Tales of Trevast: Character Creation

[Fyremage]

"For years, our people have bled. For years, we have sent our sons to bleed and die for the cause of a free Trevast. We have made extreme sacrifices to accomplish the impossible. Who are we to return to how things were, when better men than us died as a consequence? Today, we have proven that a united Trevast is nigh unstoppable, and the combined will of our people cannot be overcome. A new era is upon us. Let us not stand in it's way..." - Desirak Bayne: the First of his Name addressing the combined armies of the Trevastine coalition within Heldrayth, on the very day the first Boteri War came to an end after a decisive Trevastine victory.

Tales of Trevast​

• Lorebook
• A description in brief (first half of post)
• The Houses of Trevast

OOC - Over the past month or so, myself, @The Star of Chaos, @Tristar, @Elijah Brockway, @Pureblood-Sin, @Cainhurst Crow, and several others have been involved in a low fantasy, medieval rp styled in a unique universe. It is similar to the type of story of 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' which is likely something we are all familiar with, but we have strived to differentiate it as much as possible and make it entertaining. So far, we've had fun doing it.

But now, we invite anyone who would like to be a part of it in another fashion to please feel welcome to do so. At the start of this rp, each player was able to create a noble house within the realm of Trevast. At this time, we will not be adding any major houses.

"Then how can i participate?" you may ask. Well, you may participate in two different ways, if you so choose.

The first way people can participate is in creating an individual character - much like how we do in the main star wars rp area of this site - to fit into this universe. They can engage in rp's either created by the original rpers of this story, or by you, in a similar fashion. You are encouraged to either post a signups thread for said rp, or just ask those you'd like to rp with privately if they'd like to join.

Q - "What are the rules of creating a character?"
A - "If you want to belong to a noble family that has already been created, either by blood or servitude, you must first acquire the permission of the writer that created the house. As an example, if you wished to create a character affiliated with the crown (aka House Bayne), then you would need my express consent to do so. A simple pm would suffice, or even asking me over skype. There are really no other rules, aside from basic "don't create a mary-sue type character. Be reasonable, and understand that your character needs to fit within this universe. They cannot use technology that hasn't been invented yet. They cannot be superhuman. Etc. I would recommend reviewing the lorebook for a description of what we have developed so far, and that should give you a decent idea of what to strive for. If you have any additional questions, feel free to hit me up."

Not interested in doing that? Well the second option would be to create a Vassal house for one of the already pre established major houses of Trevast. In order to do this, use the template examples provided within the original ooc thread, but please keep in mind a vassal house only has 25 points to spend on perks and attributes instead of the 50 points a major house has, or the 75 points the crown has.

At any rate, If you are interested in joining us in this universe, then please indicate your desire to do so below. Feel free to also post character writeups/vassal house writeups here as well.

~Fyre.

 

[Fyremage]

((Reserved post for Additional Questions and Answers))

 

[Bishy]

House: Mercer
Seat: The Grey Keep
Sigil: ABOVE
House Words: "Death before Defeat"
House Lord: Constantine Mercer

House Attributes:

House Size: (1 D10, result: 2 +1 sneaky point) - Lord, Lady
Lord: Constantine Mercer, Age 30
Lady: Mira Mercer, Age 26
Heir: Arth Mercer, Age 8



Attendant Size: (D6, result: 5) - 1 Master/Steward, 2 Sworn Swords, 1 Treasurer, 1 Captain of the guard

Point Allocation: 30 Points for Royal Vassal Status

Army: 8
Stockpile: 12
Honor/Prestige: 6
Castle: 2
Espionage: 2

Overview:
"Shite." Constantine walked between corpses, vultures and abandoned weapons of all assortments. He bundled his heavy fur coat off, and threw it to the ground, looking to his wife who stood besides him on the battlements. She'd not be here if it wasn't safe normally, but when most of the castle was burning, there was nowhere else for her to hide. Amongst the battlements, 4 thousand archers had been lined up, firing repeatedly at the catapults and trebuchets, ladders and siege towers that approached the keep, but now all that remained was discarded bows and obliterated bodies. It was almost fascinating what a heavy rock fired at ridiculous speeds from a trebuchet could do to an army, not that he had time to dwell on it. Constantine took a side step, a boulder whooshing past towards the contents of the keep. All that was left was the invasion force to enter, and they'd meet ten thousand knights, all ready to meet them. Their last stand. Their siege towers had been repelled by ballistas on the towers, the ladder had been pushed back onto their forces with hammers, but the primary concern was the gaping hole where the portcullis once stood. But now it was an opportuntity, his men lined up in a semi-circle inside, spears pointed at the opening as the men charged towards it, if the keep was taken, there was no escape. Their ships had been incinerated by flaming boulders and arrows.The cavalry were the first through the gates. "SPEARS, UP!" Constantine called back, and the spears broad edges were plunged forth into the oncoming horses, and their riders fell with their horses, or were flung off by the sudden stop, and flew forwards into the Mercer Knights. "Fall back 5 paces! Widen the circle!" The knights obeyed, and the infantry that followed had to wade across dead horses to meet the men. The front line retreated back a line, and the line behind took their place with their own spears, the second line now drawing swords to meet any infantry too close. The widened circle allowed more men to be funneled into the keep, in a confined space, Constantine now held an arm up. "Crossbows, Hedgehog!" This command meant nothing to the enemy, and that was intentional, after all if they knew what it was going to mean, they'd have turned around to meet the arches lined up on the towers behind them, firing arrows repeatedly into their backs, narrow heads to pierce the thick mail on their bodies. The first wave had been slain, but they were out of tricks, and a whole army remained outside their walls...

House Mercer once was a thriving and strong house, heavy stone walls and tall towers overlooking the mountains its keep stood upon. Knights with steel chain and plate armour, with blades the size of them. Now, after so many wars for the Baynes their Castle is in ruins, though most of the wall is intact, it stills contains gaping holes, for invaders to flood through, and in a siege they'd rather meet the army on the field than hold out. Though some would have defied the Baynes after fighting for them for so long, House Mercer remains as loyal as ever, as Constantines father, and the father before him had been taught. As the source of the Outriders, the Mercer soldiers fought for House Bayne and helped train men to replace them once they returned to the Grey Keep, in war both their honour and their army had taken damage., with only 8 thousand remaining from their original 12, but despite this Constantine keeps a strict grip on the soldiers, though not mean, or spiteful by any means, but well disciplined and as fit as he can push them. In the field he's their commander, but at home he's more like a father, despite his relatively young age.

Mercers army thrives in the worst environments. Whether deadly deserts, or frightening frosts, sprinting over mountains or crawling through thick mud, they dont fight long pitched battles, or stand on battlefields flailing, they sneak into camps whilst the enemy sleeps and executes them, they target the enemy via tactics and stealth and that's where they excel. Their army lacks in comparison to the major houses, however they focus on quality over quantity, the soldiers are tough, and are educated. Constantine often accompanies the men on raids and attacks, and when forced into a skirmish they can certainly hold their own. Where their army suffers is their lack of any cavalry. In fact, Constantine doesn't even know how to ride.

 

[Fyremage]

House: Mercer
Seat: The Grey Keep
Sigil: A Grey keep atop a black hill, with a white background.
House Words: "Death before Defeat"
House Lord: Constantine Mercer

House Attributes:

House Size: (1 D10, result: 2) - Lord, Lady
Lord: Constantine Mercer, Age 30
Lady: Mira Mercer, Age 26



Attendant Size: (D6, result: 5) - 1 Master/Steward, 2 Sworn Swords, 1 Treasurer, 1 Captain of the guard

Point Allocation: 30 Points for Royal Vassal Status

Army: 8
Stockpile: 12
Honor/Prestige: 6
Castle: 2
Espionage: 2

Overview:
"Shite." Constantine walked between corpses, vultures and abandoned weapons of all assortments. He bundled his heavy fur coat off, and threw it to the ground, looking to his wife who stood besides him on the battlements. She'd not be here if it wasn't safe normally, but when most of the castle was burning, there was nowhere else for her to hide. Amongst the battlements, 4 thousand archers had been lined up, firing repeatedly at the catapults and trebuchets, ladders and siege towers that approached the keep, but now all that remained was discarded bows and obliterated bodies. It was almost fascinating what a heavy rock fired at ridiculous speeds from a trebuchet could do to an army, not that he had time to dwell on it. Constantine took a side step, a boulder whooshing past towards the contents of the keep. All that was left was the invasion force to enter, and they'd meet ten thousand knights, all ready to meet them. Their last stand. Their siege towers had been repelled by ballistas on the towers, the ladder had been pushed back onto their forces with hammers, but the primary concern was the gaping hole where the portcullis once stood. But now it was an opportuntity, his men lined up in a semi-circle inside, spears pointed at the opening as the men charged towards it, if the keep was taken, there was no escape. Their ships had been incinerated by flaming boulders and arrows.The cavalry were the first through the gates. "SPEARS, UP!" Constantine called back, and the spears broad edges were plunged forth into the oncoming horses, and their riders fell with their horses, or were flung off by the sudden stop, and flew forwards into the Mercer Knights. "Fall back 5 paces! Widen the circle!" The knights obeyed, and the infantry that followed had to wade across dead horses to meet the men. The front line retreated back a line, and the line behind took their place with their own spears, the second line now drawing swords to meet any infantry too close. The widened circle allowed more men to be funneled into the keep, in a confined space, Constantine now held an arm up. "Crossbows, Hedgehog!" This command meant nothing to the enemy, and that was intentional, after all if they knew what it was going to mean, they'd have turned around to meet the arches lined up on the towers behind them, firing arrows repeatedly into their backs, narrow heads to pierce the thick mail on their bodies. The first wave had been slain, but they were out of tricks, and a whole army remained outside their walls...

House Mercer once was a thriving and strong house, heavy stone walls and tall towers overlooking the mountains its keep stood upon. Knights with steel chain and plate armour, with blades the size of them. Now, after so many wars for the Baynes their Castle is in ruins, though most of the wall is intact, it stills contains gaping holes, for invaders to flood through, and in a siege they'd rather meet the army on the field than hold out. Though some would have defied the Baynes after fighting for them for so long, House Mercer remains as loyal as ever, as Constantines father, and the father before him had been taught. As the source of the Outriders, the Mercer soldiers fought for House Bayne and helped train men to replace them once they returned to the Grey Keep, in war both their honour and their army had taken damage, but despite this Constantine keeps a strict grip on the soldiers, though not mean, or spiteful by any means, but well disciplined and as fit as he can push them. In the field he's their commander, but at home he's more like a father, despite his relatively young age.

Mercers army thrives in the worst environments. Whether deadly deserts, or frightening frosts, sprinting over mountains or crawling through thick mud, they dont fight long pitched battles, or stand on battlefields flailing, they sneak into camps whilst the enemy sleeps and executes them, they target the enemy via tactics and stealth and that's where they excel. Their army lacks in comparison to the major houses, however they focus on quality over quantity, the soldiers are tough, and are educated. Constantine often accompanies the men on raids and attacks, and when forced into a skirmish they can certainly hold their own. Where their army suffers is their lack of any cavalry. In fact, Constantine doesn't even know how to ride.

I really like your writeup man.

Just one minor thing: I think what we have decided so far is each point in your army section represents one thousand soldiers. So if you have 8 points, you have eight thousand soldiers.

And I don't mind if you also have your castle in better repair, but just smaller in comparison to how it used to be. Up to you. The Bayne's wouldn't just let their vassal rot in a rotting keep. ;)

And if you wish to add one more family member, perhaps even an heir, i'll allow that too.

Of course, if you want to keep these other elements that is also ok. I'd just at the least give attention to the points/army ratio. :)

 

[Bishy]

Edited

 

[Fyremage]

House: Mercer
Seat: The Grey Keep
Sigil: A Grey keep atop a black hill, with a white background.
House Words: "Death before Defeat"
House Lord: Constantine Mercer

House Attributes:

House Size: (1 D10, result: 2 +1 sneaky point) - Lord, Lady
Lord: Constantine Mercer, Age 30
Lady: Mira Mercer, Age 26
Heir: Arth Mercer, Age 8



Attendant Size: (D6, result: 5) - 1 Master/Steward, 2 Sworn Swords, 1 Treasurer, 1 Captain of the guard

Point Allocation: 30 Points for Royal Vassal Status

Army: 8
Stockpile: 12
Honor/Prestige: 6
Castle: 2
Espionage: 2

Overview:
"Shite." Constantine walked between corpses, vultures and abandoned weapons of all assortments. He bundled his heavy fur coat off, and threw it to the ground, looking to his wife who stood besides him on the battlements. She'd not be here if it wasn't safe normally, but when most of the castle was burning, there was nowhere else for her to hide. Amongst the battlements, 4 thousand archers had been lined up, firing repeatedly at the catapults and trebuchets, ladders and siege towers that approached the keep, but now all that remained was discarded bows and obliterated bodies. It was almost fascinating what a heavy rock fired at ridiculous speeds from a trebuchet could do to an army, not that he had time to dwell on it. Constantine took a side step, a boulder whooshing past towards the contents of the keep. All that was left was the invasion force to enter, and they'd meet ten thousand knights, all ready to meet them. Their last stand. Their siege towers had been repelled by ballistas on the towers, the ladder had been pushed back onto their forces with hammers, but the primary concern was the gaping hole where the portcullis once stood. But now it was an opportuntity, his men lined up in a semi-circle inside, spears pointed at the opening as the men charged towards it, if the keep was taken, there was no escape. Their ships had been incinerated by flaming boulders and arrows.The cavalry were the first through the gates. "SPEARS, UP!" Constantine called back, and the spears broad edges were plunged forth into the oncoming horses, and their riders fell with their horses, or were flung off by the sudden stop, and flew forwards into the Mercer Knights. "Fall back 5 paces! Widen the circle!" The knights obeyed, and the infantry that followed had to wade across dead horses to meet the men. The front line retreated back a line, and the line behind took their place with their own spears, the second line now drawing swords to meet any infantry too close. The widened circle allowed more men to be funneled into the keep, in a confined space, Constantine now held an arm up. "Crossbows, Hedgehog!" This command meant nothing to the enemy, and that was intentional, after all if they knew what it was going to mean, they'd have turned around to meet the arches lined up on the towers behind them, firing arrows repeatedly into their backs, narrow heads to pierce the thick mail on their bodies. The first wave had been slain, but they were out of tricks, and a whole army remained outside their walls...

House Mercer once was a thriving and strong house, heavy stone walls and tall towers overlooking the mountains its keep stood upon. Knights with steel chain and plate armour, with blades the size of them. Now, after so many wars for the Baynes their Castle is in ruins, though most of the wall is intact, it stills contains gaping holes, for invaders to flood through, and in a siege they'd rather meet the army on the field than hold out. Though some would have defied the Baynes after fighting for them for so long, House Mercer remains as loyal as ever, as Constantines father, and the father before him had been taught. As the source of the Outriders, the Mercer soldiers fought for House Bayne and helped train men to replace them once they returned to the Grey Keep, in war both their honour and their army had taken damage., with only 8 thousand remaining from their original 12, but despite this Constantine keeps a strict grip on the soldiers, though not mean, or spiteful by any means, but well disciplined and as fit as he can push them. In the field he's their commander, but at home he's more like a father, despite his relatively young age.

Mercers army thrives in the worst environments. Whether deadly deserts, or frightening frosts, sprinting over mountains or crawling through thick mud, they dont fight long pitched battles, or stand on battlefields flailing, they sneak into camps whilst the enemy sleeps and executes them, they target the enemy via tactics and stealth and that's where they excel. Their army lacks in comparison to the major houses, however they focus on quality over quantity, the soldiers are tough, and are educated. Constantine often accompanies the men on raids and attacks, and when forced into a skirmish they can certainly hold their own. Where their army suffers is their lack of any cavalry. In fact, Constantine doesn't even know how to ride.

Approved my man. ;) Dost thou want to participate in our tournament thread? it has just started?

 

[Bishy]

please mate, sounds good to me

 

[Fyremage]

please mate, sounds good to me

might i suggest creating a banner for your house? you still have that link i sent you?

 

[Bishy]

i did try, it asked for my facebook when i tried to save though. My non-existant facebook xD

 

[Fyremage]

i did try, it asked for my facebook when i tried to save though. My non-existant facebook xD

I told you though, it's best to just screenshot it and crop it with ms paint.

So don't worry about saving it, lol.

 

[Fyremage]

House: Sturmvard
Seat: Storm Watch, or translated into native tongue as "Sturmvakt"
Sigil: A black shield atop a field of grey, with a lightning bolt in the center.
House Words: "The Shield by which the Wind Breaks."
House Lord: Magni Sturmvard

House Attributes:

House Size: (1 D10, result 8) - Lord, Lady, Two Sons, Two Daughters, Two Grandchildren (Cadet Branch from Uncle, not counted.)
Lord: Magni Sturmvard, Age 48
Lady: Astrid Sturmvard, Age 48
Heir: Gunnar Sturmvard, Age 30
Second Born Son: Haryld Sturmvard, Age 22
Eldest Daughter: Mendi Sturmvard, Age 22 (Twin of Haryld)
Youngest Daughter: Shera Sturmvard, Age 16
Grandson/HeirMagnison Sturmvard, age 12 (Son of Gunnar)
Grand Daughter: Danica Sturmvard, Age 10 (Daughter of Gunnar)


Attendant Size: (D6, result 3) - 1 Master/Steward, 1 Sworn Sword, 1 Master at Arms

Point Allocation: 25 Points for Vassal Status

Army: 7
Stockpile: 9
Honor/Prestige: 3
Castle: 5
Espionage: 1

Overview:

Long ago, as many know, clansmen from the far north migrated to the peninsula of Trevast. During this vast migration, people began to settle the fertile fields of the Crownlands, Riverlands, the mountains of Silver, and the harsh north of Trevast by the clansmen of Lorminium and Clan Barran. While House Vaiken serves as the current overlord of the ancient, majestic city of the north, some tend to forget that right along side them, ages past, was House Sturmvard. In the early years of chronicled history, for which the Sturmvards have a jealous preoccupation similar to that of House Vaiken, it is recorded that the two houses were at first rivals in their service to the Lormins. At the time, the Sturmvard Clan settled the south-western coastline by the Frozen Sea, bordering the lands of House Silverhawk. While all Sturmvard men were warriors and hunters alike, this location allowed for the development of a fishing industry to also supplement their income, along with the mouths of their people. This made the Sturmvards valuable vassals to the Lormins.

Eventually, House Vaiken capitalized upon a moment of opportunity, namely in maneuvering their way into marrying the only child and heir to the Lormin's claim of the North: their daughter. This meant, unequivocally, that House Vaiken would become the new wardens of the Northern passes. Their rise to power was swift and merciless, silencing those who opposed their efforts, and rewarding those who supported them. House Sturmvard went along with the shift in power, although they weren't the first nor most zealous of Vaiken supporters at the time.

For centuries, the North grew strong as it remained relatively unmolested from the south, aside from occasional sorties with neighboring SilverHawk men, with the largest threat by far being against the Barbarian tribes to the north. During that time, House Sturmvard served their overlords loyally, sending men to aid in the defenses of the northern passes and the forts that lined the landscape, along with providing salted fish and goods traded from the south. It wasn't until the first Boteri Invasion, and more notably the Unification Wars wherein House Sturmvard both proved their mettle, and became the House People know them to be in this day and age.

The Boteri War came and went in their eyes, as their attentions were turned chiefly to the far north and their eternal enemies in the Barbarian hordes who were content in trying to push their way south. But after the crowning of King Desirak Bayne, the North's troubles would soon shift to two fronts rather than simply one. The massive, battle hardened armies of House Bayne and the newly minted 'Kingdom of Trevast' marched north quickly and decisively. With an army of battle hardened, well trained soldiers numbering over 40,000 strong, it was the hope of King Desirak to hold the north hostage and force them to bend the knee. Instead of a 6 to 12 month siege, as the Baynes were expecting, the fighting lasted for 20 long and grueling years. Many remember the efforts of the fabled Lorminwulf skirmishers who sortied countless times against Bayne Legionnaires, forcing the heavily armored but slow moving soldiers of Trevast to fight for every inch of ground they gained, or the slightly more challenging engagements wherein Vaiken Aerghanorii and Lundevan squared off against Bayne Men at Arms, Outriders, and Bardiche' carrying berserkers, only to be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice before being simply overrun.

But not to be forgotten is the Sturmvard's stalwart defense of their port village and home for centuries, known as 'Raskild.' About eighteen years into the fighting, Bayne Generals finally decided, after countless long and bloody offensives, to try and circumnavigate the densely forested and mountainous region they had been bogged down within by landing two legions of troops along the western shores of the North and outflanking the beleaguered defenders. All that stood in the Crown's way of seeing this plan come to fruition, and to an early end to the war, were the 2,000 or so defenders of House Sturmvard remaining to defend their homes. From the outset, Bayne mariners saw nothing but empty, undefended coastline with the town of Roskild standing alone behind it's wooden palisades. The armada of bayne galleys made landfall, with thousands of troops unloading and setting up camp along the beachhead.

As soon as the first few ships unloaded troops, Sturmvard forces descended upon the sands as if they were ants upon a carcass. Although they were severely outnumbered, with a ratio of roughly seven to one, there were two distinct advantages working within their favor. First and foremost, there was no cover for the heavily armored and bogged down soldiers wearied from sailing the harsh and storm-prone coastline. The sand was mushy and ice-cold, which forced the Bayne invaders to redouble their efforts to gain traction in fighting their foes. Second, the Sturmvards were well aware of how vulnerable a landing party is until they unload all of their forces. There are no defensive emplacements, at least any of consequence aside from stakes impaled within the earth. So when they formed massive balls of dried wood and moss and sent them rolling down the sands only to be set aflame by archers, the confusion wreaked upon the encampments was almost enough in itself to route the Bayne forces.

And not to be forgotten was the fact the Baynes had no knowledge of how large a force the Sturmvards had at their disposal. With the combination of night time raids, daytime skirmishes from both the sea and land, the Bayne force soon dwindled significantly, to nearly half its size despite the Sturmvards being severely outnumbered. Naturally, there were many casualties on the Sturmvard side of things as well, and their small defense force was nearly routed. But when the situation began to grow dire, many of the Sturmvard men originally deployed to fight within the southern woods and northern pass retreated to defend their homes at the approval of Lord Vaiken. It was only then that the Sturmvards could effectively push the Baynes from their shores, but at great cost. Their village lay in ruins thanks to the spiteful reprisals of the infamous Bayne outriders who tore through their lands from the south, and much of their infrastructure to support their fishing fleets lay in tatters – serving little purpose other then driftwood to feed their fires.

By the time the war ended and the fighting had finally ceased, the Sturmvards had suffered greatly both economically and militarily. But in return for their leal and stalwart service to House Vaiken, the Sturmvards were granted a new seat to the north as a reward, adding onto their lands and effectively making them the main stewards of Western Lorminium. Their new seat, which today is known as Sturmvakt in their native tongue (or Storm Watch according to the common tongue), serves as the North's only major port city from the sea. Located at the mouth of the 'Icewraith Fjord' in the north-western corner of Lorminium, Storm Watch has grown over the centuries into the size of a respectably sized hold and city, capable of bringing much needed income and food stuffs from the sea. And their former seat, Raskild, has since been rebuilt into a small though hardy village. Fishing still dominates the economy, but not to be underestimated is the hardy and efficient fishing fleet kept at port there.

By way of tradition, the Lord of House Sturmvard holds the status as 'Master of Fjord and Sea." The Lord that currently holds that title is Lord Magni Sturmvard, a bear of a man with salt in his gut and spit in his eye. He is attributed with the North's recent efforts to expand their once mighty fleet, with new ships gracing the waters every month. While still growing steadily, and not of the same size and power as that of House Wolnier, it is not a force to be underestimated. It is also worth noting that the Sturmvards have long been considered near-synonymous with House Vaiken, as the two houses have intermarried on several occasions: effectively binding their houses for eternity. Add on to that the fact that it is very common to see a member of House Sturmvard holding a place of importance in any war host House Vaiken musters. It is for these reasons, along with their brave past, that they have come to be known for their words: "The Shield by which the Wind Breaks."​

 

[Jason Vaiken]

I approve of the vassal house, glad to have you up north boss.