Introductions, all around
Alright, we're going to need a little backround information, in order to start this new game. The continent where this is now set is filled with city-states, none of which have ever got along. They have been at war, with atleast one other state, for as long as they can remember. Sharing the continent with you are some nomadic tribes, a handfull of outlying villages, but they are more property than anything else. They don't have rights, beyond which are granted by the fleeting kindness of whatever city-state happens to occupy them, and killing one off is seen more as an insult to their owners than a true crime. Only a year ago, by complete coincidence, have all of the city-states ended war, and there has been an uneasy peace since then. It was assumed that the peace would not last, and war would resume soon enough, but now that it has not, politics has come into play. "This was my territory", "You stole my resources", "We need compensation for losses in that war fifteen years ago" and other such complaints fill the air, and it is obvious that war will begin again, if something is not done.
In a last minute attempt to prevent another war, the nations have called together for a peace conference, in which all the leaders of the respective cities will gather. Each leader is allowed two guards, and any material objects they can carry, and will meet in the dead city of Albearaca.
In this scene, all you guys have to do is, when you are ready, post what the other cities (A.K.A. "players") know of yours. Feel free to go into as much detail as you like, invent past conflicts if you want, that sort of thing. Go wild. By the way, I apologise is the label is lame, it's all I could think of at the time. If you've got any better ideas, please, let me know
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What people know about Tarrask? Well, everyone knows its a good place to get knifed in a bar, in the night, or any other time. It's brutal, and the police don't investigate anything, and everyone thinks foreigners are untermenschen. Still, people go there because they've got far more money than they have any right to and there are no more eager buyers of luxuries anywhere. Also a good place to buy a good slave. He'll serve you happily for life just for taking him away from there.
Their soldiers tend to come in small groups, 100 or less, and either attack in the night, or set traps, or attack civilian targets. This would be a good thing to complain about, something like "You slaughtered all the farmers in Dogsend and caused a bread shortage in my city just two years ago. The peasants still complain about that." The soldiers are well trained, but lightly armed and armored, move fast, and coordinate well. Get them in a pitched battle and you'll definitely outnumber them and probably win. They get slowed down when they take too many prisoners, which they are wont to do.
That cult of theirs is weird, and everyone is sure they must be making stuff up when it comes to their fixation on the end of the world and the whole death and destruction shtick, but if you visit the city you know there's something there, though if they should worship it or just kill the damned thing is anyone's guess.
To the north is Crimilia, a land full of sellswords. Sure they're further north than anyone sane would live, but they've got the strongest soldiers in the lands. Very few people go there, though weapon salesmen have been known to make a great profit. Those that have gone and come back always note the same thing, right on the outskirts of the city the snow just ends, and it clearly isn't some devoted set of farmers, after all the ground itself is warm to the touch.
As for their soldiers. Well, they're well trained to say the least, otherwise there would be no business. As for who they are, it could be anyone you meet, even some of the older children if they have the knack for battle. As for the people in general, a more loyal population you will never meet. That holds for the soldiers too, it's said that once the terms of agreement have been settled, the contract will never be breached. The king, known as "Stefan the Windblade" due to the legends of a swordstyle the eye couldn't even follow, will even lead the army himself if paid enough.
Their culture itself is interesting, there are only two things that matter, loyalty and survival. Seems that the latter keeps order since no one could possible live if cast away. Most citizens worship things called the "fire signets," probably something to do with the unnatural envrionment of the city, though their degree of worship is limited at best.
Ah yes, the economic city-state of Nicander. Situated three leagues south of Albearaca, nestled between the feet of the mighty Hizalacian Mountain ranges, and the shore of the deep and slow-moving Raa River. Nicander controls great swaths of arable grasslands which sport the criss-crossing scars of managed paths and roadways.
Built atop the ruins of Charillus, Nicander is filled with a proud and diverse populace. History speaks of a time when great king, Nican the Svelte, struck out on his own to learn more of his neighbors, their strengths and weaknesses, and of course their desires. Many years past, and as fate would have it, Nican choose an ancient site of legend to develop a massive trading post. High into the sky this monolith soared, and people came from all over the southern plains, the northern steppes, and the western chasms to peer upon the work Nican had set forth to complete before his death. Sadly, Wise Nican was unable to withstand the ravages of time, and he succumb to a terrible withering disease. Thankfully, his sons stepped forth and bid their efforts and gifts to complete what their father had set out to accomplish so many years ago.
But, that was a very long time ago now, and time has been a truly disastrous mistress. Nicander has lost it's sheen, and many of the Nicanderians have begun to question their safety after the past wars, surrounded by potential enemies from all sides. It is said that the hills themselves are haunted with the souls of the Charillus. But, that of course is only a myth.
The government is maintained as a three-head system. They are called "The Triad" and have maintained the three sides of humanity (conviction, strength, and intelligence) since Nican passed away.
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