erictafoya

Ser Ivan would hear the news of Ser Robin’s death shortly after he woke up in the clinic. Ser Ivan would remember the collapsing Knight Paramount before him. Ser Ivan lay in his bed in silence as the nurse walked away. He would be in great thought of how he had yet again failed to protect another brother in arms. Although it wasn’t his job, he had a feeling that he could have done more to protect everybody. He truly felt shame and guilt even when it wasn’t at fault. Although he wasn’t close with Ser Robin, he still felt the pain and sadness as he could have done more to protect his brother in arms...

Ser Ivan woke from a terrible dream as he layed in his bed in the clinic of Johnstown. What he saw was nothing less than a nightmare. Fire, ash, smoke and blood all over a familiar place that he had seen before. He had imagined losing something very valuable to him. No dream had ever affected the Knight as this one did. He had always had a few nightmares, but none that was to this magnitude. It felt too real for him. Suddenly, his eyes opened. As he looked to his right his one true brother, Bjornolf ,was there. He smiled and for a moment the memories of the nightmare halted. Ser Bjornolf and Ser Ivan had always been brothers. Even before the time that they were Knighted, they were always close. The two had spent over a decades time fighting alongside one another. In blood and battle, they were brothers. Even though Ser Ivan had two living brothers left, he didn’t have the same close bond with either of them combined compared to the one he had with Bjornolf. As Ivan opened his eyes, Bjornolf smiled down at him and said only this: “I’ll see you soon, Brother”. This brought a smile onto Ser Ivan’s face, though as he blinked his eyes, Bjornolf had vanished... As soon he did, the memories started to return to the wounded Knight. He had remembered of the Battle that had taken place. It was Fort Buck. The fire, ash and smoke was caused by him and the blood… The blood was not that of his enemies, no, it was that of his Brother. He remembered Bjornolf’s body being carried away and the tear streaked eyes in Ser Marcus. He didn’t want to believe it. In fact, during the battle he fought as if he didn’t lose a brother because he truly didn’t believe that Bjornolf had passed. When fighting Bralt the Boar, Ser Marcus yelled out saying “I will not lose another Knight today!”. These words were sounded out by the sounds of screaming, fire, and fighting. Soon after, Ser Ivan was dragged away by Lord Marshal Erwin Barclay. He could do nothing but watch as his friend, Ser Marcus, had fought Bralt the Boar. Luckily, both him and Ser Marcus had made it out alive. As soon as Ivan was brought to safety within the construction place of the Wick keep, he finally saw Bjornolf. It had seemed that the others had conflicted emotions of sadness, fear and anger. Ser Ivan could do nothing at this point. He was wounded horrifically and he was going to die if he didn’t get treatment. Ser Ivan was dragged by Erwin through the harsh and cold woods of the Northlands. Finally, they had escaped the Boar and his hunting party as they reached Johnstown. The battle was finally over… Ser Ivan had finally realized that his friend and his one true brother in this world was gone. He fell silent and his smile had vanished. No tears came from the wounded Knight, none at least. He had a lot to think about. He was escorted to Reza by Princess Alexandria and had soon returned to his home. As he entered, he saw his dog, Frost. The noise from the hound had caught the attention of his wife, who soon kissed Ivan. Though it was a moment of relief, Ser Ivan had the eyes of someone in mourning. After a few moments of silence on the couch, Ser Ivan finally spoke. He had told his wife that Ser Bjornolf had passed. The emotion from just saying his name made it clear that Ivan was heartbroken. Finally, after praying, he showed his tears. The sound of his cries would rival the time when he sobbed for his mother's death. However, this time he knew that he could have done something to prevent it. He knew that if he worked fast enough that perhaps he could have saved his friend. He knew this, and now that he had to live with the thought of what if. It was clear to his wife that Ser Ivan was now truly shattered, and it would not be easy to pull him out of this state… And so, the Knight had gone to sleep. Although, the battle of that day had not left him just yet. As he closed his eyes, the events of the battle had repeated over and over again. He would have to go over the memories of that day all over again in yet another Nightmare. He would have to always remember the death of his one true Brother.Ivan had woken. His wife followed soon and he said only one word with much sadness… “Brother...”

Ser Ivan would stay silent in his tent as his squire, Ruben, watched him as he read the Biography. Ser Ivan would only be fitted with more anger and rage as he now has confirmation that the true cause of his mothers death was not the beast, but instead the very man who’s army he is supposed to push back. Now, the invasion was personal. In his mind, Ivan only thinks of one thing: Kill Bralt

Ser Ivan nods approvingly as he reads the article

Ivan would smile as he reads the publishing from the old man. “It’s about time my Hauchpader had something written. He was the perfect example of what every Knight should aspire to be but what every Knight cannot be, as he once told me that a true Knight would never try to become someone he is not.” Elgon would look at the thing in slight confusion as his eyes start to falter, also because he really can’t read “Wha’s this nonsense Otto has written! He should pay some more mind to ol’ lads like meself who cannay read like the rest of these pampa’d softes!” A maid would then enter and would assist the dying old blacksmith in reading “Oh, so he’s written abou’ Niko aye?” he gives a hearty chuckle “Well, ah nevar took me own brother to fancy himself as a writer!”

RP Name:: Elgon Kortrevich MC Username: smallbrained Discord: erictafoya#8407 What Nation Are You Affliated With?: Kingdom of Haense Why Do You Wish To Come?: My last adventure What Skills Can You Bring?: Blacksmithing and one hell of a fight

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Erik Kortrevich General Information: Name – Erik Kortrevich Titles – Serzhant in the Royal Army and Royal Falconer of Haense Traits: - Over protective - Iron Will - Hunter - Smoker Zodiac – Scorpio ♏ Age – 42 Physical Description: Race – Human Gender – Male Build – Normal build/ toned body Height – 5’11 Weight – 190lbs Hair – Naturally Brown (Dyed Black) > His hair is neatly combed and looks washed Eye Color - Blue Jade >His single eye would shine in the sun while his missing one would never see the light of day Skin Tone - Lightly tanned Head Shape - Lightly skinny and Long Scars – Erik has a large scar from a slash on his back, he also has a stab wound on his gut, he has a bald spot at the back left corner of his head from a severe head injury and last but not least his signature missing eye, which was never there in the first place. He has never seen out of that eye or even seen it before. Clothing – Erik wears his war-torn Royal Army uniform with light mail armor. The uniform itself seems to be torn up from the many battles he has fought in. The wears a short cape made of the pelt of a brown bear. It has been cut quite short and a hood was recently stitched on to it. He wears a leather glove on his left hand and a special made Falconers Glove on his right arm. The Falconry Glove is made of boiled boars leather and has a falcon pattern stitched onto it. It also has a the initials “E.K.” burned into it to signify it belongs to Erik Kortrevich. Last but not least his eyepatch, from which he has had since childhood. Although a slight modification has been made on it, the stitching of a Falcons eye has been recently added to the iconic black leather eyepatch. Dominant Hand: Right Handed Personal Information: Erik is a short tempered fellow and is sometimes regarded as “The Fool of Reza” or “The Disappointing Kortrevich”. Though he does not care, Erik has had his fair share of public mockery and hatred. He finds peace in all of this hatred through the passion of his job as a Falconer. Thus giving him the nickname “Falcon Fanatic” or “Bird Lover”. Though he really would just like to be called Falconer or by Erik. Erik in the past has shown to be quite the heavy drinker, though now he hasn’t touched the bottle in a few years. Though, he has picked up the pipe now. Despite all of his shortcomings, Erik has proven to be competent enough to use wise words. He has even been trusted to be a Teacher to the Young King Andrik III. He is also firstly a soldier and has worked his way up the ranks through his decades of experience and hard work. He has survived countless battles, many of which he was wounded in. Most importantly, he cares about his family the most and would stop at no lengths to make sure that his family is safe and secured... or die trying. Allegiances – Erik has pledged his life and his sword to the Royal Army of the Kingdom of Haensetti-Ruska, The Kingdom of Haensetti-Ruska, The King of Haensetti-Ruska, the Barony of Koravia, the Houses of Kortrevich and Barbanov, and finally has pledged to guard and protect his niece Primrose Vyronov and her children until his dying breath. Strengths – Erik is a good fighter with knowledge in battle. His will is even stronger than his body, as if he sets a goal, whether it be to survive or to make sure others do, he will try until he succeeds or dies trying. Erik is also at times wise and teaches his underlings about his knowledge in life. Weaknesses – When he isn’t at his wisest moments, Erik often embarrasses himself. His Iron Will and determination also doesn’t help this as if he fails he won’t give up which may lead to consequences. Erik also is vulnerable to emotions and could easily be trapped by his emotions to where he can no longer control them. Erik also has a weakness to alcohol as when he drinks it he loses all sense and thought. Religion – Canonist Sexuality – Heterosexual Marital Status – Single Closest Friends – Sarah Kortrevich, Otto Kortrevich, Lief Keter, Primrose Vyronov and his many birds. Background Information: Erik was born right outside of the City of Markev in Atlas on a cold winters day in 1682. His family was of the Halldor branch of House Kortrevich, however at this time the House was separated into two branches, the Halldor’s and the Blackwood’s. Erik’s father, Lukas Halldor was a common soldier in the Haensetti Royal Army while his mother ,Evelyn, was as stern as his father. The Halldor family was a breed of warriors, they were not a known family but it is said that their blood was made strong through the many soldiers who have been in the bloodline. This was the very reason why the Halldor Family expected all sons to be outstanding soldiers. This was also the very reason why Erik was left out in the snows to die. Not only was he born frail and weak, but he was also born without an eye. Lukas saw this boy only as a failure and not as his son and Evelyn felt ashamed that she had failed the family. His elder siblings, Otto and Elgon, had only a moment to even see their newborn brother before Lukas left the infant to die in the cold snows. However, not all Halldor’s approved of this. Elijah Halldor, the youngest brother of Lukas, strongly apposed the killing of any child. Of course, he couldn’t express this in front of his brothers as Elijah didn’t want him to be a target either. The fact that Elijah hadn’t walked the soldiers path made Lukas furious, so the deed had to be done in secret. Before the family had decided to leave Erik to die, Elijah called in a favor from an old hunting family, the Aeralithes. The Aeralithes had been in Elijah’s debt for an honorable deed he had done years before. The plan was set. After Lukas had traveled far enough to not see or hear anything, the Aeralithes swiftly came in to take the shivering and dying infant. They kept him warm and fed, and eventually raised the boy as one of their own. Through the years Erik was taught how to hunt, how to track, how to travel the lands and how to survive alone in the wild. During his childhood, Erik grew a love for nature and It’s beautiful animals. This is one of the reasons today why he is known as the Royal Falconer. Though Erik was happy with his life as a hunter, he was curious if this is all life could offer. So on his 18th birthday, his Guardians told him about his real family and about his real past. Erik loved his life as a hunter but he knew that he had to see his brothers. He just had to see his real family. So the fateful day came, the day his Guardians feared, Erik set off to Markev to find his missing brothers, to find his born family and to find out more about the world. And so, the tale of Erik the Falcon begins... Language – Common Residence – 9 Marian .Blvd, City of Reza, Kingdom of Haense (Current) Family Tree:

Kingdom of Portugal Turn Three Current Monarch: Sancho I Heir: Afonso II Capitol City: Lisbon Population: 900,000 Military Size: Over 75,000 (that is known) Trade: Open Trade Allies: None Military Allies: None Religion: Roman-Catholic Relations with Nations: Moors – Enemies Kingdom of Leon – Neutral Pope – Neutral Others: Neutral Sancho rushes into the Treasury Council room with his fists clenched and with a furious expression on his face. He turns to the Small Council table and see’s that nobody has been seated yet. Just as everyone was about to bow and take their seats, Sancho slammed his fists into the table, causing a loud bang to occur. “What is the meaning of this!” , yelled Sancho. “The Navy hasn’t expanded and the funds for construction have failed! You all had ONE job!”. The room stayed silent as they waited for the King to be seated, or they were all too terrified to even speak. Finally, the King calmed his nerves and sat down in his Chair. In a monotone voice, the King asks “Well, who can explain these events for me.” One councilman stands and says “The Naval Commander was confused on what to do your Majesty. He did not know whether to build ships or to recruit more men”. Sancho replies “Tell him to recruit 1,000 new sailors and to train them in the ways of Naval War. Also tell him to build an armada of 400 ships and to make sure that they are fully functional before he places men in them. The National Treasury will pay for the expenses. Oh, and if he acts like this again, tell him that his first punishment will be 10 lashings, is that understood?” The councilman bows and says “Yes your majesty, but one question. How will we get more funds? We already saw constructions funds fail, what will we do to increase funds?”. Sancho sighs and says .“I have thought of that too. So I have reached to the conclusion to increase taxes by 10%. It should be enough to fund us. If the Governors and Tax Collectors are too corrupt and they use some of these taxes for themselves, send over some men to teach them a lesson. The first punishment is 10 lashings. The second punishment is 10 lashings and a supervisor to inspect their doings. The third and final straw is when I myself go to them and strip their titles and positions. Is this understood?”. The councilmen nod as they take notes. “Good, now my only issue is how we will pay for construction of the new cities”. Just as the King says this, a messenger boy rushes into the room and bows before the King. One of the councilmen stands and says “What is the meaning of this! This is a Royal Meeting, get this boy out of here! Guards!”. Just as the Guards walk up to the boy, the King raises his hand and says “Let the boy speak”. “Th-thank you your majesty. I bring news from the Ambassador in England. He says that the English accepts and a trade agreement between our two Kingdoms has been made”. The King grins and says “Good, tell the Ambassador to accept this offer. Guards, take this boy to the baths, he needs to look presentable when he returns. Also, give him a bodyguard so that he is unharmed”. The guards nod their heads and opens the door. Before the boy leaves, the King says “Oh and boy, do not say a word about this to anyone you meet on the road. You will tell this to the Ambassador only. Is that understood?”. The boy nods and says “Yes, your majesty”. Sancho sits down and chuckles. “Well that should settle things. Once trade opens, we shall put a small tax on those who wish to trade here. And those who export goods out of Portugal shall be fined as well. Now gentlemen, I shall return to my chambers. I hope that you all took great notes as I expect things to turn out better this year. Dismissed”. The King left the Council Room and returned to his chambers. He goes to his desk and takes out parchment and a quill. The letter reads: ”Good citizens of Portugal, I am aware of your hard work. I know that every single man, woman and child works hard to keep this Kingdom prosperous, and I thank you all. But now, the Kingdom asks you for more help. Day by day, our Nation grows larger and stronger and we begin to need more land so that every man, woman and child can live under a roof. So I, King Sancho I, ask you, the humble and loyal subjects of Portugal, to work even harder for the Kingdom. I encourage every man to do what it takes to defend their homes and I encourage every woman to defend and educate their children. And last but not least, I encourage the children of this new Kingdom to work hard for the good of the Kingdom as they are the future of this Kingdom itself. The Kingdom needs your help good citizens. Will you do your part?” Sancho stands and calls for a guard to send this to his scribe. “Send this to my scribe and tell him that I want 1,000 copies of this letter made. I want it distributed throughout the Kingdom in front of every Town Hall, Church and barracks”. The guard nods and rushes over to the scribes room. Actions: Send a messenger boy to the Ambassador in England to accept King John’s trading agreement Place a small tax of 10% to traders that come to Portugal and a small tax of 10% to Portuguese traders that export items outside of the Kingdom Raise taxes by 10% Send the copies of the handwritten letter to every Church, Barracks and Town Halls Order the conscription of 1,000 sailors and the construction of 400 new ships Make sure that every Governor and Tax Collector is aware of the punishments against corruption Continue the training of soldiers between the Moors and Portuguese border Halt construction of towns and cities until the Royal Treasury has enough coin to fund these projects

Kingdom of Portugal Turn Two Current Monarch: Sancho I Heir: Afonso II Capitol City: Lisbon Population: 900,000 Military Size: Over 75,000 (that is known) Trade: Open Trade Allies: None Military Allies: None Religion: Roman-Catholic Relations with Nations: Moors – Enemies Kingdom of Leon – Relative Peace Pope – Neutral Others: Neutral Sancho smiles as he receives the great news of the successes in his actions. Everything went perfectly. The border between Lisbon and the Moorish Kingdoms have been fully secured with more than 75,000 Portuguese soldiers scattered alongside the border. The letter that was sent to Rome was received by the Pope and tensions have calmed between Portugal and the Papal States. The National treasury has been strengthened with an official Treasury Council being formed. This Treasury Council is lead by King Sancho himself and it’s task is to administrate and overview the spending’s that the Nation makes on anything from Construction to the arming of armies. Sancho, alongside his heir, enters the Council Room for the first official meeting of the National Treasury. The room, filled with only 9 other men, is silent until Sancho arrives. The men stand as the King and the Prince enter the room. “My lords, please be seated.”, said Sancho as he makes his way towards his chair. Prince Afonso stands next to him as he is not a part of the council itself but is only there to view what happens during this meeting. “So, has there been any news on the Construction Order that I have placed? How has it all went?” asked Sancho. One council member speaks out and says, “Yes your highness, the letters and reports that we have read have all said that the Construction has gone very well and the population of the Kingdom is expected reach 1,000,000 shortly after the next spring”. Sancho grins to hear of the development of his Kingdom. “That is great news, and what of the workers, are they fed regularly?”. “Yes, they have been fed a daily ration of bread and water. A simple and cheap way to feed them”. “Well that’s hardly provisions now is it?”, said the King, “I order that on every day of mass that these workers be given time to pray and that they are fed with fish instead of bread. After all, we are a Kingdom that relies on the ocean. What kind of Kingdom that lies alongside the Ocean doesn’t feed it’s people fish?” The room goes silent. “Are there any objections towards my decree?” The room continues to stay silent. “Very well then, let us move on. Any word on our Trade Negotiations with the other Catholic Nations?”. The head of Commerce speaks up and answers the King saying, “No your majesty, we haven’t received any word as of right now from any of the Catholic Kingdoms in terms of trade. But I believe I do have a solution to this. Send a letter to the Angevin Empire asking them to open trade negotiations. In turn, we will aid them by building ships.” Sancho stands up and says “Last time I checked I appointed you as the Head of Commerce, not as the Commander of my Navy. But I do agree that it is an interesting thought. I will think over this”. The Head of Commerce sighs a breath of relief and says, “Thank you your majesty”. “Well, I suppose this concludes our meeting. Gentlemen, I expect construction to go smoothly and I also expect that our people, both workers and soldiers, are fed well and have time to pray for mass.” Sancho stands up and leaves the room alongside his son. As Sancho and Afonso walk down the hall, Sancho turns to his son and says, “So, what did you think?”. “Think what?” asked Afonso. “What did you think about the meeting son? Do you think it could have gone worse or better?” “Why do you ask for my opinion? Why not any of the other council members?”, asked Afonso. “Well why wouldn’t I? You are my heir after all. After I die, you will be the King of Portugal, and seeing as you are a man of age right now, you should be asking yourself these questions and answering them. So, what do you think about the meeting?” Afonso clears his throat and replies, “I believe the meeting went well. Many good things has happened during the year father. But why didn’t you punish the man that assumed he had the right to bargain off our Navy?” Sancho chuckles and says “But I did punish him.” Afonso looks confused and asks “What do you mean? I didn’t see you punish him, unless I have missed something”. “Well son, you see, that man did not have any right to assume that he can just bargain off the Navy, but I did not physically punish him and I will not be taking his position as he has a point. We do have some of the best ships in all of Europa and the Angevin do need ships. So I decided to assert myself, make him feel fearful, then gave him some relief. And that my son, is how you rule. You must teach them to fear you but you must also show mercy. But make sure that they never forget to fear you. Do you understand son?” Afonso turns to his father and says, “Yes father, I do.” Sancho returns to his chambers and says, “Good. Now go, I must rest after such a long day.” ACTIONS: Send orders to feed soldiers and workers fish on Sundays and to give them time to pray for mass. Send an Ambassador, with a small guard, to the King of England to open Trade between the two nations in exchange, the Portuguese will build ships to aid the English. Order Commanders to continue the training of the men that holds the Portuguese border. Continue the conscription of men to further expand the Army and Navy. Continue the Construction of new cities and towns to further expand the population.

Kingdom of Portugal Turn One Current Monarch: Sancho I Heir: Afonso II Capitol City: Lisbon Population: 900,000 Military Size: Unknown (to prevent META) Trade: Open Trade Allies: None Military Allies: None Religion: Roman-Catholic Relations with Nations: Moors – Enemies Kingdom of Leon – Relative Peace Pope – In Dispute with Monarch Others: Neutral As Sancho sits on his throne, he smiles at the progress his Kingdom has made. Thanks to diplomatic agreements being made two years prior, Sancho has ruled over a peaceful Portugal. However, although the threats to the east settle down, there is still the question of of the Algarves. For as long as the Moors hold it, Portuguese rule will never be secure. There is also tensions between the Pope. Pointless arguments cause more stress that the king already faces. Besides these troubles, Sancho can still find a smile on his face as he is now ruling over a peaceful Kingdom. He plans on working on development of the economy, industry and the population of his growing Nation. ACTIONS: Secure the southern border to prevent attacks from the Moorish Kingdoms End the tensions with the Pope and write an apology Strengthen the National Treasury Continue construction of new cities and towns to further populate the new Kingdom Open trade negotiations with Catholic Nations

OOC APP Nation name: Kingdom of Portugal Population: 900,000 (mostly Roman-Catholic) Summary of History: During this age, the Kingdom of Portugal was not very large but it did control most of the Western Coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Over the next few decades, the Kings of Portugal would continue on the war with the Moors until the Algarve was conquered. This would ensure the rule of the Portuguese. Currently the King of Portugal is Sancho I, or Sancho the Popular. Discord: You have it Military: Estimated Manpower size: 135,000 Popular Units: Spears or Long-axes. Also known for their great Naval capabilities against the Moors. Portugal Flag: King Sancho the Popular: