1) Feedback- Even if it's just "Hey, that's awesome" or "Damn, that sucks." I need to know if this is worth trying to do anything with. You could also suggest a location.
2) An account on the wiki- I'll need this so that I can post information to the wiki and not make someone else do it. If I need to send anyone any information for this, then tell me what information is needed and where to send it.
And here's the nation's information as it would probably appear in the wiki:
(Note: Eldromir Island is a small island in a lake on Altere Island. This will be apparent once a map is produced.)
(Note the Second: It has been decided that Alana's forces aren't as righteous and Lucius' forces aren't as evil as this description indicates. Consider what follows, as it is now, as being slanted in favor of Alana's side's perspective.)
<span style="font-size:xx-large;">Alteron</span>
<span style="font-size:xx-large;">Sociopolitical Summary</span>
<span style="font-size:x-large;">The Succession War</span>
The mystical Kingdom of Alteron has long been a land of peace and prosperity. However, that peace has fallen to chaos.
The turmoil began six years ago when King Olson Casander IV was mysteriously assassinated, leaving two offspring behind. Princess Alana, the elder, was kindhearted and loved by the people. However, she was also the child of a servant girl, the product of her father’s adultery. Prince Lucius, the younger, was of pure royal blood, but he was also a heartless monster with no thought for anything beyond power.
The Parliament chose Alana to ascend the throne, but only by a slight majority. Many of the nobles, outraged by the decision to allow the child of a peasant to be queen, turned against the crown and swore fealty to Lucius. The kingdom is now embroiled in a civil war that has lasted for five long years with neither side showing any sign of backing down.
<span style="font-size:x-large;">Factions of Alteron</span>
<span style="font-size:large;">The Defenders of the Crown</span>
Royal Guard
Leader: Queen Alana Casander
Battle Color: Blue
Domain: Eldromir Island
The Royal Guard is composed of Alteron’s most elite warriors. The primary function of this force is to act as Queen Alana’s personal guard and to defend the Royal Domain of Eldromir. They are also frequently employed to carry out various tactical strikes on key enemy positions.
House of Isgaroth
Leader: Duke Sorwel Isgaroth
Battle Color: Yellow
Domain: Woodshire
The House of Isgaroth has defended the Woodshire Forest of southern Alteron for hundreds of years. The warriors of Isgaroth are expert woodsmen, having spent most of their lives in the forest. In fact, most of the soldiers of the royal guard originally served Isgaroth.
House of Faoris
Leader: Duchess Mablynn
Battle Color: Green
Domain: South Faeland
The island of Faeland is the most fertile land in Alteron and much of the known world. In times past, the House of Faoris fought violently with the House of Grimwel for control of the island. The fighting finally ceased when King Olson decreed that the two houses were to share the island, each taking half. Now, however, as the two houses have taken opposing sides in the conflict between Alana and Lucius, Faeland has begun to see bloodshed once again.
House of Tamaron
Leader: Duke Roland
Battle Color: Orange
Domain: Windel
The Windel Mountains form a nearly impassable barrier between northern Alteron and the Forest of Woodshire, making them an integral part of Queen Alana’s defense. This barrier is made even more impassible by the hearty mountain men of the House of Tamaron. Born and raised in the mountains, these rugged warriors fear no enemy. The followers of Lucius cower in fear at the mere mention of this house, for to meet Tamaron in battle is to stare into the face of death itself.
<span style="font-size:large;">The Alteron Purification Foundation</span>
Thunderhead
Leader: Prince Lucius
Battle Color: Red
Domain: Mount Sondorel
Prince Lucius’ elite guard, Thunderhead employs only the most powerful warriors in the Foundation. This organization is responsible for safeguarding Prince Lucius and Sondorel Castle at all times. Thunderhead also carries out most critical-strike missions against Alana’s forces and controls the secret police that is responsible for keeping the peasantry of northern Alteron under control.
House of Ronholm
Leader: Duke Ogron
Battle Color: Violet
Domain: Norhond
The frozen peaks of the Norhond Mountains are home to the mighty House of Ronholm. This house is known for producing some of the most brutal warriors in all of Alteron. The Foundation depends on Ronholm as the primary defense against any direct attack on Mount Sondorel.
House of Grimwel
Leader: Duke Krathis
Battle Color: Black
Domain: North Faeland
The House of Grimwel is by far the most corrupt house in Alteron. This house once fought against the House of Faoris in a bloody conflict hoping to gain control over the entire island of Faeland. When King Olson decided to end the conflict, Grimwel stalled the negotiations just long enough to launch a final, direct assault on Faoris Castle. Although the castle was not taken, Duchess Calina Faoris was killed in battle. When the conflict between Lucius and Alana began, the House of Grimwel decided to finish what it started.
House of Klissak
Leader: Duchess Sethrynn
Battle Color: Blue
Domain: Tralask
Ruling over the Tralask Plains with pure logic, the cold, calculated maneuvers of House Klissak have led to its emergence as the center of trade for the entire kingdom. The vast wealth of this house has allowed it to raise a massive army to protect its interests, easily making it the strongest house in Alteron.
<span style="font-size:x-large;">Important Figures</span>
Queen Alana
Position: Queen of Alteron
Race: Human
Allegiance: Defenders of the Crown
First born child of Olson IV, Queen Alana is the chosen ruler of Alteron. Although she does not desire this war that has ravaged the land, she is determined to protect her people from the despotic hands of her brother.
Prince Lucius
Position: Prince of Alteron
Race: Human
Allegiance: Alteron Purification Foundation
Believing himself to be the only child of King Olson who is truly of royal blood, Lucius has sworn to take the throne from the peasant who dares call herself a queen. He has led his forces through a violent war, not caring about the lives he destroys. He desires to either rule the land of Alteron or burn it to the ground.
Dwaylin Orcrend
Position: Veteran General of House Faoris
Race: Dwarf
Allegiance: Defenders of the Crown
Many years ago, Dwaylin Orcrend fought for the House of Faoris in the Faeland Conflict. He led the legendary Orcrenders, the battalion responsible for victory in over 40 major battles against the House of Grimwel. When King Olson finally ended the conflict, Orcrend returned to his home to live in peace. Now that the land is again in turmoil, Dwaylin Orcrend has returned to the battlefield.
Jules Silvermoon
Position: Paladin General of House Tamaron
Race: Human
Allegiance: Defenders of the Crown
Duke Roland’s most trusted warrior, Jules Silvermoon has protected the Windel Mountains for years. Long ago, Silvermoon took an oath that no enemy of Alteron would ever pass through the mountains as long as he had blood in his veins. He has held to that promise, for no army that Lucius has sent has ever made it past his blade.
Eldoron Lysak
Position: Archmage of Alteron, Advisor to Queen Alana
Race: Human
Allegiance: Defenders of the Crown
Archmage Eldoron is the First Councilor of the High Circle, the ruling council of the magi of Alteron. He commands the loyalty of every mage in the Queen’s forces. His allegiance to Alana is unquestioned, for he was her personal tutor when she was a child. His strategic and political expertise is vital in the defense and maintenance of Alana’s realm.
Mablynn Faoris
Position: Head of House Faoris
Race: Fey
Allegiance: Defenders of the Crown
Leader of the House of Faoris, Duchess Mablynn is the mistress of Southern Faeland. Her mother died in battle defending her homeland from the armies of Grimwel. Now that the conflict between Faoris and Grimwel has begun again, Mablynn has sworn to take vengeance.
Morgan Kamir
Position: Assassin
Race: Altere Drow
Allegiance: Alteron Purification Foundation
Prince Lucius’ personal assassin, Morgan Kamir is feared by peasants and nobles alike. She is a master in the art of war, able to find several ways to nullify almost any opponent. Although her motives for serving Lucius are unknown, there are rumors that he holds her sister as a hostage.
Kromtok Grothkar
Position: Veteran General of House Grimwel
Race: Orc
Allegiance: Alteron Purification Foundation
A veteran of the Faeland Conflict, Kromtok Grothkar is a legendary hero among the warriors of the House of Grimwel. To the House of Faoris, he is the subject of ghost stories used to scare children. During the Faeland Conflict, he destroyed many Faoris armies and won more battles than any other general. His only regret is that he never met Dwaylin Orcrend in battle. When he learned that Orcrend had returned to the battlefield, he took up his own axe once again and set off to challenge his rival.
Ogron Ronholm
Position: Head of House Ronholm
Race: Ogre
Allegiance: Alteron Purification Foundation
Duke Ogron of Ronholm, the Mountain Lord, is a brutal and maniacal warrior who possesses no mercy. Eager to engage in glorious battle, he pledged his allegiance to Lucius, whom he knew would not only tolerate but even reward his brutal tactics. He also presented Lucius with his greatest fortress, Sondorel Castle, in order to not only gain the prince’s favor, but also to draw Alana’s forces into his territory. He intends to bathe his mountains in the blood of his fallen enemies.
Sethrynn Klissak
Position: Head of House Klissak
Race: Altere Succubus
Allegiance: Alteron Purification Foundation
A master of business affairs, Duchess Sethrynn of Klissak has built a massive trading empire that reaches to the far corners of the world. She supports Lucius because he has promised not to hinder her efforts to advance Alteron’s market whereas Alana has already created several laws to protect the “rights†of the labor force. In addition to her skill as a trader, she is also an accomplished tactician.
<span style="font-size:xx-large;">History</span>
The Settling of Altere
In the year 715, a colony of settlers from the Igalan mainland was founded on the western shore of the island of Altere. Acting as a conduit of trade and commerce between the native tribes of the island and the nearby nations of the continent, this colony soon grew powerful enough to establish itself as an independent state. The leader of the colony, Orwyn Casander, was crowned king and the colonial territory became the Kingdom of Alteron. At this time, the kingdom ruled only the southern and western shore of the Woodshire Forest and the western shore of the Windel Mountains, but it continued to hold peaceful relations with the neighboring tribal lands.
The War of the Isles
Trade with Alteron also caused the native tribes of Altere and the smaller neighboring island of Faeland to advance technologically and grow in power, some even becoming proper kingdoms in their own right. In the year 1039, the ninth year of the rule of King Mandovar Casander, King Krashuk Hrolk of the ogre kingdom of Margroth began a sudden massive expansion effort the intent of which was believed to have been the conquest of the entire island. As the Margroth Expansion met with early success in crushing the tribes surrounding its homeland, the remaining tribes began to panic. However, King Mandovar called the tribes together to offer them reassurance, arguing that a unified alliance between all the tribes and his own kingdom would be capable of turning back the Margroth armies and removing King Krashuk from power. The tribes agreed to this and soon had their armies arrayed to meet the coming conquerors.
Unfortunately, though Mandovar was appointed Grand Commander of the Anti-Margroth Coalition, he would not live to see victory. On the eve of his army’s march, he collapsed suddenly and never recovered. His daughter, Princess Raelik Casander, was given the crown and immediately led the troops of Alteron and its allies away to battle.
Though the war against Margroth was hard fought, the young queen proved her mettle in battle time and again. After many victories and slightly fewer defeats, sixteen years had passed and the Coalition finally had King Krashuk trapped in his own capital city of Margrotholm on Mount Sondorel. The siege on the city lasted another ten years before the allies finally broke past the walls and burned it to the ground. According to legend, Krashuk Hrolk fell in a duel with Queen Raelik herself in a final great battle at the ogre king’s keep, but in reality Hrolk and the majority of his soldiers had already been dead from disease for at least two years by the time of Margrotholm’s fall.
With the enemy destroyed, the victorious armies marched home. But the people of the land had grown weary from the great war and wished never for a conflict of such magnitude to come to their land again. It was therefore decided that they would unite under one banner and serve one monarch. For her heroic exploits, Raelic was again chosen to be the ruler of rulers and it was her throne to which all other chieftains bowed down. And so, the Kingdom of Alteron was given the whole of the islands of Altere and Faeland while the chieftains of the old tribes became the high nobles of the Alteron feudal system.
The Faeland Conflict
The unification of Alteron brought about an era of peace as intended. For centuries afterward, the nation remained secure against outside threats while internal struggles were kept to a minimum. However, on the isle of Faeland, tensions began to mount between the houses of Faoris and Grimwel. Since ancient times, the Faoris clan had been the predominant force on the island, but it had granted the Grimwel clan a portion of its territory when the latter was driven from its ancestral lands by the Margroth offensive. But despite this act being done in goodwill, many of the Faoris fey were resentful that the Grimwel orcs had gotten their land. The Grimwel clan, meanwhile, was not satisfied with the land it had received, feeling that it possessed nowhere near the value of the land it had left.
In the year 1225, a foreign power attempted to invade Altere’s western shore. As this attack required the full attention of the Alteron military to repel, House Grimwel found itself completely unwatched by the royal court. Taking this opportunity, Grimwel secretly built up its own military power and launched an offensive against the Faoris lands. Caught unprepared, the fey lost a great deal of their territory before the forces they had sent west could return to defend them.
Without waiting for the aid of the Crown, House Faoris immediately attacked Grimwel in reprisal. As a result, the two houses became locked in a long feud, both unable to gain any ground and neither willing to back down. This feud continued for seven decades until King Olson IV, seeing that some of the other houses were preparing to enter the conflict in hopes of increasing their own territory or ingratiating one of the Faeland houses to themselves, decreed that the two houses were to divide the island equally under threat of eradication by the royal army.
The Crowning of Queen Alana
In the year 1310, while hunting in the woods near Goldcrest City on Eldromir Island, King Olson and his party were ambushed and slaughtered to the last man by an unknown band of assassins.
An air of bitterness and paranoia swept the country when it was determined that the assailants responsible could not be identified. That air continued as the parliamentary representatives of the nation’s six ruling houses and numerous lesser noble houses met to decide which of Olson’s two children would take his place on the throne. The procedure was derailed several times as various houses accused one another of masterminding the assassination, but these accusations were mostly levied between rivals and based on contrived or imagined evidence.
Another hindrance to the council was the virulent arguments Lucius brought against his half-sister Alana’s right to rule. Because the princess was the daughter of a servant woman, the prince argued that she was only a peasant and not fit to rule a kingdom. As Alana pointed out, however, the laws clearly and simply stated that when the monarch dies without naming an heir the oldest offspring is to assume the throne. Eventually, those who supported Alana came to see Lucius’ supporters as rigid elitists who sought to oppress the land while Lucius’ supporters came to see the former as fawning cowards who were afraid of their own servants.
In the end, Alana’s supporters proved slightly more numerous, so she was chosen to take the throne. However, Lucius had already brought his own supporters to the point where they would no longer tolerate her rule. After leaving the capital city in a rage, they immediately laid siege, telling the ceremonial military escorts they had arrived with that a rebellion had taken place inside. As the armies marched to attack the city, Lucius opened the gate from within. Thus, the defenders and common residents of Goldcrest were forced to fight for their lives in the streets. The battle lasted through the night and until morning, but the attackers were eventually driven off. Unfortunately, Lucius and most of his followers escaped and fled.
While Alana was crowned queen, Lucius traveled the land to drudge up support for his rebellion. In the summer of the year 1311, the prince’s followers suddenly set upon the queen’s loyal retainers and everything north of the Windel Mountains quickly fell into Lucius’ hands. Luckily, in the southern lands where the majority of the queen’s loyalists dwelt, the insurgency was severely limited and quickly put down. However, Lucius had no intent on allowing a peasant to sit in his chair and Alana would not forgive the traitor’s betrayal. And so began Alteron’s Civil War, a bloodbath of attrition that still shows no sign of ending.
<span style="font-size:xx-large;">Statistics</span>
Expert: Seethe347
Flag:
Map:
Capital: Goldcrest City
Largest City: Aldenport
Government: Feudal Monarchy
Settlement: 715 E. P.
Official Language(s): Common
Official Religion: None
Currency: Crown
Update
The following passage represents Lucius' side's perspective:
Quote:
Alana, in her infinite idealism, chose a time when the nation was already on edge and vulnerable to further polarize it through her total and unmoderated opposition to Lucius' arguments for his claim to the throne. She tells herself that she doesn't want the war, but she persists through it, pushing her followers to do everything they possibly can to destroy Lucius' forces, while making no attempt at peace. As has been said, she "would not forgive the traitor's betrayal." Furthermore, she holds her followers to an impossible ideal of virtue even in battle, only adding more distress to their lives while they are forced to constantly do battle with people who had once been their neighbors. While she appears to the masses as an angelic saint, she is really just a self-righteous child, weak minded and indecisive.
Meanwhile, Lucius should certainly rule the land. If a peasant can rule the country, then why shouldn't they also rule the noble houses? If the traditional bloodlines are not maintained, the common people, having had a taste of power, will rise up in a misguided attempt to take more. Order will be overthrown and total chaos will cover the land so that no man, woman, or child will be safe. We may struggle through a few years of hardship now if it means preventing such a calamity in the future.
This land has belonged to the tribal chieftains since before recorded history. Why should we simply give it away now? Have we not directed our nation to a time of great prosperity? We have always defended the people and they have always partaken of our bounty. What right do they have to turn upon us? Lucius is called a rebel, but the true traitor is the queen.
Alana's followers are as weak-minded as she is. They believe that allowing such a dangerous figure to sit on the throne is "tolerance." And they only support her because of her popularity with the peasantry. By aligning themselves with the peasant queen, they hope to gain the support of the masses as well. It is their hope that by feeding a tiger they can abate its hunger. But what they can give them is no more than an appetizer.
Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=seethe347>Seethe347</A] at: 6/17/06 10:34