Estershadow- Setting

[Faidth]

I decided to compile some of the information I've been posting about Estershadow.

[Faidth]

Kingdom I: Redfield(The Heart of Estershadow)


Ruler: Queen Edennia Adeyrn

Titles: The Virgin Queen, The Steel-Hearted, The Benevolent

Epithets: The Chastity Belt, The Shrew of Redfield



   Redfield is ruled by Queen Edennia, the only child of the late King Felix. Redfield is a predominantly patriarchal society. Tradition dictated that the kingdom would be awarded to the closest male relation.

    However, when King Felix died, he left in his wake a great deal of scandal, as he appointed his daughter his heir. By rights, his younger brother, Duke Calmon, should have taken the throne. However, King Felix worried that the kingdom would fail under the rule of his rash and perpetually temperamental brother.

   Since being crowned, Queen Edennia has been a model monarch. However, she has refused to take a husband, despite the promises of many capable suitors.  Should she marry, the rule of Redfield would then be transferred to her new husband, and Edennia does not feel that any of her suitors would be up to the task of ensuring the kingdom’s prosperity.

   Duke Calmon publicly praises his niece. However, behind the scenes, he is a much different person. He believes that his niece is awarding too much freedom to her fellow females, and that this great influx of female self-confidence may be damaging the nation. He maintains that the only true monarch for Redfield would be a king, and he has not counted himself out of the race just yet.

   Queen Edennia knows that Redfield is the Heart of Estershadow. She greatly believes in the strength of her people, and prides herself on aspiring to be as fair and just a ruler as her father ever was. While not opposed to alliances, she is naturally suspicious of others, and does not actively seek to ally with other countries. She knows that the greatest threat to her power will likely come from within, but does not discount the military might of Tarvus Bullgraden of Grey Hall or King Botheric Evoric of Blackbridge.

[Faidth]

Kingdom II: Coldview


Ruler: King Tius Dashiell

Titles: The Tyrant's Son

Epithets: The Bed Wetter, The Indecisive



   King Tius Dashiell’s father was one of the most cold-blooded, ruthless men to ever walk the face of the earth, and his subjects are no different. Coldview is an inhospitable place, filled with cutthroats and predators of all kinds. The only person keeping them in check was King Armen, Tius’s father.

   Needless to say, the mild-tempered young gentleman has some large shoes to fill. Many of Coldview’s inhabitants are of ill-repute, and if King Tius shows any weakness, he stands to lose control of his entire kingdom.

    During the reign of Tius’s grandfather, King Ananias, the entire country was plunged into dark times. Ananias was a weak king who failed to enforce the much-needed discipline that his people needed. Despite the laws that Ananias had attempted to enforce, illegal dealings such as prostitution, human trafficking, drug and alcohol trades, illegal weapons dealings, and gambling were rampant in the kingdom. Because of this, Ananias’s successor, his son Armen, had been forced to contend with the vices of his citizens.

   King Armen was a ruthless, cutthroat man, who hated weaknesses in his subjects, but hated weakness in his son even more. He taught Tius to be a ruthless tyrant, and to show no mercy to those who were in need of punishment. Armen attempted to teach Tius to rule by the force of an iron fist. 

   In the wake of King Armen’s death, the inhabitants of Coldview have fallen to their old vices again. To make matters worse, there are many who view Tius as a weak king and wish to gain control of his throne. Tius knows that if he does not put an end to this unrest, he stands to lose everything.

   Tius believes that he can assert his strength as King by seeking to expand Coldview’s borders. He knows that the greatest prize in all Estershadow is the heart of the country, Redfield. Tius is well-aware of Queen Edennia’s beauty and graciousness, but also knows that she is exceptionally strong-willed. However, he is quite enamored with her and it is a risk he is willing to take. Should she refuse him, he intends to march on Redfield and violently claim the Heart of Estershadow, and its ruler.

   King Tius firmly believes that an alliance between Blackbridge and Coldview might be just the thing he needs to cement his claim to Redfield. He fears the might of Tarvus Bullgraden of Grey Hall, and worries that if he does not ally with another country soon, the barbarian tribes of the north may fall upon his kingdom.

[Faidth]

Kingdom III: Grey Hall


Ruler: Tarvus Bullgraden

Titles: The Bull of the Norse

Epithets: The Brainless Brawn


   Little is known of the revolutionary leader, Tarvus Bullgraden, acting ruler of Grey Hall. It is generally agreed that he came from very humble origins and never belonged to the Noble Council, composed of representatives from all of the barbarian tribes in the area.

   What is known, is that in the wake of King Botheric Evoric’s foray into the north, Tarvus Bullgraden emerged as the Hero of Grey Hall. Though King Felix had Botheric’s men on the defensive, it was the forces that Tarvus Bullgraden assembled that truly changed the tide of the battle. Tarvus Bullgraden, an obscure if not completely unknown name prior to the Battle of Feragal’s Ford, achieved what none of the barbarian chieftains had ever succeeded in: he managed to ally all of the tribes under one banner.

   Tarvus remains a ruler who is shrouded in mystery. To date, no one has been able to uncover any personal information about him prior to his dealings at the beginning of the war with Blackbridge. In addition, he confides in only two people, his personal guards, Arkell and Emil.

   Tarvus is a quiet, serious man, and a brilliant tactician. However, his tactical skill is often overshadowed by the false stereotype that he is little more than a hulking moron, who excels in physical strength, but not in mental aptitude.

   Tarvus has a near-obsession with destroying King Botheric Evoric and Blackbridge once and for all. He has already begun to move his forces southward. However, despite the fact that Redfield is the fastest way into Blackbridge, Tarvus recognizes that Queen Edennia would never allow a hostile army to pass through her fair city. He believes that he may be able to pass through the territory of the Child King’s (King Cormac Urien’s) holdings. He knows that it will take a considerable bribe to convince the child’s mother to agree to the terms, that is, if the knight, Herric, will even allow Tarvus to see the king.

[Faidth]

Kingdom IV: Mormount


Ruler: King Cormac Urien

Titles: The Child King

Epithets:  The Coddled Infant


   Mormount is ruled by King Cormac Urien, the son of the late King Harold. As he is only a boy of 12, his mother, Queen Ramalda, serves as his regent. In addition, King Cormac has the unfailing aid and support of his personal guard, his late father’s favored knight, Sir Herrick Ackerly.

   However, despite the interventions of those aiding Cormac, he must contend with the fact that his father made several, rather unwise decisions during the latter part of his reign. The economy is failing, there is a large amount of unrest amongst the nobles, and Cormac is being pressured to assert his new position by standing against the kingdom of Grey Hall, whose warriors are beginning to encroach upon the Mormount borders. To make matters worse crops are dying due to unusual weather patterns that have brought about both freezing conditions and drought. King Cormac knows that if he does not act soon, his reign may be very short indeed.

   In addition, Cormac’s rule is opposed by a powerful clergyman, the Archbishop Anwar Kalel. The Archbishop claims that the kingdom is failing because it is wrought with sin, and that the only way to restore Mormount’s greatness is by a Grand Inquisition that will bring every sinner in the kingdom to justice.

   King Cormac is often regarded as weak because of his youth and his overprotective mother. However, Cormac is a born leader and seeks to distinguish himself as a true king. Despite the protests of his mother, Cormac seeks to ally his kingdom with Redfield. He knows that his kingdom is ill-equipped to handle any further incursions from Tarvus Bullgraden of Grey Hall. In addition, he does not trust the quiet demeanor of the King Tius Dashiell of Coldview, who has previously expressed interest in expanding his kingdom.

[Faidth]

Kingdom V: Blackbridge


Ruler: King Botheric Evoric

Titles: The Hammer of the South

Epithets: The Black-Heart



   Blackbridge is ruled by King Botheric Evoric, but as the king is ageing and falling to ill health, his son, Magnus, must learn how to rule in his stead. Though Botheric still serves in a very public capacity, Magnus aids in many of the day-to-day activities in regards to maintaining the kingdom’s rule.

   Botheric is known far and wide as an iron-fisted ruler with a cruel sense of justice. Botheric, seeing that his father, King Ramsey, was not a capable king, convinced many of the lords serving under his father to side with him in a violent revolution.

   At its culmination, King Ramsey was captured and publicly executed by the decree of Botheric. The newly crowned King Botheric then proceeded to have all of the lords that sided with him in the revolution killed for their acts of treason against King Ramsey. This, obviously, confused the lords, who were angered that Botheric could incite them into revolution only to turn on them later.

   Botheric replied by saying, “You were so quick to turn on the old king, my father. A turncoat once is a turncoat always. None of you can be trusted.”

   These executions served as an example to the other lords that none should ever dare to cross Botheric, and those few who did not follow his commands, would be sentenced to die. Needless to say, this happened quite frequently during the beginning of Botheric’s reign. A great portion of the nobility, both men and women, were executed for crimes against the crown. Eventually, Botheric’s subjects simply learned not to bring about the wrath of their king.

   Botheric sought to expand his kingdom by circling around the western provinces and moving north towards Grey Hall. Ideally, he had planned to conquer the southern portion of Grey Hall before sending his armies directly into Redfield.

   Botheric knew that he could never compare to the benevolence of King Felix, and if he were to truly rule the subjects of Grey Hall, and eventually Redfield, he would need to do so by force. During this time, Botheric’s forces ravaged the countryside, inflicting terror upon any they came across. Women were raped, children killed, villages plundered, and each man tortured and murdered without causation.

        However, Queen Edennia’s father, King Felix, forged a brief alliance with the barbarian tribes of Grey Hall and were able to thwart Botheric and his forces. King Botheric returned to Blackbridge in disgrace.

   King  Botheric has continued to rule Blackbridge with an iron fist, and has attempted to teach his son to do the same. He seeks to teach Magnus how to be a severe, powerful ruler, one who thrives upon tyranny to enforce the subjugation of his people.

    However, Botheric’s work was been frequently undone by the kind nature of his wife, Lellia, Magnus’s mother. Botheric had first encountered Lellia during his northern campaigns, and took her from her native lands as his personal prize. Despite his cruelty to others, Botheric’s demeanor softens considerably when around his beloved wife. So great is her beauty, and so gentle her demeanor, that even King Botheric cannot resist her. She remains his only voice of reason, but she, too, is in ill health, and many physicians maintain that she may not have much longer. Many believe that if Lellia were to die before Botheric, he would continue his final descent into madness.

        Botheric wishes to reclaim his honor by capturing Redfield, a feat he believes that he can accomplish if he can form an alliance with either Coldview or Mormount.

[Faidth]

WEAPONS

 In Redfield, the sword is still the preferred weapon as combat is to be a matter of honor as opposed to self-preservation. Cannons are around, but I wouldn't say they are exceptionally numerous, nor are the easy to come by. Guns are still in a bit of a fledgling form. Primitive rifles and flintlock pistols are accessible, but not commonly used just yet. In addition, these weapons have not been perfected for the mainstream populus, and cheap knock-offs will likely result in misfires.

Coldview and Mormount are quite similar to Redfield, but lack the means to equal their neighbor. In Coldview, finesse fighting styles are the most respected (use of sabres coupled with an aggressive style adapted from fencing.) Straight-edged rapiers are used for ceremonial fencing or duels, whereas sabres are used in actual combat. Mormount is well known for their archers, and crossbows would certainly be in use there.

Grey Hall is to be more barbaric in nature. Prowess in combat is prized above all things and the warriors from here are more likely to bash your head in with a big stick then to whip out a pistol to shoot you with.

Blackbridge is a rather militant place, however, slaughter is not supposed to be neat and pretty. Most officers in the Army of Blackbridge tend to stick to axes, mauls, maces and other messy weapons. They also prefer halberds.

[Faidth]

TECHNOLOGY

In regards to other forms of technological advancements, transportation is usually measured in the treads of your shoes, but more affluent folks own horses, and the most elite amongst them have carriages. Machinery, too, is far from an industrial revolution. However, certain entities within Redfield and Coldview are developing methods to increase production of goods. They still have quite a long way to go.

[Faidth]

RELIGION

[Faidth]

WEALTH AND STATUS

Certain areas of Estershadow are more affluent than others; status may translate differently. In general, owning horses, having a carriage, having fine clothing and jewelry, or possessing other small comforts serve as important status symbols and signify a person of wealth. In certain areas, intellectual or combat skills may be prized, while in others, they may be less important. In addition, there may be certain items or services that can only be found in specific kingdoms.


Redfield:  has a large amount of money in their treasury, and as such, the majority of people who reside there, even the poor ones, are well taken care of. The social hierarchy is as follows:

Queen
High Ranking Nobility (relations of the Queen)
Lesser Nobility (Lords and Ladies)
Military (Knights, Guards and other retainers)
Craftsmen
Artisans
Merchants
Peasants

Social or intellectual skills such as the ability to read, debate, practice effective etiquette or discourse effectively are common, but very valued. Showing artistic or musical skill, or having the ability to compose plays, books, etc. are less common, treasured skills.


Coldview: Coldview is also an exceptionally wealthy country, but status is far more valued here. In a country where backstabbing is as common as breathing and the majority of people intend to further their own agendas, wealth and status are integral parts of business transactions and movement on the political level. There is an emphasis on luxury and excess, and as a result, those in important stations, such as the military, do not always receive the respect they deserve. As a result of the importance of status here, cutthroats and criminals are common as everyone is looking for a way to improve their status. Little attention is paid to how you achieve wealth, as long as you manage to look good while you are doing it.

King
Higher Nobles
Lesser Nobles
Scholars and Intellectuals
Entertainers
Merchants
Artisans
Craftsmen
Knights and Guards
Retainers
Peasants



Grey Hall: Being populated by a predominantly tribal population, inhabitants of this area do not have much need for wealth. The value of a member of the society is typically based upon their combat abilities and general martial prowess. Strength, constitution, and the ability to endure hardships is valued in this country. Most of the population consists of folk of few words who rely on their deeds, rather than their words, to demonstrate their importance to the community. Someone who can kill a bear in single combat is far more valuable than someone who is articulate. The majority of the men belong to the Warrior Class, while women generally tend to the children and homesteads. Though women are quite low on the social hierarchy, they are still valued members of society and are not treated in a subservient way. Even women are expected to show some skill in combat arts, should they ever need to defend Grey Hall at the sides of their husbands.  Social hierarchy:

Head Chieftain (Tarvus Bullgraden)
Clan Chieftains
Clan Elders
Warriors
Craftsmen
Women


Mormount: Mormount is very much like Redfield, though not as wealthy. Unfortunately, due to many strains on the economy, the population of poor is growing. This is ultimately leading to unrest in the lower classes. Social hierarchy:

The King
The Regent (the King's Mother)
Nobility
Military (Knights, Guards and other retainers)
Craftsmen
Merchants
Peasants


Blackbridge:  This country lacks a well-defined social hierarchy due to the abundance of poor.

King
Military
Peasants (very poor)

The destitute are often ignored or actively abused (in Blackbridge, to be poor is a sign of weakness, which would be disdained by higher class members of society.)