Post by warwick on Apr 24, 2023 22:16:51 GMT
Dev-blog 4 - The Nereans of Wayfarer's Ford
"And upon the scattering of the Sturgian tribes, General Penton Naracius received message that the Emperor Lucon had died. There and then, crowded happily by his troops, and raised upon a rock launched by a barbarian catapult, Penton was given a rubber ball for an orb, a walking stick for a scepter and a crown of flowers for a diadem - crowned Emperor of Calradia. There began Penton's grand campaign to reclaim his father's throne from the supporters of Lucon the Usurper's sons..."
Hello everyone! This week’s development blog is the first of our faction spotlights. Today, we’ll be showcasing the faction of Wayfarer’s Ford, a mercantile, civic faction of Makerist heretics stationed in the center of the map, in an old, decaying Imperial fort. They control the on-map tavern, as well as three of the twelve workshops on the map. This marks a considerable point in our development process, as we move on from discussing the mechanics of our server and onto displaying the factions; their lore, their uniqueness and other aspects necessary in letting undecided players know all they need to know about the starting factions.
The Nereans and their History
Elain Valley’s partial resurgence since the devastation of the Vaegir invasion has been made possible by the opportunism of some and the providence of others. Different groups have seen the anarchy of Tilbaut County as an invitation to begin anew, leaving troubled pasts and persecution behind. Such was the plight of Nereans, whose exodus from Uxkhal brought them to the ruins of an Imperial fort - where Emperor Penton the Great was said to have been crowned, as per local tradition.
The Nerean Sect was founded by the Father Nereus of Emirin, a heretic burnt at the stake by the Makerist Church. Though granted a measure of protection and religious liberty by the recently deposed King Harlaus, the sect now faces emboldened persecution upon the ascension of Queen Isolla to the Swadian throne. Generally distrusted by wider Swadia, the Nereans have began an exodus to a land they believe could be made truly their own.
The Nereans’ exodus from Uxkhal was not easy. After much struggle and loss, they began their new life in Elain Valley with the help of the elusive merchant Gasterbitz. The central location of the ruins has found their little community grow to be the local trade hub of the valley, with Wayfarer’s Ford providing a place of relative security to travelers in the form of a now-esteemed tavern.
Rumors persist about the odd practices of the Nereans; that they take no family names, and more perplexing yet, do not build churches to the Maker. Furthermore, it is said that Nerean children are taught at birth to read and write. In Elain Valley, however, the common folk have more pressing concerns than the nature of their neighbors worship, and Wayfarer’s Ford continues to be a home for the Nereans and a beacon of stability.
The Nereans of Wayfarer's Ford are atypical when compared to the rest of feudal Calradia. In accordance with wise Nereus' teachings, there is little hierarchy to be found in their society. However, the wisest and most virtuous among them lead their group in debate and discussion, their words carry weight and their counsel is well-regarded. Their present leader is seen as the successor of the venerable Bernhard the Elder, who led the Nereans of Uxkhal to Elain, and serves as the Patriarch of Wayfarer's Ford. His position as their nominal leader is further secured by his actions in brokering their deals with Gasterbitz, and thus allowing their lives in the Elain Valley to flourish. This is not to say that the Patriarch rules alone, however. Decisions are deliberated and discussed by the assembled community in common, and an effort is always made to reach a consensus.
Faction Relics & The Faction Mechanics
• Ring of 'Nereus': An old trinket, now in the possession of the Patriarch of Wayfarer's Ford, which once belonged to the venerable Bernhard the Elder. It is an old ring, once thought to have belonged to the sage-like Nereus himself, the progenitor of the Nerean heresy. It was given to the present patriarch by Bernhard as the old man lay half-dead, withering away. With its transfer, so did Bernhard pass the responsibility that had long weighed on his shoulders unto his successor; To see their people safely to a new home.
• Old Fritz' Brand: Another item of note is a fine blade that has served the followers of Nereus well, fending off brigands and blackguards alike. It has passed through several hands, but it is now slung from the belt of one of the defenders of Wayfarer’s Ford. Its origins are, however, somewhat humorous. In one of the rare instances, when the Nereans' were on their long journey to the Elain Valley, their group sheltered in a proper tavern, there was much merriment. The blade, it is said, was won in a drinking contest from an old, jolly Dhirimite knight by the name of Friedrich von Lüstig who seemed not to mind parting with his war-sword. Perhaps it was the subtle influence of the Maker that guided the weapon into Nerean hands.
The local economy of Wayfarer’s Ford is largely dependent on its position as the custodian of the inn and the valley’s main commercial hub. Its central location, respect for the rule of law, and longstanding reputation for neutrality in the valley’s conflicts have encouraged the settlement’s growth and development, such that within its walls it hosts the greatest concentration of artisanal workshops in the Elain Valley; a tannery, a carpentry and a tailor’s hall. In addition, the wealthy benefactor of Elain’s resettlement, the merchant Gasterbitz, makes his home within the walls. This means that, despite the Nereans’ lack of control over any of the valley’s natural resources, they are well-placed to negotiate trade deals with their neighbours, and continue to fuel the growth of their island of civilization.
Although on the surface life in Wayfarer's Ford seems jolly, if one look deeper, they might find the community still bears the scars of their traumatic journey. For some, the wounds never quite healed, while some have lost faith in their Maker, and in the teachings of wise Nereus. A crisis of faith is stirring in the community and it is unclear if the lost children of Nereus will heal and continue or lose their faith.
Next week we will be covering the Nords of Hallvatlar, outcasts from the Old Pagan Kingdom and the regional lumbermen. If you have any questions about the nature of this faction, don't be afraid to message me, Tristen or the faction leader, Ze Sultan, for more details. Any other questions may be directed to any member of staff in DMs or on the discord's general chat!
"And upon the scattering of the Sturgian tribes, General Penton Naracius received message that the Emperor Lucon had died. There and then, crowded happily by his troops, and raised upon a rock launched by a barbarian catapult, Penton was given a rubber ball for an orb, a walking stick for a scepter and a crown of flowers for a diadem - crowned Emperor of Calradia. There began Penton's grand campaign to reclaim his father's throne from the supporters of Lucon the Usurper's sons..."
Hello everyone! This week’s development blog is the first of our faction spotlights. Today, we’ll be showcasing the faction of Wayfarer’s Ford, a mercantile, civic faction of Makerist heretics stationed in the center of the map, in an old, decaying Imperial fort. They control the on-map tavern, as well as three of the twelve workshops on the map. This marks a considerable point in our development process, as we move on from discussing the mechanics of our server and onto displaying the factions; their lore, their uniqueness and other aspects necessary in letting undecided players know all they need to know about the starting factions.
The Nereans and their History
Elain Valley’s partial resurgence since the devastation of the Vaegir invasion has been made possible by the opportunism of some and the providence of others. Different groups have seen the anarchy of Tilbaut County as an invitation to begin anew, leaving troubled pasts and persecution behind. Such was the plight of Nereans, whose exodus from Uxkhal brought them to the ruins of an Imperial fort - where Emperor Penton the Great was said to have been crowned, as per local tradition.
The Nerean Sect was founded by the Father Nereus of Emirin, a heretic burnt at the stake by the Makerist Church. Though granted a measure of protection and religious liberty by the recently deposed King Harlaus, the sect now faces emboldened persecution upon the ascension of Queen Isolla to the Swadian throne. Generally distrusted by wider Swadia, the Nereans have began an exodus to a land they believe could be made truly their own.
The Nereans’ exodus from Uxkhal was not easy. After much struggle and loss, they began their new life in Elain Valley with the help of the elusive merchant Gasterbitz. The central location of the ruins has found their little community grow to be the local trade hub of the valley, with Wayfarer’s Ford providing a place of relative security to travelers in the form of a now-esteemed tavern.
Rumors persist about the odd practices of the Nereans; that they take no family names, and more perplexing yet, do not build churches to the Maker. Furthermore, it is said that Nerean children are taught at birth to read and write. In Elain Valley, however, the common folk have more pressing concerns than the nature of their neighbors worship, and Wayfarer’s Ford continues to be a home for the Nereans and a beacon of stability.
The Nereans of Wayfarer's Ford are atypical when compared to the rest of feudal Calradia. In accordance with wise Nereus' teachings, there is little hierarchy to be found in their society. However, the wisest and most virtuous among them lead their group in debate and discussion, their words carry weight and their counsel is well-regarded. Their present leader is seen as the successor of the venerable Bernhard the Elder, who led the Nereans of Uxkhal to Elain, and serves as the Patriarch of Wayfarer's Ford. His position as their nominal leader is further secured by his actions in brokering their deals with Gasterbitz, and thus allowing their lives in the Elain Valley to flourish. This is not to say that the Patriarch rules alone, however. Decisions are deliberated and discussed by the assembled community in common, and an effort is always made to reach a consensus.
Faction Relics & The Faction Mechanics
• Ring of 'Nereus': An old trinket, now in the possession of the Patriarch of Wayfarer's Ford, which once belonged to the venerable Bernhard the Elder. It is an old ring, once thought to have belonged to the sage-like Nereus himself, the progenitor of the Nerean heresy. It was given to the present patriarch by Bernhard as the old man lay half-dead, withering away. With its transfer, so did Bernhard pass the responsibility that had long weighed on his shoulders unto his successor; To see their people safely to a new home.
• Old Fritz' Brand: Another item of note is a fine blade that has served the followers of Nereus well, fending off brigands and blackguards alike. It has passed through several hands, but it is now slung from the belt of one of the defenders of Wayfarer’s Ford. Its origins are, however, somewhat humorous. In one of the rare instances, when the Nereans' were on their long journey to the Elain Valley, their group sheltered in a proper tavern, there was much merriment. The blade, it is said, was won in a drinking contest from an old, jolly Dhirimite knight by the name of Friedrich von Lüstig who seemed not to mind parting with his war-sword. Perhaps it was the subtle influence of the Maker that guided the weapon into Nerean hands.
The local economy of Wayfarer’s Ford is largely dependent on its position as the custodian of the inn and the valley’s main commercial hub. Its central location, respect for the rule of law, and longstanding reputation for neutrality in the valley’s conflicts have encouraged the settlement’s growth and development, such that within its walls it hosts the greatest concentration of artisanal workshops in the Elain Valley; a tannery, a carpentry and a tailor’s hall. In addition, the wealthy benefactor of Elain’s resettlement, the merchant Gasterbitz, makes his home within the walls. This means that, despite the Nereans’ lack of control over any of the valley’s natural resources, they are well-placed to negotiate trade deals with their neighbours, and continue to fuel the growth of their island of civilization.
Although on the surface life in Wayfarer's Ford seems jolly, if one look deeper, they might find the community still bears the scars of their traumatic journey. For some, the wounds never quite healed, while some have lost faith in their Maker, and in the teachings of wise Nereus. A crisis of faith is stirring in the community and it is unclear if the lost children of Nereus will heal and continue or lose their faith.
Next week we will be covering the Nords of Hallvatlar, outcasts from the Old Pagan Kingdom and the regional lumbermen. If you have any questions about the nature of this faction, don't be afraid to message me, Tristen or the faction leader, Ze Sultan, for more details. Any other questions may be directed to any member of staff in DMs or on the discord's general chat!