Village Warriors II:War Captain and the Islands of Empire

[Jagged]

I have some gods in mind from an old D&D game I want to use...I will post them soon once I find my notes from back then...but there will be three of them and fo coarse each of you had your own Gods &Goddesses. The Empire wasn't stupid they allowed religious freedom but if you wanted an imperial post or to study in their schools, marry, become a citizen...basically do anything meaningful in their culture you had to convert.


Yes there are many vessels that can do short island hops and sail around the coast...hall cargo to another part of the island or go fishing, but the empire controlled commerce and the Navy to prevent you all from uniting. There are vessels out there but the empire controls them....or did.


They are primative but they have crudely built large ships...also they never had the Empire telling them they couldn't build them. It should be noted that the North Men try to avoid naval battles.

 

[Mantra]

After much thought, research and negotiation with Jagged, here's the other half of my setup.

Godshead;

Originally a city of the Roman Empire, it was occupied and 'converted' by the Empire after Rome was defeated an age ago. Although renamed Godshead by the Empire, it still retains a great deal of it's Roman heritage and culture.
A very 'modern' city, Godshead sports several bath houses, aqueducts, paved roads, water cisterns, ampetheaters and the like. The city is made primarilly of stone, adobe and mortar. The centermost part of the city contains the Roman forum (marketplace and city square), palace, (now the residence of most of the Imperial Priesthood) Field of Mars, (Roman traing grounds and baracks) Treasury, Census office, armory and Senate building. In addition, there is the largest temple complex, built by the Imperial Priesthood for their own Gods and now the center of power for the city. The 'center city' has an indepentant water well and wall around it.
The rest of the city is seperated into sections, the docks, the mercantile, (industrial) the Upper, Praetorian and Plebian quarters (residential) the civic center and the governmental quarter. The city itself is a walled city and the waterfront side sports a seawall ranging about a mile along the coast and a breakwater for the harbor.
Two small hamlets lie outside the wall, but are a part of the city. One is a fishing community just beyond the seawall and the other is a farming/sheppard community. Primarilly goats and sheep for livestock and corn, beans and veggies for farming.

City breakdown:

2500 Lower Class (Plebians)
1000 Middle Class Praetorians)
250 Upper Class (Citizens)
4000 Slaves

The city itself was built to accomidate many more people than it currently holds. It seems somewhat depleted, even empty at times. This is primarilly due to the continuous drain of people being taken away for the Empire to fight it's war against the North Men or pay 'taxes' as well as the fleeing, resettling of many Imperials to escape the approach of barbarian invaders.

 

[Jagged]

Last call

Family members to add, other important NPCs, other character ideas, backstories to change...advantages...disadvantages....questions...suggestions?


Otherwise we shall begin. I have been PMing with another player and she will be coming soon now that her story is straight. Otherwise let us begin.


You:

Write your beginning....your first day home as you return from the wars or if you have stayed home your typical day. Also what is important your relationship with the local governor...I leave it up to you to say whether he is held up in his strong hold, deserted, gone renegade....whatever.


Me.....the War God Narrator:

Well I will react to your posts and soon I will be posting information on Empire Gods, building types and other useful facts. People this will be a hell of a ride and I know we will have alot of fun.

This goes well I might launch a fantasy thread as well.

 

[sonali00783]

Ooc

Great to see another thread from you Jagged
I see there are six nations with four taken.
Can i join in or is it too late?
please do let me know by pm if possible

 

[Jagged]

Not to late...

What were you thinking...The Arab/Eygptians were claimed via a pm but what do you want to choose? Duplicates are okay I am sure none of the others would mind a potential Ally...post or drop me a line. This time though I am keeping to the list for the most part as far as choices.

 

[Bladesman]

I might be interested in this story Jagged. You say duplicate nations can be allowed?

 

[Jagged]

Yes dublicates are allowed...you're on a different island then the other player though. Share your thoughts...

 

[Mantra]

*Waves to Sonali and Bladesman*

Welcome aboard you two, Nice to see you again Sonali, haven't seen you since the last Village War thread.


But in the meantime, git ta postin Jagged! It's killin time!

 

[sonali00783]

Thanks a lot Mantra and Jagged
Yes i left after village thread, but now am back full time
I had like to take the Indians (Asians)
If that is ok!

 

[sonali00783]

Well i have a question as well

You have explained the population structure
1000 basic foot soldiers with 80% with wives or prostitutes

200 Men at arms with follower groups say around 50 groups... Qsn-1

100 officers with Men at arms, followers and horses
ie.
additional 300 Men at arms with 75 follower groups As per man at arms percentage)
6000 followers for officers
30 horses................. Qsn-2

5000 peasant families with 1-2 male adult per family

2000 middle class

8000 slaves

NOw Qsn 1 is what is the size of group of Men at arms is it 1 or it can be any number or is there a limit if yes what?

Qsn 2
Are the Men at Arms protecting the officers have followers as well
And what is the size of follower group for officers

 

[Jagged]

Yes Indians are Asians...me always thinking Japanese and Chinese


Question #1

We discussed that before you arrived dear...Double the base number you get a large kingdom....divide it by half you get a small kingdom. You pick small you get advantages...pick large you get disadvantages. You can move people around...like less slaves more soldiers but you don't wipe out the group you took from so no group can drop below 50%


Question #2

Well I leave the exact number of followers to the player because it varies by officer. One may come with many soldiers and servants while another will come with little more then their sword and their wife. Depends on wealth basically. And no the men-at-arms who are with the officers do not have followers.


That brings up a good point...if you are a follower you cannot have your own followers until you break away. Your household are different though (player's house holds)

 

[Bladesman]

I might take the Roman's as well if possible. Marcus Brutus in Greece.

 

[Jagged]

I might take the Roman's as well if possible. Marcus Brutus in Greece.

That would be fine...come up with something I plan to launch in the next two days if not sooner. I want everyone to beg in at the same time. It isn't necessary but it would help out.


Other questions?

 

[Elayne]

Dar El Ma'a

The island of Dar El Ma'a will be joining the struggle! Our Arabic/Egyptian warriors will sweep over the islands like a storm.

Dar El Ma'a - Small Kingdom

500 Irregular Asshuri infantry men (Spears, shields, padded armour)
100 Mameluke Soldiers (Spears, Scimitars, Shields and scale mail)
50 nomad sheiks (varying households and nominal loyalty)

2500 Peasant families
1000 Middle Class
4000 Slaves

Advantages -

Trade Routes - The Dar El Ma'a is located on a central shipping lane that connects the islands to the Empire. Gold flows through the island as silk and spices flow are shipped from there to the Empire and finished goods are often imported here first.

Religious - The people of the Dar El Ma'a are devout; they draw great inspiration from the words of the Prophets and are fearsome when roused.

Well Educated - The madrassahs of the Dar El Ma'a are legendary. Learned imans teach language, mathematics, medicine and even magic. No form of knowledge is forbidden in the Dar El Ma'a and every form of learning is pursued.

Disadvantages

Imperial Oversight - The Empire has not really surrendered it's hold on the Dar El Ma'a. Within the central port city of Illafalluah the imperial presence is strong; A walled of section of the city houses a sizable garrison and many imperial citizens. A massive customs house oversees all trade transactions and interferes with the local governance.

Heavy Taxes - As the Empire retreats, the Imperials still on Dar El Ma'a are drawing even more heavily on the island for all types of resources, attempting to fund and maintain their reach into the islands.

Contested Rulership - The Sultan of Illafalluah has recently been injured in a riding accident, falling onto his head. Though he clings to life, he has not awoken since and even if he does, the damage may prevent him from ever ruling again. Already, his Vizier has claimed a regency and has further ambitions. Also, factions have formed amongst the Vizier's harem, each espousing a various potential heir or wife for the regency... and the throne when the sultan expires.

Amidst the chaos, one of the Sultan's daughters has realized that she must claim his throne or perish as the intrigues begin to tear the island. Already, she is plotting a palace coupe to seize the throne and rule as Sultana... and maybe even Empress.

 

[rengadeirishman]

im not quite sure how you want me to handle doing my army set up. Do the the size and clan nature of my people.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Barbaria-large kingdom.

2000 Warriors. ("light" infantry, spears/axes/swords, shield, clothing.)

400 Thanes. ("heavy" infantry. Leather/hide/fur armour, torcs. better quality weapons and shields, more experienced.)

200 Chieftains ( "teh omfg wtfpWnsorz" better everything, often ride chariots or horses into battle. varied households, accompanied by honour guards)

10,000 peasants familes.
4000 middle class
16,000 slaves

advantages

Hale and Hardy- The Barbaroi live a very rough and tumble existence, in a wilderness on the edge of the world. Their land is cool and wet most of the time, hot and humid part of the time, and freezing and icy all the rest. It is a wild land filled with dangers. They are a physically large and very strong people.

Warlike- Barbaroi culture and life is centered around war. They fight constantly, from simple tumbles in the village square, to barroom brawls, to laying waste to everything they set their eyes on. This makes very tough and able combatants.

Religious War- The empire coveted the use of the Barbaroi hordes in battle, and taught them the Imperial Religion from an angle of glorious death in battle. This "live for the gods, die in battle" attitude is part of what makes the Barbaroi so ferocious and wild in combat.

Disadvantages

Fractious- The Barbaroi are far from a united people. There is never any guarantee that they will follow the Warchiefs orders, or even not turn around and attack him. Clan and tribal enmities run deep through generations of blood and revenge.

Technology- Although the Barbaroi make weapons exceptionally well, they are not a wealthy people, and so very few have metal armor, other then helmets, mostly limited to individual pieces (for example, they might own a pauldron and vambrace and would wear them) the wearing of which adds to their wild and chaotic appearance.

Imperial domination.- The empire was the only thing resembling law and order in Barbaria, and without it it falls to the Warchief to somehow forge a kingdom out of the fires of war. Without the guiding hand of the Empire, the barbaroi are even more contentious and difficult to govern, which has resulted in battles with North Men, lost that shouldnt have been.

Sailing- The barbaroi are very superstitious, an attitude which was fostered by the Empire, are deeply mistrustful of undertaking long sea voyages, although they do a lot of fishing off the coast.

hows that?

 

[Jagged]

This fits perfectly...you did fine buddy. As ususal...Your society is clan based and like Scotland you have access to many clansmen. You have a huge recruiting pool but they won't always be there right away. Your peopple breed fast and make tough young warriors, but you can't exhaust the pool. And it seems you're another one who needs the info on Imperial Religion. I know I will be on that tomorrow. Hang in people we will be starting Monday this week.

Barbaria-large kingdom.

2000 Warriors. ("light" infantry, spears/axes/swords, shield, clothing.)

400 Thanes. ("heavy" infantry. Leather/hide/fur armour, torcs. better quality weapons and shields, more experienced.)

200 Chieftains ( "teh omfg wtfpWnsorz" better everything, often ride chariots or horses into battle. varied households, accompanied by honour guards)

10,000 peasants familes.
4000 middle class
16,000 slaves

advantages

Hale and Hardy- The Barbaroi live a very rough and tumble existence, in a wilderness on the edge of the world. Their land is cool and wet most of the time, hot and humid part of the time, and freezing and icy all the rest. It is a wild land filled with dangers. They are a physically large and very strong people.

Warlike- Barbaroi culture and life is centered around war. They fight constantly, from simple tumbles in the village square, to barroom brawls, to laying waste to everything they set their eyes on. This makes very tough and able combatants.

Religious War- The empire coveted the use of the Barbaroi hordes in battle, and taught them the Imperial Religion from an angle of glorious death in battle. This "live for the gods, die in battle" attitude is part of what makes the Barbaroi so ferocious and wild in combat.

Disadvantages

Fractious- The Barbaroi are far from a united people. There is never any guarantee that they will follow the Warchiefs orders, or even not turn around and attack him. Clan and tribal enmities run deep through generations of blood and revenge.

Technology- Although the Barbaroi make weapons exceptionally well, they are not a wealthy people, and so very few have metal armor, other then helmets, mostly limited to individual pieces (for example, they might own a pauldron and vambrace and would wear them) the wearing of which adds to their wild and chaotic appearance.

Imperial domination.- The empire was the only thing resembling law and order in Barbaria, and without it it falls to the Warchief to somehow forge a kingdom out of the fires of war. Without the guiding hand of the Empire, the barbaroi are even more contentious and difficult to govern, which has resulted in battles with North Men, lost that shouldnt have been.

Sailing- The barbaroi are very superstitious, an attitude which was fostered by the Empire, are deeply mistrustful of undertaking long sea voyages, although they do a lot of fishing off the coast.

hows that?

 

[sonali00783]

The Indians join in the struggle as well under the leadership of Prince Shiv Singh.

Age-18 years
Sex-Male
Height- 5’11”
Weight- 78 KGs.
Hair- Black hairs, short
Eyes- Black

Shiv Singh was son of a small ruler on an island of Punjab. Shiv Singh is the eldest of six brothers and he was at the school along with his siblings he was an exceptionally skilled swordsmen, but his biggest strength like all his brothers was to aim arrow perfectly on the target if it created sound, a technique of marksmanship that was very very hard to learn.
When his father died in a battle, and he was forced to leave the ashram, but he made his siblings stay back to complete there education while he left for the battle which was still going on…
Luckily for him he was extraordinary brilliant and quick and had completed his education, and was highly rated by all his peers for his prowess in strategy, state affairs knowledge and his knowledge for arms.
He was an exceptionally skilled swordsmen, but his biggest strength like all his three brothers was to aim arrow perfectly on the target if it created sound, a technique of marksmanship that was very very hard to learn.

He reached the battlefield in a day where the demoralized troops were just holding the fort against the enemy, and then Shiv singh with his group of body guards emerged from nowhere firing arrows while riding on there horses breaking the enemy ranks and then his army saw the royal emblem of lion representing the Crown Prince, and with renewed energy they launched a ferocious attack on enemy, with Prince and his body guards leading the attack. The war went on for more then 1 month and in every battle Shiv Singh and his forces emerged victorious, finally capturing the enemy king.

Shiv singh being victorious now had control over his kingdom in addition to his.

The Kingdom

Shiv Singh by this victory now controlled the entire island.
The invaded kingdoms citizen were taken as captive and taken in as slaves, but Shiv Singh offered them equal rights and most of them turned into Citizens, only the enemy soldiers who still resisted were taken in as slaves.

Together the two kingdoms were still small with population as under
(Taking Small Kingdom Option)
Millitary

500 Foot Soldiers (all now trained from the Last months rigorous war there breakdown
a- 100 Archers (they can wield some blade as well)
b- 400 Swordsmen (they carry bow and arrows which they shoot before charging on the enemy)
all of above wear very light armour

100 Men at arms
They are a better breed of soldiers as compared to foot soldiers and reffered as the second guard and are very hardy. They have toughned armour, but very strong one.
They are archers and good swordsmen.

50 Officers usually known as ‘yodhas’, extremely hardy and loyal, they are highly dedicated to the kingdom, and have followers of there own, and after the war all officers now have there own horses.

Around 4000 peasant families

1500 middle class

2000 slaves (I have reduced slaves to 50% of small size kingdom and moved 1500 to farmers and 500 to middle class).

Plus the followers of Officers and Man at arms, breaking into field healers, blacksmith, kitchen man and so on…

Structure of Kingdom……

Geographically..

The kingdom now spread on the entire island of Punjab was now divided into two main cities, Chandigarh and Ambala.

Chandigarh was the main city with massive stone walls all around the city, and a harbour on the northern side of the city, the harbor was the only point through which city’s defenses could be breached, but to compensate for the weakness, a massive military base was established there.
Also the harbor was a major point in the river linkage system and almost 90% of the ships going through here had to dock on this harbor for refreshing supplies and trades, as the kingdom was famous for its handicraft and other clay products along with textiles.

Also near the harbor a brothel was set up where the visiting traders could enjoy there stay with the captured slave ladies, and drink to there fill, filling the royal coffers.

Ambala, this was the city captured in the last war, and though it was a fortress city plenty of its walls had been breached by shiv singh’s army during the wall.

The area between the two cities was very fertile and now being cultivated.

Ambala had no immediate harbor but had a big one on the sea, and it was not preferred by the traders due to lack of facilities and unjust taxes of the last king.

Otherwise…..
The kingdom after the end of the war and under the rule of there new king was leading into correct direction, with lot of emphasis on Science and technology and trades and agriculture.

Advantages-
1) Most of the soldiers are veterans and very hardy and loyal.
2) The weapons made by them stay with them and cannot be used by opposition on them until used by Indians against the same opposition for two times.
3) The people breed very fast, leading to rapid increase in population.

Advantages & Disadvantage mixed-
1) The Neighbouring Indian kingdoms are feared by there other neighbors and always engage in wars with each other, making it hard to forge alliance but it does makes it easy for Shiv Singh now controlling the bigger kingdom in his immediate neighbourhood.


This is all for now and if this is ok I will be submitting my turn and other characters shortly.

 

[Mantra]

The island of Dar El Ma'a will be joining the struggle! Our Arabic/Egyptian warriors will sweep over the islands like a storm.

From Czarina to Sultana, welcome and good to see you again Elayne.

 

[Elayne]

I like to try new things!

 

[Bladesman]

Age: 25
Sex: Male
Weight: 185 lbs
Height: 6'1"
Hair: Bald
Eyes: Blue

Marcus Brutus, Legion champion and First Sword of the Legions of Greece. He received command of the Tenth Legion taking command of the legion when its commander was killed trying to prevent the escape of Greek rebels.

Legion stats to follow. However kingdom stats are beyond me, help would be welcome.

 

[Jagged]

World Facts

Imperial Religion

While the Empire did not force the people it conquered to worship their gods, but it was encouraged from the first day of their arrival on your island. Also it is a requirement for Imperial citizenship to worship their gods. Anyone who has had a character who has received an Imperial education would also be required to worship. If you formed a unit for service with the Imperial military you receive Imperial chaplains (whether you want them or not, each chaplain is a priest with several intiates, a small staff 4 to 5, 4 to 5 temple guards, and a portable shrine) for every 150 soldiers.


Main God:

Krom

God of Fire, Strength, Justice, and Steel

Krom forged the world with fire and sweat after driving the demons into the darkness. He saw the son's of the Empire and gave them wolves to protect them, and fire to warm them. He bedded many maidens which began a dynasty. He guided the empire to greatness though many wonder what they have done to offend him as of late.

The Priests of Krom are allowed to marry but must be of Noble birth and can be seen in either black or red robes. By far they have the most impressive temples of the imperial gods and they feature a impressive forge, many statues of demons who were slain by Krom, blood red banners and libraries.

The priests carry impressive long swords and when not tending to the faithful they work as administrators and even generals.

They have their own elite corp of troops (officers) known as the Red Angels who carry the blood red banner for the Empire. They wear heavy armor and use spears and long swords. They protect the temples and the priests and are often called up for war. Right now many are holding Imperial strongholds in the heart of the Empire. It maybe suicide but they are devote.

The priests of Krom have the worst relationship with none Imperial peoples. They consider them criminals and barbarians and don't consider the killing of civilians as an offense of any kind.

During war time they will dawn the red robe and black mask for combat.

Luna

Goddess of Wolves, Fertility, and Wisdom

The first of Krom's many children she is the product of a union with a she-wolf and is the guardian of the wolf pack. It is against Imperial law to kill a wolf even if they kill life stock or a human since it is considered the Goddess's wish. She is also the goddess of fertility and many make offerings to her to have a good harvest or healthy child. The knowledge Luna professes is not so much knowledge of books but of the earth and practical things so she is popular among the peasants.

Luna only has priestesses who also work in the community offering their help to peasants and often stock food for the poor (poor citizens anyway). They also work as midwives which has made them popular with most and where ever they have a temple children tend to be healthier.

They can be found wearing long blue robes and make their own wine. They also keep kennels of wolf pups (bred with war dogs they are more tame yet savage) and sell the animals the military or mercenaries who worship them. They carry long work knives. They are not allowed to marry but are allowed ritual intimacy and raise any children from these unions are raised in the church.

Their orders do not keep official temple guards but instead they share guard duty among the priestesses and intiates who are skilled with the knife and bow. They often keep extra space for traveling soldiers so they might benefit from their protection in exchange for food and services.

Gorm

God of Lightning, Courage, and Soldiers

Krom's son with a fire giant he is the God worshipped by every Imperial warrior. Lightning bolts of blue are painted on every shield and priests are known to have the best armor and are often officers as well. They are cloaked in black hidding their armor from site they carry a long spear as a symbol of the common soldier. These black robed men and women of the cloth also run the military's bureaucracy.

Priests and Priestess are are allowed to marry, but are encouraged to marry within the order or to marry soldiers. While many priestess physically get involved in combat many tend to the women and children of the camp.

The blessed war spear is a very common weapon in the Imperial military and many men-at-arms are given them when they receive the title or as a reward for bravery in combat.

The priests are known for their fair treatment of prisoners and believe if a warrior behaves honorably he should be treated as such regardless of what god they follow.

 

[Jagged]

Age: 25
Sex: Male
Weight: 185 lbs
Height: 6'1"
Hair: Bald
Eyes: Blue

Marcus Brutus, Legion champion and First Sword of the Legions of Greece. He received command of the Tenth Legion taking command of the legion when its commander was killed trying to prevent the escape of Greek rebels.

Legion stats to follow. However kingdom stats are beyond me, help would be welcome.

Ah aren't you copying Mantra's backstory....which you don't really have much of I might add. Buddy I want you on board but this thread is not one for brief responses. You can play Greco Romans...you can even play ones related to Mantra's Romans but I would think you would want a different story.


Well look for the kingdom setup earlier in this thread......(page #1)
Medium Size Kingdom:
(If you want a large double the numbers if you want a small divide by half)

1,000 Basic foot soldiers (Spears,shields,short swords,armor, clubs,boots,uniforms)(80% of the soldiers will have a wife or prostitute nearby or with the army)

200 Men-at-Arms(sergeant-at-Arms, NCOs, Centurians), (All the same of the above only better and long swords as well. 25% will bring followers including pages, mistresses, metal workers, cooks,and horses)

100 Officers (tribesmen, veterans, advisors...whatever), (All of the above only the best in the area and often owned by the officers themselves and many bring 2-4 body guards (Men-at-Arms). The wealthiest 30%will also bring horses for themselves and thier people. 80% will have a household that includes servants, craftsmen, wife and/or mistress, Advisor, random family members, Archers and foot soldiers, local guide(s), Spiritual advisors...there can be 20 to 100 followers for each)

5,000 Peasant families (the backbone of your society.) They can be drafted into the militia with one to two adult males per family on average, but until they're veterans they will need to be provided with weapons (more fights more chance of them taking weapons as booty). Most likely you will be dealing with the family farm with the younger sons and daughters working other industries.

2,000 Middle Class (lawyers, merchants, priests, politicians, shamans advicors, landowners,craftsmen) This group is your middle management. They see that everything is running well and often wear many hats. They can serve in the military and 80% will have their own gear and horses. Most likely 50% will become officers with the remained fighting as cavalry or NCOs and unlike the regular militia their loyalty will not waver. While they will willingly fight without pay they expect booty and land in return. They will be the ones most likely to own slaves and land and will be the loudest voices when it comes to change.

8,000 Slaves (Captives,slaves, primative natives, lower caste) Now I haven't had this part of things before, but since slavery has happen historically and is even an issue in fiction I felt a need to added it and since I am into free speach and ideas I have included them as part of the population. Free them...make them full citizens keep them in bondage it is up to you and your ethics and you makeup the back story. And no race or culture gets to take the moral high ground on this one. We have all been scum at one point or another.

 

[Bladesman]

Hmm I might wait this one out. But I must thank you though Jagged, you may have given me a bit of an idea for my next story persay. I will PM you the details and the finished copy later. By the way, would you mind check the earlier Pm I sent you to make sure it makes sense as far as sent up.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

How much longer Jag?