and those humans left, those human leaders left, made little attempt to give chase. They had no interest in fighting an enemy they could not stop even when they had the advantage of terrain and defense. Those serpent banners planted at each of the nine hill forts were only removed a century after, once their magics had worn away with the passing of time.
As the years passed by and Hedinbrog continued to build and fortify, it would eventually come to a head. After conquering most of the continent, the kingdom of Marseille finally turned it’s eye on those who once despoiled their land and tarnished their name. Their troops made the harshest march throughout the mountain range to reach the waiting giants. The humans found themselves under attack by heavily armed and armored berserkers, giants who charged their lines heedless of the spears and shields before them, by sling-men with boulders, by archers with spears. For nearly a decade the two kingdoms fought at Hedinbrog’s doorstep, siphoning away Marsielle’s fighting men and commanders and draining them. Peace was achieved only when the south began to rise up against their western oppressors, when the north-men began to sharpen their axes, and Marseille’s King signed peace with the giants for war was found elsewhere.
Finding themselves satisfied, the giant King Vam began to push for a small increase in relations with their outsider neighbors. He was aware that for the survival of the kingdom as an independent powder, as giants governing giants, there had to be some sort of exchange between them and the outside world. They had to strive forth, to see at the very least what new weapons humanity was building, what new technologies they were creating. Vam argued with the humans might be able to have something to offer, that they might have something more than blood and violence. After hostilities died down between the kingdoms on the continent, after the Stra and others had their independence, an emissary was sent by King Vam to Hidenbrog’s neighbors and some agreements were reached. One port was opened up to the foreign powers for trade, the pierside able to be traveled by such people, and guards were stationed in good enough excess there.
Since then, Hidenebrog has existed in peace with the outside world. Giants continue to be an exceptionally rare sight outside of the kingdom, though metalsmithing techniques from the outside world have greatly enhanced giant smithies. The main city today has an aquifer system, a workable sewer system, and generally alright medicine. As one of the oldest continually running kingdoms on the continent, the serpent banners still fly over Hidenbrog despite what others might wish. As the foreign Sunset Era approaches, the giants have prepared for nearly two decades. They know what that sort of thing might bring, that it will bring rage in the hearts of man, stupidity in the hearts of man, that it will bring invasion and war to their borders. Training of all was instituted, as well as the construction of thousands of weapons to arm the populace. They have prepared, though most of humanity would never know it. Only the merchants have spoken whispers.
Government Type: Constitutional MonarchyIn terms of hierarchy, the monarch and Royal Family stands above all others. Beneath them is the Nobility who are entrusted to manage the lands they control through hereditary lines or who instead manage businesses which hold no land but do hold wealth, such as banks or fishing. Beneath that organization would be the Freemen which generally perform all skilled and manual labor, from doctoral to mining. In order to keep each group in check, the monarch elects Wardens who keep watch on the Nobility, individuals who hold the power to collect evidence, interrogate citizenry, arrest Nobility, and bring them to the monarch for justice. These Wardens are extremely rare, however, and are often elected only on a case-by-case basis. The Nobility are given the power to elect Freemen to the position of Sheriffs, who then keep law and order between themselves.
Religion: King Under
As it exists today, the kingdom of Hedinbrog stands only by the agreed social contract of the Freemen and the Nobility of the land. Those who rule, who descend from royal lines, are obliged to move the country towards peace and prosperity at all times and, when necessary, to direct the actions of war when war is the only alternative. They are entrusted to create diplomacy when it is for the betterment of giants. In addition, the Nobility are sworn to the idea that no giant may be a slave, now or ever, under their watch. To this end, as well as others, the Nobility both make the laws of the kingdom and appoint those who are to enforce their will. The Freemen are obliged to work the land and mines, to fish and create the wealth made possible. In addition to this, they are directed to in times of war join the armies, to go forth and fight for their monarch and kingdom. They are seen as obliged to keep the law whenever it might be kept, to act when such laws are broken.The faith of the King Under is derived from the worship of the Deep Serpent Hiden, for which the nation as a whole was named after. In it’s most basic form, the faith is staunchly anti-slavery and anti-revolutionary, asking that it’s members achieve peace within the households of society so that strength might be built. This may be strength of the mind, strength of the spirit, and so on. Another widely held belief is that the Gods of the Harmony, for which most nations subscribe to, is a cruel slavery. Moderates of the King Under pity such individuals, while others may hold a desire to preach to them. Those who worship the Red God Forsen, however, are seen as evil; it was after all their God who killed Hedin. The entirety of Hiden holds a distrust for such worshipers, even though who do not believe in the King Under at all, and extreme believers may seek out to kill such individuals. This is so rampant that worshipers of Forsen are, in their own kingdoms and nations, cautioned to not trade whatsoever within Hidenbrog.
Population: 359,000
Imports:Hedinbrog is a relatively infertile land for crops and holds some of the poorest soil on the continent, barring that of the desert south, and as such imports a large amount of timber and grown goods, such as wheat and vegetables. Flax is also heavily imported due to the demands of the populace. In addition to this, due to that same lack, spices are also imported though to a far less degree due to the cultural tastes. Oil is also a major import due to no reserves within Hedinbrog’s territories as well as a current boom of oil-lighted products, though such a thing is experiencing competition with domestic producers.
Exports:Due to the extensive mining efforts, Hedinbrog is notably rich in both raw minerals of inexpensive value, such as tin and copper, as well as having a heavy amount of precious metals such as iron, gold, and to some minor degree silver. The kingdom also exports a good amount of finished goods, such things as domestic metal products and martial weaponry. Fish is also a main export due to the highly developed local industry already plying the deep waters. This ranges from relatively small catches which require nets up to the larger creatures which necessitate harpoons. A whaling industry has recently begun due to the increase of oil using products. Lastly, sea salt exports do exist though for obvious reasons such a thing is neither common nor exactly profitable.
Stance on Magic:Magical talents are exceptionally rare among giants, possibly due to the meddling of the Gods, and as such the institute for magic within the kingdom is rather small. All those who are found within Hidenbrog who are vessels of the same are mandated by law to go to that institute, known as the Second Circle, where such magical potential is controlled and harnessed for the greater good. Such magic is tied around mental, animalistic concepts, such things as the idea of the pack, the herd, where they might inspire their comrades to hold the line and keep that line held stouter than any professional mercenary force or in contrast to break the enemy’s morale before the first giant charge. In peacetime these generally serve as teachers or, at times, as trackers in working against bandit operations.
Geography:Hidenbrog stands to the southern border of Marseille, surrounded by multiple mountain ranges which cut through its territory substantially. At only approximately 30,800 square kilometers it’s rather small in terms of territory. For the most part this is considered extremely rocky terrain with only some arable land, though the soil quality is extremely poor. Rainfall is high year-round due to precipitation fronts coming in from the ocean and being caught in the mountain ranges. Adding to this are multiple rivers which cut through and across the territory of Hidenbrog, moving down into the ocean. The climate is generally cool with mean temperature of −3°C (27°F) in the coldest month and 22°C (72°F) in the warmest.
Culture:Arts:
Tidenbrog arts revolve primarily around the two most common materials of metal and stone. Metal containers such as cups, bowls, and plates intended for daily use may be ornamented in various manners, whether this is through etchings upon the outer surface indicating some form of tale or event, such as a harvesting day, or the addition of other detailing such as a metal band of a serpent biting at its own tail. Wealthier citizens might have their items decorated with exterior paints or even precious metals. Stone is likewise used, with frescoes being present on house walls and carvings being a common sight on such things as a dedicated floor tiling. Giant pottery is characterized by the use of spirals and maritime animals as artistic motifs. In terms of musical arts giants are notable for a variation of communicating between mountain settlements which can be described as ‘Yodeling’, though such a thing is not practiced outside of communication due to it being seen as a rude action, much like creating a dust cloud in one’s house after a long day of work at the mines. When is more often heard is a form of overtone singing where the singer produces a fundamental pitch and—simultaneously—one or more pitches over that, often accompanied by a stringed instrument or drums.
Food & Drink:Giant diets are extremely maritime due to the geographic location of their homeland. Fish, shrimp, dolphins, and more recently whale are all commonly caught on the coast. These are usually boiled or, in some situations, dried and salted for long term storage. Soups are common. Small game such as fox are usually ignored by giants due to their relative trouble and lack of nutritional value, though some families have taken to domesticating these animals as pets. Fowl are hunted when able, though this is usually as a treat or snack. Those plants able to survive in the rocky climate, such as tubers and mint, are harvested and cooked in a variety of ways. Giant foods are notable for being often using little spices with at ost such things as pepper. For liquids, besides from purified water the most common would be a locally brewed vodka made from tubers. This is noted to be exceptionally strong due to a giant’s size.
Values:The overall values of the Giants places massive emphasis on the idea of self-sufficiency. An individual should be able to support themselves in the environment they stand in, in where they chose to be, and those obligations or sacrifices made should be made from a choice, not a necessity. Towards this end, those who travel find themselves spurned to become capable in warfare and the arts of survival, while others who stay at home often might know the skills of maintaining what they own, cooking, and some measure of hunting. Those who do not know such skills and who find themselves in poor situations as a result of it, those who require help constantly, are as such more or less shunned though some individuals will try to take it upon themselves to teach. The concepts of male-oriented duties, such as hunting and guarding, or female-oriented duties, such as keeping the home and cooking, are not enforced to much of any degree within Giant society. Those who are better suited to some tasks will take them up while other tasks are left for those others to do.
Traditions & Rituals:
In terms of Marriage, the wedding of two individuals, Giant society is far more different than others might wish. The concepts of purity, for either males or females, is not abided to and sexual promiscuity between young adults is nearly expected. Marriage between two, a male and female, is viewed as the pragmatic method of ensuring families do not breed with one-another; polygamy is uncommon. Following a marriage, the two would usually live with one another, though this is not seen as obligated. For most it is simply more expedient. Marriage is, as such, neither a religious nor a civil matter.It is notable that Giants observe no foreign traditions or rituals but instead take observance of several events in their history. The first, upon the first day in a new moon of the first year in a decade, is known as Bornday, named such as it is believed to be the period when Hedin was born in the deep oceans when no light of the moon might touch him. Celebrated with a massed procession from the ocean’s edge to the peak of the highest mountain, a woven serpent two hundred feet long flies from that mountain for three days time, the time of Hedin’s first teachings. During that time, his talks and teachings are recited by those who wander the streets, all while massive feasts are held outside for those giving heed. In most ways it is considered a time of rebirth, a time to reflect on one’s experiences and trials throughout the last decade and how one might come back into alignment with the teachings of the King Under. There is also the observance of the Vengur, a period of nine days when the armies of Hedinbrog arm themselves and pray en-mass for their dead god at the foot of the mountain ranges. They remember when they marched forth for the first time, when nine fell to them, when nine banners were raised. Other holidays are noted, though for the most part these are not known towards outsiders.
Knowledge:Hedinbrog is known for its exceptional skill in stoneworking, something which has continued since its conception, and the ability to construct such buildings without any form of mortar. The stone bricks simply rest upon one-another, interlocking to create lasting buildings. Mining, both tin finding the ore and in the successful and safe extraction of that ore, is also something they are fully capable in, the ability to find ore veins almost considered arcane by its seemingly unerring, random nature. Air ducts and strong supports are both staples for a Hedinbrog mine. In terms of actually using that ore, Hedinbrog steel can be considered on par with many of those metals used abroad with the use of crucibles being quite common for strong, flexible blades. Fishing is also a realm they hold experiences in, both on the coast and on ocean-going vessels with nets, and the preparation of that food is notable. On the field, Giants typically field soldiers armed and armored uniformly with nearly two inch thick gambuseons reaching their knees, steel sabatons, and are well trained in the use of either a sling or heavy longbow. Both of these out-range most opponents, giving a strong advantage, and are able to penetrate nearly all armors fielded by an enemy, both knightly or serf.
by Nuridia » Thu Dec 05, 2019 4:18 pm
Union Princes wrote:Tag, I'm interested in this fantasy kingdom concept.
I'm thinking of doing a vampire kingdom that's more decentralized than the HRE. A kingdom in constant civil war but isn't attack out of fear of uniting against a foreign enemy
by Zjaum » Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:32 pm
Nuridia wrote:Union Princes wrote:Tag, I'm interested in this fantasy kingdom concept.
I'm thinking of doing a vampire kingdom that's more decentralized than the HRE. A kingdom in constant civil war but isn't attack out of fear of uniting against a foreign enemy
That idea is very interesting, we haven’t gotten vampires yet.
by Union Princes » Thu Dec 05, 2019 7:23 pm
by Tomia » Thu Dec 05, 2019 10:44 pm
Ormata wrote:Would any nation be willing to extend wishes to Hidenbrog? Tomia, maybe Termain might wish to be given aid from the Giants...?
by Utceforp » Thu Dec 05, 2019 11:27 pm
by Zjaum » Fri Dec 06, 2019 8:16 am
Utceforp wrote:For some reason, instead of writing my app, I've decided to write an in-universe poem about a legendary battle that took place during the journey of the Orcs to Orczanis. Enjoy:
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