Reven
| Grim Republic of Reven
| |
| Overview | |
| Nobles | 6 |
| Council | |
| Depraved Prince | Hendrick Armsworth |
| Imperial Seneschal | Hendrick Armsworth |
| Regions | |
Contents
Introduction
Vordul Sanguinis, also known as the Sanguine Empire, is a tyranny lead through power and fear. The lore and religion of the Empire follow the ascension of the creator of Vordul Sanguinis, Xlair Silverblade, who they believe has ascended to Godhood to challenge the Dark Mistress who is responsible for the Undead. During the wars with Obia'Syela and Shattered Vales, the "Eternal Emperor" was defeated in battle and "Ascended".
During his reign in physical form, the religion of Vordulism was formed and centered around the perseverance of the power of one's blood, and their Oath in dedication to the Eternal Emperor. This Blood Oath provided one with the Mark of the Sworn, an "X" scar on the left forearm, which guarantees their life eternal in his armies to battle the Bloodless and the Dark Mistress. Above the Sworn, and closest to the Emperor, were the Disciples. A Disciple had been specifically chosen to carry out his divine will and act as a conduit of Xlair's will.
Xlair and his Disciples, along with the Wizard Craglan "The Cold" Mejor, the Sanguine Order claimed the ancient city of Wudenkin from the clutches of undead, or what they called the Bloodless, and formed Vordul Sanguinis. The Empire spread to cover the mountains, the plains to the east, and west, surrounding Lake Salaman.
Post Ascension of Xlair Silverblade, the Church of Vordulism took up the Emperor's rituals concerning the Blood Oath, and the elevated faithful of the Disciples, as a practice of the Religion. Though Vordul Sanguinis is Tyrannical in nature, Vordulism brings many Theocratic overtones. Taking the Blood Oath is now one and the same as joining Vordulism, and those of the Church are often favored above the Forsworn, those who have not taken the Blood Oath and joined Vordulism.
Politics & Culture
Vordul Sanguinis abides by the tyrannical rule of the most powerful among their peers. Through sheer strength, fear, intrigue, or connections, the power is what drives the Sanguine Empire. With ambition often rewarded, and disobedience severely punished, the Empire maintains strict order. The Vizier of Vordul Sanguinis holds the throne, and holds the power to appoint the Crimson Judge, Seneschal, and Warlord in order to lead Vordul Sanguinis through blood and shadow.
The Eternal Emperor signified that through all adversity and pain, that one can persevere and conquer all challenges. Vordul Sanguinis culture follows much the same principle by elevating those who are capable of enduring pain (physical and otherwise) and overcoming it for the good of the Empire. Those who fail to obey the commands of the Vizier and the Council are often tortured so that they main gain new understanding through pain.
Beneath the Royal Council preside the Duchies which govern large swathes of land or cities, entrusted by the Vizier and the Royal Council to adhere to the directives of the Realm. The duchies house the higher nobility which are entrusted to rule the regions of the Duchy, who in turn hold dominance over the Knights and Dames that hold estates within their regions.
Failure to listen to the command structure and obey your superiors is often met with torture (RP Torture as no game mechanic to torture your own nobles) in order to enlighten the offender, or a fine. Extreme or repeat cases of disobedience may be met with being banned or executed.
Military - The Frozen Blood
The Frozen Blood is commanded by the Warlord and encompasses the military strength of Vordul Sanguinis. All nobles within the Sanguine Empire are required to be within the Frozen Blood so that the Vizier and Disciples have consistent reports of each army, priest, and so on. The command of an empire seeded on pain and ambition trusts few, and it is well known that the Disciples are watching everything.
Obedience to orders is strictly enforced, and those who show strength and ferocity are quick to be recognized.
The Warlord also works in tandem with the Seneschal for coordinating infrastructure improvements such as walls and defenses.
A sub-guild of the Frozen Blood also exists, containing promising Commoners who assist with scouting of rogue camps, treasure hunting, and scouting. The Frozen Blood Guild is a promising way for both Commoners and Minor Nobility to gain recognition among the Disciples.
Laws & Infrastructure
The Sworn nobility of Vordul Sanguinis answer to the Seneschal and Crimson Judge when it comes to the internal infrastructure of the Empire. The Seneschal coordinates the food stores, gold transfers, and domestic needs of granaries, workshops, etc.. Within the Empire, the Dukes control vast swathes of lands and/or Cities, and command the Lords and Ladies who govern the regions, who command the Knights and Dames of their particular region.
All nobility, Sworn or not, are to adhere to commands of their superiors within the confines of the Laws and governance of the Empire.
| Law | Description |
|---|---|
| No Unapproved Looting | Looting or theft without the permission of a Disciple or Marshall is not allowed. |
| Disobeying a Disciple | Failure to obey, or outwardly disobeying a Disciple is illegal in Vordul Sanguinis. |
| Disrespecting a Sworn | Forsworn or Sworn attempting to slander or demean another Sworn is not tolerated as it causes a decay in the stability of the Empire. Continued offenses will result in punishment by the Crimson Judge |
| No Movement Out of Realm | Leaving realm boundaries outside of explicit orders is seen as suspicious and unlawful. |
The Vizier and the Disciples oversee the infrastructure and are above the standard hierarchy as listed below. Therefor a Disciple that is the Lord of a Region, does -not- answer to the Duke, but the Duke answers to the Disciple in these occasions. Below the Disciples, the structure is pretty standard where the Dukes/Duchesses are above the Lords/Ladies, and they are above the Knights/Dames. In the rare circumstance that a Forsworn holds a region or duchy, they are begrudgingly accepted by those beneath them, but they rarely have the respect of the Sworn.
Nobility
| The Ascended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Name | Titles | Description |
|
Warrior/Hero |
Xlair Silverblade stands 7'2" tall, with a slender but muscular frame. His skin is a pale alabaster and stretched taught over high cheekbones, a firm square jaw, and a narrow nose. His eyes are black, and the fury within them makes them resemble burning coals that lock on anything he finds worth his attention. He wears his long thick raven black hair down, where it reaches to the middle of his back. | |
| Vizier & Disciples | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Name | Titles | Description |
|
Warrior/Cavalier |
Craglan the Cold Drraad'da Mejor is as pale as snow. His hair a wave of white and silver and his eyes like gently lit ice. His features are sharp; predatory, including sharp teeth and strong fingertips with a bit of a claw. He wears a leather robe that is lined with a lush fur, and carries a Crystal Staff. He wears a bejeweled sword at his waist and is often seen looking into The Crystal Skull, which people had seen him talk to. A jeweled haversack is worn across the shoulder beneath the robe and pouches of many sizes can be seen around his belt. A white snake with a blue pattern is often seen draping and slithering on his person; Scycle, Craglan's familiar from another age when Magic yet survived in its truest form. | |
|
Warrior |
A mountainous man covered in black metal, with a pigfaced bascinet. He carries a large bladed, two handed Axe in one hand. This menacing giant is Emperor Xlair Silverblade's personal guard, butcher and is seldom seen very far from the Emperor's side. | |
|
Courtier |
Eriol is a young man, at only 17 years of age. He has pale white skin with a splotch of black, messy hair. He stands 6 feet tall, but has a muscular build; a testament to the farming life of his youth. Eriol is a kind and brave man. Despite his kindness, he is fiercely loyal to the rather bloodthirsty Emperor, and has dedicated his life to his service, despite their different views. Although he is an honorable young man, he always has a snide comment at the ready, and views himself as more important than he truly is. An able commander and warrior, he has taken his assignment to the ambassadorial corps with frustration, although he seems to have a talent for it. Recently, his demeanor has taken a dark turn after being punished for a minor affront to the God-Emperor. | |
|
Warrior/Cavalier |
A grizzled veteran of the Invasions, Gustav has little time for small men with small aspirations. He has seen things that would drive most mortal men insane, and it is questionable whether he is still sane, despite his implacable demeanor. His arm is a constant reminder of the past, and he is never quite free of its weight. | |
| The Sworn | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Name | Titles | Description |
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Description | ||
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Dark haired and fair of skin, Gabriel's cool blue eyes are focused and alert. He's dressed very well for a commoner, a fine charcoal jacket and ivory tunic beneath, set together with a blood red ruby broach. His beard is finely trimmed and his long hair tied neatly behind him.
Often seen wearing a dark sable cloak and black leather gloves, the shadows are drawn to him. His soft steps a whisper on the ground and his gait one of confidence. His dialect is accented, but his tone smooth as silk that pairs well with an empathetic gaze and the reassuring smile. His vocabulary belays his common birth to indicate a good education and attention to noble etiquette. | ||
| Description | |||
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Standing at around 5' 7", Godfrey is rather slender for a Greybrook. While his skin has minor scars of war, it is his mind and strength of faith that he values more than his swordarm. Well kept in appearance and manners, he is usually seen wearing his courtly robes bar when he is serving in the army where a modest set of lighter armour is used to enable greater flexibility. Godfrey is known to be inquisitive and intense but good willed. | ||
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Description | ||
| Description | |||
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Everything Nyx loves melts away before her eyes. | ||
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Description | ||
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Description | ||
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This man stands at 6'4" weighing close to two-hundred and fifty pounds. He carries a large two handed sword and speaks like a scholar. He met Xlair almost a lifetime ago, and speaks of their relationship and his loyalty as if Xlair gave him a new life. | ||
| Forsworn | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Name | Titles | Description |
| Description | |||
| Description | |||
| At 17 years of age the youngest of the Armsworth family, Hendrick was given permission to set out for fame and fortune overseas. New lands and opportunities alluring compared to the uneventful life on the old continent, he set sail for Beluaterra with 20 men. Much like his older brother, Hendrick shows an interest in the art of war but knows the pen can be mightier than the sword. | |||
| Description | |||
| Oath Breakers & Banished | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Name | Titles | Description |
|
Englebert, son of Sevastian, son of Jonsu. Englebert is the tallest member of House Schwarzherzig, standing well over six feet. He is lean and lanky. His eyes are cold, two pinpoints of ice. His face is often expressionless, and his voice is gravelly and emotionless. | ||
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Standing at just a smidge over 4 feet tall, Gunhilda is an axe bearing warrior hailing from the icy northern reaches of Thalmarkin. Bulging muscles pressing against restrictive armour, she is stout and brawny. Devoted to finding glory in battle, she seeks adventure and war to test her mettle. | ||
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For some years, Vittoria de Medici has proven herself a capable warrior and military leader in the north of Beluaterra. From a naïve, opportunistic girl, she has become a general, a mother and for a short while, even a queen. Living in her late husband's shadow, her natural cunning is needed now more than ever - for both her and her five children. She is of average height is often found wearing a set of light armour with a metal pauldron on her left side, and one made of fur on her right. | ||
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Standing at a frightening 7’6”, Woelfen is the largest of his family to date. His snow white hair is constantly a mess, falling forward to cover his rainbow coloured eyes and to hide the visible signs of madness. He wears the traditional Guile patchwork armour and wields a massive warhammer known as “Night’s Embrace”. He can most usually be found experimenting on local peasantry and the occasional rogue. | ||
| The Lost & Forgotten | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Name | Titles | Description |
|
Sullen face, shaven head, clad in ragged leathers and steel. Ambrose is a hedge knight by name and an opportunistic mercenary by trade. | ||
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From the pale Striga complexion and icy blue eyes to his baffling, obtuse manner of speech, there is something deeply unsettling about Halamance.He is at once considerate and callous, chivalrous and yet unspeakably cruel. Halamance would think nothing about using the blood of murdered prisoners to water his gardens at dawn, before going on to teach the children of Imperial nobles courtly literature at noon.In battle he stands by his men clad in heavy maille, his black cloak emblazoned with the crimson Striga dragon. He fights ambidextrously, a simple steel lance in one hand, his heirloom sword Panzerfaust in the other. | ||
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Laird Hamish of the Clan Atholl. He stands at an impressive 5 foot 11 inches. Dressed in his the colours of his clans tartan his kilt stops just at the knee's. He grasp's his basket-hilted broadsword with his right hand. He is always accompanied by his Bagpiper and standard bearer. | ||
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Standing around 5'10 with broad shoulders. Jehan has brown eyes and long brown hair with a trimmed beard. | ||
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Description | ||
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Sol, the Eldest child of the Tempest family hails from the province of Yipinalke. Born with the gift of fire magic Sol was trained to harness the power of her namesake with complimented knight training. Upon coming of age to be a lady she was quite skilled with a single blade and modest magic skills. On her 17th birthday Sol could be described as a slender women standing around 5ft7 with skin as pale as snow and blonde hair to match. Her eyes normally are a faint golden color however glimmer like topaz while spell casting. This is off putting to some common folk who often refer to her as the tempest witch. | ||
 |
Tall for a woman, she is very near six feet tall and admittedly lanky because of it. In her gambeson and plate she appears around the same size as the men on the field. Her hair is plain and brown, usually forgotten in a careless bun to fit under her helm.Destiny lead her to distant lands, where she met Xlair Silverblade at just sixteen. Working as a farmer, hunter and cook in his camp the wild land and its blood thirsty natives gave her more experience and skills then any conventional education ever had. She returned home as a truly changed person. | ||
Diplomacy
The Seneschal and Prophet of Vordulism negotiate the Foreign terms and relations of Vordul Sanguinis. As of the current age, the foreign relations are as shown below:
| Realm | Relation | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Ar Agyr | Peace | Peaceful arrangement and border agreements in tact. Negotiating Defensive Alliance. |
| Irondale | Peace | Peaceful arrangement without previous conflict. Were on the same side during the War of the 5 Realms. |
| Nothoi | Peace | Peaceful arrangement and border agreements in tact. Were on the same side during the War of the 5 Realms. |
| Nova | Neutral | No positive or negative feelings, though historically Nova banned the Sworn that formed Vordul Sanguinis. |
| Obia'Syela | War | Vordul Sanguinis disputed Obia'Syela's relocation to Keffa, though seeks peace after the death/ascension of the Emperor. |
| Shattered Vales | War | Joined Obia'Syela's war against Vordul Sanguinis and sacked the city of Wudenkin and caused the fall of the Emperor. Peace is being sought with Shattered Vales as part of the peace agreement with Obia'Syela. |
| Thalmarkin | Strained | Recently involved in the War of 5 Realms where Vordul Sanguinis absolved the Defensive Alliance with Thalmarkin due to multiple trespasses and insults by the then King Zatar Zatirri. Duke Timsen Quaasath defected from Thalmarkin and brought Vozzessdor over to Vordul Sanguinis. |
Prominent Stories (Roleplays)
Here list the most prominent stories of Vordul Sanguinis' history that have been recorded:
| The Beginning (Chapter 1-2) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter | Story | ||
|
The Oracle |
Many years ago during the Third Age an Oracle spoke of the unwound weave of the Eternals. The prophecy spoke of two descendants of the Gods, who were divided in the heavens, but their powers combined could rule the world. One descendant was said to be from the Dark Mistress, her brief time on Beluaterra having blessed a powerful Necromancer with her union, leaving a child of darkness. The other descendant was said to be from the union of the Ice Queen, who had been captured by Daimons and a child of ice orphaned in the deepest layer of hell. The Oracle spoke of how the Dark Mistress and the Ice Queen opposed one another in the high heavens, from disputes and disagreements far beyond mortal comprehension. Against each other, they cancelled each other out, and a balance was maintained. In their boredom they turned to the mortal world for enjoyment, beginning to move their pawns. In this mortal world, the two descendants, like separate threads of fate, wound themselves through the ages. One sealed in time, the other but a predecessor to the creeping horror of the Dark Mistress. | |
Disclaimer
| OOC from Xlair Silverblade to the realm. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Please note that we understand the evil and strict nature of Vordul Sanguinis is not the standard within Battlemaster. We've set this up with as much intention to be unique, as we have set it to be challenging. This is not "easy mode", it will be a cruel grind through role playing and decisive action toward moving up the chain of the command. As much as I (OOC) would love to make you all Disciples, take and follow all advice given, that's simply not possible. I will echo the words often told to me about Battlemaster, this is a slow game, no one is going to make it from Forsworn to Disciple in a short amount of time. It will take a lot of work, dealing with strict Disciples, undertaking quests and demands, and showing that you're a good follower/Sworn before you'll make any progress upward.
Xlair Silverblade |
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