[hider=Empire of Alfheimr] Nation Name: The Empire of Alfheimr Ruler: Emperor Leopold I of Old Sarin Government Type: Imperial Monarchy/Autocratic Council Government Hierarchy: The Emperor: Who holds absolute power over his personal subjects and is the top feudal lord in the Empire. The Empress: The Empress' power is more or less influence based and primarily relies on patronage. In an Empire were sons inherit before sisters the Empress is more or less a symbolic position rather than one with any political or military power. The Imperial Crown Prince: The heir to the Empire bears the Titular title of Imperial Crown Prince, but also the title of Grand Count of Westmark centered on Thainzhelm. This in effect also makes the Prince a member of the House of Magnates. The Imperial Princess's and Princes: The members of the Imperial Family that are not currently heir to the throne bear this titular title. The House of Magnates: The House of Magnates is the Council of all the Dukes, Princes, Princesses, Vice-royalty, and Counts of the realm. Their power is more or less determined by the aptitude of the Emperor and can be dismissed but not dissolved. The House of Magnates takes its roots from the Kingdom of Sarin's Royal Assembly and the All Gathering from the Northmen. The House of Magnates is called to discuss matters of state and to decide on a course of action when all the powerful feudal lords opinions matter. Ducal/Direct Counts/Jarldoms/Vice-Royalty: Individuals of middle status on the feudal ladder. Holding sway over entire regions of the Empire and answerable only to the Emperor's Decree's and Laws. The power of these Lords and Lady's in regards to the Emperor are at a precious balance. Current Duchies, Direct Counts, and Vice-royalties: WIP Counts: Under the Mid-level Lords are the various Counts. Baron's: Barons are the smallest landholders in the Empire aside from Knights to be regarded as nobility and are under the Counts. Knight: Knights may hold land but are regarded as the lowest form of nobility. Constituent States of the Empire -Kingdom of Sarin (Emperor's personal fiefdom) -Grand County of Palan's Landing -Grand Duchy of Ostmark -Principality of Regensheim -Duchy of Ragnar's Hold -Principality/Jarldom of Thainzhelm -County of Windstorm -Grand County of Niederik -Grand Duchy of Southmarch -Duchy of Dietmold Imperial Council: The Imperial Council is made up to assist in the running of Empire and administration of its various parts and bureaucracy. -Master of the Imperial Fleet: In charge of the Imperial Navy ships operating out of Palan's Landing. -Imperial Marshal: Chief commanding officer of the Emperor's Army. -Lord Commander of the Watch: Commands the Watch of Sarin and the enforcement of Imperial Law in the Emperor's personal territories. -Master of Weights and Measurements: Oversees taxation, Commerce, and the Imperial Treasury. -Imperial Archmage: In charge of the Imperial Magi in the employ of the Emperor. -Master of the Horse: A position of great respect and accompanies the Emperor onto the battle field. The Master of the Horse not only manages the Imperial stables but also the Imperial Battle Standardl the Imperial War Flag. -Seneschal: The Emperor's personal Steward Formation: 562 AL by the personal union of the Kingdom of Sarin and High Kingship of Norzheim Succession Laws: Primogeniture Gender Laws: Agnatic-Cognatic whereby if their are no direct male descendants or next of kin a female may inherit Geographic territory: [url]http://imgur.com/s69VyQh[/url] Population: 3.5 Million Military Strength: The Emperor himself can effectively wield a field army of roughly 30,000 soldiers. [b]Imperial Orders[/b] Imperial Order's are anointed organizations that have Imperial Patronage or pledge loyalty to the Empire in exchange for holdings and charters. [b]The Imperial Order of the Brotherhood of Taahl[/b]: A religious order that only fights enemies not of the faith and the premier Witch Hunters of the Empire. The Emperor is the Grand Master and while does not exert total control can influence their activities and doctrine. They number less than a hundred individuals. [b]The Jomsvikungr[/b]: An order of Warriors dedicated to Tor, Njor, and Thunraz. They see the Emperor as the leader of their people and will gladly fight the Empire's enemies. But are not interested in fighting for religious reasons. They are adept raiders and mariners numbering a few hundred at any given time. They operate from the hill fort of Upzala several leagues North of Azgaard. [b]Holy Convent of Vaemidia and the Warrior-Sisters of Sarin[/b]: A convent of warrior nuns who believe that the ultimate redemption is the continual fighting and purification of ones soul against the influence of the Dark Ones. Numbering just over one hundred individuals the Convent is tasked with the destruction of the demonic, redemption of the damned, and the containment and destruction of dark artifacts. [b]Army of the Empire[/b]: The Army of the Empire is a name signifying troops not of the Emperor's own but of the feudal lords. During times of war these troops are raised for the common defense and protection of the realm alongside any campaigns. Also counted in an Army of the Empire are retinues, professionals, and mercenaries in the employ of a feudal lord. In addition feudal lords are not obligated to send their entire levy but rather a portion they see fit. As such the entire levy of the Empire can vary wildly, but by the [i]Consensia Levux [/i]written by Imperial Marshal Heinrich vas Opeln in 593 AL, keeps a register of the expected levies from the feudal lords of the Empire. [b]Imperial Navy[/b]: The Imperial Navy is charged with the combating of piracy, protection of ports and merchant ships, and fighting the naval threats of other realms. The Navy at present contains 14 Galleys, 7 Brigs, 6 Barges, 3 Sloops, and 26 smaller vessels. Given the geographical location of the Empire the Navy is often assigned to supply and transport the Army. The Navy is paid for by the [i]Meerum Tax[/i] levied to all the constituent states of the Empire. [b]Military Info[/b]: The Imperial military is divided into three distinct branches. The Emperor's Army which is made up of the Emperor's own soldiers and levies; The Army of the Empire which is drawn from the various feudal lords; The Imperial Navy which is paid for by the Imperial treasury. The Imperial Army is a catch all for the first two branches as both the Emperor's troops and feudal lords are considered Imperial. The Imperial Army in general was formed by the joining of the Kingdom of Sarin (Royal Army of Sarin) and the High Kingship of Norzheim (various Jarls and their Huscarls/tribal levies). Both realms had different methods of fighting. Sarin based around heavy cavalry and levy infantry complimented by longbowmen; while the Northmen relied almost exclusively on light and heavy infantry with plenty of archers and light horsemen organized along household lines; Usually maneuvering in ad hoc formations. Emperor Maximilian ordered the expansion of the royal retinue of both realms into the Emperor's Army. While the feudal elements would become the Army of the Empire and together form the Imperial Army. This mix was not perfect and took a few decades to be molded into an effective fighting machine. Combining the speed and ferocity of the Northmen to the organized formations of the Saerheastans of Sarin. Thus the Imperial Army took shape under the Emperor Maximilian during his conquests and consolidation of the Imperial Throne. While in 570 AL the Emperor became the Blood Chieftain of the Jomsvikungr by unanimous election after the death of the last Blood Chief. A year later the Holy Order of the Brotherhood of Taahl which had existed since the 520's swore allegiance to the Imperial Crown in return for patronage. The Emperor granted them the Castle of Solingantz on the Southern shores of Lake Telkontae. During the Summer Solstice of 587 AL Maximilian assisted in the founding of the Holy Convent of Vaemidia and Warrior-Sisters of Sarin by petition. Granting them an old church in Old Sarin now known as the [i]Cathedrum of Our Holy Lady.[/i] The Empire until the ascension of Fyrdinand was expanding rapidly. Maximilian conquered all of the Saerheastan realms within the Kalzmere Mountains save for Southmarch which stood in alliance (until it's incorporation in 625 AL). In addition the Emperor conquered Windfall, Paleis, and much of the Stormwoods by 596 AL. The Emperor's son Fyrdinand inheriting a realm with a full treasury from war spoils and a budding bureaucracy to assimilate and govern the newly conquered territories. The Imperial Army would be divided during the Alfheimr Civil War between the forces of Emperor Rudolf and the usurper Allbiert vas Dietmold. The primary belligerents where the Emperor's Army and the personal forces of Allbiert, however other nobles from across the Empire did participate to varying degrees. In this capacity the Army of the Empire ceased to exist during the ten years of civil war. The Army of the Empire would see action during the Frostling invasion of the North with the Imperial Army suffering terrible losses throughout the years. But would emerge victorious on numerous occasions despite horrendous setbacks and casualties. Ultimately with the aid of the Dwarves the Empire managed to rout the Frostlings. Currency: Throne's: A White Gold coin Imperial Crowns: Gold coin, 50 Crowns equal a Throne Ducat: A silver coin, 10 Ducats equals one Crown Moon: A small silver coin, 4 moons make a Ducat Copper: A copper or bronze coin, 50 Coppers make a Moon. Examples of Price Index A Loaf of bread costs roughly 6 Coppers A pound of meat costs about 30 Coppers A castle forged (well forged) sword is worth roughly 2 moons or a Ducat pending on size and material. A simple pack horse can be worth anything from 1 moon to several Ducats pending on breed, age, and training. A suit of plate (well forged) can cost several Crowns History: The Empire of Alfheimr at its core grew from the joining of two separate realms. The Kingdom of Sarin and the High Kingship of Norzheim and both had been inherited by Maximilian the son of Aalen VI of Sarin who was the only surviving relative of the past High King. Thus joining both realms under one Dynasty and ultimately forging a new realm from it. The Empire under Maximilian I was a mix between periods of peace and wars of expansion. Maximilian believed that the Saerheastan or Rythfae as he would call them and the Naedse or Daz Volk should be united for the common good. That all of their realms should be brought under one banner or at least held in alliance. The only exception was the conquest of the Volyorian City of Windfall. Windfall was prized for its location, controlling the Stormy Coast and a node for trade from North and South by Sea. Maximilian also curbed the power of the nobility with the Edict of Maximum Privileges (572 AL) that forbid foreign nobility from inheriting lands within the Empire and open warfare between noble Houses. However, as compromise Maximilian founded the House of Magnates in 583 AL to keep popular support from the noble families of the Empire while raising numerous lowborns loyal to him in the aristocracy. Maximilian wed the Valtmari Elf Taluria "Tala" Tamerian in a grand public ceremony in 566 AL. Bearing several children over the years, a rare feat since children of mixed blood were few and far between. Thus the Emperor's children also contained Elven blood and bear a mix of features. Fyrdinand is often described to possess eyes like the nights sky with hair the color of the Sun with a hue of red flame, and despite his age remains looking years younger. Evidently aging at a slower rate physically due to the mix of Elven blood within him. They say all Half-Bloods are given a choice to belong to one race at one point in their lives. The Empire religiously is still affected from the events on the God's Isle that transpired in the year 515 AL. The Empire vigorously hunts and kills those aligned with the Dark Ones or other "heretical" influences. Witch, Demon, and other Hunts have occurred throughout Imperial history with many pogroms sanctioned by the monarchy. The founding of The Holy Order of the Brotherhood of Taahl (later switching the Holy for Imperial to signify their ties to the Empire) in the early 520's espouse that lineage. The Emperor Fyrdinand ascended the throne on August 25th, 596 AL. Initially he was an unpopular ruler and made many political mistakes early on in his career. Culminating in the Paleis Rebellion of 599 that was successfully put down. Fyrdinand was advised to let the surviving members of the rebel leadership pardons as a sign of mercy. Fyrdinand instead ordered them publicly beheaded in Old Sarin. It was feared that this move would be seen as tyrannical in nature, but it instead cowed the nobility. Those not loyal to the Emperor at least feared his retribution. The Empire would largely in peace until the Alfheimr Civil War during the mid-7th century. This conflict proved draining and allowed the Frostlings to penetrate the Empire's defenses in the succeeding decades with far less resistance. Ultimately the Empire managed to defeat the Frostlings, narrowly, and with aid from the Dwarven realms who knew that if the humans and elves fell they would be next. As a result many of the Empire's populated areas where devastated beyond compare. [/hider] [hider=Emperor Leopold] [b]Character Development[/b] Character Name: Leopold vas Valkyr Character Race: Saerheastan/Rythfae and Mari Character Age: 34 Character Birth Place: Imperial hunting lodge at Oberbayren Character Physical Description or Image (as in Picture):[img]http://i.imgur.com/0Ksz8kv.jpg?1[/img] Character Biography: Leopold, the first Emperor to be so, was born not at Eagle's Claw Castle but at the Imperial hunting lodge of Oberbayren. Nestled near the town of Bayren, a longtime fief of the Kings of Sarin and now Emperor's of Alfheimr. Leopold was the firstborn son of Empress Ophelia and her Royal Consort (but not Imperial Consort since the Empress made sure actual power remained hers) Gildur von Ehlerhohe. Grandson of Emperor Rudolf II and back to King Palan centuries ago through his mother, and through his father back to one of the first Royal Marshals of Sarin Regyus vas Eaherhoehren. Leopold also has elven blood in his veins from his maternal great-great-great grandfather Emperor Maximilian I wife Taluria Tamurian. The traits of which have not dimmed in the mainline of their descendants. The Imperial Family is known to age slower and have features both human and elven. It was rumored that Emperor Fyrdinand even had the pointed ears of the Mari. Leopold grew up mostly in Oberbayren and Old Sarin. Tutored under various teachers and even spent a couple summers at the Twilight Fortress learning various ancient lore's from the libraries there under the watchful guide of the bastions priesthood. Becoming a man more like his great-uncle Maximilian, a respected war leader, and honorable man. The now long deceased Imperial Marshal was one of the few humans who would also be in the annals of Elf and Dwarf as a honorable if not venerable figure. Leopold, the Imperial Crown Prince, was invested as Count of Bayren much like his ancestor Aalen VI was at a young age, and unlike his predecessor did not take long to mature because of it. Becoming an adept administrator and stern upholder for justice. His first actual combat experience was at the age of 23 when he led a punitive expedition North of the River Atanos chasing a bandit group. Cornering and obliterating the bandits as they ate breakfast by their camp during the early hours of the morning. At the age of 32, Leopold was crowned Emperor of Alfheimr, and inherited all of his mother's fiefs. The fief of his father's family, Barony of Ehlergaard, was passed to his younger cousin Selene at his decree. [b]Their Lineage[/b] Character Dynasty/House/Clan: vas Valkyr Family/Dynasty/House Sigil or Banner: A Half-Eagle Half-Dragon hybrid in gold over a black field. Origin of the Family/Dynasty/House: Originated with Maximilian, son of King Aalen VI of Sarin and nephew of High King Bjornn of Norzheim. Their lineage stretches back as a result to the Saerheastan arrival under King Palan 779 years ago, and the arrival of the Naedse some 730 years ago. Character Dynastic History: The Vas Valkyr have been the only Imperial Family to possess the Throne of Alfheimr since it's creation. [b]Personal Effects[/b] Acquired Skills: Master swordsman, adept equestrian, adept archer. Mastery Level of Skills: Equipment/Important personal items (if applicable): Saelring, Shield of Ramiene, and Orb of Valantis (an orb that protects Eagles Claw Keep from magical intrusions). In addition the Imperial Family has Vaalgrund the Imperial Greatsword of Aalen VI that was forged with the help of Balerion the Black. Acquired Magical Items: Gilded Chain, protects user from magical attacks. [/hider] [hider=Lucaya or Lucina] [b]Character Development[/b] Character Name: Lucaya af Sveipjoddottir (Birth name), Lucina Bloodmane (current) Character Race: Naedic Vampire Character Age: 535 (appears 19) Character Birthplace: Village of Haemskallur (abandoned), Born December 22nd, 144 AL Character Physical Description or Image (as in Picture): Lucaya possesses raven hair with streaks of blonde. Earning her the nickname, "star hair," by the warriors of Sigurd. Her eyes are piercing grey with flecks of green and purple. She is beautiful by all accounts, and quite the seductress despite her reserved personality. Character Biography: Lucaya was the daughter of Sigurd af Sveipjod, a Naedic Chieftain that controlled a village along the Western shores of the Fjord of Freyja. In the many smaller Fjords that ring the area. Lucaya lived a peaceful existence as the daughter of the Jarl, at least until 12 when a Vampire raid occurred. Most of the villagers where killed and her father turned. Lucaya was spared, some say the Vampire leader took a fancy at her, though she was never raped. In fact the Vampires took care of her as they bore her back to Vampyra. A city they had just claimed by conquest. There she lived as a human until she turned 19, when her father in a coup killed the former Vampire leader that had burned their village and took control. He turned his daughter out of fear that she may die and he live on. A last remnant to the life they both had one would suppose. In that time Lucaya as learned many things about the world, and that cruelty is never in short supply. Her father, having for years striven to be the man he was before being turned, slowly slipped into being a ruthless leader of the undead. The constant infighting and cajoling that plagued the politics of Vampyra was suited to the warrior-chief of the Naedse. Now she is the daughter of Sigurd Bloodmane, and has earned her own laurels with his fathers new, "tribe," as he is wont to call them. That being the Blackhearts. Lucaya, however in all her years has become rather learned. A capable shield maiden in her own right, and learned thanks to her unaging body. However, disaster for her came in 739 when the Vaedin surprise attacked Vampyra. Slaughtering the native Vampires and their underlings in a ferociously unexpected assault. Lucaya had been away on a raid with her father when it happened. Thus the Blackhearts where largely unscathed but now essentially homeless. Her father Ragnar took the Blackhearts North to the Zharythin Mountains. Lucaya however disdained this and left on her own. Traveling far and wide until she caught wind of an ancient artifact; The Orb of Najminur, located in Midheim. Her journey was arduous and fraught with danger. She was journeying into uncharted lands. There she vanished. But she found it. Held within a dark cavern hall hewn from a cliff face. But when she touched it she disappeared in a swirl of a vortex. Being taken from this world to another. A world with little to no magic, flying machines, and ships made of steel. But she managed to return. Appearing in the scorching sands of the Deep Desert, where she should have died, had she not been happened upon by Anotan merchants traveling in caravan to Iskandrun. Disguising her vampirism she managed to make it to Iskandrun and thence to Kaerndun where she stole a horse. Intending to return to the Zharythin Mountains. That is, if not for the fact, that something is pursuing her. [b]Their Lineage[/b] Character Dynasty/House/Clan (if applicable): af Sveipjod (former), Bloodmane (current) Family/Dynasty/House Sigil or Banner: Red Crow on black field clutching a skull Origin of the Family/Dynasty/House: Arrived on the Continent during the 40's AL and settled along the Western shores of Freyja. Character Dynastic History (History of your family): The Sveipjod's was one of the original clans that arrived on the Continent. Descended by Bjorn Serpentslayer and allegedly by the Valkura Kazja. The Sveipjods retained a village along the Western fjords and shores of the Fjord of Freyja. They where not powerful nobles, being relatively minor, but wealthy enough to tend to their people and themselves well enough. [b]Personal Effects[/b] Acquired Skills: Melee combat, archery, sailing Mastery Level of Skills: Master of sailing, adept melee combat, and adept archer especially with a short bow. Equipment/Important personal items (if applicable): Lucaya has black armor like her father, full plate, but it is light and does not easily hinder her nimble body. For it was forged by the Shadow Elves of the Southern Kalzmere hundreds of years ago, and taken on a raid in 210 AL. Being a gift presented to her by her father. Moonsinger- Lucaya's sword, forged out of black iron with red edges. Its bone handle was once the hand of an Ungarn horselord that crossed blades with her father and lost. Bow and 48 arrows dipped in poison. Acquired Magical Items: Orb of Najminur [/hider]