Ross Fisher Posted October 3 Posted October 3 Pyrite Empire The Divine Empire Home of the revered Mount Aplynicia and once a pillar of civilization, the Pyrite Empire is now a relic in decline - its discipline unmatched, but its institutions bloated and slow. Bureaucracy stalls action, and its armies, though elite, are too few. The Emperor now travels with his generals, desperate to stem collapse. Foreign auxiliaries are enlisted as a last hope. Sub Factions: The Phoideratoi | Exarchate of Varcosia Heraldry Flags: Sand blue, light blue Colors: Sand blue (and light blue) Sigils: Eagles * * For example. Faction colors are key. Lay of the Land Political Ruler: Emperor Heliandros IV Capital: Currently there is no fixed capital; Pyros, de jure Government: Semi-feudal theocratic empire Faction focus Faction Focus is a roleplaying instrument that helps indicate what a Faction finds important on a quick glance. It can help inspire your builds or shape your stories. The ranking of the Focuses indicates what a Faction finds more important, i.e. the Focus that comes first is most important to a Faction. People and History The Pyrites tend to approach things rationally and methodically and war is no different. Their generals are famous for the manuals they have written on war and how to deal with certain types of enemies. Their tendency to collect knowledge and pass it on along generations in a structured way is one of the reasons the empire has managed to stay alive for such a long time and helps to gain a marginal advantage over their enemies. Geography While the territory of the Empire is significantly smaller than during its heyday, it is still vast compared to many other nations and as such it is home to a diverse climate and geography. Overall, the geography is mountainous and the climate is warm, ranging from pleasantly Mediterranean in the west to increasingly hotter and more arid to the east. Vegetation follows the climate with the west being generally greener and a well-known home of olive trees and vineyards to drier shrubbery and grasses in the east. Example builds Real world inspiration and influences Late Byzantine Empire and other late-stage empires and Balkan kingdoms. Future equivalents in BOBS: The Middle Kingdoms, the Great Alliance States, Varcoast Subfactions Sub Factions are for all intents and purposes part of the Main Faction, but they offer the chance at playing a character of a distinct culture or subgroup of the Main Faction. As Sub Faction are mostly less strict in terms of uniform, the overall Faction uniform is of less importance here. What is important is that soldiers or armies of the Sub Factions still fly the main colors/flags of the Main Faction The Phoideratoi Fleeing Horde subjugation, these proud horse clans have accepted Pyrite lands in exchange for border defense. Some fight with honor, others wait for opportunity. To the Empire, they are both sword and serpent: valuable allies, yet a danger the moment trust falters. Lay of the Land Political Ruler: Strategoi appointed by the Emperor Capital: Koskouva Real world inspiration and influences Kievan Rus', Novgorod Republic, Principality of Moscow. A Slavic-inspired horse culture that has only recently settled in the borderlands of the Pyrite Empire. This is reflected in their architecture, with only relatively few stone buildings and most structures made out of wood. Exarchate of Varcosia A wet land of poor quality mostly known for its marshes and dark forests. It is sparsely populated by the seclusive Varcosians, who are led by their Druids. In exchange for a tithe to the Emperor, they enjoy Pyros’ protection against trespassers. Lay of the Land Political Ruler: Exarchate, local king subservient to the Emperor Capital: Lisreagh Real world inspiration and influences A sparsely populated land with forests and significant damp, foggy marshes and bogs. Coastal areas are more akin to western Balkan countries, such as Croatia. Culture has characteristics of druidic cultures, mixed with tribalism and Balkan influences. Want to join the Pyrite Empire and bask in wealth and glory? To sign up, post a picture of your signature figure, preferably accompanied by Pyrite formal flag colors. You are welcome to include a bit of a description as well. Your signature figure, or sigfig, will represent your character throughout your MOCs within Tales of Old (That does not mean that your sigfig has to be in every MOC you make). Although this is the “Sand Blue” faction, that does not mean that everyone should have a sand blue-uniformed soldier as sigfig. Within Tales of Old you build your own story – for example, your sigfig could start out as a carpenter that decides to work on a ship. Quote
Ayrlego Posted October 6 Posted October 6 Basil Vatatzes is a minor nobleman of the Pyrite Empire, known more for his quiet resilience than for grandeur. A loyal servant in the Emperor’s armies, Basil has spent much of his life in the field, most recently returning from a grueling campaign against the northern barbarians. His estate, nestled in the sun-warmed hills of the empire’s heart land, is modest but fruitful—home to a small vineyard and olive grove that produce well-regarded wine and olive oil. Widowed in his earlier years, Basil raised two sons who have since carved their own paths: one as a soldier in the imperial legions, the other as a clerk in the imperial court. His recent remarriage to Yazinta, a Mogholay woman and daughter of a prosperous trader, has raised eyebrows among the local land owners. Yazinta Vatatzaina, herself a widow with no children, brings a quiet dignity and worldly insight to Basil’s household, challenging the insular traditions of Pyrite aristocracy. Though his sword arm is weary, Basil remains a man of principle—grounded by the land he tends, the family he’s built, and the empire he serves. Now he stands ready once more to answer the Emperor's call. Quote
Ross Fisher Posted October 6 Author Posted October 6 (edited) Szejmus O'Legg is a brigand, a cut-throat, a mercenary and a rogue. His people are nobodies, and his da? Well, you wouldn't have heard of him. The O'Legg clan hail from the peat bogs of Varcosia's Morin Peninsula. They're one of a dozen clans, tribes and warbands in the area. And, wouldn't you know it, they're not the ones on top. Haven't been for generations. All of which is to say, our boy Szejmus doesn't have much to look forward to in life. Not if he plays by the rules. And it's not like anyone does, mind. So, yes, if things are going to get better, he's going to have to fight for it. Edited October 7 by Ross Fisher Quote
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