Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Evil DM Mk3 06-25-07, 08:54 AM	OK I am running a game in the new year (long way off I know) that will involve building a world from scratch. I have a lot to do but at the moment my primary concern is the nobles on the kingdom that is falling into civil war. I am using Iron Heros, not DnD, but this is the best place I know for this sort of advice. If yu don't know they system it is not a problem in the slightest as it is personalites I need, not stats. However just know that in this setting magic=rare, dangerous and unpredictable. The culture is very close to medieval europe, specificaly Civil war Britan but with less gunpower (large cannons and muskets do not yet exist) and a more gender equal society. Lands exist across the sea, but are not important for this game. Climate is british in the north (warm wet winters, cool wet summers) and mediterainian in the south. HISTORY. The continet known as Erbatha was once several distinct areas, the four kingdoms where united under Lord Dermont over 30 years ago. Also on the continent today are the northlands (an area populated by barbarians and savadges, of little or no use to the Dermont kingdom) the forest of Galen (an elven kingdom, vistors not allowed) and the outpost of Karz-kall, the enterance to a massive dwarven empire underground. The four kingdoms where: Dermont. The northern kingdom. When Lord Elwin Dermont came to the throne forty years ago he began a quest to untie the human lands of the continent that is now known as the wars of unity. He won, save for the northlands all human settelments where united. Now he is dead and by Dermont family tradition a seer was apointed to chose between his two sons, Richard and Wilfred. Several Seers died in strange circumstances and Wilfred acussed Richard of causing this. On the night Richard fled to the summer palace the new Seer chose Wilfred, and a civil war began. Lermtak. The middle kingdom. Bordering on the other three kingdoms this one was conquered by politics, not war. The first battles of the war or unity happened here but Lord Dermont then convinced Lord Lermtak's cousin, who through a twist of ineritance had most of the wealth of the family, to side with him, removing the Lermtak families support and causing them to pledge fearlty to him. The family as a result still holds lands and titles and have benfited much from the echonomic gowth the kingdom has brought. Dupont. The eastern kingdom. This kingdom was less advanced than the others and was maintained in a more feudal fashion, relling on fast cavalry and longbows over more modern weapons of war. The kingdom surendered after it became clear that the Dermont forces where too well supported. Some lords had their lands taken from them and there is more ill feeling here than in Lermtak. Nevertheless the kingdom has prospered. Fairfax. The southern kingdom. Lord Fairfax was the only lord to fight to teh bitter end. Arogant and paranoid his castle, now the summer palace, is the most heavily fortified location in the Kingdom and HALF of the war revolved around the siege of that place. A few distant relatives have been premited to keep their lands but most where replaced by the King's generals and allies. Odly the people of this area are amoung the most loyal, seeing as their previous lord was a washout. Memebers of the Fairfax family are still important with wealth and titles, many have millitary positions, but few have lands. THE ARMY. The Royal army is an eficent smoothly run meritocracy, whilst exams must be passed to become an officer anyone can do it, either starting as one or moving from Staff Sergent to one. The army suplies everything, the army is mostly this way on the insistance of Lord Dermont who reformed it before his war. The private armies of the lords (expensive to keep and heavily taxed but still there) are far worse, rank can be purchased and most soldiers are expected to suply their own equipment. Each regiment takes orders from it's general but the king and other nobles have power only to command a general, not his soldiers. The courtiers I have. Name:Wilfred Dermont Age:35 Possition:King Personality:Calculating and severe, slightly cynical but mostly balanced. What his freinds say:A wise and evenhanded ruler. Just the sort of man to continue his father's work. What his enemies say:A cruel and vindictive man. Full of hate and envy of his brother. As likely to betray as to honour. Likely alegance (and why):Himself Possiblity of change:NA Name: Richard Dermont Age: 32 Possition: Leader of the Rebellion, Brother of the King. Personality: Buff and hearty, full of energy with a promient if boorish sence of humour. What his freinds say:An honourable and honest man full of life and viniger. A true hero in the making. What his enemies say:An insesnitive bully who seems oblivous to the hurt he causes to those weaker than himself. Naive and oblivious to the needs of running a country. Likely alegance (and why): Himslef Possiblity of change:NA Name:Percy Lermtak, Lord of the treasury, the Kingmaker. Age: 43 Possition: Lord of the treasury, wealthy landowner Personality: Wise and gentle, was only 12 when he took the decision to suport the late king's unification efforts and his suport shortened the war significantly. Friend to the old king but not a fan of his sons. What his freinds say: Wise gentle and gracious. An honest man. What else to say? What his enemies say: A manipulator who guided the king more than any other advisor. Decptively calculating. Dangerous. Likely alegance (and why): Wilfred as he is apointed king. Possiblity of change: Depends. Force of arms will not work but diplomacy might, if he can be reached as Wilfred holds him close. Name: Perdon Fairfax Age: 27 Possition: Steward of the summer palace. Personality: Gay and bucksom. Spends most of his time reveling and cavorting. Enjoys knowing less reputable people and spends what money he has as though he where as rich as the kingmaker. What his freinds say: A vibrant and boysterous man. Lives life to the full and knows many very useful people. What his enemies say: How a man of station can behave as he does, that is to say like some bandit cheif, is unthinkable. An imature fool. Likely alegance (and why): Richard because he has allways despised Wilfred. Possiblity of change: Unlikely. What I need are more people with this sort of prophile. Generals, land owners, merchants, whatever you chose to name. Come one come all! please...
ragoftag 06-25-07, 07:45 PM	I hereby toss you a 'concept' for ordering your nobility: the Tarot. I use a Quad-classed nobility, based roughly on the Confusion bureaucracy of China, very loosely based. Sword/Fighter are the 'nobles who have passed the rigid exams to handle martial matters, think Paladins focused on leadership, instead. Wand/Wizards are trained as both bureaucrats and as Wizards, naturally rising to positions of power (and control) in the mages' guilds. Cup/Clerics act as nobles did within the Catholic Church long ago. The 'Coin' nobles (npc) are the actual administrators in most things, bean counters and paper shufflers. Players may be the local rulers' spawn, but they only have connections, not real power. The PC noble Classes lose feats, features, etc to keep them balanced, but I now have a 'natural' class for the player who wants to rise in the guild ranks. She gains spells as a Wizard, but comes up short in the end, a spell less at full power. So far, everyone grasps the concept well, and it looks promising.
Darth Syntax 06-25-07, 09:50 PM	A Possible Noble Name: Redhain Marath [ɹɛˈðəɪn mɑɹˈɑθ] (reth-AIN mar-ATH) Age: 37 Title: The Marquis (or Margrave or March Lord if you prefer) of Beneth (a coastal region) Unofficial 'titles': The Lighthouse Lord, The Shipwright, The Serpent Position: Lord Admiral of his majesty's navy Personality: Calm, even toned, calculating and devious, a man who thinks three, maybe five moves ahead of everyone else. What his friends say: A man of keen intelligence, forever level headed and shrewed. What his enemies say: A man with no loyalties, a cowards who hides behind his ships and his schemes, a manipulative devil. Loyalties: Above all to himself and to his loyal friends in the merchant classes. Possibility of Change: If the wind blows in the right direction . . . .
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 02:01 AM	Thanks syntax, but who would he side with at first? Richard or Wilfred? I am guessing Wilfred (the official ruler with all the official moneys)
Darth Syntax 06-26-07, 02:11 AM	I would assume you are correct, given that he is in command of the royal navy. However, he has no real sense of loyalty for its own sake, and he is likely to back the more clever and effective politician. Would you like a possible physical description and other such details or no?
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 02:16 AM	What you have given me if great, if you have any other ideas please post them.:)
Darth Syntax 06-26-07, 03:24 AM	Another possible noble Name: Symaron Barna Age: 58 Title: Earl of Twoin Unofficial 'Titles': The Jovial Lord, The Merry Glutton, The Whale Position: Major Landholder in the north, friend on the King Personality: Jovial, garrulous, bluff, and more than a little bawdy What his friends say: A man of great heart and powerful convictions, loyal perhaps to a fault What his enemies say: A lewd, drunken, immodest glutton Loyalties: The King Possibility of Change: Not on your life
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 11:49 AM	Thanks but as the war is started by teh king's death, do you mean Wilfred or his dead father?
Holy_Beholder 06-26-07, 12:45 PM	Read A Song of Ice and Fire, its four books, about 3500 pages, and a war starts after the kings death. It has a lot of really good personalities to borrow (blatantly copy) too.
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 12:49 PM	I will try but do YOU have any ideas?
Holy_Beholder 06-26-07, 01:19 PM	A few yeah. A noble bloodline that has vanished. Most of these nobles blend into the peasants. These nobles are all plotting to get the throne of course. Their leader also had a son and a daughter, twins, that vanished, and were raised by Peasants. This is them. Faril Ghatha Age:23 Background: He was raised by peasants, but has always felt apart from them. He seemed different, but was always trying to blend in. After an attack when he was 15, he became much more reclusive, and cautious. He blended in perfectly, follows the rules, is extremely cautious, and hates taking risks. He also has a spark of magic talent, though he can't wield it without horrible things happening. Position: Possible heir, there might have been an usurper in the past. He could easily rise to power, since he wouldn't take risks to lose it. He is currently a very minor noble, technically barely above three mayors. What his friends say: Careful, intelligent, and extremely loyal. He also really cares about his sister, and wants to free her. What his enemies say:Cowardly, backstabbing, unreliable, meek, weak, and unable to lead. Allegiances: His sister, two friends of his, both minor nobles, and the Peasants that raised him, which don't have titles yet. Farille Ghatha Age: 23 Background: She was raised with her brother by peasants, and became a natural leader. She had a rebellious streak that got her in trouble in the past, and has nearly been killed three times. She speaks her mind, even to nobles above her, and as such was imprisoned at age 18. She has never been seen from since. However, she was released at age 21, and forced to serve the noble she hated. She is currently functioning as an assassin, although she constantly blows her cover, and her temper has only worsened. Position: Assassin forced to work, with lots of death threats. What her friends say: She was a free spirit before she vanished, and a nice person once you got past the temper. What her enemies say: She's a hot tempered B****, who doesn't care about other people, can't control herself, and is always hurling insults. Its a good thing she's dead. Allegiances: Her brother, the noble she has to work for, although that is tentative at best. It's not very good, but its the best I could come up with.
Tacitus_Acheros 06-26-07, 01:40 PM	Ooh, an elf! And a real bastard too! Name: Rameran Nursul Age: 328 Title: Galenese ambassador Unofficial 'Titles': Halda Quentas, elven emissary to the Rebellion Position: Informal advisor to King Wilfred while simultaneously a high-ranking strategist with Richard's rebel forces Personality: Serious, thoughtful, somewhat detached What his friends say: (humans) Cool, but a good thinker; (elves) a loyal son of Galen What his enemies say: Typical elf--vaguely condescending, shifty, never around when you need him. Loyalties: Elvenkind and elvenkind alone Possibility of Change: None Shortly after the civil war began, the elves of Galen were horrified by the dying words of their oldest seer: "When Elwin's heir unites Erbatha, Galen is doomed." The elves' inner council met in secret and quickly decided to do whatever it took to avoid this prophecy, dispatching Rameran Nursul to see to the situation. While acting as the elven ambassador to the king of Dermont, Rameran has unofficially joined King Wilfred's circle of advisors thanks to his sage counsel. Shortly afterwards, a mysterious elf known as Halda Quentas joined the rebels' camp, where his tactical prowess and detailed knowledge of Wilfred's plans made him one of Richard's most trusted strategists. Rameran and Halda are the same person, of course--the elf is simply playing both sides against each other. Thus, while Rameran's strategies for the loyalists are brilliant, somehow Halda's tactics for the rebels are just barely able to counter them at a great human cost, and vice versa. The casualties don't concern Rameran at all, as he would happily send hundreds of humans to their deaths to spare a single elf. He has already ordered his team of elite elven assassins, the Nurudalme ("death's heralds"), to eliminate at least a dozen people who discovered his dual identity. One could argue that the prophecy he is trying to prevent from occurring is pretty vague--does "Elwin's heir" refer to one of his sons, or whoever takes the throne next, or even just an ideological heir?--but Rameran is set on his objective of prolonging the civil war as long as possible. If both brothers are killed in battle or by "enemy agents," so much the better.
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 01:47 PM	Oh ye, this stuff is gold, holy beholder's two might also work as Fairfax heirs, both sides could get them with offers of restoration. The Elf is exactly what I need elfwise, but somthing strikes me. This prophecy seems self forfilling for now he has turned up if they uncover the trechery the next war will be against the elves. Don't you love prophecy?
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 02:15 PM	Three more I thought of, does someone want to do a Dwarven Thane BTW? Name: "Teeff" (Real name unknown) Age: 27 Title: --- Unofficial 'Titles': Perdon Fairfax's unofficial bodyguard ("If 'e croaks, 'oom I gunna scrounge off?") Position: Skilled hired killer (none of that namby pamby poncy assassin rubish) Personality: Sadistic and lecherous, a creep of the first water. Very good at making sure people turn up dead. Has a set of orc's teeth as dentures. What his friend (Perdon Fairfax) says: A colourful cove, one of my favourate cronies. What everyone else says: NEVER LET HIM GET BEHIND YOU. Filthy b******. Loyalties: Himself, Perdon Fairfax and the rebellion in that order. Possibility of Change: Hard to say, enough gold and who knows. Name: Horace Melchet Whickerton-Dupont Age: 21 Title: Second son of the Duke Whickerton-Dupont. Position: Second son of a rich nobleman, AKA a drain on his father's purse. Personality: Gung-ho and hearty. Polite and civilized but a bit dim. What his friends say: Nice but dim. Will always help a chap out if he can. What his enemies say: Half-witted layabout with no sence or brains. Loyalties: Richard, an old friend. Possibility of Change: Dim he may be, disloyal he ain't. Name: Derrik Jones (usually just Jones.) Age: 34 Title: Vallet to Horace Whickerton-Dupont. Position: Vallet and confidont. Growing status as phycological adviser to Richard. Personality: Polite, diplomatic and always always calm. An unflappable genius. What his friends say: One of the largest brains in the kingdom. Wasted as a valet but there you are, he seems to enjoy it. What his enemies say: A jumped up servant. Loyalties: His employer. Possibility of Change: I will pretend I did not hear that.
Wolfvyn 06-26-07, 03:44 PM	Well here are a few: Name: Mortimer Ravelin Age: 65 Title: Baron, was a common foot soldier who was raised to peerage for remarkable service. Position: One of the highest ranking Generals in the Royal Army and former senior tactician to Lord Dermont as he unified the kingdoms. Personality: Brave, decisive, cunning and stuborn. Known for his calm focused mind, inventive tactics and keen strategic mind. He doesn't suffer fools or incompetants. While he does maintain courtly manners when needed it's obvious he doesn't like them. praises: He is loyal, determined and always sees a task through until it is fully completed. criticisms: His standards are to high. He doesn't show the proper respect for someone's heritage. Scheming bastard seeking advancemnt not do one of his station. An old goat with one foot in the grave. Loyalties: The former lord Dermont, the unified kingdom and the people. he doesn't see either of the two sons as worthy successors of thier father and has withdrawn with his army to a large fort on the borders with the barbarian lands. He will protect the country from external threats while the two brothers work out the succession. Effectively staying neutral. That said he secretly helps both sides by occasionally passing on information his nework of spies collect and providing limited support in terms of supplies and training. He views this war as unfortunate, but also a good opportunity for the two brothers to cut their teeth. As they stand now, niether one will be the tye of ruler necessary to keep the kingdom, strong, prosperous, relatively peaceful or be able to pacify the barbarians to the north and assemulate them into the kingdom. Prospect of change: If one of the brothers can clearly show himself to be a worthy succesor he will join him Otherwise he's content to wait it out. Lucif Drakson Age: 24 title: none Position: Former Captain in the royal army. personality: Driven and idealistic and very big on acceptable causalties. He will change the world even if it costs a million men thier lives. Praises: Strong, efficent, brave and a visionary. A real hero and a legend in the making. Criticisms: He's a fool who will get us all killed! How can he expect peasants to fight real soldiers? He has delusions of grandure. *those who voice these oppionions are killed before they can act on them or spread them* Loyalties: to his ideal. This civil war proves once and for all the nobles and royal family are not only unworthy of thier status and power, but also incompetant, selfish fools who will destory this country and the lives of all it's citizens for thier foolish pride and ambition. He is secretly raising and training an army of peasants and army deserters. He will let the two factions weaken each other while he watches from the shadows waiting for the perfect time to strike once both sides are sufficently weakened, a choice opportunity presents itself or until one faction finally manages to defeat the other. Prospect of Change: None, the current system of government is flawed and useless. It is time to destroy it completely and allow the people to decide how they should be governed. The ones who really built the country and who really sustain it are the peasants. So they should be the ones to decide how the country is managed. Name: Flik Gadson age: 22 Title: Father position: middle ranking member of the order of the righteous way. A pacifist organization dedicated to releaving suffering, spreading enlightment and the ideal of Brotherly love. The order is reknown for it's war orphanages and hospices to help the sick and wounded. They are considered by many to be the greatest healers on the continent and have been treating any wounded person without regard to who they are or where thier loyalties lie. He acts as both a hostage and surgeon for Wilfred's army. Keeping the men fit, healthy and helping the wounded recover to help bring down the casualties caused by the war. personality: he is a warm, open, honest, kind, giving, idealistic and unbelievably forgiving man. He almost always in good humor. He adores and often spoils children. praises: A great healer and kind man. Generous, understanding and caring Criticisms: He's naive, to trusting and unable to see that sometimes cruel or harsh things need to be done. Loyalties: The order of the righteous path and anyone in need. Although he does his utmost to help the wounded of wilfred army he has no real loyalty to him. prospect: he will do whatever the order asks of him. name: Thomas Saxton age: 40 title: father position: middle ranking member of the order of the rigtheous way. Assigned by the order asboth hostage and a surgeon to Richard's army. Keeping the men fit, healthy and helping the wounded recover to help bring down the casualties caused by the war. personality: Caring and understanding, but strict. Often grumpy and a somewhat reserved. Will go well out of his way, even to the point of sacrificing himself for anyone even a stranger, but will often complain and grumble while doing it. Prone to giving lectures. praises: A great healer and a goodman criticisms: He is distant, strict and doesn't seem to get along with people to well despite all the good thins he does for them. tends to make people around him feel guilty. Loyalty: the order of the righteous path and anyone in need. Although he does his utmost to help the wounded of richard's army he has no real loyalty to him. prospect of change: he will do almost anything the order ask of him. Ok so only one of them was a noble, i'll try to think up of more nobles next time. these were just NPCs off the top of my head loosely based upon ones I have used in the past.
FlyingRoman 06-26-07, 06:20 PM	Is gunpowder still not advanced because it's a recent invention or because of some inherent limitations? I was considering some kind of old cavalry commander who still beleives in the utter uselessness of infantry in open battle.
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 06:22 PM	It has yet to be fully developed, a process that in real life took centuaries.
FlyingRoman 06-26-07, 06:44 PM	What I meant to ask was how far ago gunpowder was first invented (and put to military use) in your timeline. An aging general who still denies the use of infantry armed with basic gunpowder weapons would seem out of place if such weaponry has existed for a long time. Sorry for my lack of clarity.
Evil DM Mk3 06-26-07, 06:51 PM	The first real cannon where used in the War of Unity (at least by men, Dwarves are a differant matter). However no hand held weapons or large cannon have yet been built that function correctly.
Tacitus_Acheros 06-26-07, 10:41 PM	Stunties ahoy! Name: Bran Duergaz Age: 173 Title: Thane of Clan Duergaz Unofficial 'Titles': Old Flintbrow Position: Clan leader, former companion of Lord Elwin Dermont Personality: Honorable almost to a fault, loyal, slow to anger but slow to forget What his friends say: Not a great conversationist, but a solid companion What his enemies say: Takes himself and his honor too seriously, incapable of changing his mind. Loyalties: The dwarven kingdom, Clan Duergaz, and Elwin’s heir Possibility of Change: Nil Bran Duergaz was an ambassador/adventurer before he came to lead his clan, and accompanied Elwin Dermont on his wars of unification. The two nobles became fast friends and saved each others’ lives many times before the campaign was over. When the battles were finished and Elwin had his kingdom, Bran swore to always be an ally of the crown before returning to his homeland. With the civil war, Bran’s oath is causing him some difficulty. The dwarves’ official stance is neutrality, and the High King has refused to send direct aid to one side or the other. But Bran is honor-bound to support Elwin’s successor, and so is pressuring his king to side with Wilfred. Meanwhile, seasoned veterans from Clan Duergaz have traveled to Dermont and taken positions as “military advisors.” Name: Farak Troldreng Age: 99 Title: Thane of Clan Troldreng Unofficial 'Titles': The Hero of Vanbek Angaz Position: Clan leader, former soldier Personality: Bold, vivacious, easily insulted What his friends say: A good mate at the pub or on the battlefield, a down-to-earth, rough-and-ready hero! What his enemies say: A drunken lout looking for trouble Loyalties: The dwarven kingdom, Clan Troldreng, Richard Dermont Possibility of Change: Very low A young clan leader, Farak made a name for himself at the tender age of 42 when he helped rally the defenders of Vanbek Angaz for nearly a week, holding out against an overwhelming goblin horde despite all the odds. The untimely death of his uncle a few years ago made him one of the youngest thanes in history, and dwarven political analysts note that the brash young warrior has some growing to do before becoming an effective leader. Farak was sent along with a team of ambassadors to Dermont shortly after the civil war broke out to gauge the situation. He didn’t get along with Wilfred at all and expressed suspicion that so many seers died before one named “the little thaggar” as heir (a diplomatic faux pas that caused the other dwarven delegates much difficulty). Farak found Richard’s similar temperament much more likable and formed an immediate rapport with the rebel prince. Upon returning to the dwarven kingdom, Farak has become the main proponent of intervention on the rebels’ side. His charisma and status as war hero have won him many supporters, while his surprising way with words has made Richard the more popular heir among the dwarven population. Secretly, Farak has begun supplying the rebel armies with iron and mithril. Name: Kurbar Othic Age: 81 Title: None Unofficial 'Titles': The Smuggler Prince of Karz-kall, Malan Darkfingers, Have You Seen This Man? Position: Outside the law Personality: Lovable rascal as a public persona, a cunning businessman in private What his friends say: A good friend if you can afford him. What his enemies say: A devious, vengeful, money-grubbing schemer. Loyalties: Himself, the almighty gold piece, customers (in that order) Possibility of Change: How much ya got? Kurbar was exiled from dwarven lands twenty years ago, but found that the talents that led to his expulsion served him well on the surface. His business acumen led him to become a highly successful trader in Dermont, while his cheerful lack of scruples allowed him to maximize his profits on the black market. His smuggling network firmly controls contraband trade routes in the northern part of Erbatha, and he has substantial ties to the dwarven underground kingdom as well. Most city watches have Kurbar on their Most Wanted lists, but a network of informants and bribed officers keep interference at a minimum. The Smuggler Prince sees the civil war as a tremendous business opportunity. Though the Royal Army is out of reach, the lords’ private armies are in dire need of up-to-date equipment, and Kurbar is ready to supply. Wary of long-term commitments, Kurbar is only indirectly supplying the Rebellion, but on the other hand hasn’t betrayed them to Loyalist agents yet. Currently high on the dwarf’s agenda is getting some dwarven firearms to the surface for sale to the highest bidder.
Evil DM Mk3 06-27-07, 12:51 PM	OK here is a guy I am including to worry the PCs about the use of magic. Name: Deilvid Froard Age: 64. (Apears 34) Title: Lord of the Miorach Mountains Unofficial 'Titles': Rine-Lord Position: Lord of the Miorach Mountains, an area of snow peaks that are a vital trade rought. Owns and uses Rine-Fang, a magical sword. He first picked up just before the War of Unity to defend his people from raiders. It has slowed his reflexes and walking speed, removed his emotions and stopped him aging, but he will die if he lets it go for more than a few minutes (he wears a lock gauntlet when asleep). Personality: Cold, harsh and distant. Calculating and hard. What his friends say: He used to be a great man. He is still a powerful and intelligent leader. What his enemies say: A heartless fool. He never should have used the sword. Loyalties: Neutral. Neither side has aproached him yet. Possibility of Change: Possible, but slowly.
Holy_Beholder 06-27-07, 05:44 PM	Okay, I am going to assume that you checked out the books I recommended, and read them all(Its not even 4000 pages, and it has been 4 days) It was helpful right?
Evil DM Mk3 06-27-07, 05:59 PM	Haven't been able to find them and in any case I have not had much time for reading of late.
Partisan 06-28-07, 08:20 AM	One of my own NPC's Name: Heinrich von Ordulin Age: 52 Title: Duke of Aramax, Leader of Council of Lords Unofficial 'Titles': Lord of Strings Position: Duke of the Dutchy of Aramax and Chairman in the Council of Lords. Personality: Intriguing and Calculating, always cooking his own soup, polite and always friendly, he's trained in the art of courtlife and politics. He's rich, he's influencial and he's hungry for power. What his friends say: Friends??? He has allies, as many as money can buy. What his enemies say: A leech on the vein of the kingdom. Loyalties:All the intrigues for his own power, he wants to be the man on the throne, as a distant cousin of the old king his chances aren't that bad. He's the typical bad guy behind the courtain and he's doing a good job. Manipulating others is his weapon and on sitting beside the king, he's in the right position to do his manipulating, infuencial work. As chairman of the Council of Lords he has also access to the kingdom's finances. Name: Hagen von Schwarzenberg Age: 36 Title: Knight and Henchman of Heinrich von Ordulin Unofficial 'Titles': Black Hagen Position: Swordarm and Champion of Heinrich von Ordulin Personality: He's loyal to his Duke and kills methodically other nobles on the battlefield or on the field of honor. He kills without emotion, like a hunter hunts his prey or like a butcher does his bloody work. What his friends say: What his enemies say: To defeat Hagen in a duell, no way...in the night, with a sack over his face fand a club on his head, that's how you defeat Hagen. Loyalties:His Loyal to death and owes Von Ordulin a lot. He would never never betray Von Ordulin. Hagen is an unemotional killlingmachine, standing above 6ft. and with a chest built like a barrel he is quite imposing, when he's in his blackened fullplate. He looks brutal with his beard and the scar running from forehead over his left eye to his left cheekbone. http:////aycu12.webshots.com/image/18291/2004595467118948785_rs.jpg
Tacitus_Acheros 06-29-07, 02:41 AM	In a civil war, you’re lucky if you only end up with two factions. If you want to mix things up a little, 'ere’s some threats that aren’t aligned with the Rebels or the Loyalists. Name: Cadeyrn Ruaidri Age: 27 Title: Brennus of the Adhagans Unofficial 'Titles': Cadeyrn of the Bloody Axe, The War God’s Chosen Position: Warchief of the northern barbarian hordes Personality: Taciturn, moody, ambitious, pitiless in battle, disdainful of civilization What his friends say: A chieftain who leads from the front, an awesome warrior. What his enemies say: Little more than an animal, a rabid beast deserving only extermination Loyalties: Adhagan tribe Possibility of Change: It’s hard to recruit a man who only wants to loot your corpse, but maybe with a big enough bribe… While the kingdom of Dermont’s attention has been focused, reasonably enough, on the civil war facing the nation, another threat looms to the north. Long overlooked by their “soft” cousins, the barbarians of the northlands have been warring amongst themselves for generations…at least until now. Mere days before Richard fled to the summer palace, the chieftain of the Adhagans, Cadeyrn Ruaidri, finished conquering his neighbors and adding them to his horde, uniting the humans of the north for the first time in centuries. But with no one to fight, Cadeyrn’s horde became restless. The chieftain spent a few weeks consolidating his power and sending out scouts and spies before learning of the civil war brewing in Dermont. Claiming to have received visions from his bloody-handed god of conquest, Cadeyrn declared that the northlands peoples’ next move would be south. For too long have the people of Dermont grown fat and complacent. While they are warring amongst themselves, the true men of the north will swoop down upon them, killing and looting until they reach the coast of Fairfax. Name: Yorath Baen Age: 62 Title: Knight Unofficial 'Titles': The Necromancer, The Corpsecrafter, The Warlock of Bryn Garnoc Position: Most powerful necromancer in the kingdom Personality: Erratic: swings from cool megalomania to fits of screaming rage What his friends say:. "...uhnnnnssss…" What his enemies say: A sinister warlock committing crimes against life. Burn the witch at the stake! Loyalties: Himself Possibility of Change: Too unstable Found wandering the streets alone as a young child, Yorath Baen grew up without a real family in an orphanage run by brutal priests. The building was a converted cathedral, allowing Yorath to take refuge in the extensive and largely forgotten crypts and catacombs beneath it. Young Yorath felt more of a bond with the moldering bones than the cruel humans who drove him underground, and matured into a misanthrope with an unhealthy fascination with death and the dead. He became an undertaker around the time that his arcane abilities manifested themselves, and as years passed became a self-taught mage specializing in the forbidden art of necromancy. His foul sorcery did not escape notice forever, and by the time he was in his 40’s Yorath was forced to flee to the remote ruins of Bryn Garnoc. There he found a tome of dark knowledge, room for a laboratory, and a necropolis with enough “raw materials” for a sizable undead army. Yorath spent the next twenty years increasing his magical power and experimenting with new types of undead warriors, while plotting to purge the land of the living. The next band of adventurers sent after the necromancer was easily defeated, and it is only the outbreak of civil war that has prevented a full-scale military response. Yorath is delighted by the good timing of the conflict—both sides will be too busy fighting each other to unite against him, and there will be no shortage of bodies! Though frail and mentally unstable, Yorath’s arcane might is a force to be reckoned with, and his fell vision for the land’s future is attracting like-minded outcasts. If he isn’t dealt with soon, it won’t matter who wins the crown of Dermont. Name: Siridean Isidore Age: 47 Title: None Unofficial 'Titles': King of Dupont Position: Bastard son of the last king of Dupont Personality: Arrogant, nostalgic, and very, very bitter What his friends say:. Just the man we need to restore our kingdom to its former glory! What his enemies say: An arrogant twit with delusions of nobility Loyalties: Dupont (the man), Dupont (the kingdom) Possibility of Change: Offer him a sovereign kingdom and the crown and he’s yours. Siridean Isidore was only seven when the kingdom of Dupont fell to Elwin Dermont, but the event scarred him for life. His mother was one of the cooks at the royal castle, where he enjoyed life as the favored squire of the king of Dupont. Both were killed when Dermont’s forces took the castle, forcing young Siridean to join the flood of refugees seeking a new life in the now unified kingdom. He eventually attached himself to the household of one of the new, Dermont-friendly noblemen, but never forgave the foreigners for destroying his life and his country. Siridean’s childhood had been filled with stories of chivalry and honor, idealized memories he would turn to often while his masters bowed and scraped before their occupiers. He grew up into a talented knight with a grudge against his superiors and unfulfilled ambitions. Siridean would have ended up as just another bitter former citizen of Dupont until ten years ago, when a visit to the ruins of his old castle home ended in a conversation with an old midwife revealing (or so Siridean claimed) that his father was the old king himself! With the king’s legitimate children killed in battle, Siridean Isidore was really Siridean Dupont, the rightful monarch of the eastern kingdom! He wisely kept this secret to himself at first, but as years went by Siridean began conspiring with other old nobles and Dupont nationalists, building up a network of allies and the materiel needed to begin an insurrection. He was on the verge of revealing himself when news came of Richard’s flight to the summer palace. For now, Siridean is impatiently waiting on the sidelines for both factions to weaken to the point that they won't be able to stop his secession.