Nations, Empires, Kingdoms, and Houses

[StormWolf]

List all nations and the like here

[Atrum Daemon]

Name of Nation: Elysium
Motto: Strength and Knowledge are the greatest of Heralds
The Size: Elysium covers a large island continent, covering a total area of 7,617,900 square kilometers.
History: At one time, the power of Elysium was so great that they ruled all the known world. At the peak of it’s power, which was oddly enough shortly after a civil war, Elysium challenged the rest of the world. The Elysian King was determined that the beasts they brought into the world never be summoned again by foolish minds. The king, Dordon, still young in mind believed that the best way to prevent it was to ensure that they were the ruling power in all lands.

Through strength of arms and magic, Elysium took control of all major parts of civilization. Although they were declared the center of power, many forces rose against the Elysians to see their homelands free.

The battle at Red River was the first notable battle between Elysians and the forces of a young northland king. The battle, though technically not a true victory for either side, was notable because the sheer level of carnage and slaughter forever changed the river to the red color of spilled blood.

The Elysian military, under the command of the Harbinger of War, continued to clash with the North King even as their temples and shrines were built all over the world.

The occupation ended with one battle. The Battle of One Thousand Tears was the Harbinger of War’s last attempt to break the back of the North King’s army. The battleground was a great plain of white flowers. The battle was tremendous and claimed the lives of thousands. The North King and the Harbinger killed one another in an embrace of spear and sword.

The Elysians, realizing their foolish actions, returned to Elysium.

They never again left in force. And did not leave Elysium at all for several centuries. In that time, their magi-tech temples and shrines fell into disrepair, leaving their ruins to dot the other lands.

People of Import:

Dordon, the Old King - The King of Elysium and ruler of his people. Through ancient magic and ritual, Dordon has extended his lifespan in order to continue to watch over his people.

Queen Merinthe - Dordon’s most recent wife and leader of the Priesthood.

Apollo - Second son of Dordon

Athena - Eldest daughter of Dordon

Hephaestus - Third son of Dordon

Aphrodite - Second daughter of Dordon

The Millennium King - A secondary ruler if you will. While Dordon is the true King of Elysium, the Millennium King is the title given to the ruler of Elysium’s frozen lands, who enforces Dordon’s will. The current Millennium King is Ares, Dordon’s eldest son.

The Harbingers - A small and select group made up of the oldest and most powerful of Elysium’s mages. Since the death of the Harbinger of War, most of the Harbinger’s wander Elysium with their authorized warbands. Only the Harbinger of Fate, an advisor to the Old King, does not raise a warband and refuses to take any martial action.

The Breath Stealer - An old and powerful healer and one of the most highly respected people outside the court. Using very old magic, he is able to tap into the powers of death in order to heal.

[StormWolf]

Name of House: House Russik (Russ-ick) of Niflheim
Motto: Endure With Strength
The Size: The northern-most realm in the main continent. The Realm is called Niflheim. The Realm is unusually large to be owned by one House, but not many others would call such a cold and unforgiving place home. Niflheim are around 13,000 square miles until it meets the Hadron Wall, a massive structure of ice and stone that protects the Realms south of it from the horrors of the Frozen Wastes. The Russiks are the Wardens of the wall and of the North.
History: In the ages of antiquity, the Russik house was borne of Noblemen from the Old Kingdoms of the south copulating with the large and brutish people of the northern realms. The first of the Russiks, Liam Russik, took one of the Northerners as a bride, and so began the Russik dominance of the North. Liam comissioned the Hadron Wall be built to keep the horrors of the Frozen Wastes at bay. During the days of the unity of mankind, Liam and his House stalwartly defended the northern realms without compromise and with a resolve stronger than castle forged steel. It was not until the Age of Strife in the world of man that the fury of the Russiks became a legend with wings strong enough to cross the mighty seas. When Saint Abaddon the Mad ruled over all of the kingdoms of man, his tyrannical rule splintered the once-indomitable alliance of all human powers. Bridges were burned between Houses, Kingdoms, and Empires as the borders of the map were redrawn once more. Liam Russik the Second of his Name, united the splintered and scattered Northmen, bringing in civilized folk and wild tribesmen alike under the Red Wolf banner. In that very year, the Long Winter came, covering the North in ice and snow as far as the eyes could see from the seat of Russik influence - Caervalock. Not only did other Houses wage war against the Russiks, but entire Kingdoms tried to conquer the North in the midst of the Long Winter. Thousands of Southmen died from the cold in Niflheim, and those that survived faced an enemy whose fury is now legend. The Russiks, in their armor of Niflheim steel, assaulted the invaders with a nearly inhuman fury, their war cries more akin to the howls of beasts than the screams of men. The snow drank its fill of blood for those nine long years until the summer finally came. When the snow and ice melted, the grisly testament of nine years of Russik defense was unearthed beneath blankets of snow. The rolling green hills were littered with corpses and for the next year, the hills of Niflheim was a feast for crows.

Lord William Russik lead his armies south in the summertime, attacking rival villages and strongholds, beheading regional Lords with his mighty sword and skewering them on pikes as they adorned the walls of Caervalock. William Russik the Savage. At the Siege of Starkberg, William Russik slew his greatest nemesis, a Southman High General. The two men locked in melee for the entire battle until William finally took the generals head and skinned the generals body, turning him in to a belt. It was William’s conquest that conquered all of Niflheim for House Russik. Lord Wiliam collected the swords of all of the generals he had slain in single combat and had them smelted in to a throne, called the Conqueor’s Throne. From then on, it was tradition for every Lord Russik to add the weapons of slain generals and lords to the Conqueror’s Throne.

Under the reign of Alek Russik, a force of three thousand Elysian brigands landed on the frozen shores of Niflheim. It was made evident that the Elysian invaders acted on their own, not flying any colours of the Elysian royal court. The brigands assaulted fisherman villages on the coast, setting fire to the villages and defiling the Yggdrasil - ancient trees placed around the world by the Old Gods. The Russiks, being people of old tradition, took great offense at such sacrilege, and so Alek marched towards the coast. Lord Alek the Furious with an army of one thousand men attacked the Elysian brigands in the midst of a terrible blizzard. The Northmen remained unfazed by the cold and used the temperance of Niflheim’s weather to make up for minor numbers. Alek lost half of his men, but the Elysian brigands never left the shores alive. Alek piled the bodies on to the Elysian ships and sent them to sea aflame.

The current King of the North, Lord Logan Russik the Third of his Name sits upon the Conqueror’s Throne, now home to thousands of blades of leaders bettered. Lord Logan is late in his years, but his fury and strength remain with him. His hammer-hand is strong as ever and he still marches out to battle at the head of his armies. Lord Logan is known as the Hammer of the North and the Great Wolf. His wisdom and cunning in the art of war is renown across Ashahiem. Next in line to the throne is Angron Russik the Allslayer, Logan’s first born son.

People of Import: Logan Russik - the current King of the North, Warden of the Wall, and Protector of Niflheim. An elderly man of sixty years, though through some manner of miracle, his youthful vigor and strength remains intact. He is the most sane ruler House Russik has had, and has maintained peace throughout the Realm under the threat and just punishment of his hammer.

Iduna Russik - Logans wife and Queen. The “Wolf Mother” she is called, for many say it is impossible for two humans, even from the north, to bear a son as ferocious as Angron. She is a level-headed woman who is slow to anger, but when she is pushed to wrath, she is more cruel than the Dread Wolf and her malice is colder than the Long Winter. 40 years of age, though her face belies the onlooker that she is ten years younger than she actually is.

Angron Russik - The Allslayer, Strifeson, Wolfblade, and Bloodwolf are all names and titles Angron has earned in his twenty year life thus far. Angron is the eldest of Logan and Iduna’s many children, thus he is first in line to the Conqueror’s Throne. Known all across Ashahiem for his malice and fury in battle and his cunning tactics, Angron already has twelve swords to add to the Conqueror’s Throne from invading generals and lords. Rumors say that Angron is in fact not of Logan’s seed, but that of the Dread Wolf, the feared Old God of Chaos, for he was born on a full harvest moon. Angron’s greatest trophy adorns the wall behind the Conqueror’s Throne, the skull of a mighty Frost Drake from beyond the Wall.

Sif Russik - The Golden Child. Sif is the eldest daughter of Logan and Iduna, her title earned by long, silken locks of hair that narrowly reach her ankles. She is a beautiful girl of nineteen who is greatly devoted to her family. She takes after her mother in her temper and intelligent approach to things. She is of the age to marry, and has been sending suitors away for the past half a year, and whichever ones she did not deem worthy Angron drove away.

Njal Russik - The Stormborn. Angron’s first brother, Njal bears the gift of magic, and is already training in the traditional shamanistic practice of Niflheiman magic. Only eighteen years of age an he has been able to change the course of a storm before the strain on his body sends him in to a slumber. Njal is destined to be a great magister, and many hope that Njal’s wisdom and mellow temper will be put to good use advising Angron when he becomes King of the North.

Sonja and Freja Russik - The Twins. Sonja and Freja are the twin daughters of Logan, each of them eighteen years of age, though that is where similarities end. Sonja acts as a boy does, wanting nothing more than to train in the ways of battle and glory while Freja wishes the fighting to end, as er gift of magic allows her to heal the most grievous of wounds. Many a time Freja has saved Angron’s life, as many times as Sonja endangered it.

Lukas Russik - The Jackalwolf. Easily the most clever of his brothers as far as wits come. Lukas has a tongue as sharp as a sword and as harsh as a taskmasters whip. The mischievous boy of fifteen can be found climbing the ramparts of Caervalock or dominating the barracks in a game of dice or dragonbones. Lukas has already shown great potential as a politician, his riddles ad pranks leaving even Njal dumbfounded at times.

Gerda Russik - The Firesdaughter. Gerda, like Freja and Njal, has magic in her blood which has taken the manifestation of fire. Thirteen years of age, Gerda trains under her brother Njal and her sister Freja as how to control her magic and her temper. She is like her eldest brother, and has a hot head, which makes her magic dangerous. She is a spirited girl who idolizes her eldest brother, seeing them as almost identical in heart and spirit.

Genn Russik - The Sunwolf. Genn is the youngest brother of the lot, being eight years old with bright golden hair. He is far too young to have made any notable accomplishment in battle, but he shows great promise as a marksman.

Hnossa Russik - The Summer Child. Born on the eve of the most recent long summer, Little Hnossa is little older than six. She knows not the hardships of the North, but in time she will learn. She is commonly called the Jewel of Caervalock.

[Awean8]

Name of Realm: Múspellsheimr, the Realm of Fire

Motto: It's every man for himself.

The Size: A vast desert wasteland far south of Niflheim, and is isolated by a long mountain range that expands over it's norther border. It's southern border consists of the Gold Coast where port cities thrive upon the Sea of Coin. The actual geography shifts just as the sands do, and it is nearly impossible to navigate without a guide. Amidst the dunes many ruins from past civilizations can be found peeking out and are home the many dangerous creatures that are always at war with each other.


History: Stygians, a master race of lizard folk once ruled over this land and with their foul arcane magics they enslaved all other races. They used their slaves to further the development of their vast city, which is said to have encompassed the entire continent of Múspell. However, there than came a time when they dared to use their powers to ascend to godhood, and in retaliation to this insult the Gods buried their city and cursed the land along with the Stygians.

It wasn't too long before the once enslaved humans began to thrive in nomadic tribes. In fact many of the old enslaved races began to thrive after their release, some even began to harbor a hate for each other. To this day the Dragon Clans of Múspell and the Fire Giant Tribes are at constant war with one another. The reason for which is unknown, but most think it is mostly a territorial rivalry. The Stygians who had survived the purge have managed to survive within the darkness of ruins to their old city, but rarely venture out unless it's to bring back food.

There only a few human settlements sprinkled throughout Múspell, and most of them lie either on the coast or near an oasis. These are safe havens to humans, despite the constant threat of raids.

There have been rumors about a nomadic tribe lead by a wizard that is known as the "Drel", and have dedicated their lives to slaying many of the creatures of the desert especially dragons and fire giants.

People of Import:

Draz - A human wizard who gained his magical prowess by chance when he stumbled into an abandoned Stygian Ruins and had accidently touched one of the runes. After a majority of his tribe, including his own family had been killed in a battle between a troop of fire giants and a dragon he has created the Drel dedicating his life to their eradication. He is rather popular with the human populace of Múspell, and is considered the uncrowned first king of the tortured land.

Maraloth - An ancient Platinum Dragon wizard, who rules over the Dragon Clan of Múspell. He was the one who had killed Draz's family.

Surtr - Leader to the Fire Giant Tribes.

[StormWolf]

approved indeed awean! I like it. You get props for using stygians

[ｒａｂｂｉｔ]

Name of House: House Makkus of Mímir

Motto: Turn your wounds to wisdom.

The Size: Makkus rules the realm of Mímir, home to The Well of Knowledge. The realm itself is modest in size, not even one third the size of it's closest neighbor, Niflheim, but is rich with diversity, tradition and is often a center of economy for the North.

History: During the age of shattering, Lord Russik went to Lord Makkus and told him, "You are with me or you are against me. We have prospered together, my friend, and I would hate to war against my brother in arms."

Makkus could never deny his friend, and Lord Russik would then do the same to all houses and families in the Northmarch, forging an alliance with those who agreed to be vassals to the Russik House, and destroying all others.

Ever since, the Makkus sword has been loyal to the Russik house, ever at their side, through every pivotal battle, political triumph and scandal alike.

The Well of Knowledge (http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/wells-cathedral-wells-wlcth1.jpg) - The Well of Knowledge, or just "The Well," is Ashahiem's most vast and expansive library, founded by the house Makkus, but contributed to by many. It, rather than the Makkus castle, is the center and heart of Mímir; it is what brings the people, trade and wealth to Mímir. Mages, warriors and commonfolk alike make the trek to the Northern city to drink from the pages of The Well's tomes; they study, they learn and take notes, but are never allowed to remove a book from the library's walls.

The library has always been under the care of the women of the Makkus family - that is, the wives of Makkus men since none has ever given birth to a daughter since the creation of the library. They say that it isn't the women's fault - the Makkus men just have a strong will to continue their name. A long-running joke between the Russik and Makkus houses was that their families would never join, only to remain friends and allies because of the stubborn Makkus family (if not unintentional) tradition.

In the summers, a mass festival is held in Mimir where peoples from across Ashahiem are encouraged to bring books to The Well of Knowledge. The Makkus family often compensates those who bring new books and stories (often legends, told by mouth that are taken down by The Well's scribes) that are not already in the collection.

The Wellsguard (http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/agotlcg/news/Kingsguard.jpg) - The Wellsguard is an order of men sworn to protect The Well of Knowledge, it's Caretaker, and nothing else - they have never been sent to war, nor, as men of the Wellsguard, left the vast grounds of the library. They protect the Well, its contents, and its caretaker with their lives.

People of Import:
Bryant Makkus - 45 years of age, head of the Makkus family, and currently ill.
Odele Makkus - 44 years of age, wed to Bryant Makkus and current caretaker of The Well of Knowledge.
Darren Makkus - 22 years of age, wed, the oldest son and next to be the head of the Makkus family.
Callum Makkus - 21 years of age, wed, and a practitioner of magic.
Kane Makkus - 20 years of age, the best warrior of the Makkus family and quite hot-tempered, he is envious of Angron Russik beneath their friendship and strives to be a better warrior than the Allslayer. He is often found at the Russik heir's side.
Fenella Makkus - 19 years of age, the only daughter ever born to the Makkus family and betrothed to Angron Russik. She will eventually to step into her mother's position as a caretaker of The Well of Knowledge.
Liam Makkus - 13 years of age, is a little girl-crazy as of late, and quite the charming young man. Many of the young women of Mimir fawn over him like a celebrity.
Bowen Makkus - 8 years of age, studying swordsmanship and battle strategy, currently spending a lot of time in the library, as his brothers had when they were his age. At the moment, he'd like to be a man of the Wellsguard when he grows up.

Sigil:
http://i55.tinypic.com/2ls7hwm.jpg

[StormWolf]

looks good!

[StormWolf]

okay people. go ahead an make threads for your nations if i have given them the A-OK. There, you can go more in depth with cities, castles, landmasses, ports, indenginous people, flora, and fauna, etc.

[Awean8]

Yes! I shall craft a continent that will be worthy of praise. Ho ho!

Just give me a couple days.

[Xanthuss]

Name of Realm:
Draconian Asthlare Empire.

Motto:
Time is but a mere annoyance, for the soul is immortal and death cannot take you forever.

The Size:
The Asthlare Empire controls the entire island continent of Asthlare, and nearby island chain known as the Draca Isles. The island continent is about the same size as Australia in the real world, and the islands have a suspicious resemblance to the British Isles, if Scotland had been broken up in to many small islands and Ireland turned in to a burnt wasteland. The Draca islands also have many higher mountains than Britain, including the Mountain of Dragons, with is nearly the size of Kilimanjaro in the real world.

History:
The Asthlare continent and The Draca isles have been interconnected for many years. They had the same gods, and so in time, they became one realm. The first kingdom of Draca was Titus, which was smite by the gods when Fenris tried to kill the other gods. The second, Prometheses was split apart in to the chain of shattered islands that is what remains of what was once almost half the main Draca Island, by the first of the Asthlare Dragons when it dared try to slay the Dragon Lords.

The Dragon Lords themselves had governed Asthlare for the Gods for many a millennia. Gifted with ancient life and great power, the Dragon Lords would smite any one who dared oppose the Gods... In return they ruled Asthlare, either directly or indirectly. It was only until the Great Grand Lord Lejon dared argue with the God Mahak that the Dragon Lords lost even only fraction of power. Lejon and his Mate were banished to the Caves of the Dragon Lords for two thousand years, to sleep an enchanted sleep until they would be allowed to return.

In the meantime, Asthlare and the Draca Isle erupted in warfare, and many were massacred. Cities burnt eternally, as monstrous beings from peoples nightmares were summoned by evil Sorcerers and Wizards and sent to war against each other. And in the Realms that escaped such nightmares, the merely mortal Kings and Emperors battled each other in bloody wars that lasted scores of generations. Other, weaker, Dragons tried to take Asthlare, and many innocents were killed as almost every dragon in the realm became a sacrifice craving monster, holding villages and cities at ransom.

Great civilizations were lost, and two entire species were exterminated in the time of chaos known as the Ages of Despair. Many islands were sunk in to the sea, taking cities and towns with them, and once an entire kingdom was burnt to rumble by a Wizard. The Gods were horrified, and several of them fled in to hiding as the chaos they had set in motion took a hold of their world. Dozens of Demi-gods were struck down by mortal Wizards, and the Goddess Daha was once wounded so severely that all love in Asthlare vanished for a year and every baby born that year was horrifyingly ugly.

Finally the Gods relented, allowing a good Wizard to release the Dragon Lords from slumber a thousand years early. In a matter of years the Realm of Asthlare and Draca became peaceful again, and the Draco species became the dominant species besides Humans. This led to the time known as the current.


People of Import:
The Draconian Emperor, His Majestic Imperial Highness, Protector of the Asthlare and Sovereign Lord of the Dragons, Prince of The Draca Isles, Grand Duke of the Caves of the Dragon Lords and Earl of the Draconian Earldom, Lejon - The Emperor, Lejon, is an ancient and powerful Dragon Lord who was put under an enchanted sleep by the Gods many thousands of years ago for slaying one of their number. He was woken by the Wizard Eitri, and began the ruler of Asthlare and The Draco Isle's only 110 years ago. His mate is Freya and his son and heir is Lore.

The Crown Prince Draconian, His Majestic Highness, Duke of Wemcanter, and Protector of the Dragons, Lore - The Heir to the Throne, Lore is the son of Lejon and Freya. He is younger, barely 100 years old, which is barely a fledgling for a Dragon. He was born only 10 years after his father and mother awoke.

The Empress Draconian, Her Graceful Imperial Majesty, The Sovereign Lady of the Dragons, Protectoress of the Asthlare, The Countess of the Draconian Earldom and Grand Duchess of the Caves of the Dragon Lords, Freya - The Mate of Lejon, Freya is just as ancient as Lejon, and was roused by her mate from her sleep in the Caves of the Dragon Lords not so many years ago. She was also put under enchanted sleep by the Gods at the same time as Lejon. She has one Son, Lore.

Wizard of Olde, Draconian Knight and The High Adviser to the Imperial Crown, Sir Eitri Folki - An ancient Wizard, Eitri roused Lejon from his sleep in the Caves of the Dragon Lords and helped him bring peace to the land of Asthlare. He is now the personal friend of the Emperor and The High Adviser to the Imperial Crown.

Draconian Knight and Emperor's Champion, Sir Skari Dreon - A personal friend of Lore, Skari is a formable warrior and the Champion of the Emperor's Family. He is a Draco and at his birth, the God Ásvaldr was present, and a prophecy was laid over him; "Skari, boy of the Draconian Knights, thy life will be great, and thy heart large. One day, thy shall become the father of my race, one day in time, thy shall be the Champion of this god."

[Awean8]

Ummmm.....That sort of contradicts many of the stuff we had already said we wanted dragons to be like.....

[StormWolf]

very nice Antlers!

we need some more people on the mainland too before i just start NPCing the shit out of it.

[Awean8]

Where do you want us to make the nations threads? The Tome of Knowledge or People?

[StormWolf]

People thread

[Sigma]

Name of Empire: Vyrantium Imperium
Motto: May the God-Emperor Reign!
The Size: The Imperium controls a large swath of realms the size of Niflheim, it borders the northern mountain range of Múspellsheimr. off the coast of the Imperium, it controls several island chains.
History: Here is the biggest undertaking. Write a detailed history of your nation/whatever, including notable rulers, pivitol battles, shady dealings, charitable acts, and so forth. How your nation acts now will be based on what happened in the past, and how others act towards you will be effected by the past.
People of Import:
God-Emperor Vanarius Caligus: Outside the Imperium, he is known as Vanarius the Mad, the Mad Emperor,The Bloodeater, titles he is proud to receive and with good reason. he is responsible for the genocide and deaths of millions, word from soldiers and prisoners suggest that Vanarius occasionally has a lone feast, dining on the carcasses of his victims. Vanarius' even claims he himself is a god in flesh.

[Xanthuss]

How does it controdict anything Awean?

[Awean8]

I'm sorry, for some reason I thought it was an empire completely made up of big all powerful dragons, but than I just read what the Draca actually were.

That would have been silly.

Which reminds me that at some point I need to work with Storm on a post for Dragons in the Races section.

[Xanthuss]

Oops, I should have make that more clear in my post. Thanks for clearing that up.

[ｒａｂｂｉｔ]

Mkay, Makkus is done - may make small amendments in the future as I think of things, but pretty much done! :']