WORK IN PROGRESS [center][img]https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/419x610q90/661/0UpOKm.png[/img][/center] House Name: House Jaegar [u]Head of House:[/u] [b]'First Flame' Sigfryd Jaegar[/b]: [hider=Sigfryd][img]http://i.imgur.com/AIuClhO.jpg[/img][/hider] Light red hair, 6'4, slim build. Sigfryd, at the young age of 27, ascended to First Flame after the death of his father, Ivar, just six years ago. He is now 33. Every descendant of the Jaegar family has the unusual light red hair color. Sigfryd, after repulsing, and destroying the source of raiding and pillaging of their northern border towns by outside tribes, was anointed as a Knight when he was only sixteen, by the High Knight of every region in Karthia in the main Kamthein temple of Sungard. His piety, courage, and his sense of justice could never be questioned - as his personality seemed to mimic the Jaegars of old. Even before becoming the First Flame, Sigfryd gained renown and popularity with the people of Karthia. When Sigfryd's father died, it was expected that he would follow in the recent First Flame's foot steps, taking a less active approach on the field and instead learning the guile and diplomatic skills that nearly every head of house in Elyden had. The new First Flame, however, proved them wrong as he continued to take to the field himself when problems arose, as well as deal with the problems of commoners and showed his presence whenever it was even slightly needed. Sigfryd led a Crusade of his knights to war with the Gothian threat that put his whole realm in danger, and came out a victorious, celebrated hero. There is sentiment in the realm is that this old, traditional way of ruling is cause for worry - as a First Flame should alienate himself from common problems, as well as warfare for reasons of safety and continuation of the ancient lineage. [u]House Specialty:[/u] House Jaegar is a nation which zealously worships Kammeth, the Lord of the Sacred Flame, and is vowed to protect the descendants of Valarien Paragon. The martial nature of their upbringing, as well as the lineage of the royal line, led House Jaegar to become one of the most militarily powerful, but also noble and loyal houses of Elyden. Unlike other houses that worship the Kamthein religion, House Jaegar focuses solely on the war-like aspect of the Sun God. Individuals are given rankings of ‘High Knights’ and allowed to govern cities, regions, or fortresses not by their political expertise, or charisma, but rather are valued by their piety, honesty, nobility, and courage. [u]House Ancestral Weapon:[/u] House Jaegar posseses two weapons from the War of the Wyrms: [b]The Radiant Dawn[/b] is the first relic, a magic banner which consists of a gilded pole, with a glowing golden sun standard on top. This relic dates back to when the original hero of House Jaegar, Arne Jaegar, gathered a force around him which confronted the Wyrms. In a battle which will be known as the Two Day Stand, the warriors fought for fourty eight hours against the mighty dragons. The story goes, that as the first night ended, and morale of the warriors gathered by Arne began to dissipate, the Sun came up. As the sun's rays shone brightly, the troops felt a massive increase in spirit and morale, and the only standard intact absorbed the power that came from the sun. The banner was able to continue giving the troops the inspiration and hope to battle no through the night of the next day, where they finally slayed the last Wyrm on the battlefield. This standard is carried, during times of war, by the chosen of the Dawnguard – the First Flame’s personal, hand-picked, body guards. The banner, even know, expels a powerful stream of morale, inspiration, and courage to allies in a large radius. [b]Darkbreaker[/b] was the sword used by Arne Jaegar. Imbued with the essence of the sun, the long hilted sword emits a light glow when the user is under no danger, but magnifies the gleam when in battle. This sword is always carried with the head of the house. [img]http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs21/i/2007/266/3/e/X_Holy_Sword_II_by_Sakanami.jpg[/img] [u]Important members:[/u] [B]Herlek Kalltsrom[/B] - Captain of the Dawnguard. The Dawnguard are the First Flame's premier bodyguards in tradition, yet they have become much more throughout the years. Since any person of political import in Karthia are knights, these are the most skilled and most trusted individuals that Sigfryd knows. It is common for members of the Dawnguard to be sent to certain cities or other realms as diplomats, or representatives of the First Flame's will. Herlek is Sigfryd's right hand, a child hood friend he grew up with who he will sometimes refer to for advice or assistance. [B]Arya Jaegar[/B] -Mother of Sigfryd, Arya has a heavy influence on him [u]Nation/Realms Name:[/u] Karthia [u]House Motto:[/u]Through Fire and Flame [u]Region/color on map:[/u] Black [img]http://s18.postimg.org/wa3syvl5l/finished.jpg[/img] [u]Race name:[/u] Karthian [u]Racial appearance:[/u] The Karthian people are extremely light skinned people, similar to the Swedish/Norwegian ethnicity in our world, and of blue/green eye color. They usually have light, blonde hair, and in some cases the astounding red of the Jaegar family. They tend to be lithe, narrow of shoulders, but taller then most other ethnicity. [u]Racial traits:[/u] The Karthian main trait is of loyalty and discipline - these people are so stoic in their religious beliefs that they will stand against a tide of enemies until death. [u]Capital:[/u] Sungard, the ancient fortress built into the largest mountain of the western range, is a gleaming white castle built of alabaster. [u]Capital Population:[/u] 40,000. Fairly low population compared to some other cities of Karthia, as Sungard is a castle which has nearly no trade importance. [u]Other Major Settlements:[/u] [b]Riverall [/b]- The bustling city of Karthia which remains it's heart. The branches of the Lion's Tail River all come down to Lake Sol, and so Riverall is constantly the end point for countless barges and ferries which are bringing in minerals and precious rocks from The Wall of Elyden, as well as the agricultural produce from the farms located around the riverbeds. [b]The Alabaster City[/b] - One of the wonders of Karthian culture, The Alabaster City is a large, you guessed it, city that is built entirely of white alabaster. The quarries in those mountain ranges are loaded with the mineral, and the city is the checkpoint through which most of the rock leaves. [b]Greenbank[/b] - The major Karthian city which is based in the forest, there is an extensive amount of trade here as most goods that come from the Wall and Lion's Tail go through here before leaving to be exported into other countries. Lumber is also cut down and traded here in large quantities, a long with hides for leather. [b]Arcliffe Keep, Queen's Fort, Summerswind Castle.[/b] - These are the three heavily fortified fortresses on the eastern Karthian front. These are well supplied and repaired at all times, a long with communication and outriders between them which monitor the borders. Arcliffe Keep sees the most action, as the barbaric tribes from the north constantly attempt to pillage and sack villages on the border. [u]Population:[/u] 4,716,000 [u]Culture:[/u] Karthians are known throughout the continent for their religious fervor, combined with the militaristic order that their hierarchy and religion are built on. There is an abundance of Kamthein temples all around Karthia - every such temple is ruled by a High Knight of Flame. The role of 'priest' does not exist in Karthian society, as the requirement of being able to hold a position in a Kammuth temple is to be a knight. Martial practice is set in Karthian blood, but what sets them apart is their unwillingness to draw blood or start conflict. Content with their realm, as well as resources they possess, Karthian's have close ties with both the Paragan and Benedikt families. The fact that they are bordered to the west by mountains, and have the Royal lands to their east, Karthia does not frequently find itself in engagements with other humans - unless it is the wild tribes to the north. However, there have been many times in the history of Karthia were beastlings would descend upon the realm from the mountains. The Gothians and Karthians are anathema to each other - each one wanting to obliterate the other from the face of the continent. There have been few times in the history of Elyden, when while the realm was safe, the Holy Covenant of Fire was convened, and help was organized and sent to a nation requiring it. These, fore mostly, include threats of beastlings even outside of Karthia. Tournaments, both melee, archery, and jousting are often held in the realm, in tribute to the Sun God. [u]Type of Government:[/u] The government of Karthia is a hierarchy which completely consists of Knights of the Sacred Flame - a paladin and knight organization which worships Kammeth's courage and strength through his war traits. Karthians believe that through the training of the body and war-readiness, a clearness and alacrity of the mind will come. In order to become a priest who can preach the gospel of Kemmeth, one has to first be anointed as a knight by the Covenant of the Sacred Flame. The code of the Knights is listed in an ancient book, the Karthian's main religious relic, called the "Tenants of Dawn" - which lists the requirements and philosophy for Kammeth's holy Knight order. The book upholds nobility, honesty, and loyalty above all else. It is possible, although not exactly common, for some individuals to be blessed as Knights without showing exemplary military skills - but instead showing the spiritual characteristics required. The First Flame is the head ruler of the realm - a title which has been passed out since the creation of Karthia. All the holders of this title were of Jaegar blood. Second to The First Flame are the Dawnguard. These are the Knights of the Sacred Flame which are handpicked by The First Flame. They are the cream of the crop. Their main, traditional duty is as the First Flame's most trusted body guards, but they have evolved to a greater versatility, where they can be used as Chancellor's, Master of Coins, or Diplomatic Heralds. After the Dawnguard are the High Knights of the Sacred Flame. These are appointed or reappointed every fifteen years by the Holy Covenant of Fire - a meeting of all Knights in the realm. High Knights are the ones that are the rulers of their city, keep, or fortress. They are also the head of the Temples in their jurisdiction. [u]Influence and relations:[/u] WIP [u]Military[/u] - 23,580 [b]Knights of the Sacred Flame, Heavy Plated Infantry[/b]: 6,000 - This is the core of Karthia. These knights are all spread throughout the realm in temples, forts, and cities as men of influence. When a crusade is called, each one of these knights vacates his position and leaves it to one of his aides before taking the field. [b]Knights of the Sacred Flame, Heavy Cavalry[/b]: 2,900 - Same as above, except these knights are able to take the field as heavy cavalry. [b]Paladins of the Sacred Flame, Heavy Plated Infantry[/b]: 100 - These are the Knights of the Sacred Flame which also have a varying aptitude to Kamthein magic. [b]Medium Infantry[/b]: 7,000 - Very versatile Karthian military unit, these men go to battle in chain and leather armor - with a long sword, a shield, and a crossbow. Each medium infantryman is taught how to use the crossbow effectively, as they will lay down covering or supporting fire with their quarrels when needed. [b]Bowmen[/b]: 2,000 - These are Karthian units equipped with short swords and long bows. [b]Light Infantry[/b]: 4,580 - The quickest, most light footed military unit, wearing leather armor and having a small buckler. They are usually employed to cover the Bowmen. [b]Light Cavalry[/b]: 1,000 - Horsed skirmishers that are used to both harry the opponent army's flank, and protect their own army's flank. [u]Landscape:[/u] Karthis has a very diverse landscape due to the fact that it consists of mountain ranges, meadows, a lake, rivers, and lush green forests.The Wall of Elyden is an area of Karthia where the temperatures are much cooler. The biggest part of Karthia, however, is cradled by the mountain range and is protected from any violent starms or winds that may come from the east. The temperatures are warm, with a calm breeze descending from the mountains. [u]Wildlife:[/u](Optional) [u]History:[/u] (At least the past couple generations, include conflicts, major upheavals, wars, etc.) [u]Strengths:[/u] [b]Piety and Nobility[/b] - The people of Karthia are fervent believers of the Sun God, and believe in the Jaegars' vows of protecting the throne. Due to this, Karthia posseses a loyalty and undoubting confidence in their leadership and the decisions of the House as long as they fit within its deep rooted tenets. [b]Military Hierarchy[/b] - Due to being governed by an order of knights, the Karthian people have a very close relationship with military practices. The realm is always ready for another crusade, be it against pagans or beastlings. [u]Weaknesses:[/u] (At least two, and they have to be real disadvantages, you can't really say you have a terrible navy if you're landlocked.) [b]Lack of Guile[/b]: The House of Jaegar, especially with the straight-forward Sigfryd now the head, does not have a talent for politics and diplomacy. While other houses may use their wit and guile in order to reach better positions in the Kingdom, House Jaegar has always been very down to earth and simple. Although this might appeal to the commoners and may be good during times of war, the house lacks the diplomatic creativity needed for furthering the house politically. [b]Inflexibility[/b]: It is due to the previous factor, and also the tenets and religious believes they hold to, concerning being the Protectorates of the Throne, that makes House Jaegar's decisions sometimes very limited and restricted. The whole realm will descend into chaos if it has a crisis of faith, meaning House Jaegar may go to extreme, suicidal measures to protect the throne, as well as defending the Kamthein faith. [u]Export:[/u] Alabaster, Tin, Copper, Iron, Stone, Lumber, Crops. [u]Import[/u]: (No realm is totally self sufficient, you surely need something ^^) [/hider]