[img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/509557974784671767/710492322214969395/Sword.jpg?width=100[/img] [i]Bear your blade and carve a path for your own destiny, lest you be swept up in the ambitions of others[/i] [hider=Kingdom of Endaria] Type of Government: Absolute Monarchy Head of Government: Zealossus Laniset, The Seventh King of Endaria Economy: Primary exports consist of lumber, iron, and steel. The island itself has no special resource save for the gems and rich ore deposits owned almost exclusively by the dwarf holds. As a factional country with varying wars, steel is the number one commodity among them. Primary Species: Humans (50%), Elves (30%), Dwarves (20%) Population: 53 million [hider=Culture] Endaria is considered a land of opportunity among the populace. If you gather a group of people to your cause it is possible to rise up, claim land, and lay claim to the Throne of Endaria. Over the course of almost 500 years, Endaria has experienced near constant conflict with this idea at the heart of it. Humans are the main cause of this, but the wish to rule over the land permeates even to the Dwarves and Elves. There are many varying cultures among the peoples of this continent that rise and fall alongside their respective factions, and their leaders. Their common thread is isolation and militarism. The isolation is bred by a need to consolidate resources for military purposes. Trade is ill advised for most overseas nations due to the hostile nature of any faction that are enemies with whatever faction they decide to trade with. After the conquest of the Yllendyr, the warring has been significantly reduced. Only the strong factions are capable of taking up arms against others, and only if there is a legitimate casus belli recognized by the Yllendyr administration. [/hider] [hider=Faction Map] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/509557974784671767/704243692868861953/Vlandriel_Reboot_Endaria_Map_2_LI.jpg[/img] [hider=Faction Map Key] Faction Map Key: Dot - Capital Line - Territorial Border [color=ed1c24]Red [/color]- Asharia [color=662d91]Purple [/color]- Quentalian Aristocracy [color=8dc73f]Light Green[/color] - Lodnor Silver - Elaria [color=ec008c]Pink [/color]- Dawi Mountain [color=a0410d]Brown [/color]- Mount Draka [color=aba000]Gold [/color](in middle of mainland) - Varak Haronar [color=fff200]Yellow [/color]- Seraventa [color=0054a6]Blue[/color]- Azuria [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Faction Cultures and Histories] [hider=Asharia] Land of Lord Asgrave de Ashintol, claimant to the throne of Endaria. His great grandfather, Lord Agravus, was the Sixth King of Endaria. He wants to change the islands' name to Asharia as well. This is the longest lasting human faction on the continent from the days of the First King. As such, they are the most militarily hardened state. Endarians are no strangers to conflict, but the Asharians are the ones who recover the fastest and often start it. In the face of Yllendyr conquest the Asharians used scorched earth tactics to slow down their invaders, but defeat was inevitable. This unintentionally created large tracts of uninhabitable land, resulting in several decades of famine. These people harbor the greatest hatred toward their pointy-eared overlords out of anyone, but a there are those who understand the sorry state of their land is due in large part to the Ashintol royal family. Lord Asgrave inherited this hatred with his rise to leadership. [/hider] [hider=Quentalian Theocracy] Inspired by the magical prowess of the neighboring Elves, this society has formed an aristocracy of sort with mages taking the mantle of "nobility" whilst all other non-magical individuals are ushered into peasantry or the military. They find little merit in conflict and are content to sit in their ivory towers researching the bounds of magic. The Yllendyr armies found an ally in these selfish humans. Knowing the magical prowess of the Elves, they tried to curry favor with the Yllendyr and Emperor Naerzo in hopes of earning concessions for their submission. They provided the prime landing point for a massed inland invasion. Following the war however, the people of Quental were not granted the concession they were expecting. Naerzo saw it fit to allow humans to maintain rule and autonomy as reward enough. Though many of their neighbors are savages by comparison, it is likely that the Betrayal of Quental saved the humans of Endaria. [/hider] [hider=Lodnoria] The most recent addition to the faction map of Endaria, Lodnor was once a small city state that boasted a powerful warrior caste system. If a child is born from two warriors, they are trained from youth to become a warrior. They must surpass a system of tests throughout their lives. Those who fail are forced into the peasant castes. This system proved to be powerful for the city state as they produced the strongest warriors among any faction. However, the caste system was restrictive for everyone who lived there. Warriors were not allowed to mate with anyone outside of their caste and led lives of constant training and war. Their lives were dictated by the iron fist of Torganus, Overseer of Lodnor. The peasants were never allowed to try any other profession besides what they were born to do, and were punished for failing in their “duty.” Even the nobility surrounding Overseer seemed to grow disgruntled as Torganus reaped the benefits of his forefathers’ work from decades prior. Under his rule, Lodnor grew immensely to the size it is at present and created the land of Lodnoria, honoring the name of their great capital. After such an intense expansion, the peoples of Lodnor had enough and started the Caste of Broken Chains Rebellion. Together, a united caste would free themselves from their bondage. Few were loyal to Torganus, and even fewer were willing to lay down their lives for his sake. In fact, the only blood that was shed that day was that of the Overseer. Free to do as they please, the people celebrated their victory and chose their own paths in life. The Asharians thought the Lodnorian land was vulnerable in this time, but was proven wrong when met with the might of a nearly doubled military consisting of both warriors and militia. The Yllendyr conquest proved to be a rude awakening for the people of Lodnor as their amassed and powerful warriors were reduced to lead riddled corpses. [/hider] [hider=Seraventa] Several thousand years ago, Humanity first came to Endaria and found it infested with Elves. Tensions have always been high between Humans and the Yllendyr, but they didn’t know how to feel about these non-Yllerian Elves. The first traces of factionalism was born in this moment. There were those who thought to pillage and claim what land they saw fit. These are the ancestors of all humans on the mainland and are the originators of the traditions of conquest on the island. However, there were those that did not wish to fight these Elves and wanted to live in peace among them. These are the ancestors of Seraventa, a group of humans who despise the traditions of Endaria. They found a piece of land to live peacefully without taking it from any Elves. An island to the north east of the mainland. Its size is insignificant, but it was enough for these peoples who sought a peaceful existence. Their wishes for peace grew more difficult as time went on and the barbarous Endarians grew and continued to conquer Elven lands. Raiders would come to their islands and steal their hard earned bounty. In one instance, they even stole the women and children of villages and towns they plundered. Infuriated, the people of the island set to the task of rescuing their people under the leadership of Seran. They built dozens, perhaps hundreds of warships to invade the mainland to save their people. In spite of the well documented history regarding Seran and their work to build a fleet capable of transporting a massive army,the fate of the expedition is unknown. However, this event marked the birth of the great Seran Naval Doctrine. To put it simply, it is a Fleet in Being doctrine. Modern day Seraventa, naming the island after the great Seran, boasted over a hundred war vessels and ensured that no enemy would get near their beloved island. With these great numbers, the Yllendyr fleets steered clear at first, only to present the people of Seraventa with an impenetrable foe, the Ironclad. Wooden warships crewed by hundreds of men were sunk one by one by a single Yllendyr ironclad. The Yllendyr did this to show their technological prowess, and showed the Seraventan’s a battle-group of fifteen ironclads. In spite of still having over eighty war ships, the Seraventans surrendered. This decision saved the lives of thousands of sailors and tens of thousands of warriors. [/hider] [hider=Azuria] City State and richest faction in Endaria. The only faction that openly welcomes trade with outsiders, such as Lieria and Fenice. Endaria has always been behind in technology, but Azurias’ trade connections to the mainland Onindyr gave them a seeming edge over their neighbors on the main island. Their ranks boasted muskets and cannons. They sold the cannon technology to Seraventa in exchange for a trade agreement and military alliance against their common foe, the Asharians. They were the only ones to attempt to conquer Azuria and Seraventa. Though Seraventa’s conquest would likely be too costly, looting Azuria would be worthwhile for the risk. Azuria is coveted not just for its trade value, but for the gold mines beneath the entire city. Looting the city would provide the victor with enough gold to replenish their army with mercenaries, and the gold mines would support the maintenance of such a force for years to come. Unfortunately for the Warmongering Asharians, their swords, axes, and longboats were met with muskets, cannons, and great ships of the line. Though they could never hold a candle to the Seraventan fleet, the Azurian navy was nothing to scoff at. The one and only Endarian Ironclad, the AHS (Azurian Hierarchs’ Ship) Indomitable spearheaded the defense against the Asharians. Though they had an Ironclad, they did not have the proper weapons to fight other ironclads. Cannonballs merely bounced off the hull of the Yllendyr vessels whilst the Indomitables’ iron hull was torn asunder by the terrifying technology of the Yllendyr Imperium. [/hider] [hider=Elaria] Elven lands. The Elves once ruled the whole island long ago, but are now reduced to the fraction presented. They didn't waste their potential in that small space though. They built multiple cities and cultivated the land into the richest farm and woodland territory on the island. This made them an even bigger target for raiding and conquest. The Lodnorians in particular took interest in Elarian land, but could never fully conquer the Elves due to the river crossing and the forests that dot their border. With Yllendyr rule, raiding and attacking these lands was deemed illegal. Though offered rulership of the island like in the days of old, they refused. Blood is shed on this island for seemingly pointless conquest, but the peoples who live here embrace that life. The Elves of old are no more, and these Elves partake in the tradition of war and conquest. Being given the throne of Endaria by the Yllendyr would be unfair in their eyes. [/hider] [hider=Varak Haronar] Under the great mountain hold of Mount Haronar lies a grand city the likes of which most dwarves fail to create in their city designs. Varak Haronar. The Dwarves of this mountain have dug deep into this mountain scrounging for gems and minerals to sell to the "Upworlders" so as to generate more wealth. They are an opportunistic faction that will always seek to better themselves above all else. If they are helping you, it likely means that they are helping themselves as well. While Azuria thrives on exports to nations on mainland Onindyr, Varak Haronar thrives on the war economy of Endaria. By virtue of location, they have a splendid trade agreement with the aggressive Asharians. Asharia often raise a substantial amount of levies in times of war and depend heavily on "outsourced" means of producing arms and armor. Varak Haronars' inhabitants gladly provided the arms of war, for the right price. [/hider] [hider=Dawi Mountain] The most traditional Dwarves of Endaria, Clan Dawi is a feudal society that values strength and honor. Clan Dawi once ruled over Mount Haronar and Mount Draka before the event known as the Great Cataclysm. The Dwarves of these three mountains were once united under the rule of Elran Dawi, Warrior King of Clan Dawi. He traveled above ground and conquered each mountain hold with impunity. Once under his rule he mandated that the three holds dig great underground highways between each other. Four decades and several rebellions later, the great underground passages were complete. King Elran died just days before he could see his dream to fruition. The people of the three mountains were overjoyed and named the passages the Elways in honor of their former king. Time passed, and the Guild Masters of Varak Haronar came up with the idea of creating a fourth Dwarf hold. One that houses people from all three holds. The project was ambitious, but if the Elways are possible, surely hollowing out a new city deep underground isn't far off? Two hundred years pass and the great city of Elran Hardrak was finished. Centered between the three Dwarf holds, hundreds of thousands of Dwarves migrated to this new city of wonderous unity. Unfortunately, fate had other plans for the Dwarves. As they continued to mine for resources near Elran Hardrak, they happened upon an ancient structure. The Dwarves that explored there were never heard from again, but great elemental horrors poured forth from the breach. Elran Hardrak came under siege and requested aid from the other holds. Though they were initiators of the city project, Varak Haronar was the first to destroy the entrances to their Elways. Mount Draka followed suit, and soon the Elways were flooded with the so called "Destroyers." Dawi Mountain was the only hold to send reinforcements, but none would return. Destroyers approached their hold and so they decided to destroy all the entrances to the Elways save one. There, Clan Dawi vowed to make a stand against the Destroyers. They would reclaim the Elways, the other dwarf holds, and save the people of Elran Hardrak. A millenia later, the Dwarves were subjugated by the Yllendyr Imperium and mandated to close the final entrance to the Elways. The Imperium had no interest in wasting resources on a fools errand to save people who are likely already dead. [/hider] [hider=Mount Draka] It is no secret to the world that one of the few remaining Ice Dragons lies in slumber atop the great Mount Draka. Clan Draka is a Dwarven faction that has pledged their dynastic allegiance to the dragon. They will fight to protect her until she has recovered from her wounds suffered while fighting an Arch Dragon Demon many many years ago. They generally seek the welfare of Endaria so as to better defend their precious dragon against outside forces. They are especially keen on the subject of preparing for the coming of demons. When the Yllendyr were on their doorstep they simply asked, "Have you come to harm our queen?" The Imperium responded no, assuming they were referring to their ruler. It was only after Clan Draka submitted that the Yllendyr understood who their queen really was. [/hider] [/hider] Location/Territories: Large island north of the Yllerian Crownlands. Religious and Other Beliefs: No official religion Climate: Temperate. Experiences all 4 seasons [hider=Military] Each faction is legally allowed to have half a legion of soldiers at all times due to the unrelenting warrior culture among the populace. Up to 3 legions may be raised during approved conflict. The clever factions have “retired soldiers” who are cycled into and out of the military at certain intervals so as to have a trained populace, but only have the maintenance for whatever is allowed by the imperium. The administration caught on to this and deemed that these “retired soldiers” were allowed to exist so long as they counted up to 3 legions maximum, like their legal war limit. Anymore, and they would be interred into the Yllendyr auxilia. No point in wasting good soldiers. [/hider] Magic Prevalence/Usage and Elemental Alignment: Magic is primarily used among the mages of the Quentalian Aristocracy in the name of research and the Elves of Elaria in daily life and ancient rituals. [hider=History/Background Info] 477 years ago, the Kingdom of Endaria was formed under Azrulain Korcatholus, “The First King.” Since his time, there have been five other kings that came into power and fell out of it shortly afterwards. A mere two years ago, Zealossus Laniset completed his conquest of Endaria under the banner of Azuria, becoming the Seventh King of Endaria. He conquered each of the factions fair and square on the open field of battle, but some factions still harbor ill intent toward their new ruler. [/hider] [hider=Ruler History] First King - Azrulain Korcatholus (Human) Ruled until assasination, 34 years Second King - Eirikr Vereldan (Human) Ruled for 8 years until he is killed on the battlefield Third King - Ildari Moonblade (Elf) Ruled for 20 years until she was forced to retreat from the throne due to raging humans. Fourth King - Roland the Conqueror (Human) Ruled for 5 years until death on the battlefield. Fifth King - Guildabear Drakentooth (Dwarf) Ruled for 9 years. Died due to suicide, being a sacrifice to his frozen dragon deity. Sixth King - Agravus de Ashintol (Human) Ruled for 24 years. Seventh King - Zealossus Laniset (Human) [/hider] [/hider]