[center][url=https://imgbb.com/][img]https://i.ibb.co/RhDGk33/Nucaal-edit.png[/img][/url][/center] Name of Nation: Nucaal Government: Monarchy Species: Geradamas (Sorcerers), Nucaal (Humans), and Nahaki (Repitilian) [Hider=Geradamas Culture & History] The Geradamas were born in a land far from the one they exist in today. To date their involvement in this world starts at the mouth of the Ydra River. It is here the Geradamas thrived for sometime as an agrarian culture, their knowledge and wisdom of how to work the land, tend to the animals, navigate the sea, and connect their community remained buckled in traditions of a discipline considered ancient to current times; [b]Teachings of Sophia[/b]. As time carried on, the mouth of the river became more dangerous. Men with their own ideas of "right" and "wrong" began deciding on what land was their's. These same men pulled children into conflicts, to fight their own battles, so as to retain their own ideas of what they believed to be the "Just" cause. The Geradamas would ignore the common babbling of a man who convinced himself to be God, until one day the Geradamas were forced to leave before being pulled into one of these deranged contests. Some Geradamas would remain, successfully disguising themselves among the masses and setting up [b]Sanctuaries[/b] inside the region. The Geradamas who left would find themselves voyaging to the Island of the Caals. Their interaction started off with the Caals bearing their teeth, but after impressive diplomatic discussion, the Caal would remain open to negotation. The Caals were in the midst of a war with the Nahaki; a serptine species which put the Caal in an interesting position. They asked for the Geradamas to help in return for sovereignty. The Geradamas were not a people who fought wars, but they could help in the field of magic. Their tradition and intuition regarding magical affairs lent them a hand in creating powerful devices that could sway the tides of battle. The Geradamas supported the Nucaal, and the Nucaal succeeded in defending the island. [/hider] [hider=Story of the Geradamas] [u][b]Story of the Geradamas and The Individual Journey of the Complete Becoming[/b][/u] The Geradamas are a people of tradition who believe in world view not always agreed upon by others. Their belief system has both aided in tethering the knots of those who are believers tighter to one another, and severing their connection to those who oppose such ideas. Their story, their beliefs, are nestled in the Aeons or Teachings of Sophia. The Teachings of Sophia tell of two Gods or Aeons who came together to begin it all. [b]Lila[/b], a Lux Aeon and an Aeon who held the Wisdom of All things, looked toward the source of All things. In it she saw the reflection of creation and in that moment she realized she had a creator. This realization marked the beginning of her own desire to create. Lila's first attempt at creation was with her own Wisdom and Power, but what she lacked was Understanding of both, unable to see herself, she made a flawed being and this being began wrapping her up in her own delusion for creation. Lila looked toward the other Aeons for help, but only one heeded her final cry. Umbra, the Tenebris Aeon, he reached his hand to pull Lila from the [b]Bestia's[/b] web, but in return Lila had to agree to lay with Umbra and never return to the Bestia. Lila unable to convince herself to leave her first creation behind, returned to the Bestia in hopes to save it from its own web was caught herself in her attempt. Lila now pregnant with a child was wrapped in the Bestia's illusion and gave birth in the world of "stuff". Her child was to be named "Sophia", but before Lila could raise Sophia, Lila was once again pulled from the Bestia by Umbra and this time locked away for only Umbra to see. The child, Sophia, was discovered by one of the 7 tribes; [b]AETERNA, OLHO, COROA, ABRAXO, MYSAR, NAFTAL, BASAL[/b]. Delivered to them by her mother, Lila, before disappearing into the light as it is told today. These tribes vowed to secrecy, for the Bestia and his Archons would have Sophia disappear into the illusion they've so ignorantly created. It was out of these tribes the Geradamas were born. The Geradamas are those who have sworn to protect the Teachings of Sophia, to find Umbra and unlock Lila from her prison. The unification of Sophia and Lila is the only way to end the illusion created by the Bestia.[/hider] [hider=Path to the Complete Becoming] [u][b]Rings of the Geradamas[/b][/u] [b]Initiate[/b] - The Ring of the Initiate is the beginning of a long path to the Complete Becoming. Inside this circle are no Geradamas, but candidates of those wishing to be accepted into the circle of what it means to be a Geradamas. The Initiate will undergo a study of the [b]SHACKLES[/b], once prepared, they will then participate in the [b]FIRST REAPING[/b]. [b]Pathfinder[/b] - The Ring of the Pathfinder challenges the individual's heart and mind. Their responsibility lies in mastering the Shackles of Aeons, while pushing their bodies to extreme limits brought onto them by Umbra Masters. Upon completion of the [b]UMBRA TRIALS[/b] and [b]SHACKLES OF AEONS[/b], they will be granted ceremonial access to participate in the [b]SECOND REAPING[/b]. [b]Apprentice[/b] - The Ring of the Apprentice proves the path has been found and now all that is left is to find a guide. The Apprentice at this point will have no concept of who they were before finding the path. They will now select the path of a Celestial, Umbra, or Elementalis for further disciplinary study. Depending on their path, they will be granted a mentor who will assist in developing the depths of their knowledge in regards to the path they've chosen. When the mentor decides they are ready, a test of their ability is challenged in the [b]DUALITY[/b]. If successful then they will participate in the [b]THIRD REAPING[/b]. [b]Ferryman[/b] - The Ring of the Ferryman acknowledges the wearer as a skilled and tested member of the Order. They are on the boat to Complete Becoming, but are required first to contribute a significant discovery or act to the Order. It is at this stage most will test their true ability, because it will be the first time they act on a mission without supervision or aid. The chaotic world will bring them to many dark places and if they return, they return as Masters. The inauguration of a Master is a successful discovery, return, and the ceremony called; The [b]GREAT HARROWING[/b]. [b]Master of Nous[/b] - The Ring of the Master symbolizes the sacrifice of their own life for the life of the Order. They embody the Teachings of Sophia, Freed their Souls from the Shackles of Aeons. Mastered their own Body and Mind, challenged their discipline in the world of the Bestia.[/hider] [hider=The Three Disciplines and the Trascendant] [b]Celestial[/b] - Their discipline is in the art of healing and light. [b]Umbra[/b] - Their discipline is in the art of illusion and death. [b]Elementalis[/b] - Their discipline is in the art of nature and life. [b]Avatar or Trascendant[/b] - Their discipline is in the art of all three, a Complete Becoming of ALL things, an Avatar of the Free. The Transcendental Whole of a once Incomplete Being, a true Geradamas.[/hider] [hider=Shackles of Aeons, Reapings, and Harrowing] [hider=Shackles of Aeons] [b]Shackles of Aeons[/b] 1) Shackled to the Image - Body and Self. 2) Shackled to the Reflection - Heart and Mind. 3) Shackled to the Shadow - Space and Time. 4) Shackled to the Ignis – Spirit.[/hider] [hider=Reapings] The Reapings are a ceremony where the observers and the participant are together for the single purpose of witnessing death and rebirth. The ceremony starts with a ritual which is conducted by one of the CHIMERA (One of the 30 Heads of the 3 Disciplines). The Chimera will present a brew from which the participant will drink, the participant will both puke and move their bowels until they typically collapse into what appears to be sleep. The participant is then submerged in sand while in this state given only the nose uncovered from which to breathe. Once the participant experiences moments of no illusion and awakes they will be "reborn". They will be celebrated back into the world of illusion to do the work of a Geradamas. Each Reaping has a different ritual but similar feel, the first ritual is to provide the first time an individual sees what it is like without illusion fogging their senses. The second time is to get rid of their sense of self, while the third is to remind them of where they are going. Each time one is Reaped, the tethers to who they were before the Reaping is always greatly diminished.[/hider] [hider=The Great Harrowing] The Great Harrowing is a significant ceremony which hosts a different potion. This brings about frightening images specific to the individual; a metaphorical hell. The ceremony is not presented by a CHIMERA but instead is presented by the SEVEN CROWNS. These are the Geradamas who've originated from the original tribes, Avatars of the Geradamas.[/hider] [/hider] [Hider=The Nucaal Culture & History] Origins of the Caal The Caal, a tribal agrarian culture from which cities blossomed on an island rich with resources. The Caal had 12 tribes, each founding their own city in due time, each with their own agenda and focus. Peace sustained itself until the territories and needs of each city outgrew the very land each had claimed as their own. It did not take long for the Caal to engage in territorial skirmishes over food, land, and materials. These battles played out for years until two of the dominant city powers married one another through the Son and Daughter of both Emperors. These two were named Aalyptus and Nazeri. Each fed off the other as they both strove for power, their focus was in uniting the Caals under one nation by force. The result of this power play created a resistance from the Western cities where an alliance was formed to bring down the power couple. The three resistance leaders were Kyber, Jaeis, and Heiros. The Free Caal State is what they went by as Aalyptus and Nazeri subjected others forcefully under their banner. There were three decisive battles involving the three resistance leaders and Aalyptus himself. Aalpytus would kill Jaeis and Kyber, but in the final battle over the last city, Heiros slayed the Emperor. Heiros would manage to escape the city with barely his life, Nazeri would finish off any residual units of the Free Caal and the cities were liberated under the reign of Nazeri, Queen of the Caal. Nazeri would reign for 5 years time before disturbances in the southern region of the island were reported. She had forced East and West under her rule, but the South remained under their own independence. The Queen had plans for campaigning South but had two more years before she would commit, unfortunately for her, Heiros emerged before she was ready. Heiros once again inspired numbers of Caal to fight for him, and with great experience behind him, he was able to push back a lot of the lands Nazeri had claimed. Quickly, Heiros’ victories spread like wild fire and other resistance forces ignited within the Nazeri’s borders to create further instability across the land. Nazeri had no other option but to seek out and destroy Heiros before momentum grabbed ahold of her own people in the Capitol. Nazeri would campaign in the South for nearly a year before she fell into a trap set up by Heiros himself. She was captured alive, and Heiros requested an end to the fighting. He summoned all Caal city-states to Mount Halios. In six days time, all representatives arrived on Mount Halios where Nazeri was judged and executed. Heiros pleaded for a national unification of the Caal into one state for the sake security and longevity for future kin, the representatives after deliberation of ideas agreed and the Nucaal were thus born. Igniting the Dragon The Nahaki; a serpent and reptilian species, first came to the shores of Polisea. The Caal greeted the Nahaki upon their arrival, but during talks it is said the Nahaki flashed the blade of a knife from a pouch and plunged it into a Nucaal representative. “You greet us as visitors on our own soil?” – words spoken by the Nahaki murderer. The Nahaki drew blades, stormed the beaches, and Polisea was lost in a day. Polisea was a poorly fortified village, and held up no real resistance in the defense. The Nahaki not only were a surprise, but also beasts of intimidating appearance, myths of their lore swept the imagination of the Caal, but the words silenced when it reached Heiros’ ears. Heiros gathered a number of warriors to march on Polisea in a week’s time. The siege of Polisea lasted 3 days, with heavy casualties on both side. The Nahaki chose to retreat as their numbers dwindled waiting for reinforcements. They were surprised to see an organized resistance mount against them, and to see a leader among the “mongrels”. The Nahaki left Polisea and Nucaal took to rebuilding and fortifying the city. The First King – Prime Halios – of Nucaal The foreign invaders would bring about the transformation of the Nucaal government system. It originally was established as a Republic, but quickly shifted into an Monarchy as a Commander and Chief would be needed for organizing the Nucaal’s defenses. Heiros was the one to sentence the beasts off the island, and Heiros would be the one to be given command of the Nucaal military. It was in his era that a standing military or security force was created, funding for naval innovation and the construction of boats to secure the shores, along with building roads for swifter supply transportation. The infrastructure of the island grew tremendously; population, economy, education, and security. News of the boom would travel to a few distant places, and it would even entice populations North of the Nucaal Island and South. During this period the Northern Empire which seemed to have no limits to its growth, quickly collapsed and those seeking for a new chapter in their life migrated to the island of Nucaal. Heiros would accept these refugees under conditions now titled as the "Sanctuary Action"; allowing for foreigners to settle if they agree to 2 years of auxiliary service. During this time the military acted as a standing army, and construction force. Many of the Northern refugees would be placed in the construction force to contribute their manpower to the overall infrastructure of Nucaal society. They were then granted full citizenship and equal rights. Those who served in the military would have battled significant questioning but if they held true, their acceptance would have been tremendously felt and acknowledged. The refugees in the military would aid Heiros in mapping strategic points off the coast of Nucaal and on the coast of the Northern continent. Some of these points were abandoned forts left behind during the collapse of the Northern Empire. Heiros would move on the Northern continent because of the collapse and claim a territorial buffer which granted more access to resources and fertile land to fortify and feed the growing populace. Many of the projects started by Heiros would be seen to the end with the exception of only a minor few, these would be continued into the reign of Prime Halios II Vacuna. Vacuna would focus on upgrading new ways to process and refine materials, his funding went into those who studied the arts of alchemy and smiting. Out of Vacuna’s reign the Vacuna Ferro or Victory Steel was forged, a strong, durable metal used for weapons. Vacuna would also innovate production to increase the efficiency of work and reducing time spent. Vacuna would later be super seceded by Prime Halios III, Renne. He demonstrated his worth in the battle of Polisea when the Nahaki occupied it. Renne fought directly under Heiros’ command, and alongside him in battle. He would too navigate the relationships of the Geradamas and save the Nucaal from a successful Nahaki invasion. Arrival of the Geradamas and the Nahaki Renne met the Geradamas when they made land fall, negotiated a proposal that did not take the first time around. The Nahaki arrived months later in the West and a second proposal was offered to the Geradamas in exchange for aid. Renne and the Geradamas took to the battlefield and repelled the Nahaki who had a strong presence along the Eastern shore by the time Renne’s forces and the Geradamas mobilized. The Geradamas were offered sovereignty, constructions of one Citadel outside some of the major cities, and rights of citizenship. The Dragon-Coastal War Battle of Polisea – A small port city with outstanding trade opportunity. It is located on the upper west peninsula of the island. It was lost twice, first under Heiros’ rise, and the second under Renne’s command. It was poorly fortified during Heiros’ time, but was heavily fortified and the last stronghold to stand during Renne’s campaign. The Geradamas contributed a lot to the victory of this battle, Geradamas operated covertly and provided access for Renne’s forces to liberate the city. 500 Nucaali Casaulties, 8 Geradamas Casualties, 350 Nahaki Casaulties Battle of Izan – The city is cradled in the center of the west coast, the belly of the island just north of the southern peninsula. Izan was under siege by boat for four days before the Nahaki morale broke for Renne’s forces to march in with ease and take the city. It was the first time in Nucaal history that naval warfare was used in a way that mitigated casualties of land troops. 25 Nucaali Casaulties, 0 Geradamas Casualties, 300 Nahaki Casualties Battle of Guren – The southern peninsula at the very tip houses a port town named Guren. This was the largest battle in the Dragon’s War, both land and naval forces clashed with the Nahaki for several days without end. The Nucaal would fight during the day, and the Geradamas would act covertly in the night practicing espionage. By the next day the Nahaki would have to restructure rank, reinforce and allocate resources to continue holding the city, as their numbers thinned, the Nucaal would breakthrough first on land and enter the city by mid-afternoon on the sixth day. At sea the Nahaki would retreat along the coast line to Polisea, several ships would fall behind and sink as the Nucaal made chase. The Nucaal would move to Izan, where the ships would be deployed once more serving a far greater tactical advantage. They would not make it too Polisea for the final battle because of repairs. 780 Nucaali Casualties, 93 Geradamas Casualties, 1200 Nahaki Casualties The [/hider] [hider=Today’s Sun] 1. Prime Halios IV or Amelia, currently continues to support the war in the west after Renne’s resignation as Prime Halios III. 2. Geradamas are working in secret on Project Manifest. 3. Nucaali in the northeast region are currently experiencing a small group of Nucaali who detest the Geradamas. Reports suggest, highway thievery, murder, and town disturbances. General Taolos is dispatched to the region. 4. Fortifications of the northern border are completed across the countryside. 5. Southern fortifications are currently in the second stage of construction out of four. 6. Illegal Nucaali mage activity in the southern region; one Penumbra, one Elemantalis, and one Nucaali mage investigate by orders from Amelia. The party is escorted by five Nucaali fighters.[/hider] Geradamas Order : Gear [hider=Lila’s Faith] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/91/a1/d9/91a1d928291aabf3dccb989d85fece26.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Umbra’s Guard] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6e/c6/d8/6ec6d8c12d18a31dd60fa70d98ad7153.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Geradamasian Tips] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a7/0f/68/a70f684721265747ed9605bc0437f932.jpg[/img][/hider] Nucaal Military [hider=Army] [hider=Ground Warriors - Hylic] [hider=Male] [url=https://imgbb.com/][img]https://i.ibb.co/xGD6fV7/il-570x-N-1541647486-nm93.jpg[/img][/url] [/hider] [hider=Female] [img]https://armstreet.com/catalogue/full/fantasy-stainless-full-womens-armor-set-1.jpg[/img] [/hider][/hider][/hider] [hider=Navy] [hider=Sea Devils] [quote]Acudaemonia or Sea Devils – These fighters are typically deployed on boats at sea. They are armored in all the right places for a land battle, but are equipped and trained to take over boats. They're speciality is sea warfare and attacking boats after making contact.[/quote] Medium Equipment [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c4/36/ad/c436ad6b657da6bc16ffd7d632672ee1.jpg[/img] Light Equipment [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/fb/e9/86/fbe986cdbf154811530848053238682f.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider=Griffon (Light)] [img]http://www.navistory.com/media/divers/antiques/trireme_rome.gif[/img][/hider] [hider=Acubovem (Medium)] [img]http://www.navistory.com/media/divers/antiques/quadrireme_rome.gif[/img][/hider] [hider=Leviathan (Heavy)] [img]http://www.navistory.com/media/divers/antiques/quinquereme_rome_imper.gif[/img][/hider] [/hider] Rolls: Land Area: 2 (+2) 4 Land Fertility: 12 Development: 18 (+2) 20 Land Power: 12 (-2) 10 Naval Power: 15 (-3) 12 Economy: 11 Magical Reserves: 3 (+7) 10 Magical Sophistication: 19 (+1) 20 Population (Determined by other rolls): 12 (-2) 10 Traits: [u][b]Sea Devils, Sky Angels[/b][/u] The Nucaali society has thrived off fishing and deep diving on the coastal edges working their way inland to a more agrarian culture without ever losing its thread to the water. Surrounded on all sides, the Nucaali have always trained and explored the water from when they are young to when they die. It is such apart of their culture that when a baby is born, the ceremony of birth is held in water, and when a Nucaali dies, they are dropped into the sea. [i]Pros[/i]: Fearless under, in, or on water, great swimmers, navigators, and excellent divers. Their stamina, physical capability, and endurance is top notch for per their usual practice in the sink. Those who excel over already great swimmers, are selected to be Sea Devils ([i]see Sea Devils in military section.[/i]) [u][b]Nucaali Pride[/b][/u] A Caal is invested emotionally in their culture and society. Traditions pervade their Self practice, Cultural practice, and Societal expectations/roles/responsibilities. It is difficult to critique a Caal of his own traditions unless it comes from another Caal. They are accepting of others, will treat others equally, but they will immediately shun these traits if disrespect is perceived by the person about their heritage. [i]Pros[/i]: Collective mindset, high morale can sustain itself for long periods of time, sense of belonging (increased happiness). [i]Cons[/i]: Easily upset by perceived remarks, relationships can easily be destroyed and difficult to mend, decisions of the future can be hard to make without push back. [u][b]Augmentation Technology[/b][/u] Gear created by the Nucaali are typically modified to present a space to house a crystal for augmenting the gear with magical capabilities. [i]Pros:[/i] The gear can have certain effects in combat or other realms of society where significant impact can be had in more effective ways. [i]Cons:[/i] If the stone is overused, it can explode and have a negative impact on the wielder. Artifice Becoming The Geradamas explore unknown and known territory regardless of the laws or prohibitions. Their purpose is to seek artifacts that bring them closer to their ultimate goal. This means their ability to innovate, construct, and connect new concepts with current technology is always pushing current limits. The knowledge they hold is quite powerful, but also dangerous. Pros: Accelerated technological, developmental, and magic sophistication upgrades. Cons: Target for espionage, waving trust among the Nucaali, and opportunities for internal corruption. Foreign Relations: Other: