User:Film

The world of Adrasil is a vast one…one rich with history. HISTORY OF ADRASIL To begin this tale, one must start from the beginning. Magic some say is from the gods. Some a curse and to others a blessing. The more vicious the dark arts hold - the more the user must pay. The light ages the user rapidly as it is said to be a blessing to quicken your step to stand before God.

Elyrion, God of Light, Creator Of All Things, fashioned all races of the world. His most favored creation were the Elves. They held a special place in the order of things and maintained a celestial, almost angelic, quality about them.

Elyrion blessed his Elves with a long life, some have been said to live for as long as five millennium, but he rarely granted them offspring. Eons passed and Elyrion was silent, enjoying his creation. It was the time of the Elves, known as the Age of Light. During Elyrion's silence Lord De’grun, an Elven Noble, began to doubt in Elyrion, challenging him, wondering if he really even existed at all. Lord De’grun declared himself a god, and set about playing it, but his creations were flawed. He created the creatures of Shadow; races known as Orcs, Goblins, Trolls, and the other foul races.

The creatures of Light and Darkness began to fight and and in their clash Magic was born into the world. Magic is the essence of the world there is Light and there is Dark. There are only two kinds of Magic and they can be harnessed by words that are spoken or bound to artifacts through carved Runes. Casters found that you can enhance the magic through the use of a focus object, like a staff. Magic is subtle, but powerful. The command words can be taught, but not the harnessing of the power, it takes years of practice. Most humans do not have the patience, or live long enough to learn, though some do, and they are well advanced in age by the time they “catch” the Magic. The Magic of the High Elves is beauty, their craft is sleek and finessed. A Dwarven enchantment is hard etched, and concise, like the Dwarven way, Magic matches its maker. Each race's craftsman strove to out-do the other, with form and function, or diabolic guile in their use of runes on weapons.

Lord De’grun crafted a blade of Darkness– known as “Etcher of Souls” and it cut deeply into his soul. You see, you are either “blessed” by the Light, or “indebted” to the Darkness, when you use Magic. Dark Magic’s energy is easier to access, but it is unreliable, difficult to control, and there is always a great and terrible cost.

De’grun formed an army with his creations and the race of Elves was split. Giving rise to the High Elves, the followers of Elyrion, the Dark Elves who worship De’grun, and the neutral Wood and Sea Elves. The Shadow Elves and De’grun’s creatures of Darkness desired to snuff out the Light, and so, the world descended into a time of chaos and war, known as the Fallen Age. Lord De’grun, who became known as the Father of Shadow, had a son, Prince Korlan, The Shadow Prince. The Fallen Age was especially hard on the High Elves as many of the male heirs, and in fact, entire family lines were wiped out. They do not procreate quickly, so Elven Shield Maidens sprang up, and became the defenders of their realms.

Even as the Light flickered and victory seemed within his grasp De’grun began to lose control over his creatures, and thus powerful rivals grew out of the Shadow, a civil war occurred amongst the forces of Shadow. The Age of Rebellion was born. Lord De’grun sent his son into hiding with the Shadow-Ganga, his elite shadow guards. Lord De’grun fought against the rebellious minions he had created, but too many had turned against him and Lord De’grun was torn to bits by his clamoring hordes, and his great sword, “Etcher of Souls” was cast into the Dark Lake of Sand.

With the forces of Shadow in disarray the Light prospered, but not for long. In the Light grew shadows, and the races of Light became jealous of what each had built, and they began to fight each other. The Shadow races rallied and started to spread their influence, thus the Shadow grew once again in power.

As the ancient races raged in war, the race of man, with its seemingly short and brutish life, spread covering most of the world. War culled the ancient races, allowing the human kingdoms to rise, they grew and established borders. The Age of Man had come of age.

Chieftains in Olaran arose holding of the Golthanian desert people of the south at bay and the Arkadians to the east.

A great and wise king arose, King Aenarion, The Unitore, High Lord of The Kingdoms of Olaran. Aenarion would set forth to first bring war and then bring peace. He established the heart of his army, the shock-troops known simply as Men-At-Arms.

Knowing that the years of men are measured in decades not millennium, King Aenarion declared that his days of conquest were over and the lands of his rule had reached its maximum. The great ambition and lust for battle of his youth became the strength and hard earned wisdom of the great king. He brought peace and stability to The Kingdoms of Oloran. Once the Kingdom was consolidated Aenarion began to guard and protect its borders. Pulling from the lordly families of the time of the Chieftains, Aenarion established the King’s Protectorate, known as the Kingsmen. Given stature and respect; each member would give up any lordly right to serve the house of the King for the remainder of their days.

King Aenarion found that keeping the Kingdom safe was as great a challenge as uniting them. His armies were unwieldy in the face of the new threats of the borderlands. He needed the voice of the king in these outskirt border towns, and so, the “Rangers” were established to guard and protect the frontier.

With pirates in the south and raiders from the West and North, the first naval operators, known as the Lords of the Sea was established to defend the waterways leading into the vast kingdom.

WEEKEND WARRIOR, finds itself 300 years after the formation of Olaran, during King Alyrione’s reign. This is approximately 50 years prior to the film of “The Rangers”.

Now it is YOUR story to tell... TIMELINE AGE OF LIGHT (FORMATION) GOD of Light creates the world. GOD created the race of Elves. GOD steps back from his creation, where there is peace and harmony. This too became know as the Age of Light. The elf lord King De’grun turns to the darkness. De’grun creates the Shadow Races. Split within elf race. Umbrans Elves follow Dagrun. High Elves follow GOD’s will. FALLEN AGE War between Light and Dark Races. High Elf population reduced by the war. De’grun forges the sword Etcher of Souls. Pours a lot of his power into it. Degrun son born: Korlan. Rebellion within the Shadow Races against De’grun, known as the Age of Rebellion. Battle between the Shadow Races. Etcher of Souls is lost. De’grun is thought to be killed (just weakened so badly that his body is gone and his soul disappears). Korlan goes into hiding with a remnant of his loyalists. Shadow Races are splintered by this internal war. They recede into the fringes of the world.

AGE OF MAN

King Aenarion unites majority of men into Kingdom of OLARAN.
Beyond the borders of OLARAN is:
King Aenarion establishes the Men-at-Arms, Kingsmen, Rangers and Lords of the Sea to guard the borders of OLARAN.

(Weekend Warrior) King Osric 4216 (400 years since its formation)

The Kingdom is that of Olaran is broken down by 9 provinces, established long ago at the ending reign of the Chieftains.

The kingdom of Olaran, using their unique set of wilderness skills to bring justice to the Borderlands. Founded many years ago by King Alirion who saw the need to have a force of warriors loyal to the crown, outside of the highly political royal court and aristocratic knights of the military, as a first line of defense. A force that could be the eyes, ears, voice, and hand of the king in the wilds. They are the beacon lighters, they are the law and order to the distant boundaries of the realm, set on the frontiers to guard and watch the borders of the Kingdom.

COINS are history…

The Rangers Coin Set has been forged for the film project The Rangers; A Shadow Rising. It is a world of myth and legend and The Rangers Coin Set invites you into that world of wonder, Adrasil. They add color to the canvass of your adventure, offering you a tale or two to tell around the campfire for each intricately detailed coin.

Upon your purchase, should you chose The Rangers Coin Set, the team over at The Forge Studios would like to offer you two items, free of charge, to add to your adventure. This offer is only valid for this Kickstarter campaign. You will receive a copy of the official film poster for The Rangers; A Shadow Rising AND the official Map of Adrisil to explore, which will bring the history of the land to life, both presented in high resolution digital format. Once again, this offer is only valid for this Kickstarter campaign.

Each Coin tells a tale of the kingdom of Oloran. Many years have passed in the land of Adrisil and the artwork on the coins offers a brief glimpse into its thousands of years of history.

The Face of Each Coin: Depicts the tale of the creation of the Kingdom of Oloran. The Four marked areas serve to remind the king’s subjects of the vastness of the realm. This realm is crossed by the clash of two ancient blades. One is the “ The Etcher of Souls” forged long ago by the Shadow King, Dagrun, in his attempt to master the land. The other, is it's mirror "The Sword of Hope,” which kept the shadow blade at bay.

The BRONZE Coin: In the year 3998 the Prince of The House of The Falling Suns sounded the great Horn of Oloran to amass his banners at the famous battle of the Cloverfields. There his 1,000 horses charged the great host of the southern invaders defeating them in a single vicious battle. Though the Prince breathed his last breath that day in the charge, his blood purchased lasting victory. The enemy was never able to recover and so settled for peace within the southern lands. Even to this day, no clover grows on that once bloodstained land. The coin is marked to be broken into “bits” if needed.

The SILVER Coin: Emblazoned upon this coin is the Dwarven rune that means “Tribe”, it rests on a bed of interlocking rings. The interlocking rings indicate the eternal commitment of the united peoples of Oloran to one another. Eventually, the Olorian Rangers would use this symbol as the basis for their mark, which came to mean “With You”.

The GOLD Coin: Two great serpents are pictured devouring one another, and centered in their midst lies the head of “Gamorian: the Great Dragon”. During the legendary Fallen Age, two great houses clashed, nearly destroying them both. The Gamorain image depicted is a reminder of an ancient myth, the famous story of the gold dragon that saved the maiden from her noble, but evil captor. Some claim it was her lost love, Bashtune, reborn. The Kings of Oloran often claim to descend from this mythical pair. It is one of the most renowned tales of Oloran, though the claim is likely dubious. Join the adventure, and unleash the power of the world of Adrasil.

The Kingdom of Olaran was established. It’s borders defined. It’s not longer needing to expand, but to hold what is now there. There is a standing Army. Local Sherriff’s to control Townships and the surrounding subordinate areas.

THE SEA LORDS "Sea-blue dawn tinged the sky and sea-blue eyes were bright. And the Lords of the Sea took the beach and stormed the battle-hight. The cries of gulls and song of swords drowned out the crashing waves, And men of the ships had made a name to last 'till the End of Days." ~Song of the Sea Lords, from the Records of the Kingdom of Olaran, The Second Chapter.

THE MAKING OF THE TWO SWORDS Was reported by Ranger 1st Class Bezbuetan of the Soaring Eagles in the 75yr of the 1st Age of Men, taken from fabled Elvin stories.

When the light was challenged Darkness began to arise Lord Dagrun started a journey That would take all light from him Powers were brought forth The ones he could not control He gained in stature but was not able to hold Looking in ancient manuscripts He found a way to harness his power It would be an ancient way, a lost way He sought and worked and finally learned the craft That would allow him to harness what he had An ancient ritual he bound his soul To an item that would bind his essence The birth of the sword of the Etcher of Souls was forged Lord Dagrun had done what no one else had He created and harness what he gained and had.

The light took notice of the darkness that arose And in its own way the light made its own A Sword of Hope was said to have been made But none were able to find where it had been laid Harnessing the wielders power would not be the only thing But to have the light to help find their way

The two would one day battle and decide the wielders fate Who would harness the power and learn to make the way

Ancient are these tales, no one truly knows But one day we await to find out if there is truth Until then we abide and seek the lesser known Will we find a small gift of the powers that be May we one day find out if there’s any left for me.

THE RANGERS FIELD GUIDE THE LANDS There are Outpost 50 people or less Small Town 100 people or Less Elder Town 100-250 Constable Township 250-1,000 Sheriff Village 1,000-5,000 Judge City 5,000+ Mayor

Counties Count Regions Earl Districts Duke (Sire) Kingdom King (Highness)

Classes: Slaves Peasant Freemen Land Owner Noble Lord Titles

A term of service is 2 years. Must have active prior service of 1 year in the standing army 6 months - Probate/Rookie 1 year - Ranger 1st Class 2 years - Ranger 2nd Class - Obtain the Mark of the Ranger in Red 5 years - Ranger 3rd Class - Mark in Brown 10 years - Sr. Ranger - Mark in Black Subregent. - Mark in Green Lt. - Mark in Silver Capt. - Mark in Gold Commander - Mark in Gold with + Markings High Commander - Mark in Gold with ++Markings Commander General - Mark in Gold with +++Markings King - No Mark but a Crown The Rangers Field Guide Ranger Basics The King’s Rangers of Olaran work in 4 man teams. Teams usually consist of: 1- “Heavy” or tank type of warrior. He is the most armored and usually carries a shield and variety of hand weapons. It is his job to hold the line, defend his brothers, and push into close quarters with the enemy when the time comes. 1- “Ranged” or archer type. Specialized with the long bow he can lay down withering fire against the enemy and cover his companions as they move into tactical positions. 1- “Light” melee warrior or runner. Speed and stealth is his specialty. Armed with close combat weapons, he is upon the enemy before they know what hit them, or appearing uncannily in the right place at the right time. 1-Unit Leader. When rangers come upon other ranger groups in the area but are unsure if friend or foe – they have a phrase to say. It changes every 4 months for safety. Mountain Rangers generally do not use horses for patrols, as they cannot go everywhere a man can. Lieutenant Brander Noke’s unit The Wolf Pack / The Wolves (“Balarean” – wolves in elvish) are part of the Northern Watch. They are known for their ferocity. Since the Borderland Wars – the Rangers have their elven counterpart. A term of service for a Ranger is 5 years. Must have active prior service of 3 years in the standing army 6 months – Runner/Recruit/Rookie 1 year – Ranger Scout 2 years – Ranger Tracker – Obtain Rangers Symbol in bronze 5 years – Ranger Pathfinder – Rangers Symbol bronze with copper 10 years – Sr. Ranger – Rangers Symbol bronze with silver Seargent – Rangers Symbol bronze with gold Lt. – Rangers Symbol in silver Capt. – Rangers Symbol in silver with gold Commander – Rangers Symbol in gold High Commander – Rangers Symbol in gold with platinum Commander General – Rangers Symbol in gold with platinum and gems (Only Appointed in times of war) King – The Rangers Symbol is the King’s own Sigil Where do they live? They live on the outskirts of all the borders of the kingdom, but each township must have a room or cabin available for Rangers. They use hunting lodges in the wilds from time to time, but tents or the ground is mostly where they stay as they must keep on the move – out on patrol/reporting what they observe. Once a month they must make a formal report on their patrol area to be sent to the High-Commander, who in turn makes his report to the King . In addition, each Ternion must keep a running journal that is turned in for review through their chain-of-command at least on a quarterly basis. The Ranger Corps is based on Four-man Units: Ternion: A Four-man team, and the most basic unit of the Ranger teams. Equivalent of a squad. The top man of a Ternion is called a Lanceman. He’s the leader at this basic level, the “tip of the spear,”. Triternion: Four Four-man Ranger teams (sixteen men, total). One Ranger on one of the teams is the leader, called a Lieutenant, and his own four-man team is the Lead Team of the Triternion. He is supported by two Lancemen. Decternion: Comprised of 10 four-man teams (40 men, total). The leader is called a Captain. His own team is the Lead Team and “special forces” of the 10 teams. He is supported by three Lieutenants, who are in charge of one Triternion each. Retinue: Comprised of 40 four-man teams (160 men, total). The leader is called a Commander, and his team is the Command Team of the 40 teams. The other two men on the Commander’s Team are each leaders of 10 three-man teams (a Decternion), and are Captains. The Commander’s own Decternion is comprised of regular Rangers and some special forces-type teams. Leadership within the units break down as listed above. League: Comprised of ten Decternions (400 men, total). The leader of a league is called a High-Commander. He is supported by nine Commanders. The High-Commander’s own decternion is comprised of regular Rangers, some special forces and guards. The tenth Decternion is a special forces team, led by a Commander hand-picked by the High-Commander. This tenth Decternion is a very elite force that rounds out the league, and is comparable to something like a Seal Team.

Rangers are handpicked for service from the ranks of the kingdoms forces. The risk is great, but these appointments may lead to many great opportunities for having endured the hardships of the frontier. It is a five year tour, but when they return from the borderlands, they are a part of an elite group and this guarantees them certain benefits.

There are those, however, that are suited to the border life-style, and out of those men, the Lieutenants are named.

Each Ranger “Unit” consists of four, four man fighting “Teams”. A heavy fighter, an archer, a light, usually dual wielder and an officer make up each Team. Every Team has a lead, usually the Ranger with the most time in the service. Lieutenants are in charge of each sixteen man Unit, and oversee an area of approximately twenty miles.

The Rangers are the first line of defense, the peacekeepers, the law, the investigators, and the Lieutenants are the judges and executioners of sentencing in the wilderness. They are the voice of the king on the frontier, and are greatly respected throughout the kingdom. Their martial prowess is legendary.

King Aenarion's formation of the Rangers had been fortuitous the security and even handed justice they brought to the frontier allowed trade to grow. The crops and livestock of the borderlands fed the growing cities, and slowly some of the luxuries and order of the kingdom made its way into the frontier.

In the Northeast a war between Wood Elf tribes spilled over into the borderlands. The Wood Elves fought each other and the Rangers as they began raiding the frontier villages for food and supplies. Wolf was a young Ranger then, he fell in love with a local, lesser noble's daughter and dreamed of marrying her and retiring to a farm next to her father's out here in the borderlands. His dreams were dashed after raiding Wood Elves burned her father's farm and left his love dead. Out of the ashes, a hero arose, Wolf became a hardened warrior. He became known near and far for his courage, skill in battle, and hatred for the Wood Elves. Wolf settled in then, to the life of a Ranger.

The skirmishes went on for years, but when King Aenarion finally brought his mighty army to bare the Wood Elves begged for peace. The Borderland Wars Truce left Wolf unable to avenge his love's death any longer and had to watch as Elves were now allowed to freely roam the land, unchecked. As the years went by, naturally, half-breeds began to show up more and more. In the borderlands there have always been some of mixed races but they have it very hard, as they are usually not much accepted by either race. There are open minds, even in the borderlands, and some places are beginning to open up to them.

The Rangers rotate in their recruits. Every year a new group of rookie Rangers, or Pledges, arrives to the Unit and take their places in the Teams. Rangers who have completed their tours return home.

Where do they live? They live on the outskirts of all the boarders of the kingdom, but each township must have a room available for Rangers. They use hunting lodges from time to time, but tents or the ground mostly where they must keep on the move - out on patrol/reporting what they observe. Once a month they must report to each area for Judgement on matters in their patrol area - being the voice of the king.

Oath I swear to defend this land from all enemies near and far, I promise to bear truth and allegiance to the crown, That I will uphold the creeds of the kingdom and the lay of the land, I promise to listen and obey, without question those appointed above me, I will give my life to the defense of the kingdom, the land, the people and my fellow rangers, And I will discharge these duties with all that I am and have until my last breath, So help me God of Light.

Creed We are the watchers in the woods, The protectors of the realm. We are the heralds of warning,

The beacon lighters of hope, Violence prowls the land, And hard men must meet it.

We are the judges... We are the executioners... Never will we fail, Never will we give in. The first to stand, And if need be, the first to die.

We are the guardians. We are the iron hand of the King. The Body that fights, The Mind that guards, The Soul that endures. We are the Rangers. - Ranger Creed

RACES Elves High - were split and some now called “Umbrans”. Live up to around 5,000 years. Fully mature at 500. High respect for elders & nature. Seen rarely as they keep to their own. Understands magic, as much as anyone can. Can craft some weapons & armor with minimal magical properties. The Umbran/Shadow elves are actually pale white with milky skin. They hate the term “shadow elf” - they see themselves as “Pure elves” but accept high elf as well, to include their House name Umbran.

Wood - love the woods/protectors of the woods; some call them fairies. Earth tones and dark colors; darker skin. Great with animals and bows. Great herbalist.

Common Live up to around 2,500. Fully mature at 250. Little or no magic. Mostly commonly seen and accepted by other races.

Dwarves High respect for mountains/smithing/gems. Mountain - Are adapt at rune carving. Magic through runes - primarily weapons. (sword, mace, axe, hammer).

Dark - when elves split, so did the Dwarves. They went deep into the mountains. Live up to around 2,500 years. Fully mature at 250. Seen extremely rarely.

Goblin Created by Dark Lord. Fearful of most humans. Will only attack in packs. Subservient to Orcs. Mountain Other

Orc* Created by Dark Lord. Common High/Battle

Trolls Hill Cave/Mountain

Human Live to be around 60 years old. Fully mature at 16. Only a few elders know any magic at all, and even then it’s minor magic.

• ORCS

The Orcish races have the claim as to being the most numerous of the Creatures of Darkness in the entire world. This family of creatures often described as Greenskins includes; Goblins, Orcs, Black Orcs, and their more rare cousins Ogres and Trolls. They inhabit the shadows of the world, and left to their own they are fiercely tribal and warlike, but it is under the subjugation of the Umbrans, the Shadow Elves, that they have become most dangerous and organized.

ORC RANK STRUCTURE

Orc Leadership Chieftain Shaman

Orc Command Warlord Commander Master Slayer Ravager

Orc Special Troops War Rider Beast Master Assassin/Killer Scout/Hunter

Orc Warrior Infantry Ranks Trooper Raider Blodded Grunt

ORC UNIT STRUCTURE Claw- 4 infantry, Ravager (5 Orcs) Talon- 2 Claws, Slayer (11 Orcs) Mob- 4 Talons, Master (45 Orcs) Host- 4 Mobs, Commander (181 Orcs) Warband- 4 Hosts, Warlord (725 Orcs) Horde- 4 Warbands, Chieftain (2901 Orcs)

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Other items from Weekend Warrior Yes, but the 5th Lord Commander in the year 3916 made a declaration that all Ravens shall be replaced by Hawks as the Arkadians to the east were using birds of prey to hunt the Olaranian Ravens during the War of Borders. -- RANGERS FIELD REPORT: On the 4th of Seperium in the year 4216 Reported by Capt. Athelrell, 1st Ranger of Throi Location: Grimhold Casualty Report: 2 killed. Lord Effenheim and his heir. 1 Kingsmen assigned to the Lord’s house suffered a grievous wound, but the house’s apothecary has him stable. Initial intel indicates an uprising against his majesty in Grimhold and the surrounding lands. I have dispatched all 16 of The Rangers of Throi to the area. I have requested reinforcements from Lt. Bisdane and Borderland Rangers. Situation is volatile yet stable at the moment. Investigating further. Will update as I obtain further information. For the Crown, Duke Killian, Grand High Marshal

-- Missive from Jarl Aric Jorgensen, 23rd Regiment, Men-At-Arms Deployed from Ravenfell Garrison Ninth month, fifth day To: Grand High Marshal, Duke Killian The reports of bloodshed in the north have not been exaggerated. Villages on our march appeared abandoned, crops burned out and there were signs of skirmishes. We encountered resistance from the moment we crossed into the Grim. We fought a series of running battles until we linked up with Effenheim, the younger and the remaining guard of Grimhold. Men-at-arms 12 killed, 16 injured Rebels 27 killed, no prisoners

Ron Newcomb Cpl. Gamble I assume you to still to be at Gretyon Ferry. Dispatch the Vanguard to Ravenfall to be placed under the command of Jarl Aric. Take your squad along with our standard to the Bickerberg Hills and await further instruction. A council has been called. Orders to follow. Like

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Christopher Cales Understood my lord, forever loyal Like

· Reply · 13 hrs

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Chris Harper My lord, Hrafnar's Cast, loyal Kingsman all, has been patrolling Blackwell Crossing. I have heard no word from my father, Count Hrafnar, in Ravenfall. We wish to add our forces to putting down this rebellion. What are the King's orders? Like

· Reply · 17 hrs

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Ron Newcomb I fought with your father in our southern border skirmishes. I have checked the roster, and the count is not named. I have sent a hawk to update me on his status. Be vigilant and assume ill intentions. Keep to your assigned family and ensure the nobles...See more Like

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Chris Harper We will continue patrolling Blackwell Crossing. Should we encounter any of these brigands that dare to rebel against the king, it will not go well for them. For King and Crown!

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I am greatly looking forward to the Weekend Warrior event at the end of the month. I was hoping I could get some more information on the Men-at-arms to include in my backstory for the event. I'm in the Kingsmen and from Ravenfall, but I've created a backstory that I was in the Men-at-arms serving at the southern part of the lands before a lord recruited me to the Kingsmen back in Raven. If there were any details you could help me include, such as a detachment I could say I was with, or who I may have served under, or any major actions I could say I was in it would be appreciated. My full story can be found in our squad backstory posted on the Weekend Warrior forums (I'm Dimachaerus). Thank you for your time. https://www.weekendwarrior.world/forum/roleplaying/hrafnar-s-cast

Dimachaerus son of Men-at-Arms Lt. Pateras of Raven; assigned to Jarl Torvis Wulfvaren of the 12th Regiment. Post:Southern border in the Fire Mountains in the Murnock Province. Awards: Combat Medallion: During the Border wars he fought against the Golthians as they took to invading taking plunder, women and livestock. He received numerous accomodations and was put forthwith for promotion, but took a position with the distinguished Kingsmen.

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"Note to everyone: Elves, gods and magic are far from the daily reality of most. Elves are scarcely believed in within the realms of humankind, and the stories of ancient gods and mighty swords are only myths to inspire courage in those who would face the field of battle. People of learning might have heard the old stories, as would those who talk long hours around the campfire or tavern hearth, but for the most part the provinces of Olaran are occupied with more pressing realities, such as protecting their families from bandits whilst travelling to market faires, keeping spring flooding from destroying houses and crops, supplying village or town armories and ensuring stocks of food last through winter. The capital is largely concerned with itself, and occasionally the gossip from other cities or towns of a similar size spread around the lands. Their considerations are more complex than those of rural areas, such as the security of foreign trade routes, the quality and cost of imported fabrics, keeping the water cisterns clear, or what languages are taught to young nobles. Elves and magical swords and shadow lords are legends, thrilling tales to speed the passing of long winter nights." Ron The Lord of the Light is the primary deity and those on the outskirts is where you'll find more relying on faith. The dark forces are well known but do serve as keeping the young in check, but few question if there is in fact darkness. In the darkness, there will always find those that are drawn to it and want to harness its power. There have been brief but violent conflicts to the east where units clashed with elves in territorial disputes up in the borderlands as the king pushed beyond the Kelderan River...this has mostly subsided for now. That is with the Wood Elves - or the most lowest/common of the elves. Still not common to see by humans, but not as rare. The king does have an elven advisor and serves as a diplomat between the groups.

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The great 1st House of Olaran: O’reyne

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During the Age of Rebellion, an Elf by the name of Brae-El become frustrated at the ongoing war between the darkness and the light. Though he was a product of Luminos’ benevolence, he saw how easily the darkness had overwhelmed the purity of the Light, and how even the elves themselves become complacent in their ways due to their long lasting life.

As the forces of darkness fell in on itself, and the forces of light focused on the destruction of the Bloodstone Anvil, Brae-El made it his mission to create a race of his own, a race of beings who were made of both shadow AND light. He hoped that this new race would bring balance to the cycles of war, and imbued into them a tough but adaptable mentality.

Using ancient magic of great power, Brae-El created the first men, who soon grew numerous in a land that had been ravaged by many thousands of years of war. The elf taught his creations how to survive the harshest of environments, and until his dying day he fought to make the world a better place.

As the dawn of the New Age began, Brae-El’s children stood tall and proud, having spread across most of the land. They would succeed where the ancient races had failed, and though there was both good and evil among them, they would always survive to bring balance to Adrasil.

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FYI, the language is an old fighting technique; which is an old tribal language (think Gaelic). Used by only veteran soldiers to speak about situations where non-veterans or civilians might take offense OR be too shocked to hear what we are discussing. So ONLY veterans would know "old Lanarian" (originating from Lannock).

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On the 29th day in the month of Janarius in the year of the Lord of Light in 4198.

In the name of King Osric I, the first of his name of the house of O'reyne. Let it be known that Duke Killian Staghunter of Lannock, shall henceforth bear the title of Marshal commander all of the army of the kingdom of Olaran. He has shown his allegiance to the crown and a protectorate of the kingdom and all of the inhabitants thereto.

Should the line my house be snuffed out from this world, then be it known that the Marshal shall henceforth wear the burden of the crown.

I place my sign and seal so that all may know this as my decree.

Signed King Osric I

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Backstory: Devran and Indre Seral of Harpdale, Borderlands

Devran Seral is the 2nd Lord of Harpdale, a wealthy port city and the capital of the northern Borderlands province. Lord Seral comes from a long line of industrialists who revitalized Harpdale's economy by opening and securing trade routes across the Coldfell River, including Greenwood in the East, and the Arkandian capital of River Land in the South. Due to the family's success, Lord Seral's father married into nobility, and became the 1st Lord of Harpdale. He recently died, leaving his fortune and title to his son (Devran). The new Lord Seral is the first in his family to inherit the title, a mandate which he confidently and eagerly accepted. He is enterprising, an expert tactician, and at times ruthless. But despite its strategic importance and strong governance, Harpdale remains in the periphery politically. Rumors have emerged that he wishes to annex Arkadia into Olaran's kingdom, as it would give him access to additional trade routes via the Keldaran River. An alliance with the bordering province of Lannock would help raise support for this cause.

Lord Seral is accompanied by his sister, Indre Seral of Harpdale, an accomplished diplomat and a warrior in her own right. As a young girl, Indre secured a place as a lady-in-waiting at the royal court in Arkadia's capital, River Land. There, she developed skills that befit a lady; Arkandian customs are widely considered more cosmopolitan compared to those present in The Borderlands, and perhaps even those in Oralan. She returned to Harpdale as a teenager, where her progressive and ambitious parents arranged her tutelage under a master-at-arms from Lannock. She is fiercely loyal to her family and to the Borderland's causes. But her ties to River Land remain strong…

SHIPS:

There are basically three ways of defining ships: rig, masts and hull type.

Square, settee and lateen rigs are common in Adrasil (in the kingdom of Olaran).

Ships with up to three masts exist, although all ships with two or three masts are exclusively lateen or settee rigged.

As to hull types, warships as used by the Sea Lords and others are long and fast. Single masted vessels with shallow draft like galleys and Viking longships are used for inshore work and on rivers and are equipped with both square and lateen sails (to be employed depending on the direction of the wind) as well as banks of oars. Cutters and other small fore-and-aft vessels were used as well.

Larger warships like lateen-rigged xebecs are employed on more blue-water sailing. The Leviathan is a lateen rigged Xebec of three masts and displacing almost 600 tons.

Trading and fishing ships vary, but almost exclusively use lateen rig. Boats such as dhows, feluccas and polacca-settees are common.

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To whomever wants to answer (and possibly post these to the general forum for world building)

How is the passage of time measured? We know that there are months, and the name of one month...how many months in a years? The kingsmoot occurred during the autumn festival, what other 'seasons' are there? How many days are in each month? Do leap years occur? How is time divided in a day? Are there hours and minutes? First watch, second watch? Is there daylight savings? Is time kept with an hour glass?

There are 12 months with 30 days in them each. Time are in hours/minutes – measured by candles, though the church of Luminos is exploring hour glasses without perfection. They however used with marginal success on ships. WINTER – is Father Winter festival; celebrating charity SPRING – Fair Queen festival; celebrating new life and beginning with each town choosing a “queen for the day”. SUMMER – Legend’s Day; Remembering legends of old. FALL – Autumn festival; harvest and celebrating those we’ve lost.

While we're on the topic of measurement how are distances measured? Feet? Hand breath? Span? Palm? Thumb? Inch? Cubit? Furlong? Rod? Fathom? League?

In the coastal regions (North and West), they primarily use Feet; while the East and South use hand’s breath; though the default is Hand’s Breath.

For area: could we use a knights fee = 5 villager's plots? Do acres exist? Square feet?

Yes, a PLOT of land.

How about mass? Penny weight? Shilling? Mark? Troy? Stone? Hundred weight? Slug?

The Troy is the official measure, but many outside of the cities use more simplistic measuring elements, like stones.

How are units of light output measured? Candle power? Lux? Lum?

Candle

What is the value of money in Olaran like? We used gold, silver and copper...is gold really that readily available? Are there other denomination of lesser currency available? What are gems worth? Are rare metals such as mithril available?

It’s not pure gold. There are other foreign coins used at times. The copper one can be cut into 4 sections as well. Gems do have value depending on what it is. There are other precious metals as well…some ancient and not yet fully realized.

Thanks Caleb Patterson Ranger Theothemis 'Todd' Lightbearer

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The study of martial arts - Temple of Ama

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Goltha has fighting pits

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Olaran - England Goltha - Romans Arcadia -