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| Thread: ICTC VII - Elysium | |
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Tsar-Ivor
Promising
Legendary Hero
Scourge of God
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posted February 05, 2013 10:44 PM |
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ICTC VII - Elysium
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Theme (for now)
Elysium:
A place of light and beauty, where the honoured dead are brought and resurrected by archangel Gabrielle,
so that they may once again be of service. This land was called home by the mightiest of men & women,
each and everyone of them proved their worth through acts of heroism in their old lives. Though, the
city of Elysium that they founded reflected more the nature of their celestial guardians rather than
their own cultures. However, these men & women were not peasants, they were warriors to the core,
and thus expanded rapidly in search of pastures (land) and wealth. Elysium was bordered with the
golden-woods to the east, and the Ionian-sea to the west, and on the other side of the mighty forest
the Elysian force found endless fields of gold. (golden fields) This land was inhabited by the centaurs,
still tribal and barbaric who resisted at first, but were soon overcome and subdued, those that
did not were driven into the unknown.
Civil strife set-in as warriors became complacent and overambitious at the lack of authority. (each strove
to dominate the rest) Thus the angels descended to restore order, and Gabrielle gave out a challenge: he
who tames the hearts of Griffins (most proudest creatures of all) would be given a clear divine mandate
to rule, this extended to all the heirs born of that hero. (I may insert a story here) The blood of heroes
flowed in earnest on the mountain cliffs, as hero slew hero, and griffons ripped apart the aggressors
(who tried to force them) but at the end of the day, there was only one victor. (As I said I'll likely
make the story, but don't want the history too saturated just yet) Augustine rode his prize and friend back to
Elysium where he was crowned Archon, and he drunk of the blood of Gabrielle, so that the blood-line
will bear a divine stigma.
Every Archon since then came from the great noble house of Gryphonheart, men and women who were
born to rule, and each Archon was crowned by the angels themselves.
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Major Houses:
Gryphonheart:
Their blood binds them loyal to their brethren.
Corvus
Descendants of of the old Norse heroes, they're lust for war makes them extremely potent soldiers, but a significant hindrance during peace.
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Background EXTREMELY likely to change, I've made edits to the story and idk if the background is coherent.
There was once a time when the Elysian borders stretched far and wide into the unknown, then they fought
the steel clad giants of the North, and the armoured knights who spoke strange tongues. Now Elysium
has waned, with raiders from the ravaging-sea pillaging the coast-line, and the Empire shrinking
year-by-year to incursions. But, the greatest blight, the most stinging of all, is the lack of
glorious heroes to fuel her once mighty army.
Under the guidance of Emperor Valentinus Gryphonheart, Elysium for the first time had walls of stone,
and citadels were erected to protect the countryside and key routes. (in the woods too, and along the
coast) Barbarian raiders were also incorporated into the army through bribes (and/or promise of land)
to bolster the already fragrent military, which caused distress among mainly the orders of valkyries
and rangers since it was often their duty to track and destroy raiders who wondered too far from
the coastline. Now they must carry coin and sweet words to the murderous thieves.
Civil strife from within crippled the slow recovering Empire, and the aging Emperor, who in a bid to
unite the two noble houses (and try to establish solidarity)he married Ingrid of house Corvus, and
soon sired a daughter (Aelina). But all too late.
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Faction:
Racial Bonus: Poste de le Falcon
-This combat technique is practiced by every caste. This special racial ability grants units a
percentage defense against flyers & large units based on the initiative/speed of the unit.
-Minus armour for any unit that isn't included in that.
-It also adds a percentage of armour penetration depending on the creatures initiative.
Elysians have developed the "high guard" to defend themselves against the flying beasts that swarm the
high cliffs (such as the griffin) and larger monsters that are unlikely to try to go for their
legs. This guard also enables them to deliver crushing blows upon the shoulder and neck of infantry.
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Unit Line-up: At the moment I'm using H6s unit system. (I currently welcome all suggestions
and comments regarding this) Any unit is likely to change, as is each and everyone's description
as I develop the history of this town.
Common:
Centaur - Centaur Matriarch
Centaur
The most populous race of Elysium, residing in the woods and meadows, farmers and hunters long before the
arrival of the celestial forces. They make up the bulk of Elysian forces, their speed/initiative gives
them an edge, but they suffer when trying to toe to toe with other common units. They're drafted from
homsesteads, centaur peasant daughters have no love for plowing land or harvesting crop (the sons usually
inherit anyway) so they enlist in hope of glory.
Centaur Matriarch
Members of the respected hunting caste, they reside deep in the forests and are skilled with their
hooves and bows. Their initiative bonus gives them a distinct edge over most common units, and with
the Faction/racial ability can even decimate certain core units too. They are hindered by the fact that
they are large creatures (I will do a proper ability tree once I have the units down)
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Sea Raiders - Varangian Guard
Sea Raiders
These undiciplined bandits serve the Empire as mercenaries, and in battle they're useful for little
more than arrow fodder. They're cheap and there's a decent amout of them, they serve the purpose of
protecting vulnerable troops, the player might also try to use them as shock troops.
Varangian Guard
Raiders who have proved their loyalty and worth in both battle and civility. They swear an oath of
allegiance to the Emperor and are granted land and citizenship, many reside inside the cities using
their skill at sailing to become excellent fishermen.0 In battle they have a somewhat significant presence
, using the sheer weight of numbers coupled with discipline to overcome other common-grade units,
and even certain core ones. However, players may wish to use them to protect the vulnerable centaurs/
ranged units.
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Core:
Griffin & Griffin Lancers
Griffin
Ever since the taming of these proud creatures back at the start of the Empire, they have served the
Emperors with unflinching loyalty. Elysium is renowned to house Griffins in the high towers, they
are bred by many for all manner of purposes, to be pets or war-beasts. However, their training
tends to be brief, and once unleashed the player loses control of them as they tear the ranks of enemies
apart with claw & beak (for the battle). They may also serve as mounts for the lower nobility.
Griffin Lancer
Bred from the finest stock, these magnificent griffins are mounts for Elysium's elite lancers, who are
made up of mostly the gentry. (they need to be able to afford the equipment) The Griffin Lancers
embody the spirit of Elysian military prowess and are either found at the forefront of the battle or
making decisive swoops on the enemy flanks and rear. (bonus armour pen and damage if attacks in the
rear, gains a pierce strike that hits through 2 enemies if attacks from the front - likely to add
abilities in a more noticeable manner)
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Housecarl & Einherjar
Housecarl
Bodyguards of prestigious nobles, they are often the basterds of the men they're guarding or the sons
of lesser nobles. They make fierce warriors, but their individual need to prove themselves makes
them an undisciplined force. Being nobles or elevated individuals they can affords good quality
armours and weapons, so what they lack in discipline and skill they make up for in equipment. They're
often used as shock-troops due to their low endurance in battle. (that would be initiative not hp, or it could be both I haven't decided)
Einherjar
These men were once the core of any Elysian army, they are the reason why they're feared, they're legacy
was engraved by the swords and axes of their Einherjar ancestors. The Valkyries are tasked with finding
the souls of heroes and bringing them to Elysium to be resurrected by the Archangel. They are ferocious
in combat, but their self-reliance makes them unruly, each on a personal quest for glory and riches.
The Emperors all too wary of the limited supply of Einherjars have went great lengths to try to persuade
them to serve Elysium. Those that accepted bribes of noble-hood and riches were understandably lesser to
those who refused, but still a force to be reckoned with.
Though the Emperors failed time and again to incorporate many of the 'actual' heroes into her army, they
managed to get most of them stay within Elysium's borders through heroic quests. The most common ones
included the slaying some ravenous beast that terrorized civilized populations, or getting them to
eliminate sea-raiders (who have refused to become part of Elysium). And during recent years they have
been invaluable in stemming invasions despite the fact that they pay no homage or loyalty to Elysium.
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Elite
Hunter & Ranger
Hunter
These men are cast-outs, boys/girls not considered fit to bear the names of their noble/heroic fathers/mothers,
and thus they are exiles that either turn to petty theft or brave the golden-woods. Their experience is limited,
but those who survive the trials of early adolescence become fierce men; they know the land like no other,
and their will to survive left them quite stubborn. In later years they established communities in the
most hostile regions, both because only they're the only ones that have the skill to survive there,
and because they know first-hand of the horrors that lurk in more hospitable areas.
Ranger
Initially there was no conventional method of becoming a ranger, becoming one requires one to be able
to survive any situation and climate, these men pride themselves on hardiness and though they complete
heroic feats like Heroes, they do not pride on glory, and they use everything at their disposal to
overcome challenges. Each tribe/clan (the hunter communities) has a different ritual for formally
acknowledging rangers, each trial is equally brutal, lately many have opted for their initiates to delve
into a wyrm lair and bring back one of their eggs as proof. Under the later Emperors made this method
the mandatory way for one to be recognized as a Ranger. Though the world breeds less heroes, the Empire
keeps a healthy supply of these god-like men.
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Shield-Maiden & Valkyrie
Shield-Maiden
A caste of women dedicated to the ways of war, they're heritage is wreathed in silver and gold, being
descendants of fierce heroes. The patron of all women who take up arms is the divine angel Diana,
to whom many noble families have dedicated their fine daughters. Their allegiances vary, and though
they serve the crown with valor, they follow Diana before all else and the order comes first in each
Shield-maiden's heart.
Valyrie
Women with a legendary reputation, unlike Shield-maiden's the members of the Valkyrie order are not restricted
by their social standing, (nobles/prestige) since Diana herself hand-picks the members to be her companions.
Whatever life they have lived before is forgotten, and each initiate is thrust into a world of servitude and
chastity. (the initiates are often very young) They are trained in the ways of the Valkyrie by
their fellow sisters and they abide by strict codes. They're main duty is to be a guiding light to all
others. Due to their extreme combat prowess and divine attributes Elysian monarchs and nobles have long
coveted the Valkyrie order, and though they remain secular they ensure the protection of the realm and
at times will gladly take assignments from the Archon (for he has divine authority) to further hone their
skills and their faith. (they often work with Rangers in order to crush incursions or wild creatures that
ventured into civilized areas)
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Wyrm & Jormungandr
Wyrm
These horrors dwell deep in the heart of the golden woods, and make their home in the swamps and oozy
caves where they lay their eggs. The Elysians through much anguish managed to tame these wild beasts
(refer to ranger unit) and trained them to contain their poisonous fumes in reserve for the enemy.
Jormungandr
Jormungandr are nightmares of the sea, they encircle the deep oceans around Elysium, and in battle they
are not controlled, but unleashed. With the use of clever bait these ravenous monsters are an unwelcome
addition to the Elysian host, but their unpredictability means that once loose on the battlefield there
is no friend or foe, there's simply food.
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"No laughs were had. There is only shame and sadness." Jenny
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Tsar-Ivor
Promising
Legendary Hero
Scourge of God
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posted February 05, 2013 10:47 PM |
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Reserved.
Edit: Feb 20th Added two more units, though made Einherjars core rather than elite as I initially planned. I also made structural changes since the text was far too long horizontally which was unseemly. I also added a revised racial bonus. 3 hours of work and little to show for it, I'm admiring the rest of the ICTCs even more now.
Will be adding a racial ability once I figure out how to integrate it properly. I have all the units planned out already, but their stories have to be coherent to the faction. I do have a general plan for each unit's abilities, but I did not want to put far too much thinking into things that might change.
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"No laughs were had. There is only shame and sadness." Jenny
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Jiriki9
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Altar Dweller
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posted February 06, 2013 11:39 AM |
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Looks promising, certainly, but I have the first criticism allready...I dislike female centaurs. But that's only taste, and since I'm not a judge this year, you shouldn't let yourself be distracted by that!
I'm looking forward to see more of the lineup, which is interesting so far!!! =)
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Vindicator
Supreme Hero
Right Back Extraordinaire
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posted February 06, 2013 07:36 PM |
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Looks quite nice, all fancy and posh, just like you Tsar.
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Jiriki9
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Altar Dweller
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posted February 07, 2013 10:54 AM |
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Do I see a CCEC system coming up? 
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