The Fires of Valyria Discussion

Discussion in 'Role Play Discussion' started by Viserion, Feb 28, 2020.

  1. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    No problem. There's way too much lore to learn, let alone remember.
     
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  2. EFMingo

    EFMingo A Modern Dinosaur Supporter Contributor

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    Yeah it's a variable mountain to go through.
     
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  3. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    [​IMG]

    Name: Aegalor Algaeris
    Gender: Male
    Age: 53

    Faction: Freeholders

    Personal Possessions: All Algaeris nobles possess a leather medallion embossed with their House's sigil. An ornament to display their bloodline and source of wealth. Aegalor is never seen without his. Another item that is always on his person is his Valyrian steel dagger, which he keeps on his belt.

    In addition, he owns a set of scale armor, a helm, and a battle-axe — all of which are forged from Valyrian steel. The axe was a gift from his father when Aegalor entered his four years of service with the Drakes.

    Appearance: While not quite as powerful as in his prime, Aegalor is exceptionally robust for a man in his fifties. His limbs and chest are muscled as if he made his fortune chopping wood. But while his strength is still remarkable, the years have diminished his reaction time and flexibility.

    Aegalor inherited his mother's hair, a mane of white curls streaked with silver. In his youth those curls would sparkle under the sun, but they rarely do so now. Unlike many other Old Bloods Aegalor is more sternly-featured than handsome. He inherited that from his mother as well. His square jaw is covered by a well-groomed white beard flecked with silver, and above his upper lip is a matching mustache.

    Crow's feet are clearly etched around Aegalor's deep purple eyes. The crow's feet, along with few other facial wrinkles, advertise his age.

    Wife: Elaenys
    Maiden Name: Taeltigar
    Age: 47

    First Son: Saenon
    Age: 31
    Married: Yes

    Second Son: Shaegar
    Age: 31 (fraternal twin brother of Saenon)
    Married: No

    Third Son: Aurys
    Age: 28
    Married: Yes

    Fourth Son: Vaerion
    Age: 21
    Married: No

    Brother: Daemyx
    Age: 49
    Married: Yes

    Sister: Malaehna
    Age: 46
    Married: Yes

    Personality: Both friend and foe would describe Aegalor as sincere. He detest liars, and says so frequently, and he generally prefers uncomfortable truths in favor of holding one's tongue. Despite this predilection, he developed enough social grace to try and be polite with his betters and peers. Of course, his civility has its limits.

    To those he judges beneath his station (non Old Bloods) he demands the utmost respect and courtesy. And so long as that level of respect and courtesy is given those interactions and dealings go smoothly. Aegalor doesn't think himself cruel. He believes violence is a necessary evil to maintain civilization, but that well-bred people should be reluctant to resort to it. And he has no stomach whatsoever for torture.

    He loves his family dearly. And he understands that makes him vulnerable, so he tries not to advertise it. But try as he might, he can't help but dote over his wife. He has always been and forever will be faithful to her.

    Advantages: Animal Husbandry, Business Acumen, Body Language Reading

    Disadvantages:
    Judgemental, Bigot (non Old Blood), Overprotective (wife)

    History: After having lost his family's estate and fortune in Tyria to debtors, Aegalor's great grandfather Balaelor relocated House Algaeris to Volantis. It was there, in the sprawling port city, that he hoped to rebuild his wealth. He proved unsuccessful. But where he failed to return his family to their former riches, his son, Garaenys, would succeed.

    Garaenys began with a purchase of a meager pasture outside the city. He promptly followed that by acquiring a few dozen Essarian cattle, all at below market price. From that moment forward livestock became House Algaeris's livelihood.

    Additional cattle were then added by borrowing against the land, and many more were bred. Profits trickled in during those first few years, and they flowed in after that. Garaenys paid his loan off as soon as he could. Then took out another, larger loan to buy more pasture land to stock with animals.

    Under Garaenys's leadership House Algaeris would go on to dominate the trade of cattle, beef, and leather in and around Volantis. Near the end of his life he would construct the Volantis Livestock Market, a massive stone compound surrounded by wooden pens and stalls, where animals from all over the region are brought to auction. And each animal sold there accrues a fee for House Algaeris.

    When Garaenys's son Yraelor eventually took control of the House he had the wisdom to diversify the family's enterprises. Several storehouses inside the city were purchased, as well as butcher shops, a few pawnshops, an alehouse, a pier, and half a dozen ships — two of which were outfitted for fishing, the others for trade.

    Out of a need to better protect his family and their extensive assets, Yraelor established a standing militant arm of the House. He named these House soldiers the Drakes of Algaeris.

    Today House Algaeris is one of the top ten wealthiest and most influential noble families in all of Volantis. While they have multiple streams of income, livestock and leather remains their bread and butter. They presently own tens of thousands of animals. And not just cattle, but horses, mules, donkeys, goats, and even elephants. In fact, it is said by many that no one owns a finer stock of elephants than House Algaeris.

    When Aegalor's great grandfather Balaelor squandered his family's fortune, he was forced to release all of his House soldiers. This obviously left his House vulnerable to other opportunistic noble families. Decades later Aegalor's father, Yraelor, (a rich man by this time) would create the Drakes of Algaeris — the militant arm of the House.

    Their primary duty is to defend and fight for the people and properties of House Algaeris. Drakes regularly patrol House lands as well as escort the family nobles on their travels. In order to be first-rate soldiers the Drakes train frequently. In addition to their training, veteran Drakes are encouraged to participate in martial tournaments to compete for the pride and honor of their House.

    It's an open secret that the Drakes occasionally serve as hired mercenaries or muscle. But they only do so when their lord believes the reward greatly outweighs the risk, and only if the assignment wouldn't threaten House Algaeris's standing with another noble family of Volantis.

    When on duty Drakes wear a surcoat and waist sash displaying their House colors (burnt orange and black). Their current captain is Aegalor's second son, Shaegar.

    The lands of House Algaeris (colloquially referred to as the Feral Lands) lie northeast of the towering Black Walls of eastern Volantis. There one can find cattle-trodden grassy fields, dozens of muddy watering holes (often connected by man-made canals), thickets of tall trees and brush, and in its lowest parts, the occasional wetland.

    Thousands of cattle are kept there. During the day the herds are brought out to feed by drovers on horseback, and then returned to their pens before sunset. House soldiers (Drakes) patrol the pens after dark, vigilant for cattle thieves. Along with cattle, horses, donkeys, mules, and goats are also kept, though in far fewer numbers. And in addition to those creatures, there are elephants. The majestic giants are the pride of House Algaeris. They have their own pasture, adjacent to Feralfield Keep, completely walled in stone.

    Feralfield Keep: Tucked inside the Feral Lands is the heart of House Algaeris, Feralfield Keep. A stone wall surrounds the Keep and grounds, which include: the Drake's barracks, the servant cabins (freedmen only), the stables, barn, storehouse, smithy, and courtyard. Slave huts are kept outside the walls.

    Volantis Livestock Market: The most impressive livestock auction site in the region is located in western Volantis, and is owned and operated by House Algaeris. The market itself is a massive stone arena surrounded by wooden pens and stalls—some of which are capable of holding elephants. Animals from all across the territory are brought there to auction. And each animal sold there accrues a fee for House Algaeris.

    Algaeris Manor: A palatial house in eastern Volantis where Aegalor and his wife stay when they have business in the city. Aurys and Vaerion—Aegalor's two youngest sons—live there year round.
     
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2020
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  4. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    How common are Valyrian steel weapons and armor during this era? And to follow that up: what type/make of armor did Valyrian nobles generally wear into battle, and what type(s) did their rank soldiers wear?
     
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  5. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    Valyrian Steel swords were common enough to arm every noble House with several. Full armor is prohibitively expensive, and fills the role that Valyrian Steel swords have in Westeros. Nobles typically wore scale armor if they lacked full suits of Valyrian steel.

    As for foot soldiers, think Roman with high-quality steel.
     
  6. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    I edited post 28 into a WIP character sheet. I'll add to it over the course of the week and then let you know when it's ready for approval.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2020
  7. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    Are Valyrian sorcerers born or trained? As I'm fleshing out my character's family I'm considering adding a sorcerer or two. I was thinking fire magic only (no blood magic) seeing as House Algaeris doesn't possess dragons, and hasn't for centuries.
     
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  8. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    It’s a bit of both. Blood is a factor, but training is needed to make full use. Some sorcerers have no suitable blood at all.

    And remember, think Melisandre when it comes to magic. Rare, and restricted.
     
  9. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    What about just a small amount of magical ability/talent? Like, not a full sorcerer, but magically touched. For instance, someone in the family able to use obsidian candles to scry (view a location miles away). The following passage is from the wiki.
     
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  10. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    That works.
     
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  11. EFMingo

    EFMingo A Modern Dinosaur Supporter Contributor

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    Is @DarkPen14 planning on joining this one as well. I think he was on the fence at the beginning as a possibility.
     
  12. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    Still reading through the wiki, I believe.
     
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  13. EFMingo

    EFMingo A Modern Dinosaur Supporter Contributor

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    Yeah this one requires a little ground work, but I'm sure it will be pretty awesome once we get going!
     
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  14. EFMingo

    EFMingo A Modern Dinosaur Supporter Contributor

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    Another player should be joining shortly as well.
     
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  15. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    Just posted the history portion. It's actually a history of House Algaeris as opposed to a character history, because I felt that was more important to know upfront. My character's history will be revealed during the course of roleplay, assuming that's okay.
     
  16. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    That works.
     
  17. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    @Viserion My character sheet is ready for review. I'm not actually finished with it, as I plan to add some more details about House Algaeris's enterprises and assets, but all the required information should be there.
     
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  18. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    Looks good.
     
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  19. DarkPen14

    DarkPen14 Florida Man in Training Contributor

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    Oh lawdy the wiki is long and complicated
     
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  20. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    For the Wiki is dark and full of fanfic.
     
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  21. Bone2pick

    Bone2pick Conspicuously Conventional Contributor

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    I added two writeups in spoilers at the bottom of my character sheet. It's mostly just information that I wanted to nail down to help me write in the future, but I decided to post them.
     
  22. EFMingo

    EFMingo A Modern Dinosaur Supporter Contributor

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    Hey @Viserion , about how many players are you looking for before you get rolling on the first story post?
     
  23. DarkPen14

    DarkPen14 Florida Man in Training Contributor

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    Imma have to dip out of this one for now. Sorry y'all, just struggling to get a handle on what I'm reading
     
  24. Viserion

    Viserion Senior Member

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    Three, ideally
    That’s okay.
     
  25. EFMingo

    EFMingo A Modern Dinosaur Supporter Contributor

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    Well, it may be a good idea to get started with the two of us, and maybe run an additional character of your own as part of the story for a bit as well in order to keep some momentum going. With a far reaching and open world like this, it would be fairly easy to pencil in any late-comers, or those waiting to see if it gets off the ground first. I know there's interest in RPGs for the fantasy genre on this site, based on my poll, but the lore may be a bit intimidating to some for this one at the moment, as what happened to @DarkPen14 . An investment, ya know. So it may be good to just get rolling and see what else picks up along the way. I won't be bailing, as this site is basically my second home, and I think @Bone2pick put a sizable investment in character family creation that he probably wants to see through. I know of another old member returning who has an interest as well, just not center on their return date.

    Let me know what you decide.
     
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