HappyShackles

Damien bites his lip as he stands atop a tower still half-built, jutting from the massive stoney outcrop. He nods as he watched Markis and Ben mount the skulls of the recently slain Orcish raiders. "And again, with the same ferver," he mutters. He smiles as the workers mount the orcish armor for sale on the stalls.

Lord Damien Basileus would like to add that House Basileus renounces any previous attempt by House Briarwood to attempt a betrothal to his House. He also renounces any accusations that he still desires to, or offers from Briarwood to, marry her.

A Call for Timi Monomach A Duel for Honor I, Lord Damien of House Basileus, demand satisfaction, for the sake of the insult suffered by my House in the breaking of my engagement to Gwyneviere Briarwood by her brother, Lord Rhys of House Briarwood. My people, the Rhenyar, hold to an ancient tradition known as Timi Monomach. Simply, this can be explained as a duel for honor. But make no mistake, my goal in challenging the Lord Rhys to Timi Monomach is not to exacerbate the woes between our Houses, but to cure them. At the core of the Timi Monomach is the ideal; fall my foe and rise my friend. However, if the Lord Rhys chooses to refuse my call for Timi Monomach, I will have no choice but to denounce him an honorless coward. If I do not recieve a public reply within the Saint's Week, I will assume he has refused the challenge. Ave Orenia, Theos Megalus Lord Damien Basileus

Damien Basileus purses his lips at his desk as he reads the notice by the new Grand King. "I wonder how long it will take for the dwarves to ascertain a King who was not punted in the head by a mule as a child."

Kaphro; Oren’s Warless Bastion ((Escape from PvP)) ((We’re aware that the war's PvP has driven human roleplay away from both Vekaro and Kaldonia, and would like to offer those avoiding the constant PvP a sanctuary where a cohesive narrative, with real conflict and roleplay, can thrive and survive. To be clear, we do not condemn the PvP, but recognize that it has a detriment to roleplay and activity in certain areas.)) Attention denizens of the glorious Empire of Oren. It has come to the attention of those whom organize and administrate the humble Trade Town of Kaphro, that the plague of war has taken extreme effect on it's citizens. Along with trade, the humble community is willing to offer sanctuary for those displaced or disturbed by the war, gladly and without avarice, At the order of Lord Damien Basileus, a refugee camp is to be constructed and managed by Alric Colin. We offer sanctuary to all those who desire to escape the hardships of war, except for any suspected spies, soldiers or ex-soldiers of any of Oren’s current combatant enemies. Attractions - The Kaphro Kasino! Come try your luck at Ben Avice’s games of chance! - The Bellows Tavern! Every drink you can think of, and more! 25 minas a night! - The Chapel of Saint Hadrian! Pray to the Creator, attend mass, and be pious! Housing - Housing within the refugee camp will be free of charge. - Housing within the surface town ranges from 500-1000 minas. - Housing in the caverns is approximately 100 minas. Location - Exit the gate at Hadrian’s Wall, leaving Kaldonia. - Follow the road through the red cliffs and through Ambris. - See the spruce-log palisade? That’s it! You’ve found Kaphro! (x: -200, z: 260)

we offer all potatos

That's odd. Last I saw, it was us manning your gates after dwarves killed everyone inside.

Upon the decree of Lord Damien Basileus, the Barony of Kaphro, her officers, workers, residents and otherwise related constituents, are invited to the Chapel of Saint Hadrian within the Township on this Saint's Day (6:30 PM EST) to express their complaints, concerns, suggestions and questions regarding the Barony or the peoples whom reside within. Issues to be addressed, among those presented by attending constituents; I. The threat of Necromancer Cults in the immediate area. II. The expansion of Kaphro to accommodate the increasing population. III. The defensive capability of Kaphro and of it's militia/guard force. IIII. The potential establishment of a refugee camp for victims of the war. V. The potential establishment of a system of taxation. VI. Establishment of a trade caravan route. Additionally, Lord Damien Basileus personally requests the presence of representatives from both the Imperial Army and the Court of Prince Boris Carrion to attend, in hopes ascertain their advice (or perhaps aid) regarding the above-stated items.

House Basileus formally recognizes the above designated reformations to the Church of the True Faith and acknowledges Peter Chivay as it's sovereign. ~ Lord Damien Basileus

Damien Basileus, Lord of Kaphro, clasps his hands behind his back as he finishes reading the lengthy document. "Then Darfey and his pigs will rot. For my father's name, for Franz and Wilfriche and all those who fell. I believe I should have a word or two with the Lucienists."

Lord Damien mutters something quietly. "Silly dwarves. If you don't want to fight, drop on your knees and beg for forgiveness."

((MC name: Torranes)) Name: Thedric Tunnelsmasher Candidates ---------------------------- Fimlin Grandaxe Vorstag Grandaxe X Jorik Grandaxe

MC Name: Torranes RP Name: Marcellus Basileus Candidate: Vsevold Godzimir

Lord Damien Basileus, his hands crossed behind his back, reads over the man's shoulder as the warrior posts his offer of employment. He smiles and steps back, speaking to him. "Ah, valdero, if you seek employment in the way of guarding nobility, I can offer you the coin for it. The orcish raids of late has out my town and my family at risk, and the aid of a seasoned combatant would be supremely appreciated. I am Damien of House Basileus, Lord of Kaphro. If you take interest, my friend, send me a letter or visit my holdings, just down the road from Hadrian's gate, the town with the wooden palisade in front of House Colin's fort." He offers a subtle nod to the man before turning to depart. ((My skype is happyshackles if you have interest.))

Lord Damien mutters to himself as he stands, realizing that Marcellus would never choose to fight for the imperial army after the events that had unfolded in the palace. He approaches the map on the wall in his study, crossing his arms. "Then I suppose it will have to be me."

"Bloody heresy." Marcellus mutters as he rips the poster down.

man nominates jojoma

Name: Ser Marcellus Basileus Race and Subrace: Human, Rhenyar Age: 34 Are you willing to die for both the Creator, and The Decterum: Yai. Are you a citizen of Oren: Yai. Military Experience(None Needed): Trained in combat as a field commander, participated in several battles in the name of the Empire, trained personally as a Kataphros, elite mage hunter. ~ OOC ~ MC Name: HappyShackles What is your Skype (If you don't have one, are you able to make one?): happyshackles Do you have TeamSpeak (Required for battles/events): Yes Will you be able to make this your main character: Yes

#freepugsy

To the Esteemed Emerald Company We of House Basileus are born on the basis of mercantalism and trade. As well as providing you with a plot of land within our trade-center of Kaphro (located on the road towards Kaldonia, a short walk to the Capital itself) we would be capable of providing you with protection /and/ workers as well as certain perks for providing the town with a no doubt considerable increase in our capacity to fulfill the desires of customers or residents of the town. Simply exit Hadrian's Wall via the main gate and head down the road, and you will come across the Trade Town's palisade just past the Colin's crude fort. Alternatively, the Emerald Company is welcome to inhabit House Basileus' manor within the noble district of Kaldonia. Thank you for your time, we hope to hear from you. ~ Ser Marcellus Basileus

Marcellus laughs alone at the gate to the Town, staring at the mounted heads of those whom have attempted to harm his charge. "Perhaps I should start inviting bandits, I grow bored."

"Gross misconduct. This man of the Church, a holy man, declared by a mundane authority to be a monster." Marcellus sighs, not intending to aid in any such hunt.

Marcellus grins, running his fingers slowly over his golden mask. "Theos megalus. I will deliver the Creator's retribution."

The Ancient Kataphros History The Conception Balthazar I of House Basileus, when the Great Plague first struck the islands of Rhen, realized the dire situation his people were in far before his subjects or even his advisors or friends. He ordered the creation of a small group of agents, who were at all times to wear masks, to investigate the plague. Those selected were the most skilled alchemists and doctors Balthazar I could find, and carried spears to stave off the infected, as well as wearing long leather cloaks to prevent being infected via contact. Balthazar began to realise that nothing his agents were doing was getting any closer to finding a solution to the plague. He instead decided, against the advice of his advisors, that the plague must be of magical origin. He assigned took his already trusted agents and gave them each ten of the best warriors that could be found, and told them to hunt down every single mage they could find. They were to interrogate until the mage would give no more, and if they refused to give any bit of information, they were to be killed. Needless to say, the plan failed. No mage divulged any information regarding any magical origin to the plague or any who may be related to one; and for their ignorance, many perished. Thousands of mages were killed in Balthazar’s hunt for the source. The Creation Balthazar, once settled in south-eastern Oren and sworn to Daniel I, began to take a closer look at his elite mage hunters. Since their departure from Rhen and their conquests in the mainland, the group he had since dubbed the Kataphros had grown in size and skill. They had come to adopt magic regulation throughout all the realm, keeping mages in check wherever they went, and killing those who lacked faith in the Creator. In this way, Balthazar assured Daniel of his conversion to the True Faith. In the coming years the Kataphros came to take on many roles, from bodyguard to horseman to commander to mage hunter. The most loyal and strongest of Rhenyar warriors, both in mind and body, were selected to join the Kataphros by the Archon himself. It became an aspiration for children, to one day have a mask of their own forged. Modern Times Organization Nowadays the Kataphros have deteriorated in number, but not at all in purpose. They are still trained just as hard, just as long, until the Grand Kataphros, the leader of the order, accepts them as capable of wearing the mask. Kataphros all wear masks of a different color, in order to distinguish them from each other. They are free to either remain with House Basileus and serve them directly, or live elsewhere while still maintaining their oaths to regulate heretic magic and slay those who defy the Creator. The Kataphros do not hold command over each other besides the Grand Kataphros’ authority over all others. There are only ever seven Kataphros at one time. Any race or gender may become Kataphros, but they must meet all the same requirements and excel in their training far beyond any human candidate. Becoming Kataphros In order to become Kataphros, one must approach a currently active Kataphros or the Grand Kataphros and request to be trained. No one will be rejected unless they are a heretic or previously proven to be dishonorable or weak. After some time in service to the designated Kataphros or House Basileus, they may be nominated to be trained in the ways of the Kataphros by any Kataphros or the Archon. From there their training begins, where they must master the hoplon, dory and xiphos. For their final test, they must find and execute a heretical mage, and bring the head to the Grand-Kataphros as an offering. After this, they may receive their oath. Violating one’s oath is grounds to be hunted as though they themselves were an apostate (heretic mage). One may also be stripped of their mask by the Archon or Grand Kataphros at any time. Those of the Mask Marcellus of the Golden Mask Markos of the Silver Mask Tormo of the Sun's Mask Kincaid of the Emerald Mask Icerit of the Frozen Mask

______The Kalofonosi_____ History Long ago, an ancient people known as the Kalofonosi made their home east of the Aegean continent in a confederation of island nations known as Kalofon. These island nations were each ruled by a patriarchal Clan, and while they had no single leader and no legal method by which the confederation was governed as a whole, the different Clans hardly quarrelled and maintained steady peace. However, in the year 457 a brutal plague struck the eastern isles of Kalofon, and the result was absolute panic. The nations began to war with each other, attempting to keep the other’s infected victims from reaching their own land. In the end, each and every island of Kalofon was infected to the point of being unsavable. Four of the nation’s patriarchs, called Archons, banded together and left Kalofon in a mass exodus to the west. The Kalofonosi landed in south-eastern Oren, only to find a Kingdom in disrepair. The northern lords of Oren warred with each other, laying waste to the countryside and undermining the King’s demand to cease the bloodshed. One of the Archons of Kalofon, Balthazar I of the Basileus Clan, subdued the other three Archons and led the mass of Kalofonosi into battle against the warring northerners, subduing Lord after Lord with his extremely well organized and disciplined army via a powerful blitz. Balthazar I then offered fealty to the King of Oren in exchange for land to thrive, and impressed with Balthazar’s skill in battle and grateful for his subjugation of the unruly northern lords, agreed on the condition that he convert to the One True Faith. Balthazar I agreed, but his fellow Archons disagreed, believing the Kalofonosi’s worship of their moon-god imperative to their future survival. Balthazar called the northern lords banner’s and along with aid from the King of Oren, he defeated the other three Archons, solidifying the Kalofonosi conversion to the True Faith. Trades Many Kalofonosi make their living sailing in one way or another. Kalofonosi lifestyle is based around the water. Seafaring is in their blood, be it either in battle, trade, or cruise. Regardless of their trade, however, all Kalofonosi are merchants in their own right. Their mercantile skills are said to be some of the best. Merchant/Banker - Many Kalofonosi whom have made enough money buy their own trading vessel and become merchants, growing their wealth by trading from city to city and often times using their wealth to open banks. Artist - One who creates Kalofonosi art; primary grand sculptures crafted of marble, but including paintings, music, literature, and the like. Artisan - Anyone from a cobbler to a blacksmith; all of those who toil with their hands to create products for sale or trade. Grape grower - Kalofonosi are acclaimed for their beautiful and massive vineyards, from where they produce their famous wines. Olive grower - Olives are the primary crop of the Kalofonosi. Fisherman - Those who take to fishing, as their ancestry calls them to for the bounty of the sea. Fishing is a way of life to many Kalofonosi, ancient Kalofonosi having developed net fishing centuries ago, seafood being their primary source of food. Indentured Servant - If a Kalofonosi can not repay a debt or survive otherwise, they can subject themselves to servitude in order to pay off the debt, or for the sake of having a place to live and eat. It is illegal to abuse an indentured servant, but they may not leave one’s service until their contract is up. It should be known that Kalofonosi status is largely based off of wealth, unless one is a direct member of the Archon’s house or another noble house. Merchants are held in the highest regard for their amassed wealth, their rationality and practicality believed to be proven by their ability to accumulate wealth. A Kalofonosi who does not know how to trade, or does not actively work towards accumulating wealth, may become poor, and a poor Kalofonosi is a failure to their people. Military Ranking The military in service to the Archon of the Kalofonosi is called the Balvais. They follow a strict ranking structure. Grand-Kataphros - Primary advisor to the Archon on military matters, as well as the sovereign commander over the Balvais. Answers only to the Archon. Kataphros - Elite soldiers, masters of heavy-armored horseback and the spear. They serve as bodyguards, mage hunters, and when necessary, field commanders. Varyspodi - Sergeant of the Balvais; runs drills and commands squadrons. Fospodi - One who has distinguished themselves greatly among the ranks of the Balvais. Neospodi - An initiated member of the Balvais. Chamis - An uninitiated member of the Balvais. Equipment Dory (Spear) The Dory (often mispronounced as “Doru”) is the primary weapon used by not only the Kataphros, but all Kalofon infantry forces. It is a spear carved of either carnel or ash, and is about three metres in length (ten feet) and weighs about 1 to 2 kilograms. Its handle has a diameter of 5 centimetres, making the weapon easy to hold. The flat-leaf shaped spearhead (referred to as the “Sauroter”) is composed of iron, though its weight is counterbalanced by a bronze-butt spike. Xiphos (Sword) The Xiphos is the traditional Kalofon shortsword used by all infantrymen, especially those not equipped with a dory. The blade is used only once a soldier's dory becomes damaged or impractical, such as within the small confines of a building or otherwise in close quarters combat. Hoplon (Shield) The hoplon is an extreme important aspect of a Kalofon soldier’s equipment. The phalanx, an oftentimes used and very effective formation, depends on the combined use of both the hoplon and the dory. The hoplon oftentimes has a notch in the side fit perfectly for a dory to cradle in. This allows the soldier to increase his accuracy with spear-thrusts when doing combat with other infantrymen, as well as keeping the dory steady while arranged in the phalanx or otherwise in a defensive position. Kalemo (Warhorn) The Kalemo is an ancient and traditional, yet still practical, aspect of Kalofon military tactic. Every officer is expected to have a Kalemo at the ready at all times, but it is not uncommon for enlisted men to have a Kalemo. Traditionally, one horn blow means ‘Immediate Danger on Location’, two means ‘Retreat,’ and three horn blows means ‘Rally on Location.’ ’ Culture Language There are certain phrases and titles to be used when in the presence of others loyal to the Kalofonosi people and the Kalofonosi’s patron, House Basileus. These are derivative of the Kalofonosi’s ancient language, Kalofon. Certain phrases include the following; Theos megalus - God is Great Theos thelei - God wills it. Yai - Yes Nai - No Geia - Hail Deia - Goodbye Veldaro - Traveler Archon - Lord/Liege Kardia - Spouse/lover/love Adelo/Adela - Brother/sister Mitera/Pitero - Mother/father Thanat - Generic curseword Very good - Poly lakos Very bad - Poly kakos You - Eseis Me - Muo In addition to these foreign phrases and language, the Kalofonosi also use a form of laconic wit when addressing their enemies or rivals. Oftentimes a rival would send a Kalofonosi a long letter with a variety of large words and threats, to which the Kalofonosi will respond in a simply worded sentence or even one word. The idea of laconic wit is based around the philosophy that words are wind, and action is far more meaningful. A famous representation of the use of laconic wit was used by Stefanos the Younger, replying to the well-worded and melodramatic letter from an invading force of Hansetians during the 1200’s. The Hansetians had declared that if they bring their forces to invade the Kalofonosi, the entire culture and people would be exterminated. Stefanos and the Kalofonosi sent a simple one word reply to the Hansetians: “If”. Traditions The Festival of the Crescent Moon On the first day of Malin’s Welcome, the Festival of the Crescent Moon begins. The Festival is a method by which the Kalofonosi praise the Creator, praying for both fare seas and a good harvest. It has evolved, however, to include both a tournament and an effigy-burning. The festival is divided into three sections; The Tourney - A series of competitions including archery, jousting, boat-racing, and the melee. The victors are given prizes in minas. The Pyre - An effigy representing a time-appropriate enemy of the Empire or the Kalofonosi is set ablaze, to symbolize the future destruction to be brought to those who threaten the sanctity of the Kalofonosi. The Sermon - A priest delivers a sermon, in which he directs the attendants to pray for fare seas and a good harvest for the year to come. Honor Duels (Timi Monomach) When offended by another to great extremes, Kalofonosi are expected to challenge the offender to an honor duel, or ‘Timi Monomach’, involving single combat with any weapons of the participants choice. Regardless of the victor, Kalofonosi are expected to forgive his foe after the duel is ended. Even on the chance it ends in the Kalofonosi’s death, it is believed that when they ascend to the Seven Skies they do so while offering their forgiveness to the offender. Military Service All male Kalofonosi are required to enter military service at the age of twenty, and begin their training. They serve in the military until the age of twenty-five, when they are free to leave or continue their military career as a volunteer soldier. A Kalofonosi’s military service is an important part of their life as servant of the Archon, and there are ceremonies involved in one’s initiation and discharge. Initiation - When a Kalofonosi finishes his training after his first year of service, he is initiated into the Balvais. Discharge - When a Kalofonosi has finished his five years of required military service, he recieves his spear and shield in a ceremony performed by the Archon. Virtues Kalofonosi tradition is very intense, and those who fail to follow the virtues drilled into every Kalofonosi child’s mind, as per the teachings of Balthazar I, will not be greatly respected among their peers. Legacy (Synges) - The pinnacle of all Kalofonosi values, and the one from which they are based upon. A Kalofonosi’s legacy is what he leaves behind in death when ascending to the Seven Skies. Maintaining a respectable legacy is extremely important to Kalofonosi. Sense (Logis) - Kalofonosi are very practical when dealing with conflicts; their primary goal is survival. Honor (Ethos) - Kalofonosi are expected to uphold the honor of their family, lovers, lords, and friends to the best of their ability. Loyalty (Lykon) - Kalofonosi are expected to be extremely loyal to their liege or assigned commanders. Betrayal and treason are unacceptable. Ambition (Archus) - Kalofonosi are expected to do their absolute best to advance the name of their family in both power, influence and legacy. Patience (Patho) - Kalofonosi are expected to have saint-like patience. They prefer diplomacy to the blade, and are difficult to enrage for the most part.