Chaqery

Hey guys. Dealing with some (hopefully not serious) family health issues. Sneaky will be serving as a moderator alongside me. With this many applications, look to see an expansion upon the solar system.

Keep the game going strong! I'm still writing my posts on my phone in the interim, but look to see them begin to pop up on the thread upon my return.

I'm glad this game has so much interest. When it eventually draws to a close perhaps we'll start others.

Anyways, have fun with it, be creative, but try and maintain a mature and fair mindset. I know everyone wants to "win", but remember that if your faction gets eliminated, after a two day cool down period you may apply again with a different faction, or in some very rare cases another group from the same. -And what is "winning" anyways? Conquest? Diplomatic take over? Or is it just survival? Some things to think about.

I'll see you all when I return.

Game has started! Splitchris, Bucky, Temp I'll get to you guys tomorrow.

Changes authorized for both Sneaky and Shadowo.

No more changes may be made to initial force size now that the game has begun. Look to see a reinforcement application pop up over the next few days as loss counts start rolling in.

Good luck guys!

Prologue: A Universe at War

Peace. It is a fleeting notion that strikes the minds of intellectuals upon occasion. As mankind, and others, took to the stars it became very apparent that peace was nothing more than a dream. Across the universe blood was being spilled by the ton in the name of some sovereignty or religion.

-But that is hardly our concern. No, our story is focused around the small solar system labelled XF-41212. As fate would have it, events were about to unfold that would pit some of the universe's most powerful factions against one another.

These are their stories.


Chapter I - Heavy Clouds
 

An introduction to L'Empire des Étoiles

The political structure of Earth by the year 2080 had nearly reached a breaking point. Across the globe, the world’s powers were enthralled in conflict with one another. The Japanese Technocracy was sweeping across Asia as the French Republic settled into war with the 4th Reich. Privatization in the military industrial complex brought with it billions of dollars spent on research and development in an eternal arms race on the hunt for the holy grail of weaponry. Assault rifles firing .30 calibre rounds as if they were nothing, grenades filled with irradiated metal shards, mech suits capable of killing entire towns, and of course, the bombs... always the bombs. At the peak of this technological advance, man drove himself into the past. World-War III found itself fought in precisely the same manner as the first, and across Earth the fields ran with irradiated blood. The end was surely nigh.

Of course, those are all just stories out of the history books. Every child in the Neoterre Cluster could tell you how it ended. The great nations of “Earth” fled to the stars, taking with them critical advancements in terraforming. France, the United Kingdoms, the United States, Russia, China, Germany, and Japan all scattered across the stars, never to hear of each other again. That was over 800 years ago, or at least by French calculation. What the French had done, unbeknownst to them, was take a wormhole not to some other corner of the galaxy, but to a rift in time itself. What was Ancient history by the reckoning of many Empire historians was in fact merely a century in the span of our own universe.

But to them, this was a year embroiled in the Great Wars, a massive civil war between Revolutionaries and Imperialists, just as the past 300 years had been, and just as the foreseeable future would always be. To the everyday citizen it mattered little. The wars were fought over the border systems, smaller clusters of star systems that formed the no-mans land between each of the two powers vying for control of the people, and whose allegiance shifted every few years as new military forces came to occupy them in a revolving door of regime changes and violent bloodshed.

Back in the home systems, entire planets dedicated to industrial quotas shipped loads of weaponry and equipment through their chemically blotted skies to the training facility moons in orbit of the massive military planets. Orbital drydocks spent decades crafting capital ships capable of bearing the entire population of any one of these moons to the forefront of battle, where they would be permanently stationed until their inevitable destruction. It was a custom, a tradition even. Soldiers were born to die, ships to be destroyed, and war to be eternally waged.

In their efforts to quell the Revolutionary forces, that a nearly mad astrophysicist by the name of Jean-Pierre Luminet discovered a means to create wormholes on a whim to theoretically transport Imperial fleets directly into the home systems of the Revolutionaries. Where they will actually end up? Well... you'll find out soon enough.

...

RNS Richelieu
Faster Than Light Transit
Unknown System
72 Hours until launch…

The 180th fleet of La Marine Royale, flagshipped by the RNS Richelieu, a Leviathan-class Titan, and under the command of Admiral Jean-Jacques Mortiet, le Duc de Nouveau Bretagne, sped its way through towards their wormhole's coordinates in formation with the rest of the fleet. The military strategists back at LMR Command on planet Nouveau Normandie (the Imperial Military's Headquarters Planet) maintained their comms link constantly to monitor the status of their assault fleet. Officially named “L’Offensive d’Ombre”, or the Shadow Offensive, Admiral Mortiet was assigned the duty of testing Monsieur Luminet's wormhole theory in a crippling blow upon the Revolutionary home systems.

In the command room of the bridge, a large holo-table flickered with the images of the hopeful end-point of their FTL journey. Scouting data was being downloaded from Nouveau Normandie as the planets popped into existence, detailing planetary defense force strength and the likely patrol routes of any defensive fleets. In pure French, the language of the nobility, top brass from back in the home systems were offering their own strategic advice. Nothing interesting, just self-important commanders thinking their minds are the very fabric of war strategy.

With a rather unmistakable look of boredom, Admiral Mortiet shifts his gaze from the holo-table to his nearby aid, “Lieutenant Zalé, send word to the rest of the fleet. I would like hourly updates on the preparation status of all invasion forces. As soon as we exit F-T-L transit I want all scanners up and running. We’ll evaluate our strategy from there.”

“Oui Monsiegneur!” Lieutenant Zalé blurts out as he scurries off to the main comms hub.

Summary
-Empire des Étoiles fleet 180 is en route to the star system, whether they know it or not. They will arrive after several turns.
-Given their distance from the system, they would not yet be discoverable on scans. Nor can they scan the system themselves.

((I am aware that the following roster might seem overwhelming. Take into account that the Empire relies on largely kinetic damage type weaponry. This means that the force behind the round is what depletes shield energy. This is considerably less effective at taking down ship shielding than laser or plasma weaponry would theoretically be. To compensate the French send massive amounts of ordnance down range at their foes. They have themselves adapted very advanced shielding technology, but their arrogance in their shielding has lead to a downturn in armoring in Empire vessels. If you can manage to get through the shielding the massive fleet is a lot more penetrable than it may originally seem.))

180th Fleet force size:

RNS Richileu (Flag ship) - “Leviathan” class Titan
Armament:
-One EMP smartbomb launching bay
-6 “Citadel” class Capital Ship Torpedo bays
-1 “Oblivion” class planetary bombardment array

2 “Wyvern” class Super Carriers
Armament:
-2 425mm dual-mounted railgun batteries
-4 150mm anti-fighter “flak” howitzers
-Bays capable of launching up to 100 in-atmosphere or space born fighter/bomber craft.

4 Battlecruisers (2 “Drake” class/2 “Naga” class)
“Drake” armament:
-12 “Helios” class heavy missile launcher bays

“Naga” armament
-16 350mm dual-mounted railgun batteries.

3 “Corax” class destroyers
Armament:
-2 “Chimera” class missile launcher bays
-2 150mm dual-mounted railgun batteries

918th Imperial Army
-1 Command Battalion (~1,000 staff)
-10 Basic Infantry Divisions (~100,000 men total)

-3 Mech Battalions (~3,000 men total)

-4 Heavy Armor Companys (~800 men, ~130 tanks)

-1 Special Operator Brigade (~5,000 Men)

Let the game begin!

Updated the OP with a guide to ship roles and sizes. Additionally specified the starting locations more.

Game starts tomorrow. Expect and opening post and then free rein for whomever desires to post first.

Draeris and Stephensj accepted. Adding to current factions list.

Yes Splitchris. There are relevant questions to such in the application.

Sneaky accepted as well. For the greater good.

Oh dear. I thought I'd accepted yours. Yes, yours is accepted. Yours as well Pok.

-snip-

 

PENDING. Shoot me a PM about force size. I would normally be fine with it but it seems like everybody else has scaled down their starting forces considerably. Plus Orcs are some murder machines. If it would take a few chapters of Space Marines to stop the force you've got here, I'm guessing nobody else is going to have a prayer right now. Look at scaling it down some. Remember you can call in reinforcements via a reinforcement application I'll put up as things move along.

 

-snip-

 

ACCEPTED for both faction and moon control.

 

-snip-

 

ACCEPTED for both faction and planetary control. I would lightly suggest increasing your starting forces though. Shoot me a PM if you decide to do so. 

 

-snip-

ACCEPTED. You may want to consider starting in orbit around one of the planets.

With these starting applications, I'm setting the game start date as this coming Monday. Look for updates in this thread including a star map, etc.

If you're considering it, just apply! It'll be fun I promise.

Hellfire and Brimstone

A forum rp by Chaqery

 
Before you read anything else, take note: The game hasn't started yet. This is the place where you read about the idea, and apply. Once we get some initial applications, the game will start. Hope you enjoy :)

The following forum RP is a tradition passed on to my from my very first roleplay community: Harmony Roleplay, a Garry's Mod HL2RP community about 8 years ago. Simply titled "Hellfire and Brimstone", the concept was easy and fun. Players assume control of a science-fiction race and then  in a turn-based method, struggle for control through diplomacy or warfare over a small solar system. It was carried with the general population of HRP for about 3 years as we travelled about. Garry’s Mod servers are typically much more short lived… it’s because there are so many. Lots of competition. When we all split up the game stopped. And I thought it would be fun to bring it here to LoTC.
 
I've witnessed Warhammer Space Marines fight Star Wars Jedi. Halo ODST fight a totally original sci-fi interpretation of the Soviet Union. Killzone Helghast soldiers assault a Mass Effect Quarian colony. EVE Online fleets hunting Mass Effect Reapers. It turns into this giant web of factions that blend together to create some pretty interesting alliances and confrontation. The most important aspect though is that it requires a relative fairness aspect from everyone playing. Hellfire and Brimstone requires maturity, and the realization that even if you pick a faction as awe-inspiring as say the Reapers or something else, you MUST concede losses in realistic situations. To help control that, I will be moderating in instances where it seems like intervention is required. Just be cool. Let your units take losses. There will be opportunities for reinforcements later on.

Current Factions (And starting situation):



L'Empire des Étoiles (Fleet)
The Breesha (Fleet)
Protorian Council (Fleet)
The Vasari (Moon Vann'gegna: In distant orbit of Planet Bogdana)
The Technocracy of Japan (Planet Bushido)
The Empire of Samarkan (Fleet)
Remnants of the Tau Empire (Fleet)
The Fourth Reich (Moon Hoffen: In orbit of Unknown Planet)
Orks (Fleet)
The Cerberus Federation (Planet Bogdana)

Background:
Small solar system:
3 planets - two moons. (This seems alarming I know, but you are free to assume your civilization is space-capable in order to transfer between planets over the course of two turns. One to start your journey, and one to arrive. After all, unless knocked out, we will assume that planetary defenses will see you coming. Hard to miss a huge planetary assault ship in orbit.)

Players may select any sci-fi faction in existence, from any game, book or otherwise. They are also highly encouraged to create their own.

Players applying prior to game start are encouraged to apply for one of the planets. If you do not receive the planet though, your faction may still be accepted. Have a back up plan.


 
RULES:
 
For the most part, anything goes. Powergaming is of course possible in any roleplay medium and is a massive NO in this forum rp.
 
Additionally,  any faction, so long as they're sci-fi is fair game. It's also highly recommended that you make up your own faction! We're a community of creative people. I feel sure some of you can create some awesome stuff. Have at it.
 
As a general rule of thumb, this is a turn-based situation... as I'm sure those of you familiar with forum rp are more than accustomed to.

Ships and their Roles 

Carrier - Provide air cover through the carrier's fighter wing, with a secondary role as a flagship of a fleet or task force. At least half of the space on board a carrier is dedicated to maintaining the flight wing.

Battleship - Serve as an artillery platform against surface installations, space stations, and other larger vessels (cruisers, battleships, and carriers). Also has a secondary role, alongside the dedicated carrier, as the flagship of a fleet or task force. Most of the free space inside the battleship is dedicated to ammunition for the weapons.

Cruiser - Serve as an escort for the larger carriers and battleships; act as flagships for the smaller task forces; and provide strike capability against other ships and space stations through its guns and missiles.

Strike Carrier - Provide air cover through the carrier's flight wing; serve as an escort for the larger carriers and battleships; act as a flagship for smaller task forces; and provide strike capability against other ships and space stations through its guns, missiles, and fighters. Roughly one third of the ship is dedicated to the flight wing, another third to the weapons systems.

Escort Carrier - Provide air cover for battleships, cruisers and bulk freighters through the carrier's flight wing. Two thirds of the escort carrier's space is used to support the flight wing.

Destroyer - Serve as an escort for the cruisers and strike carriers; act as point defense around carriers, battleships, space stations, and bulk freighters; and provide additional firepower against other ships.

Marine Transport - Serve as a home base for marine contingents, housing the marines, their equipment, their dropships, and their assault shuttles. Analogous to today's Amphibious Landing Ships. Many Marine Transports are converted Strike Carriers or Escort Carriers, others are designed with the intent of being Marine Transports.

Frigate - Serve as an escort for the cruisers, strike carriers, and destroyers; and provide point defense around all larger ships.

Patrol Boat - Provide in-system patrols for space stations, carriers, and strike carriers; provide an additional layer of point-defense for cruisers and larger; and escort for freighters. Almost never FTL-capable, and often deployed in squadrons. FTL-capable patrol boats are often called Corvettes, although that classification is also reserved for any ship that falls between the Frigate and Patrol Boat in size and purpose.

Racker - Transport fighters into a combat zone and release them; provide rearming for fighters under combat conditions, especially when a larger mothership is not feasable.

Assault Shuttle - Provide marines with the means for conducting boarding parties during both the insertion and extraction phases; and protecting the marines while en route to their target.

Dropship - Provide infantry, mechanized infantry, and armored forces with the means to make insertions and extractions into and out of planetary combat zones. Analogous to today's Amphibious Landing Craft.

Interceptors - Provide fast, long-range air cover in order to stop approaching enemy fighters and bombers as fast as possible.

Superiority Fighters - Elimination of enemy air cover; and provide escort for the bombers, dropships, and assault shuttles.

Attack Fighters - Elimination of enemy frigates, destroyers, and cargo craft; and eliminate weapon emplacements on enemy carriers, cruisers, strike carriers, battleships, and space stations.

Multi-Role Fighters - Elimination of enemy air cover, frigates, destroyers, and cargo craft; elimination of weapon emplacements on enemy carriers, cruisers, strike carriers, battleships, and space stations; and provide escort for the bombers, dropships, and assault shuttles.

Bombers - Elimination of enemy carriers, battleships, cruisers, strike carriers, bulk freighters, and space stations. Some bombers have been outfitted with grappling lines to provide Search and Rescue functions.

SWACS Craft - "SWACS" stands for Spaceborne Warning And Control Systems. Provide identification of friendly, hostile, and neutral craft prior to and during combat conditions; extend the effective range of fleet sensors; and to scout nearby systems. Some SWACS craft have been outfitted with grappling lines to provide Search and Rescue functions.

Bulk Freighters - Transportation of goods from system to system, usually from space station to space station or station to ship, as very few bulk freighters can make planetary landings. A number of bulk freighters are actually passenger liners.

Light Freighters - Transportation of goods between planets, stations, ships, and systems. A number are capable of search and rescue, and are often used by pirates and smugglers as blockade runners, or by couriers, messenger services, and slavers.

Colony Ship - Provide transportation of families and personal items, as well as the necessary facilities, to generate a self-sufficient colony.

Colony Ship: Generation - Provide long-term living space for a colony planet; usually travels at sublight speeds. May take thousands of years to reach the colony planet. Generally completely self-sufficient.

Colony Ship: Sleeper - Provide cryogenic sleeping capsules for colonists while en route to a colony planet; depending on technology levels, can travel at sublight or very slow FTL speeds.

Tenders - Provide medical assistance; additional living space; additional cargo space, ammunition, or fuel; or any other additional non-combat function necessary.

Of course in the world of science fiction there are tons others. But this is a list of the basic ones. Remember if you invent a new one, be sure to describe it and it's role in extreme detail.

Some tips that I've found useful having seen Hellfire and Brimstone done before years ago. Keep in mind that most of them coincide with the guide and tips within the Forum RP section:
- I’ve seen from experience that often approaching your moves as though it’s centered around the decisions of one character, the commander, or sometimes a small cast of characters, like a command staff, often makes it seem more interesting

-Include an overview of what you just did in a follow up. Make it clear cut what you just did.


-Don’t be afraid to make up a faction! I’ve seen it done before and honestly they’re some of the coolest things I’ve seen.


- Diplomacy is a tricky thing. Sometimes it’s best done blatantly in your post (via sending a transmission or the like), and sometimes it’s best kept secret (PMs or the like), so that your enemies never see it coming.

-Don’t make a habit of crushing newcomers to the game. The beauty in it’s design is that people can join in with a fleet at any time and start doing whatever they wish. It’s no fun when you eliminate them off the bat.

-Players who are eliminated must take two IRL days to chill out (often people get pretty heated when they lose)before applying to re-enter the game. I’m more than willing to let them back in.
 
Application:
Faction (feel free to explain it in further detail if it’s an original idea, or a lesser known faction):
Does your faction control one of the planets or moons?:
If so, name it and tell us a bit about it. Terrain, climate, how densely settled it is, etc.:
Starting military forces (Be reasonable. Large is fine. Massive is a bit ridiculous. Note that you will be able to apply for reinforcements as things progress along.):
Be sure to explain your faction in relative detail in your opening post.

(( Not quite sure you can make that decision. It falls to Bangi.))

As the author of the linked Auvergnian culture thread, I would agree to Auvergnian being a Heartlander culture. While open land and fields for farming and horses are very typical, Auvergnians possess a generally bourgeois attitude.

 

-Like France, which has areas that are solely agricultural, while their overarching culture is more urban or town-based.

 

The tournament was still nearly a Saint's Week away and already the tourney grounds were filled with the hustle and bustle of tents being pitched and vendors plying their crafts. It was then, no surprise to hear the thunderous hoof-beats of a company of horsemen sauntering into the grounds. From the clanking of armored barding to the jingle of reins, the whip of flags and creak of plate armor, one thing became apparent. Les Gensdarmes had come to partake in the tournament.

 

 

As the column casually strode onwards, the head cavalier broke off from the group and tugged his anxious charger to a halt before the grounds organizer. With a creak, the horseman opened his visor.

 

"Nous allons gagner ce tournoi! Right men?!" he shouts, to which the entire column of Gensdarmes takes up their song.

 

 

http://youtu.be/heFkmvxZytY?t=1m26s

 

((The song below to the tune of the video just above.))

 

"We're bold!

We're pissed!

We'll see you in the lists!
Les Gensdarmes!
Les Gensdarmes!

Les hommes!

-De guerre! 

Qui viennent de Finistère!
Les Gensdarmes!

Les Gensdarmes!

 

-And we hail from Finistère! Oorah!"

 

As the song draws into a closing, the men begin to beat their lances against their shields and cheer. The thrill of a tournament is what Auvergnians lived for. The hot-blooded cavalrymen of the Exercitus Imperium were no different. Marcel would be sure of that.

((Edited accordingly))

 

With great commotion the Gendarmes prepare themselves for war. Clad in platemail, the men clank their way to the stables, where their equally as armored horses neigh and chew on their bits, anxious to be charging down the fields of war.

 

Marcel, for his part, does the same as the others, humming a tune as he goes.

 

Les Gensdarmes sont prêts pour la guerre.

 

((P.S.))

((Reserved))

A newly published book, and many copies of it, are distributed throughout the Imperium Tertius and beyond. It's content is as follows:

 

Auvernge: Les Peuple Noble

par

Jacques Lerain

Translated into common by

Marcel de Bretagne

 

 

Preface by the translator:

 

As the son of a sworn agent of the Emperor Godfrey I, the flight of Horen V, The Order of the White Rose, and much of the Imperial Privy council (and the subsequent deterioration of Imperial stature at the time) in what is now generally referred to as "The Exodus" meant that my family spent most of it's time locked and hidden away into the less publicly known locations of the realm. It was in one of these locations, the library wing of an old underground fortress, that I stumbled upon the following book. With wonder, I learned the inner workings of a culture that, being born into it, I presumed in my arrogance to fully understand. It was in the spirit of my own discovery that I set about to translate this work into common, that the Empire and indeed the rest of the world might know more of the Auvergnian people.

 

Furthermore, I hope that the spread of this knowledges might debase the rather absurd notion as of late that a certain noble house is the rightful leader of the Auvergnian people. Not only is this a self-centered and arrogant mindset, it would also imply that the existence of House Pascal, Brunswick, my own de Bretagne, or even the Bedevere family's existence means nothing. I believe we're all just as important... and likely more. May the translated pages ahead remind not only the Empire, but the rest of the realm what the Auvergnian people are truly made of.

Signed,

Marcel de Bretagne

 

Chapter I: Myths and Legends

 

Before I begin detailing the finer details and nuances of Auvergnian culture, I must take the time to explain briefly the core set of myths and legends inherent to the Auvergnian people. It is from these stories that much of their cultural inspiration is drawn, consciously or not.

 

I. Le Chanson de Baldwin

While not as dated as some other Auvergnian myths, this tale is easily considered the Epic of the Auvergnian people. Written in the "Chanson de Geste", dated Auvergnian for "song of heroic deeds" it details the saga of Baldwin, favored knight of the mythical King Lorant. I have merely summarized the work here, as an attempt to include it fully would only daunt the reader.

Baldwin is a brave, fierce and loyal knight of the King, responsible for the rearguard of the royal army. During the span of a long campaign against the Kingdom of Masile, the mythical enemies of King Lorant's ancient kingdom, Baldwin and his men-at-arms are ambushed by a vastly numerically superior Masilian force. In the face of such odds, Baldin and his forces charge into the enemy ranks. Despite their valiant efforts, Baldwin's men cannot possibly hope to defeat the Masilians. In his last moments, having been left for dead after taking multiple arrows to the chest, Baldwin prays to God that King Lorant might be warned of the impending army marching upon his rear flank. His prayer is answered in the form of a tiny fire fairy sent to him by above. As the legend goes, his last words before death were "Thank you", generally perceived as a thank you to King Lorant for allowing Baldwin to be his knight.

The fairy, Turpin, reaches Lorant with the news of Baldwin's death, sending the normally kind but stoic king into a deep lament. He turns his army back around, and crushes the Masilian forces with swift retribution, it is said with nearly one hundred personal kills in the battle. The Masilian General is captured, and spared for his noble blood. Though questioning, he reveals that Ganelon, Baldwin's jealous brother-in-law had told them of the location for the ambush and when Baldwin's men would likely be there. For his treachery, Ganelon is drawn and quartered by horses. Upon returning to his own lands, King Lorant promises Thierry, Baldwin's wife, that he shall protect and provide for her family in his own court.

To many Auvergnians, Lorant is seen as the patron of their culture. The characters and their respective actions in Le Chanson de Baldwin are seen as example of what all Auvergians should, and should-not aspire to be.

 

II. La Chute de Dana

Auvergnian culture did not just appear on day, fully formed. Auvergnians are proud of them ancestors, the tribal Gardaçons, a fierce people with a talent for metallurgy far exceeding what might be expected of their society. La Chute de Dana, one of the most ancient tales available, tells the story of how the Lundic Wars, the mythical Lundic Empire's invasion of the Gardac homeland of Langardalaire, began.

The story tells that a massive Lundic host, lead by Marcus Denitus, lands on the coast of Langardalaire and is discovered by scouts from the tribe of Dana. The tribe rallies every male capable to cut the Lundics down before they can finish offloading from their ships, in a valiant defense of their home. In the following melee, all of the Gardac warrior save the young Pentarix are killed. Waking up (after having been knocked unconscious in the fighting), the young man stumbles back to his village, finding only smouldering ruins and charred remains.

Given the title, "The Last Chief of Dana", Pentarix goes on to use his first hand experience fighting the Lundic armies to unite all of Langardalaire in a defense. While ultimately the Lundics are victorious, Pentarix is hailed as a legendary hero to Auvergnians.

 

Chapter II: Values and Traits

 

I. Etiquette and its Implications

 

A functional knowledge of the Auvergnian people cannot possibly be achieved without understanding the very real weight that their concept of etiquette contributes.

 

In the briefest terms possible, Auvergnian etiquette demands that every social interaction be polite and hospitable. Intentional giving of offense and generally crude mannerisms are highly frowned upon. Hosts are expected to be generous, guests to be respectful, and those of lower social status are to be treated with the attention and respect an equal might receive. Negative emotions like anger and sadness are reserved for the confines of privacy, while positive emotions like love, happiness, and humor are openly expressed. In essence, Auvergnians are always cordial.

 

II. Nobless Oblige

 

Literally meaning "Nobility Obliges", Nobless Oblige is a core belief structure to all Auvergnians, nobility especially. It is a system built around what is considered the sacred relationship between liege and vassal. Lords are expected to provide their vassals with protection, fair and just leadership, and ample opportunity to better their own reputation and prestige. In turn, vassals are expected to be unquestioningly loyal, to represent their liege well in affairs of the realm, and to provide ample soldiers to the realm's causes. The fulfillment of these responsibilities from both liege and vassal are considered only proper to Auvergnians, anything less is unacceptable.

 

Furthermore, Nobless Oblige serves as an idea that nobility or gentry of any status must strive to behave in a manner becoming of their station. Qualities like intelligence, courage, charity and at the forefront honor are valued, where qualities like belligerence, cowardice, greed, and cruelty are enough to discredit the worthiness of a noble. In essence, nobility are expected to act exactly that - noble.

 

III. General Traits

 

- Magic Tolerance: Contrary to the general sentiment of fear of hostility towards the magics, most Auvergnians hold no ill will. Magic is not innately evil, else God would not have allowed it to exist. Magic users who use their abilities to positively contribute to society are welcomed with open arms. Dark Magics, and immoral magic users are met with the same hostility that they could expect elsewhere.

 

- Romanticism: Love, being a positive emotion, is openly expressed in Auvergnian culture. Auvergnians are known as fervent suitors, lovers, and spouses. A fire burns in their hearts.

 

- Passion: The aforementioned fire of passion that burns in Auvergnian hearts blazes for far more than just lovers. Their passion can just as easily lead them to be fiery warrior, zealous believers, or ambitious courtiers. It was in an effort to control at least the outward expression of these passions that the strict codes of Etiquette were adopted.

 

- Family Orientation: Auvergnians place special value upon family and the relationships therein. Parents raise their children in a loving, mentorship role. Children grow up to realize themselves and their action representations of their family and parents. Siblings share a close bond. Betrayal of a family member is second only to the betrayal of a liege lord in term of putting a black stain upon an individual's honor.

 

- Honorable: The very foundation upon which Auvergnian society is built is honor. Your word is your best and only credit, and through living up to your oaths and promises you can further your reputation. Decency of character and know what's right are musts. Auvergnians pride themselves on being honorable. A loss of honor is enough to ruin an individual's life, and insulting someone's honor is a very quick way to make very fiery Auvergnian enemies.

 

- Cultural Affinity: Auvergnians, due to their relatively small population, are generally inclined to like one another. Their shared culture and heritage, not to mention the politeness exchanged when both parties are accustomed to etiquette, typically leads to fantastic relations between Auvergnians, and between Auvergnians and those of similar cultures.

 

- L'Esprit Gardac: Named after the mythical ancestors of the Auvergnians, the "Gardac Spirit" is the term used to describe the very uniquely Auvergnian sense of humor. High-brow satire, playful mockery, and oftentimes hinting at crude or lewd behavior combine to create what can only be described as "L'Esprit Gardac"

 

- Horse Culture: While Auvergnians are by no means Nomadic people, horses do play a crucial role in defining who they are. In war, Auvegnian heavy cavalry is renowned throughout the Empire as a symbol of Auvergnian power. Auvergnian horses are bred for strength over speed or maneuverability, so that they can both pull heavy plows or bear heavily armored men into battle. Auvergnian children are told that thunder is the hoof beats of God unleashing the heroes of Auvergne upon his enemies, and that lightning is the spark of metal as their lances make contact with Iblees' front lines.

 

IV. Cuisine

 

While the typical notion of Auvergnian cuisine brings to mind oddities like snails or the like, the truth is rather different. Auvergnian foods are taken from whatever is at hand locally and prepared in manners that bring out rich flavors. Hearty breads, meats of all kind, and whatever vegetables grow best locally blend to create meals that are tasteful and filling. It is only in ceremonial occasions that the exotic and odd cuisine makes an appearance.

 

((WIP))

OOC

MCName: Zarichen

Skype: level5squirtle

RP

Name: Rek

Are you of Auvergnian heritage: No

Experience: Sellsword a majority of his life

ACCEPTED.

Aengoth's is ACCEPTED as well. Welcome aboard.

(( I'm not sure whether to be proud of the fact that my men are heroes for this....

 

... or worried that these kinda events /actually/ happen late at night.))

((Yes, in fact it does. Uniform added. Many thanks for the fantastic skins to Urara.))

I think my heart just melted from the nostalgia.

 

Rest in Peace White Rose. You were the heroes Asulon and Anthos needed, but not the ones they deserved.

[[There's a lot that can be done with this. More than you'd think really. I can't give away secrets because that ruins the purpose of trying to promote this as my own. Suffice to say it relies more on, yes, clever tactics than the traditional method of "let's charge them". But it's very much possible.]]

Les Gendarmes d’Auvergne

"Nec pluribus impar"

 

Upon the formation of House de Bretagne in the Imperium Tertius, Marcel II de Bretagne saw fit to establish a personal retinue of gendarmes (Auvergnian for Men-at-arms) both as a means of protecting his interests and to represent House de Bretagne in Orenian war efforts. Additionally,  Marcel felt that the creation of such a unit would assist in this aspirations to bring about a renaissance of Auvergnian culture under the banner of the powerful House de Bretagne.

 

Motto

 

The motto des Gendarmes d'Auvergne is "Nec Pluribus Impar", meaning “Not unequal to many”. It is an old Auvergnian motto passed down through generations, and though it’s meaning has never been made explicitly clear, it is generally taken to suggest that the actions and abilities of these few warriors are not unequal to the actions and abilities of many times their numbers.

 

Purpose

Les Gendarmes d'Auvergne exist in a dual function:

1.)  A personal defense force for House de Bretagne, trumpeting a sense of return of Auvergnian culture to the Empire at large. Due to House Bretagne’s role in the Imperial Court, Gensdarmes will serve as a peacekeeping force within the realm in times of peace, capable of rapidly deploying to maintain the Emperor’s Peace. They will never be used to forcefully advance the interests of House de Bretagne.

2.) A well-trained and effective heavy cavalry squadron for the Exercitus Imperium. All Gensdarmes are soldiers of the Empire first, and men of House de Bretagne second, if they so choose.

 

The achievement of these two objectives is paramount to House de Bretagne, who are aware of the small population that the Auvergnian people contribute to the empire, but still desire to make a lasting impact on the Orenian war effort.

 

Uniform

Equipment:

Plate Armor

Gensdarmes are equipped with the heaviest armor available, offering the greatest protection possible when plunging into enemy formations. Unlike heavy infantry, who are often forced to wear plate mail in order to retain maneuverability, fighting from a saddle allows for the employment of full plate.

Lance

This iconic weapon for mounted warriors earned it’s reputation through sheer lethality. In the hands of a trained cavalryman, it can spell disaster for an footsoldier. Though it takes rigorous training to master, the advantages are well worth it.

Broadsword

After a lance charge, these blades are drawn to enter the melée. Forged with the capability to both slash and stab with equal lethality, broadswords are a cavalryman’s best friend. Their hilts typically incorporate a hand guard in the hilt to further protect the wielder.

Auvergnian Charger

The tales of the ancient Auvergnian heroes of old always make mention to their equally as noble steeds. It's from this mentality that the Auvergnian people take pride in the calibre of their horses. Perhaps not as quick and maneuverable as other breeds, they are strong enough to be laden with armor and heraldry themselves while carrying a fully armored gendarme into the thick of battle with deadly force and still look graceful. Solid animals of war that don't bolt when the din of combat grows to a roar, and furthermore a symbol of Auvergnian military prowess.

 

Ranking Structure

The ranks of the Gensdarmes remains relatively unaltered, though addition have been made to reflect Imperial desire to reinstate knights as true heroes of the Empire. Under the supervision of the Commandant of Cavalry, knights and the sons of noblemen are turned into capable soldiers, leaders, and gentlemen of Oren.

Officers

Capitaine

 

La Capitaine des Gendarmes is the commanding officer of the House de Bretagne forces below the House Patron. Typically of gentry or lesser noble birth, he is responsible for ensuring the perpetual combat readiness of the scara. The Captain is meant to be a capable leader (preferably through example and not fear) and totally loyal to the House, and it is for these reasons that even a commoner may achieve this rank (though typically with an elevation to gentry as well) should they prove to be aptly worthy.

 

Garde du Corps

Les Gardes du Corps are the elite few of the Gendarmes deemed veteran enough to personally guard the de Bretagne famille. In a less civic role, they assist in mentoring the newest members of the squadron and in leading charges on the battlefield. Their battlefield experience makes them renown warriors and respected mentors/military advisors. They typically develop a very close relationship to the family members of the House and are often even considered as uncles or godparents to the children. There is no restriction on their birth status in order to become a Garde du Corps.

Knights

Paladin (Paladin (Name))

The most experience and capable knights in the realm are given the title “Paladin”. These men are martial experts, veterans of many battles from the seat of their charger or leading units of Imperial soldiers. Though technically junior officers of the Exercitus Imperium, Paladins have the greatest potential to be promoted to positions of senior command, or even the very rare chance to ascend to nobility all thanks to their proven loyalty, combat prowess, and leadership capability.

Knight-Brother (Brother (Name))

Through display of combat effectiveness and developed leadership, Brother-Knights are made. Though still on their quest to glory, these men are capable of being entrusted with leadership responsibilities within the Gensdarmes, Exercitus Imperium, and Imperial lands as a whole.

Knight (Ser (Name))

The backbone of the knightly ranks, these men were either born gentry or nobility or knighted by the Imperial Court for their proven dedication to the Empire. Leadership potential has also been displayed in their actions.

Gendarme

The standard rank of the squadron, these horsemen have passed through their training process and fully qualified to serve House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius alike. Deadly mounted shock troopers with noteworthy discipline, they seek to test their metal against enemies of the realm or threats to the family.

 

Escuier

Escuiers, the new (and typically) young members of the squadron are taken under the wing of a veteran in the Garde du Corps in order to learn a comfortable proficiency with the use/upkeep of heavy armor, mounted warfare, and typical Auvergnian traditions and way of life (unless of course they are of Auvergnian descent). They are not provided with their own horse yet, however, merely given the ability to practice with horses owned by the scara. When their mentor feels they are ready, they are presented with their own set of plate armor and horse, the staple of any Gendarme.

Code d'Éthique

An ethical code is not only paramount to Auvergnian society, it is critical of any successful military effort. La Code d’Éthique des Gendarme d’Auvergne is as follows:

• Fear God and maintain His Church

As soldiers of the faith through service to both the Empire and House de Bretagne, Gendarmes are expected to believe in the Creator and protect the Church, including men of the faith like priests and onwards.

• Serve House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius in valour and faith

Auvergnian blood has been spilt building the Empires of the past. As the military face of Auvergne in the Empire, Gendarmes are expected to be loyal and brave servants of House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius

• To protect the weak and defenceless

Without honor, Auvergnian’s are nothing. It is likely one of the most critical pieces of their culture. Defending the weak, innocent, and defenseless is a staple of any honorable sort of action.

• To refrain from the wanton giving of offence

In a realm where politics abound, one does wisely to think before speaking or acting. It is further an Auvergnian mannerism to be very sensitive to offending others.

• To live by honour and for glory

A relatively self-explanatory staple of the ethical code of the Gendarmes, this is easily the most important. Auvergnians are honorable gentleman and ladies. This translates into every aspect of their lives, even though they do not hesitate to do what is necessary in the fury of battle.

• To fight for the welfare of all

The blood of Auvergnians is one that flows with pride, honor, and the knowledge that one kingdom of men is not God’s will, but rather the unification of mankind into one glorious Empire.

• To obey those placed in authority

There is a time and place to question the decisions of those in power. That is never in public or in front of others. Peace and stability is kept through trying times by maintaining the allusion of control always.

• To guard the honour of fellow Gendarmes

In service to House de Bretagne and the Imperium Tertius, we are brothers all. Protect your brothers.

• To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit

Quality of character is just as important as quality of arms in Auvergnian culture. Despised are the unduly wicked or cruel.

• To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun

It is a point of honor to do what you say you will.

• To respect the honour of women

While Auvergnian men are certainly not foreign to the female anatomy, it is in no way condoned to treat any lady with anything but respect.

• Never to refuse a challenge from an equal

As men of the sword, it is only fitting that you potentially die by it to.

• Never to turn the back upon a foe

Auvergnians do not run. They do not surrender ((Unlike their futuristic predecessors)), and they will fight for what they believe until death.
 

Applications

Posters and flyers are placed up all over the Empire, telling of this newly founded scara for the Imperial military as well as service to House de Bretagne. Applicants are encouraged to contact The August Marcel de Bretagne (mcname: Chaqery) and seek an audience, as well as submitting the following in a letter (forum post):

OOC

MCName:

Skype:

RP

Name:

Are you of Auvergnian heritage:

Experience:

((That’s right, a heavy cavalry unit. It’s relatively new ground to cover, I know. If you feel up to the challenge, and are interested in immersing yourself into Auvergnian culture, feel free to submit an application. Non-Auvergnian members are more than welcome to apply as well.))

(( Edited quite a few things:

 

1.) CHANGED House Coat of Arms.

2.) ACCEPTED MrGreene as Gilles de Bretagne and MrGoldd as Sabine de Bretagne. Congratulations to you both! Other applicants look for me to contact you via skype.

3.)REMOVED Manon de Bretagne. Marcel is now an eligible bachelor due to interest conflicts.

4.)ADDED Pierre and Aimeé de Bretagne as cousins for the family. They may now be applied for.

 

My apologies for taking so long to make any decisions. I am not in the habit of easily accepting people, certainly not in a noble family that I am responsible for. In an effort to assure quality over quantity, applicants may expect a heavy amount of questioning prior to a decision being made.))

Throughout the Empire, letters are delivered to nobility and persons in positions of leadership. In addition to these, copies are tacked to the message boards in every major human settlement.

Mesdames et Messieurs, Esteemed Nobility of this Imperium Tertius, and those of every class below,

It is with a warm smile, proud heart, and feverish hands that I humbly submit to you this missive. Let it serve as the opening pages to the next, and greatest chapter that Humanity has ever witnessed.

Before I get much further though, I would introduce myself. I am Marcel II de Bretagne, Imperial Coercitor and Patron of House de Bretagne. It is with abundant honor and respect that I find myself risen up to nobility, and further still that I may wholeheartedly serve the Emperor and Imperial Court like my father before me. As per my ambitions, for I am sure the more driven of you are curious, I seek merely two achievements: Peace throughout the entirety of the realm, and a renaissance of the Auvergnian people and culture.

To touch on the first, as per my responsibility as Imperial Coercitor I am honorbound to enforce the Emperor's Peace through any means nessecary. Through the exercise of my legal authority to resolve disputes between noble houses alongside the ability of my enforcers to take matters of lower justice immediately into their hands, I will endeavor to make our glorious Empire a safer, more peaceful place. That will inevitably not be enough though, as we are a people forged from a history of war and interior turmoil. Therefore it is with an immense respect for the past that I call upon all people of the Empire to aid in bringing about my dream, not just because the Emperor asks it of you, but because it is imperative for the success and ascension of Humanity to power and glory never before witnessed. This places responsibility heavily upon the shoulders of Orenian leadership, be they esteemed members of the nobility or any other sort. I would remind you specifically that leadership is of the greatest gifts that the Creator may bestow upon us, and so we must use it as effectively as possible. I emplore you to seek my council prior to taking any sort of hostile action against your fellow men in retaliation to some offense given.

Secondly, I touch upon my ambition to see a renaissance of the Auvergnian people and culture. For too long has the future of our heritage rested upon the shoulders of a few that leave much to be desired. I make no attempt to disguise the fact that I endeavor to advance House de Bretagne's esteem within the realm so that I might better sponsor a restoration and nurturing of the Auvergne that my father told me stories of. I therefore call upon whatever may remain of the Auvergnian people within the realm and ask that they rally behind House de Bretagne and its cause for I believe us to be the greatest hope for our people. Let not the Empire forget the Auvergnian blood flowing through it's veins.

Let that information about me not detract from the truer aim of this missive, however. It is to serve as a welcome to the new age of men. This Imperium Tertius will not only restore the glory of the Second Empire under His Imperial Majesty Godfrey I Horen and then His Imperial Majesty Horen IV, but greatly surpass it. Greatness is only achieved through great sacrifice, and of course we shall all be called upon to sacrifice at one point or another. Celebrate such an opportunity! Heroes of old like St. Thomas, St. Siegmund, Uthor Silverblade or even the less publicly appreciated Mirtok DeNurem or August Blackmont were renowned as such because of their sacrifice to the Empire, and for their people. Take such adversity head on! Let us prove to any naysayers that Humanity is strong, Humanity is proud, and Humanity's Empire will be the greatest to ever exist.

Let us take for example, the recent victory against the dark menace that has plagued all races for too long. Thanks to soldiers and commanders from the Empire over, and our glorious Prince Robert Chivay, the Imperium Tertius conquered insurmountable odds. We will never forget this battle as we plunge ever onwards together, a unified humanity. Let it serve as a motto, uttered throughout the Empire. Remember always Hadrian's Wall! We cannot be defeated!

Make no mistake: there is a dark and dangerous road yet before us all. But with the Emperor as the moon and Oren's fearless leaders in every role as torchbearers, we shall all make it through to the glorious morning of the golden age of the Holy Orenian Empire.L'avenir n'est pas un long passé.

Signé,

The August, Imperial Coercitor, Marcel de Bretagne

((Apologies for not making it look prettier. Had to write on my phone.))