W.I.P. [hider=Sylvanian Order][color=red][center][h1]Sylvanian Order[/h1][/center][/color] [img]https://i.imgur.com/AAlmo5x.jpg[/img] [hider=Government] [h3]Government[/h3] The Sylvanian Order was formed from the alliance of several warring factions that saw a common threat and interest in keeping the beasts and barbarians of Tarkima isolated to their northern lands. As such, the leaders of the three major cities from which the Order derives its authority elects three individuals, often from the Sylvanian military, to the ruling Triumvirate through which all matters regarding the Order are decided upon. Each members of the Triumvirate have equal say in matters and serve for ten years. People can be re-elected into the Triumvirate, with many of the legendary figures of Sylvanian history having served consecutive terms until they drew in their final breath. While not bound to the church when making their policies, the Triumvirate has on occasion sought after the advice of the ancient Primordial faith when making decisions. This tradition still holds true, but has largely been replaced by faith of the Prophetess, which has overtaken the majority of the Order’s borders as the dominant religion. [/hider] [hider=Geography] [hider=Internal Map] [img]https://i.imgur.com/nhyKB2R.png[/img][/hider] [h3]Geography[/h3] The Sylvanian Order has found its home within the region of Askor called The Barrens. It is notorious not only for the dangerous creatures that roam the jagged terrains and expansive steppes, but the occasional raids carried out by the barbarian clans of the north. Only fools would call this seemingly inhospitable region their home, but it is here where the Sylvanian Order finds nirvana. [hider=Malcor] [img]https://i.imgur.com/eBiekae.jpg[/img] [color=red]Malcor:[/color] The designated capital of the Sylvanian Order. It rests upon the White Peak of the Yellow Mountains, which can be safely considered the most temperate region of the Barrens. It is unsurprising then that this is the busiest and most industrious of the Sylvanian cities, and where the majority of the civilian population resides in. This the home of the Silver Cathedral, the grandest and most ornate of churches dedicated in the name of the Priestess within Sylvania. It was erected upon the grounds of what used to be the cemetery of the dead heroes of Sylvanian Silver Legionnaires, who have found a new permanent resting place within the church. Malcor is also one of two locations within Sylvanian borders where agriculture is possible. [/hider] [hider=Wyndfall] [img]https://i.imgur.com/yhMYr7U.jpg[/img] [color=red]Wyndfall:[/color] The north most city, it has historically stood as the vanguard of the Sylvanian Order against organized Tarkiman excursions into the continent. It is bordered by the mountains known as Jotanu’s Gate. This is also the only major population center that has yet to fully convert to the religion of the Priestess, as many of the civilian population believe that the Primordial spirits have helped keep the Tarkimans from conquering Sylvanian lands. [/hider] [hider=Maderas] [img]https://i.imgur.com/KndiNjS.jpg[/img] [color=red]Maderas:[/color] Maderas can be thought of as the magical hub of the Order. The greatest Sylvanian magi can be seen practicing their mastery over the arcane and taking hopeful apprentices under their wings. Soldiers noted for possessing exceptional levels of Primordial blood or mana are also regularly sent to train in Maderas. [/hider] [hider=Shadow's Keep] [img]https://i.imgur.com/FDhCudJ.jpg[/img] [color=red]Shadow’s Keep:[/color] This is the Sylvanian Order’s greatest military establishment, with a long history and strong tradition. Located on the edge of the volcano known as Mount Eberus, the surrounding regions are constantly bombarded with infernal debris, and the heavens, shrouded in plumes of smoke and clouds ash. Many of the most renowned Sylvanian soldiers and commanders have commonly traced their roots back to the Shadow’s Keep. It is also the home of the order of knights known as the the Black Guards of Eberus, where their signature black armor is forged from the obsidian that litter the immediate surroundings. Also has the highest concentration of monstrous creatures in the Barrens.[/hider] Several minor cities exist within the Order's borders as well, many of them having absorbed the population and territory of the ancestral Sylvanian factions. Of particular note is the city known as Tabor at the mouth of the Whispering Valley, which governs a stretch of land that is one of only two areas where agriculture is possible and feasible in the Barrens. This feature has often seen the region become a favorite target of Tarkiman raids despite the presence of a modest fortification that protects the city. [/hider] [hider=Culture] [h3]Culture[/h3] Through the harsh terrains that surround them, the many species of beasts that prey on humans whenever possible, and the tribal threats to the north, Sylvanians have adopted a warrior culture not so dissimilar to many on the continent. All Sylvanian young are taught to at the very least be proficient with a weapon of choice, and this skill is maintained by the widely practiced sport of hunting. They are also entered into year-round athletic competitions where they contend against their peers to win honor for their family and receive modest rewards. Most Sylvanians dream of a glorious battle to offer their lives for, as their existence can be said to be owed to the defense of the people. This may be why the widespread adoption of the Priestess religion was swift. There is great desire among Sylvanians to see the Priestess’s prophecy come true to give them divine purpose: A conflict truly worthy of their lives. [/hider] [hider=Military] [h3]Military[/h3] The Sylvanian banner calls upon the servitude of all able bodied man for five years after they reach adulthood. Sylvanians see this service as not only a part of their civic duty, but an essential education that is vital to the survival of both the individual and the Order. This idea has been reinforced through Sylvanian history by the presence of numerous baneful creatures native to the Barrens, as well as the threat of the Tarkiman war bands beyond Jotanu’s Gate and Agate Spiders from the southern Matatharan Vale. Most will continue to serve as a professionally employed soldier of the Order once their service tenure end. Despite this tradition, the Sylvanian military is not as great in size compared to the greater empires of the continent. This is a fact much owed to the nation’s smaller population. What they lack in numbers, however, they make up for with their strength. Utilizing shock tactics that seek to exploit the vulnerable psyche of the mind, the combined forces of the Sylvanian military is nothing short of formidable. [hider=Sylvanian Infantry] [img]https://i.imgur.com/wfMnFe9.jpg [/img] Being the most numerous, the Sylvanian infantry serve as the core of the Order’s military. The bulk of the numbers are made up of younger, more inexperienced Sylvanians soldiers, usually amidst their five year military service. While not as special as some of their professional counterparts, they are constantly trained to become extremely fit, with marches of thirty miles in full gear a daily routine. The halberd has widely been adopted as the preferred weapon of many soldiers, although they are still supplemented by a standard sword and shield. [img]https://i.imgur.com/p0V7l7u.jpg [/img] Sylvanian missile troops have come to prefer the use of crossbows. This was simply due to their stronger stopping power, which was seen as preferable compared to the range and/or fire rate of the traditional longbow when facing down heavily armored opponents. They are commonly seen operating along the front line of a Sylvanian formation, providing support to hand to hand combatants. [/hider] [hider=Pathfinders] [img]https://i.imgur.com/MR6ehDj.jpg [/img] Pathfinders are some of the boldest and most experienced knights of the Order and can be classified as a heavy infantry. Often tasked with being the spearhead of an offensive maneuver or hold important positions, Pathfinders are seen with varying equipment from pole arms, swords, and war hammers. Fighting alongside Pathfinders are battle mages, most of whom have made the pilgrimage to Maderas for their training. This is the only organization under Sylvanian colors where magi are used in combat. [/hider] [hider=Black Guards of Eberus] [img]https://i.imgur.com/YpdNavd.jpg [/img] An order of knights, easily identifiable by their ornate black and gold armor. Most brothers are life long soldiers of the highest prestige who have been identified as a potential member early on in their childhood by the order’s maesters, who travel city to city to observe the year round competitions to find the most physically gifted youth available. The result is that the Black Guards of Eberus are the most powerful soldiers of the Sylvanian Order, with their strength and ferocity unmatched by any other unit. Generally seen wielding a two-handed sword which can be described as a cleaver made to the size of a claymore, there are brothers who prefer to use more traditional weapons. They initially earned their reputation by their ability break formations singlehandedly, but have since become famed for their unique training at the Shadow’s Keep, where they are seen slaying the numerous nefarious creatures that inhabit the same region. Only a few hundred Black Guards exist at a time, mainly to maintain certain standards of the order to which only a minuscule amount of the Sylvanian population can meet. [/hider] [hider=Cavaliers] [img]https://i.imgur.com/9guYtJ7.jpg [/img] Light cavalry of the army, their strength is their speed to which they rely heavily on. Assorted with many weapons ranging from crossbows and javelins to swords and lances, their tactics on the battlefield sees a concentrated strike on a position followed by a quick retreat, as well as flanking maneuvers intended to get sideways or behind an enemy position to engage in a charge. Small groups of these cavaliers also operate as scouts. [/hider] [hider=Death Knights] [img]https://i.imgur.com/U1fgNXy.jpg [/img] An elite group of knights of the Sylvanian Order. These riders receive the best horses bred on Sylvanian steppes and receive the best crafted weaponry available. Primarily serving as shock cavalry, they add many references to death, such as skulls and demons, to the design of their armor in an attempt to further intimidate and incite fear from their enemies. [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Heroes] [h3]Heroes[/h3] Rewalt Each country gets one superior hero and three normal heroes. In terms of combat strength expect a superior hero to be on par with about 150 men and normal heroes to be on par with 100 men. (Yes, this is the only place in the sheet where there are actually numbers) Basically these are the badasses of your country that you can use for point of view characters if you want. At absolute bare minimum you need a name and one line description of what your hero is good at; however, ideally this should be the largest section of your sheet. You can use any explanation you want for why your heroes are stronger than normal people. For example using magic, being blessed by a divine entity, or simply being very skilled with their weapons. Also keep in mind that if a hero dies you can replace him or her with a new one. [/hider] [hider=History] [h3]History[/h3] A brief history of your country is fine, so long as you cover the last 20 or so years. I’m looking for more of a summary of important events than list of dead monarchs. [/hider] [hider=Relations] [h3]Relations[/h3] How does your country interact with its neighbors. I am [b]not[/b] looking for a list of exports and imports, but feel free to add them if you want. At bare minimum I want a listed rival here, another country that yours viewed as an enemy and actively worked against during the past twenty or so years. [/hider] [hider=Characters] [h3]Characters[/h3] Optional section. Put any info about any characters here. Examples of this would be your kings or queens, military leaders, and non-hero “badasses”. You can also put more detailed info of your heroes here as well.[/hider] [/hider]