World Building; Chivalry's Last Breath

Languages; Orquídean, Endorian, Nobilese, Klanarian, Belichinese, Klana Belich, Orc, Draconic, Elven, Dwarven, Gnome, Goblin, Gnoll, Giant,

Days filled with honorable competition between the Nobelist warriors in the land and the evenings filled with wine, love, and dance it appeared that the three Kingdoms were united in a peaceful coexistence and the art of courtly love would flourish.

Before the new mindset emerged, Kings were constantly bickering and lords slaughtered each other in the field. The philosophy of Chivalry was more than a code of ethics, but a religious institution supporting a moral social standing that separates the higher classes from those below them. The years of martial prowess and skill being rewarded with titles and knighthood was over with the backing of several deities. The rules regarding honor became an issue of morality and enforced the restrictions that prohibited commoners from reaching higher social status. Regardless of the Kingdom, the struggle to keep aristocrats away from the common rabble had been fought for decades.

Outside of the castle gates, life was very different. The illusion created by the aristocracy was erased the moment one stepped into the streets, that is unless you insisted on believing that mirage. It was an image that storytellers and minstrels avoided mentioning in the presence of court. Noone who enjoyed the luxuries of the wealthy among the clinking of crystal goblets or devouring roasted pig that others were required to prepare. No, outside of the walls presented a colder drearier life filled with betrayal and conspiracies at every shadow.

While the palace tile protected silken slippers, the mud drenched streets through the market spaces. The elegant flirtations in court were replaced by the shouts and boisterous laughter in all night taverns, but also dalliances in piles of hay sheltered by the noble's stable was replaced with the blade of a dagger for a belt pouch in a dark alley. Living and working conditions were filthy and dangerous with little to no empathy of the aristocracy to improve the lives of the peasant class.

Over the course of the last two decades the titled population lived comfortably, curtsying their way through court and participating in a game of infatuation of physical relationships through Courtly Love. Quietly the master craftsmen and merchants negotiated trade deals that only sunk the nobility deeper into their illusions of honor. The deep seeded desire to possess what others could not have gradually grew stronger and created Social rivalries between families and sown the envy into new blood feuds between houses. Through the distractions of nobles, the merchants and shop owners became wealthy, to the extent that many obtained more wealth than that coveted by the lords ruling over them.

The Orquídea Azul (People of the Blue Orchid)

The Orquídea Azul (People of the Blue Orchid) (Kingdom of Spain)

Galicia, Leon, Castile, Aragon, Navarre, Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Granada

Moors, Iberians, Portuguese, French, England,

Murcia, Granada, Castille, and Alousie (Muslim)
Algarve, Lisbone, Leria, Galicia (Portuguese)
Leon, Madrid, Aragon, Castille, Valence (Iberia)
Navare, Biscaye, Astvrie (France and England)

Four Azarian nobles led armies to reclaim the conquered lands from the Armies the dead. After three generations of warfare, the victory was finally achieved only to stoke the fires of the next monarch. Each of the descendants held rights to claim the crown and the inability of the church to decide on one King led to rivalries engaging in open warfare. Small client states swear fealty to the greater power within their vicinity.

The Great Houses of Condello, Granvyr, Chavess, and Lormak hold significant resources, strong enough to survive a war but lacking the strength to challenge the other three. For the time being, nobody is willing to give concessions to potential allies.

The architecture showcases a rich blend of styles influenced by various cultures; From the Necromantic Consortium, Azarian, and elements of Goblinoid Clans. Key features include various styles used in building cathedrals, palaces, and the castles are renowned for their grandeur and defensive features, reflecting the turbulent history of the region.

The large cities provide cobblestone streets where every step leads to an aroma of freshly baked bread. Songs, Playwrights and storytelling from diverse population of minstrels. Merchants from distant lands bartered exotic spices and silks, and craftsman constantly tested new expressions in designing their wares. Knights patrol the cities on foot, enforcing the laws of the local Lord. They actively seek out traitors or members of rival houses. The more experienced Knights remain within their guild halls when not assigned to a major campaign.


Speculative crops, driven by lords seeking to get rich due to good previous years, prevented the development of subsistence farming,
Western Schism (1378-1417), in which the Church hierarchy contested its dominance and had as many as three popes at one time. The economic crisis subsided, but the demographic crisis persisted. Fields were depopulated, and crops fell. The lords were forced to pay higher wages to farmers and prevent their migration to the cities. By the 1420s, there were already signs of population recovery. Castile was the first to recover. The lords were able to produce according to the market, and export crops achieved great expansion in Spain. The nobility, who controlled the Mesta, and the monarchy made the wool trade the Spanish economic engine. The main industry was textiles, but it only supplied the domestic market.

Between 1275 and 1356, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands reached a commercial expansion, driven by a powerful bourgeoisie that imported spices, wheat, and cotton, and exported textiles, iron, and weapons. Spurred by trade, ironwork made important technical advances, and shipbuilding reached the level that corresponded to a great maritime empire

The Holy Empire of Endore (Holy Roman Empire)

The Holy Empire of Endore is comprised of many independent city states of various sizes. The diverse cultures provide an array of unique military resources, but also ensures no national cooperation. The various city states nominally give allegiance to the Emperor, but govern their own borders independent of the crown. This system also hinders the Empire by not requiring one city state from providing aid to a second. Local chieftans cater to the churches of Heironeous and St. Cuthbert as they vie to become the next heir to the Imperial throne. The leaders of the great cities look down on those of smaller and less influential towns.

Endore enjoys a strong heavy cavalry, though it is too fractured to project power outside of their respective city state. Endore has a large contingent of polearm infantry militia troops and crossbowmen.

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Holy Roman Emperors struggle with increasing difficulty to control their territorial holdings—the boundaries of which continue to expand until the late sixteenth century—in the face of opposition from local princes and foreign threats, especially France and the Ottoman Turks.

In the context of Germany, the fragmentation of territories was exacerbated by the decentralization of the Holy Roman Empire. Individual dukes, counts, and barons held significant autonomy within their lands. They were vassals to the king or emperor but acted as sovereign rulers, managing their territories according to their whims and local customs.

Feudal lords were granted lands known as fiefs, and in return, they pledged military service and other forms of support to their overlords. Beneath them were knights and other lesser nobles who were also part of this chain of loyalty. At the base of this structure were the peasants and serfs, who worked the land and provided the agricultural produce necessary for the survival of the entire feudal society.

The feudal system was more than a political arrangement; it was a social contract that defined relationships, duties, rights, and privileges. It fostered a sense of order and engendered inequalities and rigid class distinctions.

In Germany, this fragmentation led to a complex political landscape with continuous struggles for supremacy among various principalities and territories. The feudal lords’ power often challenged the authority of the emperor, leading to conflicts and shifting alliances.

Despite its shortcomings, feudalism played an essential role in shaping medieval Germany’s social and political contours. It provided stability in a time of frequent wars and upheavals and laid the groundwork for the gradual emergence of more centralized state structures. By understanding the intricacies of this feudal tapestry, we gain valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of German history during the Middle Ages.

Like much of Europe, the Middle Ages in Germany was marked by the tension between secular rulers and the Church. Central to this was the Investiture Controversy of the 11th and 12th centuries.

Struggle for Authority: The dispute primarily concerned who—the pope or monarchs—had the authority to appoint local church officials and bishops. The Concordat of Worms in 1122 eventually provided a compromise, recognizing the role of the Church in spiritual matters while preserving the monarch’s influence in secular affairs.

The 12th to 14th centuries in Germany are characterized by cultural and economic growth. Trade flourished with the establishment of the Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns.

The late medieval period was fraught with challenges, including famines, plagues, and wars. The most devastating was the Black Death, which wiped out a significant portion of the population.

The Hundred Years’ War: While primarily a conflict between England and France, its repercussions were felt across Europe, including German territories. Mercenaries from German regions often participated in these wars, bringing back both wealth and new ideas.

The kings and queens of medieval Germany played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s history, ruling over a fragmented land of numerous duchies, principalities, and free cities. Political maneuvering, alliances, warfare, and cultural patronage often marked their reigns.

During the early Middle Ages, the Carolingian dynasty, with Charlemagne as its most famous ruler, established an empire that united much of Western Europe, including parts of modern-day Germany. Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800 AD, laying the foundation for the concept of the Holy Roman Empire, although it wasn’t formally established until later.

Following the Carolingian era, the Ottonian dynasty came to power with figures like Otto I, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 962. The Ottonians worked to consolidate their rule over the German territories and strengthen ties with the Church.

The Salian and Hohenstaufen dynasties followed, with rulers such as Frederick I (Barbarossa) and Frederick II, both notable for their attempts to assert imperial authority over the papacy and the Italian states. These efforts often led to conflicts with other European powers and within the German nobility.

Medieval German towns and cities were the bustling centers of trade, craft, religion, and governance during the Middle Ages. Their development was profoundly shaped by their location, often at the intersection of vital trade routes, which led to economic prosperity and growth.

One of the most defining characteristics of medieval German towns was their self-governing nature. Many towns acquired the status of a free imperial city, giving them autonomy from local nobility and direct allegiance to the Holy Roman Emperor. This independence allowed them to develop legal codes, levy taxes, and even maintain their military forces.

The urban landscape was marked by narrow, winding streets lined with half-timbered houses, workshops, and marketplaces. The town center was usually dominated by a church or cathedral, reflecting the strong influence of Christianity, and a Rathaus (town hall), symbolizing civic authority.

Trade guilds played a pivotal role in urban life, regulating the production and sale of goods, setting standards, and protecting the interests of the craftsmen. The Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns, facilitated trade across the region and beyond, making cities like Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bremen prosperous trading hubs.

The medieval town walls, often punctuated with towers and gates, served as defensive structures and legal jurisdiction demarcations. Within these walls, life was vibrant and diverse, with festivals, markets, and religious celebrations shaping the daily rhythm.

Medieval German clothing was not only a means of protection against the elements but also a reflection of social status, occupation, and regional identity. The garments and accessories of this period were shaped by social hierarchy, local traditions, and the availability of materials.

For the nobility and upper classes, clothing was elaborate and ornate. Luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, and brocade were embellished with intricate embroidery, fur trimmings, and precious gems. Men typically wore tunics, hose, and cloaks, while women donned long gowns with tight-fitting sleeves, often accompanied by ornate headpieces.

Peasants and commoners, on the other hand, wore clothing made from more readily available materials such as wool and linen. Men’s attire consisted of simple tunics, breeches, and cloaks, while women wore long dresses and head coverings like wimples or veils. Colors were generally muted, reflecting the natural dyes available.

Occupation also influenced clothing. Guild members often wore specific colors or badges to signify their trade. Clergy had their distinct garments, reflecting their religious roles.

The Kingdom of Cor Nobilis(People of the Noble Heart)
(Kingdom of France)

The Kingdom of Cor Nobilis may appear similar to Endore, yet they are quite different. While Endore are independent from the various districts, they tend to practice fealty to the Emperor within reason. The multitude of Baronies in Cor Nobilis are considerably more patriotic, quick to support and join the forces of neighboring Baronies to accomplish a goal. That loyalty falls short when fealty to the crown is concerned. As Generations have passed, the quality of leadership from King to heir has weakened. The current King of Cor Nobilis is King Edward Chauveau, a feminine leader who tends to participate in private encounters over appearing in Court.

The landed nobility and Knights of Cor Nobilis negotiate amongst each other to build alliances, Queen Lydia has held the service of several older and more respected members of the Knighthood until recently, but shadowed betrayals have risen and she struggles to find enough strength to defend the Kingdom.

Klana Belich (White Bear Clans)

Triangles are settlements, the large black circles are the associated with the City power tat influences the area.
Black lines represent the trade roads.

Road Conditions
medieval land roads actually looked like.
In contrast to the road system in medieval cities, where we already have early evidence for paved roads, the medieval country road system was known for its bad condition (if anything is known about it at all). This is certainly due to the fact that, among other things, in most cases they were unpaved, and were therefore prone to change.

depended on the travelers, the type of use, the weather conditions and the seasonal climate, characterized by several parallel routes in the terrain and also influenced the location of land use and territorial boundaries. steep slopes, high valley shoulders or terraced edges were chosen to move on, in order to avoid mountainous areas. they were designed for carts or wagons.

road bundles with several muddy, parallel roads were the focal points for erosion: The routes were washed out by precipitation and left clear depressions in the soil. Another characteristic of these so-called holloways (‘Hohlwege’) is their course on slopes:





Klana Belich has a history unique to any other society of this world. Throughout history the clans living on this land have suffered endless invasions. The land enjoys a vast self sustaining environment with such resources desired by neighbors and Monster societies alike. Early in the history of this land had tribal chieftains who begged Barbarian Warlords to rule over the clans and defend them from the endless encroachments. The youngest son of Balor Redthorn, Boris accepted the offer and over time became the first Velik-Niaz (Great Prince). Niaz Boris built a land of hunter-gatherers and turned them into a flourishing land. Ocean raids of distant lands, Building strong defenses with moats around the great cities, introduced domesticating livestock, and agricultural advancements. He had eight sons during his life and gave each an equal lot of economic zones.

When Boris died, his sons bickered about who should be the one great prince; Instead they attacked each other fomenting deep resentment among the siblings. The eldest, Christov gained fame with several successful raids of global powers, he also formed what is now the legendary Ne-isty Klinoks (Raging Blades) a formation of powerful soldiers swinging great swords as they cut swaths of enemy cavalry. The third son, Radoslav expanded by conquering four independent economic zones and utilized heavy cavalry in conjunction with formations of horse archers. None of the eight sons ever achieved the greatness needed for the title though.

Several generations have passed now, the land has two Velik-Niaz and an army of Niaz (Prince) land owners controlling economic zones. Knights continue to exist, but have never been recognized as peers to the three great powers. The Ne-isty Klinok formations, supported by Goblin Crossbowmen are both respected and feared by the powers. The Niaz and minor nobles maintain large estates within economic zones. Each of the estates lease farms to peasant families who work six days a week throughout the year. The estates feed, trade, and defend all estates within their landlord's zone, but have no concept of loyalty to external zones. The peasants are not allowed to leave their zone and can only marry among the population of the connected estates.

Homes are woven branches of narrow trees and bark used to cover the rooftops and leaned against the walls to block the heavy winds and snows that haunt the land. The endless invasions have produced a population of Half Orcs, Half Ogres, and an acceptance for goblinoid and lizard kin races.

The Kings

Endore Emperor Vincente
Queen Isabelle Grenduere

The Kingdom of Cor Nobilis King Edward Chauveau (Aristocrat 8)
Queen Carolina Fontella

The Orquídea Azul King Antonio Herrera
Queen Maria Defonte

Emperor Vicente (Endore)
Prince Johan Vicente
Prince Phillip Vicente
Prince Johan Vicente
Princess Marlena Vicente

The Kingdom of Orquídea Azul

Prince Jonathan Chauveau (Aristocrat 6)
Prince Rémy Chauveau (Aristocrat 4)
Princess Anna Chauveau (Aristocrat 3)
Prince Jeremy Chauveau (Aristocrat 2)
Princess Carolina Chauveau (Aristocrat 2)
Grand Champion, Sir Léonard Gérard

The Kingdom of Cor Nobilis

King Edward and Queen Carolina have provided the kingdom with 8 children, but they are all females. With the majority now in adulthood, many in court want the crown to announce the heir to the throne. Each of the young ladies has been groomed with a strong and confident personality and are more than suited to rule the land, but there are die hard members of the court refusing to abandon the ancient ways. The tradition that only males may assume the throne. The crown's ten grandchildren have produced four males that could be named heirs though all of them are too young to fill such a role.

Behind the scenes, King Edward's brother Chefon is negotiating with members in court to announce one of his two eldest sons in an act of sedition that would bring the Kingdom into a Civil War. More concerning, the Duke's sons are viewed as being weak leaders, soft and spoiled. The question for the court is. Do we break from tradition in order to gain a strong leader or do we stand steadfast and entrench ourselves on the traditions in spite of a weak noble?

Maria Del Carmen Herrera
Daughter
Son
Son

Mara Herrera
Daughter
Daughter
Son

Aida Herrera
Daughter
Daughter
Daughter
Son

Vanesa Herrera
Filipa Herrera
Sofia Herrera
Melissa Herrera
Iris Herrera

Duke Chefon Herera (King's brother)
Prince Michael Herera (Duke's son 1)
Prince Chales Herera (Duke's son 2)


Sir William De Quell
Sir Joseph Chauveau (Warrior 3/Aristocrat 2)
Sir Patrick Chauveau (Aristocrat 2)


Major Cities

Duke Alexandre Vidonne



Duke Frédéric Laflèche

Klana Belich is a huge land that could be greater than any of the other powers if it united. However, the land is ruled by 100 despotic leaders enforcing their will on the people. The royal courts are filled with hedonistic expressions embraced by the Clergy of Olidammara. Four Grand Pinces; Petya Borisovich of Lesorinsk, Grand Prince Ivan of Vidnograd, Nikolai of Novomovskoy, and Vladimyr of Ussurov rule over regions with several princes. The rest of the land is ruled by minor princes that control one or two cities. There are also settlements and villages sprinkled throughout the untamed wildernesses. These are the lands controlled by Elves, Dwarves, Half Orcs, Orcs, Goblins, Hobgoblins, and Half Ogres.

Each of the rulers control their piece of the political pie, ruling with absolute authority and a heavy hand when enforcing their judgement.
Justice is determined by family bonds, beneficial alliances, and bribes. Those without the bonds are exploited, with laws that benefit the people one day and easily taken away the next. Anyone who challenges the authority of any noble invites brutal and crippling retribution. The churches of Hextor and Erythnul provide full sanctioning of the various rulers. Bribery and donations are highly encouraged to obtain certain goals more efficiently.

Petty nobles are provided lands with three to four farmsteads; each farmstead owes 6 days each week tending to the noble's crops. Farmsteads are free to use the seventh day to tend their personal gardens. The farmsteads on any given estate are linked only to other farming families residing on a certain noble's land. Peasants are not free to leave the estate, though they can sacrifice their fields to visit another farmstead on the same estate. The nobles invite merchants onto the estates for two weeks every year, promoting it as a festival. Farmers only receive 3-5 gold pieces annually, the money going towards materials the family wasn't able to make on their own.

In the courts, large feasts, festive music, dancing, and promiscuous relationships. Visiting nobles from other lands enjoy the hospitality and blissfully ignoring the true conditions taking place in this inhospitable wilderness.



Grand Prince Petya Borisovich The Tyrant of Lesorinsk

Grand Prince Ivan of Vidnograd

Nikolai of Novomovskoy,

Vladimyr of Ussurov

Hextor Patriarch Misha Stedinoff

Metropolitan
Hiero
Presbyters


Ivan Savelievich
David Andreevich
Petya Borisovich
Zhenka Fyodorovich
Boris Andreevich
Mikhail Vladimirovich
Varya Makarovna
Lidka Zakharovna
Olesya Dmitrievna (½ Orc Female)
Zrevloikt (Goblin)
Slolvycs
Kleaheer (Goblin male)
Bruvaat
Clumagz

The Kingdom of Cor Nobilis Vecna's Hall of Records

Knowledge (Heraldry DC 15)
Knowledge (History DC 10)

King Edward and Duke Chefon are sons of King Roland Josalyn (2nd Wife); King Roland's first wife Lipina Igorievna died in child birth, Aleksandre was returned to her family in Klana Belich

King Charles the Righteous

2nd Wife Josalyn 1st Wife Lipina Igorievna

King Roland of Chatillon |||| Aleksandr

King Edward Duke Chefon ||| Ivan, Boris, and Nikolay

8 girls ||||| 2 Sons ||||||| Andrei, Tomas, Sergey; Tashka, Raina, and Yulia (Half Orcs)


Ivan
Boris
Nikolay

Half Orc Heirs.
Andre
Tomas
Sergey
Tashka
Raina
Yulia

Kuroda Kaya NPC Rogue Lvl 2 Place of Origin; Chun Dou Race; Human Gender Female

Born to a royal family, she was arranged to marry an elder man in his fifties. When she refused, her family disowned her and the state placed a bounty on her. She snuck onto a boat, not realizing its destination.

She has no money, barely speaks the trade language, and has to do things to survive.

First Conclave of Fleurimontier the various Dukes and Barons gathered and signed the New Dawn Compromise


Varaak Sun Black Thorn (Orc)
King Charles the Righteous

2nd Wife Josalyn (Human) 1st Wife Lipina Igorievna (Orc)

King Roland of Chatillon (1/2 Orc) |||| Aleksandr (Orc) Natasha (Orc)

King Edward (1/4 Orc) Duke Chefon (1/4 Orc) |||||||| | Barank [Galinka], Mahk [Lida], and Naghat [Olya]

8 girls ||||| 2 Sons ||||||| Andrei, Tomas, Sergey; Tashka, Raina, and Yulia (Half Orcs)


[Priests of Heironeous Ordained the Regnal name of Charles); Priests sought to erase all traces that Charles was an Orc. Only evidence is an Elf's testimony (he is a threat to the Order of Hextor) and the Official Ordination of King Charles. It is found on

reliquary (relics container) of St. Simon
'The Engravings of Monarchy' used liquid gold lettering on the hide of a unicorn then blessed and sealed with holy water.

Catacombs of St. Cuthbert.
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Ghoul
HD 2d12 (13 hps)
Init; +2
Speed; 30'
AC;14
BAB +1 (Bite/+2 claws)
Damage; d6+1 save DC 12 or Paralysis 1d4 rounds
Saves; F 0/R 2/W 5
Organ; 1d4
Treasure; None
CR 1
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Skeleton
HD; 1d12 (6hp)
Init; +5
Spd; 30
AC; 15
BAB; 0
Mace; d6
Saves; F 0/R 1/Ws 2
CR; 1/3
Treasure 0
**********************************************************************Zombie
HD; 2d12
Init; -1
Spd; 30
AC; 11
BAB; +1 (Club d6)
Save; F 0/R 0/W 3
CR; 1/2
Treasure; None


Sun (Pelor) I have no voice, but I wake the world with a golden shout. I have no hands, but I paint the sky with fire and rout.
I have no life, but all things need me to thrive and grow. I am always coming, but never arrive, a constant, fiery glow.

(Judge (St. Cuthbert) I wear a rule for righteousness, but I'm no king. I hear the sides to many tales, and weigh the facts upon my scales.

(Heironeous) I am a code, never written, Born of steel and scribed in gold. I demand a host of strength, yet preach a gentle hand, Defending acts of virtue, throughout many lands. I'm a champion of the weak, through the power that I wield. I am the code that above all life, no acts of shame I have made. My first act was not in the clash of battle, but in a promise that I made. I sacrifice my desires, for what another bade.



El Cáliz Dorado (The Golden Chalice) Knightly Order.
La Orden del Dragón (Order of the Dragon) Knightly Order
El Gremio de Masones (Mason’s Guild)
Gremio de Maestros Llave (Key Master’s Guild) Thieves Guild

Anneau de fidélité (Ring of Loyalty)
Chaine de Valeur (Chain of Valor)
La corde des favoris (Cord of the Favored)
Gem of the Falcon's eye
Letter of the King's Gratitude
The Queen's Favor
Letter of the Queen's Gratitude
The Prince/Princesses Favor
Letter of the Prince/Princesses Gratitude.


Bard's College
Thieves Guild
Fighters Guild
Mages Guild

Orders in the Church
Order of the Three Griffons (This group defends the secret of the three faiths (Pelor, Heironeous, and St. Cuthbert)
Order of the Dawn (Strategists)
Order of the Mouse (Spies, collectors)

1, 2, 5 Empty
6, 8, 3, 12 Cardinal Fordyn, Bishop Wells, Bishop Mundurn, and Bishop Landon (Martyrs)
4 Empty
7, 14, 17, 18

22, 29

35, 32, 27, 26, 34, 25, 33, 31,

30 Reliquary of St. Simon

reliquary (relics container) of St. Simon
'The Engravings of Monarchy' used liquid gold lettering on the hide of a unicorn then blessed and sealed with holy water.

Catacombs of St. Cuthbert.