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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:20:17 GMT -5
Helvetia (Helvéczia)Gummint: Confederation Pantheon: Norse (T) Leader: August of Bern <King Gygax> CAPITAL: Bern (Pop. 30k) Other Cities (and pop.): Basle (20k) Lake Geneva (15k) Lucerne (10k) <ISIS> <The lucern hammer comes from here> Zurich (65k) <Surface gnomes live here> Loc.: Aeropa Language: Deutsch <theory: Deutsch patois, incl. francais && latin> Pop.: 1,250,000 Flag/Emblem: Flag: While saltier<> on a red field. Coinage: Francia Standard. Important People: Heads ov cantons, officials, clerics, nobs, military officers, etc. <Lord Grumpy Cat (Tom ov CELTIC FROST)> <His Grace, Duke Robert North (LG hm F21)> Alliances: Lombardy, Milano. Hostilities: Burgundy, Germania, Savoy. Open Warfare/Skirmishing: Skirmishing w/ Burgundians Savoyards in Lake Geneva AREA. War w/ Germania possible if cantons so vote. <MINISTRY: vote> Intrigues: The numerous cantons ov this realm each have their own set of plots && plans, but exact details are NOT presently avail. regarding these workings. Alignment: Lawful Neutral Thumbnail Sketches: The whole of Helvetia is mountainous, SAVE for the relatively level portions to the west in the AREA of Bern. There are many little valleys hillsides, which provide for field pasture, while the more wild areas are forested rock barrens. Of its total territory of some 15k sq. miles, only about 20% is inhabited cultivated, w/ perhaps 25% used for grazing. The remainder is forest (55%), scrub, lakes streams, glacier/barren; these places are the habitat of game such as bear, wolf, wild sheep goats, deer, and various types of game. The folk of Helvetia were initially probably wild Celtic tribes who eventually became so intermixed w/ Gallic, Italic, Teutonic elements as to form a distinct nationality. Then, over time, the influence of neighboring realms affected the people to have segments of Germanic, Italic, and Gallic influence. Nonetheless, these differing groups banded together to form their own realm, now comprised of 21 cantons, each being relatively independent. All the people are free, and the middle class is larger than normal, the aristocratic one smaller. Thus, the military force of Helvetia is in phalanxes of pole arm-equipped infantry (pikes 70%, other pole arms 30%) comprising 50% of the total, swordsmen another 20%, crossbowmen 25%. Only a small portion--about 5%--of the typical army is horsed, although that is of mostly heavily armored sort. In general, each every able bodied man between 18 and 50 years of age in Helvetia is READY for armed service in very short notice. Helvetian mercs are world famous, and there are communities of them outside their native land. Agriculture, forest work, mining, industry occupy the majority of the people of this realm. Cereal crops incl. oats, barley, maize, rye, buckwheat, some wheat. Various veggies, berries, hardy fruits are grown for internal consumption. Vineyards are extensive; they produce both raisins fair quality wine. Livestock raising is widely practiced. Cattle are most numerous, being used for labor, meat, and (principally) for dairy production. Goats, sheep, pork, poultry follow, in that order. Horses are common only in the western areas. There are some apiaries in fruit growing areas. Gold, silver, copper are found in small quantities. Mines produce good yields of coal, asphalt, iron, salt, lead. Quarries are numerous produce much granite, cement products, sandstone, marble. Small quantities of gem-quality stones of the following sort come from Helvetia: ruby, sapphire, tourmaline, garnet. Exports incl. arms, armor, timepieces, music boxes, lace, cheese.
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:44:25 GMT -5
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:45:27 GMT -5
The king of Helvetia is: King GygaxHe is said to be descended from giants, and, it is said, that he is a Saint, as well as a King.
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:47:13 GMT -5
Lucern Hammer
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:49:08 GMT -5
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:50:02 GMT -5
Quote:Oschinensee Lake in Lotschberg, Switzerland
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:51:04 GMT -5
Quote:Thun Castle, Switzerland - built between 1180 & 1190
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 12:51:59 GMT -5
Quote:18th Century Abbey Library of St.Gall, Switzerland - contains 160,000 books & the oldest extant Nibelungenlied copy
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 13:01:30 GMT -5
Great stuff...! Now, you just have to place those cantons within a realm of Aerth. As far as canton as a political division goes, Helvetia (Switzerland) immediately comes to mind. Is this OK with you? If not, I can research various realms in and around the Tibet/Nepal area, for you. Prespos
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 13:07:04 GMT -5
I did a little research on Switzerland, and, it seems that there are 26 cantons: so, at present, you rule over 6 of them. Cantons of Switzerland: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantons_of_SwitzerlandThe cantons of: * Bern * Geneva * Basel-Stadt * Basel-Land * Lucerne * Zurich should all be considered "taken". It's up to you where you place your 6 cantons, but there is a lot of space to the center, and, to the east.
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Post by El Borak on Oct 14, 2018 13:15:17 GMT -5
Your neighbors: (clockwise, starting at north) * Germania, to the north * Lombardy, to the east * Milano, to the south * Savoy, to the south-west * Burgundy, to the west (Charlamagne rules here!) In case you've never been to Switzerland (Helvetia), bassically, Switzerland (Helvetia) is at the 'crossroads' of Germany, Italy, and, France. Keep in mind that you are well-protected by natural geography, though. Your enemies: You listed 5 enemies. 3 of these would be: * Burgundy * Germania * Savoy Charlemagne is hostile to Helvetia (Switzerland). He is one of the strongest leaders of Aeropa... be careful! (For details about Charlemagne, cf. Charlemagne's Paladins, an AD&D 2e book). Note that there is active skirmishing with the Burgundians && the Savoyards in the Geneva area! A war with Germania is possible, providing a majority vote of the 26 cantons. Your pantheonEpic of Aerth lists Helvetia (Switzerland) as a Norse (Teutonic, as opposed to Scandanavian) state. This definitely means that rune magic is an option. (cf. Vikings, an AD&D 2e book). LG Norse deities are: * Forseti (god of justice) "Peacemaker" (Greater god) * Heimdall (the bright god) "Guardian of the Bifrost Bridge" (Greater god) * Tyr (god of war and law) (Greater god) (Note: Tyr, as presented in the Forgotten Realms, can be used here. See Faiths & Avatars for further details. In the FR, Tyr is simply a god of justice) NG Norse deities are: * Odin "All Father" (supreme ruler of the gods) (Greater god) * Balder (god of beauty, "charisma") (Greater god) * Bragi (god of poetry, eloquence, and song) (Lesser god) * Frey (god of sunshine & the elves) (Greater god) (Note: On Aerth, elves come from another dimension/plane of existence. This is known as Phaeree, commonly spelled as Faerie). * Freya (goddess of love and fertility) (Greater goddess) Of course, all of the other Norse deities are recognized as existing. In addition to the the Norse (Teutonic) mythology, it is possible that certain aspects of European mythology will be found here, as well. Prespos Ps. This was composed at the exact same time as your last 2 posts. I see that you set your own foreign policy, so feel free to revise the "Your enemies" section, above!
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:16:51 GMT -5
The Mountain Cantons of his Grace, Duke Robert North , the Cunning
6 individual Cantons of varitey allegiance To His Grace All the Cantons are more or less democracies One is soley his and this is the actual Duchy "First" This Canton is the most powerful, It is basicly an army that happens to live in the mountains with trier Families and Cattle, They are currently in breach of the Duchy Laws and have been for 15 years. They wanted to go to war and the old duke said "NO"Their most sacred law is to Obey the duck in all things militar, right now that is all they are doing Garden This Canton fields only the min imum soldiers and by law are the last to be called up, Truely a garden paradise, yetis are a problem
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:17:49 GMT -5
Freedon(canton)
Canton is solly occupied by x paladins, deserters ronin and refugees, almost all men married men are sent away to the Duchy itself only Warriors! they swear away all rights and swear total devotion to duke, Which for such a great man , is easy to make. They have no vote at the council but have a represntitve that the Duke allows to speeak freely(not a right) Cattle.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:34:24 GMT -5
Principles
The Cantons are governed by very few rules but embrace the following ethos
* Freedom of Speach * Freedom of Expresion(excluding the worship of evil deities) homosexuals , political disadents and religiously surpressed have a safe haven here. This is the main source of tension between the Cantons and the outside world. refugees make up about 7% of the population. Bounty Hunters of these are hung, if caught * Loyalty to the Duke in all things military * Constant universal (men only) practice at arms * Although they consider themselves a democracy ruled by a confederacy, they actually are a meritocracy, Only men that can demonstrate the abilities of first level warriors may vote, less than 5% of the voters are women as while this is not forbidden it is frowned upon. Women are represented in the command structure thou uncommon.
Rich farm and grazing land combined w/ money earned as mercenaries make the Cantons extremely prosperous and a huge middle class exists
Mercenaries
The Duke MUST approve all mercenary contracts and as he is LG, only worthy causes are fought for. It is discouraged to serve in the militaries of other nations by individuals but not forbidden Canton Adventurers are EXTREMELY common and young men are encouraged to see the world.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:35:17 GMT -5
The Hot political problem of the day is Universal sufferage. A growing womens movement is activly pursuing voting rights for non warriors, as Freedom of Expression is a basic principle of the Cantons, the men are at least listening. The Duke has remained absolutely silent on this issue, his popularity would no doubt sway the issue in either direction. The movement is growing and there have been a few very minor violent problems. As long as the violence stays at this level , his grace wants the Cantons to figure things out for themselves. As the Cantons are fairly loosely governed, the general feeling is that each Canton should figure it out for themselves. Garden Canton, being the most liberal and cosmopolitan(very high concintrations of refugges) they seem poised to go this route, but it would require the permission of the Council.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:36:09 GMT -5
The second most pressing problem is the Cantons "export" of political agitators. Pro-Democracy agitators frequently arise from the populace. It is understood by these individuals that the Duke will not lift a finger aiding those who get into trouble in strange lands who are doing this. Again the Principle of Freedom of expression wins the day and if they can escape back to the Cantons, the full weight of the Cantons will protect these individuals. the Cantons are technically at war with 5 far away nations over this.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:37:05 GMT -5
Taxes are surprisingly high thou the money is used on primarily the army. Masterwork weopons are very very common and very expencive.The rest of the tax money goes to supporting the poor and the refugees. Rich Farmers and Merchants are very common, almost all of them are former mercanaries that made a"killing". Flaunting of wealth is more than a bit of a social taboo. The Duke's personal wealth keeps him in fine style, a little more than has been the custom but nobodys perfect. His personal army does receive more than its share of the taxes. The wealthy are also expected to spend lavishly on parties and festivals for the lower classes, not doing so can get you shunned.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:38:02 GMT -5
Relations with the Kingdom
The Mountain Cantons do not pay taxes or participate in the affairs of the Kingdom. The Duke is wholely autonomous as long as the Canton military protects the Kingdom. The Duke sets his own foreign policy, leading to sharp disagreements with the King.The King takes loans from the Duke but they are true loans and not taxes. The Cantons are steadfastly loyal to their Duke and do not recognize much authority of the King. If the Kingdom as whole is threatened the King values the "elite of the elite". The Duke makes no public displays of his disagreements w/ the King but privately treats him like an equal.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:39:15 GMT -5
Magic
The Duke is keenly aware that this is the Cantons great weakness. He employs a few very powerful Invokers and Diviners, he is activly recruiting mages for several schools he has started one in the Duchy and one in Garden of the mnemonic variety. This is by far his number one priority and is devoting considerable effort to remedy the situation and quickly.The Council only recently has agreed to pursue this course.
(WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 400th post!!!!!)
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:40:34 GMT -5
Xur LG wiz 20 (think Sheldon from Big Bang)
This generalist is the director of His Grace's Magical Academy. He delegates all running of the school to his underlings He is in the single minded pursuet of making cure spells for wizards and he is on the threshold of a breakthrough, As he needs a lot of help in this , his goals and the Dukes mix nicely. He does like a good fight now and then and can be counted on to leave his goal to throw some magic around( he Loathes offensive spells like fireball, he's more of a "haste" wiz), but the Duke wants his school up and running so Xur is the last MU to be summoned for battle.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:41:28 GMT -5
a note on society and "sports"
The men of the Cantons LIKE to fight and this is expressed in their sports and settling of disagreements.
Called simply "Ball" this sporting activity is used for settling of disputes and just plain mayhem. Ok there is a ball some nets and a whole lot of possibly drunken, unarmored men with large lacrosse bats that more or less try to play. Some "games" can be as large as 200 men on a side. Mostly they just bash each other in the head.Deaths are not unheard of.All you gotta do to get peeps to stop hitting you is fall down and get laughed at.This is what the fighting men of the Cantons call fun.
As an intresting side note, as nobody can agree on a standard team size ,there is no organization, attempts at organization lead to Ball games that settle nothing.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:49:28 GMT -5
Net up or Net or UP
Slang Net up is if you are carrying your Ball Stick with the net end pointed up (signifies you want to play NOW), also slang for angry (No Canton male not under arms would be caught dead without his Ball Stick)
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:50:13 GMT -5
New weapon Ball Stick(stick w small net at end, size and wieght as long sword)-25 GP D6 damage-expense is due to being exactly weighted and balance to be fully compatible with long sword skills and proficencies, masterwork and even magic are found
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:52:14 GMT -5
Women, Demi-Humans, Homosexuals and Non-White Minorities In the Mountain Cantons
The Cantons are at a turning point in their society.They have been in the past the home of a very conservative white straight male human warrior dominated group..That conservatism ;is being challenged by the widening of their basic principal of Freedom of Expression and by their growing place in the wider world. ;Under Duke Robert, the Cantons are slowly becoming more cosmopolitan in their population and in their outlook. The Hate crimes of the past are quite rare now and seen as a direct violation of the Freedom of Expression by the dominate warriors. The challenge to the warrior only voting power is quite strong. Still these minorities are better accepted if they can wield a sword. The first major change came 10 years ago when the Duke was able to give voting rights to anyone combat capable. He , along with the council has been pushing the Freedom of Expression as a means to better evolve the society. The change is slow but inevitable at this point. Garden Canton is what the Duke and Council see as the future. In secret Talks they have warned Garden that they need to be very cautious and must not go too far to fast, ;and that the Duke can only allow change slowly. For now, warrior voting is the reality and must for a while, remain that way.The major exception to all of this is druidism, druids are not tolerated, even the far thinking and liberal Duke does not want this to change. Battles in the past between Druids and The followers of the good norse pantheon were a huge problem of the past. Following any non good god is a good way to get killed.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:53:08 GMT -5
Marriage and the Ritual of Abduction in The Mountain Cantons
The Ritual of Abduction is an old and frequently seen way of life. In which the man abducts the woman from her parents. If the man can get her to his home, The Ritual is observed. For one year the couple may not engage in sex and the woman is kept in a separate bedroom. She may not leave the house, nor is she required to perform household duties. In that year the man must attempt to get her to agree to be his wife voluntarily. At the end of the year the man returns her to her parents threshold, there she can freely decide to stay or go back with him. This is where all the possible trouble comes. The father may challenge the suitor's fitness. There is an amazing tangle of social customs that dominate this phase. With so many competing customs, often the father's objection results in a Bat fight. The bride to be may side with her man in this. By strict custom a second Abduction may only be done to the same would be bride if she had chosen to go and her father intervened. The second abduction takes place one year after the end of the first and everyone goes through the same rules again. There can be no further attempts if the second does not go as planned.
More normal courtships require the permission of the mother, and a ritual price can be asked for the bride, but this may or may not be asked for.
To get around all of this, the couple can try and get pregnant and the man is "forced" to marry the woman, but as they cannot engage in sex in the Abduction, must be done while the woman still lives w/ her parents.
In all of this the woman always has the right to say "NO". She may not be forced into any marriage but is not always free to say "Yes".
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:53:41 GMT -5
FIRE SKY HEAD CRYSTALS (FSH=LSD)
FSH was discovered about 50 years ago in the VALOR Canton by a lazy farmer in a quiet little town. The story goes that in some way he was trying to use cow dung to "bulk" up his trade goods. As the exact recipe for FSH is a closely guarded secret among the few makers of it, that is about all that is known of it's origin and creation. It has only been produced by mountain dwellers, so that is another key to understanding what goes into it.
The drug causes hallucination that are exclusively visual(overwhelmingly red in color). The drug is non addictive and when used in different ways can be of aid in spellcasting.Spellcasters commonly smoke it.There has been some success using it to cure mental illness. Recreational use is on the rise but is mostly restricted to the upper classes due to expense. The main drawback to it's use is runs so a hit of it is frequently called "poop"
It has two main users among the spellcasting community:Diviners and druids, but it is used for the same purpose by both. It enhances ones ability to cast information gathering and extra planer contact spells, all such spells have an overall increase of 150% when under the influence.
The Mountain Cantons produce only about 50% of the drug as the secret for making it ,while only known by a few, is widespread now. It never caught on in the Cantons so 95% of what they make is exported at a high price.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:55:29 GMT -5
His Grace , Duke Robert North IV, known as The Cunning L14 Fighter/L3 ranger/L3 Thief
In his youth the Duke excelled at everything you would have expected of a aristocrat, The third in line for the Duchy, Duke Robert happily prepared for his role as a military commander under his brother. Of medium height, dark hair fair complexion , he is the totem of a panther.
At the age of 17 . "against" his father's wishes, He joined a Canton mercenary battalion as a Sergeant in disguise. He quickly rose through the ranks, amazing his compatriots of just how outstanding a warrior and leader he was. He and his unit saw much of the world over the next 5 years, crusading in many good causes. At the age of 22 ,as goes the misfortune that seems to follow the North family, his father and both older brothers were killed in the same battle. Robert was summoned home to take up the title of Duke.
Robert was very uncomfortable in his new and unexpected role, He made many mistakes as a political leader and brilliant military victories came easy to him. He was a master at huge ambushes and maneuver but a mediocre politician at best. That all changed when he met his wife Rose. She was of middle class origins and compleatly unsuited for a Duke's wife, or so it seemed. Rose's wisdom and love gave him the the exact influence he needed to become the savoy and beloved leader that emerged from the brash warrior.
Rose bore him 3 sons and then a daughter dying in child birth, along with the daughter, All three of his sons have died in battle leaving no heir.He has refused all efforts to re marry, an uncharacteristic mistake.
Now at the age of 62, he maintains the vitality of a man 20 years younger, He throws himself into his role as Duke. But with no heir the future is very uncertain.
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Post by mao on Oct 14, 2018 13:56:55 GMT -5
High Councilor and Chieftain of VALOR Canton Charles "Chucky" Grim dwarf fighter 14 Chucky is the head of the high Council and it's only non-human white male member The Duke's appointment of Chucky to this position was a HUGE statement of the direction he is going to drag the Canton in. Chucky has fully embraced the Cantons warrior only voting and does not see the irony of that point of view and steadfastly opposes any change to the status quo in this regard, he does however STAUNCHLY defend the rights of any that can lift an ax or sword the right to vote and that was the compromise the Duke made in his appointment. Unfortunately , the Duke had hoped that as a dwarf in the humancentric sociaty, he would adopt more liberal positions but this seems very unlikely. He is quicky becoming the biggest obstruction to further change.One of the Duke's biggest mistakes Chucky is your stereotypical ,gruf dwarven warrior and sports many gems in his huge beard, he is NEVER unarmored and a big fan of his gaudy Ball Stick.
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Post by El Borak on Oct 25, 2018 20:54:19 GMT -5
Unbeknownst to the Duke, Burgundy, an overt enemy, is a covert ally with regards to the ongoing Helvetia-Savoy hostility. Think Burgundian 'CIA', quietly providing support through: (a) intelligence that can be used against Savoy, and, (b) through trade && investments in the area around Lake Geneva. Again, no-one in Helvetia knows ov this.
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Post by El Borak on Oct 25, 2018 20:56:30 GMT -5
1. See Dragon #123 if you want to detail these magickal schools. 2. Helvetia is known for: * Heka-forging. The creation ov magick items. * Occultism. Knowledge of the names of supernatural beings. The closest thing to this in (A)D&D would be the truename spell. Allow 2 rolls for the chance to know truename. It is possible that a slightly enhanced version ov this spell has been researched in Helvetia. * Green Magick. This is basically a wizard who uses Nature spells, just as a druid is a priest who uses Nature spells. The Green Magician can be constructed with the help of The Wizard's Handbook (2e). It should be OK to give Helvetian Green Magicians a bonus of +3% to earned XP. (Note that The Green Magician was also the name of an early story in Dragon magazine). Prespos
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