I'm intrigued.
Madrigal Member
Gentleman, Rogue, Medical Professional
STATUS: A glass of wine, an empty mind, a guitar, and someone to play it. That is true happiness. 7 yrs ago
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A glass of wine, an empty mind, a guitar, and someone to play it. That is true happiness.
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Precisely why my faction is completely agrarian. That and the crippling poverty of the region. Trade hubs could well spring up along the path of a Silk Road equivalent, and this could potentially be a source of wealth. Some inland nations did manage to grow quite wealthy from this route in the past. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Almaty spring to mind. That would require a few things however.
Firstly, centralization. The Silk Road first became active during the year 200 B.C. or so. This was the height of the Han Dynasty in China. The road expanded to Europe in about 30 B.C., when Rome began conquering portions of the Middle East. Rome was not only a power at this time, but the Parthian Empire in modern day Iran was one as well, connecting the two. Trade diminished in 400 A.D. however, coinciding with the collapse of much of Rome, as well as the Jin dynasty in China. The Silk Road was only fully restored with the growth of the Mongol Empire nearly a thousand years later. Put simply, to enable trade over vast distances, you require powerful nations to protect it. Assuming the Caliphate had a reliable lake and river trade network along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, and the Khanate can expand to the Rockies, this point is actually a fair possibility.
Next, it requires overland trade routes to be the only possible method of travel. I think this one's safe. Beyond the Great Lakes and the Mississippi, there are few river routes that can be reliably used for trade, and without the Panama Canal, ships would have to circle South America to reach the East Coast. Though another overland route may well appear in Tabernacle and Alamao. You also need trade goods, but this is actually less important. It certainly helps, but simply networking resources from foreign nations and manufacturing them or even facilitating trade can be enough.
Finally, you need relative peace between the empires along the trade route. The Silk Road may have been active during the time of Rome and Parthia/Sassanid Persia, but trade always suffered during the wars between Rome and Persia. This one is more questionable, and given the Khan's disposition, it might not be possible. I'm warning you all now I've deliberately set my nation up to be that neighbor who sits on his porch, silently polishing his guns in front of his trailer. Khan Seigeisel is violent and unpredictable. He might offer trade and an alliance as a buffer against a mutual threat, or he might storm across the border and take your stuff because he feels like it.
What I'm trying to say is I'm going to be a Tier 1 jerk to you guys. Not exactly the best first impression for a newbie on the site, but hopefully my charm and tact will help you forget the fact that I know what is best in life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APnkThjkaDo
Thank you kindly, Mr. Nerevarine. Hope it was worth the read.
Firstly, centralization. The Silk Road first became active during the year 200 B.C. or so. This was the height of the Han Dynasty in China. The road expanded to Europe in about 30 B.C., when Rome began conquering portions of the Middle East. Rome was not only a power at this time, but the Parthian Empire in modern day Iran was one as well, connecting the two. Trade diminished in 400 A.D. however, coinciding with the collapse of much of Rome, as well as the Jin dynasty in China. The Silk Road was only fully restored with the growth of the Mongol Empire nearly a thousand years later. Put simply, to enable trade over vast distances, you require powerful nations to protect it. Assuming the Caliphate had a reliable lake and river trade network along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, and the Khanate can expand to the Rockies, this point is actually a fair possibility.
Next, it requires overland trade routes to be the only possible method of travel. I think this one's safe. Beyond the Great Lakes and the Mississippi, there are few river routes that can be reliably used for trade, and without the Panama Canal, ships would have to circle South America to reach the East Coast. Though another overland route may well appear in Tabernacle and Alamao. You also need trade goods, but this is actually less important. It certainly helps, but simply networking resources from foreign nations and manufacturing them or even facilitating trade can be enough.
Finally, you need relative peace between the empires along the trade route. The Silk Road may have been active during the time of Rome and Parthia/Sassanid Persia, but trade always suffered during the wars between Rome and Persia. This one is more questionable, and given the Khan's disposition, it might not be possible. I'm warning you all now I've deliberately set my nation up to be that neighbor who sits on his porch, silently polishing his guns in front of his trailer. Khan Seigeisel is violent and unpredictable. He might offer trade and an alliance as a buffer against a mutual threat, or he might storm across the border and take your stuff because he feels like it.
What I'm trying to say is I'm going to be a Tier 1 jerk to you guys. Not exactly the best first impression for a newbie on the site, but hopefully my charm and tact will help you forget the fact that I know what is best in life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APnkThjkaDo
Thank you kindly, Mr. Nerevarine. Hope it was worth the read.
Thank you, kind sir. Epic moniker, by the by.
You may not be a teen, but you're clearly young at heart. Not the worst trait to have, especially when you hit eighty.
Oh. My. God.
You're a luny too! And a Monty Python fan to boot. The site feels like home already.
Ah, I suppose that means I'm the wise old elder on the site...this can only end well.
Its a little rougher than I was hoping, but I didn't have the time I was hoping for to work on this further. I'll probably tinker with it tomorrow. In the meantime however:
Khanate of Geiselne
Government Structure: Tribal Confederation
Leader(s):
Khan Seigeisel: A one-time mercenary who participated in the former Khanate’s wars against the Caliphate and the former Kingdom of Oxhall. The sellsword Blutigarm came to prominence after his horsemen captured the city of Oxhall, before becoming Khan of his own tribal confederacy. Seigeisel has a reputation as a callous and calculating figure, willingly using violence and intimidation as tools of state.
Ghenges Reiteherschen—The elderly Chieftain of the Tribe of Horse Lords, Ghenges was named for a great conqueror of a past empire. A lifelong friend and advisor to the old Khan Helleschar, the Chieftain refused to fight by the Khan’s side when he set out to kill Blutigarm, stating raising sword against a servant of the Khanate was an affront to Amur. Ghenges came to regret this choice when the Khan was slain in battle, and his son deposed. He joined the new Khanate’s council, hoping to guide the new Khan with temperance and piety. Childless in spite of his concubines and prayers, the now seventy year old Chieftain has grown quite depressed at the realization the Chieftain to succeed him will be a young warrior who idolizes his new Khan.
Efeuger Daggreif—The Tribe of the Dawn Griffin is among the most illustrious and respected names in all Amureik, said to be descended from the Prophet of Amur himself. The tribe is large, with many young members famed for their skill in combat. Chieftain Efeuger Daggreif is no less respected. Known as the ‘Ivy Spear’, the young Efeuger slew his first Chwarkin with an ivy-coated old spear. Young and glory-hungry, he was one of the first to flock to Seigeisel when he raised the banner of his new Khanate. It is said Efeuger’s eyes glisten with joy at the sound of battle.
Kunegunde Helleschar—The eldest child of Khan Kaisimir, the princess Kunegunde could already ride as well as any warrior by the time she was seven. Yet the Helleschar--'Brilliant Sword’--Tribe had no place for a female heir. Despite her own dreams of leading her father’s men in battle, Kunegunde was little more than a pawn to her father, to be wedded to win an alliance from a Weiskin or a truce with a Chwarkin. The fall of her father’s Khanate however would prove her opportunity for greatness. After the death of her father, Kunegunde quickly asserted herself as the ruler of the Helleschar Tribe. Seeing the chance to bring the tribe of his former overlord into his new confederation, Siegeisel nurtured her power. The only female Chieftain to serve the Khan, Kunegunde has a reputation for callous and capricious deeds to maintain her power.
Urhard Krietheud—The War People or Kretheud are a tribe aptly named. One of the more warlike tribes, they are also considered one of the most honorable. Kretheud are aggressive and proud, preferring to defeat their enemies fairly. Not for haughty concepts such as honor, but to prove their own skill at the art of war. Urhard is no different, with a history of raids, sieges and battles to his name. The Kreitheuds maintained a Khanate of their own, refusing confederations with other tribes in favor of their nomadic ways. Many of their young warriors became mercenaries serving under the mercenary Blutigarm, regaling their tribe with tales of conquest and plunder. Eventually, Chieftain Urhard Kreitheud chose to ally with the famed Seigeisel Khan rather than see his youth leave one by one to join the Khanate.
Other Characters:
Khan Kaisimir Helleschar: The former Khan of Helleschar and the leader of its tribe, he was seventeenth in his family line at the time of his death. Though a capable enough leader when at the height of his power, his inconclusive war with the Caliphate and the treaty with Oxhall has given him a reputation among the Khanate’s youth. Warriors who were only boys at the time see Kaisimir as a weak and cowardly ruler, slain in battle by Khan Seigeisel.
Heike Helleschar: Born feeble and sick, the heir of House Helleschar had never even set foot on a battlefield when his father died. Lacking loyalists to assert his claim and with his tribe deserting him for his elder sister, the weak Heike fled for the Kingdom of Alamoa. The boy travels from province to province, always in the wake of an army or official for fear of encountering another Amurik tribe, seeking support from political and military leaders to reassert his claim as Khan of his father’s tribes.
Twice-Born Bison: Captured in a battle with the Chwarskin Oglala Sioux tribe, Twice-Born Bison served his tribe as a shaman and Baptist preacher. After his capture by the Khanate’s forces, Twice-Born has been kept at the Khan’s court as a hostage. As one of the few educated men in court, Twice-Born has taken to transcribing what he has witnessed during his time spent among the Geiselne Khanate.
Culture: From the foothills of the Yukon to beyond the Rio Grande, wandering tribes of nomads may be found, tending to their herds or embarking for war on plains and praries. These are the Amurik People. Horsemen descended from various Midwestern towns, ranches and farms spared by atomic fire, these tribes have wandered beneath Amur’s own sky for centuries.
Individually Amurik tribes are quite peaceful, only attacking settlers who encroach on their territory or travelers who refuse to pay for safe passage. At times however tribes will gather into confederations. Meant to defend their lands against aggression or retake their rightful soil, these tribes are typically led by the most successful chieftain among the group, who is granted a new title out of respect. Among the Chwarkin, both ‘High Chieftain’ and ‘Warchief’ are common titles. The Weiskin however prefer the title of ‘Khan’. The Khan is the supreme authority over the Khanate, though his power comes from the support of his Chieftains. If his influence over these Chieftains wanes, they may reduce their tribute, send fewer warriors in times of conflict, or even withdraw support. Small Khanates may be found here and there along the plains, though the most powerful is the Geiselne Khanate along the northern plains of the former United States.
Culturally, the Amurik people are divided into two groups. Chwarkin (‘Dark People’) and ‘Weiskin’ (‘Pale People’). The term ‘Chwarkin’ came about more than five centuries prior, when the Native Americans began to adopt the lifestyle of their forefathers. It can be used to refer to others such as Latinos, Hindis, Arabs and blacks. Chwarkin are regarded not as inferiors, but rather an alien ‘other’, to be ignored, avoided or repelled as the situation warrants. Weiskin on the other hand refers to nomadic tribes of lighter tones. Though East Asians and Jews fit into this group, the term is overwhelmingly used to refer to Caucasians. Most Weiskin can trace their ancestry back to German, Scandinavian or Polish settlers who came to the region centuries ago. Piety, hardwork and self-reliance are all traits prized by the Weiskin, as is skill in war.
Unlike their neighbors, English is uncommon as a first language. Fewer than one in three Amurik nomads speak English with any degree of fluency. Instead they speak Amurik, a bizarre hodgepodge of English, German, Scandinavian, Polish and Native American words. Amurik dialects are quite abundant. The form of Amurik spoken by the Daggreif or Helleschar of the Dakotas can vary considerably from the tribes along the Rio Grande or Rocky Mountains. There is no formal written form of the language, with most priests and scholars writing in English, German or Arabic instead.
The chief religion of the Amurik is Amur Christianity. Though it follows the central tenets of Christianity, it incorporates elements of traditional Native American faiths and Germanic paganism into itself. For instance, it is believed that Thor is a spirit in service of Amur or God. The will of Amur is interpreted by Shamans, who look to divinations and communions with the natural world to read Amur’s intentions. Amur was passed on by the prophet of Amur centuries prior, who taught that the war was punishment from Amur for straying from His will. Though not explicitly condemned by Amur scripture, it is often held that sedentary lifestyles and a reliance on technology is an affront to Amur, and nations with large urban populations are often looked down upon. They hold that all the land beneath the sun and between the waters is the Amureik, the kingdom of God, free for His people to wander, explore and protect, and any that would deny His people passage are to be expunged from the Amureik.
Demographics:
Race:
Caucasian: 74%
Native American: 9%
Latin American: 5%
African American: 4%
Arabic: 3%
Asian: 2%
Semitic: 2%
Religion:
Amur Christianity: 68%
Christian (Protestant): 17%
Islam (Reformed): 7%
Christian (Catholic): 5%
Christian (Mormon): 2%
Traditional Native American: 1%
Nation History:
After the fall of the United States, much of the East and West coasts were left in ruins, Hundreds of thousands were dead in mere moments. The Midwest on the other hand was virtually untouched. Few military targets or population centers stood in the Great Plains, leaving dozens of small cities and towns standing in the wake of the war. At first, these small towns shifted into city states and tiny nations, relying on interconnecting networks of trade to survive. After the first few years however the situation began to deteriorate. Native American tribes abandoned their impoverished reservations, taking up their ancestral heritage. Some say the conflict between the Chwarkin and Weiskin began with the Chwarkin raiding villages. Others say the fearful Weiskin attacked roving Chwarkin bands. In either case, this was the beginning of the blood feud between the Weis and the Chwar.
This only changed with the coming of the Prophet of Amur.
Records of the Prophet have been lost, but it is said he was a tall man, whose skin glowed a dark green. Claiming to be a prophet sent by Christ, he taught the people of the Midwest how to survive. How to ride. To hunt. Craft a composite bow. He traveled from town to town, urging the citizens to abandon their impoverished settlements in favor of the wide open plains. These tribes would spread across North America, with some ranging as far afield as the North Passage, and as far south as central Mexico. At times, these tribes would form confederations. Khanates. Geiselne was no different, rising from the fading ashes of the confederation before it.
Sixteen years ago, an ambitious mercenary known as ‘Blutigarm’ appeared in the court of Kaisimer Helleschar. Skilled in battle and with a small band of mercenaries at his side, he was hired by the Khan for his upcoming planned war with the Caliphate. Though the war would prove to be a futile endeavor for both sides--ending in a humiliating final battle and a White Peace with no lands gained or lost--Blutigarm distinguished himself in the war, winning more followers. He joined Kaisimer’s army in the subsequent war against the kingdom of Oxhall, taking half their lands before the Khan chose to end the war. Blutigarm however was not satisfied. On the eve of negotiations, Blutigarm launched a surprise attack on Castle Oxhall. Though said to be unassailable even by the Khan, Blutigarm succeeded in taking the Castle and its town. His archers lined the walls, releasing volleys of arrows on the surprised guards even as his lancers ran down all resistance in the streets. The unexpected victory won Blutigarm much praise, even from many esteemed Chieftains, and made the Khan look weak and cowardly by comparison. Outraged that a mere mercenary would overshadow his own reputation, Khan Kaisimer Helleschar rode out with what forces he had, intent on crushing Blutigarm’s small army. Instead of cowering away in the captured fortress, Blutigarm chose to ride out and meet the Khan, bearing the banner of Oxhall’s citadel in one hand and waving it tauntingly at Khan Helleschar. The sight of this caused the elderly Khan to fly into a rage, and he led his forces in a charge. The mercenary did likewise. When the two armies parted hours later, the Khan was found trampled to death where their lines first met. Lacking a firm leader to take his place, the army of Helleschar withdrew.
Though Helleschar’s son attempted to take his father’s place, his young heir was widely despised among the various tribes. Seen as inept, unintelligent and weak, his few loyalists melted away when the boy fled in fear from his father’s Khanate. Now with no heir, the chieftains convened to determine what was to be done. It was at this meeting that a shaman informed the chieftains that it was the will of Amur that Blutigarm should be Khan. A mere two weeks later, the former mercenary was hailed as the new Khan. He took a new name, Seigeisel--Victorious Scourge--and applied that name to both his new tribe and his Khanate. For the past eight years, Seigeisel has quietly been consolidating his control over the numerous other clans (both Chwar and Weis) in his domain. Though for the first time in a decade, rumors of scouting parties from the Khanate are emerging from the borders of the Caliphate, Tabernacle Empire and Alamao Kingdom. Rumors that may be far more than idle gossip. With an abundance of young warriors who view him as a living legend, Khan Seigeisel is in place to assert his rule across the Amureik, even against the nations that would divide it as their own.
Description of Economy: The Tribes of Amureik are primarily agrarian, producing herd animals such as horses, cattle, bison, sheep and goats. This income is supplemented by plunder won in conflicts with other factions, and tolls imposed on merchants and travelers through their territory. Any merchant from the Tabernacle Empire or Alamoa Kingdom seeking trade with the Caliphate would be expected to pay the Scourging Khan his due.
The wealth of tribes is primarily dependent upon how much livestock they own. Tribes with larger herds are inherently seen as wealthier than those with smaller ones. Though the Khanate has its own currency—golden coins known as Dul—most trade between Amuriks is done through a barter economy, with only the Warriors, Shamans, Merchants and more prominent Artisans making use of the Dul.
Description of Military:
The Amurik tribes are horsemen, through and through, and their military reflects this. Each tribe has a Warrior Caste, with each maintaining their own horse and arms. Mounted cavalry is divided into two types. Mounted archers and lancers. Mounted archers are light cavalry, meant to outmaneuver their enemies. These swarms of horsemen can serve as a distraction for enemy troops, to swarm difficult enemy positions with arrows or to hem their flanks during a battle. Additionally, light cavalry may serve to harry an enemy force on the march and limit their logistics. Nearly 60% of the Khanate’s cavalry are mounted bowmen.
Lancers on the other hand are the type of the Khanate’s army. Designed as the hammer of the army, lancers—both light and heavy—are equipped with the finest arms available. Light lancers are rapid assault troops, attacking light soldiers or slamming from the side. Heavy lancers on the other hand are dressed in scale and plate mail, charging the enemy with long lances to break their lines head-on.
Light cavalry forces wear leather and padded fur armor in combat, while light lancers wear these with leather and lamellar cuirasses. Heavy lancers on the other hand wear full suits of metal lamellar and scale made of leather and steel. Archers carry composite bows, a shield and a saber, axe or mace, with Lancers using shields, lances and sabers or maces.
Infantry forces are primarily young warriors, lacking wealth or experience enough to buy or earn the arms of older warriors. Others are slaves, offered their freedom in exchange for their service to the Khanate. Infantry are usually lightly protected, wearing fur, padded or leather armor or even marching in their civilian clothes. Spears, axes and maces are common among them, alongside shields. Most frontline foot-soldiers carry one to five handaxes, meant to be thrown before a charge against the enemy. Additionally, they have a number of archers among them, which are used to pepper, harass and distract enemy lines from elevated positions.
Geiselne soldiers will recruit military talents and potential soldiers from captured cities, usually drawing from minorities and the existing military. All males from age fourteen are considered eligible for service until death or injury renders that impossible. Geiselne divisions are based on tens. Ten men make a squad, ten squads make a company, a thousand a division and ten thousand an army. All future campaigns are treated carefully, with generals and chieftains gathering intelligence and reconnaissance months in advance.
Khanate of Geiselne
Government Structure: Tribal Confederation
Leader(s):
Khan Seigeisel: A one-time mercenary who participated in the former Khanate’s wars against the Caliphate and the former Kingdom of Oxhall. The sellsword Blutigarm came to prominence after his horsemen captured the city of Oxhall, before becoming Khan of his own tribal confederacy. Seigeisel has a reputation as a callous and calculating figure, willingly using violence and intimidation as tools of state.
Ghenges Reiteherschen—The elderly Chieftain of the Tribe of Horse Lords, Ghenges was named for a great conqueror of a past empire. A lifelong friend and advisor to the old Khan Helleschar, the Chieftain refused to fight by the Khan’s side when he set out to kill Blutigarm, stating raising sword against a servant of the Khanate was an affront to Amur. Ghenges came to regret this choice when the Khan was slain in battle, and his son deposed. He joined the new Khanate’s council, hoping to guide the new Khan with temperance and piety. Childless in spite of his concubines and prayers, the now seventy year old Chieftain has grown quite depressed at the realization the Chieftain to succeed him will be a young warrior who idolizes his new Khan.
Efeuger Daggreif—The Tribe of the Dawn Griffin is among the most illustrious and respected names in all Amureik, said to be descended from the Prophet of Amur himself. The tribe is large, with many young members famed for their skill in combat. Chieftain Efeuger Daggreif is no less respected. Known as the ‘Ivy Spear’, the young Efeuger slew his first Chwarkin with an ivy-coated old spear. Young and glory-hungry, he was one of the first to flock to Seigeisel when he raised the banner of his new Khanate. It is said Efeuger’s eyes glisten with joy at the sound of battle.
Kunegunde Helleschar—The eldest child of Khan Kaisimir, the princess Kunegunde could already ride as well as any warrior by the time she was seven. Yet the Helleschar--'Brilliant Sword’--Tribe had no place for a female heir. Despite her own dreams of leading her father’s men in battle, Kunegunde was little more than a pawn to her father, to be wedded to win an alliance from a Weiskin or a truce with a Chwarkin. The fall of her father’s Khanate however would prove her opportunity for greatness. After the death of her father, Kunegunde quickly asserted herself as the ruler of the Helleschar Tribe. Seeing the chance to bring the tribe of his former overlord into his new confederation, Siegeisel nurtured her power. The only female Chieftain to serve the Khan, Kunegunde has a reputation for callous and capricious deeds to maintain her power.
Urhard Krietheud—The War People or Kretheud are a tribe aptly named. One of the more warlike tribes, they are also considered one of the most honorable. Kretheud are aggressive and proud, preferring to defeat their enemies fairly. Not for haughty concepts such as honor, but to prove their own skill at the art of war. Urhard is no different, with a history of raids, sieges and battles to his name. The Kreitheuds maintained a Khanate of their own, refusing confederations with other tribes in favor of their nomadic ways. Many of their young warriors became mercenaries serving under the mercenary Blutigarm, regaling their tribe with tales of conquest and plunder. Eventually, Chieftain Urhard Kreitheud chose to ally with the famed Seigeisel Khan rather than see his youth leave one by one to join the Khanate.
Other Characters:
Khan Kaisimir Helleschar: The former Khan of Helleschar and the leader of its tribe, he was seventeenth in his family line at the time of his death. Though a capable enough leader when at the height of his power, his inconclusive war with the Caliphate and the treaty with Oxhall has given him a reputation among the Khanate’s youth. Warriors who were only boys at the time see Kaisimir as a weak and cowardly ruler, slain in battle by Khan Seigeisel.
Heike Helleschar: Born feeble and sick, the heir of House Helleschar had never even set foot on a battlefield when his father died. Lacking loyalists to assert his claim and with his tribe deserting him for his elder sister, the weak Heike fled for the Kingdom of Alamoa. The boy travels from province to province, always in the wake of an army or official for fear of encountering another Amurik tribe, seeking support from political and military leaders to reassert his claim as Khan of his father’s tribes.
Twice-Born Bison: Captured in a battle with the Chwarskin Oglala Sioux tribe, Twice-Born Bison served his tribe as a shaman and Baptist preacher. After his capture by the Khanate’s forces, Twice-Born has been kept at the Khan’s court as a hostage. As one of the few educated men in court, Twice-Born has taken to transcribing what he has witnessed during his time spent among the Geiselne Khanate.
Culture: From the foothills of the Yukon to beyond the Rio Grande, wandering tribes of nomads may be found, tending to their herds or embarking for war on plains and praries. These are the Amurik People. Horsemen descended from various Midwestern towns, ranches and farms spared by atomic fire, these tribes have wandered beneath Amur’s own sky for centuries.
Individually Amurik tribes are quite peaceful, only attacking settlers who encroach on their territory or travelers who refuse to pay for safe passage. At times however tribes will gather into confederations. Meant to defend their lands against aggression or retake their rightful soil, these tribes are typically led by the most successful chieftain among the group, who is granted a new title out of respect. Among the Chwarkin, both ‘High Chieftain’ and ‘Warchief’ are common titles. The Weiskin however prefer the title of ‘Khan’. The Khan is the supreme authority over the Khanate, though his power comes from the support of his Chieftains. If his influence over these Chieftains wanes, they may reduce their tribute, send fewer warriors in times of conflict, or even withdraw support. Small Khanates may be found here and there along the plains, though the most powerful is the Geiselne Khanate along the northern plains of the former United States.
Culturally, the Amurik people are divided into two groups. Chwarkin (‘Dark People’) and ‘Weiskin’ (‘Pale People’). The term ‘Chwarkin’ came about more than five centuries prior, when the Native Americans began to adopt the lifestyle of their forefathers. It can be used to refer to others such as Latinos, Hindis, Arabs and blacks. Chwarkin are regarded not as inferiors, but rather an alien ‘other’, to be ignored, avoided or repelled as the situation warrants. Weiskin on the other hand refers to nomadic tribes of lighter tones. Though East Asians and Jews fit into this group, the term is overwhelmingly used to refer to Caucasians. Most Weiskin can trace their ancestry back to German, Scandinavian or Polish settlers who came to the region centuries ago. Piety, hardwork and self-reliance are all traits prized by the Weiskin, as is skill in war.
Unlike their neighbors, English is uncommon as a first language. Fewer than one in three Amurik nomads speak English with any degree of fluency. Instead they speak Amurik, a bizarre hodgepodge of English, German, Scandinavian, Polish and Native American words. Amurik dialects are quite abundant. The form of Amurik spoken by the Daggreif or Helleschar of the Dakotas can vary considerably from the tribes along the Rio Grande or Rocky Mountains. There is no formal written form of the language, with most priests and scholars writing in English, German or Arabic instead.
The chief religion of the Amurik is Amur Christianity. Though it follows the central tenets of Christianity, it incorporates elements of traditional Native American faiths and Germanic paganism into itself. For instance, it is believed that Thor is a spirit in service of Amur or God. The will of Amur is interpreted by Shamans, who look to divinations and communions with the natural world to read Amur’s intentions. Amur was passed on by the prophet of Amur centuries prior, who taught that the war was punishment from Amur for straying from His will. Though not explicitly condemned by Amur scripture, it is often held that sedentary lifestyles and a reliance on technology is an affront to Amur, and nations with large urban populations are often looked down upon. They hold that all the land beneath the sun and between the waters is the Amureik, the kingdom of God, free for His people to wander, explore and protect, and any that would deny His people passage are to be expunged from the Amureik.
Demographics:
Race:
Caucasian: 74%
Native American: 9%
Latin American: 5%
African American: 4%
Arabic: 3%
Asian: 2%
Semitic: 2%
Religion:
Amur Christianity: 68%
Christian (Protestant): 17%
Islam (Reformed): 7%
Christian (Catholic): 5%
Christian (Mormon): 2%
Traditional Native American: 1%
Nation History:
After the fall of the United States, much of the East and West coasts were left in ruins, Hundreds of thousands were dead in mere moments. The Midwest on the other hand was virtually untouched. Few military targets or population centers stood in the Great Plains, leaving dozens of small cities and towns standing in the wake of the war. At first, these small towns shifted into city states and tiny nations, relying on interconnecting networks of trade to survive. After the first few years however the situation began to deteriorate. Native American tribes abandoned their impoverished reservations, taking up their ancestral heritage. Some say the conflict between the Chwarkin and Weiskin began with the Chwarkin raiding villages. Others say the fearful Weiskin attacked roving Chwarkin bands. In either case, this was the beginning of the blood feud between the Weis and the Chwar.
This only changed with the coming of the Prophet of Amur.
Records of the Prophet have been lost, but it is said he was a tall man, whose skin glowed a dark green. Claiming to be a prophet sent by Christ, he taught the people of the Midwest how to survive. How to ride. To hunt. Craft a composite bow. He traveled from town to town, urging the citizens to abandon their impoverished settlements in favor of the wide open plains. These tribes would spread across North America, with some ranging as far afield as the North Passage, and as far south as central Mexico. At times, these tribes would form confederations. Khanates. Geiselne was no different, rising from the fading ashes of the confederation before it.
Sixteen years ago, an ambitious mercenary known as ‘Blutigarm’ appeared in the court of Kaisimer Helleschar. Skilled in battle and with a small band of mercenaries at his side, he was hired by the Khan for his upcoming planned war with the Caliphate. Though the war would prove to be a futile endeavor for both sides--ending in a humiliating final battle and a White Peace with no lands gained or lost--Blutigarm distinguished himself in the war, winning more followers. He joined Kaisimer’s army in the subsequent war against the kingdom of Oxhall, taking half their lands before the Khan chose to end the war. Blutigarm however was not satisfied. On the eve of negotiations, Blutigarm launched a surprise attack on Castle Oxhall. Though said to be unassailable even by the Khan, Blutigarm succeeded in taking the Castle and its town. His archers lined the walls, releasing volleys of arrows on the surprised guards even as his lancers ran down all resistance in the streets. The unexpected victory won Blutigarm much praise, even from many esteemed Chieftains, and made the Khan look weak and cowardly by comparison. Outraged that a mere mercenary would overshadow his own reputation, Khan Kaisimer Helleschar rode out with what forces he had, intent on crushing Blutigarm’s small army. Instead of cowering away in the captured fortress, Blutigarm chose to ride out and meet the Khan, bearing the banner of Oxhall’s citadel in one hand and waving it tauntingly at Khan Helleschar. The sight of this caused the elderly Khan to fly into a rage, and he led his forces in a charge. The mercenary did likewise. When the two armies parted hours later, the Khan was found trampled to death where their lines first met. Lacking a firm leader to take his place, the army of Helleschar withdrew.
Though Helleschar’s son attempted to take his father’s place, his young heir was widely despised among the various tribes. Seen as inept, unintelligent and weak, his few loyalists melted away when the boy fled in fear from his father’s Khanate. Now with no heir, the chieftains convened to determine what was to be done. It was at this meeting that a shaman informed the chieftains that it was the will of Amur that Blutigarm should be Khan. A mere two weeks later, the former mercenary was hailed as the new Khan. He took a new name, Seigeisel--Victorious Scourge--and applied that name to both his new tribe and his Khanate. For the past eight years, Seigeisel has quietly been consolidating his control over the numerous other clans (both Chwar and Weis) in his domain. Though for the first time in a decade, rumors of scouting parties from the Khanate are emerging from the borders of the Caliphate, Tabernacle Empire and Alamao Kingdom. Rumors that may be far more than idle gossip. With an abundance of young warriors who view him as a living legend, Khan Seigeisel is in place to assert his rule across the Amureik, even against the nations that would divide it as their own.
Description of Economy: The Tribes of Amureik are primarily agrarian, producing herd animals such as horses, cattle, bison, sheep and goats. This income is supplemented by plunder won in conflicts with other factions, and tolls imposed on merchants and travelers through their territory. Any merchant from the Tabernacle Empire or Alamoa Kingdom seeking trade with the Caliphate would be expected to pay the Scourging Khan his due.
The wealth of tribes is primarily dependent upon how much livestock they own. Tribes with larger herds are inherently seen as wealthier than those with smaller ones. Though the Khanate has its own currency—golden coins known as Dul—most trade between Amuriks is done through a barter economy, with only the Warriors, Shamans, Merchants and more prominent Artisans making use of the Dul.
Description of Military:
The Amurik tribes are horsemen, through and through, and their military reflects this. Each tribe has a Warrior Caste, with each maintaining their own horse and arms. Mounted cavalry is divided into two types. Mounted archers and lancers. Mounted archers are light cavalry, meant to outmaneuver their enemies. These swarms of horsemen can serve as a distraction for enemy troops, to swarm difficult enemy positions with arrows or to hem their flanks during a battle. Additionally, light cavalry may serve to harry an enemy force on the march and limit their logistics. Nearly 60% of the Khanate’s cavalry are mounted bowmen.
Lancers on the other hand are the type of the Khanate’s army. Designed as the hammer of the army, lancers—both light and heavy—are equipped with the finest arms available. Light lancers are rapid assault troops, attacking light soldiers or slamming from the side. Heavy lancers on the other hand are dressed in scale and plate mail, charging the enemy with long lances to break their lines head-on.
Light cavalry forces wear leather and padded fur armor in combat, while light lancers wear these with leather and lamellar cuirasses. Heavy lancers on the other hand wear full suits of metal lamellar and scale made of leather and steel. Archers carry composite bows, a shield and a saber, axe or mace, with Lancers using shields, lances and sabers or maces.
Infantry forces are primarily young warriors, lacking wealth or experience enough to buy or earn the arms of older warriors. Others are slaves, offered their freedom in exchange for their service to the Khanate. Infantry are usually lightly protected, wearing fur, padded or leather armor or even marching in their civilian clothes. Spears, axes and maces are common among them, alongside shields. Most frontline foot-soldiers carry one to five handaxes, meant to be thrown before a charge against the enemy. Additionally, they have a number of archers among them, which are used to pepper, harass and distract enemy lines from elevated positions.
Geiselne soldiers will recruit military talents and potential soldiers from captured cities, usually drawing from minorities and the existing military. All males from age fourteen are considered eligible for service until death or injury renders that impossible. Geiselne divisions are based on tens. Ten men make a squad, ten squads make a company, a thousand a division and ten thousand an army. All future campaigns are treated carefully, with generals and chieftains gathering intelligence and reconnaissance months in advance.
I'm also quite interested. Sadly the computer I was prepping my sheet on decided to crash right when I was halfway done. I should have something presentable by this time tomorrow however.
Good afternoon (if indeed it is afternoon where you are).
My name is Madrigal, I'm a laid-back and well written fifteen year old RPing migrant. I got my start on a mid-sized fan pbp forum in 2002, and have had a taste for RPing ever since. Unfortunately, pbp seems to be a dying art. I've shifted between six different RPing sites, and most sites today seem to favor IMs or chatrooms.
I've been following Roleplayer Guild for a little while now. While its a little larger than most sites I'm used to, it seems a close-knit community...and its not overrun with edgy teenagers.
My name is Madrigal, I'm a laid-back and well written fifteen year old RPing migrant. I got my start on a mid-sized fan pbp forum in 2002, and have had a taste for RPing ever since. Unfortunately, pbp seems to be a dying art. I've shifted between six different RPing sites, and most sites today seem to favor IMs or chatrooms.
I've been following Roleplayer Guild for a little while now. While its a little larger than most sites I'm used to, it seems a close-knit community...and its not overrun with edgy teenagers.
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