NATIONAL INFORMATION: -Population: 2.37 Million -Faction: Red Pantheonism -Capital: Vess -Government Type: Republic -Government Description: Each member race gets one representative. They are to represent their race’s interest, for example, the elvish representative might want people to stay out of the forests. Each new decision must have both sides told before a decision can be reached, and only the races that are affected by the outcome may vote. For example, a giant may not vote on a decision that affects beastmen and elves. That is the form of Government that affects the Union, each member race does however have their own form of government “Does much get done? No, but peace is assured.” -Head of State: The Council of Cranox -Currency: Cranoxian Coinage (1 gold = 12 silver, 12 silver = 12 copper; Bread = 1 copper) -Language(s): Avondia, Most Relevant Language once only spoken by the Dwarves, when the first men landed they quickly picked up the language so that they might speak with the dwarves. Soon elves, giants, and beast men also came and they too picked up the language. Outside of Avondia only the Giants and the Beastmen speak other tongues. With the recent Union Giant Elders and Beastmen Shamans have taken to teaching their language to the other people of Cranox. Other languages include ferreumin and Taurish.
800 years ago Dwarves came to Cranox, they were led by Uthruldn the Voyager. Once arrived they began construction on mighty Karracks that they might call home, they constructed Watch towers and an Enormous Gate in the mountain Range to keep out the beastmen and giants. 300 hundred years after that Humans settlers would follow, setting up along the coast before spreading out into the unclaimed territory. The Dwarves and the Humans would be wary of one another, but eventually they would grow to become allies. 50 Years later Elves, Giants, and Beastmen would come seeking refuge from their own homes. The Giants would live near the mountains, the beastmen would take to the plains and tundra of the region, and the elves would retreat into the woods with the Dryads and the Ents. 100 years later and the region would enter what many would call the Golden age of the Cranoxian Empire, it would last 100 years and would see great technological advances and growth by all the inhabitants. But it was not to last, 50 years before the war in heaven, the Cranoxian Empire was attacked by a Red God leading a legion of husks of the damned and forgotten of past battles. An epic battle would ensue in what would later be called Death Pass. 100,000 marched into the pass to confront the red god, 107 would emerge. The Battle was won but at too great a cost, they felt betrayed by a god that did not come to their aid, and the last king of Cranox would fall to wounds attained on the battlefield. The Empire would crumble, when the war in heaven finally began the Cranoxians barely noticed, for chaos was afoot. Undead wandered the land, mindless husks that killed on sight. The beast men would be driven mad, by some crime done against their god, and began raiding the human settlements. The Dwarves would retreat into their mountains to seldom emerge for 300 years. The Giants began attacking on sight screaming that humans were not but betrayers. The Elves and beings of the forest would stay in the wilderness, slaughtering trespassers who strayed too far in. The Human Kingdom would shatter into many city-states each vying for control of the others, while caring little for the bandit raids scouring the countryside. This would continue for 300 years, until finally a lone figure would emerge. The mask was there when the empire fell, it was there when chaos and darkness would consume the land. The legend of the Ghost would preserve its legacy. Each time the Ghost fell it would rise again. For 250 hundred years it fought, died and lived again. Seeking to drive back the Darkness and failing. However at last he would find the source of this chaos, a traitorous prince from a distant land, worshipping the same god who drove the empire to ruin. A battle would ensue, but the Ghost would emerge, the traitor prince gone. All could feel it, with the fall of the prince it was as if a great darkness had been lifted, the sun itself seemed brighter. Peace Talks began, each race seeing a new dawn on the horizon. A fragile Union would emerge, each species getting a seat at the table, and it would carry on this way for 100 years, each member race slowly building up their trust. The peace would be shattered when conquerors from the south came and landed, they would drive off the initial resistance and march inland. This would be their downfall, for the Ghost still lived, it’s name revealed “Ghostmask Shadow-Blood” would rally together an army. He would reforge the Shadow Knights and bring back the Storm Bringers, he would rally every race and throw back the invaders. With Dragon’s Fire and the fury of the North. The invaders would be cast back out into the sea, many ships would fall in the hasty retreat, either being crushed by the creatures of the deep or seeing their ships cast ablaze by the tailing Storm Bringers and Shadow Knights. The Union would emerge stronger from this war, finally trusting one another, they would place “Ghostmask” in command of the army, however he would refuse, stating he is no general. He would recommend his Dwarven Friend Uthruld to lead the army. Ghostmask would set out, to track down therest of the invaders, once found his shadow will fall upon them, and ALL shall know the fury of the north.
Assassins, Spies, and bandits seeking redemption. The Shadow Knights are the Cranoxian equivalent to an elite unit, mounted on Wyverns and equipped with a primitive wheellock rifle. The Shadow Knights serve as sacred protectors of the Council, and as an extension of their will. They are more than ready to carry out assassination and espionage missions as well as serving in support roles harassing enemy ranged units and striking from the sky.
The Storm bringers serve as the Heavy Cavalry of the Cranoxian Union, they too ride Wyverns into combat, utilizing crossbow’s, grenades, and Yari like weapons. They drop from the sky raining fire and destruction down upon the enemy, once their ammo is used up they grab their Yari and charge into the exposed rear tearing their way through the enemy atop their fire breathing mounts.
The Shock Troops, armored up in full combat armor the Minotaurs of the beast hordes charge into fray, swinging their weapons left and right, hacking and slashing their way to victory, their deadly charge will see the first few lines of the enemy trampled under-hoof while the unprepared lines that follow are left facing armored raging minotaurs.
Giants that know spells related to Ice, Fire, and storm magic.
The Dryads, Ents, and Elves prefer to take a more passive role in the military, serving as healers, battlefield support, and ranged units. The Ents will typically be throwing smaller ents or boulders at the enemy, while the Elves will use their archery skills and combat magic to rain death from a distance. The Dryads serve as the medics, healing the wounded and serving as scouts. Make no mistake even in melee these forces will crush a foe who underestimates them.
Enormous dwarven gates in the Eastern mountain range, Cannons large enough to bring down giants line the gate. Ballistas and Trebuchets dot the top while archer slits cover the wall allowing crossbowmen and archers to fire down upon the enemy. The Gates themself guard the safest routes into the region, a narrow pass that only allows 5 giants to walk beside each other. These routes are the only way an army could actually march into Cranox, every other route being too thin and far to long for an army to march the entire distance without running out of provisions. “To march upon the gates of Uthruld, is to march upon death itself” ~ Uthruld the Mighty
The Cranoxian Union knows what it is like to live in the north. A harsh geography and even harsher winters make life difficult. Because of this the Cranoxian union has been establishing relations with the other nations of the North, using the common threats they each face, and the prejudice of the southern nations to increase relations with the Northern Nations. “Those Midgets down south call themselves Giants. Can you believe their arrogance?!” ~ One Giant to another
Life in the North is harsh, because of this the people of the Cranoxian Union are especially hardy, and do not fear the terrors of the world “We face death everyday, today is no different” ~ Common Cranoxian Saying
The Cranoxian Union has just emerged from a brutal war with Crusaders from the south, they are bruised, battered, but all the stronger for it. They know not who tried to “cleanse them” but they are extremely untrustful of strangers now Veteran Army, Cold Relations with southern nations
Because of the geography of the region and the ferocity of the local sea monsters, trade and diplomacy with other nations is exceedingly difficult the Cranoxian instead having to rely on the unarmed Trade ships of the skies to transport goods to and from other nations. “Isolation is both a blessing and a curse. It’s saved us from invasion, but it has forced us to solve these problems on our own.” ~ Maplecrown the Ent King
Monstrous sea creatures inhabit the sea’s making an invasion from the sea exceedingly dangerous, it also however limits trade and travel to only the most daring of captains. “Once you get past all the sea monsters, sea people and sirens, this route is actually quite profitable. Leaving however is a bitch.” ~ Grimwald the Northern Pirate
Lumbering walls built by dwarves. They guard the main routes into Cranox. Standing 115 feet high they are equipped with Cannons, Ballistas, and Trebuchets. Archer Platforms and slits dot the wall allowing Archers and Crossbowmen. The Wall is made of Stone reinforced with steel. The Gate is 60 feet high and is made out of stonebark, a tree commonly found in the North. The Stonebark gate is reinforced with steel, and iron studs can be quickly moved into place to help reinforce it. Defenses along the gate include: Boiling pots of oil, large rocks, and Murder holes.
Once known as the Golden Tower. When the traitor prince fell the Golden Tower fell with him. The area is plagued with lightning storms and bitter northern winds.
One of the first human colonies, Vess grew to become the Cranoxian Empire’s primary trading hub. However when the empire fell and trade dried up, Vess became a hub of crime and corruption. With the recent success of the Cranoxian Union people are beginning to hope again.
The site of the Cranoxian Empire's last victory, 100,000 soldiers marched into this pass to confront the a Red Gods army of undead husks. While the battle was a success it came at too great a cost. Only 107 people would emerge from the pass, the King of Cranox was not among them.
The Home and main training ground of the Shadow Knights. The Shadow Tower serves as their fortress. Built high in the mountains close to Wyvern Mount, the Shadows of Cranox learn to fight and ride here. Plans are being drawn up for a similar tower to be built to house the Union’s slowly growing Air Corps.
The Largest Forest in Cranox it is also the main home of the native Dryads and Ents. People and beings that stray too far in are attacked by trees where they are either pulled beneath the earth and attached to the roots, or are placed inside the tree itself. In either case the results are the same, a dead being and nutrients for the plants. Rockbark is most commonly found here.
Site of the largest congregation of Northern Wyvern’s. Wyvern Mount is the largest mountain in the north. Tread with caution. A large storm can always be seen surrounding the mountain
(R.C, 36%)Humans: You should know what this is
(R.C, 17%)Dwarves: They look similar to humans, however they are around 4 feet tall. Brilliant engineers and craftsmen the Dwarves live in mighty Karacks and delve deep into the earth, extracting a plethora of ore and gems.
(R.C, 6%)Giants: For the most part they look like pale humans. Giants however are anywhere between 36 to 42 feet tall.
(R.C, 7%)Dryads: They can look similar in appearance to Elves and Humans, their “skin” however is made of bark while their “hair” is made of leaves, or pine needles. They posses a natural control over magic pertaining to nature and healing.
(R.C, 8%)Ents: Giant walking trees, at their youngest they stand at a whopping 3 feet tall, while the oldest Ents tower at 38 feet tall.
(R.C, 14%)Beastmen: Half human half beast. The Beastmen tribes consist of Minotaurs, Satyrs, Wolfmen, Bearmen, Goatmen, Centaurs (although they are less common)
(R.C, 12%)Elves: Slightly taller and more slender than humans, the main difference between elves and Humans is that elvish ears are pointed. They are more agile, than humans however they are also weaker than humans. They are fantastic wood workers and caretakers of forests
-State Religion: Ne Saverné a Tuath (The Northern Gods) Both Vreka and Chreobh strom were servants of Balrock, he tasked them with aiding the Cranoxian Empire when a rogue servant attacked them. Believing the mortals could handle it they did not offer aid and ignored the pleas of Balrocks followers, believing them to be overreactions. Once they found out however they hid the information from Balrock, fearing his fury. When the War in heaven began Balrocks spirit left its Stone shell to participate in the battle where he would be slain by Justinian. Balrock eventually sustained far too much damage and was executed by Justinian. In his last dying moments two things occurred one in Heaven and one back in the material realm. In heaven Balrock mocked Justinian, calling him a coward for not facing him in battle. In the material realm Balrock directed his servants to protect the North from Justinian, no matter the cost. Most of his Servants would strike out on their own, swearing allegiance to Yuwan or seizing the moment to claim a portion of the north for themselves. Vreka and Chreobh, feeling guilty for failing Balrock before. Vowed to do everything in their power to aid the Cranoxians in resisting the treachery of Justinian. To do this they would mask their region under a veil of shadows, hiding them away from the world at the cost of their own strength. When the time was right, they would unveil the Cranoxians so that they might strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Vreka (The Storm Crow): Taking on the form of a larger than average Crow. The Crow as he is commonly referred to, sees through the eyes of smaller crows, they are identifiable by their piercing gaze and white feathers during winter. Devoted Followers of the Crow find it easier to use Storm Magic, and can often be seen with a crow on their shoulder. Storm bringers are all followers of Vreka
Chreobh( the Life Tree): The Tree takes on the form of a tree with bone white bark and no leaves. Her reach is more limited to smaller versions of herself. Followers will sometimes plant her seedling and a tree will begin to grow in a matter of days. These trees serve as an extension of the Tree Goddess will. Allowing her reach to extend, so that she might protect and aid her followers. Her Followers find it easier to manipulate nature and are attacked by wild creatures less often. All ents and Dryads follow Chreobh
-Religion Demographics: The Crow: 27% The Tree: 13% Both: 57% Other: 3%
A tree whose branches are bare, and whose bark is bone white. Crows regularly flock to this tree giving it the appearance of having black leaves. If one sleeps beneath the tree they sometimes find themselves on the other side, there the tree’s leaves are a brilliant rainbow of colors, the bark is the night sky.
Practitioners of Storm Magic have taken to gathering here to practice harnessing the Storms that plague the former tower. “Without Balrock the storms of the north cannot be tamed, only redirected.”
Home of by far the largest congregation of Northern Wyverns. Everything within 3 miles has been burnt to ash except for a few scrubs. The Shadow Knights and Storm Bringers come here to find Wyvern Eggs to bring back and raise as their mounts.
There is dark magic here, so much that a thick miasma has formed in the pass. It is ill advised to cast magic here as it may awaken some things that are better left alone.
Balrock, the Guardian of Mountain and Stone rests upon his throne of granite and bone. His Hammer of War rests atop his throne, to tame the storm never more.
It is common among Cranoxians to worship both the Crow and the Tree, knowing them to be great friends and seldom cruel gods. A new sect has begun to arise claiming Ghostmask to be the “undying” god. While each Race had their own separate gods, with the war in heaven they have not received answers from them and have taken to following the Crow and the Tree. While the Giants do worship the Crow and the Tree there is a belief among them that Balrock is merely sleeping and will awaken to reclaim the north
Ents and Dryads that are nearing the end of their life, sacrifice themselves to Chreobh, so that she might watch over and protect their saplings
A number of individuals are sacrificed to Vreka.In turn Vreka sends down a number of Storm Birds equal to the number of Sacrificed. These birds are then the castors to command for 48 hours.
Total Military Size: 127,000 Giants: 10,000 Beastmen:40,000 Humans: 45,000 Dwarves: 10,000 Elves: 10,000 Ents & Dryads: 12,000
Mainly focused on harassing the enemy, weaking them for one single confrontation. Raiders will be directed to hit the enemy when they sleep,when they are marching single file, and to crush their scavenging forces. A war of attrition if you will, the Cranoxian Union is more focused on the defensive letting the enemy come to them. As such no offensive doctrine exists at the moment.
The Cranoxian Spearman comes equipped with a 6ft spear made of Rockwood. It can be braced against enemy charges and is effective against larger opponents. A small iron dagger is used in case the enemy gets too close or is spear is destroyed. A round rockwood shield offers a protection, while still allowing the user to remain relatively agile. A leather jerkin with a fur undercoating and a fur cloak keeps the spearmen warm in the north, a wyvern scale vest serves as their protection against enemy forces.
The Swordsmen is equipped with a steel shortsword and dagger and often charges behind their beastial counterparts, filling the gap made for them. They are given a round Rockwood shield to serve as their main protection. Unlike the spearmen the Swordsmen’s armor is chainmail, reinforced wyvern scale armor beneath leather armor. The chainmail is sewn onto fur armor to help keep the swordsmen warm.
The Archers are given a Rockwood Bow and 24 steel arrows from the dwarven smiths, and 12 Fire arrows. A small steel dagger is also given to them for self defense. The archers are armored in similar fashion to the Spearmen, preferring to stay agile.
The Beastmen Axemen are given Iron chainmail to help protect them along with a leather jerkin. Their weapons consist of a variety of axes ranging from crudely forged Iron axes, to masterwork Dwarven Great axes gifted to them for their aid. Some beastmen have small shields, some carry two axes instead of one, some even carry their own great axes.
The Armored Minotaur will often lead the beastmen charges into the enemy ranks.Effortlessly cutting through the enemy ranks with brute force. The Armored taurs are often carrying either two battle axes, or one great axe. The armor they where was specially designed by Dwarven armorers to provide maximum protection and range of movement. The Armor consists of three parts: Iron chainmail over a leather jerkin, with dwarf forged metal plating next and Wyvern Scale armor to top it all off. Their weapons and armor are covered in Runes to ward off, or tear through enemy magic. The Armored Minotaur is a force to be reckoned with.
The Giant Archer is equipped with a Rockwood longbow, 32 Rock Arrows and 12 Exploding Arrows. They wear fur armor as their protection
The Giant Swordsmen are equipped with an Iron Sword, an iron dagger, and a round Rockwood shield. Their armor consists of Iron Plate with a fur interior. All swordsmen know some frost magic and will often utilize this when advancing on the enemy or in close quarters combat.
The Giant Elders wield Storm & and Ice Magic in equal measure, conjuring storms, and throwing spears of ice at their enemies.
The Pikemen carry an 8ft Rockwood pike and a small war axe at their side. For armor they come decked out in full dwarven armor, chainmail, platemail and cosy fur jacket to keep them warm.
The Dwarven Axemen carry a dwarven greataxe and a small dwarven axe. For Armor they are equipped with full Dwarven chainmail, platemail and a fur jacket. Runes dot their armor and weapons to ward off enemy magic. The Dwarven Axemen will ride into battle atop their beastmen allies enjoying the thrill of the charge.
The Grenadier carries an early grenade launcher, consisting of a modified crossbow, that they will use to propel their grenades at a charging enemy or to break a shield wall for their beastmen allies to charge through. They come equipped with 16 HE grenades and 6 Fire Grenades. Armor consists of a leather jerkin over a fur jacket, and a pair of binoculars equipped with range finders to help them target the enemy.
The Dwarven Engineers to don’t see much combat, instead preferring to build and operate any siege equipment the army may have need of. As such they tend to hand out at the back and help the other support forces. Their weapons consists of a Dwarven Warhammer while their armor is a leather jerkin over a fur jacket.
Elven Archers are equipped with a Rockwood bow and 36 steel arrows, and 12 arrows enchanted with forest magic that will turn nearby plants into extension of Chreobh’s will for her to attack the enemy through. Their armor is a leather jerkin with a fur interior with thin steel plate armor on top, the elves will often paint them with runes to ward off enemy magic, and will pant them the color of their environment to help them blend in.
Elven Archers mounted atop Direwolves, weapons and armor do not differentiate.
Elven mages know a variety of magic, ranging from simple ice and fire magic, to storm and forest magic. They perform a variety of tasks, mostly serving as the armies artillery, lobbing fireballs and thunderbolts at the enemy as well casting wards on their allies. The battlemage wears only a fur coat to keep the cold at bay.
Monstrous beings that will often throw either boulders or smaller ents at the enemy force. If they are engaged in melee they will use their massive strength to crush their opponent.
The Dryads serve as the bulk of the medical corps. Using nature magic to create medicinal herbs for remedies, bandages, and healing potions. If engaged in melee they will use Nature Magic to cause nearby plant life to consume their attackers. These counts as offering to Chreobh. If magic fails they engage in melee where they use their agility and “hands” to tear apart their enemy.
The Shadow Knights ride into combat atop Wyverns. They are equipped with 1 primitive wheel-lock rifle, 30 rounds with enough powder to for them. A steel sword, a steel dagger, and a personal weapon of their choosing. Their Armor consists of Fur Armor reinforced with wyvern scale armor. They wear a fur cloak on top and are practitioners of Storm, fire, and simple illusionary magic.
The Storm bringers serve as the Heavy Cavalry of the Cranoxian Union. They ride Wyverns into combat and their arsenal consists of one Yari, 1 Crossbow with 36 steel bolts, and 1 early grenade launcher with 4 bags of grenades each carrying 8 grenades.The Armor of the Storm Bringer consists of Wyvern scale armor atop Steel chainmail armor. A thick Fur jacket is worn to help keep the Storm Bringers warm. Storm Bringers know Storm Magic and Ice magic and will often rain a variety of spells down on their enemies.
The Dwarven Aircorp members are equipped with fur jackets and carry an assortment of tools. They are trained in the use of Crossbows to help protect the ship from attackers
The Dwarven Airship has 4 ballistas on each side with only two at the front and back. It is lightly armored.
The Dwarven Airship comes with 6 cannons on each side with one larger cannon at the front to serve as a bow chaser . The airship is lightly armored and comes equipped with a fire fighting system.
Elvish Archers Mounted atop Wyverns. Weapons and armor remain the same.
Command of the “Navy” has been given over to the former pirate Grimwald Stenzel. In exchange for his life, he shall be the Admiral of the Union Navy. Being a Pirate he favors speed and maneuverability over outright confrontation, harassing slower ships and picking them off one by one. Given the small size of the Navy this has been found acceptable.
Used to outmaneuver larger vessels the long ship carries 100 warriors and can be used to board enemy ships.
A Cargo Transport, these ships haven’t seen much action in recent years, however they are more than capable of transporting a great many troops and supplies.
Unite the North: To survive the coming tempest, the north must stand united as one union of differing cultures and races “Separate we are but snow being tossed around by a storm. Together, we ARE the storm” ~ Common saying to inspire unity among warriors.
The Northern Wyverns differ in both size and appearance from their southern brothers. The Average N. Wyvern is around the size of a large horse. Their rocky scales serve as a form of defense from slashing weapons like swords which it is effectively impervious to unless struck in the underbelly area. Their scales also offer protection from anything with less punch than a ballista, effortlessly shrugging of crossbow bolts and bullets. Their fire breath is known to burn hotter than most other types of Wyverns, and is capable of melting rocks in a relatively short period of time. N. Wyverns often live in packs, with the alpha being the toughest. In order to compete for the title of Alpha the challenging wyvern and the alpha will, ram against each other with their horns, as well are release bouts of fire into each others faces. These flames don’t seem to have much effect on each other which has lead me to believe that their scales are incredible heat resistant, this was further confirmed and expanded upon when I witnessed a Wyvern be struck by lightning and shrug it off as if it was nothing. This allows me to theorize that Wyvern Scales are both heat resistant and is a very effective insulator. The Bite force of an N. Wyvern is quite frankly, terrifying, capable of crushing rocks, and tearing apart steel. The Wyvern possess great strength and agility, dive bombing Giants in order to bring them down and feast, a Wyvern is more than capable of swooping down and picking up an armored taur, while at the same time is agile enough to dash through forests on foot, or weave through storms. capable of finding a path through storms even while blind. This leads me to believe they have some sort of connection with storms, what that is I do not know.
A Massive tree similar in appearance to a pine tree. Where the two differ however is that the bark of the Rockwood is grey like that of stone. The Wood itself shows some fire resistance is literally as hard as a rock. Hence the name, even though it shows incredible durability the northern elves have mastered this woods secrets and have bent it to their will, crafting bows, shields, and even armor.
Hi, how are you all doing? I have a little experience in nation roleplays set in a modern setting, but I'm more into fantasy and sci-fi. I hope I can do a good job, and It's nice to meet you all. (Even though I technically can't see you.)
