Intrigue in Court [Fantasy Medieval|OOC|CLOSED]

[Zelphos]

Intrigue in Court

IC

In the continent of Myyr lies the High Empire of Vexia, the single largest empire the world has ever laid eyes on. An empire built on the backs of the oppressed, and forged through the shedding of blood, it has stood tall for centuries; any who dared oppose the might of the Empire were swiftly crushed with their superior technology, and were handled with an iron fist. The Empire is ruled by the Vixis Dynasty, a prestigious family who have ruled Vexia since the founding of the capital, Nab'eesh. Even when the Empire is in periods of peace, the threat of uprisings, military defectors, foreign invasion, disease, and political instability is constant, which threatens to shatter the shield that protects the realm from collapse.

With the death of the late Emperor Jakar Vixis VII, his son, Brandon Vixis I inherits the throne, and his father's council. The Empire hangs in the balance as the entirety of the realm depends on their Emperor, and those who serve him in the council, a group of individuals selected specifically for managing his realm, and to advise him. Regardless of the outcome to be, whether the Empire collapses into thousands of pieces, or prevails against those who seek to undermine the Emperor, this makes for an epic tale of greed, wroth, and intrigue.

In this character-based roleplay, you are a member of Emperor Brandon Vixis I's royal court. Whether you are a renown councilor seated at the round table, a rich knight seeking glory, a servant, a bodyguard to the Emperor, or a courtier sent against your will to attend his court, you play a role in the functionality of his court, and in this roleplay. You will do as you please, kill those who try to remove you from the Emperor's graces, blackmail to gain advantages, or plot to destroy the Empire, you will do as you will. Ambition is the one thing that is deeply rooted in the court, and many deaths have resulted because of it. Enemies lurk everywhere, in the light and the dark; no man can be trusted in this deep web of politics. Your actions will determine the future of this story, and can certainly effect others. Death comes for all of us, and it can come to your character if you are clumsy. In the event of death, you will always be welcomed to make another character, and continue the story from a different set of eyes. Also, the lore of this roleplay isn't particularly strict, and new lore can be created as you please, as long as it is realistic enough to fit the overall roleplay.

---

CO-OPS: New Communist and Socialist Unions

Rules

1. NS rules apply, keep at PG-13.
2. Although this is fantasy, please keep the story as realistic as possible.
3. Max of two characters can be made, please don't go over this limit, because your application will be ignored.
4. Use common sense when making lore through IC/OOC. If it doesn't fit the roleplay, it doesn't belong.
5. One-liners aren't well liked, nor are they tolerated.

Name: Emperor Brandon Vixis II of Vexia
Family Name/House: Vixis
Age: 25
Appearance: He is a tall, muscular man who is clean-shaven, and has dark violet hair flowing down to his lower cheek. He has a small scar on his upper right eye stretching up to the forehead, and disappearing into his hair.
Personality: He is an individual who is compassionate, kind, and uplifting to others. He is known to be a charming man, and a just person, and more brave than the average man. He is, however, willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the survival of the Empire, and that of his house, even if he must go past his moral values.
Skills: He has spent his days of youth being tutored by some of the finest scholars, and warriors appointed by his father, Emperor Jakar VII. He has mastered his tongue in diplomacy, and his sword arm in swordplay. He has been tutored in the ways of court life during the final year before coming of age, and though he may not be well versed in the arts of intrigue, he is aware of what occurs behind the curtains of court.
Position: Emperor of the Empire of Vexia
Backstory:
He was born as the third son, and was destined to hold fiefs in his eldest brother's name, but fate had flipped a coin, and his brothers were swept away by a plague. During his youthful years, he was his father's pride and joy, and took great joy in hobbies, specifically in swordplay and arts. He had not lived at court at the time, and dwelled in his family's keep on the far southern outskirts of Nab'eesh, the original source of his family tree, and where his ancestors were buried. During his time in the White Keep, he enjoyed the company of his two sisters, Talia and Blanca, who kept him from succumbing to loneliness. He had endured the teachings of the Marshal, who tutored him during his teen years, and ensured his swordplay was more than satisfactory. He had hosted several nobles in the keep, and left the keep often to socialize with the townsfolk.

When he was fifteen years of age, a large party of mercenaries had raided the village just outside the keep, and began to loot anything of value. Brandon, although young, had set out with a small detachment of levies, without escort from his royal guard, and moved to defend the village folk. As the soldiers engaged, Brandon was knocked off his horse, and forced to fight a mercenary himself, which resulted in the scar just above his eye. He had won the engagement, barely, due to his opponents blade being too short to properly slash his face. His levies had manged to kill the mercenaries, and prevent the town from being sacked further. The engagement had earned him early fame and praise from the masses. His scar, however, is permanent, but it gave him a sense of achievement. Soon after the engagement, he was then summoned to live in court by his father after the ordeal, leaving his sisters behind, and he thus entered a far more dangerous place.

In his young adult life, he frequented the court, and presented himself as a charming character. He had also began to attend the council meetings as his father's guest to learn about the workings of the Empire. Though he seemed very optimistic of politics, he had a certain distaste for it, specifically political backstabbing. He also appeared frequently at feasts, and balls held at the capital, where he very much enjoys himself. Though, as his father began to age, so too has his mind, and the fact that he will soon take his father's crown gave him paranoia of sorts, for soon an entire Empire will be at his fingertips.

Upon the passing of his father, he had refused to begin his coronation, and mourned his beloved father, along with his family. The day after his father was buried in the White Keep, he gave his authorization to begin his coronation, and thus the crown sat upon his head, granting him absolute authority over his subjects.

---

Stewardship: 4
Intrigue: 4
Martial: 8
Diplomacy: 14
Renown: 7

FOR TRACKING PURPOSES "Batman"

Name:
Family Name/House:
Age:
Appearance:
Personality:
Skills:
Position: (Role in court)
Backstory:

---

(30 points to distribute between them) (Renown not included)
Stewardship: (0-20)
Intrigue: (0-20)
Martial: (0-20)
Diplomacy: (0-20)
Renown: (0-10, 10 being legendary status)

FOR TRACKING PURPOSES "Batman"

The Great Two is a religion based around two deities: Deva, the Goddess of Life; Detex, the God of Death. Although this religion is not very popular in the Empire, it flourishes in the far reaches of Vexia. A follower of The Great Two lead fairly simplistic lives, where each follower gives praise first to Deva, and then to Detex for he will inevitably take their followers to the afterlife. Gracious harvests are given to Deva, while blood sacrifices are given to Detex, whether human or animal, their followers use whatever is in their reach. This religion is currently outlawed in the Empire.

The Four Graces is based around four virtues: Honor, Courage, Respect, Loyalty. The Four Graces are widely accepted by the inhabitants of the Empire, and it is very popular with both the masses, and the nobles. Breaking the graces was seen as a crime, and punishable by death, but the punishment was deemed severe, and has since been reduced to a flogging. The Four Graces is the national religion of the Vexian Empire, and is enforced throughout the territories.

The Way of the Tree is a religion that worships nature. There are several principles that are followed by these worshipers, but it can be narrowed down to four key principles: You must'n harm nature, for it provides the abundance of life to mankind; You must'n take part in defiling our way of life, for you will fall out of favor with the Tree Gods; You must'n eat the flesh of animals, for they are held close to heart in all man; You must'n stand idly as mankind wounds the Tree Gods, action must be taken. This religion is almost non-existent, with few followers left to spread their ways, and is given no recognition by the Empire.

NOTE: The overview of this roleplay is still subject to change, and new additions such as locations/official lore may be added. Be wary of these changes.

[Zelphos]

ROSTER

Liege: Emperor Brandon Vixis I

King of Žeřičkov:Michal I Mávrimov

Court Positions

Council Members
Chancellor: VACANT
Marshal: Eudon Haraldr Henrisson
Spymaster: Alissa Juliana Maria
Steward: Prince Corineus of Alba
Royal Adviser: Qhe "The Younger"
Vassal: Lady Natalia of Valentia
Vassal/Keeper of the Swans: Lord Marin II Elethan
Vassal: Kyla Tieren

Other Court Positions
The Emperor's Hand: Prince Roland Vixis-Greystark
Head of the Imperial Honor Guard/Emperor's Bodyguard: Sir Friedrich Uradel
Servant/Stableboy: Derek Forester
Lady-in-Waiting: Anna Rimski-Kórsakov
Courtesan: Neaera Moonborn
Knight: Arthur Nighthawk
Noblewoman: Alexandra Holstein-Gottorp
Court Jester: Borys Karmanyakov
Viceroy of Nab'eesh: Saran Paşa
Commander of Capital Region Garrisons: Adrian Visser
Foreign Visitor/Scholar:Khasshai Qultûsh

[White Bluff]

Name: Alissa Juliana Maria
Family Name/House: d'Este
Age: 26
Appearance:

Personality: This is the face of Alissa, a true noblewoman among humans. She stands average among others, despite her thin frame.
There's something alluring about her, perhaps it's a feeling of comfort or perhaps it's simply a feeling of guilt. But nonetheless, people tend to follow her, while spreading rumors about her behind her back. Is self-confident and self-reliant; tends to take success for granted. Exhibits strong initiative; tends to elation of spirit; seldom gloomy or moody; prefers to lead.
Skills: can make people talk, has lots of "little birds", she know poisons very we'll and their affects.
Backstory: Alissa was raised in the royal court from a young age by her father, Julian, who was Spymaster before her. She has been in the Game longer then most, and knows the Court intrigue very well. She was raised with Brandon since they tmwere both young, and considers herself a close friend to the new Emperor. However, when she was 17 her father passed away from a fever, Emperor Jakar for some reason saw fit to name Alissa the new Spymaster in her father's place. She was there when Jakar passed and she comforted Brandon to the best of her ability.
(30 points to distribute between them) (Renown not included)
Stewardship: 0
Intrigue: 15
Martial: 2
Diplomacy: 8
Renown: 5

FOR TRACKING PURPOSES "Batman"

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

Name: Eudon Haraldr Henrisson
Family Name/House: Kara-Knytlinga
Age: 25
Appearance:

The three rows are the three branches of the family. Eudon is the brown headed man at the topmost row.

Personality: Paranoid due to the fact that the court is a snake pit and you have to know how to navigate it. Ambitious due to the fact that you can be one of the snakes, and be greater than the rest of them. Wroth due to the harsh discipline of his father, makes him a hard hitter on the field, and also not a patient one, though he will pull off a Belisarius if needed or even a Trojan Horse. Although all of this is hampered by his slothfulness, though he can be diligent if you need him to.
Skills: A brilliant strategist is he, most likely a Belisarius but a bit weaker.
Position: Marshal
Backstory: Coming from a family of brilliant strategists, he is considered a perfect example of what a Kara-Knytlinga should be. He was raised by the previous marshal, his father Henri Iago Lotharsson. He grew up to be a fine young man. He would float around in the court for a while until his father died. He would then be appointed as marshal at the age of 24.

---

(30 points to distribute between them) (Renown not included)
Stewardship: 0
Intrigue: 9
Martial: 18
Diplomacy: 3
Renown: 1.5

[Great Confederacy of Commonwealth States]

Reserve me dat chancellor!

[Beutarch]

How do the stats effect your character?

[Utceforp]

Tag. I'm going to make a sort of "Varangian Guard" type character, but most Central Asian than Norse.

[Zelphos]

-snip-

A female spymaster? This will make for an interesting story.

ACCEPTED

Reserve me dat chancellor!

Reservation has been noted, and is in place for 24 hours.

How do the stats effect your character?

Although I don't have the stats effect quite down yet, I believe it will influence the author's writing to a certain point, and effect the overall success/failure of your actions. Forgive me if this isn't solid, but if you have an idea to anchor these stats to the roleplay, please let me know.

[Of the Quendi]

I would like to reserve the position of steward.

I also have some a lot of questions about the culture/religion/technological level/social structure/naming conventions of the empire. Starting with the last three; is this set in medieval time? Is the political system a feudal or more conventionally imperial one? And what kind of names would fit the Vexian empire?

[New Communist and Socialist Unions]

Reserve marshal please.

[Zelphos]

I would like to reserve the position of steward.

I also have some a lot of questions about the culture/religion/technological level/social structure/naming conventions of the empire. Starting with the last three; is this set in medieval time? Is the political system a feudal or more conventionally imperial one? And what kind of names would fit the Vexian empire?

This roleplay is indeed set in medieval times, and the technological branch follows that of the RL Medieval Ages. The political system in the Empire is indeed more imperial than plain feudal. As for the names that fit the Empire, pretty much anything goes.

Currently figuring out some religions for the roleplay; culture will mostly be 'created' in a sense in IC.

[Of the Quendi]

This roleplay is indeed set in medieval times, and the technological branch follows that of the RL Medieval Ages. The political system in the Empire is indeed more imperial than plain feudal. As for the names that fit the Empire, pretty much anything goes.

Currently figuring out some religions for the roleplay; culture will mostly be 'created' in a sense in IC.

Duly noted.

EDIT: What exactly would be the steward's job?

[Zelphos]

-snip-

A steward, especially if appointed by the liege, has authority to represent him. The Emperor's steward handles the realm's financial affairs, handles construction projects, and supervises his estates and household.

[Of the Quendi]

Name: Prince Corineus of Alba
Family Name/House: House Corino
Age: 51
Appearance: Prince Corineus is a tall, slender, broad-shouldered man in his fifties. His hair, once dark brown, is greying and thinning. He has a full but well kept beard.
Personality: Prince Corineus is an austere and solemn man whose sincere devotion to what he considers traditional aristocratic virtues is famed and admired in certain circles throughout the empire. In spite of his great personal wealth the prince is frugal and disciplined, never one to indulge in any excesses. Though stern, the prince is just, compassionate and well mannered toward prince and pauper alike. He is charitable towards the less fortunate and has contempt towards those of his own class who are not. Honest, pious and extremely hard working the prince spends his time serving the empire and observing his religious obligations.
Skills: An exceptionally able administrator Corineus has spend more than three decades in imperial service acquiring a great many skills useful to the running of empire.
Position: Steward
Backstory: The House of Corino is one of the old noble families of the empire, rich in history, prestige influence, but by the time of Corineus's birth less so in tangible wealth. Having grown complacent and decadent in their power and prestige the lords of House Corino had become prone to spending fortunes maintaining an extravagant lifestyle while looking down on the work required to keep such extravaganza going. It was Corineus's father Aeneas who began to rectify this problem. Perceiving the need for a cash influx to keep his house running Aeneas married Serena Ambulla a woman from a relatively low ranking, but exceptionally wealthy family. This allowed Aeneas Corino to maintain the lifestyle he regarded as his birthright.

The early years of Corineus's life was uneventful but when he was eight his father died and Corineus, the eldest son in the family, became the pater familias of the House of Corino. Due to his youth his mother assumed control of the family. She put and end to the excesses of her in-laws and hired some of the most renowned scholars of the realm to tutor her eldest born.

As he grew older Corineus gradually assumed a more direct role in managing the affairs of his house which now thrived on account of his mother's frugality and austerity, values Corineus came to admire. Upon reaching adulthood he promptly confirmed his mother in control of most family affairs to sign up for service in the army, which he regarded as his aristocratic duty to the empire. Due to his nobility the young prince quickly advanced through the ranks of the army. But though neither lacking in personal courage and character or strategically inept Corineus found he preferred to advice his superiors rather than hold executive command himself. A chance encounter with a young new emperor/crown prince/up-and-coming politician Jakar Vixius VII afforded Corineus with an opportunity to make a career change. The emperor named Corineus his second in command.

Corineus was now in a position in which he would excel. His extreme dedication to his work, accuracy and quick comprehension, combined with his experience and his complete mastery of detail, made him the ideal staff officer; and in this capacity he was the emperor's most valued subordinate for several years. Eventually the emperor returned to the capital. He offered, almost ordered, Corineus to accompany him and assume a leading role in the government of the empire but the young prince, who viewed the capital and the court with suspicion refused. Instead he was given new administrative tasks in the army.

Years passed as Corineus served in the army. A versatile figure whose loyalty was (for good reason) regarded by the emperor as beyond question he assumed a great many responsibilities and played many roles. His principal task was to conduct all the administrative and logistical work involved in keeping the imperial armies supplied, equipped and trained which he managed extremely well. He also played the role of arbiter and mediator in discussions between competing military factions or particularly influential generals with competing views. The emperor regularly, and over the years in an increasingly commandeering tone, urged Corineus to take up a position in the administration always receiving a respectful refusal.

Then Serena Corino died. Dutifully Corineus returned to the capital for his mother's funeral and to make arrangements for his house. In his first years in the capital prince Corineus to his surprise, and displeasure, found that he had become a well known and well regarded figure in the capital. The reasons for this soon became clear. Until her death Serena Corino had meticulously and efficiently grown the Corino fortune while foregoing any personal spending resulting in the family becoming perhaps the richest in the empire but for the imperial family itself. As a result Corineus found he had many friends in Nab'eesh eager to curry favor with him.

Shortly after the funeral of Princess Serena some of these friends were implicated in a conspiracy against the emperor's life. The conspiracy, involving senior military officers, prominent aristocrats and members of the clergy was thwarted in part due to Corineus's personal efforts. Despite this he was mortified that he had had friendly contact with enemies of the empire. He profusely begged the emperor's forgiveness and asked to be relived of all his duties. Emperor Dakar, shocked by the plot, thought differently. He had come to believe that a man who for years had done his utmost to hold high office in the capital preferring to serve the empire on distant frontiers was a man who could be trusted. In Corineus Corino the emperor saw that rarest of creatures; a man with all the skills needed to run an empire but none of the ambitions to rule it. He ordered that Corineus should redeem himself by serving the emperor as steward. Corineus reluctantly accepted.

In the aftermath of the conspiracy the emperor arranged the marriage between Corineus and a princess of the imperial family (a daughter of the Jakar/sister of Brandon preferably; but I guess a niece/cousin can do as well). Corineus accepted though with little enthusiasm. The new steward soon found that he disliked the Nab'eeshan court as much as he had always thought. He found most of the people there too ambitious, flippant, unserious and flamboyant. He earned a reputation as a stern conservative and an opponent of "new men" and imperial favorites (despite arguably being the later himself). He railed against court excesses and the nepotism and corruption of the empire at every chance. Even the emperor himself became a bit tired of the prince's near inhuman austerity. Still Corineus did manage to attract a following of like minded, usually older, conservatives, and due to his obvious devotion to the empire and skills of governing he never truly fell out of favor with the emperor.
(30 points to distribute between them) (Renown not included)
Stewardship: 10
Intrigue: 4
Martial: 8
Diplomacy: 8
Renown: 8

FOR TRACKING PURPOSES "Batman"

A steward, especially if appointed by the liege, has authority to represent him. The Emperor's steward handles the realm's financial affairs, handles construction projects, and supervises his estates and household.

Great. I figured it was something of the sort so that fits with my bio.

[Camelone]

Tag. Expect a young inventor app.

[Skylus]

Name: Derek Forester
Family Name/House: Forester
Age: 18
Appearance: Blue eyes, blonde hair, stands about 5'6, wears blue tunic with dragon hide belt and black pants, snake hide boots
Personality: outgoing, usually neutral on politics
Skills: Sword fighting, magic
Position: (Role in court) Servant/Stableboy (for now)
Backstory: Derek was born to Duchess Heather and Duke William Forester 18 years ago (whenever this starts) He was sent to live at the castle at a young age, due to his parents' mysterious deaths 8 years later; his uncle did not want him and sent him away. Now having just learnt of his "Duke-ship", Derek intends to get it back.
(30 points to distribute between them) (Renown not included)
Stewardship: (0-20) (10)
Intrigue: (0-20) (12)
Martial: (0-20) (3)
Diplomacy: (0-20) (5)
Renown: (0-10, 10 being legendary status) (0.5)

FOR TRACKING PURPOSES "Batman"

[The V O I D]

Name: Lady Natalia of Valentia; The Red Queen
Family Name/House: House Valentine.
Age: 32.
Appearance: Here.
Personality: Natalia is strong, stubborn, and has very little patience. She is to-the-point and will openly turn a suitor down if she does not find him acceptable. She is rather infamous for her somewhat dominating personality.
Skills: Sword-fighting, combat expertise, political maneuvering.
Position: House Valentine has ruled over Valentia, a vassal queendom of the Empire, for many decades. So, she's a vassal-lady.
Backstory: Natalia of Valentia, also known as Lady Natalia, Lady Valentine, and later on the Red Queen, is the ruler of Valentia; a small, vassal kingdom near the eastern edges of the Empire. Growing up in Valentia means that Natalia grew up knowing how to fight; Valentia's population has a very low male-to-female ratio, around 0.63. Thus, it is - understandably - a matriarchy. Even the military is predominantly run and filled with women. The reasoning for this is predominantly because of the war that integrated Valentia into the Empire, but many agree that another reasoning for this is the abnormally high female fertility success rate. For whatever reason, Valentians tend to produce more females than males.

This is how Natalia gained her combat experiences and her strong sword-fighting expertise. She also knew how to dominate the political courts, as expected of a future ruler of Valentia (unlike standard education). Natalia is the first woman in Valentia, and indeed of House Valentine especially, to have red hair - as usually, and strangely, only men get red-orange hair. This is what later was cause for her semi-informal title of the Red Queen came from.

Natalia inherited her throne one year prior to the current Emperor, and, upon doing so, was recruited into his royal court on an advisory role for what Valentia's people needed and wanted. Natalia is also on the court to advise on some military matters, simply due to her strange expertise on such things. Because of the fact that Valentia has such a strange culture, caused by its population size and ratios, it is not strange for someone like Natalia to have such experience or knowledge; indeed, women in Valentia are often the most educated women in the entire Empire - mostly out of necessity, and partially because women make up most of the population in Valentia.

It is not uncommon for a woman from Valentia to find a suitor from elsewhere in the Empire - or, indeed, to leave it in search of one. Natalia is the only ruler and Queen of Valentia thus far to not have a suitor, as of yet. Her ambitions, however, are far above being the Queen of a Vassal Queendom. Indeed, her ambitions lie in the Imperial Throne itself. Not that she'd tell anyone that, of course.

---

Stewardship: 7.
Intrigue: 7.
Martial: 9.
Diplomacy: 7.
Renown: 7.

FOR TRACKING PURPOSES "Batman"

[Zelphos]

-snip-

An interesting character, no doubt.

ACCEPTED

-snip-

The first servant award goes to...

ACCEPTED

-snip-

I shall anxiously await what this character has in store for the realm.

ACCEPTED

[Yuzhou]

You people need to stop coming up with good ideas.

Now the question is if I have time..
hrmm, hrmmm.

Reserve royal adviser if not already apped for.
I'll read over everything and apply if I can. If not, I'll retract my reservation.

[Skylus]

Is the IC open yet?

[Walrusvylon]

I would join if I wasn't already in 3 RP's.

[Zelphos]

You people need to stop coming up with good ideas.

Now the question is if I have time..
hrmm, hrmmm.

Reserve royal adviser if not already apped for.
I'll read over everything and apply if I can. If not, I'll retract my reservation.

Your reservation has been noted, and will be in place for 24 hours.

Is the IC open yet?

Not yet. Looking for more participants before putting 'er up.

[The V O I D]

So, Zelphos, I know I'm accepted, but what are your thoughts on Valentia and Natalia?

[Zelphos]

An aggressive, strong political machine such as Natalia is interesting, especially when presented to court. Her backstory and personality are what intrigue me the most, so well done, good sir. As for Valentia, a small, vassal kingdom that happens to be a matriarchy? With a stronger population of women than men? That gives me Amazonian vibes.

[The V O I D]

An aggressive, strong political machine such as Natalia is interesting, especially when presented to court. Her backstory and personality are what intrigue me the most, so well done, good sir. As for Valentia, a small, vassal kingdom that happens to be a matriarchy? With a stronger population of women than men? That gives me Amazonian vibes.

All of this was entirely intentional and I am glad that I succeeded in my intent.