Thera total war

Kingdom of Avalon

Historic Background: The Kingdom of Avalon was founded by a band of pious knights seeking to protect the Christian people from their pagan neighbours. Whilst flag of this kingdom carries the a representation of the Holy Grail, but the army always fights under the Lion banner to honour the memory of the original 'Knights of Avalon'. The land is governed by a king and his table of ministers, who are bound by the Arthurian laws to protect both the rights of the serfs as well as the privileges of the nobility. The 'Holy Grail' has been held by the Avalon bloodline for the past century, and legend says if the Grail was ever lost, Avalon would sink into the sea Military: Avalon has a rich military history, of noble knights, and brave archers. The boys of the nobility are trained to be squires before becoming knights. Indeed Avalon fields a number of different genres of knights including Honour Knights, Imperial Knights, and the famous chivalric champions, The Knights of Avalon. Many of these knights choose to fight on foot in order to protect their archers. The sons of commoners are trained to the bow almost as soon as they can walk. First using smaller 'bairn' bows to hunt game and shoot targets, moving up to the mighty longbow as they develop into men. These two military traditions blend well on the field of battle, where all are brothers in arms, and the differences of normal society are melted away. Avalon is the main sponsor of the Knightly Order of St John and has historically allowed the building of their chapter houses on Avalon soil. Avalon does have links with the Knights Templar, but their close relationship with Hospitallers is viewed with suspicion by the Templars. Avalon militias are normally made up of archers, and commoners armed with bill hook type weapons Religion and Culture: Christians, Chivalric.

Royaume des Bons Chevaliers

Historic Background: The Royaume des Bons Chevaliers is ruled by the Meravangi. They claim to have a noble lineage stretching back over a thousand years and see themselves as the very vision of the chivalric code. Their society is still run along traditional feudal lines. In this system the King gives land to members of the nobility, in return the barons pay tribune and provide military assistance to the King. The Barons have total control over both the land and the people within their provenices, and therefore their serfs are worked hard and long. This results in a society which is deeply divided and often it takes a war or threat of invasion to bring the people and their nobility together. Kings have used this ploy in the past, but it is always an dangerous and expensive stratagem.. Military: The Knights are the backbone of Chevalier armies. The barons competing with each other to have the latest vogue in armour and equipment. Infantry is often seen only as support for the mounted, armoured nobility. This support generally being spear and crossbow units. The Bons Chevaliers have long standing relations with the Knights Templar, and have allowed the order to build chapter houses on their land. Militia units include spear, crossbow and the deadly Voulge equipped units. Religion and Culture: Christian, Chivalric

Men of Valhalla

Historic Background: During the Great Torment, the Norse lands suffered almost continuous winters. With the crops and livestock ravaged, the people began to die. Infighting broke out between the different tribes as resources became scarce and the old Norse kingdoms collapsed. Many ambitious warlords trying to fill this void, but could never hold together the different Jarls long enough to establish a viable kingdom It took a ferocious, bloodthirsty warrior to finally achieve this goal, his name has Rothgaard Bluetooth. In order to impose his will over the other tribes he lead a lightening campagain against the neighbouring region of Elsadør. He had all the nobles executed in the most horrific ways, he then had them skinned, and had a cloak made from theses skins. This he wore to a grand gathering of the tribes. There he offered generous terms to the neighbouring tribes, if they swore allegiance. He also warned that if they chose not to align themselves with the Men of Valhalla, he had many battle hardened Jarls, who also needed new cloaks Military: A strong Viking theme still runs through the armies of Valhalla. Most troops are armed with axe type weapons with spears, archers and cavalry being second string to the traditional axe troops. The armies do contain full time professional troops , such as Druzhina and Dvors, along side the traditional fighting nobles, huscarls, and the such like. The Norsemen believe a 'good' death in battle will grant them immortality in the hall of the gods, so they fight without fear of death. Religion and Culture: Pagan, followers of the Norse Gods, Odin, Thor, and many others. Culture is pre-feudal

Povos da Hispânia

Historic Background: For many centuries the lands of the Hispanic tribes were populated by people of many religions. Pagan people lived happily along side the followers of both the cross and the crescent, free to live and pray however they wished. But then came the 'The Great Torment', the Grand Inquisitor blamed the plight on the presence of infidels on gods land. The Christians sought pagan and Muslim blood to appease their god, and so the the pagan tribes had to unify if they were to withstand the expected onslaught. A brave warrior rose from the council of elders and promised the people, that no more would he allow the Christians to slaughter his people. His name was Vaasco de Sousa and he would be the saviour of all Hispanic Pagans. The other pagans tribes quickly joined him, and he fought off the the Christians to the north. No sooner was this threat contained, when the men on camels began to encroach from the west, it took many years of skirmishing before an uneasy peace was reached Military: The javelin has always been a popular weapon in Hispanic lands, used by both foot and mounted units. Whilst crossbows and bows are employed, the weapon of the heart for any Hispanic is still the javelin. There are units of heavy infantry using two handed weapons, such as swords and axes, along with heavy cavalry Religion and Culture: Pagan, followers of the Indalo. Culture is pre-feudal.

Warriors of Kukulcan

Historic Background: During 'The Great Torment' Mesocala (the meso landmass) was rocked by earthquakes as the fire-mountains on Incata Island roared and belched fire and rock into the sky's, blotting out the light from the mighty sun god. This was believed to be caused by the Kukulcan, breaking the bonds that had held him in the centre of the world, since he lost the great battle against the Sun God in the time of creation. Many people believed the Sun God, Huitzil had abandoned the people because they allowed the pale skins to enter the sacred lands and trade their evil goods. Militant warriors from the peoples of the Paynál and Sycorax joined together in the blessed lands near Akator, to found a new people, and to build their strength, so they might scrouge the lands of the pale men. If they were to succeed they needed the help of the greatest deities, and since the Sun God had turned his back on the people, this new nation pledged allegiance to the new power in the heavens. They dedicated themselves to the Kukulcan, the quetzal-feathered serpent god. Military: The Kukulcan armies are made from units of both Paynál and Sycorax warriors. They boast a varied roster of archers, spears and heavy infantry. However they wear little armour and refuse to use cavalry (even though the Sycorax have many good mounted units), as they believe that the horse is an evil creature, created by the god of the pale skins. Their society is organised in a rigid military system, boys being taught the ways of war, from an early age. They believe the blood of their enemies feeds their god, and therefore need to constantly wage war to win favour from the Great Serpent. Religion and Culture: Religion is devotion the Kukulcan, the quetzal-feathered serpent god. Culture is a hybrid meso culture of Paynál and Sycorax.

Faustian Reich

Historic Background: The plagues that gripped Ibellica and Europa during 'The Great Torment' decimated the Germanic peoples. They were at the time ruled by a council of nobles known as the Otterbach-Anschluss. However in times of great peril, it often takes a great man to step forward and shoulder the burden of saving his nation. Karl Faust was such a man. The Grand Inquisitor blamed the plagues on the anger of God, an anger caused by the close presence of pagan and Muslim peoples. So the Otterbach-Anschluss lead armies against the Hispanics and Tahar kingdoms, the result of these wars was stalemate and the death of many great Germanic noble bloodlines. Karl Faust lead a rebellion and eliminated every member of the Anschluss Council. While the Otterbach had been a slave to the whims of the Grand Inquisitor, Faust declared he would allow learned men to explore the new sciences in a bid to find cures for the great plagues. This was the first step that would turn the new Faustian Reich into a potential 'renaissance' superpower Military: The Faustian Reich has a much smaller unit roster than most factions. However the weapon developments during this renaissance era, have allowed the development of new high grade renaissance armour. Most units wear less armour then their chivalric equivalents, choosing mobility over complete armour. The development of gunpowder weapons is looking very promising and it is expected that within a short period, a new type of firearm will allow the Reich to field new terrifying missile units. The Reich does field units of cavalry, both light and heavy, and has some excellent heavy infantry units Religion and Culture: Religion is Christian, although not as closely tied to the Grand Inquisitor as the chivalric nations. The culture is renaissance, embracing scientific development in medicine, art, and more importantly gunpowder weaponry.

Ducado de Sangre Valiente

Historic Background: The plagues that gripped Ibellica and Europa during 'The Great Torment' decimated the Christian peoples. The Grand Inquisitor blamed the plagues on the anger of God, an anger caused by the close presence of Pagan and Muslim peoples. So the Duque lead armies against the Hispanics and Tahar kingdoms, the result of these wars was stalemate and the death of many great noble bloodlines. This caused such turmoil within the Ducado that a new age science developed, in a bid to find cures for the great plagues. This was the first step that would turn the Ducado into a potential 'renaissance' superpower. Military: The Ducado has a much smaller unit roster than most factions. However the weapon developments during this renaissance era, have allowed the development of new high grade renaissance armour. Most units wear less armour then their chivalric equivalents, choosing mobility over complete armour. The development of gunpowder weapons is looking very promising and it is expected that within a short period, a new type of firearm will allow the Ducado to field new terrifying missile units. They field units of cavalry, both light and heavy, and has some excellent heavy infantry units Religion and Culture: Religion is Christian, although not as closely tied to the Grand Inquisitor as the chivalric nations. The culture is renaissance, embracing scientific development in medicine, art, and more importantly gunpowder weaponry. Regional/factional specific mercenary unit: Hijos de Harribel description: descendants of the legendary Christian warrior Valens Harribel they are armoured in renaissance plate armours and equipped with two handed swords all of them inherited their ancestor peculiar traits being having olive skin with green eyes and blonde hair they are known to easily overpower knights in close quarters and kill the strongest Paynál warrior's.

Paynál Empire

Historic Background: Once the Empire of the Paynál controlled all but the cold north lands of Mesomecala (the meso land mass). Then the pale ones came, and the people were allowed to trade with the strangers. Soon the people fell sickly, blighted by a plague. The great shamans were consulted and they told how the Sun God, Huitzil was displeased by the presence of the pale men and their evil ways. Just as the Great Paynál was trying to decide on how best to rid the lands of the pale men, the fire mountains roared. The Sun God disappeared for nearly a full year, the crops failed, many people died, and many fled their villages and towns to join the Kukulcan. The pale men disappeared and for many cycles they not seen again Military: The Paynál utilize many brave and fearsome warriors, including the Jaguar and Eagle orders. Their lack of cavalry is compensated by the overwhelming number of fierce warriors they can field. Religion and Culture: The Paynál primarily worship Huitzil, the god of war and the sun, who struggles constantly to hold back the darkness and requires nourishment in the form of human sacrifice. The Paynál believe the world may end at the end of a 52 year cycle, which is quickly approaching, unless they can keep Huitzil strong. It is this need for sacrifices that drives the Paynál to war. Culture is a meso pre-iron age.

Men of Wotan

Romuli Empire

Historic Background: The Empire of Romuli has a violent foundation legend, one that mirrors much of the political and military infighting that happens between the great families. The empire was first established by Romulus Caesar who murdered his brother Remus for trying to usurp the crown of the fledgling empire. Since then all rulers of the Romuli have acclaimed themselves Caesar. The patrician families of the Romuli claim descent from the adventurers, exiles and warriors Romulus recruited to help establish his city. Alongside the patrician families, the Greco Nobles also wield some power, but thy will never be considered true Romuli. The capital city, Constantium, is know as the constant city, for it has never left the control of the Romuli, since its founding, in the mists of the ancient times. For a while the empire attempted a greco style democratic form of government. A senate from the patrician families controlled the running of the empire, on behalf of Caesar. But it was under their rule that the crops failed and the people went hungry. The people believed that the Gods were angered by this imported form of governance. There were many riots and much civic disorder. The plebs didn't realise this was the beginning of 'The Great Torment Military: The legions are the backbone of the army. Well trained, well disciplined and capable able of terrible things. They also boast excellent mounted units and irregular infantry such as the Rudiarii and the dreaded beast warriors known as Uruk Hai. The Greco nobility within Romuli society also provide superb hoplite troops. Religion and Culture: The Cult of Mithras. A greco-romano form of Sun Worship. The basic doctrine of Mithraism is that Mithras was a god who was born from a rock and destined to secure the salvation of the world; to do this he was commanded by the god Apollo (through the intermediary agent of a raven) to slay the Bull from the region of the Moon, which was said to represent the fullness of life.

Barka Sultanate

Historic Background: The Barka Sultanate is an ancient and pious kingdom. As followers of the crescent, they have often carried the battle to the infidel. Whenever the Christian attempted to gain control of Eden (the place where life first began, according to the followers of both the crescent and the cross) it was the forces of the Barka that repelled them. Then came the 'The Great Torment' For three generations the rains failed to come, the crops and the livestock withered and died. Unable to feed themselves, soon the people died too. For over a century the people of the Barka clung on, bearly able to survive on what the lands could provide. But by careful managment and pious prayers the people did survive. Then as the lands began to recover, that cursed Christian crusader, Baldwin de Ibellin arrived with an army of jackal heathens. For twenty years they fought for the possession of Eden. Many times control of the city swapped hands, but neither side was able to solidify their hold. As the conflict continued, both sides struggled to replace the men they lost in battle, and slowly they ground each other into stalemate. Military: The Barka have an excellent roster of battle hardy and proven warriors, the many variations of the Mamluks give a solid and elite spine to the forces of the Barka Religion and Culture: Religion is Islam, Culture Pious and devout.