Yam I Am

𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝙸𝚗𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚢 - 𝚆𝚊𝚛, 𝚂𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚗.

Tentative interest. My computer's being repaired at the moment, but if this is gonna take a while to set up and get going, everything should be alright by the time this launches.

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

A broad lip stretched with echoes of its thoughts ringing through the dark cave. Bursting like bats from the darkness came the demands for attention as the soldier slammed a hand onto the counter like anchor to the ocean floor. Helpless, the red headed man behind her took hold of her arm for the moment in an attempt to sway her to pull from her course of action, but the stubborn one had made her choice.

"Clover-" Hamlock pleaded, tugging at her arm as she half vaulted the counter.

"Oi! Boiler! What've you tossed up today? Can'te giveahint at what ye've made- Maybe some whiskey on the side for te lack of flavor!"

"There is a menu above you-"

"Nobody's talkin- te you knobcomber."

Hamlock exhaled audibly, red flushed face blowing smoke as he placed his arms behind his back to see how this would play out. Who knows, maybe this insufferable personality would be dealt with. "You commoners..."

Clover dropped back down after getting a brief look over counter to nothing that particularly grabbed her interest with a wide grin and an expectant mind for playful banter.

As soon as her distinctive voiced graced his ears - and "graced" was a term he used generously to describe the drudge Vincenzo experienced whilst near Clover - Vincenzo near-instinctively swallowed the drag of his cigarette, for a mouthful of ash and tar was a far better taste than another bout with Clover.

His eyebrows entrenched into his gaze. Turned to face the pair, he lazily looked back at the woman, too, casting a sideway glance toward Hamlock.

"Actually...i'm not sure what's on the menu today, Clover." he replied, leaning into the counter, "Because after what you owe me, i'm not even sure if i'm supposed to feed you, or if i'm supposed to let you go hungry and call our debt even."

Well...this was problematic. The dark green hair gave a chuckle, sweetening up her voice a bit as she gave a half shrug.

"Hey, noowww, let's not get too upset here, Vinny. I told ye- I'm good fer it! I just need a bit of time and you'll have yer share! Sides- ye wouldn't leave yer fellow man with a gut empty. No?"

"A fellow man...maybe."

He heaped a platter of breakfast bake upon a pristine white platter, and promptly handed Hamlock his breakfast.

"A woman as slippery as you, though?" Vinny shrugged.

"Thank you, Vincenzo." Hamlock nodded. "I'll be looking forward to the meal." As the soldier walked by Clover, he gave her one more bit of advice in a whisper: ^{"Don't make things worse for yourself!"}

There was a certain look of defeat in Clover's eyes as the man she despised made off with her meal. There was a certain burning inside to do what was right... overshadowed by the rage egged on by pride. Turning her broken gaze from Hamlock to Vincenzo, she took a slightly more aggressive tone.

"Look- Vince- I went through the training like everyone else. I'm a lass you can depend on- but I don't see the point in bein' heartless. Now- and I'm askin' ye nice- please, can I have a plate of somethin te eat?"

Sighing, Vinny turned around, apparently working quite hard behind the window of the mess hall. Clover could make out a few clangs and scrapes, an occasional clink of silverware against what she could only hope was another meal...God, the smell was nearly irresistible. Leave it to Vincenzo and those Zwellians to find out how to make something made of grains and tomatoes taste so damn good. When he really wanted to, Vinny could produce miracles in that mess hall setup; Even a few stray cigarette ashes were almost like a sweet spice when in one of that man's productions.

Then Clover smelled...burning? Like a sour smoke, or like papers coated in acrid oil now being ignited...

Vincenzo turned around, and it hit her.

On the dinner plate designated as hers sat her breakfast: It was the usual egg breakfast bake, all right, perfectly fluff and scrumptiously coated in a healthy glistening of cheese and olive oil.

Upon its top, three cigarettes had been stuck in, fired and ignited like they were her birthday candles.

"Here." Vinny brusquely addressed, "I made it *special."*

He held the plate upon his fingertips and leaned forth upon the counter, putting his whole mass between her and her breakfast, soon to be dripping generously with cigarette ash.

Now there was a beautiful taste to her nose! It reminded her of a special feeling she hadn't felt in so long. Was it the romance of a first love? Was it the embrace of a red faced mother elated to find that her daughter was still in one piece? Mortality transcended to another plane as the divines touched fingertips with the limits of humanity to create something so beautiful. All it took- was one bite from the forbidden fruit to turn it so blackened and corrupt. What once was beautiful- was now lost.

This- this was no meal. This was an abomination that was so ungraciously handed to her. She was no saint- she was no pure maiden of golden heart and taintless soul- but this- this was wrong!

Blood surged like lightning to a rod- anger beyond reason consumed as the eruption of a sleeping volcano threatened the peace of so many around her.

"LISTEN HERE BOYO! I'LL RIP YOUR TONGUE FROM YER BLO-"

"You'll what?"

A hand upon her shoulder quickly silenced the blazing woman. Who else could it have been other than her commanding officer? Who else- but one of the lieutenants.

"I'll..." She bit her tongue, giving a flustered grind of the teeth and taking her plate with a harsh swipe. "Enjoy the fucking meal."

Lieutenant Kyllo watched the young soldier bitterly march off- giving her only a few blinks before turning to face the cook. "Is there a problem, Vincenzo?"

"Aside from the usual?" Vincenzo snarled, sneering at the woman going by. He had had plenty to do with an unfavorable sort - all in goodwill of his fellow soldiers, of course - and by many metrics, Clover was far from the worst of his headaches. If anything, Vincenzo would - by his own admission - rather be chained to a bed with Clover than have another 20 hour shift.

"Eh, it's nothing." he dismissed, giving a defeatist shrug, "Just some old business that hasn't quite been settled yet, and Clover's a b-...not familiar with Zwollian humor."

Kyllo could tell Vincenzo could only hush out his last correction by the bite of his tongue.

The officer simply nodded in turn, allowing that to be as it was. "Clover is... a bit dense. I think. But I also think that maybe she could come to learn that humor in time. You know?" He gave a slight shrug, smiling softly as he progressed their conversation. "Well- maybe we can take a look at some Zwollian cooking, hm? How are our supplies?"

Vinny leaned back from the counter, raising his eyebrows at the inquiry.

"They're a'lright, yeah. Been a lot better since we got the req memo about Signora Generala." he quoted. His tone was rather uppity, sarcastically ecstatic.

"What'll it be, then?" Vincenzo asked, returning his lean to the counter.

The lieutenant gave a soft chuckle, grinning as he pondered the reaction. Though he supposed that there wasn't often a difference between units in the military. They were given a budget, but he was told it would be better as time went on. Even now- it seemed like the general was at least holding up her end of the bargain and given that she wanted to give a presentation of her fine collection he supposed it was only expected. Only time would tell if she would be so generous as to continue and donate to her project.

"I'll take the Casserole. Just try not to sneer too much at the VIPs with the general when she comes and maybe things will go a bit more smoothly when I talk to her about getting you a decent break from army life. At the very least we could discuss getting more ingredients regularly."

"You try getting any other of these guys to cook. I'd rather just start eating trench mushrooms." For an Zwollian, Vincenzo had an odd dryness to the delivery of all of his jest. Even for one who had not and was unlikely to see any frontline fighting, his usual tone never deviated far from a certain cynicism which might be more routine amongst a veteran caste.

Regardless, he grasped the largest metal spoon from the rack above his head (The spade itself, Pyry noted, could easily be an entrenching tool in its own right), and dug into the great batch of breakfast, heaping generous amounts of a most pleasingly noxious assortment onto a spare plate. Long, gooey strings of pungent cheese clung to the spoon as he heaped each time onto the virtual pile of food, dripping with a hearty aroma with each clang.

"Here y' are." Quickly, Vincenzo displayed the plate before the LT with a furrowed, fumed glance, as if an artist showcasing a work which most displeased him to an art collector who found his worst work most intriguing.

He respected that the Zwollian wanted to uphold the things he held dear to him. Even for as rough as the man talked and for as hardened as he seemed there was a heart there that took pride in the things he sheltered. Even suggesting that nobody else could take his place- perhaps- was simply a way of saying that he took care of the people he was in charge of. Unwilling to take the time off...

With a softhearted tip of the hat the lieutenant tipped his cap and took his meal. "I see. Good man- Vincenzo." There would still be much to learn from the man, but that was for another time.

The captivating smell lured him down a path he wasn't so certain of. Was it of the spring fields in the morning? A conversation with a woman in the land standing upon the sun? It wasn't so familiar to home, but its exploration warranted a passionate walk down a lane with civilian clothes and a newspaper with the words 'The War Is Over' neatly spread across its proud casing. Loved ones coming from their homes to meet their tired beloved embracing them at the doorstep. A parade held for the fortunate ones spilling across the color filled streets. Flowing through the hearts of many a prayer that this peace would last forever. So sleepy from a day well spent and nothing but the moment to live for. Captivating... That is how one would would describe it. With eyes closed shut and a silence with feeling... something he couldn't quite describe other than being magical...

As the lieutenant opened his eyes next to his fellow officer, he gave a sigh of relief. Eyes traced to his gloves as he swallowed the last of his spoonful. It was only a moment of freedom. It was only an ounce of a dream. Even so... It was one they could always make a reality- were it not so then the power of word would not be true. The works of the hand- an alternate reality. Was that not what they were there for? Just like any one person going to the local diner for a meal- all wanted a warm meal- a feeling- that they could enjoy in peace.

Even as he finished his second spoon he felt this to be true. It wasn't just him- but his team who could make this a reality. And- hopefully- both sides could find a warm life when all of this was over.

"Do you believe in them, lieutenant?" Pyry spoke softly to Höfler, ensuring it was for her ears only.

Maxi tilted over, glancing a sideways smile at her fellow lieutenant. His words reached her ears almost with an audible thunk to them, like Maxi had just run face-first into a wall, pressing her smile into awkward fixture. It made her chuckle - nervously - but chuckle nevertheless.

"What kind of question is that?!" Höfler confidently remarked, "What kind of lieutenant would I be if I didn't think our Rangers couldn't live up to their names? Not a very good one!"

She laughed a bit more, an uneasy happiness to her exuberance as if to express some manner of relief, or guilt. Maxi had no qualms nor doubts over the brave lads and lasses under her command. Many of them were veterans of the Great War, she knew; And she knew many of them had more experience under their belts than she had in her entire long years at school. The Imperialette may have been the trickster, but Pyry could unshroud it so well. She was a bit...nervous.

"You think...it'll be like the last war?" she expressed back at him, curious at what his response could be.

Pyry nodded with a smile of his own to show to her response, taking it rather well and hopeful as she continued to express herself. A capable officer. He believed that. She believed in her own soldiers and that alone was cause for relief as he understood what was expected from her. Why- it was hardly something that he had questioned himself- but he did want to hear it from her mouth. You couldn't rely on what you thought all the time. Sometimes you had to rely on what you were told. Even then- nothing is certain- but it was enough for him. And for her question?

"Yes. But, I also think it will be nothing like the last war. Where we are now... We're all just a bunch of soldiers doing what we think is right. I heard in the last war there was so much respect passed around with the sheer desire to return home. That- I believe- is what we may face here... Or so my father told me. If that is true- and from what I've seen both out there and in here... I'm sure it will be for the right reasons. But even we are something experimental and new. In that way- I think we will simply need to have faith in each other in this new war."

"Yes, quite~!" She seemed to suddenly spring into another phase, like another person or another place were simply inserted as simply as the turn of a page. It was far from the previous unease, Pyry could note; Her body straightened, poised upright with confidence. Her tone was chipper, more clear.

"They've been very sort of...selective about this. The generals, I mean." The Lieutenant went on, "We have our briefing and orders, but, you know there 've been a lot of changes between the last war and now, especially up-top. You know, the whole Belaire Convention."

"Maybe they're all more on-edge now. Or, maybe they're just trying to find a way to make the Ruzhians get involved again." she laughed.

Pyry blinked at the shift- though it had to be expected at this point. She was a strange individual but he could say that of himself. Despite such thoughts, he would move on as would be needed. Besides- it was always good to see another in a good mood. Though the thoughts of why they decided to make so many changes were really a question that he couldn't answer but if the last war was any indication...

"You could be correct." He chuckled. "But whatever the reason I only hope it means a quick war and a great progression. I feel... odd about the general herself, but I think we're fortunate to have her. Do you think the troops are ready to meet with her today?"

Maxi shrugged, even casting a playful grin to go along with it. Perhaps "readiness" wasn't what she was aiming for. After all, the fighter never became tense in the face of danger: Only ready.

"Sure!" the lieutenant chimed back, "I think they'll get along with her. Besides, it helps when they know that I have to answer to someone, too!"

"I can only hope you're right. The last thing we need is daily inspections to tell us where our funding stands based on behavior... but onto more serious business." With that lighthearted conversation over, Pyry pulled out some notes on a sheet of folded paper which he unraveled to show unto his fellow officer. "I think you're right Maxi. The locals have been odd and we have found some evidence of foreign activity scattered around our recon objectives. It's a bit early to say- but even campsites show differences and it typically results in one being rather uniform. Similar imprints and I managed to find this at one of the campsites."

Pulling out the end of the smoked stick from his pocket the lieutenant offered it to the other- giving her the opportunity to scan the graphic marking. "Imperial?"

Her grin rapidly evaporated. Peering over the documents, she glazed over each segment one at a time, scanning with an intrigued, scrupulous eye. Occasionally, it raised, yet more apropos the papers were telling an out-of-age joke than one of concern. She tapped the Northwest corner - Pyry could tell from indirect attention alone - then slowly traced a finger down, as if following some hidden outline in the paper.

"It could be...hrm. . ." Maxi mused, pursing her lips while she thought. Their ambiance turned silent. She slowly rolled her eyes back upon Pyry.

"We should bring this up at the briefing later...I think the General will want to know about this before we move out."

With a nod, Pyry turned his attention to the soldiers and placed a hand to his chin. "For now, we ought to see how the men are doing. I will speak with you more later. Hm? Oh- and keep an eye on Clover. She seems a little aggravated today." He chuckled, standing up and moving to his quarters while enjoying another trip into the land of dreams.

Vassals to an empty throne

"E ke né en train din gajer a élur vurbinneuç?" (And what do we not have to gain by speaking to them?)

Lucinêa punctuated his voice, such that even the shouts that were required to break the clamor of their mounts' gallops reduced his phrases to mere hushes.

"Ja né élur konfïdeu. (I don't trust them.)

The elder's words were bold. Clear and as unwavering as the overhead sun. His late translator looked over in weary suspicion, naught a moment into conversation yet already tiresome of it.

"Aççurantâ, zo Léza-" (Surely, the liza-)

"Élur avéren un agendâ, e nuača avï çïré defrâodeuč a prender dečiziux čin zo Gardinâ." (They have an agenda, and we have been tricked before by making decisions without the Gardinâ.) Leokadra scoffed in return. "Ačionar čin zo Gardinâ nuača avéreneuç a ruïn muilte fois inâinte." (To act without the Gardina has led us to ruin many times before.)

Begrudgingly, he sighed, turning over his head to the road ahead. Lucinêa - as befitting for a military man the likes of he - was very much a proponent of action, for he knew full well that, in the greatest texts and teachings of war, to seize and maintain initiative was paramount. Alas, a direct belligerence he was not in, and so the finer loci of diplomacy he would need to subscribe to. Leokadra's words rung true, he knew, for that was the worst part; The divisions sewed by accord and treaty kept their people under constant partitioning, and all of it was only possible by one foolish Yuravian making peace deals first and consulting the remaining tribes thereafter.

Innumerate treaties forced the disunion of Yuravia, for even a thousand spirited tribes' soul went for naught if they were to be kept where their chants were drowned out. The Third Rebellion saw the signing of the Treaty of Jurivêa, that famously humiliating decree. If it were not insult enough to prohibit a people's most honored custom of election of a rightful and just Čévdinčévi, that so much fruit and toil be given to the traitors which made it possible made it all too overbearing. Lucinêa was correct to know that these treaties would, as soon as they were drafted, too, come to a just and fitting end. There would soon come a day where righteousness would prevail, and shackles cast down, for his opinion was but one in a sea of Yuravians.

Yet, such notions were cut short by the reminder of his mission, delivered through a lizardman atop a galloping horse.

Not all was lost, however, for his inquiry soon brought about an intrigued look upon Lucinêa's face: Rea-Abi was curious about the state of Arkronia.

"Kê čerê? (What does he ask?) The chief questioned.

"Çu çere deçpre zo maladul d'Arkronêa." (It's about the Arkronian disease.) Lucinêa responded swiftly. He turned to the chief, who gave no visual response, his eyes glued to the forward road.

"Kê çeç dévrâi vurbir?" (What shall I say to him?)

Chief Leokadra fumbled for a bit, mumbling and musing as he softly shook his head. Soon after, he swiftly barked his response.

"Vurbê kê voç vrê." (Say what you want.)

Text

"We have had many merchants return from Arkronia with very...troubling stories. They are in the midst of a rather troublesome illness, one which only seems to afflict their people. One man - a man I with so great of honor I may hold even his most ridiculous of tales to truth, I might add - has told me of entire villages being claimed in a week. Their medičes have quarters which fill with entire towns, trying in vain to grant some comfort to the ill before contracting the sickness themselves. The common folk of Arkronia are affected the worst, but...in due time, he believes that truly no Arkronian will be free from its touch."

Before continuing, Lucinêa looked back at his chief, stoic as ever, then glanced his ocean-dyed eyes back to his lizardfolk accomplice. His eyes narrowed, his horse galloping closer as if to offer some discretion.

"Many among us believe that, in these times of dire circumstances, the Arkronians will turn to much more...radical leadership."

"It is no secret that those of House Rhaskozikan have long had eyes on the Arkronian throne." Lucinêa cast another brief glance back at his chief. This time, he in turn made quick eye contact, where the two shared a short series of nods. "Where Chief Leokadra and I unfortunately disagree on is his intentions. The Chief and I both believe that they will no doubt attempt some power play to increase their influence in the near future...the Chief believes that, while they are most certainly rather...hostile toward persons the likes of you and I..."

Lucinêa took a deep sigh.

"...that they would need to be utterly mad to plunge a disease-ravaged nation into war."

"However, I have always been of the belief that sanity was never a value of House Rhaskozikan."

At the mention of his thoughts, Lucinêa could visually straighten, as if a soldier on leave with the instinctive passing of his superior. The road and coronation were miles and weeks away, he knew, yet...he had felt exposed, like he had make some utter flaw amidst his musings that would reveal some great conspiracy. Such was the power of a culture of paranoia, he imagined.

"Now, do forgive me, for what I will say will come to you as madness, but...I believe it may be in our best interests to ensure the young prince lives a long and fulfilling life. It may come as insanity for a Yuravian to wish well of the Arkronian throne, but I believe it will be better for both of us to have a lethargic throne than one which actively wishes for our destruction."

^@gowia

Vassals to an empty throne

"Komment ça çtaja?" (How are you faring?)

Leokadra scoffed. The mere fact he was to be in attendance for this charade would sour the mood of any Yuravian.

"Naja." (So-so.) The chieftain bit his tongue. His colleague sagely nodded back, only choosing to make eye contact for as brief a moment as he could.

From a strictly Yuravian perspective, Chief Leokadra's position was one of unenviable delegation; A far cry from the "honored guest" status their missive may have suggested. It might be assumed that, from their involvement in the Third Rebellion, the relations between the two might consist of nothing shy of open hostility. Yet, if to describe some affair as "bittersweet" would be to do so in a semi-positive tone, then their association could be compounded into the expression, "sour-sweet".

Time immemorial marked the great clash of cultures which would define Arkronian-Yuravian relations. From a fundamental standpoint, there was seemingly no pleasing the one without the expense of the other. Leokadra, the poor soul, made no effort to appear pleased at his request for attendance, for it was that Leokadra held the unanimous opinion of the Yuravian concerning Arkronian endeavors: That such constructs were a waste of time. The uniform roads, the towering spires, the rippleless gardens which laborer toiled without recourse to maintain...What manner of buffoon would think it a good idea to discard so much time to these creations? Did Mother Nature not already provide infinite order, her will of life, death, and rebirth? Did she not already give bountiful beauty in all her creations to all her children on her fair Earth? For reason undefinable, the greyskins were far too fond of their lust for domination, and so far was this psyche extended that they even incarcerated their very own lives.

"Aç âozit?" (Have you heard?) the old chief's aide murmured, "Zo prïnza çere malâde din mourt." (The prince has fallen deathly ill.)

"Çu çere leurs secrét perâo guardâija." (It is their worst-kept secret.) He plainly responded.

Word throughout Yuravia spread quite quickly for any matter. A loquacious bunch, paired with their traditions of nomadism, and what resulted was a state in which a common joke was that it was impossible to keep something a secret for any period longer than 10 days, by which time chiming wives would find themselves chatting about the Tênuar's new affair with Cor as if it were the day's weather.

"E?" (And?) the aide expressed, "Né deturioneuç inkuienteneuç?" (Shouldn't we be concerned?)

The chieftain scarcely made his response known. His shoulders rolled in so minor a fashion that to call such a maneuver a "shrug" suggested it could be more than possible accident. Two deep, stone-bleached eyes wearily gazed the young translator aside, scrolling in such fashion apropos a musty library scroll, the likes of which had not been unfurled for decades.

"Zaç afačeriux din çu koruna né affligineuç." (The affairs of that crown afflict us not.)

"E kê açêa homê din zo Mâçon din Razkozïkan?" (And what of that man from House Rhaskozikan?)

"Bah! Çeç parubulaux né çeren dar bêtiçe." (Bah! His words are nothing but hot air.) Leokadra waved, his scoffing huff utterly dismissive of any such sentiments in that militant aristocracy.

Lucinêa sighed. The gaunt man had few qualms with serving as the translator of this well-respected grouch, for the ride to Arkronia wasn't one with the fullest beauty of Mycordia in gaze, with which he planned as a pleasant distraction to its fullest extent. Even - perhaps uncharacteristic for a Yuravian - the fact he was to be in attendance of an Arkronian mandate upset him little, for there, Lucinêa knew too well that there, he was to be in the good company of his fellow boredomites. No, his greatest pains came from that of guiding his horses about, as for the eighth time this hour, his prized companionss had developed selective hearing in tandem with a desire to graze upon what few grasses remained along the Kaledian frontiers.

Such inklings he hoped would remain as his sole concern.

"Avï!" (Hail!)

Leokadra gestured. His finger extended, two long figures in the distance. Lucinêa squinted, peering out with the guidance of the chief. Soon after, he clicked and whistled. By miracle, his black stallions neighed and followed.

"Çalut."

"Good day to you." Lucinêa interpreted. He halted his horses just before the embassy, his bright eyes gesturing their intended use as the envoy's transport.

"I trust you have been keeping well?" Lucinêa inquired, his light voice hopeful to ignite at least passive conversation. Darting his head quickly to his right, the translator made quick contact with his elder. The man to his side had a face to put caverns to shame, cracks to make the parched stones of Leed mere chips in comparison. In Ascerian standard, Chief Leokadra, then, was far older than perhaps any living creature had a right to be, yet it was in the face of such adversity that this same elder had the strength to shatter any lesser man.

"We in the Gardinâ have received your letter," Lucinêa prompted, "and we would be most gracious to accept your proposal of a rekindled friendship. Yet...forgive me. I believe I am...getting ahead of myself."

"Come along. We have matters to discuss on the long road ahead, correct?"

---

^@gowia

Vassals to an empty throne

@Milkman IMO it'd help; I'm usually a lot more active over Discord than I am here

Vassals to an empty throne

Allegiance: Rebellion

gowia

Oh yeah, Rebel Gang roll up

In all seriousness though...I would imagine Skekaria's position of being sandwiched between two Rebellious powers to be understandably nerve-wracking.

Vassals to an empty throne

Name:

Yuravian Confederation (Yuravian: "Konféderatïe Juravïanâ")

Description:

Yuravia is a semi-nomadic tribal alliance united by common language and culture, nestled in a realm with an equally diverse array of climates. From the thick woodlands of the Southwest to the hills of the North, and the great alps of the south, the great diversity too perpetuates a wide variety of dialects within Yuravia.

Known for a fierce affinity for trade and war, Yuravia has long existed as something of a thorn in Arkron's side, owing to their disperse nature as well as significant cultural differences. As it stands, Yuravia has long held their eyes upon the renegotiation of the tribute system. The prospect of a fully unified Yuravia is a terrifying one, and with the news of the Arkronian Epidemic, fears run rampant that the Wolves of the East smell blood in the water...

The side your nation was on during the 3th rebellion:

In the Third Rebellion, the tribes of Yuravia sided with The Rebels for a variety of reasons. The primary factor is the overwhelming feeling that direct vasselage to the Arkronian Crown was, at best, needless and at worst, actively degrading to their relationship. Arkron was a continent away and had few bearings on the day-to-day affairs of Yuravia, and when coupled with their levvying of tribute as well as their restrictions on maritime technology, this has long stipulated a sensation of inequality between the states, to where the duty of tribute is referred to as, Zo Taxe Inézale, or "The Unequal Tax".

Population / Races:

Endemic to Yuravia, Ascarians are a hardy folk. Ascarians are identifiable from the other races of men through their pointed ears, typically extending to a length of approximately 14 centimeters. Derivative from their nomadic ancestry, Acsarians typically possess a more tightly-built frame, typically amassing tone over raw mass as they make the most of every muscle. They are also noted for their complex set of pupils, Ascarians are gifted with very keen eyesight, able to discern objects with much greater clarity at extreme distances. Most Ascarains possess skin tones that range from snowy pale to rich redwood, though for those with mixed ancestry, it is possible for them to possess a skin tone that is much more bluish or dark than usual. Though gifted with long lifespans - with many a healthy Ascarian recorded to have reached 300 years - it's more typical that an Ascarian first die to disease, violence, or health complications before reaching so prime an age. On average, an Ascarian will stand at approximately 180cm, with deviations being based more heavily on ancestry as opposed to sexual dimorphism.

Though a majority of the population is Ascarian, there exist sizable portions of other races within Yuravia as well; Part of this stemmed as early on, as the Pre-Arkon practice of absorbing and assimilating vanquished tribes was common throughout much of Yuravia. Their children would be raised with the cultural values of their Ascarian takers, and would eventually become fully-fledged tribesmen. Thus, the term "Yuravian" refers to all inhabitants of the domain who practice the same indigenous culture; "Ascarian" is specifically reserved as a racial term.

Culture / Society:

The ambulatory nature of the Yuravian has changed very little since the arrival of the Arkronians. An overwhelming majority of its populus continues to live semi-nomadically, in which they stay in settlements or buildings for perhaps a few weeks or a month at a time, then continue to move onwards with the changing of the winds. Many locations are, as a result, attributed with extreme population flux, whereas a town will be a bustling beacon of activity one week and in the next will find itself barren. This love for travel (Yuravian: "Amostea D' Marćer", lit. "Love of Walking") is deeply rooted in Yuravian common belief, such that the act of walking and moving with "new airs" is essential to the maintenance of one's mind, body, and spirit; A sedentary life is told to become like a still pond, in which refuse and mold grows within it, until the waters are irreparably plagued. Such volksgeist pervades near every aspect of Yuravian society, from its economy to its infrastructure.

Accordingly, Yuravians are intrepid merchants and avid explorers. Found in virtually every corner of Mycoria, Yuravian traders are as ubiquitous as they are keen. An initial impression of a Yuravian will harken to one their fondness for jewelry, for gilded rings and argent piercings adorn their ears, lips, noses, and fingers with the regularity of fields of flowers in spring. Their natural ambulant drive urges Yuravians to see all corners of the Earth, and accordingly bring many of those baubles back with them on the return home.

True to this spirit, horses are of principal import to Yuravia, not only culturally, but economically and socially. Every Yuravian can be expected to own a handful of horses on their own, of which they serve as incredibly versatile companions; Horses in Yuravia are swift enough for riding, sturdy enough for pulling moderate loads, and provide vital milk which is regularly consumed throughout Yuravia.

Yuravian society has a profound respect for skill; Honorifics are referred to via one's abilities or accomplishments rather than any hereditary title. Yuravian folklore likens the development of crafts as absolutely essential to life, apropos the branches of a tree soon bearing fruit, which will feed its world and spread forth another seed of life. The most noteworthy extension of such skills branch toward a love of all things martial, and so it is that martial prowess is among the most respected of traits to be found in Yuravia. Famously so. To such a great degree does there exist an affinity for the martial is that, when paired with its history, is there an immediate image of a Yuravian that it has become the spitting image of the nation's people itself. Such claims to belligerence are purported to such heights that the common image of Yuravia is that of a perpetual state of warfare.

Another depth to Yuravia's vox populae lay in its affinity for the humanities. A deep love for storytelling is common throughout Yuravia, for the effects of song and dance upon Yuravian society at large cannot be overstated; So greatly are tales and performances exalted that the dancer and the chronicler receive the same prestige as the warrior and the chieftain. The most famed exhibits of these feats are in the form of the Povéstï, a traveling troupe similar in some ways to a circus. Each Povéstï can be seen as a combination of a circus and an opera. Consisting of several performers and an accompanying orchestra, the Povéstï travels from land to land, sharing and collecting famed tales and legends of old, set on reenacting the grandest of acts throughout folklore.

Families in Yuravian culture subscribe to very few conventional models typical - and in many ways, required - of a usual society. Yuravians form very large, intertwined families via a system of conjoined marriage. Persons typically take multiple spouses, each with children of their own, who in turn have their own spouses independently. Therein, it is entirely possible to be "married by association" or "half-married" depending on position within that particular family. There exists no hereditary inheritance system on the basis of age or bloodline, and upon a parent's passing, any items in their possession are distributed via their wishes as dictated in their diće, or will. Accordingly, there is no position of "Head of Family" or "Patriarch", owed to Yuravia's strongly-ingrained belief of skill serving as the basis of one's person, not birthright.

Religion:

Shamans known as Dricérin tend to the spiritual needs of Yuravia. Chiefly among their duties was that of divination, as it was commonly perceived that communication with the deceased would reveal insights, prophecies, or simply words of wisdom. Principally, they are the most inclined with any and all magical elements, and largely serve as the greatest body of thurmaturgical knowledge within Yuravia.

Yuravian Folk Religion consists of a large body of spirits and Patron Saints, known by a veritable assortment of names depending on region and dialect. As such, the direction of patronage is more commonly addressed in terms of their domain rather than their name proper, as the prevailing belief is that the peoples of the world worship the same Gods under different names. There exist no permanent structures of worship surrounding Yuravian Folk Religion, such as churches or shrines, though several chants and incantations exist for the purposes of practice.

History:

The exact origins of the Ascarians remain shrouded in myth and mystery, with many such records being lost to conflict or having simply died out as historiography evolved. With a long history of nomadic propensity, it is widely believed among anthropologists that the Ascarian's ancestors migrated extensively, as artifacts and Ascarian arrowheads can be found in all locations of the continent.

Prior to the arrival of the Arkronians, conflict between neighboring tribes was widespread, but limited in scale due to the extremely simplistic structure of each tribe making more organized attempts at warfare difficult at best and impractical at worst. It was, however, universal practice for the vanquished tribe to be integrated into the victor, thus substantially increasing the size and power of each tribe with each successive victory. If one tribe grew extremely powerful, however, common alliances between tribes would arise as a means of containment as an ensurance that no one tribe would come to dominate all the others.

Just prior to the arrival of the Arkronians, it was at the height of a particular campaign where the tribal alliances could be convened for what was, according to verbal accounts, the first time in centuries. Following a fateful battle upon the northern plains, the first Gardinâ in several hundred years was assembled, wherein the chieftains appointed the current Čaptâin, a woman named Aurielin, to become the first Čévdinčévi, as a great chieftain and ruler of all Yuravia.

Relations between the Arkronians were, at first, lukewarm, but when it became clear that the desires of the Men Across the Sea and the Men of the Kureathian Range would clash, the call to arms rang across all Yuravia. Aurelin waged many campaigns against the Arkronians to great success; She knew very well that while the Arkronians could quite easily beat them at sea, on land, they would be comparatively slow on the draw, and thus, she devised many clever faked retreats, baits, and supply strikes, even earning the nickname, Çanglêroza Rein, or "The Bloody Queen".

Their momentum, however great, would not last forever; Soon after, the famed Aurelin was fatefully found comatose in her bed, and despite the best efforts of her medičes, she would soon succumb to poison. Nobody concretely knew who the perpetrator was. Paranoia and a sense of betrayal ran rampart throughout the Yuravians, each clan and family convinced another had something to do with her sudden death. Yet, no matter the cause, the writing was on the wall: With no clear successor in place, it would only be a matter of time before the Arkronians could regroup, and with it, bring forth a force to bear much better-organized than they could scramble up. The disorganized Yuravians soon sought peace, one by one submitting beneath treaty and codex.

Aurelin had become a hero, sanctified as one to make the world tremble. So great is her influence that her legacy prevails throughout all Yuravia, beckoning to all who train in the incandescent image of One to Make the Seas Tremble. Yuravia has far from forgotten their history of inequality beneath the Sea, and like the mighty Sea Serpent, the hearts of its people know that, one day, it will part the seas themselves as it rises from the depths.

That day may soon be upon us.

Government:

Yuravia is organized around a confederated system, with much of its power being dispersed throughout its varied participating tribes. Nationally, they are governed through an Tribal Council called the Gardinâ, an assembly of designated representatives of each and every tribe, known as Tênuars. In truth, the Gardinâ holds little sway over the daily workings of affairs in Yuravia, and it is up to the responsibility of each Tênuar to affirm the agreements made at each congregation to their respective chieftains. Failure to adhere to dictums made in the Gardinâ widely varied based upon their severity; If there were no consequences to their neglect, or if the legislature in question was extremely minor, it is customary for the offending tribe to give compensation to other tribes. In more severe cases, however, the response is universally swift: War.

In times of great importance - or, more commonly, when tribes are united together during war - a singular leader is elected through the Gardinâ to serve as the de jure ruler of Yuravia. This ruler is known as a Čévdinčévi, or a "Chief of Chieftains". The meeting and subsequent election of the Čévdinčévi must be approved by consensus and not simply a majority vote, meaning delegation can last for quite some time before a leader is finally chosen...or not.

Economy:

Yuravia lacks complex systems of bureaucracy or guilds because, simply, there is no need for them. The majority of Yuravians continue to practice a system of self-sustenance to pair with their semi-nomadic lifestyles, and as a result, agriculture has a tendency to be limited in scale, although animal husbandry is quite popular. Trade is quite vibrant due to their culture of wanderlust, and goods from Yuravia can be found all over Mycoria.

Military:

With a highly mobile culture and a long-held affinity for the martial, the hordes and armies of Yuravia make for a fierce fighting force. Possessing a wide body of knowledge in the art of war, Yuravian warriors are swift, cunning veterans of several campaigns. Children often learn how to use at least one weapon from a young age; Typically, these include the bow (Yuravian: Arča), the saber (Yuravian: Çabre), or a chained set of hammerheads which are thrown, similar to a bolo (Yuravian: Čevrotïe). It is virtually unheard of for a Yuravian not to have access to horses, though in many cases, warriors dismount in the face of difficult terrain.

Warriors can be divided into two distinct camps, depending on professionalism. The first of which are known as Katiora, who dedicated professional to the martial arts roughly equivocal to a man-at-arms. Katiora regularly travel throughout the continent in service to others, acting as mercenaries in exchange for payment and experience. In times of tribal warfare, or when the convening of the Gardinâ for an appointment, it is expected that Katiora return home for attendance. Each Katiora is well armed and armored, acquiring their own equipment throughout campaigns, which is typically either purchased with their payment or scavenged from vanquished foes. Particularly famed Katiora prove their mastery at tournaments, where, if victorious, may earn the title Mâitru, or "Master". These veterans are expected to take up responsibilities in leading Yuravian armies, in addition to providing tutelage to younger Katiora, ensuring that their knowledge gained through their times is never lost to the ages.

In addition, an unprofessional title of warriors exist, known as Taçinara. Somewhere between conscripts and volunteers, Taçinara are called upon by Chieftans or Katiora during calls to arms. Despite their unprofessional status as soldiers, Taçinara are of vital import to a Yuravian force, for each Taçinara are expected to lend their expertise in their other trades in the war effort, such as medicine, construction, or chronicling. In calls to arms, the leader of the force, known as the Čaptâin, issues a need for men-at-arms, where each server is promised a share of the battlefield spoils. Often, an experienced or well-connected Čaptâin will first acquire arms and armor for each respective Taçinara force, who, in turn, will likely own light weapons of their own.

As a Yuravian force will often acquire additional arms along their warpath, a veritable assortment of weapons will be in the hands of their newfound masters. Yet, of every weapon in their employ, none is more important than the bow. Of compound make, the Yuravian bow is ubiquitous throughout the military, for swarms of arrows fired from fast-moving targets regularly soften up their opponents before a decisive charge is called. A weapon indigenous to Yuravia is known as the Bombe Din Feu, an incendiary device ignited via spark or torch with ceramic composition. Slung from rope either in singles or conjoined pairs, on contact with its unsuspecting foe, they are coated in a noxious burning tar, liberally peppering their foes in incendiary and engulfing their nearby allies in an acrid smoke. Such tools are employed as a means to break up infantry formations at close range before or during a charge.

Territory:

Factions:

To be developed...

Characters:

To be developed...

Vassals to an empty throne

@Milkman The responsibilities of foreign relations was handled through an appointee of the Gardinâ, which was usually only done on a need-be basis. Typically, this would be a merchant from the same tribe or clan as the designated tribe responsible for tribute toward the Arkronian crown, or if this message was extremely important, a tribal chieftain. If Arkron requested diplomatic action from Yuravia, a courier could be dispatched to a Tênuar who in turn would call for the meeting of a Gardinâ.

Also, the death of Aurielin is less THE BETRAYAL! and more The Betrayal^{[Citation Needed]}. While everyone were all clearly aware that the cause of Aurielin's death was via poisoning, it remains to be known how this was done, by whom, or for what reason. It's more of a great mystery with multiple theories than something that is clear-cut. Because of this, there is a much greater emphasis in Yuravian Historiography on the aftermath and fallout of her death than her death itself.

Vassals to an empty throne

Yuravia CS

Name:

Yuravian Confederation (Yuravian: "Konféderatïe Juravïanâ")

Description:

Yuravia is a semi-nomadic tribal alliance united by common language and culture, nestled in a realm with an equally diverse array of climates. From the thick woodlands of the Southwest to the hills of the North, and the great alps of the south, the great diversity too perpetuates a wide variety of dialects within Yuravia.

Known for a fierce affinity for trade and war, Yuravia has long existed as something of a thorn in Arkron's side, owing to their disperse nature as well as significant cultural differences. As it stands, Yuravia has long held their eyes upon the renegotiation of the tribute system. The prospect of a fully unified Yuravia is a terrifying one, and with the news of the Arkronian Epidemic, fears run rampant that the Wolves of the West smell blood in the water...

The side your nation was on during the 3th rebellion:

In the Third Rebellion, the tribes of Yuravia sided with The Rebels for a variety of reasons. The primary factor is the overwhelming feeling that direct vasselage to the Arkronian Crown was, at best, needless and at worst, actively degrading to their relationship. Arkron was a continent away and had few bearings on the day-to-day affairs of Yuravia, and when coupled with their levvying of tribute as well as their restrictions on maritime technology, this has long stipulated a sensation of inequality between the states, to where the duty of tribute is referred to as, Zo Taxe Inézale, or "The Unequal Tax".

Population / Races:

Endemic to Yuravia, Ascarians are a hardy folk. Ascarians are identifiable from the other races of men through their pointed ears, typically extending to a length of approximately 14 centimeters. Derivative from their nomadic ancestry, Acsarians typically possess a more tightly-built frame, typically amassing tone over raw mass as they make the most of every muscle. They are also noted for their complex set of pupils, Ascarians are gifted with very keen eyesight, able to discern objects with much greater clarity at extreme distances. Most Ascarains possess skin tones that range from snowy pale to rich redwood, though for those with mixed ancestry, it is possible for them to possess a skin tone that is much more bluish or dark than usual. Though gifted with long lifespans - with many a healthy Ascarian recorded to have reached 300 years - it's more typical that an Ascarian first die to disease, violence, or health complications before reaching so prime an age. On average, an Ascarian will stand at approximately 180cm, with deviations being based more heavily on ancestry as opposed to sexual dimorphism.

Though a majority of the population is Ascarian, there exist sizable portions of other races within Yuravia as well; Part of this stemmed as early on, as the Pre-Arkon practice of absorbing and assimilating vanquished tribes was common throughout much of Yuravia. Their children would be raised with the cultural values of their Ascarian takers, and would eventually become fully-fledged tribesmen. Thus, the term "Yuravian" refers to all inhabitants of the domain who practice the same indigenous culture; "Ascarian" is specifically reserved as a racial term.

Culture / Society:

The ambulatory nature of the Yuravian has changed very little since the arrival of the Arkronians. An overwhelming majority of its populus continues to live semi-nomadically, in which they stay in settlements or buildings for perhaps a few weeks or a month at a time, then continue to move onwards with the changing of the winds. Many locations are, as a result, attributed with extreme population flux, whereas a town will be a bustling beacon of activity one week and in the next will find itself barren. This love for travel (Yuravian: "Amostea D' Marćer", lit. "Love of Walking") is deeply rooted in Yuravian common belief, such that the act of walking and moving with "new airs" is essential to the maintenance of one's mind, body, and spirit; A sedentary life is told to become like a still pond, in which refuse and mold grows within it, until the waters are irreparably plagued. Such volksgeist pervades near every aspect of Yuravian society, from its economy to its infrastructure.

Accordingly, Yuravians are intrepid merchants and avid explorers. Found in virtually every corner of Mycoria, Yuravian traders are as ubiquitous as they are keen. An initial impression of a Yuravian will harken to one their fondness for jewelry, for gilded rings and argent piercings adorn their ears, lips, noses, and fingers with the regularity of fields of flowers in spring. Their natural ambulant drive urges Yuravians to see all corners of the Earth, and accordingly bring many of those baubles back with them on the return home.

True to this spirit, horses are of principal import to Yuravia, not only culturally, but economically and socially. Every Yuravian can be expected to own a handful of horses on their own, of which they serve as incredibly versatile companions; Horses in Yuravia are swift enough for riding, sturdy enough for pulling moderate loads, and provide vital milk which is regularly consumed throughout Yuravia.

Yuravian society has a profound respect for skill; Honorifics are referred to via one's abilities or accomplishments rather than any hereditary title. Yuravian folklore likens the development of crafts as absolutely essential to life, apropos the branches of a tree soon bearing fruit, which will feed its world and spread forth another seed of life. The most noteworthy extension of such skills branch toward a love of all things martial, and so it is that martial prowess is among the most respected of traits to be found in Yuravia. Famously so. To such a great degree does there exist an affinity for the martial is that, when paired with its history, is there an immediate image of a Yuravian that it has become the spitting image of the nation's people itself. Such claims to belligerence are purported to such heights that the common image of Yuravia is that of a perpetual state of warfare.

Another depth to Yuravia's vox populae lay in its affinity for the humanities. A deep love for storytelling is common throughout Yuravia, for the effects of song and dance upon Yuravian society at large cannot be overstated; So greatly are tales and performances exalted that the dancer and the chronicler receive the same prestige as the warrior and the chieftain. The most famed exhibits of these feats are in the form of the Povéstï, a traveling troupe similar in some ways to a circus. Each Povéstï can be seen as a combination of a circus and an opera. Consisting of several performers and an accompanying orchestra, the Povéstï travels from land to land, sharing and collecting famed tales and legends of old, set on reenacting the grandest of acts throughout folklore.

Families in Yuravian culture subscribe to very few conventional models typical - and in many ways, required - of a usual society. Yuravians form very large, intertwined families via a system of conjoined marriage. Persons typically take multiple spouses, each with children of their own, who in turn have their own spouses independently. Therein, it is entirely possible to be "married by association" or "half-married" depending on position within that particular family. There exists no hereditary inheritance system on the basis of age or bloodline, and upon a parent's passing, any items in their possession are distributed via their wishes as dictated in their diće, or will. Accordingly, there is no position of "Head of Family" or "Patriarch", owed to Yuravia's strongly-ingrained belief of skill serving as the basis of one's person, not birthright.

Religion:

Shamans known as Dricérin tend to the spiritual needs of Yuravia. Chiefly among their duties was that of divination, as it was commonly perceived that communication with the deceased would reveal insights, prophecies, or simply words of wisdom. Principally, they are the most inclined with any and all magical elements, and largely serve as the greatest body of thurmaturgical knowledge within Yuravia.

Yuravian Folk Religion consists of a large body of spirits and Patron Saints, known by a veritable assortment of names depending on region and dialect. As such, the direction of patronage is more commonly addressed in terms of their domain rather than their name proper, as the prevailing belief is that the peoples of the world worship the same Gods under different names. There exist no permanent structures of worship surrounding Yuravian Folk Religion, such as churches or shrines, though several chants and incantations exist for the purposes of practice.

History:

The exact origins of the Ascarians remain shrouded in myth and mystery, with many such records being lost to conflict or having simply died out as historiography evolved. With a long history of nomadic propensity, it is widely believed among anthropologists that the Ascarian's ancestors migrated extensively, as artifacts and Ascarian arrowheads can be found in all locations of the continent.

Prior to the arrival of the Arkronians, conflict between neighboring tribes was widespread, but limited in scale due to the extremely simplistic structure of each tribe making more organized attempts at warfare difficult at best and impractical at worst. It was, however, universal practice for the vanquished tribe to be integrated into the victor, thus substantially increasing the size and power of each tribe with each successive victory. If one tribe grew extremely powerful, however, common alliances between tribes would arise as a means of containment as an ensurance that no one tribe would come to dominate all the others.

Just prior to the arrival of the Arkronians, it was at the height of a particular campaign where the tribal alliances could be convened for what was, according to verbal accounts, the first time in centuries. Following a fateful battle upon the northern plains, the first Gardinâ in several hundred years was assembled, wherein the chieftains appointed the current Čaptâin, a woman named Aurielin, to become the first Čévdinčévi, as a great chieftain and ruler of all Yuravia.

Relations between the Arkronians were, at first, lukewarm, but when it became clear that the desires of the Men Across the Sea and the Men of the Kureathian Range would clash, the call to arms rang across all Yuravia. Aurelin waged many campaigns against the Arkronians to great success; She knew very well that while the Arkronians could quite easily beat them at sea, on land, they would be comparatively slow on the draw, and thus, she devised many clever faked retreats, baits, and supply strikes, even earning the nickname, Çanglêroza Rein, or "The Bloody Queen".

Their momentum, however great, would not last forever; Soon after, the famed Aurelin was fatefully found comatose in her bed, and despite the best efforts of her medičes, she would soon succumb to poison. Nobody concretely knew who the perpetrator was. Paranoia and a sense of betrayal ran rampart throughout the Yuravians, each clan and family convinced another had something to do with her sudden death. Yet, no matter the cause, the writing was on the wall: With no clear successor in place, it would only be a matter of time before the Arkronians could regroup, and with it, bring forth a force to bear much better-organized than they could scramble up. The disorganized Yuravians soon sought peace, one by one submitting beneath treaty and codex.

Aurelin had become a hero, sanctified as one to make the world tremble. So great is her influence that her legacy prevails throughout all Yuravia, beckoning to all who train in the incandescent image of One to Make the Seas Tremble. Yuravia has far from forgotten their history of inequality beneath the Sea, and like the mighty Sea Serpent, the hearts of its people know that, one day, it will part the seas themselves as it rises from the depths.

That day may soon be upon us.

Government:

Yuravia is organized around a confederated system, with much of its power being dispersed throughout its varied participating tribes. Nationally, they are governed through an Tribal Council called the Gardinâ, an assembly of designated representatives of each and every tribe, known as Tênuars. In truth, the Gardinâ holds little sway over the daily workings of affairs in Yuravia, and it is up to the responsibility of each Tênuar to affirm the agreements made at each congregation to their respective chieftains. Failure to adhere to dictums made in the Gardinâ widely varied based upon their severity; If there were no consequences to their neglect, or if the legislature in question was extremely minor, it is customary for the offending tribe to give compensation to other tribes. In more severe cases, however, the response is universally swift: War.

In times of great importance - or, more commonly, when tribes are united together during war - a singular leader is elected through the Gardinâ to serve as the de jure ruler of Yuravia. This ruler is known as a Čévdinčévi, or a "Chief of Chieftains". The meeting and subsequent election of the Čévdinčévi must be approved by consensus and not simply a majority vote, meaning delegation can last for quite some time before a leader is finally chosen...or not.

Economy:

Yuravia lacks complex systems of bureaucracy or guilds because, simply, there is no need for them. The majority of Yuravians continue to practice a system of self-sustenance to pair with their semi-nomadic lifestyles, and as a result, agriculture has a tendency to be limited in scale, although animal husbandry is quite popular. Trade is quite vibrant due to their culture of wanderlust, and goods from Yuravia can be found all over Mycoria.

Military:

With a highly mobile culture and a long-held affinity for the martial, the hordes and armies of Yuravia make for a fierce fighting force. Possessing a wide body of knowledge in the art of war, Yuravian warriors are swift, cunning veterans of several campaigns. Children often learn how to use at least one weapon from a young age; Typically, these include the bow (Yuravian: Arča), the saber (Yuravian: Çabre), or a chained set of hammerheads which are thrown, similar to a bolo (Yuravian: Čevrotïe). It is virtually unheard of for a Yuravian not to have access to horses, though in many cases, warriors dismount in the face of difficult terrain.

Warriors can be divided into two distinct camps, depending on professionalism. The first of which are known as Katiora, who dedicated professional to the martial arts roughly equivocal to a man-at-arms. Katiora regularly travel throughout the continent in service to others, acting as mercenaries in exchange for payment and experience. In times of tribal warfare, or when the convening of the Gardinâ for an appointment, it is expected that Katiora return home for attendance. Each Katiora is well armed and armored, acquiring their own equipment throughout campaigns, which is typically either purchased with their payment or scavenged from vanquished foes. Particularly famed Katiora prove their mastery at tournaments, where, if victorious, may earn the title Mâitru, or "Master". These veterans are expected to take up responsibilities in leading Yuravian armies, in addition to providing tutelage to younger Katiora, ensuring that their knowledge gained through their times is never lost to the ages.

In addition, an unprofessional title of warriors exist, known as Taçinara. Somewhere between conscripts and volunteers, Taçinara are called upon by Chieftans or Katiora during calls to arms. Despite their unprofessional status as soldiers, Taçinara are of vital import to a Yuravian force, for each Taçinara are expected to lend their expertise in their other trades in the war effort, such as medicine, construction, or chronicling. In calls to arms, the leader of the force, known as the Čaptâin, issues a need for men-at-arms, where each server is promised a share of the battlefield spoils. Often, an experienced or well-connected Čaptâin will first acquire arms and armor for each respective Taçinara force, who, in turn, will likely own light weapons of their own.

As a Yuravian force will often acquire additional arms along their warpath, a veritable assortment of weapons will be in the hands of their newfound masters. Yet, of every weapon in their employ, none is more important than the bow. Of compound make, the Yuravian bow is ubiquitous throughout the military, for swarms of arrows fired from fast-moving targets regularly soften up their opponents before a decisive charge is called. A weapon indigenous to Yuravia is known as the Bombe Din Feu, an incendiary device ignited via spark or torch with ceramic composition. Slung from rope either in singles or conjoined pairs, on contact with its unsuspecting foe, they are coated in a noxious burning tar, liberally peppering their foes in incendiary and engulfing their nearby allies in an acrid smoke. Such tools are employed as a means to break up infantry formations at close range before or during a charge.

Territory:

Factions:

To be developed...

Characters:

To be developed...

@Milkman This is what I got thus far. Thoughts?

Yam's Organic Character Farm and Distillery

Socialist Federation of the Union of Vilturia

Geography:

|Geographical Location of Country:|

Political Map of Vilturia

|Country Size:| 3,449,603 Square Kilometers
|Cities:| Self-explanatory, I hope. Important cities, basically.
|Natural Resources:|
The Republics within the Federation are vast and many, and the immense variety of climates and terrains within Vilturia produce a wide range of resources for the harvest. From the rubber plantations of Vatn to the lush fields of Oran where sorghum grows like weeds, Vilturia has made plentiful use of its varied landscapes. With no shortage of metals nor lumber, the internal market of Viltura's construction resources has been able to keep up with the demanding needs of the Ministry of Industry; After all, to produce more requires to build more, and the wheels of progress cannot halt.

Unlike many of its neighbors, Vilturia possesses only adequate deposits of oil; A far cry from the Dominion to the north or Geisel to the southwest, Vilturia's oil reserves are remain both within difficult lands, beneath scores of porous rock which collapses easily, and do not nearly reach the immense depths that the Dominion boasts about. Widespread expansion of the most prominent oil deposits in Macha and Helia would be an invasive and costly procedure, to say little of the ruination of its surrounding lands which rely greatly on pasture-based agriculture. As such, what would otherwise be the most prominent deposits in all of the Union remain exploited only to a fraction of their potential.

In turn, Vilturia has taken upon itself to do its best with alternate sources of energy: The rich volcanic ranges along the Skadtin Mountains which span across much of the country provide ready sources of geothermal electricity, and the wide-reaching development projects of the First Ten Year Plan have steadily led to a series of dams and reservoirs, which in turn provide much of what was once undeveloped countryside into new industrial cities with electricity and water. To accommodate for the pressed supply of oil, a linked urbanization initiative was undertaken, instead incentivizing citizens to use mass transit options. Urban rail lines, walking, and cycling are all the most numerous means of transport; Almost no citizens who reside within urban spaces own automobiles, and only agricultural laborers on them for the sake of their work. A majority of Vilturian gasoline is synthetically produced or refined; E-50 (50% petrol, 50% ethanol) and E-100 gasoline are the most frequently-utilized fuels, and Vilturia's immense agricultural yields have ensured that - no matter what - a steady source of cheap, plant mass-based fuel will always be ready.

People & Culture:

|Population:| 453,662,114 (1930 Census)
|Demographics:|

Peoples of the Union

Helians:
Helians are the native inhabitants of the Helia marches; A rich and fertile land accompanied by wide rivers, cavernous valleys, and beauteous gorges. Hardy, fair-complected, and typically with pale platinum or white hair, even the most humble of Helians can boast of a resilience to the elements.
The average Helian is portrayed as a cynical, hard-nosed one - and perhaps a bit gruff in tandem - yet will always speak politely and softly. While they may seem cold on the surface, such sentiments only show due to the cultural value of stoicism the Helians have expressed: An unbemused, stoic face shows a great amount of discipline, and self-control is only the first expression towards respect when making an impression.
Statistically, all Helian-descended peoples are counted as being Helian, the most notable subgroup of which include Estewaldians, which in recent years have made a rapid influx in Vilturia's population as swathes of Landsmanner peasants flee the drudgery of Coraxian servitude in search of opportunity inside of Vilturia.

Oranian:
Known in Eilíftir times as tribal hill-folk, the denizens of Oran are a far-flung ancestor of the ancient Geisel peoples. Academics agree that Oranians are broadly under the Geisel-Helian ethnic tree, yet the exact relationship they have between any one particular ethnic group remains a hotly-contested question. Most Oranian peoples have black or dark brown hair, light complexion, and are generally not the tallest of peoples.

Machanese:
The peoples of Macha were historically a seminomadic, seafaring peoples who braved the treacherous Sølvi Bay and Northern Sea. Distant relatives of the Zengravi ethnic group, they were typically thought to have been an ethnic isolate until recent discoveries had linked the two, given the differences in language between Zengravi and Machanese peoples. As of such, they bear many outward similarities to many Zengravi peoples, the most notable being their more deep-set, pointed eyes, though they differ in many others; Machanese peoples will almost always possess reddish hair with amber or even crimson eyes to match, and take on a more fair, pinkish complexion.
In spite of their cold surroundings, the Machanese are known to be a warm and welcoming people, with strongly valuing hospitality and giving to others in times of need.

Ilestrians:
The mountainous folk of Central Vilturia, Ilestrians are slender (some might say "gaunt") people

Vatnians:
Linguistic and cultural ancestors of the seafaring Sairish and Manticorian peoples, Vatnians were a historically seafaring people who had settled along much of the southern coasts of modern Vilturia, where their relatives still reside. Bright eyes - fitting of their maritime heritage - are the telltale feature of the Vatnian, which pierce through their reddish hair and equally burgundy complexion.


Sumetzi:
The Sumetzi peoples of the Southwest are of the Dinnen ethnic family, related to the peoples who dwell within the Conclaves. With Umber or Deep Bronze skin tones, Sumetzi peoples are perhaps odd in that they have a likelihood to possess blonde hair complexions.
Most find the Sumetzi to be curious by nature; Certainly inquisitive, Sumetzian culture is famously loquacious. A common joke goes that a Sumetzi cannot answer a question with an answer: Only another question.

|Government:| Officially, the Union of Vilturia regards itself as a Unitary Multi-Party Federative Socialist Republic. Unlike their socialist or social-democratic brothers, the Union is opposed to a liberal concept of democratic government: They believe that a strong Vanguard of the most class-conscious people can best run society like the mild leadership of a conductor of an orchestra, and appropriately have taken it upon themselves to ensure that any counter-revolutionary elements in the post-revolutionary Vilturian society have no say in the affairs of the government. Instead, a selection of approved political parties are allowed to organize and engage in elections, themselves preferred to be organized on a municipal basis.

|Ruler:| The Revolutionary Union Congress acts as the primary legislative and executive party of the Vilturian Union. It is composed of elected officials, first from the six Federative Republics of the Union, then from each individual district within (itself based upon population).
|Volksgeist:|
Revolution is not simply a one-time event. It is a continuous process by which the wheels of history must churn, and for such wheels of history to turn as they do, the revolution - by its very namesake - must turn as well.

Socialism, in turn, is not merely a means of governance or economics.
|Religion:| Following the Revolution of 1911, officially the Vilturian Union has adopted an atheistic state policy, and as such actively decries religion as illegitimate.

|History:|

Give me something meaty to work with here.

|Armed Forces:|

|Vilturian Revolutionary Army:|
Forged in the fires of the Eilíftirian Civil War, the modern VRA traces its ancestry back to the hardened guerilla fighters of the Eilíft Peasant's and Worker's Red Army. In bloody ideological struggle the foundations of the VRA were forged, and has since tirelessly marched forwards into the present. Transformed from their humble beginnings as a simple peasant militia, the VRA has come far from its scattered beginnings, and now stands as the sword and shield of the Worker's Revolution.

Infantry Equipment of the VRA:

Uniform of the IRA:

M/22 Field Cap

M/25 Helmet

M/4 Standard Ammunition Vest

M/3 Flak Jacket

M/1925 Field Uniform

M/1896 Revolver:
First produced in Eilíft Ljós, this revolver was once the standard sidearm of Vilturian military forces. As befitting for a revolver, the M/1896 is a rugged piece of equipment. With a top-break cylinder and firing in double-action, the M/1896 remains an ergonomic and functional sidearm.

M/23 Pistol:
The first native pistol of Vilturia, the M/23 is a crisp-firing, semi-automatic pistol, introduced to address concerns over the M/1896's limited cylinder capacity and relatively slow loading speed. Rechambered for a new automatic pistol cartridge - the 7.7x25mm Kara round - the M/23 has generally been regarded as a fine sidearm.

A machine pistol variant also exists - the M/23-AP. With a heavier barrel, ribbed slide vents, and a folding front grip, the M/23-AP is normally given to tank and vehicle crews in need of an automatic defense weapon. It is typically also seen with 16-round magazines and a full-wood shoulder stock, attached to the pistol grip.

M/19(u) Rifle:
The M/19(u) is a license-produced copy of the Belzarovian IR-19. Noteworthy differences between the two include a "swivel"-styled safety located just ahead of the trigger, a feeding lip atop the ejection port to accomodate loading via 5 or 10-round stripper clips, redesigned hood-and-post styled iron sights, and a difference in banding processes to accommodate for the differences between Belzarovian and Vilturian lumber. As a result, the M/19 tends to have a lighter complexion than its native counterpart.

M/27 Rifle:
Following army inspections during the post-revolutionary period, the army inspectorate noticed a distinct correlation between volume of fire and combat effectiveness. When combined with the rapidly aging arsenal of the IRA, this created a drive to create a thoroughly "modern" service rifle. Taking light inspiration from the Estewaldian SK-18, the M/27 is a semi-automatic battle rifle, utilzing Belzarovian 7.92x54mm ammunition in 5, 10, or even 30-round MK/21 detachable box magazines. While thoroughly modern in its design, the M/27 has only recently entered full production, and as such, only Class A units have been fully issued with the M/27, with the remainder of troops either having a mix between the M/27 and the M/19(u) or only having the older M/19(u).

MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun:
Based on one of the very first submachine gun designs, the MP/14 was originally conceived in the midst of the Revolution of 1911 by Loyalist forces. The S2 iteration is an effort by Vilturia to modernize its old design, reworked to utilize a tubular buffer tube and a modified magwell design to improve feeding reliability. The MP/14 S2 is known to be a simple, yet effective submachine gun.

MP/24 Submachine Gun:
Manufactured and designed by the Saki Machinery & Design Works (Saki Industrianlæg, abv. SI), the MP/24 is an open-bolt submachine gun with remarkable durability and excellent control-ability even when fired full-auto, thanks to an innovative floating firing pin. It is chambered for 7.7x25mm Kara ammunition, and furthermore is typically assigned with 35-round curved magazines. Alternatively, it can use 60-round drum magazines, but these have fallen out of widespread use due to reliability concerns, as well as their annoying tendency to "rattle" during long marches.

HG/15(u) Shotgun:
A modification of the Belzarovian Vantash shotgun, the HG/15 has been rechambered to use Vilturian standard 12-gauge, 3 1/2 inch shotshells. Aside from a different bore size and an adjusted bayonet lug to accommodate for the Vilturian M/1917, the two are practically identical to one another.

MK/21 Machine Gun:
During the onset of the 1911 Revolution, there was an increasing demand asking for a support weapon with the mobility of being transported and operated by just one man. The MK/21 emerged as the most standout model of this desire. Featuring its long-stroke gas piston operation and top-mounted feeding mechanism, the MK/21 is an outstandingly quality firearm.

MK/30 Machine Gun:
Although far from a poor design, one of the key issues most troops had with the earlier MK/21 was the magazine-fed nature of the weapon reducing its sustained fire capabilities. As a means to address these concerns, the MK/30 is intended to be an upgrade to the earlier MK/31. With the capacity to use both a bipod and a tripod with portability of just one man, the MK/30 is a general-purpose machinegun that is rapidly gaining good marks among troops in the field.

TMK/2:
The TMK/2 is the VRA's standard heavy machinegun. Typically firing either 7.92mm Belzarovian or 13.5x101mm Rive rounds, the TMK/2 is an air-cooled machinegun with an average cyclic rate of about 700 RPM.

APG/29 Anti-Tank Rifle:
From the basis of the earlier M/1919 Antipansargevær, the VRA quickly realized the importance of infantry-deployable anti-armor equipment. Largely heralded as a direct improvement to its more primitive cousin, the APG/29 is a magazine-fed antitank weapon, meant to be fired in crews of two, accompanying a spotter and an operator. Reworked to utilize new 13.5x101mm "Lansiär" incendiary rounds, the APG/29 can punch through armor, igniting its aluminum and tungsten sabot upon the immense impact velocity of hitting hard armor plates. The result is a weapon devastating to the crew within, as molten-hot shards of burning metal ricochet within the vehicle's quarters.

F1 Raketstyr 82mm:
A simple stick-and-tube mechanism, the F1 propels 82mm rockets from a reusable, muzzle-loaded tube. Its simplicity, ease of use, and light weight compared to the AGP/29 give it much-coveted status among the troops. Capable of firing flak, antitank, and antipersonnel rockets, the F1 is a versatile piece of equipment that can be tailored for almost any situation.

M/28 Hand Grenade:
A simple fragmentation grenade in a classic "handle" style. Possesses a "pull-cord" style design and is normally issued with a 4-second timed fuse, although variants for instantaneous (intended to be used for tripwire traps) and up to 12-second fuses exist.

Atg/30 Antitank Grenade:
This is a primitive, hand-thrown grenade with a shaped "lancer" head, intended to crack open thick armor and field fortifications. Typically, it requires either a very brave or a very desperate soldier to use against an approaching tank or mech.

Moli:
The affectionate nickname of this device, the "Moli" came into widespread prevalence throughout the IRA following revisions to the Vilturian Manual of Arms during the 1925 Army Reforms. Originally conceived as a means for the average infantryman to have a ready means of disabling enemy vehicles even when faced with a shortage of materials, the Moli is a makeshift incendiary grenade, lit by a primitive fuse.

22mm M/7 Geværgranåte:
One of the more recent changes to the Vilturian Tables of Organization and Equipment was the addition of a dedicated Grenadier to all Rifle Squads, replacing one of the riflemen. Able to be mounted onto either the M/19(u) or the M/27, the M/7 is a simple launching mechanism, intended to allow the average unit a bit more squad-based firepower. The standard 22mm fragmentation rifle grenade offers enhanced range against traditionally thrown grenades. Antitank and smoke grenades also exist, but tend to be issued on a situational basis.

8cm M/5 Infanterimørtel:

Mechanized Equipment of the VRA:

FIA M/9 "Skadi"

T/30:
A half-track troop transport, the T-30 is one of Vilturia's newest attempts to fully update and mechanize its army. Unlike previous army trucks, the T-30 is armored to provide some modicum of protection against infantry fire, and is capable of carrying a squad of 10 into battle.

KV/18:
One of the first armored vehicles ever created by the Vilturian Armed Forces, the Kampvagn 18 was designed in the immediate aftermath of the Revolution of 1911. Seeing increasing necessity for mechanization - as the actions of improvised armored cars and trains had proved their viability - Vilturia had rushed the KV/18 out to production. In contemporary times, the design is considered somewhat dated; It's multi-turreted layout has shown to reduce ammunition capacity for each weapon and makes for a rather cramped crew space. However, the KV/18 is built upon a solid chassis and a reliable transmission, and has since paved the way for further armor improvements.

LKV/25:
As the cavalry tank of the VRA, the Letkampvagn 25 is designed with an unusual suspension chassis which allows it to easily traverse almost any kind of terrain. The relatively light weight, combined with its 47mm cannon, make it an effective tank for exploiting breakthroughs to their fullest potential.

TKV/24:
A titan of a tank, the Tungkampvagn 24 serves the role of the breakthrough tank in VRA service, and is intended to smash through enemy strongpoints and fortifications with the support of its accompanying infantry. Boasting 100mm of angled frontal armor as well as a 76mm main gun, the TKV/24's capabilities are nothing short of impressive.

LKV/30:
The most recent design from the famous Markian Technical Institute, the Letkampvagn 30 is an attempt to hybridize the best aspects of faster, lighter "cavalry" tanks and the heavier, better armored "breakthrough" tanks into one effective platform.

PKV/27 "Puma"
When they were initially presented with combat walkers, the board of the VRN were initially very skeptical about the viability of mechs, citing the slower speed of an ambulatory gait as opposed to that of wheeled or tracked vehicles, in addition to the higher profile of an upright walker being a much larger target without the armor to compensate. As such, experimentation with combat mechs was only briefly done with things like the Projekt 1918, before unimpressive field tests and poor troop reports had the project cancelled in 1920 and had the concept of a front-line combat walker considered to be a dead end.
With the reformation of the Alpiner Corps in 1923, several reports indicated that mountain troops requested a more mobile weapons platform for fire support, as mountain guns had to be manually towed either by horse or motorcycle.

PKV/29 "Løva"

Vilturian Infantry Company Composition:

Type:
Personnel:

Company Headquarters:

• 1x Company Commander - Captain armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.
• 1x Company Sergeant Master - Sergeant Major armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.
• 1x Quartermaster - 1st Sergeant armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.

Medical Section:

• 1x Senior Medic - 1st Sergeant armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.
• 4x Medic - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.

2x Rifle Platoons:

• 1x Platoon Commander - 2nd or 1st Lieutenant armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.
• 1x Deputy Platoon Commander - 1st Sergeant armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.
• 2x Platoon Sniper - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle and O/23 Rifle Scope.

4x Rifle Squads:¹

• 1x Squad Commander - Sergeant armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.
• 1x Deputy Squad Commander - Corporal armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.
• 1x Light Machine Gunner - Private armed with 1 MK/21 / MK/30 Machine Gun.
• 1x Assistant Machine Gunner - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle or 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun.
• 1x Grenadier - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle and M/7 Rifle Grenade Adapter.
• 1x Submachine Gunner - Private armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun.
• 4x Rifleman - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.

1x Assault Platoon

• 1x Platoon Commander - 2nd or 1st Lieutenant armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.
• 1x Deputy Platoon Commander - 1st Sergeant armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.
• 2x Platoon Sniper - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle and O/23 Rifle Scope.

4x Rifle Squads:¹

• 1x Squad Commander - Sergeant armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.
• 1x Deputy Squad Commander - Corporal armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.
• 1x Light Machine Gunner - Private armed with 1 MK/21 / MK/30 Machine Gun.
• 1x Assistant Machine Gunner - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle or 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun.
• 1x Grenadier - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle and M/7 Rifle Grenade Adapter.
• 5x Submachine Gunner - Private armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun.

^{1) Most often, the 4th Squad is not included in a platoon, and generally rifle platoons are only given a 4th squad on a situational basis.}

1x Weapons Section:

• 1x Section Commander - Sergeant armed with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.
• 1x Machine Gunner - Private armed with 1 MK/30.
• 3x Ammunition Bearers - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.

3x Antitank Section:

• 1x AT Trooper - Private with 1 AGP/29 Antitank Rifle or 82 Rak/F1 and 1 M23 Pistol/M96 Revolver.
• 2x Firing Assistant - Private with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle.

1x Mortar Attachment:

• 1x Attachment Commander - 1st Sergeant with 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revolver.

2x Mortar Sections:

• 1x Mortarman - Private armed with 8cm M/5 Mortar and 1 M/23 Pistol / M/1896 Revovler.
• 2x Ammunition Bearers - Private armed with 1 M/19(u) / M/27 Rifle or 1 MP/24 / MP/14 S2 Submachine Gun.

Ammunition Loads

For M/19(u) Rifle:

• 40 rounds (ready) - 4x clips (10 rd) held in front vest pouches
• 30 rounds (reserve) - 3x clips (10 rd) held in front belt pouches
• 70 rounds (extra) - 7x clips (10 rd) held in rear belt pouches

For M/27 Rifle:

• 60 rounds (ready) - 3x magazines (10 rd) held in front vest pouches
• 40 rounds (reserve) - 2x magazines (10 rd) held in front belt pouches
• 40 rounds (extra) - 2x magazines (10 rd) held in rear belt pouches

For MP/14 S2 and MP/24 Submachine Guns:¹

• 120 rounds (in gun) - 2x drum magazine (60 rd) held in rear belt drum pouch
• 170 rounds (ready) - 5x magazine (35 rd) held in front vest pouches

^{1) The Vilturian Manual of Arms states that submachine gunners are to enter all engagements with the drum magazine initially loaded, and to reload using the box magazines in combat. In practice, this clause tends to be ignored.}

For MK/21 Machine Gun:

• 30 rounds (in gun) - 1x magazine (30 rd) loaded in gun
• 150 rounds (ready) - 5x magazine (30 rd) held in front vest pouches

For MK/30 Machine Gun:

• 80 rounds (in gun) - 1x ammunition belt (80 rd) loaded in gun
• 240 rounds (ready) - 3x ammunition belt (80 rd) held in front vest pouches, carried by ammunition bearers

For Grenades:

• 3x M/28 Hand Grenades (in pouch) or;
• 2x Atg/30 Antitank Grenades (in pouch)

Categorization of VRA Units

|Class A|

Class A units (Vilturian: Klasse A) are those ranked by the General Army Inspectorate (Vilturian: Allmänna Hærinspektorat, Abv. AHI) as the most properly trained and staffed units within the VRA. As special standards are required to meet Class A certification that go above and beyond the general guidelines for army inspections, Class A units are generally considered to be, "The cream of the crop" of the VRA, and as such typically receive advanced funding from the Ministry of Defense. All special units - including mountaineer, marine, and airborne units - are of Class A rank, as are a number of particularly distinguished divisions.

|Class B|

Class B (Vilturian: Klasse Be) units refer to all standing military units which have been ranked by the AHI to meet the general army standards for front-line combat, yet do not meet the qualifications to be classified as a Class A unit.

|Class K|

Class K (Vilturian: Klasse Ka) is the mark given to combat units which do not meet military qualifications for front-line action, but are still in well enough shape to engage in limited operations. Such shortcomings can be a result of a lack of proper equipment, shortage of qualified personnel, limited tactical-operational organizational capacity, or poor performance. Many reserve divisions are given this qualification in peacetime, as many "on paper" reserve infantry divisions are clearly not mobilized during peacetime, and as such would only rise in categorization during war.

|Class D|

Class D (Vilturian: Klasse Da) denotes that a particular unit is in need of reorganization or restructuring. During wartime, Class D units would likely be ones that have suffered particularly bad losses of manpower or materiel, and unless they are also a specialized unit, they will likely be merged with another Class D unit to bring a unit back up to strength. However, in peacetime, this mark typically suggests that the group in question is simply awaiting resupply.

|Class S|

Class S (Vilturian: Klasse Es) is a special qualification that is given to units that are not directly handled by the VRA, and instead operate under the command of another organization. As a result, Class S units do not typically receive direct funding or assignment from the AHI, but instead will be organized and equipped to the regulations of their handler. The wide range of the Class S ranking also means that the average capabilities of Class S units varies greatly: Some Class S units are simple, irregular civil defense groups formed along border towns, while others are highly elite partisan groups organized under the authority of SIGA. (Vilturian: Särskiel Ifterretnings Gruppe Avingdren)

Vilturian Division Names

• Infantry Divisions:
• Division Number + Division Headquarters + "Infanteri Afördeling"
• Example: "12te Grønfæltske Infanteri Afördeling"

• Reserve Infantry Divisions:
• Division Number + Division Headquarters + "Sikkerhetskopi Infanteri Afördeling"
• Example: "5te Yjestrske Sikkerhetskopi Infanteri Afördeling"

• Civil Defense Corps:
• Signifier + "Borgarlikeförsvars Korps" + Headquarters
• Example: "3je Borgarlikeförsvars Korps Hallita"

• Cavalry Divisions:
• Division Number + Division Headquarters + "Kavælri Afördeling"
• Example: "2st Fjällströmske Kavælri Afördeling"

• Mechanized / Armored Infantry Divisions:
• Division Number + Armored Corps Signifier Code + "Pansaretinfanteri Afördeling"
• Example: "7de KVIO Pansaretinfanteri Afördeling"

• Armor / Tank Divisions:
• Division Number + Armored Corps Signifier Code + "Pansar Afördeling"
• Example: "23je JKO Pansar Afördeling"

• Mountaineer Divisions:
• Division Number + Division Headquarters + "Alpinjægar Afördeling"
• Example: "1st Skadtinske Alpinjægar Afördeling"

• Marine Divisions:
• Division Number + Division Headquarters + "Sjøjægar Afördeling"
• Example: "4de Mädsenske Sjøjægar Afördeling"

• Airborne / Paratrooper Divisions:
• Division Number + Division Headquarters + "Falskärmsjægar Afördeling"
• Example: "6te Kitäske Falskärmsjægar Afördeling"

|Vilturian Revolutionary Navy:|
For much of Vilturia's history, the Navy received the lion's share of the defense budget. Considering the raw naval potential of neighboring Sairish Empire to be one of their largest threats - the still-young Vilturian Union still reeling from civil war - the choice for the Navy's prioritization in turn was spurred by a scare within the population at large that opportunists within the Empire's Expansionist Party would push for quick land grabs during the revolutionary period. At the conclusion of the First People's Congress, it was soon after decided that a serious effort at naval buildup would be necessary to deter any would-be powers. Outlined in the First Ten Year Plan, the priority of the VRN would be to:

• Establish a surface fleet that was capable of defending the Union's vast coastline.
• Create a naval force that was - at bare minimum - capable of withstanding an assault effort from Geisel or the Sairish Empire.
• Have a fleet capable of power projection across the Southern and Eastern Oceans.

With the conclusion of the First Ten Year Plan in 1925, budget reallotments - as well as the creation of the Vilturian Revolutionary Air Force - largely signaled the conclusion of Vilturia's period of naval buildup. The resulting conclusion heralded the VRN's status as one of the most impressive naval forces in the world; A novel fleet, unrestrained by past doctrine or tonnage. Yet as it stood, the Vilturian Navy faced a crossroad of design philosophy: Some proponents of the school of power projection suggested the development of an aircraft-carrier focused battlefleet, supplanted by cruiser and destroyer screens that could easily strike well above their weight while having an operational range that surpassed any naval gun known. Others insisted on a more traditional-styled battleship focused fleet, in which the VRN would be engaged in a tonnage race with the Sairish Empire's mightiest vessels. As of 1930, the former's design philosophy has edged over the latter's, as the Union has pushed the majority of their efforts into their carrier fleets. All this said, the VRN remains nothing short of thoroughly impressive.

Ship Classes of the VRN

S2-Class Submarine:
At their inception, the S2-class of submarines were themselves an upgrade of the Eilíftir-era Fjord class. Although they were accordingly upgraded with contemporary parts - and as such possess modern engines and propellers - their armament is still distinctly decades behind the norm, and are most commonly used for coastal defense or for training crewmen.

S3-Class Submarine:
It was soon discovered that simply making improvements to the venerable Fjord-class would not suffice, and in 1920 a new series of submarines were laid down. The S3-class were Vilturia's first "true" homegrown blue water submarine designs. Possessing twin two-shaft diesel-electric engines and armed with 6 torpedo tubes, the S3 class are a versatile, swift vessel that have proven incredibly promising for convoy raiding in both blue and green water operations.

Skál-Class Torpedo Boat:
An Eilíftir-era design, the Skál class of torpedo boats have widely been relegated to green-water use in recent years. Though perhaps impressive for their time, the years have not been kind to the then-contemporary design of their engines and rotor outputs, and as such, many Skál-class boats remain much more sluggish than their modern counterparts. However, their armament of torpedo tubes is nothing short of admirable, and for this reason the capable armament of these torpedo boats have prevented them from being scrapped altogether.

Räpija-Class Destroyer:
One of the most common vessels in service, the Räpija-class of destroyers was designed in 1922 with the sole intent of being the "backbone of the fleet". True to its design, the Räpija-class of destroyers are capable of a mind-boggling assortment of loadouts.

Halebård-Class Light Cruiser:


Krigsværd-Class Light Cruiser:
Known outside of Vilturia as the "Claymore", the Krigsværd-class is an impressively-outfitted blue water patrol vessel. Armed with M/1926 "Helstrjyk" torpedoes - magnetically-charged, hydrodynamic torpedoes propelled by a novel oxidizing aerosol - the Krigsværd has shown outstanding results in naval exercises. The Krigsværd punches well above its weight, and accordingly has immense verisimilitude. Most newer Krigsværd-class cruisers have been outfitted with an ablative "scale" armor plating, improving their durability in direct naval engagements.

Jestät-Class Heavy Cruiser:
When the Vilturian Federation first came into being after the Revolution of 1911, they were quickly confronted with a pressing problem: As the Eilíftir loyalists had scuttled a majority of their naval ships to avert their capture, the few capital ships the Revolutionary forces could capture were rapidly aging. To confront these issues, it was decided in the first outlining of the VRN that there would be a twofold solution to this problem: The Jestät-Class of heavy cruisers, and the Minä-Class of battleships. Designed as a stopgap between lighter screening vessels and true ships-of-the-line, the Jestät-class has nevertheless proven to be a rapidly adaptable heavy cruiser design.

Lofi-Class Heavy Cruiser:
The most modern of the heavy cruisers in the VRN's service, the Lofi-class was designed with the sole intent of providing an adaptable chassis upon which a long lifespan of variants could be concocted. Displacing just over 13,000 long tons, the Lofi-class has proven to be an adaptable ship design - and although time has not yet passed to see if it will live up to the legacy of the Jestät-class - it has nevertheless shown incredible promise...and has some very big shoes to fill.

Karina-Class Escort Carrier:
As the prominence of airpower in warfare became increasingly more clear, it was obvious to the VRN that they would inevitably be required to have a capable escort ship with the capacity to support both the main battlefleet as well as supporting air fleets. To address this, the Karina-class of escort carriers are the smaller cousins to the Kotka and Ørn classes of proper carriers, and is intended to guard the main flanks of screen group from submarines, forwards, and light airgroups. As a result of its smaller constitution, the Karina-class are much more nimble compared to a full-grown carrier, but it also possesses a smaller flight deck.

Takka-Class Battlecruiser:

Sjáva-Class Dreadnought:

Minä-Class Battleship:

Freja-Class Superheavy Battleship:

Kotka-Class Carrier:
At the onset of the VRN's birth, the newfound navy was set with a distinct problem: As experiences in naval warfare had shown, the role of heavy dreadnoughts had become increasingly challenged by the rising potency of air power. The viability of airfare in naval warfare confirmed to the higher-ups within the VRN that they should shed tradition in favor of a fully modernized naval force. However, naval strategy is built strategy, and the young Federation had not yet the time to indulge fully in a completely modern navy. In response, the Kotka-class was a hastily-created concoction to fit the VRN's experimental needs. As it is, it is a conversion of ocean liners to accommodate a flight deck and a few rudimentary flight control towers.

Ørn-Class Carrier:
With the success of the Kotka-class proven in naval exercises, the VRN further authorized the creation of a "true" aircraft carrier. First laid down in 1925, the Ørn-class boasts notable improvements to the previous Kotka-class conversions. Without the limitations imposed upon the nature of being conversions, the Ørn-class boasts a number of improvements upon its predecessor, of which include an enlarged flight deck and under-deck, additional lifters, an enlarged control tower, and an enhanced radio relay for improved sortie efficiency.

|Vilturian Revolutionary Air Force:|
After the onset of the Revolution of 1911, the Revolutionary Army was swift to notice the ever-more increasing importance of air power on the modern battlefield. Initially organized as a subdivision of the Vilturian Revolutionary Army, eventually the subdivision itself grew too large to be considered such for much longer, and was reorganized into the Vilturian Revolutionary Air Force in 1921.

Aircraft of the VRAF

TIK Cyklon
Produced by Titänia Industrielle Köretage (Abv. TIK), the Cyklon primarily serves as a light reconnaissance plane, and only has passable offensive capabilities. With a long operational range and a modified diesel engine, the Cyklon is also famously quiet.

Höfn Falkon

TIK Kaarhöka

TIK Kvuling

Höfn Monsun

Höfn Orkan

TIK Ildsturm

Höfn Sefiiri

FL-Avia Ashilde

|People of Interest:|

POV characters. A short description as well. Feel free to update this as you want to.

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