Ordsmed

Old Glory (GoT-styled RP in a post apoc medieval USA)

Thanks. I’m a bit rusty at this. 🥸

Old Glory - A House Divided (Knightly American houses, long after the end)

Northern Marches

House of Martin

House Name: House of Martin
House Words: Loyal in thought and deed.
Coat of Arms:

Coat of Arms House of Martin

Seat: Stronghold of Portland
Titles:

• Lady of Northern Marches
• Sovereign of the Maine Lands
• Warden of the North
• Chiefadmiral of the Trident Armada
• Lady of Portland Stronghold

History:
The House of Martin is an old house. It’s lineage can be traced back over five hundred years. All that time the Martin’s have been a strong presence in the lands around the coastlines of Massachusetts and Maine. The bloodline originated in Boston.

The Martin house consistently made a name throughout history as a strong military presence. Brutish at first, more strategic later on. As it supported House Ironwit in winning the throne from the Deverams, the new king granted them the sovereignty of the Maine Lands. As a result the Martins moved their seat of power to Portland, 286 years ago. At first it took some convincing, but after a few hundred years of gripping the Maine Lands in an iron grip, Martin house has convinced the barons to respect it.

A tentative cooperation between barons ensured that most Ursuline expeditions were countered effectively. As Martins thrive in battle, they now can be found from New New York to Moosehead Lake, bound together by the house motto: loyal in thought and deed.

Head:
Margaret ‘The Iron Widow’ Martin - Ironwit
Heirloom: (Every great house has at least one valued artifact from a mythic weapon to a crown to something exotic. Try not to have too many.)
Traits:
A Martin typically has a wild, curly mop of deep black hair, dark brown eyes and a sinewy but tough physique.

Civil and collected is how they present themselves, but beneath that mannerly exterior smolders the hot temper of the berserk warrior of old. One never knows what will spark eruption of that temper, and what shape or form it will have. So, members of the Martin bloodline are potentially strategic, calculating even, and uncontrollable. In both cases they are not shy to be aggressive about it.

Misc:

Current ruler
After the demise of her husband, Barry Martin III, Margaret took over the reign of the Martin territory. Sister to King Franklin, she knows how to rule.

Red Socks
Initially the Martin’s were notorious for their brutality. Many a great warrior of foregone years bore the family name Martin. The image of a Martin slashing and hacking their way towards you fueled many a nightmare. What stuck about this image was the way blood, intestines and gore plastered to a Martin’s feet and calves, as they waded through their victims.

This terrible sight, often seen, translated to a nickname, which House Martin grudgingly adopted as an honorary title: Red Socks. A name which has been slumbering in the collective memory of Bostonians from before the Reckoning. Throughout Martin’s recorded history the worst...best warriors were named Red Socks. Today’s household elites are now named thus.

Quote: “I dreaded being wed off to Barry. Every time he visited the court he acted so distant and unapproachable. Who would’ve thought this frosty facade hid a heart brimming with passion and energy. After I managed to crack Barry’s icy shell, we made a true connection. I haven’t seen a more faithful and loving man in all my life. I do so miss him!” - The Iron Widow

“Booooring...they’re so goddamn’ boring! Always polite goody two-shoes. Those Martins seldom let their reins slacken. Uptight, that’s the right word - and boring! Truth be told, it becomes a completely different ball game when these ol’ Red Socks have some liquor in them bellies. Night and day, I say, day and night...what a difference. Many a boy or girl of mine couldn’t walk for a day and a night, after having serviced a boozed up Martin. One way or ‘nother those Martins are bad for business!” - Madam Mona Moody, proprietor of guesthouse ‘The Poofy Pettycoat’ in Portland harbor

Old Glory (GoT-styled RP in a post apoc medieval USA)

Cool.
I’ll write op something today.

As for standing armies:
In the late 13th century Edward I expanded the familia regis to become a small standing army, forming the core of much larger armies up to 28,700 strong, largely comprising foot soldiers, for campaigns in Scotland and France.

Still, it’s your world, so I’ll make my house fit in. 👍🏼

So...this must be midlife-crisis, interesting

Thanks guys! Love the warm welcome. I’m sure we’ll meet IC soon. 👍🏼

Old Glory (GoT-styled RP in a post apoc medieval USA)

@ClocktowerEchos Ideas on the Northern Marshes? Sure.

The name implies something about the landscape. Do you have some set ideas on that?
Looking at the region I like the fact that the lands have the longest border to defend to the North, and the longest shore to defend. Seems natural to go for a rather martial society. The region is relatively small to be responsible for such a big defensive task for the 5 Crowns. So, besides the standing army and navy, military training and service for all who come of age seems necessary. I read somewhere that New England was and is a progressive region. In keeping with this tradition women will also undergo military training. This will have an effect on the equality of women and men in society as a whole.
Initial keywords: Frost corroders (Northern border garrisons), incorporate Red sox, Navy seals? Berserk units (shock troops, guerrilla fighters, male fighters, female officers?). All female units?

I’m thinking with ‘cool outside, warm inside’ in mind, that the society is heavily (over)regulated. Bureaucrasy will be all around. Discipline, practicality, an aversion to idleness and luxury are further values in Marches’ society. Rules are also there to handle the ‘warm inside’; it takes a while to break a northerner’s cool and collected exterior, but when it cracks...it bursts! Wild bursts of berserk rage are, sadly, not uncommon. Crime passionelle account for over 85% of all crimes in these lands.

There is a military academy somewhere in Maine, near the capital, where strategy is taught.

Vermont: renowned for BREWERIES! 😋
Maine: blueberry liquor, nickname inhabitants related? ‘purple lips’?
Many drunks in society? Contrast between tight discipline and wild drunkards?

Okay, these are my initial ideas anyways. 😅

Old Glory (GoT-styled RP in a post apoc medieval USA)

As I’m looking for a challenge, I hereby lay claim to the Northen Marches!
I’ll get started on the write-up asap. 🤟🏼

So...this must be midlife-crisis, interesting

Hi there!
I hadn’t realised it: my last appearance here was in 2010 😩.
Hey, but I’m back! Got a kid now, even a decent job. Miracles do happen...

So my real name is Maurice and a middel-aged teenager.

Enough of this. Let’s get to it 🤟🏼