[color=2E2C2C.]and nowhere[/color] King John Remonnet Kingdom of Sypius Sprawling City of Nyhem - Miserth Keep Nyhem also houses the Royal Army, and the Royal Naval Fleet. Conscripts are taken in during their teenage years so as to allow sufficient training and education for their troops. Most conscripts serve seven years with the Army or Navy before being released from military duty. After seven years, the conscripts may rejoin as soldiers or sailors if they desire. Life in the army and the navy are lucrative places for a poor man to be, as both areas of the military offer high paying positions for which a man can provide a modest lifestyle for his family. [hider=House Eskandar] Family House Name: Eskandar Kingdom Location: Formaroth - Coruneon/Rathikun - Humber Liegeman [i](Castle Cramz)[/i] [centre][b][u]Crest[/u][/b] [img]https://s32.postimg.org/8wgw3irqd/rounded_corners.png[/img] [sub]Wings are gold, crown is also gold with the inner bit being red. The ribbon with Unus.Ab.Pluram [Out of Many; One] on it is white, and the feathers below the shield are also gold. The checkered bit on the shield is black and red, while the bit below that is the same colour (black and white.) The other side of the shield is black but the three animal heads are red. The border of the shield at the bottom is silver and so is the upside down 'V' shape, and the floating leaf-like things between the wings and the shield are also silver.[/sub] [b][u]Family Motto[/u][/b] Unus Ab Pluram [Out of Many; One]; also Fortitudo et Victoria [Courage and Victory][/centre] Relations with House Humber: (Explain, or list your House relationships to the other kingdoms) Family Reputation: House Eskandar has been completely decimated - only Aulus remains. Before its decimation, it had already become a little-known house with nothing much going for it. For this reason, House Eskandar is virtually unknown beyond Coruneon/Rathikun. Eskandar knights, led by Granus Eskandar, are famed for their charge at the Battle of Helmar's Heath. It was fought between a small contingent of Humber footmen, bolstered by Eskandar knights, against an ambushing force just north of the Eskandar seat, Castle Cramz. Daeron Humber was present at the battle, and Granus, along with his four younger brothers and other family members, met his demise during the charge. It is the only truly notable event involving House Eskandar in recent history. Main Export of Goods: N/A Description of Kingdom: N/A Family Background: House Eskandar's origins are mired in mystery - largely because it has always been so small and insignificant that even the Lords of the House have found it pointless to keep record of their minuscule achievements. Nevertheless, a fairly intact family tree stretching back two hundred years can be found on the back wall (behind a large red curtain) of the Castle Cramz's small hall. These names are all that survive - the deeds of these men are little-known, other than the odd reference in one obscure history book or another. [hider=The Lords of Castle Cramz since 300 A.R] 300-312 A.R, Lord Haren Eskandar 312-343 A.R, Lord Agras Eskandar 343-357 A.R, Lord Marius Eskandar 357-402 A.R, Lord Oppius Eskandar 402-425 A.R, Lord Marius II Eskandar 425-452 A.R, Lord Saxus Eskandar 452-468 A.R, Lord Sirvus Eskandar 468-492 A.R, Lord Granus Eskandar 492 A.R-Present, Lord Aulus Eskandar (Lord Daeron Humber has acted as his warden since, effective power over Castle Cramz has not been handed over to Aulus, who currently dwells with Lord Daeron)[/hider] It is unknown where the Eskandars emerged from before being appointed as Lords of Castle Cramz, but they have held on to the castle ever since. With a river and thick forest to its east as a source of timber, the mountains beyond as a source of stone and iron, and the arable land of the river basin providing rich and arable land, the castle is situated in a protected and ideal position [see location where the red dot is: [url=http://i.imgur.com/PqwZ6wp.jpg]here[/url]]. Being rather deep in friendly territory and so well protected, Castle Cramz has - in its recorded history - never been besieged. Lord Granus Eskandar was a very close friend of Daeron Humber. They appear to have met as children and a friendship blossomed between them almost immediately, and grew over the years. Due to his father, Sirvus, mostly being ill during his time as Lord of the Castle, Granus took up responsibility for the castle from an early age and proved a very capable and intelligent ruler and administrator. Under him the Eskandars greatly increased their power-base due to Lord Humber's favourable opinion and support. He was able to, using the resource available around the castle, to increase his income and invest hugely into training what he called the 'Eskandar Household Cavalry'. Led by his own brothers, the force of fifty knights was Granus' pride and joy - and for good reason! They were most certainly a fearsome force, if not many. When civil war broke out, Granus leapt at the opportunity of leading his elite knights into battle and carving the name of House Eskandar into the very heavens. 'Our star,' he is said to have proclaimed to his beloved wife, Lady Arvay, 'is at last risen!' Lord Daeron rendezvoused with him at Castle Cramz, bringing with him a small force of twenty five footmen, and they marched from the castle - heading south where they would unite with the rest of the Humber force. It proved a shock, then, when an enemy force of some two hundred men burst forth from the forest not twenty miles south-east of Castle Cramz. Guarding his lord-liege, Granus commanded his fifty knights to form up immediately and protect the lord. Telling him that, being on horseback, the Eskandars would be able to escape more easily at a given opportunity, it was best for Lord Humber and his footmen to retreat immediately while the Eskandars distracted the ambushers. The Eskandars charged and Lord Humber was able to make his escape - and he watched from a distance the final charge of the decimated force. The Eskandar Household Cavalry was mown down to a man. When news reached Castle Cramz, Lady Arvay - who was six months pregnant and disposed to illness - collapsed. Despite the care of her maids and the attempts of her physicians, the baby could not be saved and she only survived some six months before joining her husband in death. Fatherless and the last of his household, Aulus had none to care for him other than Lord Daeron - who took the boy in and raised him like his own son. Alas, the boy seemed to have been spiritually broken after the great loss and proved ever unwilling to do as Lord Daeron bid him. Claim to the Throne/House Motives: N/A [centre][u][b]Family Members[/b][/u][/centre] [indent][b]Sirvus Eskandar[/b] [i][430-468][/i] - Aulus' grandfather. Died of consumption. [b]Granus Sirvus Eskandar[/b] [i][450-492 A.R][/i] - good friend of Daeron, killed during civil war. Eldest son of Sirvus, lord of Castle Cramz, father of Aulus. Perished at Helmar's Heath. [b]Brennus Sirvus Eskandar[/b] [i][455-492 A.R][/i] - second son of Sirvus. Famed warrior, hothead. Perished a Helmar's Heath. [b]Carus Sirvus Eskandar[/b] [i][458-492 A.R][/i] - third son of Sirus. Not a warrior, but honourable to the end. Perished at Helmar's Heath. [b]Gar Sirvus Eskandar[/b] [i][462-492 A.R][/i] - took after Brennus. Perished at Helmar's Heath. [b]Makus Sirvus Eskandar[/b] [i][466-492 A.R][/i] - [b]Arvay Kaegir Eskandar[/b] [i][461-493 A.R][/i] - Married Granus 482 A.R, always ill, collapsed and died soon after news reached her of Granus' death [b]Aulus Granus Eskandar[/b] [i][484 A.R-Present][/i][/indent] [hider=Aulus, Lord of House Eskandar]Name: Aulus Granus Eskandar Age: 19 Gender: Male Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual Position: Noble Personality: Aulus is undeniably intelligent. He is also undeniably a carefree and happy-go-lucky. Wholly unconcerned about anything in general, his intelligence comes in more handy in coaxing himself out sticky situations than doing anything truly useful or of weight. He prefers the easy company of the common man to the restricted and prim life of the nobles - and it's lucky that House Eskandar is not of much significance, and it is lucky that he's had little responsibilities, for his antics are able to go on and no one loses greatly due to it. If ever on his own, Aulus can prove quite reflective - which isn't great! The flute proves a useful escape from any thoughts which attempt to disturb his blissful existence. It's not that he's afraid of what his thoughts might come with...it's not that he's ashamed that he has let his forefathers down...nothing of the sort... Description: A well-built young man, appearing to be around twenty years of age. He is not overly tall, coming at 5'10", or 180 centimetres. He weighs at 75 kilograms. His physique is ectomorphic, and his muscles are small and built for speed and power rather than brute strength. He is rather flexible, though not unnaturally so. His hair is red-brown and is shoulder length, and is generally left loose and messy. His beard is large enough to cover his face completely, but not quite long enough to be gripped. His skin is a light olive due to exposure to the sun. His eyes are a dark green and his nose is long and straight, though slightly wide and not pointed. In general, he's real eye candy! Such a pretty boy... He has some very minor scars on his hands, wrists, and upper arms earned during duelling practice and foolish fights with the scoundrels he has tended to associate with. He can usually be found dressed in a [url=http://www.chowsemporium.co.uk/chows/TUFWDBr8.jpg]large, loose, light brown tunic tied at the waist with a belt[/url]. He wears black [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f8/0b/ef/f80bef893178a2ba7d422c78225b69e0.jpg]canvass pants[/url] on his lower body and and [url=http://www.museumreplicas.com/images/Product/large/mens-footwear-gloves_locksley-boots_397.jpg]locksley boots[/url]. His face carries an easy, instantly friendly smile. He appears carefree and generally after a good time. Skills: If there is one thing Aulus ever took seriously, it was his fencing lessons. Not only is he a natural, but he has learned from the very best instructors of Lord Humber's household. While he - unlike Hemala - never took to the heavy, clunky mace, his ability with rapier and other swords is at the very least impressive. The time he spent truanting his others lessons he spent with lowlives in bars and on the streets - where he developed quite a love and skill for the humble wooden flute. He also has a love for horses and is a very skilled rider - a skill that has helped him out of many sticky situations! Weaknesses: For a noble, Aulus knows very little - he has not properly developed skills such as reading and writing, and his understanding of mathematics, history, politics and whatnot are severely lacking. This is due to a generally irreverent character and a lack of concern with what others deem as 'greater' matters. He does not realise his importance as a feudal liege-lord and - perhaps due to his thus far sheltered life - has no understanding for how to rule and command men. For this reason, he cannot always understand Daeron's frustration with him, and Hemala's disappointment. What is life if you are always stiff about it and don't have some fun, after all? While no coward, Aulus does have a...heightened sense for self-preservation. Ahem. This is perhaps due to his association with the lowlives who frequent inns and fight in dark alleys after dark. If something is dangerous and not fun, then he is very unlikely to want in. On the other hand, if something looks exciting he would not think twice about jumping in! Due to the above, Aulus is heinously unaware of the situation in Formaroth. He knows that people are fighting and whatnot, and that it's all very bad (obviously) but he is otherwise very unconcerned. I mean, it's not like anything is going to change [i]that much[/i], right? [/hider][/hider] Family name: House Humber Kingdom Location: Coruneon/Rathikun Crest: Black and white crest with a black jaguar on it Family motto: Freedom or death Relations with other Kingdoms: Neutral, good terms with House Manshrew Family reputation: Strong willed, head strong, carefree Kingdom's main export goods: Stone, ore; iron, steel, cooper, meat Description of Kingdom: The kingdom of Coruneon and Rathikun has a harsh terrain with various ravines and canyons scattered about. The coastlands have very rich soil and are used to grow the kingdoms food. The population of the kingdom are harsh and straight to the point; however they also possess a carefree attitude. The majority of the populaous live in mountain villages or coastal towns. The capital of Coruneon is Calchester Hold; a castle which is considered by many to be most impenetrable structure in Formaroth. To the north is the large town of Sipdon, which was the original capital of Rathikun. Coruneon’s climate is considered to be warm and pleasant by most. Rathikun however is extremely hot and many who live in the south of Formaroth find the temperature unbearable when they first arrive. Family Background: House Humber originally ruled only Coruneon. During the Remonnets conquest of Formaroth, House Humber supported the Remonnets and conquered the kingdom of Rathikun for the Remonnet family. Impressed with the loyalty of the Humber family, the Remonnets allowed House Humber to keep the lands of Rathikun for itself. During the civil war, house Humber supported House Manshrew and were considered to be their strongest allies. Name: Daeron Humber Age: 55 Gender: Male Position: Head of house Background: Daeron fought on the side of House Manshrew during the civil war. Even after the war ended Daeron hold Andrew in high regard and respects him more that he does most. The thing that Daeron cares for the most is his daughter, Hemala as she is now the only family he has left. Personality: Headstrong, laidback, firm but fair, strong sense of justice Appearance: Tall muscular man, bald, harsh facial features, tanned skin Skills and traits: Master military commander, Master axeman, adept ruler, expert leader, novice economist Name: Hemala Humber Age: 22 Gender: Female Position: Eldest and only child Background: Hemala is the only child of the Humber family and is heir to the throne of Coruneon. She lost her mother, Saerenna Humber, to an unknown disease at an early age and as such has been raised by her father for most of her life. Personality: Strong willed, idealistic, headstrong, laidback Appearance: Tall, slender, short brown hair, tanned skin Skills and traits: Expert mace user, Expert Military commander, master leader, adept ruler Name: Maerya Bernalys Age: 32 Gender: Female Position: Head advisor Background: Maerya is the head advisor of house Humber and deals with most political and economic affairs. Personality: Blunt, straight forward, wants the best for her homeland Appearance: Thin, black hair, tanned skin Skills and traits: Master ruler, Master economist [hider=Eshara][centre][img]http://i.imgur.com/8EHJrxt.png?1[/img] Flag of the Union[/centre] [b]Starting Resources:[/b] 'Returning'; 15 Professional Military Units and 20 Supply. [b]Kingdom Name[/b]: The Holy Union of Haiho-Ausvinthus and True Eshara [b]Race[/b]: Dwarves (35%), Grey Elves (30%), Goblins (25%), Humans (10%) [quote][b]Elves[/b]- The elder folk. [u]Long lived[/u]: Elves live for several lifetime of a man as such they learn skills. Elven Monarchs may have three retinue types. [u]Only the Finest[/u]: As the eldest of races elves are picky about what they define as splendor. +1 permanent Splendor. Splendor must be equal to HALF of total population or face public order effects. [b]Dwarves[/b]- Masters of steel and stone. [u]Expert Miners[/u]: None are better at extracting minerals from the earth. All provinces produce +1 Supplies [u]Land-dwellers[/u]: The dwarves prefer to avoid travel that doesn't involve their own legs. Naval units cost 50% more in gold and resources. [b]Goblins[/b]- The survivors. [u]Populous[/u]: Before men met goblins they used to say "breed like rabbits". Now they say rabbits breed like goblins. Goblin mobilization yields 5 units for every 2 population (round up), instead of 2 for every 1. [u]Short lived[/u]: The average goblin lives half the lifetime of a man, and as such tend to focus on mastering one aspect of their lives. Goblin Monarchs have only one retinue type, and normal retinues rarely gain traits. Goblins also have a malus to healing casualties. [b]Humans[/b]- The rising tide. [u]Omnipresent[/u]: Especially since the Aedakom conquest, humans are everywhere. They are quite aware of this situation, and they use it to their advantage. Subterfuge Actions by human realms are more likely to succeed. [u]Live Like Flies, Die Like Flies[/u]: When faced with the longevity of elves, the tough skin of orcs, and the stamina of dwarves, human physical durability isn't much to brag about. Humans take double normal attrition from all sources.[/quote] [b]Religion[/b]: Esharan Paganism [b]Monarch[/b]: [i]Recimir [/i]Aulus the Chosen-of-Eshar, Avatar of the Gods, Keeper of the Throne of Words, Master of the Worlds Spiritual and Temporal [b](Captain and Regiment of Renown[/b] / [b]Logistics Commander / Field Commander)[/b]: Crowned 886 YP, at the age of five, the fifty-four-year-old [i]Recimir[/i] is widely loved and respected for his many victories and formidable reputation. This is further aided by the fact that pretty much everyone believes him to be an Avatar of the Gods and directly selected by the foremost God of the Esharan Pagan pantheon, Eshar. His prestige is further enhanced domestically and amongst all those who follow the Esharan creed by the fact that he sits upon the legendary Throne of Words - the throne upon which his ancestors the Kings of Old Eshara sat upon. Only those who are worthy, it is said, can sit upon it and survive. He is married to a daughter of former-[i]Recimer[/i] Hairuwulf Theudis, Invera Theudis. [b]Capital[/b]: The Tripartite Cities of Datnee, Árheimar, and New Crimsamara [b]Capital Province: [/b]The Tripartite Provinces of Datnee, Árheimar, and New Crimsamara [b]FOCUS:[/b] Choose two categories that your nation is strong in and one category where it is weak to receive starting nation traits. Provinces - Population - Strong Cities - Colonies - Weak Military - Strong Fortification -[/li][/ul] [b]Military[/b]: [CONFIDENTIAL] [b]Troop Positions:[/b] The 1st Esharan Army [CONFIDENTIAL] Commanded by- [i]Legatus [/i][General] Corinn Aqard, Lord Commander of The King's Guard (aka 1st Royal Union Demi-Lancers Regiment). Positioned in- [CONFIDENTIAL] Made up of- CONFIDENTIAL The 2nd Esharan Army [CONFIDENTIAL] Commanded by- [i]Legatus [/i][General] Brenhilda Sikyas, Audvakr of the Holy Knight order of Thurismod. Positioned in- [CONFIDENTIAL] Made up of- CONFIDENTIAL [b]History[/b]: The independent states of Haiho and Ausvinthus came together over one hundred years ago, united by their shared religion, external threats, and mutual dependence on one another. It was agreed, in those early days, that the Union would be ruled by a [i]Recimir[/i] (as Ausvinthians called their sovereigns) who would be aided by a legislative body, known as the Union Council, which would have in it representatives of the interests of the respective peoples of the Union. With Aedakom influence never having truly penetrated so far north - and all penetration having been ousted either way - the Union became one of the first states to re-establish a powerful Esharan Pagan presence in the North. The Union's first [i]Recimir[/i] was none other than the famed Hairuwulf Theudis, who had lived in the times of Old Eshara and carried within his heart a great love for the Esharan kings of old. It has been over one hundred years since then, and much has changed. The Union swiftly rid itself of the isolationist tendencies of its predecessor states and entered a period of swift growth and progress. This was stymied after 850 YP when tensions in the North caused over 15 years of instability and war. The Union maintained its neutrality rigorously, though dwarves were not averse to profiteering by selling supplies to all sides. Now an actively growing state, supported by money-savvy dwarves, diligent elves, and a religion that encouraged learning and innovation, it was not long before this translated into ambitions of territorial expansion. The decadent but extremely rich neighbouring nations of Gurd and Thrum, who had historically caused great suffering to the people of the Union, seemed like fine targets for the Unions newly reformed military. The Frontier War kicked off in 867 YP, though the Union's advances were checked for a while by Gurdish forces. This was not to last, as a nomadic invasion by the Vaigayar's proved too much for Gurd's already overstretched forces, and they broke before the Union's fury. By 884 both Thrum and Gurd had ceased to be, and further campaigns by the Union meant that soon enough land the Vaigayars had passed through was annexed to the Union. Vaigayar migration south beyond the mountains caused instability in Gospodar where the Kezur of the Vaigayar and Godspodors warred over the Granite Crown and control of the Almur. To ensure the civil war would not flood over into the Union, the [i]Recimir[/i] the only pass through the mountains destroyed. The Union now had a direct border with the Sefti Cerdigonian Commonwealth. Meanwhile, internal changes meant that in 886 the [i]Recimir[/i] Hairuwulf resigned from his post in favour of a five-year-old human child named Aulus. He was brought to them by Haldwin the Sage, who declared that he, Aulus, was the Chosen-of-Eshar and Avatar of the Gods, in whose veins ran the pure, unadulterated blood of the Old Kings of Eshar who sat upon the sanctified Throne of Words. He would lead the Union to glory, and he would reclaim all of Eshara for the glory of the Gods. Hairuwulf became the Boy-[i]Recimir's[/i] chief advisor, and Haldwin his mentor and guide. With tensions growing on the Union-Commonwealth border, the Commonwealth drove harder for its own union - with its neighbour and long-time ally the Kingdom of Berranda. Together they formed the so-called Holy Empire of Eshara (a name that the Union does not recognise, calling it instead 'the Fraudulent Entity'). Under the leadership of Aulus the Chosen-of-Eshar, the Union has continued its progress and its armies have been put to the test as they subjugated some lands to the west and south, and expanded somewhat to the north. Led by their [i]Recimir[/i] on many of these occasions, it has cemented the reputation of Aulus as a formidable commander, and his troops as amongst the finest in the land. The question only remained: where would the eagle-eyed [i]Recimir[/i] turn his eyes next? [b]Placement[/b]: Territories of the Union of Haiho and Ausvinthus as well as the forests north of it, Gurd, and Northern and Western Thrum. Borders the so-called Holy Empire of Eshara to the east, the Ikegami Clan and the United Kingdoms of Almuria and Beg Gurhim (formerly Gospodar) to the south, and Orc clans to the west. [b]Other[/b]: [img]http://i.imgur.com/pD0J6Rz.jpg[/img] Haldwin the Sage [img]http://i.imgur.com/66EHSe2.jpg?1[/img] Hairuwulf Theudis [img]http://i.imgur.com/jKE3uZu.jpg?1[/img] Invera Theudis  [img]http://i.imgur.com/WMRBiqc.jpg?1[/img] Aulus the Chosen-of-Eshar  [/hider] [hr] Humenaki: https://divinus-mk4.fandom.com/wiki/Humenaki Songs: https://divinus-mk4.fandom.com/wiki/Songs Dircaans: https://divinus-mkv-encyclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Dircaans Monkilli: https://divinus-mkv-encyclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Monkilli Kubrajzar: https://divinus-mk4.fandom.com/wiki/Kubrajzar Qabar-Kirkanshir: https://divinus-mk4.fandom.com/wiki/Qabar-Kirkanshir Qabar-Kirkanshir Cultures: https://divinus-mk4.fandom.com/wiki/Qabar-Kirkanshir_cultures Dehrthaa: https://divinus-mk4.fandom.com/wiki/Dehrthaa