Alamgir Chronicles (FANTASY/OOC/OPEN)

[New Aeyariss]

https://i.imgur.com/jVPUGN6.png

This is WIP.

And I like your idea.

[Ovstylap]

https://i.imgur.com/jVPUGN6.png

This is WIP.

And I like your idea.

AH! It has been used! Yes this is very much a broad conceptual sketch, hopefully for transformation with someone with either artistic or technical skill on inkharnate or something, not necessarily strictly keeping to that, to have an actual map! Erbir runs the cyan Province.
Red areas mark assorted rebellions, the orange-brown-pink-crimson sort of areas are independent rajas/principalities, the areas to the right of the green border belong to the Shah, and the mountains are grey, the remainder is self-explanatory. Again, see it is an in-development concept to help shape your understanding!

[Benuty]

https://i.imgur.com/jVPUGN6.png

This is WIP.

And I like your idea.

I think I'll work where those clusters of rivers meet (the delta near the desert). My area is going for a Buddhist/Christian feeling that subjugated itself to the empire to avoid what it views as barbarism. This unique religion which ill flesh out in a separate post basically feels that the Devas aren't truly gods, but long lived immortal beings that need the worship of others to not die. This doesn't mean they are sympathetic to the state religion either since they view slavery, and animal sacrifice as abhorrent. The military is made up of those who have broken oaths of non-violence (a serious offense in this culture), but doing so for the greater good cancels this out (it leaves a stigma though).

[New Aeyariss]

https://i.imgur.com/jVPUGN6.png

This is WIP.

And I like your idea.

I think I'll work where those clusters of rivers meet (the delta near the desert). My area is going for a Buddhist/Christian feeling that subjugated itself to the empire to avoid what it views as barbarism. This unique religion which ill flesh out in a separate post basically feels that the Devas aren't truly gods, but long lived immortal beings that need the worship of others to not die. This doesn't mean they are sympathetic to the state religion either since they view slavery, and animal sacrifice as abhorrent. The military is made up of those who have broken oaths of non-violence (a serious offense in this culture), but doing so for the greater good cancels this out (it leaves a stigma though).

I love your idea, though I imagine that soldiers of such culture would not be of perfect quality.

I would recommend to read on Jainism.

I was also thinking of making the desert larger by extending it to the other bank and moving the mountains to the border and where the Chelas are. The mountains would provide them with protection needed for their warbands to exist.

[New Aeyariss]

Koppen Climate Map of the Empire (Proposal)

[Ovstylap]

Koppen Climate Map of the Empire (Proposal)

I'm very happy with the suggestions and proposals made thus far, if somebody is happy to take that map concept and run with it on their chosen software I'm all for it. Getting my alt-history post for A War of Blood and Steel, then I'll look to do this one after having had a look at some videos regarding the Mughal history etc.

[New Aeyariss]

Any suggestions where Barwala ought to be located?

[Ovstylap]

Any suggestions where Barwala ought to be located?

Personal suggestion is that Barwala is located around 100-150 miles east of the capital- which allows for a week's travel for mounted forces with regular changes of horses- depending on the scale of the map either on the Western or Eastern side of the first river to the east of Khusraubad. Perhaps this rebellion was crushed so decisively because it is very close to the Karlani core areas, as well as vital rivers, and it was vital to prevent the rebellion spreading among the Rajphuts, or from invading the Karlani core areas, where so much military recruitment and economic activity occurs.

Further, I have now posted.
For everyone's reference, I have spoken with the OP and Barwala is approximately a week's ride from the capital. The Barwala rebellion was explicitly brewing seven months ago, and the campaign began a month later. This campaign lasted for three months before the siege of Barwala began, this lasted another three months, before the capitulation a week ago, prior to the day's victory march and celebratory feast we start on.

For reference to my own writing, as I have now edited into my military description:

'Edit: Regarding the military I will probably often write about Karlani horse- usually meaning horse-archers etc, and then lancers and sepoys will be usually termed as Dahari, as will garrison forces etc. Dahari will refer to troops raised from the population of Dahari province, and will probably usually refer to non-Karlani troops, though not necessarily non-Khodaist. Unless otherwise specified, all troops are loyal to Erbir, raised from Dahari Subah, or hired by Erbir, though if any contingents of troops are assigned to Erbir's command, that will be mentioned.

Dahari infantry are typically equipped with bows, rather than muskets. Approximately 20-25% of infantry forces have muskets, with 50-70% having bows, and the remainder explicitly being melee troops. These numbers might change depending on the task of the forces. The inspiration is Ottoman Infantry in Medieval 2 etc- the idea being to loose several volleys of arrows before closing in melee.'

Finally, as with any of my writing, I am always happy for feedback of any type, including requests for clarification, or pointing out any clarity/spelling issues etc/constructive criticism. That can be provided via TG, or discord if you'd certainly prefer. I hope that my writing can help provide plenty of fun for you all, as well as further inspiration, very excited for this RP!

[New Aeyariss]

Personal suggestion is that Barwala is located around 100-150 miles east of the capital- which allows for a week's travel for mounted forces with regular changes of horses- depending on the scale of the map either on the Western or Eastern side of the first river to the east of Khusraubad. Perhaps this rebellion was crushed so decisively because it is very close to the Karlani core areas, as well as vital rivers, and it was vital to prevent the rebellion spreading among the Rajphuts, or from invading the Karlani core areas, where so much military recruitment and economic activity occurs.

It would have also explained why the Emperor decided to lead the troops personally.

Finally, as with any of my writing, I am always happy for feedback of any type, including requests for clarification, or pointing out any clarity/spelling issues etc/constructive criticism. That can be provided via TG, or discord if you'd certainly prefer. I hope that my writing can help provide plenty of fun for you all, as well as further inspiration, very excited for this RP!

I honestly absolutely love it!

I will personally post when at least 2 other RPers have posted.

[New Aeyariss]

I have decided that I want Sher Shah Bari as the final antagonist in this RP.

My plan as of now is to have our characters introduce themselves. Meanwhile, in the middle of the talks, a news come that a messenger from Sher Shah Bari has arrived. Alamgir decides to continue the festivities, and receive the embassy next day during a court session.

The messenger will introduce a proposal from Sher Shah; to recognize existing borders in exchange for a marriage of one of Alamgir's sisters to Sher Shah, with an important fortress controlled by Sher as a dowry.

Supporters would say that the match takes Sher of their heads for now and allows the Empire to focus on other foes.

Opponents will say that the sole reason Sher wants the princess is to make a claim for the peacock throne and will use the peace to cement his position and prepare for invasion.

[Ovstylap]

I have decided that I want Sher Shah Bari as the final antagonist in this RP.

My plan as of now is to have our characters introduce themselves. Meanwhile, in the middle of the talks, a news come that a messenger from Sher Shah Bari has arrived. Alamgir decides to continue the festivities, and receive the embassy next day during a court session.

The messenger will introduce a proposal from Sher Shah; to recognize existing borders in exchange for a marriage of one of Alamgir's sisters to Sher Shah, with an important fortress controlled by Sher as a dowry.

Supporters would say that the match takes Sher of their heads for now and allows the Empire to focus on other foes.

Opponents will say that the sole reason Sher wants the princess is to make a claim for the peacock throne and will use the peace to cement his position and prepare for invasion
Truth is, critics are right, but the Empire may use the time to prepare for the invasion better.

I'm definitely on board with the idea, looking forward to other people's posts. I'm quite relaxed about people initiating conversations with Erbir, as long as it isn't godmodding and you try and stab him or what not haha. If for instance you wanted to start and interaction by bumping into him and spilling a drink, or calling out to him from afar and write that he heads over that's okay by me.

[Beutarch]

This looks very cool!
The Mughal inspiration is a great twist on the court-intrigue theme.

I think I'll put together an app for the Marzban-e-Ahidi, probably going for a pseudo-Christian janissary type.

[Ovstylap]

This looks very cool!
The Mughal inspiration is a great twist on the court-intrigue theme.

I think I'll put together an app for the Marzban-e-Ahidi, probably going for a pseudo-Christian janissary type.

Sounds great! I definitely agree about the unique inspiration, looking forward to seeing your app. I believe you're free to worldbuild a religion, and other things like any lands you own etc, for the OP to approve! I think the OP is next around to post tomorrow, just so you know!

[New Aeyariss]

This looks very cool!
The Mughal inspiration is a great twist on the court-intrigue theme.

I think I'll put together an app for the Marzban-e-Ahidi, probably going for a pseudo-Christian janissary type.

Sounds great! I definitely agree about the unique inspiration, looking forward to seeing your app. I believe you're free to worldbuild a religion, and other things like any lands you own etc, for the OP to approve! I think the OP is next around to post tomorrow, just so you know!

Yeah I am going to post tomorrow. If no one posts I will have Alagamir just approach Erbir.

[New Aeyariss]

I will have a slight delay due to RL work.

Meanwhile, post your apps!

[Ovstylap]

For whenever any of those who have been accepted are ready to post, I can probably get out quite a prompt response!

[Beutarch]

Nation Name: Beutarch
RP SAMPLE: Here.
___________________

Character Name: Suleiman Dara
House/Clan/Family: A slave-soldier of the Ahids, Dara is not a member of any house. He is, however, a retainer of the Imperial Clan.
Religion: (See below.) Enochism
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Role/Occupation/Titles: Bonded of the Imperial Clan, Marzban-e-Ahidi
Description: (See right.) A tall and wiry figure, Dara is a picturesque soldier. His features are, however, noticeably foreign. His skin is several shades lighter than normal, while his hair is unusually fine.
Backstory: Born to a traveling merchant and his wife, Dara spent his formative years winding through the Empire's countryside atop his family's horse and wagon. While the family did business with all sorts of people, they found a particularly lucrative route selling farming tools and animal feed to the pagan Chelas in the northern expanses of the Empire's territory. Most merchants, upholding the Emperor's persecution of the sect, tended to swindle or avoid trading with them altogether. Because of this, there was opportunity for a more sympathetic merchant to make real money.

Things went well for the Daras, until they were caught up in a pogrom instigated by the local zamindar against the Chelas. Under the auspices of the governor, off-duty soldiers and Khodaist peasants set fire to crops and farmhouses, rounding up their inhabitants and stoning or beating them to death. Survivors fled even further north, hiding in the mountains and hills. Dara and his family, however, were unable to escape, their possessions stolen and family separated from each other. He never saw his parents again, presuming them to be trampled to death by the crowd. Dara himself was enslaved, along with other young Chela boys, and spent several months working in the zamindar's stables. At length, the zamindar embarked on a journey to Khusraubad in order to attend a banquet hosted by the Emperor. As gifts for his liege, the noble brought silks, spices and slaves, and among them was a stablehand named Suleiman Dara.

Expecting to resume caring for horses, only under a different master and in a larger barn, it came as a surprise when one of the Emperor's Ahid officers summoned him for training. The soldier had noticed the stocky young teenager upon his arrival to the Imperial residence and, once he learned that the boy knew how to ride, believed that he would make an excellent recruit. Dara, along with several other enslaved boys, began a martial education of harsh physical training, horsemanship and demonstrations of loyalty to the Emperor. He took quickly to the regimen, performing admirably and displaying initiative in leading his fellow trainees. A believer of Khoda, though of member of a heathen sect, Dara was spared from the forced conversions that most Ahids are forced to undergo. At the age of 16, Dara was deployed along with a squadron of other Ahids to quell a riot in Khusraubad. Even when ordered to run down civilians, Dara followed his orders precisely and efficiently. In subsequent engagements, he distinguished himself as a soldier willing to do what was necessary for the Empire, a macabre virtue that was noticed by his superiors. As a young man, Dara was eventually given command of a unit. A ruthless and reliable officer, Dara's unit took point on operations both of a clandestine nature, such as when a noble needed to be quietly disposed of, and those during the Emperor's occasional battlefield appearances, Dara and his men forming the tip of the spear.

With the ascent of the new emperor, Alamgir, Dara was selected to be the new Marzban-e-Ahidi. Believed to be immune to the scheming of the Mansoori Clan on account of his heathen religion, but more acceptable than an outright pagan, he was seen as the ideal choice to be responsible for the new Emperor's protection. Since then, he has served faithfully, fending off the attempts of rivals to take the Emperor's life and following the Emperor's commands closely.

Strengths & Flaws:
Spear of the Karlani - Unlike a sepoy, who are conscripted and serve for short periods of time, and unlike nobles, who train occasionally and fight as rarely as they can manage, Dara and his Ahids are professional soldiers. Trained from childhood for violence, Dara is an exceptionally potent soldier and commander.

Indoctrinated - Having only fleeting memories of life prior to entering the service of the Imperial Clan, Dara's only loyalty is to the Emperor. Years of Ahid instruction and ceremony have enforced the importance of subservience to the throne, such that Dara can hardly imagine betraying it. The death of Alamgir can only be seen as absolute failure.

Outsider - A member of a rare, non-Khodaist, non-Pagan minority, Dara is viewed with suspicion by most. On top of the fact that he was raised by soldiers following his parent's death, this means that Dara prefers to keep to himself and take a passive role in the relationships he is forced by circumstance to maintain. In his current line of work, this has proven to be a useful trait, but outside of that narrow context, it should prove to be a challenge in building trust or goodwill with either the Karlani nobility or the Pagan masses.

Code for tracking purposes: Alamgir16

---

Enochism is a henotheistic religion which shares many of the same religious texts and figures as Khodaism, including many of the Vendidad's commandments and the Prophet Bahman. Differences arise in practices of worship and beliefs concerning the nature of Khoda's designs for the Empire. Specifically, Enochists reject the notion that Khoda will one day assume a human form and rule over the empire. Instead, they posit that Khoda is already so powerful as to destroy the lesser devas with a thought, and that Khoda allows them to exist in order to test the strength of his followers. Those that remain true to His will by the time of Judgement will be brought into Khoda's heavenly kingdom, and those who do not will have their souls sundered and left for the devas to consume

Tradition holds that the first Enochists were dissenting members of the twelve tribes, who wandered the desert for a further six months while the other tribesmen began their conquests. When the two groups came back into contact, the Khodaists were embroiled in a particularly destructive conflict with a pagan king. So that they would not create even more enemies, the Enochists were granted a protected status as "dhimmi," or People of the Covenant. The Enochists, never a large population, eventually settled as small communities within the borders of the empire. In the present, the protected status that they have historically enjoyed has been eroded, both by large numbers of Enochists converting to Khodaism and by repressive measures taken against the Chelas which have had a collateral effect on other religious minorities.

[New Aeyariss]

Beutarch: ACCEPTED!

Welcome to fold, and I really like the concept of Enochism.

[Ovstylap]

A brilliant app Beutarch, I enjoyed reading through that one. I think that Erbir would not be against working with Suleiman, though Suleiman may be disinterested in working with a half-brother of the Emperor, considering that half-brothers have been the cause of much disloyalty and fragmentation in Karlani history. Nonetheless, both seem, on the outside at least (definitely internally for Suleiman) to be completely loyal the new emperor however.

[Beutarch]

A brilliant app Beutarch, I enjoyed reading through that one. I think that Erbir would not be against working with Suleiman, though Suleiman may be disinterested in working with a half-brother of the Emperor, considering that half-brothers have been the cause of much disloyalty and fragmentation in Karlani history. Nonetheless, both seem, on the outside at least (definitely internally for Suleiman) to be completely loyal the new emperor however.

Originally I was thinking of writing Suleiman to be a little more duplicitous, a la late-Roman Praetorians, but I imagine that you and the other characters will have plenty of scheming in store already.
I think our characters could certainly work together, and even if Suleiman ends up betrayed, I'm sure it'll make for an interesting story.

[Ovstylap]

A brilliant app Beutarch, I enjoyed reading through that one. I think that Erbir would not be against working with Suleiman, though Suleiman may be disinterested in working with a half-brother of the Emperor, considering that half-brothers have been the cause of much disloyalty and fragmentation in Karlani history. Nonetheless, both seem, on the outside at least (definitely internally for Suleiman) to be completely loyal the new emperor however.

Originally I was thinking of writing Suleiman to be a little more duplicitous, a la late-Roman Praetorians, but I imagine that you and the other characters will have plenty of scheming in store already.
I think our characters could certainly work together, and even if Suleiman ends up betrayed, I'm sure it'll make for an interesting story.

Perhaps that would develop anyway depending on how Alamgir's actions go. Either way, it will either be that you're instrumental in the fall of the Emperor, should that happen, or that you die in order to achieve that/ as a consequence of allowing it to happen.
Not that there's any guarantee such a thing would happen anyway haha, yes this is going to be a great story. Looking forward to seeing how the commander of the Ahids feels about a very large celebration with so many people in attendance, and the Emperor being so close to them!

[New Aeyariss]

Originally I was thinking of writing Suleiman to be a little more duplicitous, a la late-Roman Praetorians, but I imagine that you and the other characters will have plenty of scheming in store already.
I think our characters could certainly work together, and even if Suleiman ends up betrayed, I'm sure it'll make for an interesting story.

Perhaps that would develop anyway depending on how Alamgir's actions go. Either way, it will either be that you're instrumental in the fall of the Emperor, should that happen, or that you die in order to achieve that/ as a consequence of allowing it to happen.
Not that there's any guarantee such a thing would happen anyway haha, yes this is going to be a great story. Looking forward to seeing how the commander of the Ahids feels about a very large celebration with so many people in attendance, and the Emperor being so close to them!

I would also love to see what Suleiman was doing during the siege of Barwala. Plenty of options for character development there.

[New Aeyariss]

Also I believe I ought to address the matter of language.

The empire is multi lingual and multiple peoples use different languages. Still there is one language that is used as administrative - Ardu (coming from word "Arda, meaning "military camp"). This language is a mish-mash of all languages used in the Empire.

Other important language is Khodani, the same language that other 10 tribes speak in. It is also the holy language of religious texts, thus all members of Mansoori clan need to study it.

Generally, Imperial elites are bilingual. Knowledge of Khodani language is required for one to be considered a man of culture (similar to Greek in Roman Empire).

[Benuty]

Ahimsayana (Vehicle of Peace)

1. Demographic: Predemonant religion of the Diamond Court, the Maharajate centered on the former Viceroyalty of the Eight Rivers Delta
2. Deity: The Endless and Eternal known as the Cosmic Union, is an androgynous deity combined from the "marriage" of two primordial entities into one. From the very thoughts of this entity came forth multiple universes within them. Humans are one of many species within the cosmology of religion, all beings are linked through the soul which is a piece of the Cosmic Union itself, and through the continual process of death, life, and rebirth.
3. Status on the Devas: Souls that gain false power in their rebirth alongside a long lifespan that causes them to become arrogant the longer they live. Ahimsayanian priests and laity lay regular offerings out for the devas which they believe will make the Deva realize the illusionary nature of their status, and be reborn.
4. Dietary Laws: Vegetarianism, veganism during the four-month-long holy season. The animal sacrifice of the imperial priesthood is considered highly offensive to the Sangha (community of the faithful).
5. Status on Slavery: Outright Banned, Slavery is viewed as immoral as all humans are viewed as reflections of the divine.
6. Status on Marriage: In Monogamy, two souls are bound together, and perform the cosmic ritual of creation together, once married there is no individuality in the marriage. Polygamy as a concept makes no sense as it links to polytheism, but the marriage rituals practiced by the faithful are controversial to Khondo ritualists. Any two beings can be married as both represent the divinity within.
7. Theology: Panentheism
8. Eschatology: This isn't the first universe nor will it be the last as the cosmic union engage in a phenomenon known as the cosmic dance. Breaking down and regenerating the universe against an exterior enemy known as the Misanthrope, the patron of rape, slavery, and plunder. The Misanthrope seeks to corrupt humanity, and the other realms through evil actions, and tries to trap souls in a mirror universe. The Misanthrope cares not for their subjects, but only their suffering as it feeds off the emotions of the souls trapped within until the cosmic union defeats and liberates the souls trapped inside them.
9. Sacred Texts: The Sacred Body, volumes of sacred text named after significant parts of the body (the heart, the mind, the legs, arms, mouth, and eyes) with them in totaling details various sermons, rituals to be completed, the sacred calendar, the liturgy, cosmology, the life and death of the wise one and their disciples, and the establishment of the faith across the Delta. On top of what is written the priests must learn an entire set of oral interpretations which allow them to keep the texts relevant to modern life.
10. Ahimsyanian Principles:
11. Division of Society: Society is divided into four spheres: Householders, Oathbreakers, Priests, and Monks.
A) Householders-The laity of Ahimsyanian society who adhere to the five vows
B) Oathbreakers-Those who have broken the vow of nonviolence, and are given the choice of becoming part of the military.
C) Priesthood- Those who involve themselves in the Temples and serve as communal mentors to the laity. They are responsible for giving speeches, enforcing the rituals, practicing the liturgy, and ensuring lifecycle events go as planned.
D) Monks- Men, and Women who renounce the secular world, and choose various organizations that shelter them. Some monks spend days committing to specific rituals for the laity, others focus on exorcising troublesome Devas, others focus on meditation, and a sector of monks handle the rites of the dead, and the dying.
12. Rituals:
13. Festivals:
14. Head of the Religion: Custodians of the Diamond Court, an elected council of eight with the Inheritor as a 9th and central position of secular and religious authority. The eight cities elect heads from the lineages of the established by the wise one who had achieved theosis with the endless and eternal. The ninth lineage is of the most trusted steward who helped the wise one (the human name has been lost to history) spread his teachings to the disparate cities of the Delta region.

[New Aeyariss]

I like what I see so far.

Reminds me of Jainism.

I do imagine that some misinterpretation could lead to some people assuming that Kohda is the "Misanthrope" - which could lead to religious persecution.