Greetings, my fellow RPers. This is the discussion thread for my, Dren's, Wooly's, and Josh's soon to be running political RP. Any posts besides character sheets should go here, including any questions, comments, or suggestions. Please keep the sign up thread free of any posts beyond character sheets, thank you.


Here is the latest version of the OP and timeline, by the way:



The Daedra rampaged through much of Tamriel, leaving a swath of destruction and death in what is now being called "The Oblivion Crisis". The Crisis left Cyrodiil without an Emperor, and many of the other countries have felt its effects as well. The political atmosphere is becoming more and more heated, as many nations are torn asunder, while others form bonds stronger than ever. The Elder Council, their country threatened by rebel groups to the south and what remained of the Daedric army to the north, convened in great meeting, its sole purpose to decide who amongst them would become the next Emperor of Cyrodiil.

After much deliberation, the council finally decided on one charming and experienced man, an Imperial by the name of Zeno Suronnius. His dashing smile and encouraging words gave the people hope, but more than that his actions have revived a dying country. After the heartbreaking and mysterious disappearance of the Champion, the citizens of Cyrodiil have finally found someone they can rally behind.

Meanwhile, the other nations of Tamriel watch with wary eyes at this new ruler, many voiding what were once strong alliances. But while the people of Cyrodiil rejoice in the streets, many other countries find themselves once again split into multiple independent city states, some eager at the chance of war. Others, such as the great province of Morrowind, are also dealing with new leaders, the Nerevarine who slaughtered the gods putting himself toe to toe with King Helseth.

Now it is up to the great and powerful, will they peacefully form their lands back into a shining utopia, or will they gather their forces, and prepare for an all out war? Tensions are running high, and the slightest uproar could send all of Tamriel tumbling back into the dark depths of Oblivion. Will you navigate your forces to victory, or fall prey to your foe's growing conquest? The fate of the world rests within blood and quill?




4E 1- The Oblivion crisis, along with the death of the Emperor and his sons, leaves the throne open. Zeno Suronnius, an Imperial noble and influential member of the Elder Council, is voted in by the Council, a single vote ahead of Ocato.

After the end of the Septim line, many of the Empire's treaties and agreements either became void or the countries stopped heeding them. Notably, the Elves and Beast countries broke free from Imperial control in the chaos following the Daedra attacks. High Rock and Hammerfell are still more or less with the Empire, but they are not sure if they can trust the new Emperor. Skyrim is fairly neutral, announcing that they are breaking the alliance between the two countries, though they might reform it if the new Emperor seems trustworthy.

The Daedra attacks have also more or less stranded many of the city states that make up the countries of Tamriel, notably those of Skyrim and High Rock. Most of the leaders are eager to regain contact with their former allies, but some have taken the opportunity to rebel against their country's rule. Such cities as Winterhold, Daggerfall, and Ald'Ruhn.



4E 2- Emperor Zeno Suronnius' first order of business is to put down several rebellions within the country that had started as a result of the Oblivion Crisis and later enacts a set of radical new laws, which take almost all power from the Elder Council and city officials, giving him supreme command of Cyrodiil. He makes an official alliance with the government of Morrowind and their new leader, Imperial Nerevarine Baenius, whom he had helped put into power in the first place. The Dunmer of Morrowind are not pleased with their new human leader, but the Nerevarine has made a deal with King Helseth after killing the entire tribunal. They now co-rule the country, with the Great Houses still taking up much of the interior business. The slave trade gains more support in Morrowind, many laws restricting its practice removed by the new leadership.
Much of House Indoril commited ritual suicide after the deaths of the Tribunal, and the few survivors hold little real power anymore.

In more local news, a large caravan of elven immigrants were brutally killed by a band of roving mercenaries, much to the shock and horror of the nearby citizens of Anvil and northern Valenwood. Multiple rumors were spread about the nature of the mercenaries, including one that stated it came from high political authority trying to stop the Bosmer from entering the country.



4E 4- Emperor Zeno Suronnius creates an elite branch of the Imperial Guard, the Dragon's Claw, which he uses as bodyguards and representatives in other cities and countries.

Skyrim's economy is on the verge of collapse, with a severe increase in crime rates and poverty due to the recent Daedra attacks and deepening feelings of independence within the city states. Hrothgar and Whiterun have completely broken away, and are under control of Jsashe, self proclaimed priestess of Lorkhan.

The native tribes of the Black Marsh, under increased threat of slavery, have begun guerilla raids on bordering towns and Dunmer slaving parties.

High Rock is more divided than ever, Wayrest, Daggerfall, and Orsinium declaring their own sovereign countries. The other city states are more or less in a loose confederation, but most of the country's military power lies in those three cities.

Hammerfell, on the other hand, has grown even more loyal to King Lhotun, their powerful Ra Gada warriors benefitting as mercenaries from the nearby wars.
The leader of Valenwood was found dead one morning, the assassin responsible still on the run from the authorities. The country's single mindedness that the leader controlled has devolved into chaos, the various tribes entering skirmishes for land and resources. The tribal leaders have sent word of a tribal council, which shall convene shortly, perhaps to elect a new leader.

The new Mane of Elsweyr was crowned, the old ruler retiring for a life of luxury in the southern coast. The new Mane has made many promises for a greater standard of living and more political power for the country by an increased military. He has also pushed technological research, trying to keep up with the advanced government of Cyrodiil and the technology of the elves.


Thanks everyone, this should do well

I really need to know if this is the system that has been accepted for general troop numbers, because I'm writing up my faction sheet now and it would be helpful to know if thats how its going down. Considering Wayrest has 100,000 people.... I dunno, 20,000 might seem lots, but what about 15,000/in that general area?

Push it down to 15 then. And yes, that's the system we're using.

@Darkom: The troop size is based off the size of each city/village/town/major city. Obviously, larger cities will have more troops.

It isn't just Wayrest.

It is the surrounding area (which is also highly populated)

Think of Wayrest as the business district.

Many live in the "suburbs"

I think that a large army of about thirty thousand would only be possible if they're the garrison, and then if they're desperate. I'll try and think of historical examples; in 1400, the Hebrides had a population of 100,000, and the Irish country of Antrim had a population of 30,000. Domhnall, King of the Hebrides, raised an army of 10,000. The Hebrides were a martial society, and this was a time when they needed men to harvest the crops and transport goods by ship.

That's similar to most of High Rock, so Wayrest's army wouldn't be that much larger. It would also rely on the spending of the population, rather than the soldiers themselves, to fund the army. So, an army of Wayrest would probably be around 12,000, and if they were desperate, about 20,000. Remember that there would also be camp followers, for the officers, at least.

Since people apparently need to see an army sheet I have edited it into my character sheet. Also, as stated in my post, I've edited the numbers significantly because it's just not worth it to argue with people about something so mundane and pointless.

Hey guys I just wanted to throw this out there since the discussion right now is on army size. One Roman Legion consisted of 6,000 men, and 5,300 of those were fighting men. Now that is a full strength legion (Something Rome was not always lucky enough to have).

I agree, there should be around, maybe, a 15,000 max, and that is a MAXIMUM. That's like if you have a super army. I really think that there shouldn't be nearly enough forces out there at once, because that is just not realistic. So, yeah, tell me what you guys think on that.

Ah, I love Rome with its armies and population that seem to be similar to that of today. If we only use that as a model, we should be fine, but don't take the exact numbers here - we'll end up with armies that are suspiciously large for the cities we have captured.

I'm glad to see all this is progressing well, but I have a small question for my fellow hosts: when do you think we'll be ready to start? Are we just waiting on everyone's character sheet? Does anyone have a list of character sheets written down (typed, I suppose) anywhere that they can give us a list of who all is ready to begin? And I haven't seen Josh in a while, at least not yet on this thread.

PS If no one has such a list, I shall take it upon myself to create one, as I know my sheet is not yet done either. Still trying to figure out this whole army system. Thanks everyone


EDIT:


Sorry to hear that, my friend. My heart goes out to you, best of luck.

But they also had anywhere from 10-40 legions deployed at any given time plus auxiliary forces so multiply 5,300 by 20 or so..... And that was only when Rome was only in it's early stages as an Empire, and many times several Legions would join together on a battlefield, with aid of their auxiliaries, resulting in large forces.... Just sayin' is all. :shrug:

Now, back on topic. Does anybody have an estimated time of start? I got laid off so times a plenty now >_>

Finally I got it in, Josh approved of it, let me know what you think.

Name (Lore friendly): Varyon Andres
Nickname: Varyon or The Serpent (by enemies)
Race: Dunmer
Age: 103 (looks in late-20's)
Gender: Male
Birthsign: The Serpent

General Appearance: 6'3", Athletic Muscular build, Coal Black Hair in long Braids and Locks, a sharp goatee on his chin. His skin is somehow slightly darker than the average Dunmer.

Scars/Tattoo's/Misc: Serpentine Tattoos stretch all over his chest and back, down his arms, and his face is marked by the sign he was born under.

Personality: Overall he is a friendly character to those he calls friend, which is few and far between. To those who know little of him, he is a dull and brooding character, intimidating when in diplomatic meetings.

Class: Guerrilla
Class Description: Expert in shifty tactics and ambush, the guerrilla is sneaky warrior. Directing their troops in a manner that can surprise the enemy and hopefully in doing this, win the battle.

Major Skills: Medium Armor, Stealth, Blades, Tactics, Survival.

Faction: Freedom Fighters (out of hate for the Emperor)
Rank: General
Troop Size: 3,650 Troops

-Sidiai (Light Infantry) 1,000 - Armed in simple armor such as chain and some Chitin Armor, usually favoring long-swords and Kite Shields.

-Hadiai (Heavy Infantry) 1,000 - Much Heavier infantry, wearing Bonemold and and Steel, favoring Claymores, Axes, and Spears carried with Tower Shields.

-Serpents' Teeth (Medium Archers) 900 - Archers from the Ashlands, opposing Imperial rule, even if their Nerevarine is an Imperial. Wearing Thick Leather armors and heavy chain hauberks, these archers are armed with Longbows and short swords as well as hand-axes.

The Basilisks - (Heavy Ranged Cavalry) 600 - Riding armored horses, wearing Bonemold and Steel, these heavy cavalry fight at a range with large crossbows. The bolts are made to be longer so they may be lit on fire.

The Fire-Spitters - 50 - Large long ranged Ballistas that fire large projectiles that explode on impact, the projectiles range from flaming bolts to bolts tipped with pots of burning oil. Great against infantry as well as ships and other large enemies.

Drakes' Scales - (Personal Guard) 100 - Wearing traditional Ordinator armor with Serpent-like personal touches to their briastplates and Pauldrons, these armed guards carry any weapon they favor. They die for their leader.

Location of Residence: Dune, Elsweyr. A large Berber-like structure acts as his fortress, his men in large camps all around it. The main structure itself is just outside Dune, but the Khajiit have taken a liking to the Dunmer, so they consider Varyon a resident.

Armor: http://media.photobucket.com/image/Ordinator/Von_stahlriven/Other%20Stuff/OrdinatorWallpaper.jpg Full Ordinator Armor with a long ornate Blue Silk Skirt and Cloak with Daedric Symbols (ceremonial and traditional)

Weapon(s): A Scimitar with a mithril blade and Ebony crossguard. A Bonemold Shield with his Insignia Imprinted on it.
Misc. Items: A flask of Greef and an amulet that was given to him by his great-grandsire before his execution by the the Emperor's men.

Bio: Varyon was born to a noble family of the Great House Hlaalu. Politics and diplomats were making deals at his families' villa almost every week. This gave him chances to learn about politics and diplomatic ways. When he was 28, he joined the ranks of his fathers' Regiment that served House Hlaalu. This gave him a great chance to learn tactics and fighting skills.

As the years flew by, he was promoted to House Father, at the age of 50, still quite young for a Dunmer. he lead expeditions into Blackmarsh and the fringes of Elsweyr, where he learned the art of guerrilla warfare from observing the Argonians and even learning from them.

He returned many years later, from fighting in Blackmarsh, to learn that the Nerevarine had been discovered, Dagoth Ur destroyed, and the Houses as well as the Ashlanders supported him. He was an Imperial, this outraged Varyon, he had always despised what the Imperials had done to Morrowind.

He was even more upset when he found his great-grandsire, Nerendras Derenim, was to be executed for speaking against the houses. Varyon could no longer take it, so he rallied together his men, ones who he knew would die for him, and he slaughtered all of those who supported this new Nerevarine. The ones he could find anyways.

He then set about recruiting an army, this took years. And as stability in the Empire was becoming frayed, the Oblivion Crisis over, but now a tyrant was declared Emperor. Varyon could stand it no longer. So he took his army and headed south the province of Elsweyr.

There he made peace arrangements with the Khajiit, and he set up a small fortress near the city of Dune, in the smaller city of Verkarth. There is where he heard about the Freedom Fighters, standing against the Empire.

He joined, and vowed to end Imperial corruption once and for all.

Don't forget that this is throughout all of Tamriel.

And? I don't understand your point....

You will find out soon enough my friend...

Isn't that right, Dren?

I think we can start the RP Tommorow.