Vanir

Auction closed. Keep bought for 12,500 minas!

"Congratulations sir, you've just bought it. I shall send you a bird with where the meeting place will be. Unless anyone else has a last-minute bid to top it? You've got twenty elven minutes.

Posters are posted all across the lands of Oren and her allies. Each one contains the same message, and several beautiful sketches: Greetings, denizens of Oren and her allies! Today I am presenting you all with a fantastic opportunity: the chance to own your very own, highly impregnable, and not to mention well designed, Island Keep! Built by the fantastic Vanir architects, this Keep sits stoically on one of many islands in a nearby island chain, off the east coast of Athera! It's thick, rounded walls serve as a protection from the harsh waves of the open ocean, and help reflect any projectiles that may throw themselves towards your fortress. However, when first entering the Keep, one is greeted with an unexpected warmth: the main hall of the Keep contains enough seating to sit dozens of guests, or to feed your hungry soldiers. The large fortress contains plenty of rooms for storage, housing, for anything you could possibly hope for in a keep! To top it all off, the Keep has a roof large enough for siege equipment, or anything you could need. If you wish for such a magnificent structure to be yours, post a bid below any one of these notices! Bids will be checked regularly. Starting price is three thousand minas (3000), and any bids afterwards must be a minimum increase of five hundred minas. Bidding will end in four Saint's days. Immediate buyout for the Keep is twelve thousand five hundred minas! (12500). Final transactions will take place at a neutral location decided upon by both parties.

"Da, is good idea." Vasili says

Orcs are buffed enough as it is

((The Decterum was disbanded not long ago. House Vanir is a new Raevir house.

Joining Up Wish to serve House Vanir as one of our hardy men-at-arms? Or, perhaps you're a long-lost family member, wishing to regroup with your brothers and sist ers? Regardless of your reason to join up with the Sons of the Sea, letters can be sent to Erstavik II, in the settlement of Karovia! Letter Suggestions: ​Make sure to state your name (first name and surname if applicable), whether you are a family member or simply looking for employment. If looking for employment, include your past jobs, your skills, and why you think you would be hardy enough to be a Vanir Bannerman. OOC: "The Sea Bows to None!"

-=House Vanir=- Our Sigil: Sea-Serpent Our Colours: Black, Grey and Blue Our Words: Sons of the Sea or The Sea Bows to None! Our History A relatively unknown family, House Vanir is composed of human northerners who inhabit their isle fortress of Erstavik. Lead by the family patriarch, Vasili, House Vanir primarily functions as a merchant and military based group united under one family’s leadership. Defined by their own distinctive, isolated culture with roots in Raev, Vanirs and the men and women sworn under them seldom leave their lands for purposes other than raids or trade. Their aggressive culture and combat rituals both separate them from their neighbors, and define them as a people. Rising in prominence in recent years, House Vanir has begun expansion beyond their current lands, branching out into Athera’s seas and the land beyond. Their purpose, for now, seems unclear. Traditions Raiding: The most famous and well practiced of Vanir pastimes, the people are all but defined by their incredibly troublesome and stealthy raids. Often appearing out of thin air, Vanirs would pillage a village, church, fort or even city, taking captives as they sought and carrying off as much loot as they could physically carry. Plunder was not restricted to gold; highly sought after prizes included tools, seed, livestock, slaves and trophies. Vanirs have been known to spare the lives of those they raid should they be deemed honorable, often taking them as prisoners, or just maiming them, and allowing them to live on to share their story of attack. Vanirs do not see plunder as theft; it is an honorable deed done to win glory and wealth for oneself or family. Loot was often shared between members of the party, and cowardly-theft of another Vanir’s rightful plunder, at raid or home, is seen as the gravest of crimes, akin to murder. Hostage Taking: The Vanir’s are famous for taking their enemies captive, particularly during their famous “lightning raids” in which they would appear without warning. Men and women of the lower classes, at any age, were often taken as slaves to be used by the Vanirs personally or sold off. Nobility, Clergy, and at times even soldiers were often taken as captives, often spared from death if they fought honorably, or offered a potentially large ransom. Honor duels: A fairly hot headed people, many disputes between Vanirs were solved with personal duels. Ranging anywhere from a wrestling match and bloody fist fight to a full on trial by battle (exclusively permitted by the patriarch's word only), these duels were seen as fair ways to resolve problems. After losing a duel, a Vanir would admit his wrongdoing, and make up with the man he had just fought with, often growing the bond between them. Harboring resentment or ill will after a duel is severely frowned upon. Trophy belt: An important part of Vanir culture, the trophy belt was used to show off a raiders prestige and history of battle. After defeating a worthy opponent, a Vanir would take a trophy, perhaps a weapon, cloak, or valuable, and affix it to their belt. The Patriarch of the family and his captains often wear golden rings and chains on their person and belts as well, to distinguish themselves as leaders. Festivals: Harvest and Battle festivals were celebrated often by Vanirs, praising their deities for a good year, and wishing for luck in the next. These were known to be quite festive, with heavy drinking, dueling and swimming contest. Traders from around the world would be welcome at the island for a few days only, to sell their goods, purchase or ransom slaves/materials, or to hire the Vanirs as raiders against an enemy. Clothing Weapons and Armour Living on the coast or on islands is a major part of the Vanir’s culture, and thus so is fishing. The Vanirs rely heavily on fishing to not only feed themselves, but as trade and bargaining chips.The farming of traditional crops, such as potatoes, wheat and barley is done on the mainland near the isles, for a varied diet and the feeding of captured livestock. Another primary export of the Vanirs is a harsh brine, or sea salt, used heavily in their foods and in cuisine abroad. Contrary to the beliefs of those who may be their victims, the Vanirs are not full time raiders, instead often pursuing jobs as fisherman, lumberjacks, or farmers. Spending the planting and harvesting seasons at home tending to their lodgings and livelihoods, the Vanir often take to their ships come winter or other holiday seasons, pillaging the lands of their enemies and returning with glory and wealth. Historically lacking little access to materials such as iron and livestock, they began their raids as a simple means of gathering resources, although they have fast become one of the most notable aspects of Vanir culture. Young men, between the ages of 14 to 20, are often brought on their first raid to officially become a member of the House or her sworn raiders. Remembered mostly for their sudden arrivals and quick departures, House Vanir has earned the right to call themselves Sons of the Sea. Internal and External Relations Nations: Kingdom of Oren: Loyal Grand Kingdom of Urguan: War The Rexdom: Neutral The Kha: Neutral Wood Elfs: War High Elves: Friendly Houses/Groups: House Vladov: Friendly House Vydra: Loyal House de Savoie: Friendly House Stafyr: Neutral House Horen: Neutral House Montfort: Friendly Order of Saint Amyas: Friendly

A letter is delivered to each member of The Decterum. The same message would be posted around the settlements of humanity. It reads: The Final Decterum Notice I, Abner Rahl, Knight of Oren and Marshal of The Decterum, hereby announce the disbandment of all Decterum forces. Having been formed originally by Ailred Ruthern of House Ruthern, The Decterum has served as a bastion of strength and hope for Humanity, and has served House Carrion loyally for decades and decades, under the wise leadership of the Marshal and his council. We have fought tooth and nail, and spilt our own blood, so that House Carrion may flourish, and retake what was taken from it by our predecessors. My brothers and sisters, we have fought every threat to Carrion that has shown it's face: The Scourge, The Dwarves, The Orcs, the Lucienist scum: the list goes on. It has been an honour and a privilege to have fought side-by-side, with each and every one of you. But now, The Decterum has served it's purpose. I've come to know you all as if you were my children and my kin. It will break my heart to see you all part ways, but do not lose hope: this is a big world, and perhaps you may all unite again together, this time under a different lord's banner, and without me. Never forget the times we've had: the meals we've eaten together, the jokes we've shared, the times we've mourned over our fallen comrades: these are the things that I want you all to remember. Perhaps we may return, one day, but likely not under the same name or same banner. With that, I bid you all the best of luck. May you all live happy, prosperous lives. By Faith and Conquest. -Ser Abner Rahl, former Marshal of The Decterum

"Under reveiw. You will have an answer by the end of the month."

"Accepted. Welcome to The Decterum, convert. Report to the human capital of Petrus."

"Accepted. You have the honour of becoming the first Decterm Witcher, should you so wish. Report to Petrus for initiation."

Enactment of the Decterum Witcher On this day, as decreed by Marshal Abner Rahl, a new, specialized rank is to be inducted into The Decterum: the rank of Witcher. The rank of Witcher is given to those who specialize in the tracking and destruction of monsters and beasts that threaten the realm of Man. The Witcher is tasked with discovering and learning about the beasts and monsters that inhabit this realm, and is to find out said monsters' weakness and hunt it down, using his/her Decterum brothers and sisters to accomplish such a task. The Witcher is a rank equivalent to Hospitaller, in the way that both are ranks are for those who show a talent in their fields. The Witcher is to keep the Marshal up to date on the conditions of the realm regarding monsters, so they themselves must all be up-to-date. By Faith and Conquest, Long Live The Decterum!

Glory to The Decterum! Glory to Carrion! Thanks to the valiant effort of Decterum forces not two moons ago, the capital city of Petrus was occupied in the name of House Carrion, to remove the House of Chivay from power, allowing Carrion to reclaim it's rightful place as the ruling House of Oren. The city is teeming with Carrion forces, hundreds of Decterum soldiers among them. Those who were involved in to occupation of the city are commended for their service to The Decterum, and to their nation. May the new Carrion Empire bring glory to our nation, and bring Oren into a new golden age! By Faith and Conquest, Carry on Carrion!

One of us One of us One of us

"Accepted. Report to Petrus to initiation."

"Re-accepted. Welcome back to The Decterum!"

"Accepted! A map will be sent to you, showing the current location of The Decterum forces."

-News posters are hung around various villages and cities. It reads: - Glory to The Decterum! Long live the new ruler of Hanseti! By Faith and Conquest!

Nestled away in his small cabin in the empty town of Siegrad, Abner stood staring out at the ocean, a sad expression on his face. In his hands, he clutched a crimson bandana which showed signs of wear and tear. It had been a long time since he last wore it. His gaze finally lowered, until it rested on the bandana. He stared at it for a long moment, remembering his times in House Blackmont, alongside Han. "It's been so long since I last saw you, Han.." He said to the bandana, sighing. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there t' fight alongside you, one last time.." Gently folding the garment, Abner tucked it away, and made his way out of Siegrad and into the swamplands. "I won't ferget you, friend." ((was a good read man, gonna miss Han. RIP in peace))

Abner pauses mid sentence as the assembled Decterum before him drop down to one knee, the rustling sound of chainmail and plate filling the air. Frowning in confusion, the Marshal turns to look over his shoulder, only to spot a small crowd of Raevirs, with a lone man at it's head. Abner stared at the man for a moment, before his eyes widen in realization. A small grin formed on his face as he unsheathed his sword, and laid it on the ground at the young man's feet. "Welcome back, m'lord. Th' Decterum stands ready to serve."