House Herrin
Isaac Herrin, King of Qethia, Slayer of the Seven, Chosen of Qathar - Aged 49, Isaac is dark of skin and white of hair, with piercing green eyes. He is fairly tall and muscular but his age is beginning to catch up with him. He has ruled over Qethia since he inherited the throne from his father at the age of 20. Currently unmarried after his wife's recent death.
King Isaac Herrin, aged 49)
Neoma Herrin, Queen of Qethia (Deceased) - Aged 34 at the time of her death, Neoma is the mother of all of Isaac's children except for Ethan.
Robert Herrin, Prince of Qethia, Heir to the Throne - Aged 22, Robert is a strong and confident young adult who seems to have taken to his responsibilities as Prince with exceptional ease.
(Prince Robert Herrin)
Layna Herrin, Eldest daughter of Isaac - Aged 18, Layna is a true beauty and second in line to the Throne of Qethia.
(Princess Layna Herrin)
Marka Herrin, Prince of Qethia - Aged 15, Marka is Isaac's second son and third child.
(Prince Marka Herrin)
Alyssa Herrin, Princess of Qethia - Aged 9, Layna is a young and adventurous spirit, sneaking out as often as possible to explore the open world around her. She has a cute face and long flowing blonde hair like her older sister.
Ethan Herrin, Isaac's Bastard - Aged 27, Ethan was born to Isaac before he was married to Neoma. Unlike most Bastards, Ethan is not an outcast or considered the result of adultery and is actually well-liked by the general populace. He has also been officially recognised by his father and thus been allowed to adopt the family name of Herrin, although he can make no claim to the throne.
(Ethan Herrin)
Luca Herrin - Aged 43, Luca is Isaac's younger brother. Unmarried and without children, Luca is one of Isaac's most trusted military advisors, with an extensive and successful career as a General.
Marek Thidrin - Aged 37. One of the deceased Queen's twin brothers. Marek is a prominent and well-renowned general in the Qethian military. Trained among the Qytonari, Neoma's marriage into House Herrin saw him rise to fame as he became one of Isaac's favourite Generals. Currently married to Elise of House Brightcliffe.
(Marek Thidrin)
Asher Thidrin - Aged 37, Asher is one of the deceased Queen's twin brothers. While Marek always took to the sword, Asher always preferred the sail. Asher is the captain of the
Barrian's Spear, named after his father Barrian Thidrin. Asher is a well-respected Admiral but doesn't hold the same esteem as his brother. Asher is not yet married, and his homosexuality is almost commonplace knowledge among the people. Asher and Marek are identical twins, but Asher's hair is shaved on one side and swept over on top, and he stays clean shaven.
Bodyguards
Ser Levi Quinn
Ser Tythos Blackwest
Ser Troy Barrett
Ser Hal Borra
Ambassadors
Juno Hammersly
Mandra Branning
Nico Lynn
Sam Torrance
Chosen of Qathar
The Chosen of Qathar are a religious order of high-ranking Clergymen, hailing from the noble houses of Qethia. Many serve roles are Priests, while others serve in more powerful positions like on the King's Council or as the Qar (Kar); Temple Keepers.
Reverent Father Redohr
Reverent Mother Nilmera
Coeus, Qar of the Crying Garden
Althea, Qar of the Temple of Ancestors
Gayle, Qar of the Temple of Esaldir
Kristen, Qar of the Glowing Sanctum
King's Council (The Council of Qathar)
King Isaac Herrin
Reverent Father Redohr
Reverent Mother Nilmera
High Inquisitor Antemion Peiros
General Caelen Griffin
Admiral Dante Rockwood
Lord Treasurer Darian Vincent
Lord Spymaster Inachus Kalivas
Lord Steward Alexei Thanos
Lord Marshal Luca Herrin
The Inquisition of Qathar
The Inquisition of Qathar was founded under Isaac 17 years ago to suppress any form of heresy or anti-Qathar actions. The Inquisition was charged with rooting out corruption within Qethia's various Orders. The Inquisition is also charged with spreading the word of Qathar. For these reasons, the Inquisition is used both as domestic law enforcement and as expeditionary forces.
High Inquisitor Antemion Peiros, aged 56, is an experienced veteran of the Qytonari order, hand chosen by Isaac to lead the Inquisition. He has lead the Inquisition since its founding 17 years ago, and is more of a director of operations rather than a soldier.
Antemion is backed by a cast of important members. These include Chief Justicar Periscus, Archseer Sebastius, High Cleric Koritto and Commander Evenios. These five make up the primary leadership of the Inquisition, which boasts a force of around 1,500 civilian soldiers and 500 trained military personnel, including 100 Qytonari.
(High Inquisitor Antemion)
(Chief Justicar Periscus)
(High Cleric Koritto)
Other Characters
Hallen Brightcliffe - Aged 56, Hallen Brightcliffe is Lord of House Brightcliffe. A once esteemed warrior, Hallen served as one of Qethia's most famous Generals. Thus far he has evaded Isaac's demands for him to return to the capital and serve on the council. Hallen currently works in close unison with the Inquisition, helping to train the rank and file soldiers that volunteer to serve their God.
Valtic - Aged 33, Valtic is Beastmaster for the Kingdom of Qethia. He is charged with rounding up Warbeasts from the planes of Western Qethia for use in Qethian military.
Religion
Religion is a vital part of life in Qethia. The religion reveres a single being considered the be the creator of all life in Rotafar. This one mighty God is known as Qathar (Kath-are), and is portrayed as a two-headed lion.
In terms of every day life, Religion is a central part of life in Qethia. Every morning is begun with prayer to Qathar, for blessing them with another day of life. Every day ends with prayer to Qathar, thanking him for the day they have been allowed and asking for another the next. There are numerous yearly pilgrimages to holy sites all over Qethia.
Qathar is generally considered a peaceful entity, portraying honour, courage and loyalty. His teachings emphasise loving everything around you and respecting the world. However, it has become commonplace belief that War appeases Qathar, which has lead to numerous wars, both civil and abroad, in past years.
There are a number of religious festivals and celebrations throughout the year, thanking Qathar for Harvest, for the four seasons, for a successful year, for the love of their families; a whole range of various celebrations all aimed at thanking Qathar for his blessing.
Religious positions in Qethia are powerful and highly respected. While anyone can worship Qathar, only those of Noble Blood can rise into these positions. The Chosen of Qathar are a religious order, and every year each noble house puts forward a single candidate to be adopted into the order. Three are selected and undergo rigorous training, pilgrimages and outright celibacy. Unlike many other religious orders, the Chosen of Qathar are devout and many who are found disobeying teachings are executed for 'Ecclesiastical Treason'.
Above these are the Qar. each Qar lives in Solitude, charged with the Keeping of one of Qethia's holy sites, normally temples. There are four who are household names. These beings live in solitude, revering Qathar by maintaining his ties to this world. Many are mute; cutting out their tongues as a sign of devotion.
The Revered Father and Revered Mother are another two of the Chosen of Qathar. They are the most powerful of the Chosen minus the King himself. They are elected via a public election, which decides exactly who they want to control their religious happenings. A new Revered Father/Mother is elected every six years, or if one dies or is found to be corrupt, in which case they are always publicly executed if found guilty.
This religion has also given birth to a number of religious warrior orders. The Paladins are a small group of warriors considered to be Qathar's peacekeepers. There are only a few hundred, but they guard holy sites all over Qethia with fierce religious zeal.
The Qytonari (Kai-tonne-are-ee) are a band of elite warriors numbering around a thousand soldiers who serve as a vanguard in the Qethian military. Driven by religious zeal and the desire to honour Qathar, they are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, and their numbers have been slowly increasing in recent years. The Qytonari are extremely elite warriors, inspiring both fear and courage on the battlefield depending on which side of them you're on. The Qytonari Order is expanding and Isaac has recently sent out the call for more of the Qytonari to be trained.
Qathar is often associated with the magical powers of fire. Therefore, those who are born with magical gifts are instantly adopted into the Quroniki (Ker-on-ik-I) order. The Quroniki are an order of Fire mages allegedly blessed by Qathar, and thus are held in high regard among Qethia's military.
There are also a small number of other races who worship Qathar. Included among these are the Yunta and a very small number of Giants. Some of these races have been integrated into the military.
Politics
The country is run by King Isaac Herrin, in a True Monarchy style of Government. However, the King does take advice and information onboard from his Council. The Council consists of both Lords and Clergymen, meaning that Religion can have an enormous impact on how the Country is run, with the King himself being considered one of the Chosen of Qathar (although he is not forced into celibacy, so that the bloodline may continue).
Qethia does have over a hundred noble houses within its borders, but these are simply wealthy and highly respected families within the local community and do not hold much real power within Qethia, although if the bloodline of House Herrin ends with no heir then one of these Houses will be elected to succeed them.
Territory
Qethia has few built up urban areas at the moment, but numerous villages, temples and forts.
CAPITAL: QATYNAK
CITIES
1) Qaara - Qaara is the Southernmost city in Qethia, and is one of three of Qethia's coastal cities. Qaara has the largest fishery of the three, making it the Kingdom's main source of seafood.
2) Qikok - Qikok is another of Qethia's coastal cities. The ports at Qikok serve more as a naval base, housing 95% of the Qethian navy at any one time.
3) Esaldir City - Esaldir city is a resort-like city with numerous sights and attractions. Its close proximity to Qethia's western forts makes it a favourite of soldiers when they are off duty.
4) Qankar - Qankar is the third and northernmost coastal city in Qethia. Qankar serves as the trade hub of Qethia, distributing currently to no one due to a lack of trade partners.
TEMPLES
1 - The Temple of Ancestors - The Temple of Ancestors, guarded by Qar Althea, is Qethia's largest and most visited temple, the site of numerous yearly pilgrimages.
2 - The Crying Gardens - The Crying Gardens are less of a Temple and more of a holy sanctuary of nature. It is all outdoors in a secluded grove around a waterfall.
3 - The Glowing Sanctum - This Temple is named for the strange formations of glowing crystals that have sprouted up within its walls.
4 - The Temple of Esaldir - A fairly mundane temple by comparison to the rest, the Temple of Esaldir is small and lifeless, yet revered nonetheless.
TOWNS
1 - Heartdale
2 - Mossmore
3 - Embershade
4 - Silkreach
5 - Eagle Bridge
6 - Dewfield
7 - Bronzehollow
8 - Windstar
9 - Cloudreach
10 - Eastcliffe
11 - Highwater
12 - High Hill
13 - Murkwell
FORTS
1 - Qarfell - Qarfell is currently abandoned due to dilapidation making much of the fort unsafe. Closed after an unfortunate incident with earned it the name 'Qarfell'
2 - Westpoint - Qethia's main Bastion on the Western Border. It is the largest and most heavily manned fort in Qethia
3 - Fort Redview - Named for its famous viewpoint; at sunset the sky can be seen to turn a blood red colour and Fort Redview has the best view in Qethia of this.
4 - Fort Bonespire - Named for the large central tower made of whitewashed stone, giving it an almost bone-like appearance.
5 - Sandwatch - This fort is on the border with the Ari'iki Desert in the North of Qethia and thus is the only line of defense against the Li'ivi tribes.
OTHER
Yunta Camp - This camp is home to the Yunta mercenaries employed by the Qethian military.
Sundar - Sundar is the only Kivikoshi Citadel in Qethia, lead by Novi Granitegrip. The Sundari Kivikoshi are invaluable trade partners with Qethia.
Military
Qethia's military is currently very small, numbering roughly 12,000 soldiers, archers, cavalry and mages. Although the army is small, they have excellent leadership, high-quality equipment, extreme loyalty and are driven by religious zeal. Their will is absolute and they will fight to the last man, making them a difficult force to outright defeat.
Qethia's military consists of numerous humanoid races. Qethia's military is integrated so any unit can consist of any number of members from different races.
INFANTRY
1st Qytonari Vanguard [500]
2nd Qytonari Vanguard [500]
1st Swordsman Division [1,500]
2nd Swordsman Division [1,500]
3rd Swordsman Division [1,500]
1st Spearman Division [500]
2nd Spearman Division [500]
1st Heavy Warriors [750]
2nd Heavy Warriors [750]
Total: 8,000
MISSILE
Quroniki Mages [300]
1st Longbow Division [600]
2nd Longbow Division [600]
1st Crossbow Division [500]
2nd Crossbow Division [500]
Total: 2,500
CAVALRY
1st Riders Division [400]
2nd Riders Division [400]
Mounted Knights Division [300]
Qathari Yunta [300]
Qethian Warbeast Riders [300]
Total: 1,700
OTHER
Armored Giants [10]
Hounds [100]
Total: 110
TOTAL: 12,310
(Qethian Spearman)
(Qethian Swordsman)
(Qytonari Vanguard)
Exclusive Military Units
Qethian Warbeast Cavalry consist of spearmen mounted on the back of the fearsome Qethian Warbeast, an incredibly strong, gargantuan creature often clad in armor and coated with warpaint. They are not easy to find and so most are bred into the military. They are the favored form of Qethian cavalry, but are very costly to maintain in units.
(Warrior mounted on a Qethian Warbeast)
The Qethian Navy is also fairly small, with the majority of their ships being constructed for transport and trade purposes. As a result their trade fleet is almost 60 ships strong, while the Qethian navy consists of a meager 40 warships. However, the Qethian warships are well-constructed, so they are few in number but still reasonably strong.
Wealth
Qethia is a moderately wealthy Kingdom. There are two classes of citizens; those who are nobles and those who are not. Nobles are extremely wealthy, while those who are 'regular' citizens all have reasonable jobs and a steady income. Poverty is non-existent in Qethia. There is a large wealth of natural resources, and many are put to use in construction or production of military supplies. As a result, Qethia has a happy, wealthy population, but itself the Kingdom is only moderately rich.
Trade
Currently the Qethians only trade with the Kivikoshi and the Grand Merchant Republic of Etumas but are seeking new trade partners to boost their economy so that they can expand their military and navy, as well as improve their infrastructure so that Qethia can better sustain itself.
Resources
Qethia is abundant with fertile grassland, so food production covers both the populace and trade with the Kivikoshi. The Kivikoshi in turn provide high-quality stone and metals, and their craftsmanship is often relied upon by the Qethian military. Lumber is, however, in short supply, since Qethia itself is lacking in woodland and that which does exist is vital in sustaining important ecosystems of the local wildlife.
Political Stability
Qethia itself is in an extremely stable state of affairs, with a happy, well-fed and economically well off populace, as well as a strong government. However, tensions are rising with the Li'ivi tribes in the desert to the North, who feel threatened by the expansion of Qethia in recent years.
Starting Stats
Moderately wealthy, stable economy, lack of lumber, skilled craftsmen, small navy, lack of trade, happy populace, stable government, small but very elite military, very few mages.
Extra Info
The Kingdom of Qethia was founded over 1,000 years ago by King Qathar Qethia. Using his silver tongue, King Qethia was able to unite all of the barbarian tribes on the Eastern Edge of what is now the Kingdom of Qethia, pooling resources and organizing the people to create a happy kingdom.
One day, King Qethia went missing. The Qethians, enamored with him, deduced that he had been called to the heavens, having risen beyond mortality to watch forever from the heavens and guide them through a golden age that would last for eternity. This is where the religion that sees Qathar is their deity arose from.
Ever since, the Kingdom of Qethia has experienced happiness and prosperity. However, it was not always peaceful. King Deke Callus was responsible for founding the Qytonari, and was also responsible for expanding to claim the desert during his reign. King Achates Vasilis almost caused the collapse of the Kingdom by attempting to remove the Chosen of Qathar from government, but a coup ended with his public execution. He was replaced by Queen Nikita Matis, who, desperate not to repeat Vasilis' mistakes, appointed the Revered Father and Mother, and expanded West to the borders that Qethia maintains to the current day.
Ambitions
To find a new wife for Isaac, to marry off Robert and Layna to secure alliances. To increase trade with other nations, to increase the size of their military, to expand west. To end hostilities with the Li'ivi, to secure an independent state for the Yunta.