Post by Darasuum on Feb 9, 2018 5:20:59 GMT
House name: Duchy of Aurolytz
House Words: "For those that have, for those that haven't, for those that never will" / "Brains over blades"
House Leader: Jord Homura
Seat: Levi Cove
Nation: Valdez
Noble Family of Homura -
Hakkon Homura II - (Deceased) Previous Duke of Homura
Jord Homura - Duke of Homura
Marien Venest Homura - Wife of the Hakkon, Step-mother to Jord, Countess
Jusepe Homura - (Deceased) Step-brother to the Jord
Sara Homura - Half-Sister to Hakkon
~SUMMARY~
The Duchy of Homura is either unknown to the majority of the world or only known to the hardy, nefarious, and well traveled individuals. Sitting in the north eastern corner of Valdez territories and bordering the Rjillund lands it is often disregarded as nothing more than swamp and riverlands that meet the ocean. However it is home to the wayward and tough folk that cling to legends and myths. The capital, sitting on the most inward point, backed by mountains to the west is traveled by the ships that look to do trade via river. While this has helped the Duchy get by over the ages, these days they use their military forces as mercenaries.
Originally hailing from nomads they still have many traditions that relate to their old ways. Proud of their rituals and their own way of life it has remained unchanged for generations. Keeping to themselves they are more than capable of traveling at a moments notice. For now they as a people are peaceful and unlikely to provoke conflict with anybody that does not entice them through aggressive means. Only the warriors hired by other nations are the ones seen beyond its borders. However other infamous people come and go from Levi Cove regularly. Now it is known as a regular smuggler's stopping point and pirate's getaway. Because of this there is an unsaid understanding that if someone has a problem with another they will have to take it beyond the borders of Homura. Otherwise they would bring the issue to the Duke and have his ruling on the matter be law. While this is odd, it is a proud privilege of the dukes that rule Homura and so they do not give their rulings lightly and give fair consequence to any conflict. lightly and give fair consequence to any conflict. lightly and give fair consequence to any conflict.
The Duchy of Homura is either unknown to the majority of the world or only known to the hardy, nefarious, and well traveled individuals. Sitting in the north eastern corner of Valdez territories and bordering the Rjillund lands it is often disregarded as nothing more than swamp and riverlands that meet the ocean. However it is home to the wayward and tough folk that cling to legends and myths. The capital, sitting on the most inward point, backed by mountains to the west is traveled by the ships that look to do trade via river. While this has helped the Duchy get by over the ages, these days they use their military forces as mercenaries.
Originally hailing from nomads they still have many traditions that relate to their old ways. Proud of their rituals and their own way of life it has remained unchanged for generations. Keeping to themselves they are more than capable of traveling at a moments notice. For now they as a people are peaceful and unlikely to provoke conflict with anybody that does not entice them through aggressive means. Only the warriors hired by other nations are the ones seen beyond its borders. However other infamous people come and go from Levi Cove regularly. Now it is known as a regular smuggler's stopping point and pirate's getaway. Because of this there is an unsaid understanding that if someone has a problem with another they will have to take it beyond the borders of Homura. Otherwise they would bring the issue to the Duke and have his ruling on the matter be law. While this is odd, it is a proud privilege of the dukes that rule Homura and so they do not give their rulings lightly and give fair consequence to any conflict. lightly and give fair consequence to any conflict. lightly and give fair consequence to any conflict.
MODIFIERS -
“Water Is Power” Army -1, Navy +2
“Greed Is Reliable” +2 Economy, +1 Loyalty
“People Over Place” -1 Castle
“Mercenaries, Not Meddlers” - 1 Espionage
Points -
Army: 2 - 1 = 1
Navy: 1 + 2 = 3
Logistics: 1 + (2) = 3
Economy: 2 + 2 = 4
Castle: 2 - 1 = 1
Loyalty: 3 + 1 = 4
Espionage: 4 - 1 = 3
Points -
Army: 2 - 1 = 1
Navy: 1 + 2 = 3
Logistics: 1 + (2) = 3
Economy: 2 + 2 = 4
Castle: 2 - 1 = 1
Loyalty: 3 + 1 = 4
Espionage: 4 - 1 = 3
~CULTURE~
These days the Duchy of Homura are far more diplomatic and understanding. The advances of technology, flourishing or population and opportunities of commerce have set new horizons for the whole world. With this in mind they still keep to their old ways and beliefs. Most of the people of Aurolytz are superstitious. Their beliefs are in the pagan gods of old that are of both the earth, sea and sky. Some see this as barbaric and archaic but thus far the traditions have served the Duchy well and their ways have created a kinship among one another. The beliefs of the people are superstitious, traditional and come from the old ways even by northern standards. they are fiercely adherent to their old beliefs and ways. beliefs in many gods of nature, some without names while others hold many. often they pay homage to these deities in subtle ways when outside of the northern territories though if one ever visits the north especially on a momentous occasion they may witness ceremonies and customs that may surprise them.
Family is held in high regard as well as independence and freedom. Every child is raised to defend themselves, survive off the land. While reading and writing is sometimes taught there are no schools for such things. The jobs are provided via apprenticeship not unlike a squire is to a knight. The Duchy also used to use slaves, often captured in raids or pirating during desperate times. However these slaves were treated better than what most other kingdoms would consider. More often than not the slave would earn their freedom and become one of the people or until they worked off debt. These days there are no slaves but the heavy belief in honor often causes members to owe one another favors. Favors are often one off exchanges in most cases rather than a drawn out servitude.
The people of Aurolytz are influenced by their environment just like any other. Compared to other Duchies of Valdez they are estranged in part due to their geography. Rivers that run in between Rijilund and Valdez start in the Duchy of Aurolytz. This is host to numerous water ways that have created an immense forest. It is partially swamp with numerous areas that are borderline rain forest. Little of the land is good for farming making what food can be harvested subsistent and kept within the Duchy. The winters are just as harsh as they are north of Levi cove but the people are accustomed to it and they see braving the cold as testament to their toughness. To the west mountains give them a natural border to protect them. To the north is the the waters that make up Levi Cove and then the sea. In turn the sea goes out into the ocean making it only accessible via ship. To the east is Rijilund, a quite absence of interaction between the two territories has existed for generations. To the south is another Duchy of Valdez, the Great Duchy Aquitania.
Many understand that Aurolytz is a mercenary house of sorts. This can be confusing to those that don't understand the set up of such things. Warriors that have made pledges and careers of being fighters for family of Homura are not allowed to abandon their duties to seek out profit unless permited by the Duke. This is dealt with by clients sending word to the Duke asking if he would be willing to provide warriors. This is then entirely at the lord's discretion to outright decline such a request but if accepted he then makes the job available to those willing and able, never ordering his warriors to do mercenary work if they do not first volunteer. It is important that the leader only dispense a manageable amount of his own employed warriors at any one time to any one place. Coin still comes in from mercenary work that the non-career warriors provide as the common citizens are free to do as they wish.
The territory that Vassal house of Homura currently holds is known as the Aurolytz. Many people confuse Aurolytz and Homura being two different Duchies. In fact Aurolytz is the territory while the family line is Homura. Due to the northern winds that sweep down annually harsher than anywhere else in the north. In terms of resources the land is harsh in the north but is still farmable when one goes down from the mountains, especially closer to the southern borders towards the other Valdez territories. This and also importing of food and goods allow for more than enough sustenance for the people under Homura's guidance.
While they are not the best ironworkers or artists they are some of the hardiest of people. The average woman stands close to 1.8 meters tall. The average man is at least a head taller. Bright hair is more common than not and fair skin is the norm. But the influx of travelers has made strange skin color and hair not so bothersome as it would in some isolated environments. Tattoos often cover portions of the body and are earned after great feats or trials. Only in the past few centuries have surnames become normal though people still commonly used earned titles in place of this.
These days the Duchy of Homura are far more diplomatic and understanding. The advances of technology, flourishing or population and opportunities of commerce have set new horizons for the whole world. With this in mind they still keep to their old ways and beliefs. Most of the people of Aurolytz are superstitious. Their beliefs are in the pagan gods of old that are of both the earth, sea and sky. Some see this as barbaric and archaic but thus far the traditions have served the Duchy well and their ways have created a kinship among one another. The beliefs of the people are superstitious, traditional and come from the old ways even by northern standards. they are fiercely adherent to their old beliefs and ways. beliefs in many gods of nature, some without names while others hold many. often they pay homage to these deities in subtle ways when outside of the northern territories though if one ever visits the north especially on a momentous occasion they may witness ceremonies and customs that may surprise them.
Family is held in high regard as well as independence and freedom. Every child is raised to defend themselves, survive off the land. While reading and writing is sometimes taught there are no schools for such things. The jobs are provided via apprenticeship not unlike a squire is to a knight. The Duchy also used to use slaves, often captured in raids or pirating during desperate times. However these slaves were treated better than what most other kingdoms would consider. More often than not the slave would earn their freedom and become one of the people or until they worked off debt. These days there are no slaves but the heavy belief in honor often causes members to owe one another favors. Favors are often one off exchanges in most cases rather than a drawn out servitude.
The people of Aurolytz are influenced by their environment just like any other. Compared to other Duchies of Valdez they are estranged in part due to their geography. Rivers that run in between Rijilund and Valdez start in the Duchy of Aurolytz. This is host to numerous water ways that have created an immense forest. It is partially swamp with numerous areas that are borderline rain forest. Little of the land is good for farming making what food can be harvested subsistent and kept within the Duchy. The winters are just as harsh as they are north of Levi cove but the people are accustomed to it and they see braving the cold as testament to their toughness. To the west mountains give them a natural border to protect them. To the north is the the waters that make up Levi Cove and then the sea. In turn the sea goes out into the ocean making it only accessible via ship. To the east is Rijilund, a quite absence of interaction between the two territories has existed for generations. To the south is another Duchy of Valdez, the Great Duchy Aquitania.
Many understand that Aurolytz is a mercenary house of sorts. This can be confusing to those that don't understand the set up of such things. Warriors that have made pledges and careers of being fighters for family of Homura are not allowed to abandon their duties to seek out profit unless permited by the Duke. This is dealt with by clients sending word to the Duke asking if he would be willing to provide warriors. This is then entirely at the lord's discretion to outright decline such a request but if accepted he then makes the job available to those willing and able, never ordering his warriors to do mercenary work if they do not first volunteer. It is important that the leader only dispense a manageable amount of his own employed warriors at any one time to any one place. Coin still comes in from mercenary work that the non-career warriors provide as the common citizens are free to do as they wish.
The territory that Vassal house of Homura currently holds is known as the Aurolytz. Many people confuse Aurolytz and Homura being two different Duchies. In fact Aurolytz is the territory while the family line is Homura. Due to the northern winds that sweep down annually harsher than anywhere else in the north. In terms of resources the land is harsh in the north but is still farmable when one goes down from the mountains, especially closer to the southern borders towards the other Valdez territories. This and also importing of food and goods allow for more than enough sustenance for the people under Homura's guidance.
While they are not the best ironworkers or artists they are some of the hardiest of people. The average woman stands close to 1.8 meters tall. The average man is at least a head taller. Bright hair is more common than not and fair skin is the norm. But the influx of travelers has made strange skin color and hair not so bothersome as it would in some isolated environments. Tattoos often cover portions of the body and are earned after great feats or trials. Only in the past few centuries have surnames become normal though people still commonly used earned titles in place of this.
~HISTORY~
When the first travelers came to what is now known as the ‘serpent river’ they migrated to the coast. Led by a warrior of much renown, Levi Homura protected the refugees and began setting roots as a fishing village. It was he whom Levi Cove is named after. The numerous small rivers and lakes provided ease of traveling inland for the village. It was not long before the subsistence farming started traveling farther down river and began trading with other territory. Harsh winters were not uncommon and after two generations the territory of Aurolytz split up and began raiding one another. Thinned numbers and a lack of food simultaneously combined with a mild sickness left many dead.
The Homura family rallied its forces though and united most of the small territory together. The rest were squashed without mercy. It was another generation when things became quite once again and a restablishing of connections with other territories. Farms grew in great amounts solidifying the hold of the Homura family line. However this was when Hakkon Homura II was being groomed to be the next leader. Instead he was not content with life sitting within the borders of the Duchy. So he commissioned several ships and began working as a privateer for other nations. In his travels more ships came and joined him as he gained enough coin to further increase the naval strength of Homura and his personal fleet. When he visited Alendron he met Deenys whom he fell in love with and married in secret. Only a small number of people knew of this. He left and continued to privateer before returning to Deenys several times who kept her lover’s name. She eventually became pregnant and gave birth to Jord. Hakkon however had become tied up in his homeland with the state of his father as he had fallen ill. Hakkon was forced to mary Marien Venest of an aristocratic family in the process. He had become estranged after being away for so long but now was forced to lead the Duchy as well.
Years passed and he further increased the family’s naval power and continued to promote mercenary work. It became an open secret that smugglers, pirates and other nefarious individuals often came through Levi Cove at one point or another though it was acknowledged to never start conflicts with any opposing group within the territory lest the wish to feel the wrath of Duke Hakkon “Dynjabord” as he became known on the high seas. This grew for sometime and became a constant status for the Duchy.
Hakkon fathered a second son during this time though many thought it to be his first and only heir. It had taken Marien some time to get pregnant. Two separate miscarriages occured until Jusepe was born. He grew up until at the age of ten he was killed by a wild bear while playing in the forests. Hakkon was infuriated and set off alone to kill the beast. He returned a week later with the pelt of the bear but was void of any joy, the loss of his son still heavy on his heart. The Duke and Duchess had not been able to produce another heir.
A year passed until Jord’s Raiders arrived in Levi Cove. At first the local populace were wary of the new arrivals that arrived with a small flotilla of his privateers. They had returned after a long journey and were in no mood to start trouble. Hakkon’s own forces had been busy working for the House of Valdez as mercenaries and it would have been difficult for the local military presence to fend off the new arrivals. Instead of threats or fear Hakkon welcomed Jord and his men to the town. With the warm welcome with much talk the two came to realize that they were related. Originally Hakkon had thought of hiring them as simple additions to his mercenary force but now realized he had a new heir to his duchy.
Jord and his men enjoyed Levi Cove greatly and spent more time there than any other. They grew fond of the locals and bonded with them. Jord and Hakkon became friends and eventually had him officially given his proper title so that Jord would be his heir. Marien was not pleased about the changes but understood it was the way of the world. For another year this would carry on until Hakkon grew restless. He was tired of the monotony of land based beuracracy. On a whim he told Jord he was going out to sea once again. He signed over his holdings and everything to his son as he would make one last voyage over the seas. He took only a single ship and went off into the sun set. Nobody has heard or seen from him since.
With Jord as the leader of the Duchy there was some instability at first. But the man took the reigns and started incorporating the reality of the Duchy’s situation and pushed out old thoughts that were archaic and not pragmatic. The nomadic ideas and tales were recounted, travelers heard about the spending and far reaching shores once again heard about Levi Cove as a subject of interest rather than just a passing name drop. The culture remained the same and actually only strengthened with Jord’s presence. He took to the regions history and even asked people to try and reconnect with their old ways. Rituals became more zealous and the people’s happiness grew. Jord used much of the Duchy’s influence to refurbish and strengthen the naval power. It was a time for change and opportunists heard of this. New trade came and with wise spendature the military and economic strength of Aurolytz was at its highest in centuries.
~MILITARY~
Having so much of the land influenced by the water has it's affect on the military as well. A lack of conflict with other countries and mutual understanding has left the Duchy with a fair amount of ships. The military strength is held up by these vessels and the sailors of these ships also double as reinforcements for the army. The environment of the Duchy provides it's populace with the ability to defend it effectivly in the event of an invasion. The harsh and dangerous conditions can cripple the invading force before they even come in contact with the small number of warriors. They are trained to use hit and run tactics, terrorize and disrupt enemy logistics as well as demoralize. The rumors of the civil rituals are gruesome enough for some and these traditions only become more grueling the further the people of Aurolytz are pushed.
The mobility of the water ways gives them an advantage and the fact that only small numbers of merchants pass through its borders, mainly by guided water way, keeps anyone from knowing the intricate topography of the land. Supplies for warriors are mostly self purchased and earned through mercenary work.
Many warriors travel abroad as mercenaries both within and even outside of the northern regions. Because of this they learn about the various techniques and characteristics of other militaries they fight against as well as alongside, returning with their information. While Aurolytz does have archers they do not designate a special troop type to mounted archers. Often hunting is a common necessity in life and use of a bow is a part of survival. As such archery is as much an important skill for every warrior to know as starting a fire in the wilds. This makes all warrior acquainted with the bow and arrow it does not make them exceptional at archery though a commander often appoints known marksman with duties regarding ranged engagements before allowing them to soon participate in the melee.
Warriors often prefer face to face combat rather than killing from afar.
There is no strict uniform for the warriors under the Homura line though they do often fly the colors of the house on their armor, clothes, or shields allowing them to be distinguished from any enemies. The sails of each ship bear the sigil of the Duke. The circulation of coin and trade has not been poor for the house and its people as the warriors are able to be outfitted with high quality weapons as well as armor if they wish. While one warrior may have the funds to have a full suit of armor he may be a beserker and instead have axes made of the finest steel as he has foregone physical protection. This allows for a very adaptable and versatile host for various engagements.
Most notably out of Homura's forces are perhaps the berserkers which in fact are spread into three different sub-categories. The standard berserker or Bear warrior, the Ulfhednar or wolf warriors and finally the svinfylking or boar warriors. Each has its own specializations and characteristics though in wartime they are often deployed alongside one another. The bear warriors are what the latter two begin as before advancing to specializations. But the Bear warriors remain the most furious and wrathful warriors also making them the most well known out of the three types. They charge headlong into battle hyped up on consumables that make the warrior both feel invincible further coupled with their mindset. They rarely wear anything more than simple pelts and treated leather at most. Into battle they go and often use a single great-axe or wield two war axes simultaneously.
Next are the ulfhednar, the wolf warriors are not unlike their bear sibling though have some notable differences. The Ulfhednar are just as ferocious but keep their rage in check, often they are warriors who previously were berserkers and have years of experience. The call of battle has tempered their fury over time. They excel at infiltration, flanking, and getting into the midst of the enemy before sowing seeds of destruction in small groups. Whether this means climbing cliff faces to get behind enemy lines or going through dangerous territory to take the opposition by surprise the Ulfhednar are just as much risk takers as any other berserker. How they go about doing it is what defines them.
Finally are the svinfylking, named boar warriors. While many still wear boar pelts most often the warriors that fall under this title wear more bone than pelt. The more experienced members may have custom armor fashioned to look like the corpse of an animal but be far more resilient to damage than treated hide ever could. Their macabre appearance looks like the wrath of the undead beasts coming to claim the lives of the living. These bones continue to adorn the wearer as they gain more experience. Unlike the other berserkers, svinfylking wear more armor. They are the slow and purposeful juggernauts that stand their ground with the defiant will of a boar they are known for. These are also usually the oldest out of the other beserker types. they are noted as far more superstitious than the others and their older bodies make them slower on the battle field but the fire still beats in their hearts that thirst for the blood of their enemies.
In addition to the furious warriors are the calm and collected “Talons” which are the scouts as well as often mounted vanguard of the troops. Each Talon becomes kindred to an animal, making a bond with them. This is most often in the form of a steed though some have been known to stride into battle with a wolf at their side or a falcon scouting ahead. Those that are masterful in their field often do so with multiple beasts simultaneously. Some say that it takes some mystical aptitude to sooth the beast and direct it towards ones own ends. individuals that accomplish just taming one wild beast are regarded with respect let alone if one can take multiple beasts or ones of particular difficulty.
~MILITARY~
Having so much of the land influenced by the water has it's affect on the military as well. A lack of conflict with other countries and mutual understanding has left the Duchy with a fair amount of ships. The military strength is held up by these vessels and the sailors of these ships also double as reinforcements for the army. The environment of the Duchy provides it's populace with the ability to defend it effectivly in the event of an invasion. The harsh and dangerous conditions can cripple the invading force before they even come in contact with the small number of warriors. They are trained to use hit and run tactics, terrorize and disrupt enemy logistics as well as demoralize. The rumors of the civil rituals are gruesome enough for some and these traditions only become more grueling the further the people of Aurolytz are pushed.
The mobility of the water ways gives them an advantage and the fact that only small numbers of merchants pass through its borders, mainly by guided water way, keeps anyone from knowing the intricate topography of the land. Supplies for warriors are mostly self purchased and earned through mercenary work.
Many warriors travel abroad as mercenaries both within and even outside of the northern regions. Because of this they learn about the various techniques and characteristics of other militaries they fight against as well as alongside, returning with their information. While Aurolytz does have archers they do not designate a special troop type to mounted archers. Often hunting is a common necessity in life and use of a bow is a part of survival. As such archery is as much an important skill for every warrior to know as starting a fire in the wilds. This makes all warrior acquainted with the bow and arrow it does not make them exceptional at archery though a commander often appoints known marksman with duties regarding ranged engagements before allowing them to soon participate in the melee.
Warriors often prefer face to face combat rather than killing from afar.
There is no strict uniform for the warriors under the Homura line though they do often fly the colors of the house on their armor, clothes, or shields allowing them to be distinguished from any enemies. The sails of each ship bear the sigil of the Duke. The circulation of coin and trade has not been poor for the house and its people as the warriors are able to be outfitted with high quality weapons as well as armor if they wish. While one warrior may have the funds to have a full suit of armor he may be a beserker and instead have axes made of the finest steel as he has foregone physical protection. This allows for a very adaptable and versatile host for various engagements.
Most notably out of Homura's forces are perhaps the berserkers which in fact are spread into three different sub-categories. The standard berserker or Bear warrior, the Ulfhednar or wolf warriors and finally the svinfylking or boar warriors. Each has its own specializations and characteristics though in wartime they are often deployed alongside one another. The bear warriors are what the latter two begin as before advancing to specializations. But the Bear warriors remain the most furious and wrathful warriors also making them the most well known out of the three types. They charge headlong into battle hyped up on consumables that make the warrior both feel invincible further coupled with their mindset. They rarely wear anything more than simple pelts and treated leather at most. Into battle they go and often use a single great-axe or wield two war axes simultaneously.
Next are the ulfhednar, the wolf warriors are not unlike their bear sibling though have some notable differences. The Ulfhednar are just as ferocious but keep their rage in check, often they are warriors who previously were berserkers and have years of experience. The call of battle has tempered their fury over time. They excel at infiltration, flanking, and getting into the midst of the enemy before sowing seeds of destruction in small groups. Whether this means climbing cliff faces to get behind enemy lines or going through dangerous territory to take the opposition by surprise the Ulfhednar are just as much risk takers as any other berserker. How they go about doing it is what defines them.
Finally are the svinfylking, named boar warriors. While many still wear boar pelts most often the warriors that fall under this title wear more bone than pelt. The more experienced members may have custom armor fashioned to look like the corpse of an animal but be far more resilient to damage than treated hide ever could. Their macabre appearance looks like the wrath of the undead beasts coming to claim the lives of the living. These bones continue to adorn the wearer as they gain more experience. Unlike the other berserkers, svinfylking wear more armor. They are the slow and purposeful juggernauts that stand their ground with the defiant will of a boar they are known for. These are also usually the oldest out of the other beserker types. they are noted as far more superstitious than the others and their older bodies make them slower on the battle field but the fire still beats in their hearts that thirst for the blood of their enemies.
In addition to the furious warriors are the calm and collected “Talons” which are the scouts as well as often mounted vanguard of the troops. Each Talon becomes kindred to an animal, making a bond with them. This is most often in the form of a steed though some have been known to stride into battle with a wolf at their side or a falcon scouting ahead. Those that are masterful in their field often do so with multiple beasts simultaneously. Some say that it takes some mystical aptitude to sooth the beast and direct it towards ones own ends. individuals that accomplish just taming one wild beast are regarded with respect let alone if one can take multiple beasts or ones of particular difficulty.