Project Rheagonn: Discussion Thread

[Maxwell500]

I've been following the thread for sometime and recently got involved through discussion with people over IRC, and after a few days of talking, I would like to present my idea.

Golden Empire
Laurëa Harda​

The Golden Empire(Elvish: Laurëa Harda) is the united lands of the the High Elves(Elvish: Arta Quendi). The Realm is ruled by an Emperor(Elvish: Malantur), the current being Poldórëa IV(aged 1,420). The style of government is that of an autocracy, but an Assembly of Elders(Elvish: Combë od Enwina) has oversight into the interpretation of the Great Laws and may step in during conflicts or if the throne is to fall vacant.

Individuals of Interest(Part One)

Poldórëa IV (aged 1,420)

Poldórëa was born the first son of Velicë II and his consort, and thus named heir to the throne upon birth. Due to his place as heir, the young prince spent the next three centuries being educated in statecraft, military strategy and etc. After his education was finished, he took command of a number of the Empire's armies and led them to victory. Although good at heart, eventually his desire for the throne grew and reading through the Great Laws(which decreed that an Emperor must reign at least 200 years before he may be deposed), Poldórëa found that he could rightfully claim it and thus lead his army to capital, where he and his father's forced battled for many days before favor went to him. He followed through with custom by executing his defeated father and ascending the throne at the age of 411. He soon procreated and spawned over twenty children, seven of whom were male. As his sons grew older throughout the next century he saw the ambition in their eyes and he began to feel paranoid. When his eldest son struck 203 years into his reign he managed to skillfully the defeat him, he spared no mercy and had his son executed. The other six were then dispatched to remote corners of the empire, in perpetual exile. Another challenge came less than a decade later however when his grandson, the young Maita, rose to claim the throne for himself. Once again the threat to his throne was defeated, but unlike before Poldórëa saw potential and thus spared the boy, instead imprisoning him in the palace. As the centuries began to fly by Poldórëa grew older and wearier, spending less and less time involving himself in the affairs of the realm and more to the pursuit of unlimited power. Upon reaching the age of 1,000 Poldórëa gave up on his pursuit of 'greater power' and instead returned his attention to ruling. He found however that Maita, now much older, has assumed the reigns of power through rings of informants and key individuals. Thus the Emperor was forced to fight his grandson once again, but this time he found his army of loyalists a shadow of its former self and thus had to fight the odds. He was victorious once more however and imprisoned Maita once again, but this time in the lómin, the most secure fortress-prison in the Empire. The centuries ticked by once again and now at the age of 1,420, Poldórëa reign has been one of the longest in the Empire's history. However, there is worry that he may no longer be fit to rule, with insanity beginning to plague him.

Maita (aged 897)

Maita is the son of Poldórëa's second son, Quilda, and was notable in rebelling against his grandfather at the age of 100. He was imprisoned after the failed attempt and went on to spend 350 years in imprisonment in the Imperial Palace complex, receiving education and continued martial training as per his grandfather's wishes. After his release he quickly wormed himself into the bureaucracy of the realm due to the absence of his grandfather. For the next 27 years he ruled as Emperor in essence but was challenged with the return of the Emperor. Whilst he had the upper hand, his grandfather managed to defeat him once more. Maita was spared again but imprisoned in the lómin. He was released on the celebration of his grandfather's one thousandth year as Emperor, being forgiven once again. The young Maita strives to be named as heir, as opposed to his uncle, Poldórëa's third son.

(Okay, just two persons of interest for now, more to come if the idea is received. Likewise in regard to military matters.)

 

[jeeshadow]

Despite max posting his thing, I consider myself breaking the military post trend with this Caste thing. My thoughts are jumbled, but don't worry, this will be improved by game launch.

The Caste System


When a child of a non-magical family is born, they are taken to a Seer, who then proceeds to divine what caste the child is to go into. Their parents can deny them entering the caste, and someone can leave their caste at anytime, but then they shall become Casteless. The Caste System is social tiers, with the Mages on top, and the Casteless on the bottom


Mages/ Scholars

At the top of the Caste System are the Mages and Scholars. The Scholars are the members of the magical family that do not possess magic. They often serve as high ranking administrators, and researchers. Some members of the Scholar caste to choose to be officers in the Warrior Caste, but not many.

The Mages are the top of the Caste System. They are the rulers, the lords, and the leaders. All titles of nobility, and power, are held by mage families. Every member of the Senate is a High Mage. As the mages do often spend most of their time in the Mageholds studying, and practicing magical arts, it often falls to the non-mage members of the family to rule.


Warrior Caste

The Warrior Caste the highest of the non-mage castes. The are revered and respect by the rest of the Non-Magicks. When they finish their training, they must swear a magical oath to The Order, ensuring their loyalty. As they spend most of their lives training, they are an elite, and skilled force.


Merchant Caste

The Merchant Caste is full of wealthy merchants. They are in charge of the selling of the goods that the people of Vrajitor produce. The Merchant Caste also includes the lower level administrators in Vrajitor. While most of the Merchant Caste is wealthy, they hold no political power. As they have the most contact with foreigners, this caste is considered the most troublesome, and is watched closely by the Order.


Laborer Caste

The majority of the population of Vrajitor are part of this caste. This Caste can also be separated into three sub castes: Laborer, Farmer, and Servant. Inside the Caste there is a social structure with the Laborers on the bottom, and the Servants on the top. The other Castes treat all members of this caste the same.


Casteless
These unfortunate souls do not have a caste. At some point they were removed from their caste, for various possible reasons, and then branded as Casteless. They must move about finding jobs where they can. They live in the slums, of all of the cities. They do have a close net bond and culture, and often Casteless will go out of their way to help other Casteless.​

 

[iisbroke]

(Due to an IRC discussion I will claim Basil Poledouris "Riders of Doom/Song of Steel" as my civilization's theme song")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onGWF8mz1Zw

 

[Noco19]

The Exarchal Lawbound of the Nocoii Church​

The Chained Guard (Infantry)

Two Guards, of different Orders, tending to a wounded third.​

Since the establishment of the Nocoii Church, the Chained Guard, their title is reference to both their binding of service to the Church and their chained armor, have taken the duty of an armed force, not as a separate entity, but as fellow clergymen. Every member a priest of his own right, those who join the Guard undergo identical religious training as their civil counterparts, with martial lessons included atop. Despite this, the Chained Guard do operate under a hierarchy differing from the civil norm, utilizing Martial Orders.

These Orders, founded under the supervision of the current Exarch and generally along with the patronage of an influential clergymen, act similar in fashion to a military regiment under the leadership of a superior officer, a Grandmaster appointed by the Exarch. Such Grandmasters are given relative autonomy, creating great pride in one's specific Order and a profound sense of esprit de corps. It is Orders in which one may find the most 'pomp' in the Nocoii Church, with various standards and symbols used to distinguish Orders.

Clad with armor, the Chained Guard specialize as heavy bulwarks, as zealous in battle as in prayer. All are given regulated chainmail to wear over a thick leather outfit, a heather-style shield, and cloak for warmth. Over this is worn a tabard, prominently displaying Order affiliation, worn for honor and simple identification. Weaponry, while dependent on the needs of the Order at any given time, consists primarily of a sword and light spear, a practical set for most conflicts.

The Chained Arbalists (Ranged)

An Arbalist taking refuge behind his trusty shield.​

Whilst officially members of the all-inclusive Chained Guard, Nocoii Arbalists occupy the sole responsibility of ranged proficiency in a melee-oriented army. Forming specialized Orders of their own, Arbalists adhere to their own lessons as only those dedicated wholly to the art of the crossbow are accepted into the elitist Orders. As such, Arbalists are often well-received as devoted and diligent, traits well-respected in Nocoii society.

Equipped with crossbow and bolts made of resilient Seigur wood, Arbalists are no less armored than their Guard compatriots, decked in chainmail and covered in Order identifiers. Of special note are their shields, larger and denser than Guard shields, designed as portable cover and a resting platform for their crossbow.

The Chained Equestrian Guard (Cavalry)

An Order of Equestrians crashing into the fray.​

As with the Arbalists, the Chained Equestrian Guard is de-jure within the Chained Guard though found within their own specialized Orders. A small force within the army, the majority of Equestrians are trained as Chained Guards whose Order receives mounts from the necessity of maintaining a mounted component. As such, Equestrian pride comes not mainly from trained horsemanship oddly enough, but for their sheer strength in charges.

With the purpose of pure shock from charges, the Equestrian armament, alongside the standard chainmail and tabard, consists of a lance for mounted strikes and a sword for dismounted encounters. Horses themselves are generally protected with segmented plates alongside decorative cloths.

The Society of Exarchal Alchemists (Mage)

An archaic illustration of an Alchemist operating the most feared device in the alchemical arsenal.​

With the complete ban of Magicks of any sort, the Nocoii were forced to pursue alternative paths to stay competitive militarily, resulting in a large technological leap. While other civilizations boasted magically-attuned warriors, conventional scientists rose, especially with Exarchs like Zephan in charge. The Society of Exarchal Alchemists is an organization of such men, acting as the operatory body for all practicing scholars of alchemical knowledge. From these ranks are pulled those gifted in the martial application of their trade, inventing and manning devices that display the prowess of rational anti-Magick thought.

Simplifying the alchemical arsenal would be difficult, as prototypes and theories are pushed often from the ever-working Society, though few ever live up to expectations. However, prevalent in every Order is the dreaded Eldhafinukastar, or conflagration thrower, a flame-spewing weapon renowned as the most successful war invention of recent memory in all of Hreilandið. Managed by small teams, as maintenance, aiming, and refueling require many hands, groups of Eldhafinukastar devices can turn any situation into one of mayhem, flames throwing man and beast alike into a panic.

 

[Plank of Wood]

Content/Name dropping! If you don't like if I've mentioned your race, feel free to PM me so I can change it.

Spoiler

Magical Items of Helene, Tyrant of Dacaii
Herein lies an incomplete list of Magical Items of Significance known to Mankind, as Compiled by Aristophos of House Kommenii, Exile of Dacaii and Scholar of Magical Histories

I. Dagger of Kopis

A dagger matching the description of one owned by the ancient Dacaian hero Kopis, who was given a blade by the Gods to avenge the murder of his wife by a lunatic Wizard-King. It functions in the manner of a normal dagger, except when held by a non-Mage it causes the wielder to become invisible. It may be cataloged as an item of Anti-Magic, however apart from it's clear aversion for those born with magical gifts it has no weakening abilities on magic itself. It is a hereditary item of House Demotaii, taken during the Conquest. The Demotaii used it as bargaining tool to negotiate escape from Dacaii unharmed, and almost certainly told Helene it was a weapon of powerful Anti-Magic to make it seem more significant that it truly is.

II. Stone of Athae

A stone upon which is written Pre-Dacaian spells, assumed to be Elven, translated into Dacaian and another, unknown, mystic language. The stone itself has magical elements, including empowering the magic of those nearby it and healing mortal wounds. It's location was unknown before Helene claimed it, however it can be assumed it was either discovered in the Dacaian ruins or stolen from a foreign owner. Her ownership became known when she displayed it to an entourage of Magical scholars from Tapscotti lands.

III. Remains of the Elispsos Staff

The charred remains of a Staff claimed by some to be used in the forging of of mountains in the world's birth. During the First War of the Mages, it was used by House Austranaii to conclude the wars and secure the power of the Mages over the Petty Kingdoms. However the family had since lost it's magical ability due to interbreeding with foreigners and were unable to use it in warfare. Helene was reportedly unimpressed with it's abilities and burnt it to absorb it's power, when she accepted the surrender of the traitorous Austranaii.

Kommenii have no right to say this of ANYONE, Aristophos​

IV. Blacke Majycks of Oure Ayg

Though it has no magic powers inherently associated with it's physical form, the Book contains a near-comprehensive list of most Dark Magic known to mankind. Sourced from several demonic runestones, it was in fact an attempt by a Tapscotti-Dacaian priest, Quitinaii, to identify magic seen as evil so that it's use may be punished. This, ironically, backfired as it not only actively taught it's readers how to use these spells, but also apparently invented new ones that had thus far been unheard of. Moreover, it shows an incredible incompetence in the basic fields of herbology, physiology, geography and Ancient Elvish as well as being written in an archaic dialect of Tapscotti-Dacaian religious jargon, leading to one scholar of Magic calling him "The stupidest man I have ever read". Yet, it references demonic texts and runes that had since been lost or destroyed, making it, unfortunately, invaluable to those studying such magic. It was in the possession of House Archanaii, and Helene's father's interest in the text was the cause of the purge upon his house. It can be assumed that this is where Helene taught herself arachnomancy from.

V. Skull of Cambion Flame

A skull shaped item, forged from glass. Burns mortal men that hold it to death, causes Mages that hold it to smell a slight scent of lavender. Possibly named as such because it is allegedly stolen by Helene's agents from the demonic Cambion lands. Assumed to be taken because of Helene's natural interest in combating pyromancy. It is unknown if it was made by the Cambion people, or if this is a fabrication.

VI. Orb of the Lightkeeper

A Golden Orb that acts as a light in darkness according to the Ancient Elven inscription, "I grant light to thee, O warrior, The holder be of steady hand, Wise of the mind and the immortal, Strong of conviction of their cause". It was used in demonstration to foreign traders by Helene, where it was claimed the Orb was liberated from a far continent where frost reigns.

VII. Elven Legion Eagle LXII

An artifact from the Elven Kingdom that became Dacaii. An item fought over by Dacaian families for time immemorial, it allows it's owner to create illusions and mirages. The vain used it to improve their appearance, the weak used it to make themselves appear stronger and it was used in war to make armies seem larger than they are. As Helene fears it will be lost and used against her, it has not been seen since it was taken in her Conquest.

VIII. Necklace of the Moon

A necklace made from gold. It is unknown where it originated from, however as it is not Dacaian in nature it can be assumed it was taken from another land. Helene wears it herself, possibly in lieu of a crown or a sceptre. It grants the user the ability t____________

Aristophos and his cronies are dead by the hand of Aestra of the House Austranaii
I write this in the Blood of the Fallen Traitor
Long Live Dacaii​

Bonus items for you to use! Claim quickly!

Spoiler

Helm of the Defiler

A House Veronaii artifact that grants the wearer incredible strength, agility and charisma, but also completely dominates the personality of it's user. The user becomes erratic, cheerfully violent and a danger to their comrades through the mayhem they unintentionally cause, leading to it's name of the "Defiler". Lady Helene crushed the Veronaii, but did not recover the Helm of the Defiler - in the chaos of battle a footsoldier mistakenly took it as he fled, and promptly sold it away once he had left Dacaii. It has since passed hands many times, and could be owned by anyone by this point in time.

Egg of the Serpent Queen w/ Accompanying Notes

The Egg of the Serpent Queen was originally a foreign jewel with no magical properties, given as a dowry present for a minor noble family - but has since been enchanted to allow it's possessor to communicate with serpents. A mage apprentice called Cenophae, unknowing of how much power he had, experimented with his magic and enchanted the Egg, writing about his successes and failures. Cenophae's work in the long lost art of enchantment of objects has widely been studied for centuries and is considered the basis for magical study in many Schools of magical thought. Lady Helene desperately wanted this for collection, mainly for it's prestige and fame, but it was smuggled out by a hen farmer who promptly sold it for enough money to feed himself for a month. It winded up in a private collection elsewhere, and has certainly left the continent

Blade of the Unfallen

Also called "Knife of the Bone King", it is an item that is not Dacaian in origin. It was instead loaned to a minor noble from a foreign King, who was tired of trying to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. The Blade prevents whoever holds it from dying, under any circumstances. They will be untouched by flame, unphased by pestilence, unharmed by deep cuts and gouges, and could even walk across the ocean bed without drowning so long as they kept a hold of the Blade - they will also be unaware of any pain, and cannot see the wounds on their body. According to stories surrounding the object, Ajax the Bone King received so much harm that all his flesh was gone from his bones and still behaved as he did before he had the Blade, and only crumbled to dust when he was disarmed. This escaped Lady Helene's grasp when a Hoplite, aware of the Blade's powers, picked it up and sprinted through the army of spiders without being harmed. He handed it to a courier asked them to find a proper home for the Blade, and then immediately fell dead from a bite on his shoulder once he let go of it.

 

[King50000]

Finally going to give in and join this when it starts.

Civilization: Erias, the Empire of Blood
Type: Kratocratic Autocracy
Ruler: Lord Raghatchn Kena, King of the 9 Families, Autocrat of all Dark Elves, Emperor of Erias
Trait: unsure
Civ Trait: unsure

Background:

Long ago, the Dark Elves of Erias used to be as long-lived as their foreign cousins, living for thousands of years and enjoying the warmth and comfort of the forests around them. No one knows why it happened, but eventually a time came when the Dark Elves started to age as their human neighbors do, growing old and dying at younger and younger ages until they were soon as short lived as the mortal races of the world. Looking to magic to find a cure for their shortening age, the Dark Elves delved deep into the forbidden arts of necromancy and dark magic, attempting to keep themselves from aging by any means necessary. Eventually a council of 9 Lords, the oldest and most powerful of the Dark Eves, convened at the capital of Uluin Baethei to pool their powers in one final attempt at preserving their race's immortality. For days they wove forbidden, dark spells around themselves, staving off the encroaching mortality but always feeling it come back after but a little while. While this council worked to end the mortality threatening their race, locked away inside the deepest part of Hyne Castle, their gathered retinue prayed to the Old Gods for salvation and their Lords' success. Finally, at midnight of the 13th night of the council's gathering, the chanting of the Lords stopped, and their retinue gathered outside their chamber doors to await the news of success or failure. As the doors of the chamber opened, and the retinue bowed to the floor for their Lords, a terrible shriek resounded across the stone hallway and a bloodbath erupted. The Council of 9, once the most majestic of all the Dark Elf race, had become twisted perversions of their former selves, with a thirst for blood. These 9 Lords tore into their retinue, biting and slashing men and women they had known for centuries, painting the walls of Hyne Castle red with blood, and turning their former servants and families into the same twisted creatures as themselves. The 9 Vampire Families were born.

The 9 Families​

When the bloodbath was over, each Vampire Lord and his newly formed "Family" stared down the other. With their transformation, known as the Gruesome Ritual, came not only a thirst for blood but a thirst for power and immense arrogance. With their new strength and powers they could easily dominate the Dark Elf race, but there could only be one to rule them all, one to prevent all out war between the Families and the destruction of the Dark Elf race. Rather than fight for dominance right there in Hyne Castle, as some called for, the 9 Lords instead settled on a vote. In what would be called the Edict of the Long Night, the 9 Lords took an hour to discuss with each other why each would prove a fitting "King of the 9 Families", and then gathered within the chamber of their transformation for a vote. The lower Vampires went in expecting an outcome that would find Lord Ghaunde Xiltarn, the oldest and roughly strongest of the Vampire Lords, but in a surprising turn of events Lord Raghatchn Kena, the youngest and physically weakest of the Lords, won the vote, becoming the King of the 9 Families. Through a series of backroom deals and promises with the other Lords and a show of force from his numerically superior family, Kena had won over 5 of the other Lords, securing the outcome and setting the stage for the Vampire conquest of Erias and the Dark Elves.

Lord Raghatchn Kena, King of the 9 Families, Autocrat of all Dark Elves, Emperor of Erias​

With the outcome of the Edict done, and vows of fealty taken in the dark language of the Vampires, the 9 Families went forth from Hyne Castle into Uluin Baethei and Erias beyond. Instead of feasting and spreading their new race amongst the Dark Elf populace, the Families showed their former brothers and sisters that their might would go be unstoppable, by summoning forth an eternal night for one month, blanketing Erias in darkness and sowing fear and madness among the Elves. With all hope gone and no answers forthcoming from their Old Gods, the Dark Elves relented and swore their lives and souls to their new Vampire rulers. The sun was restored to their land, but its absence had taken its toll: whole swaths of the forest laid twisted and perverse of their former glory, the perfect setting for the new Empire of Blood.

Bow before my Vampire overlords

 

[iisbroke]

Bow before my Vampire overlords

Only if they will all convert to Ortodovsky.

 

[Plank of Wood]

:O

Great civ

 

[Fingon888]

Only if they will all convert to Ortodovsky.

Their very existence is an affront to God. And just so you know how horrible that is I will write it in Russkiyan.

Ikh samyy sushchestvovaniye yav a oskorbleniye k Nevska!

Speaking of writing in Russkiyan, I had originally planned to write my IC dialogue in it, but I have changed my mind for convenience's sake. I will still use some words from it, but the use of it for every spoken word idea has been scraped.

 

[jeeshadow]

Their very existence is an affront to God. And just so you know how horrible that is I will write it in Russkiyan.

Ikh samyy sushchestvovaniye yav a oskorbleniye k Nevska!

Speaking of writing in Russkiyan, I had originally planned to write my IC dialogue in it, but I have changed my mind for convenience's sake. I will still use some words from it, but the use of it for every spoken word idea has been scraped.

Wait, so you are not being like Ab?

 

[Maxwell500]

It remains to be seen how the Empire of Blood will interact with the Golden Empire.

 

[iisbroke]

Fingon stop being ethnocentric, we are all God's creatures and we must learn to tolerate and coexist with one another, even if they are malevolent monsters twisted by the Satan himself. That is so long as they are of the faith, or at least an iteration of it otherwise, holy war time.

P.S. Maxwell I like your Golden Empire and though they aren't of the faith I hope our IC's can have amiable relations. Unlike Plank's whose spiders must be squished with great enthusiasm.

 

[King50000]

@ Maxwell, that all depends on how close we are to each other

Info dump: Vampires, Dark Elves, and in between

Ethnic Diversity of Erias​

Vampires

Born in the Gruesome Ritual, the Vampire race is young, making up less than 1% of the population of Erias, but is the ruling elite of the Empire. Much like the snowflakes of a brutal Erias Winter, no two vampires have ever been found the same, with each vampire a different reflection of the evil soul within. Some, such as Emperor Raghatchn Kena, could be mistaken for the average Dark Elf under the right conditions, while others, like his contemporary Lord Ghaunde Xiltarn, show very little likeness to their former kin, with their monstrous form are pure reflection of their evil. But regardless of their appearance, each vampire is a member of one of the 9 Families, the blood-kin of the 9 original Vampire Lords, and hold loyalty to their family and Lord above all, even over their oaths of loyalty to their ruling King, and will use every asset at their disposal to gain an edge over each other, even if it means the death of countless of their Dark Elf servants. Because of this fierce competition, each Family can be considered a state unto themselves within the Empire, with territories fiercely guarded by Dark Elf forces while their Vampire families live in debauchery with every night a blood orgy.

Lord Ghaunde Xiltarn and a lesser Vampire from the Ghalo Family​

Unlike the myths and legends of vampires within other cultures and civilizations, the vampires of Erias and the Empire of Blood do not create more vampires only through the bite of their victims. No, instead these vampires are able to reproduce the same way as they had before their transformation from Dark Elf, though dark spells must be performed before and after the act to ensure this undead creature is "born" into the world of the living. As of yet, this act of reproduction remains fairly uncommon among the larger vampire community, due to the large investment in raising a "pure blood" rather than simply transforming another, but has been adopted by the Mlaera and Ghalo Families as the only way to fill their vampire ranks. With this ability to reproduce has also come attempts to create vampire variations, and the results have been far beyond their expectations.

Half-Vampires

Using the same techniques to create pure bloods, these creatures are exactly how they sound, half vampire and half other. Most half vampires take the form of being half Dark Elf, due to the population of Erias, but rare half Human vampires can be seen at the borders of the Empire of Blood, where raids into human lands for slaves can be a common occurrence. These creatures, though not as powerful as their "full" vampire fathers, are considered far more deadly, as, taking from their vampire side, their strength and magical abilities are still more powerful than the non-vampire races, while, from their mortal side, remaining immune to the effects of the Sun and thus able to oversee the duties and orders of their Lords and King even during the day. This combination makes them a first choice for when it comes to the armies of the Empire, leading them as its Generals and Colonels, or going deep into enemy territory in its special forces and rouges. Because of this, half vampires are, more often then not, the only contact most of the Empire's Dark Elves have with vampires in general, gaining their fear and respect rather than their full vampire kin. This sometimes leads to resentment and friction between the two classes of vampires, but the value of half vampires to command the Empire far outweighs the insecurities the true vampires feel in regards to who they perceive as their servants.

A Dark Elf Half-Vampire of the Kena Family and a Human Half-Vampire of the Mlaera Family​

Dark Elves

The people of Erias. Once a race as elegant and peaceful as their High Elf cousins, the Dark Elves have become as twisted and perverse as their forests with the rise of the 9 Families and the formation of the Empire of Blood. Once long lived and in tune with nature, the Dark Elves now hardly live any longer than mere Humans, causing an explosion in their population, filling the ranks of the Empire's armies and expanding the once small urban holdings into sprawling cities of pollution, disease, and crime. Though the vampires may claim overlord-ship of all the Dark Elves, it is really the elves themselves who keep the Empire running, filling almost all positions of government, overseeing the expansion of industries catering to the Vampires' dark rituals and demonic parties, creating commerce throughout the Empire, and raiding for slaves to fill their factories and mines. Within the armies they fill every position and rank, with even an entitled few rising to become equals of their Half-Vampire Generals if they find a powerful sponsor within the 9 Families. Though the majority have become sick perversions of their race, unable to see or comprehend how far they have fallen with their Vampire Lords, a few minority are aware of the plight of their race, knowing full well the only ending the Dark Elves face at the hands of the 9 Families, eternal damnation and slavery in the deepest pits and hottest flames of Hell. This minority has formed a so far undiscovered rebellion in the making, known amongst its members as the Guardians of Rielah, the chief deity of the Old Gods. So far this group has only grown as large as a few thousand, but any would be conquerors would an ally in them if the total eradication of the Vampires was to be undertaken.

Typical Female and Male Dark Elves​

I think I fleshed out the Dark Elves the way I wanted, but I feel like something is missing :glare:

 

[Endovelicus]

Small summary/general idea: Shamanistic/Voodoo based Civilization, Very much in touch with the elementals, two races: Orcen and Tralas (Trolls), working together in different fields.
Pictures for the general idea: to those who are interested:
Orcen:
http://bochoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/orc_shaman_dreamReactor_refined_preview.jpg
Average looking orc shaman: http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/...cter_orc_shaman_picture_image_digital_art.jpg

Tralas (Trolls):
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/365/1/4/troll_shaman_by_saintlconcept-d364yrv.jpg
http://us.media.blizzard.com/wow/media/artwork/trading-card-game/series3/tcg-series3-006-large.jpg

I know it's not up yet, and lots of this could change, but as Sneakyflaps had apparently reserved a spot for me, or so he told me, this will be the idea I will be working on.. I might and will change stuff depending on requests if something doesn't seem fitting to others.

The Elemental Reign

The land of Zhutaa and her people

Zhutaa is the land where the elementals freely roam, only controlled when needed, it is here the Orcen and the Tralas have lived together with the elementals for as long as history has been recorded. The Tralas and Orcen had never settled as the best allies, only having a alliance of convenience in troubled times. Mostly these troubled times were caused by elemental uproars, few people knew how to control the elementals, only the so called ''Szsha's'' could, these were believed to be chosen by the elemental gods and be blessed to be callers and tamers of the elementals. With these powers came a lot of responsibility, if used for dark, twisted, tainted, selfish or in any other bad way, the powers would cripple the mind of the Szsha's and slowly but surely turning them mad, this wasn't directly a negative point to the Szsha's themselves, but for the people around them it was dangerous. There have been a lot of Orcen and Tralas Szsha's over the Zhutaanian history, most of them turning corrupt early in their life, falling by using their power in the wrong ways, there has always been the ruling Zhutaanian tribe however, this tribe had always been full of Szsha's, this tribal community had always been a point where Szsha's who wanted to tame elementals, heal and general great miracles to came to seek guidance, it is here where all the Szsha's had stayed sane, they were known throughout Zhutaa as the Khatan.

As with most things however, things would and could never have stayed the same, the Khatan tribe started experimenting with dark powers combined with their elemental powers, the power increased beyond imagination, it came with a big price however, a price which would ripple throughout the lands of Zhutaa, the Khatan tribe did this without the gods knowing of this and set up schemes to try and lure the elemental gods out of their spirit form.

Anakitos, the Elemental God Spirit

This had been the god of their people, the one who made them to what they are today, however the god always answered to calls, and fell for the call of the Khatanians. They thought as quick as they could about their actions, the Khatanians sealed the way back to the elemental spirit world, they had mastered not only elementalism but also the spirit world with their dark elemental magic.

The Khatanians, after sealing the spirit world to stop Anikatos' return. They are infusing their weapons with spiritual and elemental magics.

Anikatos had heard their call, he had always been there for these people, helping them with and against the elements but now he could see what had happened to his Szsha's, he knew not that Szsha's had been misusing there powers before, and he surely didn't know they could change, enhance and increase their powers so dramatically. It was too late to change things now however, he was caught in the mortal realm. The Khatanians quickly made pursuit, they were not far out of Anikatos' way.

Some of the Khatanian Shamans were channeling their powers, decreasing the space the elemental god could freely move in, most charged at the god however. Anikatos' rage started boiling inside, the elemental fuel had been ignited, Anikatos started to roar, a roar which became louder by the second as more Khatanians charged for Anikatos, starting to throw their spells, magics and weapons against his godly presence. Anikatos did however not feel a lot of what was happening to him, not only because he was a huge god of elementals, but also because he was in a rage, his elemental adrenaline flowed through him, and then he reached his top point and it all happened at once. A crackling of the earth, the soaring of the nearby seas, blowing of the sudden harsh winds, the sudden growth of nature and the increasing heat of the sun all at once. All of the Khatanians who were in reach of this happening got killed in the horrific elemental powers of Anikatos, whilst he was pulsating in the brighest of lights, those Khatanians that weren't close enough to be hit thought they still had time to escape, they had however doomed themselves, a sudden loud explosion and the field of battle fell completely silent.

Anikatos had split his form to safe himself, however still roams these lands to this day, waiting to return to his realm.

However, because of these events the people living in the Zhutaa lands, and some beyond that even could freely learn their Shamanism, there were no more chosen ones, this did not bring peace to these lands however, there are still power hungry and mad shamans, there are those who force the will of the elements into dark powers, there are those who mastered the spiritual powers, and there are the few left who still live with the elements as they always had and would want to. These people, broken yet one now look beyond their lands once again as they had before. The Orcen and Tralas people of Zhutaa, the Zhutaanians as more and more accepted themselves to be, slowly unifying themselves, accepting other ways of elemental bending, accepting eachother, however still looking for someone to lead them, lead them in the ways of the elements.

May the Spirits of Anikatos watch over us.​

 

[Plank of Wood]

government stuff wfc

Government of the Realm of Dacaii​

Dacaii is ruled by a two tiered system, at the top is Lady Helene as Tyrant of Dacaii, whilst the bottom half is governed by the Dacaian Boule (assembly). While Lady Helene has absolute authority over all aspects of the realm, the day-to-day running and lawmaking is controlled by the Boule. The Boule is an old concept derived from the interregnum period between the Dacaian Elvish Kingdom and the fractured aristocracies of pre-conquest Dacaii - Demokratia was the Dacaian word for the method of direct democracy, which was administered by the Boule, the general assembly of Dacaians. This concept was revived by Lady Helene as a way of administering her realm without giving too much power to her human subjects, whilst also reducing the need for closely supervising as an absolute ruler.

Officially, Lady Helene uses the title Tyrant of Dacaii for her position as ruler of the human realm, whilst Mother of Spiders designates her position as ruler of all arachnids.

The Boule, the Assembly of Dacaians

The Boule is an assembly made of 400 Dacaian citizens selected by lottery called to debate on laws and governance of Dacaii in Helene's authority. The requirements for selection are that the citizens selected, the Boulos, have an income and are either literate or have an associate that can read for them. This allows Helene to shift the power in her government from the aristocracy to the numerically larger middle class. The revival of the Boule was not met with much opposition from the aristocrats, both because the most powered were dead and the remainder thought better of opposing her. The Boule is very rarely in opposition to Helene's rule, usually kept in line by either fear or concern for more mundane issues. The Boule serves as a way of keeping opposition fractured by giving it cause to oppose eachother, rather than the Tyrant of Dacaii.

The Boule​

As well as this, there are three positions of power which are elected by the Boulos and one which is appointed by Helene:

Rhapsodos - The Speaker, whom holds the position for life. He is elected by the Boulos and has considerable power including having a Boulos ejected, however for the sake of administration is impartial to factional disputes.
Augustos - The Consul of Dacaii, considered the highest elected office in the Boule, however only serves for a single year and may hold the position indefinitely. Has veto power over any law. Naturally, this is highly fought over by the minor families, almost by design, and more often nobles spend more time fighting over the Augustos than they do formulating plans against Helene.
Ballos - The Treasurer, elected by the Boule for a period of five years. Another highly disputed position, though the tendency for incompetent Ballosi to attract the ire of Lady Helene has resulted in the position being favoured by the more economically adept middle classes.
Magistratos - The Chancellor, has power of absolute veto over any decision and appointed by Helene. Main advisor in foreign policy and diplomacy, and main method of communication between Helene and the Boule. Held by Alexios Austranaii.


Naturally, any member of a foreign republic would see through the clearly authoritarian chains part of the Boule, but to Dacaians who are used to centuries of aristocratic rule, this is seen as a republic that is a client state to Lady Helene.

 

[iisbroke]

((If Plank is posting government so am I, don't let the spiders win))

The Order’s governmental body is split into three groups, the grandmaster, assembly of representatives and the elders. The Grandmaster is the leading figure head of the order, he is supposed to conduct warfare, ensure laws are enforced and vote in the assembly (when he is there). The Assembly of Representatives is a body of people chosen by civilians to represent themselves; they make policy changes, oversee trade and commerce actions, and make laws. The Elders are chosen from the clergy; they maintain diplomacy, interpret the prophet’s words and keep the people faithful.

Grandmaster and his echelon.

1) Ehud Benjamin- Grandmaster of the Order of Romat

2) Isaiah Dan - Commander of the Army of the Order of Romat

3) Saul Judah - Admiral for the Navy of the Order of Romat

4) Ezekiel Zebulon - Seneschal of the Order of Romat

The Assembly of Representatives

1) Ruth Gad - most influential representative

2) Peter Issachar - wealthiest representative and second most influential

3) Mikhail Naphtali - youngest and most prodigious representative

Elders

1) Guy Asher - Arch Elder/ leader

2) Jeremiah Reuben - Elder and Chief Diplomat

 

[Deaghaidh]

Is anyone doing your typical Dwarves? Because I'd kind of like to build off what I've done in Agorath.

 

[BlackBishop]

Is anyone doing your typical Dwarves? Because I'd kind of like to build off what I've done in Agorath.

No Dwarves yet, so far as I'm aware.

 

[Polar Mongoose]

I was thinking atypical dwarves. A seafaring overgrown city state in a fjord that cuts into some mountains. Oh and armoured warships. I didn't really do any more than that since sign ups aren't open yet.

Not sure how that relates to you building on what you did in Agorath, but then I don't know what you did in Agorath. I'd be happy to collaborate on what it means to be a dwarf though, or steal your lore wholesale and then tack my own bits on to it.

 

[Deaghaidh]

I was thinking atypical dwarves. A seafaring overgrown city state in a fjord that cuts into some mountains. Oh and armoured warships. I didn't really do any more than that since sign ups aren't open yet.

Not sure how that relates to you building on what you did in Agorath, but then I don't know what you did in Agorath. I'd be happy to collaborate on what it means to be a dwarf though, or steal your lore wholesale and then tack my own bits on to it.

Oh I had a fair bit of lore accumulated, about the political economy of Dwarven Mountainhomes, their guild system, family life, courtship and divorce procedure, legal traditions, etc. The idea of a dwarven thallasocracy is a neat one that never occurred to me. I was already considering abandoning the idea of a monarchy for more of a confederacy of oligarchical city-states. One of the Seven Mountains could easily be your fjord-fortress.