Lone Wanderer

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

King Alaric I

O Lord our God arise

"Afore we adjourn, there is but one more matter I intend to meet this day." King Alaric spoke as he sat up from his throne. The heavy cloak he bore across his shoulders of a royal blue, it's trim lined with fur and a clasp of gold across the heart, whispered lightly across the floor as Alaric stepped down from his throne and the slight plinth it sat upon. At it's foot he neared his champion, Jarl, whose longsword's edge met stone as he stood there clad in chain-mail and half-plate. With a nod the warrior turned the blade's hilt towards the King who clasped it and turned aside, blade now in hand.

"Baron Conrad Sforza, we bid you approach. Approach and kneel, and arise a Duke of this realm... With this blade I would dub thee Duke of the Duchy of Lussex. Under your charge may these lands never falter, nor face hardships nor tribulation, may they prosper and stand tall."

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It would be some weeks following the First Council's end that James Conrad's letter would arrive at the capital. It bore news of starving peoples in the Summit and of a growing fear of the Order of the Wasps amongst it's populace. Furthermore no levies, iron or gold, had been seen from the Summit during the season and it was suspected that nor would they come. As night fell upon the capital the same day the Duke's letter had arrived, a raven, as white as snow, was released into the night sky with a letter of ink adorned by the royal seal. It's destination however would not be the Summit, but to the wild lands of Lussex.

Royal Command for Duke Sforza

To Duke Conrad Sforza, Duke of Lussex and Protector of the Lussex River

You are hereby commanded by order of the crown to ensure the provision of the King's justice. Yours is the charge in the name of His Majesty King Alaric, first of his name and King of Osteria, to assemble a host of men and deliver unto the Duke James Conrad a Royal Summons to present himself at once to the capital. The Duke has failed in his most sacred of duties and has allowed his peoples to starve under his governance and furthermore has failed to provide the levies and taxes of which is expected of all landowning nobility. The King's command is that you ensure these Royal Summons are answered, and this his beleaguered subjects within the Summit are fed with grain and foodstuffs destined from the capital to be administered under your careful guidance.

Respectfully,
Maester Willmot

Royal Summons for Duke Conrad

To Duke James Conrad, Duke of the Summit

By the command of His Majesty King Alaric, first of his name and King of Osteria, you are hereby summoned by royal decree to present oneself before His Majesty the King at the capital of Tythmas. You are to answer in person the reasoning behind your failure in your duties to His Majesty in administering his realm by your own admittance, in allowing his subjects to starve and for your failure in your duties to provide the royal tax. Laws which abide by no man but His Majesties divine mandate.

Respectfully,
Maester Willmot

The Color of Insanity

Boletarian Empire

Boletarian Empire

Nation Overview & Government

A sleeping land with age-old traditions and ways of doing things whose rise happened in association with the decline of neighboring rival powers, most prominently the Zellonian Empire. Across the sweeping plains of Boletaria lay vast fields tended to by serfs and the peasantry whilst the nobility resides within their grand estates. Here, the feudal way of life remains so entrenched within society that only until recently have they begun to slowly become undone. Serfs, little more than indentured workers are as tied to the land as cattle, and with almost as few rights whilst an entrenched nobility holds all the trappings of wealth.

The Boletarian Empire is an old nation with old ideas, A Tsar rules the realm in the name of absolute monarchy and divine mandate. The House of Veliko have ruled the Empire for 5 centuries with the current Tsar Alorik II being the natural continuation of the Veliko dynasty.

Ethnicity

Geography

Map Claim

Culture/Society

The Boletarian Empire is by large an agrarian and rural society.

Economy/Industry

What resources do you import and export? Is your strength in industry or agriculture? Do you produce anything especially coveted or unique? Geography will play a role here. No state is wholly self-sufficient.

Military

We aren’t looking for numbers or pinpoint-accurate troop demographics; please do not include them. Give us an overview of your military: What does your fighting force do well? What kind of equipment do you use? How is your army organized? Do you have a color scheme? You are free to embellish this section with famous regiments, battles and historical commanders. Have fun, but be sensible. Technology should reflect the early Napoleonic era or the later 18th century (Keeping it simple, just don’t go beyond 1815) and portray the norm, not the exception.

History

Self-explanatory. This doesn't need to be long; just informative. We encourage players to collaborate and create shared history, in fact, it is almost necessary. No nation exists in a vacuum.

Relations

As above. Collaborate with other players.

Characters

Optional section. Put any info about any special characters here: kings or queens, military leaders, and hero “badasses”.

WIP

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

King Alaric I

Long May He Reign

"Thank you, Pastor." Alaric Gyre spoke as a knight of Silk and Iron returned the Vinossian Pastor his tome. "You have my word that I shall do all within my power to ensure the Faith stands as stalwart as in the days of old. For Vinos lies as deeply within my heart as any within this Kingdom and whilst this crown rests upon my head I will do all I can." Alaric declared before his gaze turned to the Duke Demotarius. "I understand your grievances my Duke. It is however a necessity that the Church, that venerable institution to which we all look to guidance for, is maintained by the Realm which it guides. Do know however that your wise council is known."

The King would only watch on in silence as Duke Conrad left the throne room. A scowl hid itself well upon Alaric's face as he watched the man leave, the Council had not yet finished and this petulant Duke had taken it upon himself to walk away. Unsaid words fell away upon his lips as the emissaries from the Elven and Dwarven realms were admitted into the throne room. Another time, Conrad.

First came the Dwarves. "Master Dwarves. It is an honour, and you do me too much with such a fine gift. The Realm and it's peoples thank you and it is upon that same merry note that I can do nothing but accept this agreement for trade. Dwarven goods shall find many a home amongst our people just as surely as ours shall within Marak, of that I hold no doubt." The King spoke in a measured tone. His tone bore a hint of warmth, enough that one might find friendship in if they tried, but not enough so that those he spoke to forgot he was a King.

Following the bearded folk came the ethereal folk of the woodlands. Elves. The approach of hooded figures had several knights of the Silk and Iron taking steps forward whilst the King offered his reply to the Elven Prince. "You shall find Osteria to be a stalwart nation of stalwart peoples, Prince Galonos." The King replied somewhat testily. "I too would like to see an improvement in relations between our two peoples, and a trade agreement is something which I can easily accept."

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Just a heads up to everyone. I've updated my latest post with my choice for Spymaster to push things along.

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

King Alaric I

The King leant back in his throne as he silently reflected. Several nobles - The venerable Baron Sforza, the solicitous Duke Conrad, the accomplished Lord Stolt, the beguiling Duchess Allard and the stalwart Duchess Keto who he'd left a Duchy. All had stepped forth and spoken and he'd listened to them all with an attentiveness. A few long seconds passed as Alaric mulled their words and his own thoughts over within his head. With some concern the young King watched the receding backs of both his advisor and his Holiness the Ecclesiast, unwilling to create a scene however he would trust in Thorne to do what was right as they left the throne room. Not however without a nod to the Knight of Silk and Iron who stood besides the door they were leaving through, to which the Knight would fall in lockstep behind the pair as they left. It simply would not do to leave both his own personal advisor and his holiness unprotected and unguarded. To the keenest amongst the council and for those who were looking, eleven knights, all of the Silk and Iron, remained within the King's throne room.

"You all honour me, truly. I believe I have made up my mind." Alaric spoke. "Lord Jerran Gades Stolt, I would name you my Marshal. Your words honour the memory of my father who spoke well and often of you, and you hold the support of those within the council. I would have no other man command the Black Army... I know you will forgive me my Lord Sforza, I know you to be a fine and capable leader of men, and it is for this reason I would have you continue your lordship over the lands of Lussex in defense of the realm." The King spoke with a nod to both men.

"In regards to the position of Spymaster..." The King lingered for a second. His thoughts turning to how quickly and easily an assassin of the Order of the Wasp had only moments ago approached both him and his advisor. He doubted even Jarl would have got to the man had he harbored ill intent before it would have been too late. Whom he chose now would wield such power, he had to trust them implicitly. In truth he knew little about either of the two Dukes though he found himself in favor of the Lady Allard. James Conrad whilst undoubtedly competent was a man surrounded in the vilest of rumors and had been removed from the past King's own council, assuredly for good reason. The Duchess on the other hand he knew even less off, though he couldn't deny her charisma nor the seeming competence displayed in her first few words on the post.

"Duchess Anfel Allard, I would name you my Spymaster. To shield this realm from vile intrigues and deceit shall be your charge."

With his council now chosen. Alaric turned his mind to that of the Faith and the Vinossian Cleric whom represented them alongside his Holiness himself. "Honoured Cleric, would thou have any words for us on behalf of the Faith?"

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

King Alaric I

The last three days had swept by in a blur of magnificence and splendor even Alaric couldn't quite describe. Alaric was a King by both noble and Divine mandate with the Faith itself having cast a vote in his name. A crown rested upon his head and the Second Osterian Kingdom was his, his to govern, to rule, his responsibility. Would it be wrong to say he had enjoyed the ceremony, the spectacle caused by his ascendancy? Even the throne room around him commanded respect, commanded dignity as the purple banners of House Gyre hung upon each stone wall and flew from standards atop the walls.

His hands clutched the stone arms of his throne as he listened intently to his advisor Thorne whilst his eyes wandered across the assembled nobility. Carved by Dwarves it was said, the Throne was a sight to behold. A great stone seat, it's hard grey surface inlaid with an intricate metal design of an equally fine craft. This seat of power had history, a lineage of Kings and Alaric was to be the latest addition to it's long tale. He would endeavor to make his a worthy one.

"My Lords and Ladies. We welcome you." Alaric spoke as he regarded his Council after a grateful nod to his advisor. "We gather here today, as you know in the first of our councils, to talk of the realm. The fate of which lies upon us to protect, to guide and it requires our guidance now. Let us meet these matters swiftly and surely... I am aware that I had made promises of these positions of which we are to discuss, promises I am wont to disregard lest it be for the betterment of the Realm. I will however offer any among you the chance to speak freely now regarding the noble seats of Marshal and Spymaster upon my Council, now that you have all heard what would be required of you." The King however wouldn't leave an opening before moving onto another, more, sensitive subject.

"Afore you speak however, I wish to entertain the second issue of this evening. This Crown has ordained that the levying of iron, grain and gold under Good Lord Timmault might remain the same until the need for recourse makes itself necessary or until such a time that we face a dire change in the state of our Kingdom." The King declared.

"Now, I would invite any aspirant for those valued positions of Marshal and Spymaster to step forth, and say your piece so that I might make judgement. Following that, I would invite our honored Cleric of the Faith to represent the most hallowed Church of Vinos."

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Duke Alaric Gyre

Alaric Gyre had spent the morning within the royal gardens of Tythmas. Head bowed and knees bent, his sword lay in the damp grass before him under the shade of a willow tree which kept the worst of the assaulting rain away. Eyes closed, the young Duke found himself in prayer, he was a religious man yes, but a devout man, no. To him religion was not something which defined a man, but guided him, and that was what Alaric looked for under the willows. Guidance. Guidance in what was to come. The King and his father lay dead, the Ceremony was almost upon them and he found himself a Duke. Times were changing.

And fast. Thought Alaric as his mind turned back to the present, to the council chambers, to the two claimants and to the platters of famed Marethian cuisine of pastries and delights which adorned every table. From his chair within the chamber, it was clear two aspirants has risen above the rest. Enough eager votes had been cast that should a new man put forward his name it would assure the victory of another if no vote could be turned. Part of him willed himself to put forth his own name regardless, could he serve the realm better than the two lords already vying for the throne? Or would it be a wasted endeavor which could only cut ties and burn bridges? A man surrounded in vile rumors of kinslaying and intrigue, or a warrior-lord past his prime boasting of the natural fertility of his lands?

"My Lords, my lady." Duke Alaric Gyre spoke as he rose from his seat. "I believe none here could question the courage and honour of my late lord father who was slain fighting alongside our beloved King. He was a just man, a good man, and it is with those values which he instilled upon me that I would pledge forth my own name for the honour of Kingship... I realize many among you will not know me, perhaps worry for my age or a lack of experience. I believe no-man is truly prepared for the responsibilities a King might bear, but I believe I might with your aid my lords do so. I have in mind the council I would assemble should you find me worthy of such an honour, a council formed not of bias or of how one voted, but of merit and for the betterment of the realm."

Alaric allowed a pause as his eyes found those of whom he would speak. "Lord Gerantius, you speak of the prosperity of your Duchy and I believe as you have said, that such a prosperity might be found within the entire realm under your administration. I would name you Royal Steward as my prominent advisor in matters of administration of the realm... Lord Stolt, you are perhaps the most experienced man in matters of war among us, your family has guarded the Southern Reaches for years and you are known to be a man of honour and fine ability. I would name you Marshal... Duke Conrad, I would have you serve as Spymaster of the realm. A position that will not be known beyond this room and council, but of great importance to the realm you serve and I believe, complimentary with your own ability... My Duchess Allard, I would name you Chancellor. Serving as advisor in matters of diplomacy and foreign affairs in our dealings with our neighbors in the Dwarves and Elves, with whom I would seek further diplomatic relations with you at the helm of this undertaking... Good Lord Demotoraius, you are a man of known military ability and a master of strategy, I would have you serve the realm as Master of the Order of Celeres, with a seat on the council, your charge would be to lead the Order and it's 7,000 knights. To bring back the days of glory and honour it once commanded and serve as a beacon to the realm." The Duke paused for a moment as he reached the most delicate part of his promises. "And finally, good Baron Sforza. I have only once in my life bore witness to the great floodplains which you and your stout fellows protect the realm from. I have seen the importance of your presence there and I would have the Barony of Lussex, raised to the state of Dukedom to be henceforth dubbed the Duchy of Lussex in recognition of this fact with yourself being raised to my council as Lord Spiritual. Furthermore I would pledge to support this important province in the defense of the realm, financial aid from the crown so that it shan't stand alone against the monsters which threaten this realm."

The Duke sensed he was talking a lot, but there lay another subject yet to be broached. "In regards to the savage orcs of the south. I would follow noble Lord Gerantis. We should allow a short time of rearmament, of preparation and recruitment whilst seeking assurances from the Dwarves and Elves. We cannot however wait too long, to do so would allow the orc hordes to amass in greater numbers and strength than that which ambushed our most revered King. I say we allow a short time of rest, before we embark once more upon the Crusade good King Timault began. Honored lords and ladies, thank you." With that, Alaric fell back into his seat. Silently, he steeled himself against whatever might follow. Wrathful words? Insults? Praises?

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Name of Lord/Lady
Duke Alaric Gyre

Physical Description:
A man evidently of high and regal birth. Alaric does not evoke the learned scholar nor the hardened warrior in his physique but that of the Jauneaun noble lord. Boasting a respectable height and musculature expected of one who has trained for war, Alaric maintains a well-tended-to appearance of shoulder-length dark brown hair and a well kept beard framing a stern face with keen green eyes. Despite what his appearance may suggest, the Duke bears himself as a warrior would and is not unknowing when it comes to war, having seen his own, if limited share of combat and of command, for it would be a poor duke indeed who ruled the realm which housed the great Military Academy without a martial ability of his own.

The Duke can be found most often in rather humble attire of fine cloths lacking in the heraldry and decor most usually expected of a man in his position, with finer attire being kept for appearances at court or beyond the borders of the Duchy. A rather frugal man infected with the humbleness of his people, he is indeed.

Claimed Fief:

Duchy of Jauneau

A thin strip of land between the Southern Reaches and the central plateaus, Jauneau is thick with babbling brooks, meadows and peace and quiet. The people there are some of the most humble. Jauneau has a long tenured history of nobility within Osteria, and it is in Jauneau's feathered plains that the Osterian Military Academy stands, training men of the Black Army every season.
STATS: 200,000 Citizens | 2,000 Men-at-Arms, 1,000 Cavalry, 1,000 Knights | Produces 4 Grain/3 Gold/2 Iron | Basic Roads | 1 Grand Fortress | Requires 3 Grain/Season. | 0 Unrest

Basic History:
House Gyre has ruled Jauneau for decades and Alaric is the natural continuation of that order. Having been raised from birth as firstborn of his House, Alaric has received an education as befitting his rank, understanding both the running of a realm and the social graces expected of his position. An education further augmented by his early years of adulthood being spent at the Osterian Military Academy whilst his father ruled the Duchy and campaigned abroad alongside the late King.

It would be on one of these campaigns in which Alaric's father would meet his death fighting to the last in protection of the late King Timault, in a confrontation with orcs of the Blackmouth Clan which would result not only in the death of his father, but of the King. An event which has forced Alaric to step up to the title of Duke and rule his father's realm at the relatively young age of 21. It has only been a short-while since Alaric was named Duke, but he has thus far proved to be a capable ruler, just and fair of morals albeit lacking in experience.

Background: Champion (Bonus to Combat Rolls)

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Name of Lord/Lady
Duke Alaric Gyre

Physical Description:
A man evidently of high and regal birth. Alaric does not evoke the learned scholar nor the hardened warrior in his physique but that of the Jauneaun noble lord. Boasting a respectable height and musculature expected of one who has trained for war, Alaric maintains a well-tended-to appearance of shoulder-length dark brown hair and a well kept beard framing a stern face with keen green eyes. Despite what his appearance may suggest, the Duke bears himself as a warrior would and is not unknowing when it comes to war, having seen his own, if limited share of combat and of command, for it would be a poor duke indeed who ruled the realm which housed the great Military Academy without a martial ability of his own.

The Duke can be found most often in rather humble attire of fine cloths lacking in the heraldry and decor most usually expected of a man in his position, with finer attire being kept for appearances at court or beyond the borders of the Duchy. A rather frugal man infected with the humbleness of his people, he is indeed.

Claimed Fief:
Duchy of Jauneau

Basic History:
House Gyre has ruled Jauneau for decades and Alaric is the natural continuation of that order. Having been raised from birth as firstborn of his House, Alaric has received an education as befitting his rank, understanding both the running of a realm and the social graces expected of his position. An education further augmented by his early years of adulthood being spent at the Osterian Military Academy whilst his father ruled the Duchy and campaigned abroad alongside the late King.

It would be on one of these campaigns in which Alaric's father would meet his death fighting to the last in protection of the late King Timault, in a confrontation with orcs of the Blackmouth Clan which would result not only in the death of his father, but of the King. An event which has forced Alaric to step up to the title of Duke and rule his father's realm at the relatively young age of 21. It has only been a short-while since Alaric was named Duke, but he has thus far proved to be a capable ruler, just and fair of morals albeit lacking in experience.

Background: Champion (Bonus to Combat Rolls)

The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria

Interested and declaring my claim on the Duchy of Jauneau.