Post by Kardas on Mar 15, 2011 20:44:20 GMT -5
Map
History
Beginnings
The origins of the people of Eorlingath lie in their history as nomads. The Eorlings were at first a tribe of mounted nomads moving in accordance with the seasons, taking only what they needed. This way of life continued until they were ambushed by a large party of orcs during the summer, when they stayed near the slopes of the Eregrin Mountains. Many were slain, but most of the tribe was able to retreat to the east, where they encountered a series of Dwarven settlements. The Dwarves, having little food left, agreed to let the Eorlings stay on their territories in return for supplies of food. Thengel, the chieftain of the Eorlings, agreed to the offer, and over the years the Eorlings settled down, focusing on agriculture to provide enough food for themselves and the Dwarves.
The Eodred
The Eorlings also renamed themselves as the Eodred shortly after settling down. The peace was short-lived however, for a series of orc warbands cobbled together by an orc chieftain named Thrugg desired to take their lands. Though the Dwarves under King Balin I held fast, the intervention of the Eodred and their improvised cavalry forces smashed the flanks of the orcs and drove toward the heart of the warband. Thrugg was slain by Haleth, son of Thengel, and at his death, the combined human and Dwarven forces thoroughly defeated the orcs. This would be the start of a long rivalry between the three races.
The Banner of Eorlingath
Expansion
In the peace that followed, the kingdoms of Eorlingath and Kardas prospered. The Dwarves of Kardas expanded to the north and east, where the Eregrin and Emyn Mountains met. Mount Thorin, an unusually large and well-sloped mountain at the front of the chain, began to be excavated by the Dwarves of Kardas and it was found to be full of hardy metals, including the prized material of Excidian (Excidian is a metal similar in toughness to steel, but lighter and much more resistant to erosion). The Dwarves decided to excavate further, and both kingdoms became enriched by their metals. The Dwarves founded their citadel and later capital of Khuzdul in the interior of Mount Thorin. The Eodred, for their part, expanded westward to areas they had formerly inhabited and made good use of the vast plains for taking care of their horses, livestock and for agriculture. During this era, the city of Theodras was established as their capital.
Dragons
The reckless expansion of the Dwarves of Kardas into the mountains drew ire of the frost dragons, who had claimed it as their home in ages past. A group of them flew over the mountain ranges and attacked the lands of Eorlingath and Kardas. Many Dwarves decided to retreat into Mount Thorin, where the Dragons could not reach them. The exodus claimed many lives however, and King Brego of Eorlingath was slain by the Dragons during the initial attack. It took many years before the Dragons were driven back, and still most of the Dwarves decided to stay under the protection of Mount Thorin, and gates were dug to create a vast tunnel network. The Dwarves quickly grew prosperous, but also caused intermittent conflict with the native goblins there.
The Order of Mangai
Many years after the Dragons’ retreat, the Eodred and Dwarves decided to venture into the mountains themselves to locate the Dragons’ resting places in case of another attack. They never made it that far- instead, they encountered an aged, isolated fortress far in the icy mountains that housed a people descended of nomadic tribes and Eodred refugees. This was the fortress of Jagathai. When their leader, Grand Master Ehrye was asked how the people there held against the freezing weather and Dragon strikes, his words were a revelation. The Grand Master was part of an Order of warrior-mages that had learned to control, create and manipulate the element of ice. Not everyone could do this however, as only certain people were predisposed to learning the magical arts. If the person had pale skin, blue or cyan eyes, and an unnatural resistance to cold, they were likely able to learn the magical arts that the Order of Mangai had shaped. The Kingdoms of Kardas and Eorlingath both struck mutual alliances with the Order, and the Order was granted semi-autonomy in their realms.
Civil War
The alliance between the Eorlingath, Kardas and the Order were quite beneficial until the reign of King Folca of Eorlingath. During this time, the Dwarves under King Balin III had several difficulties in finding new veins of minerals, and their wealth had begun to decline. Eorlingath had also been the target of several barbarian raids, while the Dwarves could not help. There had always been some humans who disliked the idea of living side by side with Dwarves, and Dwarves who thought they were superior to humans, but these thoughts reached their peak in these troubled years. Ideas of human superiority also found support in the nobility, most notably with Hwaldar, King Folca’s royal advisor. With the advice of Hwaldar, King Folca declared its independence from the treaty of alliance with the kingdom of Kardas. Many nobles of Eorlingath were dismayed at this decision and King Balin III sent emissaries to reconsider the alliance. Everything changed with the murder of King Folca, allegedly in the company of the Dwarven emissaries. Soon, the age-old allies of Kardas and Eorlingath took up arms against each other. Due to the numerical superiority and swift strikes of the Eodred, the Dwarves of Kardas found themselves forced back to their mountain strongholds. The sieges of the mountain strongholds were kept up by the forces of Eorlingath for two months, and the Eodred suffered grievous losses. An end to the siege came when it was revealed that Hwaldar (who had been ruling because Folca’s son Folcred was too young) had coveted the throne of Eorlingath and secretly poisoned the King. Hwaldar was stabbed by rebelling nobles, and the nobles applied for armistice with King Balin III. The siege was lifted, and the war was over. Slowly, life returned to normal, but tensions still flared up from time to time, which the Kings of Kardas and Eorlingath were wise to quickly put down. The strength of their renewed alliance was tested five years afterward, as a combined force of orcs and barbarians assaulted the borders of Eorlingath once more. The Dwarves valiantly came to the aid of now-King Folcred, and the enemy was successfully repelled.
The Flag of Kardas
Plague
90 years after the Eorlingath-Kardas civil war, disaster struck the two regions anew. The annual harvest had partially failed, endangering the food supplies of the Eodred and Dwarves. Things were compounded when a deadly plague emerged from the agricultural regions, swiftly spreading throughout Eorlingath through the grain shipments. Though the plague was able to be stopped with the help of the Order of Mangai, for the first time in history, the Eodred were outnumbered by the Dwarves as a result of the wars and the plague.
Geography
The lands of the United Kingdom of Eorlingath-Kardas can be split up into three main regions. First and most widespread, are the plains that make up most of Eorlingath. These are fertile, and experience a sheltered climate. On average, it is slightly colder than most places. There are few large settlements here, mainly villages. Also of note is the Eodred fortress of Horngard, which is found at the end of a branch of the Emyn Mountains. The Eodred also maintain a series of fortifications among their border, which is mainly characterized by the river Esgaroth. The capital of Eorlingath, Theodras, stands close to the Eorlingath-Kardas border.
Theodras, capital of Eorlingath
The Horngard, fortress of Eorlingath
One of the border forts of the Eodred
Next are the more hilly regions of Kardas, which are much closer to the mountains. The temperature is even colder than in Eorlingath, but experiences a similar climate. This area is much more developed, and many cities exist where Dwarves and Eodreds peacefully coexist. In this region, Mount Thorin can be found, which leads to Khuzdul, the capital of Kardas, and the primary fortress of the Dwarves. Khuzdul is also part of a vast underground network constructed by the Dwarves, which make the kingdom of Kardas look smaller than it really is.
Dwarven Fort
Last are the Eregrin and Emyn Mountain ranges. Weather in the mountains is generally harsh, but is often manipulated in areas with Order presence to suit their needs. Hidden deep in the mount ranges stands the Order fortress of Jagathai, and even further are the rumored resting places of the mighty ice dragons.
Inhabitants:
The Eodred tend to be tall and blond. They are skilled riders and hunters, and value their horses above all else. The Eodred are not as well learned as other peoples, tending to pass on knowledge through song. There are a fair number of bards in Eorlingath. Most Eodred are also generous, willful, bold (but not cruel) and true-hearted. The vast majority of the Eodred tend to be farmers, shepherds or hunters, though a fair number are merchants as well. The language of the Eodred is called Eorlic, and sounds similar to Frisian with a slight Germanic influence. The population of Eorlingath is approximately 270,000 humans
The Dwarves of Kardas hail from the Azaghal clan, which are unrelated to the Dwarves of Seattile. The Dwarves of Kardas tend to be stern and straightforward, and are unhurt by insults. They are also naturally tough and enduring, and can live up to 250 years of age. The Dwarves tend to take pride in their beards, and often they will have them braided or cared for in other ways. Though most Dwarves may seem antisocial on the outside, inside they can be great friends. Dwarves, when not speaking Common or Eorlic, speak their own language, Naugrim, which sounds as like a Scandinavian language with a slight Germanic influence. They Dwarves are also famed miners and smiths, but were not originally a mountain people. They are also famed for their brewing in alcoholic beverages, as the water pools of the mountains are rarely uncontaminated. There are slightly less Dwarven women than Dwarven men, and the women tend to sport long hair, but cannot grow beards. The population of Kardas is approximately 320,000 Dwarves.
Religion
Both the Eodred and the Dwarves believe in a pantheon of Gods that created the world. While they revere them, they do not actively worship them. The pantheon:
- Manwë, King of the Valar
- Morgoth, Vala of Darkness, Disaster and Evil. Blamed for the Sundering. Thought to be related to Syrid
- Ulmo, Vala of the Sea and the Waters
- Aulë, Vala of Creating and Manufacturing. Highly revered by the Dwarves, and thought to be related to Omia
- Oromë , the Great Rider, Vala of Hunting. Highly revered by the Eodred. Thought to be related to Era.
- Mandos, Vala of the Dead. Thought to be related to Osiris and/or Derrid, but this is uncertain.
- Irmo, Vala of Dreams and Desires
- Tulkas, Vala of Battles. Thought to be related to Terim
- Varda, Vala of the Heavens, wife of Manwë
- Yavanna, Vala of Agriculture and Life, wife of Aulë. Thought to be related to Ferra
- Nienna, Vala of Mercy
- Estë, Vala of Compassion
- Vairë, Vala of Crafts
- Vána, Vala of Spirit and Healing. Thought to be related to Larim.
- Nessa, Vala of the Arts
Bios:
King Theomer of Eorlingath, 47 years old. Son of Thengel III, he has a son named Helm. Theomer is compassionate, wise, and a skilled orator. However, he has fallen prey to bouts of despair in the past, which may be his undoing.
King Thror II of Kardas, 159 years old. Thror is the son of Thrain II, and is the father of Durin. Thror is gruff, but hearty, and is very experienced.
Grand Master Curunir of the Order of Mangai
Nuju, Chief Librarian of the Order of Mangai- one of the few Dwarves admitted to the Order.
The Orcs of Durotar
The Durotan are a species of Orcs that recently descended from the Eregrin Mountains in the hope to find a place to settle. Until recently, they were nomadic.
Although they are Orcs, the Durotan, as they call themselves, are very different. Normal orcs have brown to grey skin color and walk bow-legged. They are also being smaller than humans. Durotan however, are brutish-looking, green-skinned, slightly taller and stronger than a human, and are also more intelligent than normal orcs, even having a type of honor code. The Durotan are also shamanist, believing in ancestral spirits and spirits of nature. Their shamans channel these spirits both for counsel and combat.
The Durotan are lead by the Warchief Orgrim, who is also one of their most powerful shamans. Their society is martial, largely hierarchical, and clan-based.
The average Durotan is pragmatic, and follows their code of valor and honor.
Warchief Orgrim
The Order of Mangai
Little is known about this secretive order of warrior-mages that live high in the mountains, in their fortress of Jagathai. Most of the members are very pale, and have blue or cyan eyes. Sometimes, members travel through Eorlingath or Kardas to find potential initiates, but these are very rare. It is unlikely that these initiates see their family again until adulthood, and even then spend most of their time in the mountains, researching and mastering the ice-lore.
Under the treaty signed with Kardas and Eorlingath, the Order is required to contribute soldiers in times of great need, and it is times like these when the awesome power of the Order members are unleashed.
Warriors of the Order are capable of creating blasts or focused beams of ice, snow and/or coldness, Creating/controlling ice structures, Creating/controlling ice storms, Controlling ice, snow and/or coldness, Freezing water or other liquids, Absorbing ice, snow and/or coldness, Lowering the temperature in an area. The more skilled members that are able to teach initiates, named the Mistika, are also capable of delaying their powers for a specified time period. The Grand Master of the Order alone, appears to have mastered the power of the Nova Blast, a terrible attack that swarms a massive area with ice energies, killing everything, the Grand Master included, in its wake.
Members are usually dressed in white and blue robes and carry staffs, but in times of combat the Members dress themselves in grey and whitle Excidian armor, and grey and white cloaks. The Mistika are allowed to carry heavier armor, and their armor is colored silver. In battle, they carry a special sword used to focus their powers, and a shield. The Mistika carry a special bladed staff that can be split in two and used as a pair of swords, along with a larger shield. All members also wear face masks in combat, each with a unique design. Warriors of the Order usually operate in groups of six. It is estimated that the Order has 30 to 100 members.
The Seal of the Order
Notable creatures
Horses- the horses of Eorlingath are of the famed Felarof breed. These horses are nearly as long lived as the Eodred and possess extraordinary strength. The Eodred prize them greatly. Often, if an Eodred commander surrenders, he grants his opponent his horse.
Yurgs- large boars used mainly by the Dwarves of Kardas for manual labor purposes.
Cows, goats and other farm animals- kept and taken care of by the Eodred
Ravens- used as scouts by the Order of Mangai.
Ice dragons- normally called cold-drakes by the Eodred and the Dwarves, these dragons live up high in the mountains. Few have ever been seen since their attack on Kardas and Eorlingath was driven back- only members of the Order of Mangai see them with any frequency. Ice dragons possess great wings, and freezing breath. It is rumored that the Order of Mangai has tamed some of them, but this has yet to be seen.
Military:
Forces of Eorlingath
Total possible forces of Eorlingath: 11,000. Those fighting the men of Eorlingath can expect to face a mixture of drafted levied footsoldiers, skilled archers and deadly cavalry.
Units:
Levy footmen- peasants drafted for the defense of Eorlingath. Equipped with a helmet, longsword and wooden shield, but little armor.
Levy spearmen- Peasants drafted for the defense of Eorlingath. Equipped with a spear, a hatchet and a helmet. They wear little armor.
Yeoman Archer- The people of Eorlingath are proficient hunters and this is continued with the yeoman corps. Equipped with a longbow which allows for a long range, but a slow rate of fire, a suit of chainmail, as well as a short sword.
Riddermacht- also known as the Riders of Eorlingath, the Riddermacht are the mainstay of the Eorlingath army. Famed for their ability to cut through almost any infantry lines and cavalry units, the Riddermacht are some of the finest cavalry in Middle Trav Khar. Equipped with plate armor, longspears, wooden shields, and longswords.
Riddermacht (archers)- also known as the Riders of Eorlingath, the Riddermacht are the mainstay of the Eorlingath army. Famed for their ability to cut through almost any infantry lines and cavalry units, the Riddermacht are some of the finest cavalry in Middle Trav Khar. Equipped with chainmail, a longsword, and a longbow.
Trebuchet- the siege weapon of the Eorlingath army. Scarcely used.
Royal Guard of Theodras- The elite infantry of Eorlingath, hand-picked by the King. Usually fight dismounted among the Levies, but the King's bodyguard is always mounted.
The King's Bodyguard:
Forces of Kardas
Total possible forces of Kardas: 14,000. Those fighting the dwarves of Kardas can expect to face hardened infantry, backed by siege weaponry and battle wagons.
Guardians- the mainstay of the Dwarven forces, Guardians are armored in steel mail that extend to their knees, an iron helmet with face-mask, and a large iron shield. They are usually armed with battle axes, but some battalions use broadswords or warhammers instead.
Crossbowmen- The ranged troops of the Dwarves. Crossbowmen are armored in steel mail that extends to their knees, an iron cap, and a small iron roundshield. Their crossbows have a short range, but the Crossbowmen are equipped with a secondary broadsword.
Axe-throwers- The elite ranged troops of the Dwarves. Axe throwers are armored in steel mail that extends to their knees, an iron cap, and a small iron roundshield. Axe throwers wield franciscas, a smaller axe type. Despite their short range, axe-throwers can be expected to hold their own in melee, equipped with a secondary broadsword.
Phalanx- Phalanxes are the Dwarves’ answer to enemy cavalry. Phalanxes are armored in steel mail that extends to their knees, an iron helmet and a small iron roundshield slung over their backs. Phalanxes are armed with a polearm and a secondary broadsword.
Battle Wagon- The Dwarves’ version of cavalry, the battle wagon is steered by one dwarf and pulled by a boar-like creature. Battle wagons sometimes mount banners meant to inspire troops, carry Axe throwers, crossbowmen or Yeomen archers for ranged duties. Can also eject an explosive barrel.
Demolisher- The Dwarven version of the battering ram.
Catapult- A special Dwarven catapult that fires two boulders at the same time. Flaming munitions may be used as well, and they can also launch explosive barrels.
Forces of Durotar
Grunt- The first and last defense of any Durotan force. These are fierce fighters and can best most humans one on one due to their brute strength and toughness.
Archer- The crossbow is the favored ranged weapon of the Durotan, though some prefer to throw javelins instead.
Raider- The closest thing to cavalry that the Durotan have. Despite this, they are better suited for quick attacks and raiding and do not stand well against a heavy assault. They carry large warblades and nets to ensnare foes.
Kodo Beast- The large Kodo beasts, beasts of burden of the Durotan, are charged with carrying their war drums into battle. With the thundering beat of the war drums, the Durotan often fight more courageously and with better morale.
Wind Rider- During their trek through the mountains, the Durotan befriended several clans of Wyverns. The proud beasts allowed the Durotan to mount them, and together they serve as an air unit of the Durotan. Their riders often fling javelins at their targets, some of them which are coated with venom.
Demolisher- The siege weapon of the Durotan. Often the projectile is coated in oil and set aflame before firing.
Shaman- When not providing spiritual guidance to the Durotan or conversing with the spirits, some Shamans can be counted on to support their brethren in battle. There they command the raw powers of nature and can heal their brethren. Furthermore, through a ritual, they can convince their brethren to fight with even greater vigor, essentially causing the Durotan to berserk.
Blademaster- An elite unit, Blademasters serve as generals or as the Warchief's bodyguard. They are renowned for their stealth and almost supernatural skill with a sword.
Far Seer- An elder shaman, Far Seers can lead Durotan armies when not providing counsel to other Durotan. Out of combat, the Far Seers often meet with the Warchief to divine the future and discuss the best course of action that the Durotan can take.
Strengths and weaknesses of my nation & army in simple terms
Eorlingath
- Some of the best, if not the best cavalry in Middle Trav Khar
- melee footsoldiers are mainly cannon fodder
- Only the Horngard is well defended.
Kardas
- Strong infantry, with excellent armor and weaponry.
- Excellent siege weapons and fortifications.
- Hardly any mobile units.
- They're slow.
Durotar
- Raw frontline power, which is enhanced through the spellcasters and war drums.
- Morale kept high as a result of the war drums and spellcasters
- Not very keen on tactics.
- Other forces usually outnumber them.
Order of Mangai
- Each is a powerful and skilled warrior in his own right.
- Control over the element of ice
- Small numbers
History
Beginnings
The origins of the people of Eorlingath lie in their history as nomads. The Eorlings were at first a tribe of mounted nomads moving in accordance with the seasons, taking only what they needed. This way of life continued until they were ambushed by a large party of orcs during the summer, when they stayed near the slopes of the Eregrin Mountains. Many were slain, but most of the tribe was able to retreat to the east, where they encountered a series of Dwarven settlements. The Dwarves, having little food left, agreed to let the Eorlings stay on their territories in return for supplies of food. Thengel, the chieftain of the Eorlings, agreed to the offer, and over the years the Eorlings settled down, focusing on agriculture to provide enough food for themselves and the Dwarves.
The Eodred
The Eorlings also renamed themselves as the Eodred shortly after settling down. The peace was short-lived however, for a series of orc warbands cobbled together by an orc chieftain named Thrugg desired to take their lands. Though the Dwarves under King Balin I held fast, the intervention of the Eodred and their improvised cavalry forces smashed the flanks of the orcs and drove toward the heart of the warband. Thrugg was slain by Haleth, son of Thengel, and at his death, the combined human and Dwarven forces thoroughly defeated the orcs. This would be the start of a long rivalry between the three races.
The Banner of Eorlingath
Expansion
In the peace that followed, the kingdoms of Eorlingath and Kardas prospered. The Dwarves of Kardas expanded to the north and east, where the Eregrin and Emyn Mountains met. Mount Thorin, an unusually large and well-sloped mountain at the front of the chain, began to be excavated by the Dwarves of Kardas and it was found to be full of hardy metals, including the prized material of Excidian (Excidian is a metal similar in toughness to steel, but lighter and much more resistant to erosion). The Dwarves decided to excavate further, and both kingdoms became enriched by their metals. The Dwarves founded their citadel and later capital of Khuzdul in the interior of Mount Thorin. The Eodred, for their part, expanded westward to areas they had formerly inhabited and made good use of the vast plains for taking care of their horses, livestock and for agriculture. During this era, the city of Theodras was established as their capital.
Dragons
The reckless expansion of the Dwarves of Kardas into the mountains drew ire of the frost dragons, who had claimed it as their home in ages past. A group of them flew over the mountain ranges and attacked the lands of Eorlingath and Kardas. Many Dwarves decided to retreat into Mount Thorin, where the Dragons could not reach them. The exodus claimed many lives however, and King Brego of Eorlingath was slain by the Dragons during the initial attack. It took many years before the Dragons were driven back, and still most of the Dwarves decided to stay under the protection of Mount Thorin, and gates were dug to create a vast tunnel network. The Dwarves quickly grew prosperous, but also caused intermittent conflict with the native goblins there.
The Order of Mangai
Many years after the Dragons’ retreat, the Eodred and Dwarves decided to venture into the mountains themselves to locate the Dragons’ resting places in case of another attack. They never made it that far- instead, they encountered an aged, isolated fortress far in the icy mountains that housed a people descended of nomadic tribes and Eodred refugees. This was the fortress of Jagathai. When their leader, Grand Master Ehrye was asked how the people there held against the freezing weather and Dragon strikes, his words were a revelation. The Grand Master was part of an Order of warrior-mages that had learned to control, create and manipulate the element of ice. Not everyone could do this however, as only certain people were predisposed to learning the magical arts. If the person had pale skin, blue or cyan eyes, and an unnatural resistance to cold, they were likely able to learn the magical arts that the Order of Mangai had shaped. The Kingdoms of Kardas and Eorlingath both struck mutual alliances with the Order, and the Order was granted semi-autonomy in their realms.
Civil War
The alliance between the Eorlingath, Kardas and the Order were quite beneficial until the reign of King Folca of Eorlingath. During this time, the Dwarves under King Balin III had several difficulties in finding new veins of minerals, and their wealth had begun to decline. Eorlingath had also been the target of several barbarian raids, while the Dwarves could not help. There had always been some humans who disliked the idea of living side by side with Dwarves, and Dwarves who thought they were superior to humans, but these thoughts reached their peak in these troubled years. Ideas of human superiority also found support in the nobility, most notably with Hwaldar, King Folca’s royal advisor. With the advice of Hwaldar, King Folca declared its independence from the treaty of alliance with the kingdom of Kardas. Many nobles of Eorlingath were dismayed at this decision and King Balin III sent emissaries to reconsider the alliance. Everything changed with the murder of King Folca, allegedly in the company of the Dwarven emissaries. Soon, the age-old allies of Kardas and Eorlingath took up arms against each other. Due to the numerical superiority and swift strikes of the Eodred, the Dwarves of Kardas found themselves forced back to their mountain strongholds. The sieges of the mountain strongholds were kept up by the forces of Eorlingath for two months, and the Eodred suffered grievous losses. An end to the siege came when it was revealed that Hwaldar (who had been ruling because Folca’s son Folcred was too young) had coveted the throne of Eorlingath and secretly poisoned the King. Hwaldar was stabbed by rebelling nobles, and the nobles applied for armistice with King Balin III. The siege was lifted, and the war was over. Slowly, life returned to normal, but tensions still flared up from time to time, which the Kings of Kardas and Eorlingath were wise to quickly put down. The strength of their renewed alliance was tested five years afterward, as a combined force of orcs and barbarians assaulted the borders of Eorlingath once more. The Dwarves valiantly came to the aid of now-King Folcred, and the enemy was successfully repelled.
The Flag of Kardas
Plague
90 years after the Eorlingath-Kardas civil war, disaster struck the two regions anew. The annual harvest had partially failed, endangering the food supplies of the Eodred and Dwarves. Things were compounded when a deadly plague emerged from the agricultural regions, swiftly spreading throughout Eorlingath through the grain shipments. Though the plague was able to be stopped with the help of the Order of Mangai, for the first time in history, the Eodred were outnumbered by the Dwarves as a result of the wars and the plague.
Geography
The lands of the United Kingdom of Eorlingath-Kardas can be split up into three main regions. First and most widespread, are the plains that make up most of Eorlingath. These are fertile, and experience a sheltered climate. On average, it is slightly colder than most places. There are few large settlements here, mainly villages. Also of note is the Eodred fortress of Horngard, which is found at the end of a branch of the Emyn Mountains. The Eodred also maintain a series of fortifications among their border, which is mainly characterized by the river Esgaroth. The capital of Eorlingath, Theodras, stands close to the Eorlingath-Kardas border.
Theodras, capital of Eorlingath
The Horngard, fortress of Eorlingath
One of the border forts of the Eodred
Next are the more hilly regions of Kardas, which are much closer to the mountains. The temperature is even colder than in Eorlingath, but experiences a similar climate. This area is much more developed, and many cities exist where Dwarves and Eodreds peacefully coexist. In this region, Mount Thorin can be found, which leads to Khuzdul, the capital of Kardas, and the primary fortress of the Dwarves. Khuzdul is also part of a vast underground network constructed by the Dwarves, which make the kingdom of Kardas look smaller than it really is.
Dwarven Fort
Last are the Eregrin and Emyn Mountain ranges. Weather in the mountains is generally harsh, but is often manipulated in areas with Order presence to suit their needs. Hidden deep in the mount ranges stands the Order fortress of Jagathai, and even further are the rumored resting places of the mighty ice dragons.
Inhabitants:
The Eodred tend to be tall and blond. They are skilled riders and hunters, and value their horses above all else. The Eodred are not as well learned as other peoples, tending to pass on knowledge through song. There are a fair number of bards in Eorlingath. Most Eodred are also generous, willful, bold (but not cruel) and true-hearted. The vast majority of the Eodred tend to be farmers, shepherds or hunters, though a fair number are merchants as well. The language of the Eodred is called Eorlic, and sounds similar to Frisian with a slight Germanic influence. The population of Eorlingath is approximately 270,000 humans
The Dwarves of Kardas hail from the Azaghal clan, which are unrelated to the Dwarves of Seattile. The Dwarves of Kardas tend to be stern and straightforward, and are unhurt by insults. They are also naturally tough and enduring, and can live up to 250 years of age. The Dwarves tend to take pride in their beards, and often they will have them braided or cared for in other ways. Though most Dwarves may seem antisocial on the outside, inside they can be great friends. Dwarves, when not speaking Common or Eorlic, speak their own language, Naugrim, which sounds as like a Scandinavian language with a slight Germanic influence. They Dwarves are also famed miners and smiths, but were not originally a mountain people. They are also famed for their brewing in alcoholic beverages, as the water pools of the mountains are rarely uncontaminated. There are slightly less Dwarven women than Dwarven men, and the women tend to sport long hair, but cannot grow beards. The population of Kardas is approximately 320,000 Dwarves.
Religion
Both the Eodred and the Dwarves believe in a pantheon of Gods that created the world. While they revere them, they do not actively worship them. The pantheon:
- Manwë, King of the Valar
- Morgoth, Vala of Darkness, Disaster and Evil. Blamed for the Sundering. Thought to be related to Syrid
- Ulmo, Vala of the Sea and the Waters
- Aulë, Vala of Creating and Manufacturing. Highly revered by the Dwarves, and thought to be related to Omia
- Oromë , the Great Rider, Vala of Hunting. Highly revered by the Eodred. Thought to be related to Era.
- Mandos, Vala of the Dead. Thought to be related to Osiris and/or Derrid, but this is uncertain.
- Irmo, Vala of Dreams and Desires
- Tulkas, Vala of Battles. Thought to be related to Terim
- Varda, Vala of the Heavens, wife of Manwë
- Yavanna, Vala of Agriculture and Life, wife of Aulë. Thought to be related to Ferra
- Nienna, Vala of Mercy
- Estë, Vala of Compassion
- Vairë, Vala of Crafts
- Vána, Vala of Spirit and Healing. Thought to be related to Larim.
- Nessa, Vala of the Arts
Bios:
King Theomer of Eorlingath, 47 years old. Son of Thengel III, he has a son named Helm. Theomer is compassionate, wise, and a skilled orator. However, he has fallen prey to bouts of despair in the past, which may be his undoing.
King Thror II of Kardas, 159 years old. Thror is the son of Thrain II, and is the father of Durin. Thror is gruff, but hearty, and is very experienced.
Grand Master Curunir of the Order of Mangai
Nuju, Chief Librarian of the Order of Mangai- one of the few Dwarves admitted to the Order.
The Orcs of Durotar
The Durotan are a species of Orcs that recently descended from the Eregrin Mountains in the hope to find a place to settle. Until recently, they were nomadic.
Although they are Orcs, the Durotan, as they call themselves, are very different. Normal orcs have brown to grey skin color and walk bow-legged. They are also being smaller than humans. Durotan however, are brutish-looking, green-skinned, slightly taller and stronger than a human, and are also more intelligent than normal orcs, even having a type of honor code. The Durotan are also shamanist, believing in ancestral spirits and spirits of nature. Their shamans channel these spirits both for counsel and combat.
The Durotan are lead by the Warchief Orgrim, who is also one of their most powerful shamans. Their society is martial, largely hierarchical, and clan-based.
The average Durotan is pragmatic, and follows their code of valor and honor.
Warchief Orgrim
The Order of Mangai
Little is known about this secretive order of warrior-mages that live high in the mountains, in their fortress of Jagathai. Most of the members are very pale, and have blue or cyan eyes. Sometimes, members travel through Eorlingath or Kardas to find potential initiates, but these are very rare. It is unlikely that these initiates see their family again until adulthood, and even then spend most of their time in the mountains, researching and mastering the ice-lore.
Under the treaty signed with Kardas and Eorlingath, the Order is required to contribute soldiers in times of great need, and it is times like these when the awesome power of the Order members are unleashed.
Warriors of the Order are capable of creating blasts or focused beams of ice, snow and/or coldness, Creating/controlling ice structures, Creating/controlling ice storms, Controlling ice, snow and/or coldness, Freezing water or other liquids, Absorbing ice, snow and/or coldness, Lowering the temperature in an area. The more skilled members that are able to teach initiates, named the Mistika, are also capable of delaying their powers for a specified time period. The Grand Master of the Order alone, appears to have mastered the power of the Nova Blast, a terrible attack that swarms a massive area with ice energies, killing everything, the Grand Master included, in its wake.
Members are usually dressed in white and blue robes and carry staffs, but in times of combat the Members dress themselves in grey and whitle Excidian armor, and grey and white cloaks. The Mistika are allowed to carry heavier armor, and their armor is colored silver. In battle, they carry a special sword used to focus their powers, and a shield. The Mistika carry a special bladed staff that can be split in two and used as a pair of swords, along with a larger shield. All members also wear face masks in combat, each with a unique design. Warriors of the Order usually operate in groups of six. It is estimated that the Order has 30 to 100 members.
The Seal of the Order
Notable creatures
Horses- the horses of Eorlingath are of the famed Felarof breed. These horses are nearly as long lived as the Eodred and possess extraordinary strength. The Eodred prize them greatly. Often, if an Eodred commander surrenders, he grants his opponent his horse.
Yurgs- large boars used mainly by the Dwarves of Kardas for manual labor purposes.
Cows, goats and other farm animals- kept and taken care of by the Eodred
Ravens- used as scouts by the Order of Mangai.
Ice dragons- normally called cold-drakes by the Eodred and the Dwarves, these dragons live up high in the mountains. Few have ever been seen since their attack on Kardas and Eorlingath was driven back- only members of the Order of Mangai see them with any frequency. Ice dragons possess great wings, and freezing breath. It is rumored that the Order of Mangai has tamed some of them, but this has yet to be seen.
Military:
Forces of Eorlingath
Total possible forces of Eorlingath: 11,000. Those fighting the men of Eorlingath can expect to face a mixture of drafted levied footsoldiers, skilled archers and deadly cavalry.
Units:
Levy footmen- peasants drafted for the defense of Eorlingath. Equipped with a helmet, longsword and wooden shield, but little armor.
Levy spearmen- Peasants drafted for the defense of Eorlingath. Equipped with a spear, a hatchet and a helmet. They wear little armor.
Yeoman Archer- The people of Eorlingath are proficient hunters and this is continued with the yeoman corps. Equipped with a longbow which allows for a long range, but a slow rate of fire, a suit of chainmail, as well as a short sword.
Riddermacht- also known as the Riders of Eorlingath, the Riddermacht are the mainstay of the Eorlingath army. Famed for their ability to cut through almost any infantry lines and cavalry units, the Riddermacht are some of the finest cavalry in Middle Trav Khar. Equipped with plate armor, longspears, wooden shields, and longswords.
Riddermacht (archers)- also known as the Riders of Eorlingath, the Riddermacht are the mainstay of the Eorlingath army. Famed for their ability to cut through almost any infantry lines and cavalry units, the Riddermacht are some of the finest cavalry in Middle Trav Khar. Equipped with chainmail, a longsword, and a longbow.
Trebuchet- the siege weapon of the Eorlingath army. Scarcely used.
Royal Guard of Theodras- The elite infantry of Eorlingath, hand-picked by the King. Usually fight dismounted among the Levies, but the King's bodyguard is always mounted.
The King's Bodyguard:
Forces of Kardas
Total possible forces of Kardas: 14,000. Those fighting the dwarves of Kardas can expect to face hardened infantry, backed by siege weaponry and battle wagons.
Guardians- the mainstay of the Dwarven forces, Guardians are armored in steel mail that extend to their knees, an iron helmet with face-mask, and a large iron shield. They are usually armed with battle axes, but some battalions use broadswords or warhammers instead.
Crossbowmen- The ranged troops of the Dwarves. Crossbowmen are armored in steel mail that extends to their knees, an iron cap, and a small iron roundshield. Their crossbows have a short range, but the Crossbowmen are equipped with a secondary broadsword.
Axe-throwers- The elite ranged troops of the Dwarves. Axe throwers are armored in steel mail that extends to their knees, an iron cap, and a small iron roundshield. Axe throwers wield franciscas, a smaller axe type. Despite their short range, axe-throwers can be expected to hold their own in melee, equipped with a secondary broadsword.
Phalanx- Phalanxes are the Dwarves’ answer to enemy cavalry. Phalanxes are armored in steel mail that extends to their knees, an iron helmet and a small iron roundshield slung over their backs. Phalanxes are armed with a polearm and a secondary broadsword.
Battle Wagon- The Dwarves’ version of cavalry, the battle wagon is steered by one dwarf and pulled by a boar-like creature. Battle wagons sometimes mount banners meant to inspire troops, carry Axe throwers, crossbowmen or Yeomen archers for ranged duties. Can also eject an explosive barrel.
Demolisher- The Dwarven version of the battering ram.
Catapult- A special Dwarven catapult that fires two boulders at the same time. Flaming munitions may be used as well, and they can also launch explosive barrels.
Forces of Durotar
Grunt- The first and last defense of any Durotan force. These are fierce fighters and can best most humans one on one due to their brute strength and toughness.
Archer- The crossbow is the favored ranged weapon of the Durotan, though some prefer to throw javelins instead.
Raider- The closest thing to cavalry that the Durotan have. Despite this, they are better suited for quick attacks and raiding and do not stand well against a heavy assault. They carry large warblades and nets to ensnare foes.
Kodo Beast- The large Kodo beasts, beasts of burden of the Durotan, are charged with carrying their war drums into battle. With the thundering beat of the war drums, the Durotan often fight more courageously and with better morale.
Wind Rider- During their trek through the mountains, the Durotan befriended several clans of Wyverns. The proud beasts allowed the Durotan to mount them, and together they serve as an air unit of the Durotan. Their riders often fling javelins at their targets, some of them which are coated with venom.
Demolisher- The siege weapon of the Durotan. Often the projectile is coated in oil and set aflame before firing.
Shaman- When not providing spiritual guidance to the Durotan or conversing with the spirits, some Shamans can be counted on to support their brethren in battle. There they command the raw powers of nature and can heal their brethren. Furthermore, through a ritual, they can convince their brethren to fight with even greater vigor, essentially causing the Durotan to berserk.
Blademaster- An elite unit, Blademasters serve as generals or as the Warchief's bodyguard. They are renowned for their stealth and almost supernatural skill with a sword.
Far Seer- An elder shaman, Far Seers can lead Durotan armies when not providing counsel to other Durotan. Out of combat, the Far Seers often meet with the Warchief to divine the future and discuss the best course of action that the Durotan can take.
Strengths and weaknesses of my nation & army in simple terms
Eorlingath
- Some of the best, if not the best cavalry in Middle Trav Khar
- melee footsoldiers are mainly cannon fodder
- Only the Horngard is well defended.
Kardas
- Strong infantry, with excellent armor and weaponry.
- Excellent siege weapons and fortifications.
- Hardly any mobile units.
- They're slow.
Durotar
- Raw frontline power, which is enhanced through the spellcasters and war drums.
- Morale kept high as a result of the war drums and spellcasters
- Not very keen on tactics.
- Other forces usually outnumber them.
Order of Mangai
- Each is a powerful and skilled warrior in his own right.
- Control over the element of ice
- Small numbers
