[u][b]House Name[/b][/u] [color=aba000][b]House Balkr[/b][/color] [u][b]Sigil[/b][/u] [hider][img]http://i.imgur.com/1F01kR7.png?1[/img][/hider] [u][b]House Words[/b][/u] [color=aba000][b][i]"We Shall Not Yield."[/i][/b][/color] [u][b]House Specialty[/b][/u] [color=aba000][b]Vaskrveurr Infantry[/b][/color] - Nicknamed “Northern Guardians” by southerners, the Vaskrveurr Infantry holds a tradition to being the hardiest and devastating warriors on the battlefield. In older times they were seen alongside the Hafrstaka Calvary as the most dangerous troops to come across in war or raid. Rumors have floated around for centuries that Vaskrveurr are so powerful and dangerous merely because of the diet they are put on that includes herbs such as troll’s branch. But no such assumptions have ever been proven. [u][b]Ancestral Weapon[/b][/u] [color=aba000][b]Vetreldr[/b][/color] - Roughly translated to “Winter’s Fire” in the common tongue, Vetreldr is a northern great sword forged of runesteel with a simple handle wrapped in brown cloth. Throughout the blade there are etched carvings, though what they mean has been lost through time. [u][b]Important Members[/b][/u] [hider=Royal Family][center][color=aba000][h3]King Viktor Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 43 [url=http://i.imgur.com/qCzDQXF.jpg][b]Appearance[/b][/url] - Despite Viktor’s disposition, he does look like a Balkr. This of course with the experience of age has allowed the blonde-haired lord to look the part for his Kingdom or perhaps becoming more grizzled as time has gathered tragedy before him which has started to take effect as strands of gray have become to take shape within his beard. Viktor is not the tallest of men in the North either, but he is certainly not short—with his figure whilst toned has started to give way in this time of peace. [b]Personality[/b] - Viktor is one bred from the tutelage of his father’s court sage, a sage whom prepared Viktor not for entitled rule but proper consul. As the third son of the King of Perhyr, it came to nobody’s surprise that he was expected to be his brother’s steward or chancellor when the time came for him to rule, but the gods would have a cruel and ironic game in mind instead when both of Viktor’s elder brothers perished and he inherited their responsibilities. The sage who instructed Viktor was not the same culture or upbringing, so his education had an unpopular effect on how Viktor was received by family and nobles alike—but in time he won their respect, though the effects of the ignorance did make Viktor question motives and actions throughout his life thus molding him into a sort of a cynic. Despite this cynicism Viktor is still rather honorable and just; even beyond northern standards as he is strongly against going “an eye for an eye”. [b]Talents[/b] - Viktor is a trained warrior, but it is not his strong suit as his upbringing could tell you—he is trained in the intellectual arts and for a northern man is very astute in the ways of other cultures from Orlandis. A charismatic negotiator and a capable steward, his talents have allowed his rulership of Perhyr to be a quality one as he has increased trade, managed taxes, and restored the realm after the damage from the invasion by Enok ‘the Sealord of Praxis’. [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - Perhaps the closest allies Viktor has in the form of his consul—specifically his chancellor, marshal, and sentinel. The first of this trinity of sorts is Viktor’s younger brother, Martijin whilst the other two were allies in childhood and on the battlefield—Davok of House Skogr and Jorvik of House Volkar. However, where allies are found Viktor has also made rivals and enemies; one such enemy being the one who killed his two elder brothers and countless others in a selfish and dishonorable war; a man named Enok ‘the Sealord of Praxis’. However, Enok remains in the dungeons paying for his crimes against Perhyr, though many wonder why the foreign sealord has not been executed yet. [b]Background[/b] - Born the third son to the King of Perhyr, Harek Balkr, Viktor entered childhood with expectations though some could say they weren’t extraordinary ones given that Harek often found himself in both of his elder brothers’ shadow as they proved to the realm that they were staunch traditionalists with great strength and athleticism. Whilst Viktor was not as strong as his brother Lokir, or as agile as Berir—he found himself through tutelage that his expertise would be in the scholarly arts as he found himself raised for the most part by a sage who was born in Terijas, thus things soon grew complicated despite his deep education in political history, world cultures, intrigue & politics, and mythology of all sorts. Viktor’s wealth of education throughout his childhood came at odds with his traditionalist uncle, Edvard Balkr, who sneered at his “foreign education” and often criticized King Harek’s decision to employ a foreign sage to mentor any of his children; King Harek generally fired back with calling Edvard narrow-minded, short-sighted, and unnecessarily elitist. However the shadow of his siblings still burdened Viktor to the point he sought out his father’s marshal, and sentinel as he asked both of the veteran warriors to train him in the art of combat as Viktor never desired to be simply regarded as a man of learning—the men of the north knew how to fight and he needed to be properly instructed and better at it; a Balkr should always be prepared to defend himself from hostile invaders whether they are fringe pirates, native monsters, or any sort of threat. Owing himself to his duty as a Balkr, he continued to adamantly train in swordplay. In time he would make a decent swordsman. By the age of sixteen he was introduced to a girl named Vatka of House Dukar, and a friendship was made. Vatka was a northern girl at heart, and one who had a deep interest in arts, mythology, and culture—foreign and local. Given Viktor’s tutelage they bonded quickly given his knowledge of more foreign customs, societies, and mythologies which created an odd fit between the youths. It came to the point where romantic tension grew and Viktor knew he himself had found the girl he would fight for in the Maerkapp. After winning said contest of marriage and honor, Viktor would treat Vatka well and by his set rules of justice and honor. They would birth several children together: Gunvor, Henrik, and Elsa. The realm of Perhyr was peaceful for his father’s reign, but once the old King left the world for the gods and his brother Lokir sat on the throne it was as if everything terrible that could happen occurred. Five years into King Lokir’s rule an invasion from a “sealord” descending from the city of Praxis named Enok was upon the realm. For several years this invasion waged and both his elder brothers took the fight to Enok which took a turn for the ages at the Battle of the Frostback Hills. Lokir found himself overwhelmed by Enok’s forces, which resulted into a tense battle where Enok felled not only Lokir but also Berir. The aftermath was bloody and hollow, a falcon was sent to Viktor informing him of his brother’s deaths as well as the succession of the throne falling to him—Viktor Balkr was King. Viktor’s rule thereon had much issues as Edvard Balkr’s beliefs that he was too influenced by foreign cultures and books to lead as a strong lord had a strong effect on some of the lords who remained unsure on Viktor as their king. However, Edvard did respect Viktor’s rightful inheritance and spoke against civil war so soon after a battle that took two strong Balkr men from this world. Still the thought was already planted in the noble’s heads and Viktor had to prove himself to them over the years—which he did through his virtues. [color=aba000][h3]Queen Vatka Dakar[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 40 [url=http://i.imgur.com/41lypVQ.png][b]Appearance[/b][/url] - Vatka has aged like a fine northern ale, appearing some odd years younger than her actual age; whilst her husband ages it seems she ages exponentially slower each progressing year as her fair appearance is something to be admired. That’s not to say Vatka looks as she did twenty years ago as few wrinkles given by stress and burden have graced the woman’s face and her flowing dark hair. [b]Personality[/b] - Vatka is in many ways like her husband, Viktor, given her interest in more intellectual arts though as the daughter of an overtly outspoken jarl in southern Perhyr, she has inherited traits from him such as a fiery temper and a boldness to her manner thus making her have a bit more bite than her husband has in some eyes of the royal court. Her interest in other culture is hard to place the reasoning behind as sometimes she can appear earnest and simply curious, others adamantly paranoid and over-prepared—she has once told Viktor that their greatest threat comes from the south and not the north. [b]Talents[/b] - Vatka’s education befits one of intrigue and stewardship, though given her father as a small Jarl in southern Perhyr couldn’t really give her the grandest of educations. Still her position as Queen of Perhyr has allowed her the financial abilities to learn more as her husband cannot come to terms with declining her requests for books and educators—in fact, it was Vatka who picked the current Sage on the royal council. In terms of combat, she can defend herself decently with a northern spear but is not exceptionally talented with it. [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - TBD [b]Background[/b] - N/A [color=aba000][h3]Prince Gunvor Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 24 [b]Appearance[/b] - The first son of Vatka Dakar and Viktor Balkr, Gunvor appears to have the physical traits of his paternal lineage far more than his maternal lineage. In many ways Gunvor appears to be the spitting image of not Viktor, but Viktor’s brother Lokir with strong shoulders and an intimidating physique. His hair is a dirtier blonde and a short beard flows over his face alongside childhood scars from his knack to get into physical altercations with ease. [b]Personality[/b] - An aggressive heir with little patience, Gunvor has the appearance of a heir that lacks the wisdom or talents for the more introspective aspects of rule – though Gunvor is only twenty and four years past his nameday and he does still have much time to learn. However, Gunvor is not simply a brutish imbecile as his actions or appearance may imply as he does have an understanding of history and religion to the point his morals are crafted by his religious respects. Gunvor is honorable, strong, and perhaps resilient. [b]Talents[/b] - Gunvor has embodied a talent for conflict since he was of young age, brawling with other children and striving to be the strongest and toughest warrior of all. His martial skill is not just within his hardiness but his versatility as he has found himself skilled with axe, sword, and spear. Intellectually Gunvor is… average despite having his father and a capable sage at his disposal for tutelage. [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - TBD [b]Background[/b] - N/A [color=aba000][h3]Prince Henrik Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 20 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - The second son of Vatka Dakar and Viktor Balkr, Henrik is his father’s son. Smart, just, and careful are traits that describe Henrik to a tee—and he counters his elder brother’s violent nature with one that is one of intelligence and perception. However unlike his father before him, Henrik is quick on his feet and a bit of a jovial boy of wit and snark. This of course has gotten him into many altercations in the past, but not one’s he has come out of in worse shape since he was a child. [b]Talents[/b] - As quick with his words as he is with a sword, Henrik straddles the middle ground between his father and his brother—being much less short-tempered than the latter. He is educated in theology, mythology, foreign relations, culture, and history with his interests highlighting foreign relations, history, and culture over mythology & theology. He isn’t as outwardly strong and intimidating as his brother, but he is faster and more perceptive and on occasion has bested his brother in childhood brawls due to this fact. [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - TBD [b]Background[/b] - N/A [color=aba000][h3]Princess Elsa Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 17 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - [b]Talents[/b] - [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - TBD [b]Background[/b] - N/A [/center] [/hider] [hider=Distant Family][center][color=aba000][h3]Keeper Edvard "The Troll" Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 59 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - [b]Background[/b] - [color=aba000][h3]Vargen Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 40 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - [b]Talents[/b] - [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - [b]Background[/b] - [color=aba000][h3]Jakob Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 32 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - [b]Talents[/b] - [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - [b]Background[/b] - [color=aba000][h3]Dunkan Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 25 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - [b]Talents[/b] - [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - [b]Background[/b] - [color=aba000][h3]Tarja Balkr[/h3][/color] [b]Age[/b] - 21 [b]Appearance[/b] - [b]Personality[/b] - [b]Talents[/b] - [b]Friends & Rivals[/b] - [b]Background[/b] - [/center][/hider] [u][b]Courtiers & Retainers[/b][/u] Chancellor Martijin Balkr High Priest Rayvar Marshal Davok Skogr Sage Ethias Sentinel Jorvik Volkar Spymaster Tedor Olmaekir Steward Ifrik Adelkr [u][b]Vassals[/b][/u] House Hiroir [sub]Duchy of Bynirhold[/sub] House Ulaar [sub]Duchy of Fellhold [/sub] House Vaald [sub]Duchy of Frosthold[/sub] House Volkar [sub]Duchy of Gjorhold [/sub] House Olak [sub]Duchy of Hofghold[/sub] House Frosk [sub]Duchy of Jarnhold[/sub] House Norvulr [sub]Duchy of Norvegrhold[/sub] House Kulvur [sub]Duchy of Svellhold [/sub] House Roliikr [sub]Duchy of Rolhold[/sub] House Olmaekir [sub]Duchy of Vagrhold [/sub] House Skogr [sub]Duchy of Viorhold[/sub] [url=http://i.imgur.com/eBSp14m.png][b]Duchy Borders[/b][/url] [b]Realm[/b] [color=aba000][b]The Kingdom of Perhyr, The Northlands of Orlandis[/b][/color] [u][b]Primary Holding[/b][/u] [color=aba000][b]Skjaldhelm[/b][/color] - Located on the tip of the cliffs of Snaervatn Bay which draws in the longest river in northern Orlandis, Skjaldhelm is seen as the warden of the northern seas as the northlander castle towers over the city of Fiskrheim which sits beneath the cliffs and operates as a major fishing, wharfing, and trade port. The castle itself has several escape routes carved by the best masons of their time as it runs through the cliffs and into the countryside, hidden from the common eye. [color=aba000][b]Ardvar’s Gate [/b][/color] - The “entrance” from the northlandic countryside to Skjaldhelm. It is disguised in the cliff-side as sculpted stone statues of King Ardvar ‘Stonehammer’ Balkr and his allies; in reality a highly adept system of chains and pulleys allow individuals to open the disguised gate and flee. The town of Grindborg lays not far and has ample stables to aid in a royal escape. [u][b]Vassal Holdings[/b][/u] [u][b]Influence & Relations [/b][/u] [color=aba000][b]Erayis [/b][/color] [color=aba000][b]Euritia[/b][/color] [color=aba000][b]Skavia[/b][/color] [color=aba000][b]The Rift [/b][/color] - Established by one of the earliest rulers of Perhyr, The Rift is a vague association of territory across the Sea of Echoes in the vyntic homeland, but most notably it is the collection of outposts and strongholds that keep watch on the unruly primeval tribes of raiders, conquerors, and savages. People sworn to be Keepers of the Rift are generally burdened but hardy and know their responsibility well—for Perhyr it is rare to banish someone to the Rift as it should be a duty not a sentence. The current leader of the largest stronghold of The Rift, Vororborg, is the aging uncle of the current King and is known throughout the Northlands by his nickname “The Troll” as a mythic honorific of his strength. The current relations are good, but distant. [u][b]Exports & Imports[/b][/u] [color=aba000][b]Fish[/b][/color] - As the holders of a major fishing port, House Balkr supplies a healthy supply of sturgeon, herring, northern cod, haddock, shark, and northern pike. It is perhaps one of the largest exports of the house. [color=aba000][b]Furs[/b][/color] - Traded to the south for their winter seasons, northlandic furs are seen as a good commodity for the harsh winters. Typically made from hides of wolves, goats, elk, bears, and foxes. [color=aba000][b]Gems[/b][/color] - Gems are not valued particularly well in the northlands thus when diamond or sapphire is discovered in the mining communities it is often seen as easy gold to make to the people of southern Orlandis where engagements and royalty is shown with gems whereas rings in the northlands are generally simple metals embodied with runic writing. [color=aba000][b]Herbs[/b][/color] - Northern flora is essential in certain recipes for medicinal alchemy, and as such is commonly traded. Unsurprisingly, southern Orlandis as well as western Atularis has a much more diverse set of herbs and are generally valued and thus imported. [color=aba000][b]Ore[/b] [/color] - The north has plentiful mountains, despite most of them being frigid and frozen thus the most determined of miners can access the mostly untapped supply of ore in the northlands. This also includes the largest deposits of mythrite a gray-blue mineral that when forged has the consistency of steel but with a lesser weight value. [u][b]Recent History[/b][/u] [list] Viktor Balkr is born (857 AE) The Invasion of the Sealord of Praxis (881-883 AE)[/list] [u][b]Other Information[/b][/u] N/A