so, I dont think I saw any healers, just doctors or mages with healing magic.
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Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG Season 2- New Horizons (Closed)
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7 yrs ago
Forum: Advanced Roleplay
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Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG Season 2- New Horizons (Closed)
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7 yrs ago
Forum: Advanced Roleplay
I see. I suppose I can start pre-planning.
Now I wish there was a quicker way to skim through all the apps. How many healers there are altogether?
Now I wish there was a quicker way to skim through all the apps. How many healers there are altogether?
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Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG Season 2- New Horizons (Closed)
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7 yrs ago
Forum: Advanced Roleplay
I would join in, but I'm late to the party seeing how deep you guys have gone.
Castellum
Steel Legion of Arcana
The road to the fortress-city was bustling with traffic in and out. To enter Arcana from the rich mercantile lands of the South, one had to pass through the Castellum, one of the oldest fortresses in Takani history and the largest. The former abode of the Arcanan Warwizards of old was now the shield and the breadbasket of the Ecumen. Its walls ran as far as the eye could see and loomed over the countryside like a mountain. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, another small group of cloaked travellers aroused no interest or suspicion. The riders approached the formidable gatehouse, a castle in its own right, and when their turn for inspection came the lead figure spoke, "I request an audience with the Grand Marshall." The figure removed his glove and showed a flash of a crystalline orium ring stamped with the entwined dragon and fairy sigil of House Pendragon, the Sovereign Family of Arcana. The figure leaned forward to the guard and slipped him a few gold coins, "And please keep it discrete."
The guard gave a nod and signaled the men at the otherside to raise the gates. Two armored sentries then escorted the group deeper into the castle of the Grand Marshall. Like the ring of forticications, the castle also had thick stone walls and tall towers that can see in all directions. Being the center of power in the Castellum, this place was nicknamed "Palace of Violets" from the amount of purple used in the artworks that was painted on the walls and ceiling. The banners of the Steel Legions flew high in the breeze as their tails flapped around. After getting past the first layer of walls, the group ha entered the courtyards. The sight of armored knights on guard has been replaced with debutantes, female servants, and young ladies-in-waiting. They were everywhere: sitting next to fountains, walking around the rose bushes, gossiping in the pavilion undner the shades or wandering the corridors. Some were visibly pregnate yet all were wearing brightly colored dresses. They were too busying entertaining themselves to notice the group walking past. After the courtyards they headed up several flights of stairs before walking towards a set of doors flank by two knights. The company's escorts went away and one of the guards knocked on the heavy wood to announce a visitor before opening it to the cloaked men. Inside, there was a meeting between the Grand Marhal and her cabinet of generals, castellans, and stewards discussing matters of state before eyes turned towards the guests. The Grand Marshall wasn't in her usual battle armor but instead in a red gown just like the ladies in the courtyards but with golden embroidery that made the dres all the more exquisite. The deity's purple hair contrasts well with the red and gold. Her bright violet eyes looked at the cloaked men with mild confusion. "My Lords, is there an emergency?"
The leader of the group threw back their hood, revealing a young, comely visage. The man looked no older than twenty but had the bearing of a veteran twice his age with keen, calculating eyes and a scar tracing his right cheekbone. His blonde hair was cropped short and his icy blue eyes took the measure of everyone in the room quickly. Ser Daemon the Black, bastard son of the late king Hector and older brother to the Prince of Avalon inclined his head respectfully to the Grand Marshall, "Lady Bellona. My sincere regards. It has been some time." His companions all shed their hoods as well, revealing well-known young lords and knights of the Magi Orders. Daemon came forward to shake Bellona's hand and said, "I come to you in the spirit of friendship and with a proposition. My lords, my lady, I come to you and say I seek glory. Honor. Riches. War."
The council looked at one another quizzingly. "War?" Castellian Markus of the North division of Castellum. He wore a dark green vest with copper buttons that twinkled in the light as his face looked left and right. "Now?"
"Calm down, Markus." Bellona shushed, motioning her hand down. "Ser Damon, pardon my castellian. He is shocked that our meeting has been postponed by your proposal. Please enlighten us."
Daemon smiled, "Gladly." He pulled his cloak to the side and raised his hands as he walked among the lords of the Castellum, speaking with verve and conviction, "Arcana is one of the most enlightened realms that the world has ever seen, this we all know to be true. Our peoples enjoy peace and plenty that few across the world do, and we shepherd freedom and justice in a manner that no other government on this continent even cares to. Arcana, thanks in no small part to you noble warriors of the Steel Legion, is the greatest land. But we represent only a small portion of this world. The empires of the west choke Takanis with their excess and cruelty, grinding down countless lives with their malice and tyranny. Horrors afflict the continent every generation due to their barbarism and avarice. Arcana's light shines brightly, but the rest of the world is enshrouded in blackest night."
The young knight turned stern then, "And now this night threatens our own security. Drakon, that most perfidious of graspers, encroaches on us more and more by the day. Their ships skirmish with ours, their spies steal from our scholars and visionaries, their assassins murder and brutalize our officials. They wage insidious economic war. They will not rest until our trading system is theirs to control and all of our knowledge is theirs. And all the while they spread the vile evil of slavery." Daemon spit on the ground then, Arcana having long abolished the practice generations ago, "Arcanan sailors set upon by pirates are sold in Drakonese slave markets. And not just seamen but doctors, priests, poets. Men, women, and children of our homeland toil in bondage in the name of coin. Drakon builds their fleet, amasses its armies, sinks their spies and bribes into every nation. And we think they will remain idle? Content with being just one of the richest traders in the world? No, no they will come for us my lords. While I was riding here a ship filled with priests, nuns, and novices of the Church was taken by corsairs. By nightfall they will be Drakonese slaves. Even now they undermine the integrity of our institutions, corrupt our integrity to enrich themselves. And what does the Magisterium do? What does the the Council of Regents do? What does the Circle of Magi do? Nothing."
"Grand Marshall, my lords. I say we do something. The time has come for us to put an end to Drakon's evil and save our people from their greed and envy." Another young man stepped forward, one with the seagreen hair and wispy white eyes that bespoke his heritage as one of the Mer from the settlements in the Cerulean Islands, "I have made common cause with the First Sea Lord. A thousand ships are ready to set sail. The Nemesis is with me, and with her a vast network of contacts and informants within Drakon itself. Soon, even Drakon's own greedy mercenary captains will be with me. The courageous young wizard-knights of my generation stand with me. Do you stand with me? For glory, for honor, for justice, for freedom, for our people? What say you men of the Steel Legion? Will you ride with me?" Daemon's voice had grown steadily greater and stronger in tone, his gaze more and more firm, until he was nearly shouting in the chamber with the passion of a priest and the mastery of a politician, all steeled by the conviction of a warrior.
The council looked at one another as they internalling debated on his ambition. Bellona seem to speak their thoughts. "This is a bold move on your part. Drakon has the men and magic to match our strength and even if we do manage to breakthough their armies, Drakon itelf is a fortress-city."
"It could withstand a siege for many years, my lord." General Horvath chipped in. His gray mustache fidgeting on his lip. "If they're of silver tongue, there's no telling how quickly we can find new enemies attempting to relieve them."
Daemon only smiled in reply, "They won't get the chance. With our navy encircling their city, they will have no chance to send out aid. No army can cross their barren desert easily and no fleet on this side of the earth can match even one Arcanan armada. They will retreat inside their walls, thinking that they are safe. But they will be wrong. No aid will come, I have the means to disrupt and disable their vaunted mirror communication system. For Arcana's wizards are more than a match for their pitiful spellcasters. Our men are loyal and convicted of purpose. Their men follow only coin. Already I have many on my side. When the situation turns against Drakon, her practical minded mercenary captains will abandon her in droves. They may match us in numbers, we overpower them in courage and honor. Furthermore, this will be no siege. I have agents who will ensure the gates will be opened to us and their ability to resist will be crippled. This will be no long, protracted game of waiting. We will storm them when they least expect it and put an end to them. Once we are inside, they will be lost. Their gates may be made of stone and metal but the men holding the keys are easily corrupted." Daemon unfurled roll of parchment and passed it to the nearest Castellum officer who would see schematics and detailed layouts of Drakon's fortifications as well as secret routes and battle plans.
"They've already lost, they just don't know it yet."
"He's right." General Klefford agreed. "We have to strike hard and fast in order to prevent them from furthering their defenses."
"Enough." Bellona silenced her generals, "We'll discuss strategy later." She turned towards the bastard knight. "I'll call the banners. I assume you have a proper provocation for a war this sudden?"
Daemon unfurled another message and showed it to them all, "This was intercepted by our own spies. A communication from one of Drakon's vaunted assassin guilds. They do not note their benefactor, but identify a codename for one of their agents and their target. The assassin was captured by our Nemesis ally and put to question. She confirms our suspicions." He lets the moment grow.
"King Hector, that wise and just leader, my father was killed by a Drakonese cutthroat. Your Sovereign, murdered by a foreign assassin to make slavemasters grow even richer and fatter." Daemon ripped off his glove and drew his sword, slashing his palm with the blade and displaying it to them. He was proclaiming a blood oath on Drakon, his conviction to not rest until his revenge was satisfied. "I will not stand for it. Will you stand for it? Or will we ride and send them all to hell?"
Everyone looked to the Grand Marshal. She is the Steel Legion and the Steel Legion is her. Finally, she spoke. "We'll ride. When do we start?"
Daemon nodded grimly, "The ships are already gathering at the coast. Muster your men and we will sail immediately. We can plan the assault on my flagship. But I think it best that we address your men Lady Bellona. Let us put fire in their bellies before we loose them on Drakon."
"I admire your ethusiasium, Ser Daemon." Bellona replied as she dimissed her council to start gathering the Steel Legion. "But that won't be necessary. The Steel Legion have been too idle after all. But other than war, are there other things you have come here for?"
Daemon nodded to his own companions, who filed out of the room to leave the two of them in privacy. "Yes. You are the shield that guards our Ecumen. Arcana's security is ensured by the Steel Legion. But you are also one of the oldest, most vaunted denizens of the realm. Less than a handful of wizards can claim to be your peer. When we return to Arcana I intend to have a Triumph. And I intend to claim my father's sword and his throne. I will make my claim as Sovereign. Your support will be essential, my lady. Will I have it?"
"Ser Daemon, you mustn't forget. You're still your father's bastard child. I won't deny that." the deity frowned. "Under traditional law, only the true heir can inherit Arcana's throne. Unless you can convince your younger brother to legitimize you, you have no claim even with the Steel Legion. The laws of inheritance and of Arcana must be honored in order to be justly."
The black knight crossed his arms and replied, "I am aware of the succession laws. I have numerous cousins ahead of me. But I am older than that boy Ciaran, he is not a man under Arcanan law. Not for two more years. My uncle and my stepmother are unequal to the task of protecting us from our enemies in the meantime. But when we return in glory, the Regents and the Magisterium will have no choice but to grant me my father's name. With that, I will be first in succession. And even if I do not, there is a law older than any code. Older even than you my lady. If I draw the sword from the stone, then I will be king. Any of royal blood have the right to attempt it. If I avenge my father, the gods will smile on me. And the Star Throne will be mine. Will you object then my lady?"
"I cannot." The Grand Marshal answered. "If war goes well, I'll see that your words become true. Either as your witness of your glory or of you drawing the sword from the stone."
"Let us be comrades then, for the blood we share from the heavens. Let us avenge our nation and thrust her to the greatness she deserves. Let us shake the world and rebuild it anew." Daemon reached his hand out to grasp Bellona's arm, signifying their alliance and bond as comrades-in-arms.
Oh, Father, Belluna thought to herself as he grabbed her arm, He's one of those claimants.
Steel Legion of Arcana
The road to the fortress-city was bustling with traffic in and out. To enter Arcana from the rich mercantile lands of the South, one had to pass through the Castellum, one of the oldest fortresses in Takani history and the largest. The former abode of the Arcanan Warwizards of old was now the shield and the breadbasket of the Ecumen. Its walls ran as far as the eye could see and loomed over the countryside like a mountain. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, another small group of cloaked travellers aroused no interest or suspicion. The riders approached the formidable gatehouse, a castle in its own right, and when their turn for inspection came the lead figure spoke, "I request an audience with the Grand Marshall." The figure removed his glove and showed a flash of a crystalline orium ring stamped with the entwined dragon and fairy sigil of House Pendragon, the Sovereign Family of Arcana. The figure leaned forward to the guard and slipped him a few gold coins, "And please keep it discrete."
The guard gave a nod and signaled the men at the otherside to raise the gates. Two armored sentries then escorted the group deeper into the castle of the Grand Marshall. Like the ring of forticications, the castle also had thick stone walls and tall towers that can see in all directions. Being the center of power in the Castellum, this place was nicknamed "Palace of Violets" from the amount of purple used in the artworks that was painted on the walls and ceiling. The banners of the Steel Legions flew high in the breeze as their tails flapped around. After getting past the first layer of walls, the group ha entered the courtyards. The sight of armored knights on guard has been replaced with debutantes, female servants, and young ladies-in-waiting. They were everywhere: sitting next to fountains, walking around the rose bushes, gossiping in the pavilion undner the shades or wandering the corridors. Some were visibly pregnate yet all were wearing brightly colored dresses. They were too busying entertaining themselves to notice the group walking past. After the courtyards they headed up several flights of stairs before walking towards a set of doors flank by two knights. The company's escorts went away and one of the guards knocked on the heavy wood to announce a visitor before opening it to the cloaked men. Inside, there was a meeting between the Grand Marhal and her cabinet of generals, castellans, and stewards discussing matters of state before eyes turned towards the guests. The Grand Marshall wasn't in her usual battle armor but instead in a red gown just like the ladies in the courtyards but with golden embroidery that made the dres all the more exquisite. The deity's purple hair contrasts well with the red and gold. Her bright violet eyes looked at the cloaked men with mild confusion. "My Lords, is there an emergency?"
The leader of the group threw back their hood, revealing a young, comely visage. The man looked no older than twenty but had the bearing of a veteran twice his age with keen, calculating eyes and a scar tracing his right cheekbone. His blonde hair was cropped short and his icy blue eyes took the measure of everyone in the room quickly. Ser Daemon the Black, bastard son of the late king Hector and older brother to the Prince of Avalon inclined his head respectfully to the Grand Marshall, "Lady Bellona. My sincere regards. It has been some time." His companions all shed their hoods as well, revealing well-known young lords and knights of the Magi Orders. Daemon came forward to shake Bellona's hand and said, "I come to you in the spirit of friendship and with a proposition. My lords, my lady, I come to you and say I seek glory. Honor. Riches. War."
The council looked at one another quizzingly. "War?" Castellian Markus of the North division of Castellum. He wore a dark green vest with copper buttons that twinkled in the light as his face looked left and right. "Now?"
"Calm down, Markus." Bellona shushed, motioning her hand down. "Ser Damon, pardon my castellian. He is shocked that our meeting has been postponed by your proposal. Please enlighten us."
Daemon smiled, "Gladly." He pulled his cloak to the side and raised his hands as he walked among the lords of the Castellum, speaking with verve and conviction, "Arcana is one of the most enlightened realms that the world has ever seen, this we all know to be true. Our peoples enjoy peace and plenty that few across the world do, and we shepherd freedom and justice in a manner that no other government on this continent even cares to. Arcana, thanks in no small part to you noble warriors of the Steel Legion, is the greatest land. But we represent only a small portion of this world. The empires of the west choke Takanis with their excess and cruelty, grinding down countless lives with their malice and tyranny. Horrors afflict the continent every generation due to their barbarism and avarice. Arcana's light shines brightly, but the rest of the world is enshrouded in blackest night."
The young knight turned stern then, "And now this night threatens our own security. Drakon, that most perfidious of graspers, encroaches on us more and more by the day. Their ships skirmish with ours, their spies steal from our scholars and visionaries, their assassins murder and brutalize our officials. They wage insidious economic war. They will not rest until our trading system is theirs to control and all of our knowledge is theirs. And all the while they spread the vile evil of slavery." Daemon spit on the ground then, Arcana having long abolished the practice generations ago, "Arcanan sailors set upon by pirates are sold in Drakonese slave markets. And not just seamen but doctors, priests, poets. Men, women, and children of our homeland toil in bondage in the name of coin. Drakon builds their fleet, amasses its armies, sinks their spies and bribes into every nation. And we think they will remain idle? Content with being just one of the richest traders in the world? No, no they will come for us my lords. While I was riding here a ship filled with priests, nuns, and novices of the Church was taken by corsairs. By nightfall they will be Drakonese slaves. Even now they undermine the integrity of our institutions, corrupt our integrity to enrich themselves. And what does the Magisterium do? What does the the Council of Regents do? What does the Circle of Magi do? Nothing."
"Grand Marshall, my lords. I say we do something. The time has come for us to put an end to Drakon's evil and save our people from their greed and envy." Another young man stepped forward, one with the seagreen hair and wispy white eyes that bespoke his heritage as one of the Mer from the settlements in the Cerulean Islands, "I have made common cause with the First Sea Lord. A thousand ships are ready to set sail. The Nemesis is with me, and with her a vast network of contacts and informants within Drakon itself. Soon, even Drakon's own greedy mercenary captains will be with me. The courageous young wizard-knights of my generation stand with me. Do you stand with me? For glory, for honor, for justice, for freedom, for our people? What say you men of the Steel Legion? Will you ride with me?" Daemon's voice had grown steadily greater and stronger in tone, his gaze more and more firm, until he was nearly shouting in the chamber with the passion of a priest and the mastery of a politician, all steeled by the conviction of a warrior.
The council looked at one another as they internalling debated on his ambition. Bellona seem to speak their thoughts. "This is a bold move on your part. Drakon has the men and magic to match our strength and even if we do manage to breakthough their armies, Drakon itelf is a fortress-city."
"It could withstand a siege for many years, my lord." General Horvath chipped in. His gray mustache fidgeting on his lip. "If they're of silver tongue, there's no telling how quickly we can find new enemies attempting to relieve them."
Daemon only smiled in reply, "They won't get the chance. With our navy encircling their city, they will have no chance to send out aid. No army can cross their barren desert easily and no fleet on this side of the earth can match even one Arcanan armada. They will retreat inside their walls, thinking that they are safe. But they will be wrong. No aid will come, I have the means to disrupt and disable their vaunted mirror communication system. For Arcana's wizards are more than a match for their pitiful spellcasters. Our men are loyal and convicted of purpose. Their men follow only coin. Already I have many on my side. When the situation turns against Drakon, her practical minded mercenary captains will abandon her in droves. They may match us in numbers, we overpower them in courage and honor. Furthermore, this will be no siege. I have agents who will ensure the gates will be opened to us and their ability to resist will be crippled. This will be no long, protracted game of waiting. We will storm them when they least expect it and put an end to them. Once we are inside, they will be lost. Their gates may be made of stone and metal but the men holding the keys are easily corrupted." Daemon unfurled roll of parchment and passed it to the nearest Castellum officer who would see schematics and detailed layouts of Drakon's fortifications as well as secret routes and battle plans.
"They've already lost, they just don't know it yet."
"He's right." General Klefford agreed. "We have to strike hard and fast in order to prevent them from furthering their defenses."
"Enough." Bellona silenced her generals, "We'll discuss strategy later." She turned towards the bastard knight. "I'll call the banners. I assume you have a proper provocation for a war this sudden?"
Daemon unfurled another message and showed it to them all, "This was intercepted by our own spies. A communication from one of Drakon's vaunted assassin guilds. They do not note their benefactor, but identify a codename for one of their agents and their target. The assassin was captured by our Nemesis ally and put to question. She confirms our suspicions." He lets the moment grow.
"King Hector, that wise and just leader, my father was killed by a Drakonese cutthroat. Your Sovereign, murdered by a foreign assassin to make slavemasters grow even richer and fatter." Daemon ripped off his glove and drew his sword, slashing his palm with the blade and displaying it to them. He was proclaiming a blood oath on Drakon, his conviction to not rest until his revenge was satisfied. "I will not stand for it. Will you stand for it? Or will we ride and send them all to hell?"
Everyone looked to the Grand Marshal. She is the Steel Legion and the Steel Legion is her. Finally, she spoke. "We'll ride. When do we start?"
Daemon nodded grimly, "The ships are already gathering at the coast. Muster your men and we will sail immediately. We can plan the assault on my flagship. But I think it best that we address your men Lady Bellona. Let us put fire in their bellies before we loose them on Drakon."
"I admire your ethusiasium, Ser Daemon." Bellona replied as she dimissed her council to start gathering the Steel Legion. "But that won't be necessary. The Steel Legion have been too idle after all. But other than war, are there other things you have come here for?"
Daemon nodded to his own companions, who filed out of the room to leave the two of them in privacy. "Yes. You are the shield that guards our Ecumen. Arcana's security is ensured by the Steel Legion. But you are also one of the oldest, most vaunted denizens of the realm. Less than a handful of wizards can claim to be your peer. When we return to Arcana I intend to have a Triumph. And I intend to claim my father's sword and his throne. I will make my claim as Sovereign. Your support will be essential, my lady. Will I have it?"
"Ser Daemon, you mustn't forget. You're still your father's bastard child. I won't deny that." the deity frowned. "Under traditional law, only the true heir can inherit Arcana's throne. Unless you can convince your younger brother to legitimize you, you have no claim even with the Steel Legion. The laws of inheritance and of Arcana must be honored in order to be justly."
The black knight crossed his arms and replied, "I am aware of the succession laws. I have numerous cousins ahead of me. But I am older than that boy Ciaran, he is not a man under Arcanan law. Not for two more years. My uncle and my stepmother are unequal to the task of protecting us from our enemies in the meantime. But when we return in glory, the Regents and the Magisterium will have no choice but to grant me my father's name. With that, I will be first in succession. And even if I do not, there is a law older than any code. Older even than you my lady. If I draw the sword from the stone, then I will be king. Any of royal blood have the right to attempt it. If I avenge my father, the gods will smile on me. And the Star Throne will be mine. Will you object then my lady?"
"I cannot." The Grand Marshal answered. "If war goes well, I'll see that your words become true. Either as your witness of your glory or of you drawing the sword from the stone."
"Let us be comrades then, for the blood we share from the heavens. Let us avenge our nation and thrust her to the greatness she deserves. Let us shake the world and rebuild it anew." Daemon reached his hand out to grasp Bellona's arm, signifying their alliance and bond as comrades-in-arms.
Oh, Father, Belluna thought to herself as he grabbed her arm, He's one of those claimants.
Name of Nation: Steel Legion of Arcana
Species: Human
Culture and Society: In contrast to Arcana’s emphasis on magic, rationalism, philosophy, and art, the cultural within the Steel Legion is one of traditions, reverence, and chivalry. Superstitious? Yes, but rarely overzealous. This because the men that serve in the Legion rank-and-file are all non-magicians and seek employment for their martial skills without mages stealing their glory. Feudal? Yes, but that’s because of the military command structure that bled into their civilian lifestyle. Soldiers are supposed to be disciplined and obedient while commanders are expected to lead by example and take care of his bannermen in either victory or defeat. However, the Legion does practice a system of meritocracy as any peasant can be knighted by the Grand Marshal once he proves to be a capable horse rider and fighter.
The greatest complication of the Legion’s culture is the reverence and subsequent worship of the Steel Legion’s Grand Marshal. In the traditional sense, the deity is a woman despite leadership being a man’s job. When people revere and worship her, the deity will simply acknowledge their prayers but aren’t able to grant it. Despite being seen as a Paragon of Virtue, the deity is a harem-seeker that indulges herself in hedonistic lust during the night whenever she retires.
This sparked theological debates in the Arcanan intellectual circles of the legitimacy of the diety’s holiness in the Pantheon of Gods. Whether she truly is a deity is unknown as there are no concrete records of the origins of the deity. The only evidence of her godhood is her claims that her parents were also gods. Which kind of gods was another debate that Arcana and the Steel Legion often ponder about.
Most widely accepted theory was her father was the God of War/Victory as seen in her unmatched martial prowess in all of Arcanan history and in her accomplishment of fighting an entire orc invasion alone and winning while her mother was the Goddess of the Earth/Agriculture as her spot to build her home and later fortress-city for the Steel Legion was blessed with fertile soil and abundant crop yields.
Whether or not she is truly a Paragon didn’t matter as the people accepted the fact that life is good and stable.
History: The Steel Legion of Arcana is possibly the first time Arcana had a professional standing army which is important as time spent levying troops is no longer a factor in planning campaigns and crusades as soldiers are constantly drilled to be ready at a minute’s notice.
Its origins as crusader order all started out with the arrival of the deity in Takanis during the time of orc invasions. According to history, an army of men from allied tribes were too scared to face off a particularly nasty orc army lead by a notorious orc warlord and his retinue of orc champions. While the orcs were intimidating the humans, the deity emerged from the nearby forest in full armor on top of her mount. She challenged the orc warlord to single combat and slew him. She then challenged the orc champions who were surprised and angry at their commander’s death. They too were defeated and killed by her blade. The rest of the army either fled or tried to kill the deity which failed so they ended up routing.
The tribal human army was simply stunned by the quick turn of events and they looked upon her in awe. They quickly taken up her banner and soon a nomadic crusading order was established. Centuries went by as the Steel Legion roamed across the continent battling orcs and other foes alike. Whether they be crusaders or hired as mercenaries, the Legion gained more experience in warfare. While the deity was developing her lustful appetite, she was also studying the armies of the nations she fought with and against in order to reform the Legion into a more effective fighting force.
Finally, the Steel Legion found patronage under Arcana and settled as a vassal order in the south of the nation building a new home for the soldiers. Since the deity was not concerned with politics, the Legion stayed neutral in Arcanan government affairs.
Territorial Claims: Between Arcana and the Regnum
Economy: Heavily agrarian based though its trade in grain, wine, livestock, clothing, and dyes but there is a strong industrial presence since the Steel Legion is entirely entirely equipped with domestic weapons and armor. Since there’s so much profits made from the trade routes, Arcana doesn’t have to divert taxes to pay for the Steel Legion as it is entirely self-sufficient.
Army: 40,000 enlisted men
20,000 mounted knights
10,000 heavy infantry
2,000 light infantry
8,000 longbowmen, crossbowmen, and artillery crews
Navy: none
Traits:
The Castellum: the largest fortress in Takanis history with 8 layers of walls that are 6 meters thick. This serves as the palace of the Grand Marshal deity, a base for the Steel Legion and home to the families of the soldiers in service. It took 100 months to construct and two decades to pay off the debt.
The Breadbasket of Arcana: the immense fertility of farmlands surrounding Castellum gave the Steel Legion immense political leverage as it supplies constant bread, butter and beef to the Arcanan street markets although the deity barely capitalize of this type of power.
Strength through Steel: The Legion never uses any magic in combat, except the deity, and whatever magic that is used is reserved for the doctors and mages to heal wounded or sick soldiers as they rely on high quality steel and discipline training.
Foreign Relations: had assisted other nations in the past for the purpose of beating back the Orc tide
Rolls: Land Area: 1 (5 - 4)
Land Fertility: 20 (15+5)
Development: 20 (17+3)
Land Power: 20 (19+1)
Naval Power: 1 (5-4)
Economy: 19 (12+7)
Magical Reserves: 10
Magical Sophistication: 10
Other:
Species: Human
Culture and Society: In contrast to Arcana’s emphasis on magic, rationalism, philosophy, and art, the cultural within the Steel Legion is one of traditions, reverence, and chivalry. Superstitious? Yes, but rarely overzealous. This because the men that serve in the Legion rank-and-file are all non-magicians and seek employment for their martial skills without mages stealing their glory. Feudal? Yes, but that’s because of the military command structure that bled into their civilian lifestyle. Soldiers are supposed to be disciplined and obedient while commanders are expected to lead by example and take care of his bannermen in either victory or defeat. However, the Legion does practice a system of meritocracy as any peasant can be knighted by the Grand Marshal once he proves to be a capable horse rider and fighter.
The greatest complication of the Legion’s culture is the reverence and subsequent worship of the Steel Legion’s Grand Marshal. In the traditional sense, the deity is a woman despite leadership being a man’s job. When people revere and worship her, the deity will simply acknowledge their prayers but aren’t able to grant it. Despite being seen as a Paragon of Virtue, the deity is a harem-seeker that indulges herself in hedonistic lust during the night whenever she retires.
This sparked theological debates in the Arcanan intellectual circles of the legitimacy of the diety’s holiness in the Pantheon of Gods. Whether she truly is a deity is unknown as there are no concrete records of the origins of the deity. The only evidence of her godhood is her claims that her parents were also gods. Which kind of gods was another debate that Arcana and the Steel Legion often ponder about.
Most widely accepted theory was her father was the God of War/Victory as seen in her unmatched martial prowess in all of Arcanan history and in her accomplishment of fighting an entire orc invasion alone and winning while her mother was the Goddess of the Earth/Agriculture as her spot to build her home and later fortress-city for the Steel Legion was blessed with fertile soil and abundant crop yields.
Whether or not she is truly a Paragon didn’t matter as the people accepted the fact that life is good and stable.
History: The Steel Legion of Arcana is possibly the first time Arcana had a professional standing army which is important as time spent levying troops is no longer a factor in planning campaigns and crusades as soldiers are constantly drilled to be ready at a minute’s notice.
Its origins as crusader order all started out with the arrival of the deity in Takanis during the time of orc invasions. According to history, an army of men from allied tribes were too scared to face off a particularly nasty orc army lead by a notorious orc warlord and his retinue of orc champions. While the orcs were intimidating the humans, the deity emerged from the nearby forest in full armor on top of her mount. She challenged the orc warlord to single combat and slew him. She then challenged the orc champions who were surprised and angry at their commander’s death. They too were defeated and killed by her blade. The rest of the army either fled or tried to kill the deity which failed so they ended up routing.
The tribal human army was simply stunned by the quick turn of events and they looked upon her in awe. They quickly taken up her banner and soon a nomadic crusading order was established. Centuries went by as the Steel Legion roamed across the continent battling orcs and other foes alike. Whether they be crusaders or hired as mercenaries, the Legion gained more experience in warfare. While the deity was developing her lustful appetite, she was also studying the armies of the nations she fought with and against in order to reform the Legion into a more effective fighting force.
Finally, the Steel Legion found patronage under Arcana and settled as a vassal order in the south of the nation building a new home for the soldiers. Since the deity was not concerned with politics, the Legion stayed neutral in Arcanan government affairs.
Territorial Claims: Between Arcana and the Regnum
Economy: Heavily agrarian based though its trade in grain, wine, livestock, clothing, and dyes but there is a strong industrial presence since the Steel Legion is entirely entirely equipped with domestic weapons and armor. Since there’s so much profits made from the trade routes, Arcana doesn’t have to divert taxes to pay for the Steel Legion as it is entirely self-sufficient.
Army: 40,000 enlisted men
20,000 mounted knights
10,000 heavy infantry
2,000 light infantry
8,000 longbowmen, crossbowmen, and artillery crews
Navy: none
Traits:
The Castellum: the largest fortress in Takanis history with 8 layers of walls that are 6 meters thick. This serves as the palace of the Grand Marshal deity, a base for the Steel Legion and home to the families of the soldiers in service. It took 100 months to construct and two decades to pay off the debt.
The Breadbasket of Arcana: the immense fertility of farmlands surrounding Castellum gave the Steel Legion immense political leverage as it supplies constant bread, butter and beef to the Arcanan street markets although the deity barely capitalize of this type of power.
Strength through Steel: The Legion never uses any magic in combat, except the deity, and whatever magic that is used is reserved for the doctors and mages to heal wounded or sick soldiers as they rely on high quality steel and discipline training.
Foreign Relations: had assisted other nations in the past for the purpose of beating back the Orc tide
Rolls: Land Area: 1 (5 - 4)
Land Fertility: 20 (15+5)
Development: 20 (17+3)
Land Power: 20 (19+1)
Naval Power: 1 (5-4)
Economy: 19 (12+7)
Magical Reserves: 10
Magical Sophistication: 10
Other:
Hey, you finally did it. You got this to work. I'm happy for you, Mono.
Flag:
Nation Name: Bjergavjern
Type of Government: Volkist Fascism
Head(s) of Government: Staatfuhrer
Economy: Heavily industrialized due to an abundance of iron, silver, gold, copper, nickel, tungsten, chromium, aluminium and other metal ores and precious stones found in the mountains. Has a growing agricultural base due to the 5-year plan developed by the Volksfacistikefurband av Bjergavjern (VFFB), the ruling party of the nation. Has 120,000 miles of railways and nearly 60,000 miles of paved roads.
Unique Technologies:
Ball Tanks: Spherical armoured vehicles that carry two or more armaments at any given time. Can travel up to 26 mph on road or 13 mph off-road.
Armoured Bears: Big, ferocious, and cladded in armor, these warbeasts serve as a for a heavy cavalry for the military.
Heavier Artillery:
Primary Species: Dwarves
Population: 90 million
Culture: The dwarves of Bjergavjern are short and stunted in nature but possess an extreme degree of durability, endurance, strength, and stubbornness akin to a stone slab or an entire mountain in which they ive in. Most dwarves stand about 3 or 4 feet in height and have very strong and thick arms, broad shoulders, and short but powerful legs. Female dwarves share a similar body but only more curvaceous and instead of beards they fashion braids as a sign of age and status. Being short and strong makes dwarves natural inhabitants of the mountain's cramp environments. Being excellent miners and diggers makes them all the well suited for industrial work.
For a young dwarf, the rite to adulthood begins with military service or mining and ends when they are allowed to pursue their own careers. And they began growing their beards at an early age as beards signify status in dwarf society. The longer the beard, the greater the respect the dwarf receives from his peers and the rest of society. The life expectancy of dwarves are average 213 years though the select few are as old as 281 years old with magnificent beards to prove it.
Interesting note, Bjergavjern dwarves are famous for being alcoholic drinkers as beer halls and brewers are seen as respectable establishments and as a career choice. As such with their strong intake of alcohol, the Bjergavjern dwarves developed a rather resilient liver. Honor and oaths are another important aspect of dwarf society as the saying goes "Never make a pact you don't intend to keep." Such value is placed upon honor and oathkeeping that civil wars in Bjergavjern practically nonexistent.
Religion and Other Beliefs: Ancestral Worship. The Bjergs believe highly in the importance of oaths and honor in order to uphold the integrity of the family name. There's no greater shame than ruining the future generation of dwarves than disgrace of the family name.
Location/Territories: The red nation in the west.
Climate: The mountains and valleys of Bjergavjern are one the most sensitive ecosystems of the world affected by the climate change caused by the volcanic eruption. Being the main supply of freshwater and a source of hydroelectricity, the mountains experienced a greater increase in glaciers and the inhospility of the local fauna. Basically more dry and cold than before yet the ash from the volcano gave in an increase in soil fertility for future farms and ranches. The mountains themselves affect rain and wind on both sides as they block air coming from the west and from the Great Othean Ocean.
Military: Ever since the bloodless fascist coup at the capitol, the military of Bjergavjern has been in the process of centralization ever since. The obsolete bolt action rifles were phased out and replaced with semi-automatic rifles and smgs. 10 dwarf squads were given two machine guns to increase mid-range firepower. Assault troopers were finally formed armed only with smgs and satchel charges. Most importantly, a General Staff was created which was something lacking in the decades prior.
The battle doctrine the Bjergavjern chosen to follow the Shock and Awe doctrine where every battle hinged on the importance of heavy artillery and combined arms support. Where every victory is achieved as quickly as possible and as brutally as possible by blowing the enemy to pieces. This also meant that the military is more defensive leaning by fortifying the mountains with flak Towers, concrete bunkers, and heavy siege equipment and weapons.
The primary goal of the air force of Bjergavjern is to maintain air superiority over the battlefield through its use of heavily armed fighters and coordinated attacks with ground AA. Just like the Superior firepower doctrine the army uses, the air forces extensively uses bombers to carpet bomb enemy positions and cities into submission once air superiority has been achieved. Industrial complex, railway junctions, and enemy bunkers are primary targets for strategic and tactical bombers.
The Navy is currently a coastal one. Mainly filled with submarines, destroyers, and light cruisers.
Magic Prevalence/Usage: Used in runes put into charms and trinkets. Mainly used to increase the reliability and durability of items and tools.
History/ Background Info: Originally, Bjergavjern was a confederacy of kings ruled by a High King as the nation's leader. Technically speaking, the High King rules Bjergavjern without question but in reality, he rules at a council of advisors to cool his temper and to help him make decisions. The title of the High King is hereditary unless the throne is vacant of the heir in which a new royal line is elected.
The lesser dwarf kings rule their own clan and territory with complete authority yet they still have to obey the edicts and rites issued by the High King. This allowed for each clan to create their own army equal to the High King's own. This system soon found itself obsolete when Bjergavjern suffered a military defeat at the hands of Fenice. With each dwarf king his own commander in chief of his army, there was no coordinated assault or defence against Fenice. The island was lost and the dwarves retreated to the mountains.
When the volcano erupted and covered the mountains with ash, a food crisis occurred in Bjergavjern yet the government was paralyzed due to the fact that none of the kings could decide on what to do. The crisis was growing dire by the day as food was quickly running out until a fascist coup happened at the capital. It was a shock to the nation chose to flee instead of denouncing the act.
It was then did the fascist party immediately embarked on a centralization process to restore order and to unite the nation where the dwarf kings failed. The party, called the VFFB, championed the idea of "Volkism", that no matter what social rank the dwarf holds, everything depends on the advancement of dwarf-kind. Despite winning a two thirds majority to keep the fascist party in power, there were still plenty of monarchist sympathizers and supporters within and without the fascist party. Only time would tell if the Staatfuhrer would do anything to about it.
Nation Relations: The Pact of Steel with the Western Neigher to divide the individual states between each other. Also establishes a DMZ for 50 years.
Tension with the GCR over treatment of the Bjergavjern dwarves inside their territories. Currently, the VFFB is doing a campaign to get the dwarves to immigrate back into the home mountains.
Nation Name: Bjergavjern
Type of Government: Volkist Fascism
Head(s) of Government: Staatfuhrer
Economy: Heavily industrialized due to an abundance of iron, silver, gold, copper, nickel, tungsten, chromium, aluminium and other metal ores and precious stones found in the mountains. Has a growing agricultural base due to the 5-year plan developed by the Volksfacistikefurband av Bjergavjern (VFFB), the ruling party of the nation. Has 120,000 miles of railways and nearly 60,000 miles of paved roads.
Unique Technologies:
Ball Tanks: Spherical armoured vehicles that carry two or more armaments at any given time. Can travel up to 26 mph on road or 13 mph off-road.
Armoured Bears: Big, ferocious, and cladded in armor, these warbeasts serve as a for a heavy cavalry for the military.
Heavier Artillery:
Primary Species: Dwarves
Population: 90 million
Culture: The dwarves of Bjergavjern are short and stunted in nature but possess an extreme degree of durability, endurance, strength, and stubbornness akin to a stone slab or an entire mountain in which they ive in. Most dwarves stand about 3 or 4 feet in height and have very strong and thick arms, broad shoulders, and short but powerful legs. Female dwarves share a similar body but only more curvaceous and instead of beards they fashion braids as a sign of age and status. Being short and strong makes dwarves natural inhabitants of the mountain's cramp environments. Being excellent miners and diggers makes them all the well suited for industrial work.
For a young dwarf, the rite to adulthood begins with military service or mining and ends when they are allowed to pursue their own careers. And they began growing their beards at an early age as beards signify status in dwarf society. The longer the beard, the greater the respect the dwarf receives from his peers and the rest of society. The life expectancy of dwarves are average 213 years though the select few are as old as 281 years old with magnificent beards to prove it.
Interesting note, Bjergavjern dwarves are famous for being alcoholic drinkers as beer halls and brewers are seen as respectable establishments and as a career choice. As such with their strong intake of alcohol, the Bjergavjern dwarves developed a rather resilient liver. Honor and oaths are another important aspect of dwarf society as the saying goes "Never make a pact you don't intend to keep." Such value is placed upon honor and oathkeeping that civil wars in Bjergavjern practically nonexistent.
Religion and Other Beliefs: Ancestral Worship. The Bjergs believe highly in the importance of oaths and honor in order to uphold the integrity of the family name. There's no greater shame than ruining the future generation of dwarves than disgrace of the family name.
Location/Territories: The red nation in the west.
Climate: The mountains and valleys of Bjergavjern are one the most sensitive ecosystems of the world affected by the climate change caused by the volcanic eruption. Being the main supply of freshwater and a source of hydroelectricity, the mountains experienced a greater increase in glaciers and the inhospility of the local fauna. Basically more dry and cold than before yet the ash from the volcano gave in an increase in soil fertility for future farms and ranches. The mountains themselves affect rain and wind on both sides as they block air coming from the west and from the Great Othean Ocean.
Military: Ever since the bloodless fascist coup at the capitol, the military of Bjergavjern has been in the process of centralization ever since. The obsolete bolt action rifles were phased out and replaced with semi-automatic rifles and smgs. 10 dwarf squads were given two machine guns to increase mid-range firepower. Assault troopers were finally formed armed only with smgs and satchel charges. Most importantly, a General Staff was created which was something lacking in the decades prior.
The battle doctrine the Bjergavjern chosen to follow the Shock and Awe doctrine where every battle hinged on the importance of heavy artillery and combined arms support. Where every victory is achieved as quickly as possible and as brutally as possible by blowing the enemy to pieces. This also meant that the military is more defensive leaning by fortifying the mountains with flak Towers, concrete bunkers, and heavy siege equipment and weapons.
The primary goal of the air force of Bjergavjern is to maintain air superiority over the battlefield through its use of heavily armed fighters and coordinated attacks with ground AA. Just like the Superior firepower doctrine the army uses, the air forces extensively uses bombers to carpet bomb enemy positions and cities into submission once air superiority has been achieved. Industrial complex, railway junctions, and enemy bunkers are primary targets for strategic and tactical bombers.
The Navy is currently a coastal one. Mainly filled with submarines, destroyers, and light cruisers.
Magic Prevalence/Usage: Used in runes put into charms and trinkets. Mainly used to increase the reliability and durability of items and tools.
History/ Background Info: Originally, Bjergavjern was a confederacy of kings ruled by a High King as the nation's leader. Technically speaking, the High King rules Bjergavjern without question but in reality, he rules at a council of advisors to cool his temper and to help him make decisions. The title of the High King is hereditary unless the throne is vacant of the heir in which a new royal line is elected.
The lesser dwarf kings rule their own clan and territory with complete authority yet they still have to obey the edicts and rites issued by the High King. This allowed for each clan to create their own army equal to the High King's own. This system soon found itself obsolete when Bjergavjern suffered a military defeat at the hands of Fenice. With each dwarf king his own commander in chief of his army, there was no coordinated assault or defence against Fenice. The island was lost and the dwarves retreated to the mountains.
When the volcano erupted and covered the mountains with ash, a food crisis occurred in Bjergavjern yet the government was paralyzed due to the fact that none of the kings could decide on what to do. The crisis was growing dire by the day as food was quickly running out until a fascist coup happened at the capital. It was a shock to the nation chose to flee instead of denouncing the act.
It was then did the fascist party immediately embarked on a centralization process to restore order and to unite the nation where the dwarf kings failed. The party, called the VFFB, championed the idea of "Volkism", that no matter what social rank the dwarf holds, everything depends on the advancement of dwarf-kind. Despite winning a two thirds majority to keep the fascist party in power, there were still plenty of monarchist sympathizers and supporters within and without the fascist party. Only time would tell if the Staatfuhrer would do anything to about it.
Nation Relations: The Pact of Steel with the Western Neigher to divide the individual states between each other. Also establishes a DMZ for 50 years.
Tension with the GCR over treatment of the Bjergavjern dwarves inside their territories. Currently, the VFFB is doing a campaign to get the dwarves to immigrate back into the home mountains.
Flag:
Nation Name: Bjergavjern
Type of Government: Volkist Fascism
Head(s) of Government: Staatfuhrer
Economy: Heavily industrialized due to an abundance of iron, silver, gold, copper, nickel, tungsten, chromium, aluminium and other metal ores and precious stones found in the mountains. Has a growing agricultural base due to the 5-year plan developed by the Volksfacistikefurband av Bjergavjern (VFFB), the ruling party of the nation. Has 120,000 miles of railways and nearly 60,000 miles of paved roads.
Unique Technologies:
Ball Tanks: Spherical armoured vehicles that carry two or more armaments at any given time. Can travel up to 26 mph on road or 13 mph off-road.
Armoured Bears: Big, ferocious, and cladded in armor, these warbeasts serve as a for a heavy cavalry for the military.
Heavier Artillery:
Primary Species: Dwarves
Population: 90 million
Culture: The dwarves of Bjergavjern are short and stunted in nature but possess an extreme degree of durability, endurance, strength, and stubbornness akin to a stone slab or an entire mountain in which they ive in. Most dwarves stand about 3 or 4 feet in height and have very strong and thick arms, broad shoulders, and short but powerful legs. Female dwarves share a similar body but only more curvaceous and instead of beards they fashion braids as a sign of age and status. Being short and strong makes dwarves natural inhabitants of the mountain's cramp environments. Being excellent miners and diggers makes them all the well suited for industrial work.
For a young dwarf, the rite to adulthood begins with military service or mining and ends when they are allowed to pursue their own careers. And they began growing their beards at an early age as beards signify status in dwarf society. The longer the beard, the greater the respect the dwarf receives from his peers and the rest of society. The life expectancy of dwarves are average 213 years though the select few are as old as 281 years old with magnificent beards to prove it.
Interesting note, Bjergavjern dwarves are famous for being alcoholic drinkers as beer halls and brewers are seen as respectable establishments and as a career choice. As such with their strong intake of alcohol, the Bjergavjern dwarves developed a rather resilient liver. Honor and oaths are another important aspect of dwarf society as the saying goes "Never make a pact you don't intend to keep." Such value is placed upon honor and oathkeeping that civil wars in Bjergavjern practically nonexistent.
Religion and Other Beliefs: Ancestral Worship. The Bjergs believe highly in the importance of oaths and honor in order to uphold the integrity of the family name. There's no greater shame than ruining the future generation of dwarves than disgrace of the family name.
Location/Territories: The red nation in the west.
Climate: The mountains and valleys of Bjergavjern are one the most sensitive ecosystems of the world affected by the climate change caused by the volcanic eruption. Being the main supply of freshwater and a source of hydroelectricity, the mountains experienced a greater increase in glaciers and the inhospility of the local fauna. Basically more dry and cold than before yet the ash from the volcano gave in an increase in soil fertility for future farms and ranches. The mountains themselves affect rain and wind on both sides as they block air coming from the west and from the Great Othean Ocean.
Military: Ever since the bloodless fascist coup at the capitol, the military of Bjergavjern has been in the process of centralization ever since. The obsolete bolt action rifles were phased out and replaced with semi-automatic rifles and smgs. 10 dwarf squads were given two machine guns to increase mid-range firepower. Assault troopers were finally formed armed only with smgs and satchel charges. Most importantly, a General Staff was created which was something lacking in the decades prior.
The battle doctrine the Bjergavjern chosen to follow the Superior Firepower doctrine where every battle hinged on the importance of heavy artillery and combined arms support. Where every victory is achieved as quickly as possible and as brutally as possible by blowing the enemy to pieces. This also meant that the military is more defensive leaning by fortifying the mountains with flak Towers, concrete bunkers, and heavy siege equipment and weapons.
The primary goal of the air force of Bjergavjern is to maintain air superiority over the battlefield through its use of heavily armed fighters and coordinated attacks with ground AA. Just like the Superior firepower doctrine the army uses, the air forces extensively uses bombers to carpet bomb enemy positions and cities into submission once air superiority has been achieved. Industrial complex, railway junctions, and enemy bunkers are primary targets for strategic and tactical bombers.
The Navy is currently a coastal one. Mainly filled with submarines, destroyers, and light cruisers.
Magic Prevalence/Usage: Used in runes put into charms and trinkets. Mainly used to increase the reliability and durability of items and tools.
History/ Background Info: Originally, Bjergavjern was a confederacy of kings ruled by a High King as the nation's leader. Technically speaking, the High King rules Bjergavjern without question but in reality, he rules at a council of advisors to cool his temper and to help him make decisions. The title of the High King is hereditary unless the throne is vacant of the heir in which a new royal line is elected.
The lesser dwarf kings rule their own clan and territory with complete authority yet they still have to obey the edicts and rites issued by the High King. This allowed for each clan to create their own army equal to the High King's own. This system soon found itself obsolete when Bjergavjern suffered a military defeat at the hands of Fenice. With each dwarf king his own commander in chief of his army, there was no coordinated assault or defence against Fenice. The island was lost and the dwarves retreated to the mountains.
When the volcano erupted and covered the mountains with ash, a food crisis occurred in Bjergavjern yet the government was paralyzed due to the fact that none of the kings could decide on what to do. The crisis was growing dire by the day as food was quickly running out until a fascist coup happened at the capital. It was a shock to the nation chose to flee instead of denouncing the act.
It was then did the fascist party immediately embarked on a centralization process to restore order and to unite the nation where the dwarf kings failed. The party, called the VFFB, championed the idea of "Volkism", that no matter what social rank the dwarf holds, everything depends on the advancement of dwarf-kind. Despite winning a two thirds majority to keep the fascist party in power, there were still plenty of monarchist sympathizers and supporters within and without the fascist party. Only time would tell if the Staatfuhrer would do anything to about it.
Nation Relations: The Pact of Steel with the Western Neigher to divide the individual states between each other. Also establishes a DMZ for 50 years.
Tension with the GCR over treatment of the Bjergavjern dwarves inside their territories. Currently, the VFFB is doing a campaign to get the dwarves to immigrate back into the home mountains.
Nation Name: Bjergavjern
Type of Government: Volkist Fascism
Head(s) of Government: Staatfuhrer
Economy: Heavily industrialized due to an abundance of iron, silver, gold, copper, nickel, tungsten, chromium, aluminium and other metal ores and precious stones found in the mountains. Has a growing agricultural base due to the 5-year plan developed by the Volksfacistikefurband av Bjergavjern (VFFB), the ruling party of the nation. Has 120,000 miles of railways and nearly 60,000 miles of paved roads.
Unique Technologies:
Ball Tanks: Spherical armoured vehicles that carry two or more armaments at any given time. Can travel up to 26 mph on road or 13 mph off-road.
Armoured Bears: Big, ferocious, and cladded in armor, these warbeasts serve as a for a heavy cavalry for the military.
Heavier Artillery:
Primary Species: Dwarves
Population: 90 million
Culture: The dwarves of Bjergavjern are short and stunted in nature but possess an extreme degree of durability, endurance, strength, and stubbornness akin to a stone slab or an entire mountain in which they ive in. Most dwarves stand about 3 or 4 feet in height and have very strong and thick arms, broad shoulders, and short but powerful legs. Female dwarves share a similar body but only more curvaceous and instead of beards they fashion braids as a sign of age and status. Being short and strong makes dwarves natural inhabitants of the mountain's cramp environments. Being excellent miners and diggers makes them all the well suited for industrial work.
For a young dwarf, the rite to adulthood begins with military service or mining and ends when they are allowed to pursue their own careers. And they began growing their beards at an early age as beards signify status in dwarf society. The longer the beard, the greater the respect the dwarf receives from his peers and the rest of society. The life expectancy of dwarves are average 213 years though the select few are as old as 281 years old with magnificent beards to prove it.
Interesting note, Bjergavjern dwarves are famous for being alcoholic drinkers as beer halls and brewers are seen as respectable establishments and as a career choice. As such with their strong intake of alcohol, the Bjergavjern dwarves developed a rather resilient liver. Honor and oaths are another important aspect of dwarf society as the saying goes "Never make a pact you don't intend to keep." Such value is placed upon honor and oathkeeping that civil wars in Bjergavjern practically nonexistent.
Religion and Other Beliefs: Ancestral Worship. The Bjergs believe highly in the importance of oaths and honor in order to uphold the integrity of the family name. There's no greater shame than ruining the future generation of dwarves than disgrace of the family name.
Location/Territories: The red nation in the west.
Climate: The mountains and valleys of Bjergavjern are one the most sensitive ecosystems of the world affected by the climate change caused by the volcanic eruption. Being the main supply of freshwater and a source of hydroelectricity, the mountains experienced a greater increase in glaciers and the inhospility of the local fauna. Basically more dry and cold than before yet the ash from the volcano gave in an increase in soil fertility for future farms and ranches. The mountains themselves affect rain and wind on both sides as they block air coming from the west and from the Great Othean Ocean.
Military: Ever since the bloodless fascist coup at the capitol, the military of Bjergavjern has been in the process of centralization ever since. The obsolete bolt action rifles were phased out and replaced with semi-automatic rifles and smgs. 10 dwarf squads were given two machine guns to increase mid-range firepower. Assault troopers were finally formed armed only with smgs and satchel charges. Most importantly, a General Staff was created which was something lacking in the decades prior.
The battle doctrine the Bjergavjern chosen to follow the Superior Firepower doctrine where every battle hinged on the importance of heavy artillery and combined arms support. Where every victory is achieved as quickly as possible and as brutally as possible by blowing the enemy to pieces. This also meant that the military is more defensive leaning by fortifying the mountains with flak Towers, concrete bunkers, and heavy siege equipment and weapons.
The primary goal of the air force of Bjergavjern is to maintain air superiority over the battlefield through its use of heavily armed fighters and coordinated attacks with ground AA. Just like the Superior firepower doctrine the army uses, the air forces extensively uses bombers to carpet bomb enemy positions and cities into submission once air superiority has been achieved. Industrial complex, railway junctions, and enemy bunkers are primary targets for strategic and tactical bombers.
The Navy is currently a coastal one. Mainly filled with submarines, destroyers, and light cruisers.
Magic Prevalence/Usage: Used in runes put into charms and trinkets. Mainly used to increase the reliability and durability of items and tools.
History/ Background Info: Originally, Bjergavjern was a confederacy of kings ruled by a High King as the nation's leader. Technically speaking, the High King rules Bjergavjern without question but in reality, he rules at a council of advisors to cool his temper and to help him make decisions. The title of the High King is hereditary unless the throne is vacant of the heir in which a new royal line is elected.
The lesser dwarf kings rule their own clan and territory with complete authority yet they still have to obey the edicts and rites issued by the High King. This allowed for each clan to create their own army equal to the High King's own. This system soon found itself obsolete when Bjergavjern suffered a military defeat at the hands of Fenice. With each dwarf king his own commander in chief of his army, there was no coordinated assault or defence against Fenice. The island was lost and the dwarves retreated to the mountains.
When the volcano erupted and covered the mountains with ash, a food crisis occurred in Bjergavjern yet the government was paralyzed due to the fact that none of the kings could decide on what to do. The crisis was growing dire by the day as food was quickly running out until a fascist coup happened at the capital. It was a shock to the nation chose to flee instead of denouncing the act.
It was then did the fascist party immediately embarked on a centralization process to restore order and to unite the nation where the dwarf kings failed. The party, called the VFFB, championed the idea of "Volkism", that no matter what social rank the dwarf holds, everything depends on the advancement of dwarf-kind. Despite winning a two thirds majority to keep the fascist party in power, there were still plenty of monarchist sympathizers and supporters within and without the fascist party. Only time would tell if the Staatfuhrer would do anything to about it.
Nation Relations: The Pact of Steel with the Western Neigher to divide the individual states between each other. Also establishes a DMZ for 50 years.
Tension with the GCR over treatment of the Bjergavjern dwarves inside their territories. Currently, the VFFB is doing a campaign to get the dwarves to immigrate back into the home mountains.
Name of Nation: Vaerheim
Species: Human
Culture and Society: hierarchical caste system:
The Væringi (Varangian proper): Full citizens of Vaerheim are few in number that enjoy full political and civil rights. However, their dedication to physical discipline and military service may seem to be an eternal punishment to others. They’re able to own property, thralls, and vote on political matters that occur in the Thing, a meeting between all Varangians that occur every four years. Varangians can perform manual labor if they choose but it is highly frowned upon if the decision was carried out.
Male Varangians were expected to be perfect soldiers the moment they were born while female Varangians were expect to become strong healthy mothers and capable athletes. Babies that were born defective or deemed unfit by the elder judge would be demoted to become a Thenn. Rarely is a baby put to death but only in the most extreme cases.
Education was universal as literacy was expected from all Varangian youths when they reach adulthood. However there are divergences in some subjects: the men had to learn administrative duty when not training or retiring while the women were taught basic self-defense, music, and festive tradition. As a result, Væringi are famous for their drop-dead beauty and their unassuming wit.
The Thenns: Argurably the second class populace of Vaerheim, Thenns are free men and women but non-citizens of Vaerheim. However, they are given the luxury of free movement inside and outside of the state as well as full economic opportunities. They could be landowners, serve as auxiliary in the Varangian Banners, or even become a Væringi if their loyalty and military competence exceeded beyond expectations. Thenns are mainly the source for blacksmiths, merchants, priests, scribes, tax collectors, and sometimes city labourers. They are also fully protected by the law even though they have no say in politics. Ironic since they are the ones doing the basic legal and administrative work of Vaerheim.
The Thralls: The third class non-citizens of Vaerheim; originally the conquered people enslaved by the Varangians, the class has diversified when the Varangians began taking captives and prisoners of war from villages and battlefields. Thralls lived basically as slaves as they were forced to perform all the hard labour such as farming and mining to fuel the Varangian war machine. They were in constant danger of being murdered by a young Varangian going through one of his many trials.
However, despite the bleak lifestyle, Thralls have some rights in Varangian societies: they can live in their own accommodation, allowed to keep some of their farming yields, can marry and permitted to avenge an insult about their wives, form their own families, as well as buying their freedom through exemplary military service or through saving what little coinage they have. Intermarriage with a Thrall and Varangian proper was absolutely forbidden though a Thrall could gain freedom and enjoy second class freedom by marrying a Thenn. Of course, a conversion to the Varangian faith was a big requirement.
History:
Originally, the Varangians were once a large band of nomadic people that worship gods foreign to any nation they come across. They serve as a band of mercenaries to any crown willing to pay for their service. And the Varangians serve with such distinction as either shock troops or armored line infantry.
In their contracts, however, there was that one special agreement that the Varangians get to keep what they plunder whether it be gold, captives, or other spoils. The Varangians did not care about land as they were nomadic at the time. While they did serve under their clients, the Varangians would usually learn a few new methods from them such crafting more complicated armor and weapons or learning some literature.
This continued on as the Varangians grew in status as an elite mercenary band until a particularly ambitious leader of the Varangians heard of rich soil in the north, rich with game and mineral ores. He took the gamble and led the Varangians north while still taking on mercenary contracts along the way.
When they finally reached their destination, the area was already settled so the Varangian leader decided that conquest was the solution. With the natives turned thralls, he used their labor to build a new city that would be the seat power for the Varangians, that it would be called Vaerheim.
Territorial Claims:
Economy: With fertile soil and access to abundant mines and woods, agriculture and urban industry dominate Varangian trade. Though income can also be gained by renting out Varangian soldiers as mercenaries to other nations
Army: The Varangian Bannermen, the army of Vaerheim, have trained their whole life in the art of war making them one of the most recognizable soldiers on the battlefield. The most iconic weapon of the Varangian Bannermen is the Long Axe, a two handed polearm that has a large axehead that cleaves through armor. (A comination of a Bearded Axe and Dane Axe to maximize armor piercing capabilities.)
The round shield of the Bannermen was also iconic as it was quite large, made of three layers, and has a grip that was at the edge of the shield and a leather fastening at the center. This allowed greater mobility for a Varangian soldier as well as more versatility in its offensive power.
The biggest downside of the Varangian Bannermen is that they win battles not wars. The generals that lead them are great tacticians but not competent strategies.
Army strength: 500k, 100k Varangians and 400k Auxiliaries
Navy: Hardly call it a navy, the Varangians have no experience in naval warfare.
Traits:
The Agoge - Military service is inseparable in Varanagian society. It was in war where their identity was found and it in war when Vaerheim became their new home. Because of this, Vaerheim will always have an elite professional army ready to deploy at any moment.
access to elite tier heavy infantry,such as the Varangian Guardsmen, one of the world's most legendary warriors for their skill and bravery in combat.
Industrious - Being a band of wandering mercenaries, the Varangians have learned much knowledge from their clients such as metallurgy and craftsmanship. Skills that would later be taught to the Thenns. Weapons, armor, and metal tools used by the Varangians are of remarkable quality. Even the Thenns and Thralls serving as auxiliary positions enjoy adequate equipment when going into combat. However, this leads to a dependancy on slave labor in order to fulfill agricultural demands.
lower army maintenence
decreased domestic agricultural income
Fierce Negotiators - Any Varangian is worth his weight in gold, ivory, or other spoils of war. They will fight and die for you, IF the tithe was paid. Sadly, rich nations may turn down the services of the Varangians if the payment was too high for their taste.
increase Mercenary profit
minimal Monthly War exhaustion when majority of the Varangian army is under mercenary service
Well Connected - The Varangians were nomadic people, but as time went on and serving under a myriad of clients; they earned newfound reputation from their employers that would later help them when they established their own country.
improve relations overtime with foreign nations
Must be under mercenary contract for effects to activate
Tyr's Pride - A Varangian Bannerman is bound by three things: his flesh, his weapons, and his armor and equipment. Magic has no place among war banners as sweat, blood, and faith is all that a Varangian needs to become one of the most legendary warriors in history.
Increased morale and discipline in the army
Magic cannot be used in military service under a combatant role
Foreign Relations: Due to their exceptional service in the past, most nations regard Vaerheim is benign neglect or silent respect although some are willing to hire them again for mercenary contracts.
Rolls:
Land Area: 6
Land Fertility: 18
Development: 14 (12 + 2)
Land Power: 14 (9 + 5)
Naval Power: 1
Economy: 15 (7 + 5 + 3)
Magical Reserves: 8 (13 - 5)
Magical Sophistication: 15 (18 - 5)
Population: 6,000,000
Other: The religion of the Varangians are a pantheon of gods but they mainly worship Tyr, the god of war.
Shield design:
Name of Nation: Vaerheim
Species: Human
Culture and Society: hierarchical caste system:
The Væringi (Varangian proper): Full citizens of Vaerheim are few in number that enjoy full political and civil rights. However, their dedication to physical discipline and military service may seem to be an eternal punishment to others. They’re able to own property, thralls, and vote on political matters that occur in the Thing, a meeting between all Varangians that occur every four years. Varangians can perform manual labor if they choose but it is highly frowned upon if the decision was carried out.
Male Varangians were expected to be perfect soldiers the moment they were born while female Varangians were expect to become strong healthy mothers and capable athletes. Babies that were born defective or deemed unfit by the elder judge would be demoted to become a Thenn. Rarely is a baby put to death but only in the most extreme cases.
Education was universal as literacy was expected from all Varangian youths when they reach adulthood. However there are divergences in some subjects: the men had to learn administrative duty when not training or retiring while the women were taught basic self-defense, music, and festive tradition. As a result, Væringi are famous for their drop-dead beauty and their unassuming wit.
The Thenns: Argurably the second class populace of Vaerheim, Thenns are free men and women but non-citizens of Vaerheim. However, they are given the luxury of free movement inside and outside of the state as well as full economic opportunities. They could be landowners, serve as auxiliary in the Varangian Banners, or even become a Væringi if their loyalty and military competence exceeded beyond expectations. Thenns are mainly the source for blacksmiths, merchants, priests, scribes, tax collectors, and sometimes city labourers. They are also fully protected by the law even though they have no say in politics. Ironic since they are the ones doing the basic legal and administrative work of Vaerheim.
The Thralls: The third class non-citizens of Vaerheim; originally the conquered people enslaved by the Varangians, the class has diversified when the Varangians began taking captives and prisoners of war from villages and battlefields. Thralls lived basically as slaves as they were forced to perform all the hard labour such as farming and mining to fuel the Varangian war machine. They were in constant danger of being murdered by a young Varangian going through one of his many trials.
However, despite the bleak lifestyle, Thralls have some rights in Varangian societies: they can live in their own accommodation, allowed to keep some of their farming yields, can marry and permitted to avenge an insult about their wives, form their own families, as well as buying their freedom through exemplary military service or through saving what little coinage they have. Intermarriage with a Thrall and Varangian proper was absolutely forbidden though a Thrall could gain freedom and enjoy second class freedom by marrying a Thenn. Of course, a conversion to the Varangian faith was a big requirement.
History:
Originally, the Varangians were once a large band of nomadic people that worship gods foreign to any nation they come across. They serve as a band of mercenaries to any crown willing to pay for their service. And the Varangians serve with such distinction as either shock troops or armored line infantry.
In their contracts, however, there was that one special agreement that the Varangians get to keep what they plunder whether it be gold, captives, or other spoils. The Varangians did not care about land as they were nomadic at the time. While they did serve under their clients, the Varangians would usually learn a few new methods from them such crafting more complicated armor and weapons or learning some literature.
This continued on as the Varangians grew in status as an elite mercenary band until a particularly ambitious leader of the Varangians heard of rich soil in the north, rich with game and mineral ores. He took the gamble and led the Varangians north while still taking on mercenary contracts along the way.
When they finally reached their destination, the area was already settled so the Varangian leader decided that conquest was the solution. With the natives turned thralls, he used their labor to build a new city that would be the seat power for the Varangians, that it would be called Vaerheim.
Territorial Claims:
Economy: With fertile soil and access to abundant mines and woods, agriculture and urban industry dominate Varangian trade. Though income can also be gained by renting out Varangian soldiers as mercenaries to other nations
Army: The Varangian Bannermen, the army of Vaerheim, have trained their whole life in the art of war making them one of the most recognizable soldiers on the battlefield. The most iconic weapon of the Varangian Bannermen is the Long Axe, a two handed polearm that has a large axehead that cleaves through armor. (A comination of a Bearded Axe and Dane Axe to maximize armor piercing capabilities.)
The round shield of the Bannermen was also iconic as it was quite large, made of three layers, and has a grip that was at the edge of the shield and a leather fastening at the center. This allowed greater mobility for a Varangian soldier as well as more versatility in its offensive power.
The biggest downside of the Varangian Bannermen is that they win battles not wars. The generals that lead them are great tacticians but not competent strategies.
Army strength: 500k, 100k Varangians and 400k Auxiliaries
Navy: Hardly call it a navy, the Varangians have no experience in naval warfare.
Traits:
The Agoge - Military service is inseparable in Varanagian society. It was in war where their identity was found and it in war when Vaerheim became their new home. Because of this, Vaerheim will always have an elite professional army ready to deploy at any moment.
access to elite tier heavy infantry,such as the Varangian Guardsmen, one of the world's most legendary warriors for their skill and bravery in combat.
Industrious - Being a band of wandering mercenaries, the Varangians have learned much knowledge from their clients such as metallurgy and craftsmanship. Skills that would later be taught to the Thenns. Weapons, armor, and metal tools used by the Varangians are of remarkable quality. Even the Thenns and Thralls serving as auxiliary positions enjoy adequate equipment when going into combat. However, this leads to a dependancy on slave labor in order to fulfill agricultural demands.
lower army maintenence
decreased domestic agricultural income
Fierce Negotiators - Any Varangian is worth his weight in gold, ivory, or other spoils of war. They will fight and die for you, IF the tithe was paid. Sadly, rich nations may turn down the services of the Varangians if the payment was too high for their taste.
increase Mercenary profit
minimal Monthly War exhaustion when majority of the Varangian army is under mercenary service
Well Connected - The Varangians were nomadic people, but as time went on and serving under a myriad of clients; they earned newfound reputation from their employers that would later help them when they established their own country.
improve relations overtime with foreign nations
Must be under mercenary contract for effects to activate
Tyr's Pride - A Varangian Bannerman is bound by three things: his flesh, his weapons, and his armor and equipment. Magic has no place among war banners as sweat, blood, and faith is all that a Varangian needs to become one of the most legendary warriors in history.
Increased morale and discipline in the army
Magic cannot be used in military service under a combatant role
Foreign Relations: Due to their exceptional service in the past, most nations regard Vaerheim is benign neglect or silent respect although some are willing to hire them again for mercenary contracts.
Rolls:
Land Area: 6
Land Fertility: 18
Development: 14 (12 + 2)
Land Power: 14 (9 + 5)
Naval Power: 1
Economy: 15 (7 + 5 + 3)
Magical Reserves: 8 (13 - 5)
Magical Sophistication: 15 (18 - 5)
Population: 6,000,000
Other: The religion of the Varangians are a pantheon of gods but they mainly worship Tyr, the god of war.
Shield design:
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