The Kingdom of Romule
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:17 pm
Description: Romule is a nation that is combative and stresses strength on the river. It is ruled by a king and there is some class mobility for those with ambition but most people make a living off of the sea, the land, or in the military. Romule has always been in either severe turmoil within itself or having domestic tranquility and turning it's sights abroad. While right now it is in a time of stability it has been a long time since the last collapse and many are expecting it soon. Romule looks to dominate the mountain and river, and expand its influence abroad.
Spoiler
The Royalty of Romule traces its blood back to the original settlers of the settlement. The first leader who was only known as Mincer was captaining a ship that no one knows where it was destined to go, but it ended on the shore of Romule in a shipwreck. Mincer organized the people into defenses and set up the first village of Gremlock, the biggest city and has been expanded so it is set into the mountain (think Helm's deep).
Due to Mincer's help the people slowly beat back the wilderness and started taming the area. The settlers trusting in his ability made Mincer their leader for life. He eventually had 3 sons though and didn't know whom to name his heir so he decided he would test their leadership qualities, analytical skills, and luck of the gods. He allowed each son to choose a group of 20 that would follow that son into combat, whoever came out alive would have been proven a competent leader. This tradition has held through to this day with varying amounts of children (siblings who do not believe they would be a fit leader can abstain unless there are only 2 children, there must always be a competition). But this is why each King must have more than 1 child. If for some reason the king dies prematurely before he can have children, (which has only happened once to King Lopler who fell tragically due to some undercooked pork) two generals with royal blood are chosen to perform the ceremony and decide the leader.
The current king, called King Enzo the Fair, beat out 5 siblings to become king. Enzo has a son, Remus, and a daughter, Claire, who both have their eye on the throne. Claire has proven the more diplomatic of the two but Remus is a brash young man full of pride and headstrong who has shown his worth in battle. Enzo has a wife named Vela, a strikingly beautiful woman and kind adviser to her husband. Enzo is widely supported by the people who urge him to continue expansion and test his mettle in war.
Due to Mincer's help the people slowly beat back the wilderness and started taming the area. The settlers trusting in his ability made Mincer their leader for life. He eventually had 3 sons though and didn't know whom to name his heir so he decided he would test their leadership qualities, analytical skills, and luck of the gods. He allowed each son to choose a group of 20 that would follow that son into combat, whoever came out alive would have been proven a competent leader. This tradition has held through to this day with varying amounts of children (siblings who do not believe they would be a fit leader can abstain unless there are only 2 children, there must always be a competition). But this is why each King must have more than 1 child. If for some reason the king dies prematurely before he can have children, (which has only happened once to King Lopler who fell tragically due to some undercooked pork) two generals with royal blood are chosen to perform the ceremony and decide the leader.
The current king, called King Enzo the Fair, beat out 5 siblings to become king. Enzo has a son, Remus, and a daughter, Claire, who both have their eye on the throne. Claire has proven the more diplomatic of the two but Remus is a brash young man full of pride and headstrong who has shown his worth in battle. Enzo has a wife named Vela, a strikingly beautiful woman and kind adviser to her husband. Enzo is widely supported by the people who urge him to continue expansion and test his mettle in war.
Spoiler
Romule is a nation that is mostly devout to a pantheon of gods similar to that of the Romans and Greeks. There is a god for most things such as the God of the Grass which is not really well known but he is under Terra the Goddess of Nature, and she is under Malrock the God of Gods. Each god falls under another that would have domain over that thing. To continue with the grass example, Promel the God of Grass goes to intervene in something related to grass. Tlerra has the ability and power to stop him or intervene further. It is very similar to an office style with managers and workers. Of course there are the main Gods which have many others under their "jurisdiction". There aren't many priests who devote themselves to one god, rather most devote themselves to the pantheon itself.
Malrock is depicted as a warrior breaking free of chains while raising his arm as if to strike an enemy in front of him. He is often seen as favoring the strong over the weak and those who have power are generally considered blessed by him. Almost like the Divine Right theory. He often deals with the other gods harshly and violently if they do something against him or just something stupid. Most people do not pray to him directly or if they do it is out of necessity.
Delmor is the God of Death, he is the second most powerful God as he has domain over all living things. He is not usually seen as evil or good but more impartial. He has the ability to give little "nudges" to those who are close to death. Such as if someone were to almost fall off of a cliff but their pack got stuck on a rock saving their life, that person would thank Delmor. He is also known to give pushes in the other direction. He is depicted as the Grim Reaper.
Welker is the God of Water and because of Romule's geographic location, is a very prominent and well known god. He guides those who are lost at sea and is generally seen as a benevolent god but can get angry. They associate a storm on the sea or bad waters as Welker's anger but often do not see it directed at them, but possibly at another god who has angered him. Welker is seen as often a man floating in the water guiding it with his hands and keeping an eye over vessels.
Graos is the God of War. He is not of destruction or killing though he is a more noble god. Graos would be a god who paladins would pray to. He is often depicted as a man in armor with his sword raised high and charging forward. In most stories he is Malrock's favored child and often comes out victorious because of this. Many Romulians pray to Graos during times of expansion and war in hopes that he will look onto their nation kindly.
Telerra is the Goddess of Nature. She is often depicted as pretty much naked but walking amongst a forest and reaching out as if to help an ailing tree. In most stories she is soft spoken and defended by most other gods, she often has no quarrel with others and is seen as one of the purest of the pantheon.
There are plenty more (These are taken from my world from a roleplay I have with my friend) so if any more are required I shall describe but there is literally a god for everything it is believed, granted the lowest gods have relatively no power but still. Again if you need clarification or any more pop up contact me and I will post.
Malrock is depicted as a warrior breaking free of chains while raising his arm as if to strike an enemy in front of him. He is often seen as favoring the strong over the weak and those who have power are generally considered blessed by him. Almost like the Divine Right theory. He often deals with the other gods harshly and violently if they do something against him or just something stupid. Most people do not pray to him directly or if they do it is out of necessity.
Delmor is the God of Death, he is the second most powerful God as he has domain over all living things. He is not usually seen as evil or good but more impartial. He has the ability to give little "nudges" to those who are close to death. Such as if someone were to almost fall off of a cliff but their pack got stuck on a rock saving their life, that person would thank Delmor. He is also known to give pushes in the other direction. He is depicted as the Grim Reaper.
Welker is the God of Water and because of Romule's geographic location, is a very prominent and well known god. He guides those who are lost at sea and is generally seen as a benevolent god but can get angry. They associate a storm on the sea or bad waters as Welker's anger but often do not see it directed at them, but possibly at another god who has angered him. Welker is seen as often a man floating in the water guiding it with his hands and keeping an eye over vessels.
Graos is the God of War. He is not of destruction or killing though he is a more noble god. Graos would be a god who paladins would pray to. He is often depicted as a man in armor with his sword raised high and charging forward. In most stories he is Malrock's favored child and often comes out victorious because of this. Many Romulians pray to Graos during times of expansion and war in hopes that he will look onto their nation kindly.
Telerra is the Goddess of Nature. She is often depicted as pretty much naked but walking amongst a forest and reaching out as if to help an ailing tree. In most stories she is soft spoken and defended by most other gods, she often has no quarrel with others and is seen as one of the purest of the pantheon.
There are plenty more (These are taken from my world from a roleplay I have with my friend) so if any more are required I shall describe but there is literally a god for everything it is believed, granted the lowest gods have relatively no power but still. Again if you need clarification or any more pop up contact me and I will post.
Spoiler
Culture in Romule is varied and quite frankly interesting. A lot of the culture revolves around the mountain and the river because of it's location. Most people settle close to the river and take up a job usually in conjunction with fishing or farming.
Music and Theater in Romule are not really seen as professions or arts. They are seen as entertainment for the tavern. Bards make a fair amount of money if they are good and the audience is generous enough (Read as: drunk enough). Taverns are commonplace as sailors and military men are always looking for good booze and a place to sleep.
Sporting events in Romule are common. The favorite is called Wade Wrestling. Each contestant wades into a pool that is about waist deep and they have their hands tied in front of them. Whoever makes the other call for mercy wins. Rules are very limited. Sometimes the King will call a sporting event to be held at his castle (it is a castle and not a palace, Kings in Romule believe that the whole showing off but no functionality is silly). Every few years a King or Queen will often call a feast which will involve a week or two of drinking and watching the best sportsmen of the nation coming to the castle and competing for large prizes and for bragging rights. It is one of the most joyous occasions of the Kingdom.
Music and Theater in Romule are not really seen as professions or arts. They are seen as entertainment for the tavern. Bards make a fair amount of money if they are good and the audience is generous enough (Read as: drunk enough). Taverns are commonplace as sailors and military men are always looking for good booze and a place to sleep.
Sporting events in Romule are common. The favorite is called Wade Wrestling. Each contestant wades into a pool that is about waist deep and they have their hands tied in front of them. Whoever makes the other call for mercy wins. Rules are very limited. Sometimes the King will call a sporting event to be held at his castle (it is a castle and not a palace, Kings in Romule believe that the whole showing off but no functionality is silly). Every few years a King or Queen will often call a feast which will involve a week or two of drinking and watching the best sportsmen of the nation coming to the castle and competing for large prizes and for bragging rights. It is one of the most joyous occasions of the Kingdom.
Spoiler
Romule is a nation that stresses control of the river and the mountain. The mentality of the Kingdom has always been testing strength against another only makes you stronger and shows you where you stand. This has led to a strong military and to many men to joining the military for a short stint of their life at some point. Imperialistic policies in the past have led to a military that gradually increases with the population and increased participation during periods of expansion and conflict.
The average foot soldier is called a Peral, these are the majority of the land forces. Each one is equipped with a short sword and a square shield for up close fighting. They also carry a spear while having the short sword sheathed in order to stave off a cavalry attack or to break a charge. Most wear light leather armor. (Essentially they look like Romans =P)
The average sailor is call a Deter. These men usually only carry a sword at their hip and little else for combat unless they are going into a fight. These men know their ship inside and out and can manipulate it like no other, they listen to their captain without question and their loyalty to their captain and King is unquestionable.
The average foot soldier is called a Peral, these are the majority of the land forces. Each one is equipped with a short sword and a square shield for up close fighting. They also carry a spear while having the short sword sheathed in order to stave off a cavalry attack or to break a charge. Most wear light leather armor. (Essentially they look like Romans =P)
The average sailor is call a Deter. These men usually only carry a sword at their hip and little else for combat unless they are going into a fight. These men know their ship inside and out and can manipulate it like no other, they listen to their captain without question and their loyalty to their captain and King is unquestionable.
Spoiler
Enzo- The King of Romule, a bit aged he stands tall with a little gray speckled through his hair and well kept beard. He does what he believes is best for his country. Not many people question his authority and most consider his actions to be the right one. He is a strong leader and one who has seen his fair share of issues. Also he is called the fair because of how he looks at situations not because of his looks.
Vela- The Queen of Romule and wife of Enzo. She is usually seen as strong and rarely showing emotions in public. While she often does not rule in front of the people it is said that Enzo and her discuss what is best for the Kingdom and decide on each action together. She has proven a wise and shrewd adviser to the King but one without much praise
Remus- Son of Enzo and High General of the military. The only person he truly listens to is his father and sometimes his mother. He is rash and often acts off of emotion and does not often look past the immediate future. In the military the only person higher ranked than he is his father and most soldiers see Remus as a strong strategist but dangerous
Claire- Daughter of Enzo who is the most kind hearted of the family. She often tries to look at long term and looks at people with mercy. She does not always believe that combat and strength is truly the best option. She advises her father (more than he realizes) through her mother. She is seen by the Kingdom as the little girl who tries to help but really can't.
Valk- Head of Intelligence and Overseer of Assassins. Valk is who Enzo goes to when he needs dirty work done or he needs to know something. He is mysterious and not known about by the public or mostly anyone for that matter. It is rumored among those who know of him that Valk and Claire are lovers and are often seen together but none is confirmed (but it's totally true =P)
Vela- The Queen of Romule and wife of Enzo. She is usually seen as strong and rarely showing emotions in public. While she often does not rule in front of the people it is said that Enzo and her discuss what is best for the Kingdom and decide on each action together. She has proven a wise and shrewd adviser to the King but one without much praise
Remus- Son of Enzo and High General of the military. The only person he truly listens to is his father and sometimes his mother. He is rash and often acts off of emotion and does not often look past the immediate future. In the military the only person higher ranked than he is his father and most soldiers see Remus as a strong strategist but dangerous
Claire- Daughter of Enzo who is the most kind hearted of the family. She often tries to look at long term and looks at people with mercy. She does not always believe that combat and strength is truly the best option. She advises her father (more than he realizes) through her mother. She is seen by the Kingdom as the little girl who tries to help but really can't.
Valk- Head of Intelligence and Overseer of Assassins. Valk is who Enzo goes to when he needs dirty work done or he needs to know something. He is mysterious and not known about by the public or mostly anyone for that matter. It is rumored among those who know of him that Valk and Claire are lovers and are often seen together but none is confirmed (but it's totally true =P)