Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by Willy Vereb
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Willy Vereb The Wordy Engineer

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Hmm, didn't you wish to have something more freeform?
Wouldn't this clash with the idea of having hard set locations?
BTW, here's a full map on the Old World:


My problem is that WHFB map is a bit too linear and doesn't focus on anything aside from not!Europe.
If we can remove Nagash corruption as a must for example we can gain plenty more freedom.
Currently as I chose Araby I'd be hard pressed to ever capitalize on the actual benefits of my nomad cavalry.
If possible I'd wish to have borders with the Empire and its allies.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by KremeSupreme
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KremeSupreme im here

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Thank you~
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Willy Vereb
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Willy Vereb The Wordy Engineer

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gitzmansgallery.com/shdmotwow.html

Super detailed version of the world map.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by ClocktowerEchos
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@Willy Vereb If I said that then I use GM power to modify it ay my whim but I don't remember saying "this is strictly going to be Free Form". I'm using the WFB map becuase I'm lazy and I really don't want to be bothered with making a new world map so I'm using WFB map plus I know its just notEurope in that map, its where most of the factions currently are so I decided that I decided it would be best to just get a map focused on that area instead of overwhelming with a world map.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by BangoSkank
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Maybe Pagan Elves could be in either Athel Loren (with Bretonnia to the North West and The Empire to the North East) or The Forest of Gloom (South East of The Empire)
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by POOHEAD189
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This is a great Warhammer Old World Map, though if I put it in an image it gets much smaller.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Willy Vereb
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@Willy Vereb If I said that then I use GM power to modify it ay my whim but I don't remember saying "this is strictly going to be Free Form". I'm using the WFB map becuase I'm lazy and I really don't want to be bothered with making a new world map so I'm using WFB map plus I know its just notEurope in that map, its where most of the factions currently are so I decided that I decided it would be best to just get a map focused on that area instead of overwhelming with a world map.
My point wasn't to demand you trying it to be as freeform as possible. It just seemed weird that with highly encouraged custom factions we'd need to occupy the borders of one of the canon nations.
Anyways, that map lacks the territory of chaos, Araby, Tomb Kings and the Dark Lands which is another source of threats to the Empire.
Okay, it has a tiny portion of them sticking out at the edges but that's it.

Personally I'd wish to be coming from the Dark Lands now, no spooky skeletons and ork tribes to fight through before I get to be a threat to "civilized lands". I can immediately do that which interactions wise is far preferable.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Slamurai
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Heyo!

I poked my head in the interest check a while back and now I'm here! On the subject of maps, I personally agree with Willy. The setting is supposed to be a kind of alternate-Warhammer, but I think that sticking to the original map inhibits the custom/freeform element of the RP. In a sense, the locations are already decided for us if we want to play some kind of offshoot of a Warhammer faction. I mean, you could just throw out all original notions of faction locations, but the stigma is still there.

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by POOHEAD189
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I'm going to go ahead and say the Old World Map is fine by me. Clocku, of course take their opinions to heart, but do what you wanna do.

Fellas, let's not argue this enough to where the RP doesn't happen. I need my Warhammer fix.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by BangoSkank
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Perhaps Old World as is, but a much smaller ocean separating the New World's Naggaroth and Lustria from the Old World, much smaller desert separating Badlands/Border Princes from Araby or The Land if the Dead? Maybe add some new passes so you could come from the Blasted Lands too?

Could probably put stuff in the Worlds End Mountains too.

If New World, Naggaroth and Lustria, is closer that would help get more groups in the mix and give more space for completely original groups.

I kind of like it as is but maybe we can figure something out. I too just want a fix of some Grim and perilous fantasy
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by ClocktowerEchos
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@Willy Vereb@Aristo@POOHEAD189@BangoSkank

I'm using the canon WFB map since its gives everyone a rough idea of where to be, allowing people to skip over a part of an NS and also prevents the classic NRP thing of having wildly different cultures next to each other since its a pet peeve of mine to see notGermany, notChina, and notMexican all right next to each other and having very little in similarity.

If you really want an original map, then go find me one that could actually be used. I also trust most people to be good enough to be able to write NSs without worrying about location unless they really want Araby to be in where Kislev is or something in which case that's another issue entirely.
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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by BCTheEntity
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I don't mind the map, personally. I know roughly where the Mountains of Mourn are on it, meaning that I don't need to make up a location relative to other locations that might not even exist yet.
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@ClocktowerEchos My nation sheet is complete. Take a look, if you will.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by POOHEAD189
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Other than the map, I'm thinkin' it's good, lads.

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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by KremeSupreme
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@ClocktowerEchos I finished up the Elven Paganlands with unit descriptions. Could I put them in the Characters Tab now? Or would I have to draw a territory on the map?
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by Madrigal
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Hello one and all.

I'm a newcomer to Warhammer Fantasy, only having taken an interest in the series two years ago thanks to an ex-girlfriend. I finally have reliable internet, and am in the mood for a Nations RPG. I notice the Vampires are unrepresented (a grave disappointment. No pun intended). They're one of my personal favorites, and it was the first faction I played in Total War: Warhammer. I was hoping to finish my CS today, however I had to stay late at the hospital, so this will have to do for now. I'll likely edit in information about my characters in the next couple of days, but everything else is in place. An overview of content for the DM's approval is at the base of the app.

For your consideration then, Sylvania.

--------------------------------------------------------------

NAME:
The Undying Empire
Archduchy of Sylvania

OVERVIEW:
A realm of darkness and mystery, Sylvania has been a bastion of evil for centuries. The dead walk the land here, obeying the call of their Vampiric masters. With the return of the von Carsteins at the necromancer Gautselin’s behest, the corruption known to infest this land once more spreads. Even now, necromancers raise the dead and vampires don their armor, in preparation of war with their neighbors. Sylvania itself has been reformed as part of Gautselin’s vision of a new Empire, to rule humanity as protector and master in the face of the tides of Chaos.

RACE AND CULTURE:
For centuries, Sylvania has been commanded by the most powerful and decadent vampire lords of the land. Knowledgeable and strong beyond most mere mortals but selfish and arrogant, the vampires have been more or less of equal standing. This has led to a web of politics growing amongst the noble bloodsuckers, contesting each other through Byzantine politics, cultivated reputation and above all strength to contest among themselves beneath their sovereign archduke. Vampires are the absolute upper crust of Sylvanian society, rendered virtually untouchable to their lessers through their talents at politics, magic and combat. Unless they have directly offended the archduke or his subordinates, a vampire may more or less do as they please, and Sylvania is resplendent with tales of the decadence and sadism of the ruling vampires. It is rare though not impossible for a human to be considered equal to a vampire in Sylvanian society. The sole means of gaining power for humans, save through the Blood Kiss itself, is through mastering Necromancy. Necromancers assist the vampiric nobility as spellcasters, generals and advisers, though no vampire would willingly obey an order from a Necromancer.

Beneath the Vampires and Necromancers are the Free Men, Peasants and the Living Dead. Or as most Vampires refer to them, ‘Hounds, Cattle and Mules’. Free Men are very rare throughout the realm, often serving as enforcers and guards for their masters. Some are retained by the nobles in roles considered too vital to leave to their risen dead and too minor to be performed by a vampire. Most are humans of interest chosen by vampire nobles to be elevated above peasantry, or mercenaries hired by the nobles of Sylvania.

Beneath the Free Men are the Peasants. Unlike their counterparts in Kislev or Bretonnia, Peasants spend little time in manual labor or farming their land. Instead, Peasants are considered livestock by Sylvania, to be kept in villages like so many sheep in a pen. Peasants live in dread fear of the Vampire nobility, living dead or even Free Men. Some villages live their entire lives in their small shacks for fear of becoming food or sport for a Vampire or even a Free Man. Others worship their masters openly in the hopes of winning their favor. Some peasants are retained as servants for nobles and their manor houses, but few are ever taken to their new post willingly. Despite Gautselin’s philosophy that Peasants are to be protected by their masters, his opinion is considered with bemusement or mockery by the majority of Vampires. Nevertheless, Peasants are the main source for Sylvania’s most vital resource. The risen corpses who man the industries, fields and armies of the Archduchy.

The dead serve the Archduchy in virtually every capacity imaginable. They labor in the mines. They manufacture basic weaponry in factories. They farm the fields to grow food for the pets of the vampires--including humans. Primarily however, they serve in the armies of the Vampire lords. From the zombies and skeletons risen for cannonfodder to the elite Graveguard and Abominations that serve the realm, they make up almost the entirety of the Archduchy’s military.

GOVERNMENT:
The names ‘Archduchy of Sylvania’ and ‘Undying Empire’ are used interchangably within their boundaries. The Undying Empire itself is the name of Gautselin’s grand plan for the Old World. To conquer or confederate every race worthy of ruling and protecting the mortal races, bringing them together into a new empire. One where the animated dead take the place of laborers and soldiers. Where only vampires, grail knights and other 'ascended’ mortals rule their mundane brethren as nobles. Where archdukes, dukes, earls and counts vote among themselves to decide which of their kind will lead. The Archduchy itself is both the first province, and the microcosm of this Empire, which Gautselin hopes to one day stretch from Kislev to Estalia.

At the head of the Archduchy is the Archduke himself, Adrecht von Carstein. Though the family has been a force in Sylvania since the time of Vlad von Carstein, Adrecht is a relative newcomer to the forefront of his dynasty’s. Though once considered merely a count, the region’s reformation as part of Chancellor Gautselin’s plan for Sylvania, the Empire and the lands beyond has resulted in the land being consolidated as an Archduchy. The land of the Archduchy’s claim spreads from Sylvania to the Moot and beyond the River Stir, once thought the elder brother of Sylvania. Adrecht himself claims to be the rightful heir to the Empire, and Chancellor Gautselin is glad to support his claim. The Archduchy is supported by a handful of lesser nobles. Two counts, barons, and a number of knights. All noble positions are held exclusively by the vampires, though humans may be assigned to positions of power to support them.

INDUSTRY:
Once considered an underdeveloped backwater, the ambition and willpower of the von Carsteins and the intellect of Chancellor Gautselin has pushed the nation towards a period of industrialization. Fueled by hundreds of living corpses, the factories and fields of Sylvania are worked day and night for the benefit of the Archduchy, and Gautselin’s dream of an undead empire capable of breaking the power of Chaos. These foundries and mills are used to manufacture trade goods or build weapons and armor for the Sylvanian undead hordes. Though a massive source of wealth for the Archduchy, these buildings are often considered eyesores by the nobility. They are often found far from the manors and castles of the vampires, meaning they are frequently located near the borders of Sylvania. A considerable number of these factories are located in the city of Templehof however, encouraged by Count von Diehl, himself a devotee of Chancellor Gautselin’s vision.

Sylvania now mints its own currency, the Stein. Steins are gold coins, utilized by the Archduchy in its dealings between nobles and foreign powers. Though now quite common in the lands around Sylvania, most peasants have never seen a single coin.

RELIGION:
Within Sylvania, the region has traditionally had little interest in religion or philosophy, beyond the sadistic hedonism of the region’s nobility. This is in large part due to the confidence of the vampire lords. With powers outmatched only by their arrogance, they have typically only had contempt for the thoughts of deities. Chaos or otherwise. Even the founder of their race, Nagash, is often looked upon as a measure of power long since surpassed.

Gautselin’s rise to power however has seen a minor shift in Sylvania’s religious life. Though he himself was once a devotee of the Elder Gods of the world, Gautselin’s worldview has shifted. Seeing his fellow vampires as an inherently superior beings to humanity, Gautselin is outspoken in his belief that vampires have the duty to act as the shepherds of mortals. Though a minority opinion among the vampire lords, occult societies have appeared among the nobility to discuss and support Chancellor Gautselin’s opinion. The intellectual conversations shared in boudoirs and salons of the vampires are not shared in the countryside. However in remote villages in the countryside, mysterious shrines dedicated to the Chancellor and his Book have slowly begun to appear.

MAGIC:
Lore of Vampires
Lore of Death
Lore of Beasts

MILITARY:

Core:



Elite:



Rare:



Lords:

Vampire Lords
Master Necromancer

Heroes:

Vampire
Necromancer
Cursed Abomination

Characters of Note:

Archduke Adrecht von Carstein
Brash, arrogant and with ambition beyond his age, Adrecht is a von Carstein through and through. Seeing himself as the rightful heir to Vlad and Isabella. He was a mere competitor for the right to rule Sylvania for many decades, until the newly turned vampire named Gautselin asked for Adrecht's assistance in forging a new empire over the men of the world. Despite Adrecht's initial refusal, Gautselin's fearsome array of powers caused the von Carstein to agree to Gautselin's dream of a new world order. Though young compared to many of the lesser nobles of Sylvania, Adrecht has already earned a fearsome reputation for his prowess in battle and cruelty from the throne. He has little interest in the grand ambitions of Gautselin and his Book, only taking an interest to secure his rule over the undead empire Gautselin dreams of forging.

Chancellor Gautselin
Though the von Carsteins have ruled Sylvania for millennia, and Adrecht would impale any who would disagree, the vampire Gautselin is considered by many to be the true power behind the throne. Taking the role of Chancellor of Sylvania and the Undying Empire upon Adrecht's coronation as Archduke. His source of power is said to be a great blank tome, a book Gautselin values so much he keeps it chained to his waist.
Gautselin is motivated by a dream of a unified empire over the Old World, united by the 'superior' beings of each race and commanding a horde of the undead. It is said Gautselin has been planning this empire for decades, attending courts throughout the Old World under various guises. His ultimate and truest desire is to see Norsca razed, and the armies of Chaos drowned beneath the tides of the dead.

Count Gunther von Diehl
A veteran of countless campaigns, Gunther is part of the von Diehl vampiric family, and has served three generations of von Carstein counts. Beginning as a captain under Konrad von Carstein, Gunther gradually became one of Sylvania's finest generals, earning accolades enough to be declared a Marshal and a Count by the Archduke. Possessing an inquiring mind, Gunther is the highest ranking Vampire to take an interest in Gautselin's vision of an Undying Empire, and considers the master Necromancer's slightest word with great respect and interest. Gunther's faith in Gautselin is so powerful he personally adopted Gautselin's industrialization plan, transforming Templehof from a cluster of peasant houses and tombs into a towering metropolis of factories, mills and putrid smog.
He claims to be the cousin of the reclusive maiden Cunegonde von Pirosc, though the few who have seen her state that the two share little in common.

Marshal Odo Jaeger
Second among the generals of Sylvania, Odo Jaeger is a relatively young vampire, only serving the von Carsteins for a century. Serving in the armies of Ostermark, Odo was deployed during the invasion of Wilhelm von Guiles, a necromancer of Sylvania. His company was deployed to defend a bridge over a swamp into Ostermark. During the battle, a Graveguard succeeded in slaying the captain of the company, as Odo stood alongside him. Knowing the effect a loss of moral would have on his company, Odo donned the captain's helm, and succeeded in rallying his company. It is said his company slew over a thousand dead in that battle, with Odo killing nearly a hundred himself. News soon reached Ostermark, the common people cheering Odo for his valor in combat. However upon his return, Odo was instead tried for impersonating a superior officer. In light of his heroic action, Odo Jaeger was simply banished from Ostermark into Sylvania. He wandered with his arms and armor into Sylvania for three weeks until he was found by the Vampires, who brought the impersonator captain into their armies. After a string of victories at the head of his undead armies, Odo has earned command of his own army, knighted before the court by Archduke Adrecht von Carstein himself.

Lady Helene Posner
Known as the Pale Judge, the Lady Posner has served the Vampire Counts for centuries in numerous capacities. General, duelist, inquisitor, executioner. The exact date of her joining the Vampire Counts is not known, though any individual of quality knows what she is capable of. Helene participated in the battles of the Vampires since the latter days of Vlad von Carstein himself, leading a company of human soldiers into battle. Under Konrad, she was given the duty of hunting down dissenters and foreign infiltrators, a duty she continued under Mannfred. After the Battle of Hel Fenn, Lady Posner fell into a state of depression, falling into the hedonism that she had widely avoided over the centuries. Her life was filled with empty sadism, her sole joy still her love of dueling.
At the ascension of Archduke Adrecht however, she found her estate visited by the Chancellor himself, who beseeched her to join their dream of a new world order. Though her intellect told her this regime would fail like the past three, Gautselin succeeded in convincing her to join the Undying Empire. This encounter left a profound impact on her, and follows Gautselin closely as an attache and confidante.

Cunegonde von Pirosc
The midnight flower of von Pirosc, Cunegonde first achieved public knowledge two years ago. Always seen from a distance at the grand parties of the von Piroscs and von Diehls, tales of Cunegonde's beauty is spread by bards and storytellers throughout the realm. In actual fact, the last vampire of von Pirosc is no vampire at all, but the human descendant of that line. Isolated from the world for fear of her being discovered, Cunegonde was raised by her great uncle Gunther von Diehl. Thin, frail, but incredibly beautiful, Cunegonde has been trained extensively in the use of magic, necromancy in particular. Seated in her high black tower along the mountains, she remains an elusive but desired lady of the court.

N’areshe the Blightseeker
Within the Undying Empire, corpses are a common sight. They dominate every form of industry within the land, and scores of necromancers raise fresh corpses to maintain the empire daily. N'areshe was no different. Her body, drawn from a peasant girl of no consequence, was given new life as a zombie soldier of Adrecht von Carstein. As a demonstration of his powers, the necromancer Gautselin held aloft his hand and called the undead spirit of N'areshe into the humble zombie. Now warped with undead energy, the cackling horror now serves Master Gautselin obediently, if not faithfully. She is sadistic and cruel beyond any vampire, enjoying the act of instilling suffering in mortals and laughing at their pain. Were she not bound to Gautselin, she would swiftly turn on her former human and vampire allies for her own amusement.
It is unknown what the spirits of the Abominations are, however it is known they are drawn from the underworld itself, or from some follower of the god of death Morr. As most powerful forms of Abomination, N'areshe possesses a great prowess at magic. Even when slain, she is capable of being resurrected into the body of any undead body.

Lore:

Gautselin’s Rise



The Undying Empire



Abominations, and the Black Book of the Dead



The Blade of Hel Fenn

Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by BangoSkank
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That's a beautiful NS Poohead, I've got to step my game up.

I'll add stuff about where Skaven are, but they tend to live under human cities and occasionally in conquered Dwarfen Karaks. Specifically I remember under Mousillon, under Tobaro, Karak Eight Peaks, with a capital under a swamp near Tilea.

Not sure how we want to handle that.

I'll make some edits to my NS this weekend to differentiate it better from Vanilla Warhammer and to include some pictures since Poo used them to such awesome effect
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Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Slamurai
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Apologies; I'll be withdrawing interest. I'm more interested in roleplaying settings and factions of players' own creations rather than copies or imports of existing material. I certainly don't mind Warhammer influences in roleplays, but going through the sheets gives me the impression we're straddling a fine line between total fandom and alternate-fandom.
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Apologies; I'll be withdrawing interest. I'm more interested in roleplaying settings and factions of players' own creations rather than copies or imports of existing material. I certainly don't mind Warhammer influences in roleplays, but going through the sheets gives me the impression we're straddling a fine line between total fandom and alternate-fandom.
I'm playing as Mongol inspired not-orks so while it could fit in WHFB's theme it certainly wouldn't be directly inspired by it.

Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by Slamurai
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<Snipped quote by Aristo>I'm playing as Mongol inspired not-orks so while it could fit in WHFB's theme it certainly wouldn't be directly inspired by it.


The point is that your theme could be feasible in the WHFB setting, but isn't a carbon copy of anything within it. It has originality.

On the other hand, we're also dealing with cut-and-paste ogres, skaven, vampire counts, etc. The dwarves, at least, have different characters and names of locations.

It would be different if the factions were played with, or turned upside-down. Say, a Sylvania where the ruling aristocracy are werewolves instead of vampires. Maybe an Empire where halflings are the norm, and average humans are the minority. Heck, even name swaps, new heroes and characters would go a long way.

Twist is that you change certain aspects of the lore and the people in charge at your whim. Basically get creative, change units, government, some bits of culture, etc. Just don't think that directly copy pasting a canon faction completely is going to be accepted.
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