Still a WIP

[hider=House Kreshimera]House Name: Kreshimera

Head of House: Ak-Sheh Rollo va Herik Kreshimera

Born the third son of Ak-Sheh Herik, but due to Kreshvi succession laws, this matters very little. Still, very few considered the possibility that he would ever become the Ak-Sheh based on his short stature for a Kreshvi. Despite this disadvantage, he was no less successful as a warrior or commander, quickly becoming the commander of the honor guard itself, which is often regarded as second only to the Ak-Sheh. He's usually regarded as having been more a skilled fighter than even his father, who had been exceptionally renowned during this time. However, he never challenged his own father for the position of Ak-Sheh, but instead won the series of bouts with his many brothers when his father died from undisclosed circumstances. He is considered to be cunning, intelligent, and sometimes ruthless in the execution of his goals, and commands total and utmost respect from his Kreshvi warriors. Beyond this, the young Kreshvi Ak-Sheh is known very little outside of Kreshva'ik'va itself.

House Specialty: Perhaps the greatest strength for the Kreshvi people is their great emphasis on superior warriors, at least when compared to the other realms of man. Such formidable warriors is a direct result of multiple means. The first of which being the extreme martial culture of the Kreshvi themselves. They simply like to fight, value the fight on the battlefield, and elevate the notion of skill and ability in combat to be very desirable attributes. Next, they possess a veteran and skilled leadership that is strictly based upon merit. Meaning that the right of birth does not give one the right to lead warriors, but those who have proven themselves are elevated within Kreshvi society. As for the common warrior, all Kreshvi tend to take up the sword at a young age, and usually train themselves on a constant basis throughout their entire life, and is maintained even by those who pursue vastly different facets of life. In any case, the Kreshvi are far more likely to construct new forts than new villages or towns, but their towns often grow out of these formidable structures. Because of the Kreshvi's focus on individual prowess, they cannot be truly seen as a disciplined and unified ranked fighting force like the royal army. Rather thank ranks and files, they perform much more efficiently in smaller groups, and are deadly on their own. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that a single Kreshvi could take multiple opponents on his own. Against a disciplined and organized human army led by a competent general, the Kreshvi fighting potential would be halved, but they excel at guerrilla and defensive warfare. Though the Kreshvi are skilled in a number of different weapons, they prefer weapons of close to mid range like, swords, spears, glaives, etc. They lack a significant dedicated calvary, though horsemanship is a main mode for travel in their vast desert homes, which they manage to do effectively. Finally, the average foot soldier also doubles as an archer, being able to change their role on the battlefield almost instantaneously. 

House Ancestral Weapon: In the hands of the Kreshimeras for generations, Geva'ik'valla, is a mighty glaive first given to Kreshin'ak the Great, during the Wyrm Wars. It is placed on a staff made from pure Dragonbone, and is intricate carved and embellished with Kreshvi words associated with strength and valor. The blade itself was forged from Makitherin, and is imbued with a such a magic that it never dulls. It is said that it can cut through nearly anything, and provides the wielder with unnatural superhuman strength. If a human were to hold this weapon, it would burn when touched, and the same is true for any Kreshvi as well, save for the greatest warrior among them all, called the Ak-Sheh. Geva'ik'valla has not been used in battle for generations, therefore there are those who doubt its very existence.

Important members:

Serrina Kreshimera, 14: Rollo's only surviving sister, of whom he possesses a deep relationship that could be considered “unnatural” by others.

Ikvar Kreshimera: One of Rollo's brothers who was not slain by him during the duels of succession. It can be said that compared to Rollo, he is second when it comes to skill with a blade or spear. Still, this doesn't prevent him from being envious of his brother, though it is his continuous duty to serve the Ak-Sheh.

Nation/Realms Name: Kreshva'ik'va

Sigil: [url=http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/AliveButDead/JoinTheRealm_sigil.png]House Sigil[/url]

House Motto: Strength Through Steel

Region/color on map: Pink

Race name: The Kreshvi

Racial appearance: Physically, the Kreshvi's appearance deviates the most dramatically from other humans. The differences are so notable that the Kreshvi don't consider themselves human, and vice versa. Legends dating back from the Wyrm Wars suggest that they aren't aren't native to Elyddin, and although the validity of written accounts from this time period is largely questionable, it's accepted to be partially true, given how much the Kreshvi are physically and culturally different from humans. A male Kreshvi is typically anywhere from 6'0'' to 6'8'', and is an impressive figure to behold. Kreshvi females are much taller than their human counterparts, but tend to be shorter than men of their race. The skin of the Kreshvi carries a gray hue, though it can range from bluish to almost white. However, the older the Kreshvi is, the darker his skin becomes, so the oldest have a skin color that could be an almost black. Kreshvi hair, other than its color, is similar to human hair in such a way that it grows and looks the same. The color, on the other hand, is usually a white or silver. Most Kreshvi wear their hair long in intricate braids, though shorter hair is beginning to become more common for males. Fingernails and toenails are black, and possibly the biggest difference between humans and Kreshvi are their eyes. They lack any discernible pupils or irises, but rather, their eyes possess only one color- black. This makes it unsettling for many humans to engage a Kreshvi in direct eye contact, and it is difficult to exactly tell where Kreshvi is looking about. Humans are wary of the Kreshvi, and visible discrimination and racism has existed for generations. 

Racial traits: The Kreshvi tend to make better warriors and fighters than the other races of men, due to their physical abilities and living in an extreme martial culture. The combat prowess of a Kreshvi warrior/soldier is seems to be greater than a human, therefore it isn't uncommon to see the wealthiest have Kreshvi bodyguards or to see a Kreshvi mercenary. Outside of this, many Kreshvi see little reason to venture outside of Kreshva'ik'va and as such Kreshvi society tends to be rather xenophobic towards humans. The constitution of the Kreshvi is very high, allowing them to continue fighting after receiving wounds that would have slowed down a normal human. Also, this causes the effects of many poisons (and alcohol) to be much slower, though poisons that are capable of killing a human will most likely be able to kill a Kreshvi, albeit at a slower rate. Pregnancy lasts around five years, giving the Kreshvi a much smaller population, and preventing them from growing at the same rate than that of humans. Kreshvi hit puberty and age at the same rate of humans, and it doesn't seem that their life expectancy is much greater than that of a human. In terms of magical ability, it seems that the Kreshvi are simply incapable of using magic at all, with the current decline of magic, this matters much less, but it was a significant disadvantage in the past. The unique eyes of the Kreshvi allows them to see better in dark environments. However, it does come with the side effect of not being able to distinguish certain colors.

[IMG]http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/AliveButDead/Kresvaikva.png[/IMG]

Capital: 1: The Great Fortress City of Alek'ark at the mouth of the Great River- rumored to be impossible to siege, and one of the most impressive structures in the entire realm.

Capital Population: 26,897 

Other Major Settlements: 2: Keva'al; 3: Hevaak; 4: Jkeni; 5: Lvnell; 6: Asagar'ak'varenell

Population: 1,772,400 

Culture: First and foremost, the Kreshvi are a people who value strength and prowess in warfare above all else. This shouldn't be taken that they disregard all other things, in fact, they value family ties just as highly and will do nearly anything to protect their love ones. Even if death in battle is considered to be the most honorable way to die in Kreshvi culture, they will still mourn the passing of that particular loved one. Still, it is no coincidence that the Kreshvi are considered the most skilled warriors in all of Elyddin. It is rare for a day to pass that a Kreshvi won't engage in some form of training to further hone his skills. As such, during youth, Kreshvi routinely are put themselves through impressive training with their peers as they pretend to partake in their favorite legendary battles. After all, a Kreshvi who primarily makes his living by baking bread is not a baker, but a warrior who happens to also bake bread. 

The ruthlessness and talent of Kreshvi warriors are so notable that they have been recognized throughout all of Elyden for this sheer aptitude. A popular saying is that, “Give a Kreshvi a sword, and no battle shall be lost.” Purely an exaggeration, since the Kreshvi are simply a mortal race of man, but it shows how well Kreshvi warriors are valued. Outside of battle, Kreshvi are fairly notable architects and blacksmiths. Proof of such is shown in the superb quality of Kreshvi arms and the many impressive fortresses that are constantly being built by the Kreshvi. The best example of such is The Great Fortress City of Alek'ark, which many say is nearly impregnable if the Ak-Sheh himself does not wish for you to enter.

The Kreshvi aren't known as being scholars, but they keep detailed records of events in the Library of Alek'ark, detailing all of Kreshvi history, even before the Wyrm Wars, in which they supposedly fled from their land of origin, if that is to be believed. The common tongue or “Elyddinish”, is rarely spoken within Kreshva'ik'va, and only really learned by Kreshvi nobles and the wealthy. Including language, much of human culture is banned, and humans in general much receive permission by the Ak-Sheh and his council to even venture into Kreshvi lands. Kreshvi-Human marriage is not recognized, and any offspring produced from such a union must be killed, as decreed by Kreshin'ak generations ago.

Outside of quality Kreshvi armor, Kreshvi male clothing consists of open footwear, usually well-made sandals that reach all the way up to the calves, as well as loose fitting trousers secured by colorful sashes around their waists. Males often wear nothing on their torsos, though open overcoats coats with intricate designs are common, with popular colors being purple, orange, and red. Women wear beautiful dresses, but also tend to wear more male inspired clothing.

The possibility for humans to become honorary Kreshvi is open, but it is a very difficult task to do so, and very few humans have ever met the requirements.

Type of Government: The title of the ruler of the Kreshvi is Ak-Sheh, which can be loosely translated as “Overlord” or even “Great Warrior”. Succession isn't purely hereditary, but limited to the strongest son (or sometimes uncles and cousins) of the former Ak-Sheh. Those interested put their name forward, and it is decided who shall be selected as the next Ak-Sheh by a series of single combat between the interested claimants. The one who is victorious assumes the mantle of Ak-Sheh, of which he maintains for the rest of his life, though it isn't unheard of for an Ak-Sheh to abdicated before his death or defeated by a claimant. Rule over Kreshva'ik'va is shared between him and a select council of Kreshvi nobles, but ultimately, the Ak-Sheh has the ultimate authority. 

Influence and relations: TBD

Military – 7,362

The average Kreshvi warrior wears light leather and chainmail, mostly for ease of movement and mobility. They are trained in both melee and ranged combat, but tend to prefer a sword/shield and short bow. This grants them the ability to instantly change the composition of their units from melee, ranged, or mixed. Also, this grants them the ability to alter the course of battle if the need arises. The individual fighting capability of the average Kreshvi is greater than that of soldiers. Therefore, it is very unlikely for an average soldier to defeat a Kreshvi in single combat, and it's recommended for every one Kreshvi, to engage him with at least more than one human. That said, the average Kreshvi likes to fight, and it thrills them to be thrust in the course of any battle, which can't be said for an average human levy. As a conventional army, the Kreshvi simply is not one. Every member of society is more than capable of fighting, and does so gladly. More dedicated Kreshvi eventually fine a place in the personal honor guard of the Ak-Sheh, and those who do are noted for being some of the absolute best warriors that the Kreshvi have to offer. It isn't uncommon for any sons of an Ak-Sheh to find their own place in the honor guard, since they logically have access to the best equipment, instructors, and training.

Landscape: Largely a desert, but Kreshva'ik'va boasts fertile riverbanks and coasts, hills, mountains, and a few plains/forests. On their eastern coast, the greatest fortresses known to man have been built, in direct response to invasions mounted from the Black Continent. Should the Kreshvi ever be overrun, it could very well spell doom for the rest of humanity.

Wildlife: The Gnolls could be considered a threat, though most Kreshvi are eager for such engagements, which forced many of the Gnolls to seek easier human targets in the borderlands. Many dangerous creatures can be found in the deep interior, such as giant lizards, and some of the most poisonous creatures in Elydin.

History: Although the exact origin of the Kreshvi is very much a mystery, one thing is known for certain- they are definitely not native to Elydin. The very first accounts of them appearing is during the end of the Wyrm Wars, in which they played crucial role in securing a final and total human victory. Many have suspicions that their home of origin is that of the Black Continent, after all, Kreshvi are very alien in appearance, and they supposedly used a massive fleet to reach Elydin. This appears to be true based on some of the remnants of these great ships still left, and the very fact that mention or reference to the Black Continent is very much taboo in Kreshvi society. In Kreshvi texts, even their time on the Black Continent seems to be rather limited, noting that there nothing before the Great Awakening. Though it does make the distinction that the Kreshvi existed, it says that they had no independent thought, desire, or will. Their greatest historical figure, and arguably a legendary figure, was Kreshin'ak. He is attributed as being the first Ak-Sheh of the Kreshvi people, and the founder of the dynasty that now rules over Kreshva'ik'va. He led the Kreshvi in the tumultuous times, and even orchestrated the massive migration of the Kreshvi people to Elydin, claiming that their future was beyond the sea and that there was still a fight to be won.

Building of such a giant fleet is rather questionable, since the Kreshvi were never known as being seafarer, either way, they managed to cross the sea with such a fleet, and thus began their involvement in the Wyrm Wars. Against insurmountable odds, the intervention of the Kreshvi gave all the races of men the ability to win the final victory. And there was peace, at least for a time. Humans, for the most part, accepted the Kreshvi due to their aid during the Wyrm Wars, but significant suspicion exists. Even so, the Kreshvi chose to settle the vast eastern desert and renamed it to Kreshva'ik'va, or “Land of Our People”. And such, the Kreshvi have remained the first line of defense against the invasions from the Black Continent, and because of this, human and Kreshvi collaboration is not unheard of.

During the Unification of Elyden, Kreshva'ik'va would be the last independent realm to exist outside of the Paragon's control, and faced with a war that was certainly un-winnable, the Ak-Sheh chose to bend the knee instead. He faced massive amounts of hostility and criticism for this, and even today, he is considered a craven who gave away Kreshvi freedom in which they had valued since the Great Awakening.

Strengths: Desert Region: Though it boasts quite a few drawbacks, that vast desert that makes up Kreshva'ik'va proves to be invaluable in a defensive war. No foreign army can hope to invade Kreshva'ik'va and hope to stand against the unforgiving heat and the superior Kreshvi warriors who have long ago mastered desert combat. This allows them to excel at defensive and guerrilla warfare.

Individual Prowess: The fighting capability of each Kreshvi is much greater than those of other realms, offering them a more significant and effective presence on the battlefield. 

Weaknesses: Desert Region- Such a region proves troublesome to support a large population, and lacks certain natural resources to sustain one as well.

Human Suspicion: Humans are just as wary of Kreshvi as they are of them. As such, it makes diplomacy, alliances, and cooperation quite the difficult task. 

Export: Iron, Glassware, Stone, Weapons

Import: Food, Wood, Clothing Material[/hider]