[h1][b]Isles of the Andorviaran[/b][/h1] [img]http://www.walkingraven.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wolves-and-Ravens1.jpg[/img] [h1][b]Baptized by Blood and Iron[/b][/h1] [b]North[/b] [hider=Location][img]http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad234/kegger311/two_kings4.png[/img][/hider] [b]Establishments[/b] Geirland: Solgir’s domain and personal holding and largest lumber community that harvest Verawood and exceedingly hard wood used in all aspects of Andorviaran life. This lumber is shipped out threw the northern kingdoms but is charged a harsh rate for it use since it properties are highly regarded. Holding the main meeting place between the two Andor leaders and any diplomats that might come. Hafrsa: Aslief personal holdings this coastal settlement supplies the main food substance of the isles from the oceans bounties. While reeks of fish this isn’t what its known for. Out side of the town lies a silver mine that has become its life blood. Seat of the queens for ages it has changed little over time. Osar: This place is the shipyards and main hub for shipping and economical means. Whaling and a large variety of other ocean based luxuries come from this town. Pearls, ocean ivory and whale oil are a few which are processed and come thru this place. Also Hafrasian silver comes here to the few craftsmen that have taken residence to work on the metal. [b]Brief History[/b] The Andorviaran isles have always had a history of brutality even before the south had invaded the northern realms, even when before north king had subjugated their lands they’d raid both the north southern parts of the island spreading chaos. Plundering and taking slaves from conquered towns. When the North kings first came they met harsh resistance from both naval and land based, waging war of severe attrition that made him distaste war as the both isles were soaked in blood. He would’ve had to completely exterminate the people to tame the lands, but in need of actual vassals for the land he parlayed with Andor chieftain. No agreement was met, but when the North King’s bastard fraternal twins had mistakenly killed of the chieftains guard a new proposal. Marrying of his illegitimate bastards to the Andor and allowing them to keep their practices and religion, but only the southern kings. From then they served the northern kings willingly. [b]Cultural Significance[/b] In terms of significant culture the Andorviarans are like Nordic Scandinavia in heritage, hailing from islands that most deem unliveable because the harsh isolation but being a harsh people they thrive where others would perish and die. A people driven by strength where the strong rule and the weak are culled out by death or exile. Marriage is a foreign concept in the isles, the only examples of an actual marriage or something reminiscent of the union is between ruling warlords. It is not common for a man to have multiple female partners or a female to have multiple male partners. Breeding for stronger men and women to feed the Andor war machine. It military is comprised of both men and women with no gender barrier but are destined for different posts. Placing major importance on their gods who are just as cruel and barbaric as they are. Demanding sacrifices of blood, the weak in order to be seen as equals in the eyes of the others must be willing sacrifice. Willing participants are given the same status as those who fall in battle. Ruled by one man and one woman, though they aren’t married to one another. Laws probit such as union between them. [b]Army[/b] 150 Anardal Long ships: Slender ships used to cut threw the sea with a zealous fury. Able to drop oars also to increase its speed to attack with lightning like speed. Traveling by sea and river to attack and surprise enemy forces . In the old times seeing such ships caused fear and dread. 750 Bokar Infantry: The Bokar the strongest, heavily armed and brutal infantry the isles could produce. Thick in armor, brandishing bearded axes with secondary swords as backup. With large circular wooden shields with iron bosses in the center that can also provide a copious amount of blunt pain. The march of these men echo drumming fear into the enemy as the armor rattles. 400 Kigarin Infantry: While the Kigarian infantry is armed but only lightly. Clad in leather armor to move quickly and strike hard, armed with the same thing as the Bokars. Fleet on foot allowing them to hit and retreat or flank their enemy. Also carrying a small throwing spear to further push their charge 400 Vigrir Pikemen: The men of the Andor hate fighting upon horseback and to counter such an obstacle they developed the Vigrir. Interlaced with the infantry to counter horse charges. Armed in chainmail with large jagged pike with nightmarish tips. When the pike is broken however they result to either an ax or sword to back the remaining forces. 300 Mageri Horsearchers: The mageri are a strictly female based fighting force and the only cavalry military force on the isles, being light on horseback and hit with such speed that it leaves most wondering what had happened Strictly a harss force that can be painstakingly annoying, especially during night raids. Armed with a recurve bow but if the need is dire these women can turn to a short sword at their side 50 Borlar Catapults: When a siege is absolutely necessary, the Borlar catapults are rolled forward. Not pretty or the most ingenious siege weapon but are effective none the less. The catapult rocks are drenched in whale oil giving it a flaming effect. 50 Warriors of Dod: Dod warriors are the most feared, even scarring their own people which is feat in itself. Armed with what each individual warrior is most proficient with. But what makes these men terrfying is their pure warlike and beastial instinct. Taking multiple arrow hits but still waging war as if they were unscathed. Before battle the drink several cups of blood infused with Andor herbs and fungi. Making them lose feeling and crave battle to an extent that is legendary. Answerable only to Solgir and Aslief. [hider= Jarl Solgir Svardel] [img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/4b/39/a6/4b39a629fbf493f0d9b0c9e246923593.jpg[/img] [b] Jarl Solgir Svardel ‘The Heartless’[/b] [b]46[/b] [b]Male[/b] [b]Weapon[/b] Solgir wields a plethora of weapons but his main focus is a two handed battle axe, rigid with bitting teeth. Called ‘The Clan’s Ax’, it has seen bloodshed on all fronts and passed down to the leader of the Andor. Black stains can still be seen on the blades surface [b]Skills[/b] Ruthless, Cunning, Natural leader, Unrelenting, Calculating [b]Bio/Personality[/b] Solgir was one out of twelve brothers, growing up he was always quiet but exceedingly clever that has stayed with him threw out the years. Born of his father’s second concubine, while he was strong but not the strongest but took to his father’s lessons of fighting earlier than all of his brothers. When his father had died by ritual suicide signalling the ending of his reign it resulted in a blood match between him and all of his brothers. Fighting to take control he personally slew five of his brothers, three of which were beheaded. Covered in blood he feasted threw out the night signalling his reign. While harsh his rule he’s an icon of his people, revered and respected. [/hider] [hider=Hrmodar Vandrolon] [color=lightblue][b]Paragon[/b][/color] [img]http://th06.deviantart.net/fs45/PRE/f/2009/113/a/0/Berserker_by_StefanoMoroni.jpg[/img] [b]Hrmodar Vandrolon ‘The Bloody Mountain’[/b] [b]34[/b] [b]Male[/b] [b]Weapon[/b] Brandishing a worn battle ax promptly named ‘Leech’ that has seen more war than the gods, curved as it allows more power behind the swing. Even able to cleave a man into if enough force is put behind it. Also two smaller axes atatched to his belt if close combat is needed and some vestments of his own attire can be used to devastating effect. [b]Skills[/b] Zealous, Strong, Tough, Quick, Fierce [b]Bio/Personality[/b] Hrmodar’s only beginnings are unknown to even his own people. His start begins with being found by the Warriors of Dod, initiated as one of their own and baptized in blood as his name grows. Taking a vow of silence like all Dod warriors he says nothing but his actions say more than enough as he stands over eight feet in height with abnormal muscle capacity, this alone has made the occasional traveling merchant soil himself at the very sight of the man. Coming to control the Dod warriors at thirty he longs and thirsts for war, to die in battle or clear bloody swathes threw bodies on the fields of war. [/hider] [hider=Dronning Aslief Svandottir] [img]http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--XBgxGyhH--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/19btykow8nts8jpg.jpg[/img] [b]Dronning Aslief Svandottir ‘The Battleborn’[/b] [b]31[/b] [b]Female[/b] [b]Weapon[/b] Aslief carries not only bow which she skilled with, but a hollow metal spear. The blade end folded steel that gives a rippling effect. Aptly named ‘Sea Snake’. Serving the Andor queens for the past two hundred years as the original hereditary weapon had been lost at sea. Carrying to hidden dagger at her hips if the need is great. [b]Skills[/b] Quick, Manipulative, Intelligent, Tactical, Exceedingly Clever [b]Bio/Personality[/b] Aslief is one of the handful of people in her culture to be born threw battle and war. Cut from her mother while she fought in one of the many skirmishes on the islands. A trait no matter who it is beyond honorable and commands the utmost respect. A prodigal child of the islands who had shown a great intellect even from a young age. She had to kill her father because he didn’t abdicate when it was declared for his passing. Tying a rock to his corpse and put him in the sea to appease one of the many deities. As a deeply religious woman she’s revered among her people and the religious community alike. Having a strong disdain of the southern kings, believing them weak and inexcusable. Vowing to sacrifice them all to her gods. [/hider]