Ebrauc Dark Age Roleplay Proposal

[Lucius Malfoy]

Song of Taliesin
Tale of the Old North or Hen Ogledd
Song of Aneirin
(Please! State your preferred title in your post)



Bum cledyf yn aghat
Bum yscwyt yg kat
Bum tant yn telyn

I was a sword in fist
I was a shield in battle
I was a string on a harp

- First Stanza of the Cad Goddeu-


It is an uncertain era, a dark time for the British Isles. An age of heroes and villains, great and noble kings and legendary individuals...

It is the year four hundred and seventy-nine (479 AD) since the Birth of Christ. The Roman Empire, the mightiest nation in the world, has left Britain to its own fate. This fate has been harassed by the Picts of the North and foreign invaders from across the Channel. Men of Angle, Jute and Saxon descent seek to gain lands, abandoned by the Romans and held by Britain's natives. Many invasions have led to the successive establishment of two Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms in the South; Anglia and Cantia. Romans, left by their Empire and British, natives of the Isles, have banded together against these invaders, trying to hold against the tide of these heathen conquerors. In the South, Ambrosius Aurelianus, the High King of Britannia, has united various petty kings against the Anglo-Saxons, seeking to drive them into the sea. To the North, much of Wales, Midlands and Northumbria remain independent and unconcerned with the South and its struggles.

And thus, the stage is set...

In a land known as Ebrauc, home to the legendary Coel Hen, the last Roman Duces Britanniarum and the late King of Ebrauc, great events have begun to move the wheels of fortune or doom for the North. With the death of the last descendant of Coel Hen, the seat of the High Lord of Ebrauc has no ruler to sit upon it. Darkness grows all around Ebrauc and her people desire a leader to ensure their survival and continued existence in the Old North. A great moot, a gathering, of remaining Romans, growing Romano-British, Britons and other loyal natives of Ebrauc come together to name the next High Lord of Ebrauc. The North has been peaceful for many generations now, the infrastructure and government left by the Romans has made Ebrauc strong and prosperous. However, darkness grows all over the boundaries of Ebrauc. Its nearby neighbors are envious of its prosperity, seeking to gain a piece, if not all, of these lands and their benefits. Ebrauc and its people must stand strong and united! The successor of Coel Hen and his house must be ready to not only counter Ebrauc's envious neighbors and Anglo-Saxon invasions from the sea, but also to secure its position in the North and ensure peace in the Old North. Caer Ebrauc calls for its loyal citizens to the gathering to name the next High Lord! To ensure peace in the Old North, the prosperity of Ebrauc and the survival of her people!

Moderation Team
Lucius Malfoy
Sotha Sil

We are looking for contributors, volunteers and moderators! Please PM me if you are interested.

Please note that this roleplay's content and property cannot be duplicated or used without permission of Lucius Malfoy.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Reserved

Character Rules and Personal Incomes

- Players may have a max of three characters - Players may create characters of Roman (a growing minority in Post Roman Britain), Romano-British (one of the two dominate cultures) and Briton (the second dominate culture) descent - Players may create only landowner and landless characters - Only landowning characters may hold titles, offices and participate in the Council - A death roll will happen when a character turns 60 and each year, there will be a 5% chance increase of death (maximum of 20% increase) - Upon a Character's death, 50% of the family's estate is inherited by the heir in the will of the deceased. Heirs may only receive a maximum of 50% of the total assets of the deceased. The other 50% can doled out to anyone, or anything, else including donations to temples, other people, the state treasury, or to public works Starting Incomes - All landowner characters start with an income of 5,000 Solidus - All landless characters start with an income of 2,500 Solidus Yearly Incomes High Lord: 8,000 Heir/Heiress: 6,000 Council members: 5,000 Landowners: 2,500 Landless: 1,500 To Be Updated

Land Income and Titles

Holdings and Income of Ebrauc Caer Ebrauc (fortified city-fort and capital) - 10,000 Solidus Isuer (River town, Magistrate) - 7,500 Solidus Calcaria (small fortified village, Magistrate) - 7,500 Solidus Catraeth (village, Magistrate) - 5,000 Solidus Petuaria (small port, Magistrate) - 5,000 Solidus Gabrantia (small port, Magistrate) - 2,500 Solidus Olicana (fort, Vicarius) - 2,500 Solidus Mordei (village, Magistrate) - 2,500 Solidus Derventia (fort, Vicarius) - 2,500 Solidus Delgovicia (fort, Vicarius) - 2,500 Solidus Total (a year): 47,500 Solidus Provincial Government of Ebrauc With a senatorial-like government that aids the High Lord in Caer Ebrauc and a long time from a proto-feudalism, officials are elected to rule the cities, forts and towns in the name of the High Lord. Magistrates are elected to run the cities and collect taxes (solidus) for the treasury of Ebrauc. Vicarius, which means 'deputy,' are elected by the Council to defend and run the forts of Derventia, Delgovicia and Olicana. These terms last 1 year (2 weeks = 1 year), 1 year (1 week = 1 year) or 2 years (1 week = 1 year) To be Updated. Previously elected officials can be re-elected. Vicarius and Magistrates are not meant to collect the taxes for their own personal pockets, but there are the possibilities of these officials extorting more from the people or attempting to steal from the yearly income of their post. Extorting from the populace can cause possible riots and attempting to steal can be found out (if rolls fail) and will result in punishments and penalties. Do these rolls at your own risk! To be Updated

Government Structure

The government of Ebrauc is led by a High Lord, who is either elected among the landowners or a direct bloodline successor of the previous High Lord. The High Lord is assisted by a body of nobles, similar to the Senate of Rome, known simply as the Civitatus Assembly. Positions on the Assembly are elected by popular vote, but can be appointed by the High Lord if necessary. Only landowners may have a seat upon the Assembly and participate in its daily duties in running the country and aiding the High Lord in his duties. The Assembly serves as the administrative body that aids in the High Lord's daily duties. This body also serves as the official ruling body in terms of regency and any incapacity of the High Lord. If the High Lord dies without an heir or the presumed heir is unacceptable, it is the Assembly's duty to elect a new successor to run the country. This is a necessary duty of the administration to elect a new High Lord as the successor if one is not readily available. Positions: Magister Militum - the Commander-in-Chief of Ebrauc's armed forces. Though this title can be attached to the High Lord if he deems it necessary, it has mostly remained a separate office upon the Council. Cancellarius - Second only to the King, the Cancellarius (Chancellor) is the top position on the Council as this post leads sessions when the King's absence. The Cancellarius also serves as the lead Regent during times of Regency, unless the King leaves a will dictating otherwise. Procurator - The financial head of the High Lordship who attends to the treasury of the realm and ensures proper taxation measures. High Priest - The only non-elected position upon the Council. This post is usually seated by a high member of the dominate religion within Ebrauc. The High Priest is usually appointed by the King. The High Priest usually represents the clergies involved with Nicene Christian, Pelagian Christian, Roman Paganism (popular cults were Mithras, Sol Invictus and the Imperial Cult) or the Old Gods (the pantheon of Celtic and British paganism) To Be Updated

Military and Campaign Rules

The Military of Ebrauc Dominated by Roman ranks and structure, Ebrauc's military has become a mix of local troops, Romanized infantry and warrior nobles. Armies lack the mobility and heavy infantry of the Roman legions, making them rely more so upon native troops, local levies and Romanized units. Levies are called upon from nearby villages and forts which are ruled by promoted clan leaders and appointed officials. The small, yet professional armies of Ebrauc are controlled by influential nobles, the Council and the High Lord. The High Lord is the commander-in-chief unless he appoints another to serve in his stead (see Magister Militum in Government tab) There is a lack of heavy cavalry that was supported by the Roman Legions, but the Marca, the standard horsemen of the time period, did make up for the lack of heavy cavalry. In terms of a substitute, heavy cavaly have been replaced with the Marchomawr, who are mounted nobles. Types of troops Ardu - The most basic of light infantry; peasants that use any tool they could find and buy to fight (ranging from cooking knives to pitchforks) Aulue - A levy warband of spearmen which are called up from the nearby towns and forts to serve in the High Lord's armies Miles - Romanized infantry (standard infantry) that are recruited from the Roman population of Ebrauc Campwyr (Champions) - These heavy infantry and highly skilled swordsmen serve as tough shock infantry. However, they are small percentage of all army compositions Saethwyr - These standard archers of Ebrauc are not as good as the Syrian Archers of the Roman Legions, but have proven to be a good substitute Marca - Standard Horsemen; served as a multi-purpose cavalry unit (ranged and close-combat cavalry) Marchomawr - These elite and mounted noble cavalry serve as personal bodyguards to the High Lord and other nobles in battle Rherel - These dismounted noble infantry, who mostly carry spears, serve as personal bodyguards to the High Lord and other nobles in battle Note: When the High Lord and/or nobles are leading armies, they may choose either a unit of Marchomawr or Rherel to serve as their bodyguards in battle. Players can only choose one or the other, you cannot have both Average Levies of Ebrauc Caer Ebrauc (fortified city-fort and capital) - 3,000 soldiers Isuer (River town) - 1,000 soldiers Calcaria (small fortified village) - 100 soldiers Catraeth (village,) - 0 Petuaria (small port) - 350 soldiers Gabrantia (small port) - 350 soldiers Olicana (fort) - 850 soldiers Mordei (village) - 0 Derventia (fort) - 850 soldiers Delgovicia (fort) - 1,000 soldiers To Be Updated

Other Economy, Buildings and Construction

There are three types of buildings to address, Private and Public. Private buildings are made at the personal estates of landowners while Public buildings can be made in any town, city and location in terms of upgrading the location. Private buildings range from farms to slave pens while Public buildings involve religious complexes, public baths, theaters, markets and military structures. Some buildings will require the purchase of slaves from markets or captured through battles. Private Buildings: Built at estates of landowners - Small Farm (max of 4): - Large Farm (max of 2): - Guard House: - Slave Quarters: Public Buildings: Built within towns, forts and cities To Be Updated

Miscellaneous Rules

WIP

Map

[The Stig]

I want it all.
Every little thing however small.

[Lucius Malfoy]

I will state that, other than Roman and Romano-British families, we will be instating a clan system with the native British people. So begin thinking up some clan ideas and get friends to join your clan!

[Dirty Chai]

I will state that, other than Roman and Romano-British families, we will be instating a clan system with the native British people. So begin thinking up some clan ideas and get friends to join your clan!

I suppose you could say this is where my Cimmerian ideas went off to..

[Zectorman]

I am in. Romano-British ftw. .......

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Pontifex Maximus]

I'll see how it develops before committing

[Dirty Chai]

I have a map but I'm having difficulty uploading it, since it's 28 MB in total.
Does anyone know a site where you can upload an image that large for free?
I tried both Imageshack and Photobucket already.

[Pontifex Maximus]

imgur.com

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sotha has a BA map to show. I saw it last night and it looks FREAKING. AMAZING!

[Ace_General]

I wish to be some kind of military commander, Im not sure what I want to do with the heritage or branch of service or how they fit into Ebrauc's military
Come ot speak of it, how is Ebrauc's military organized, is there still roman units, or partially romanized levies, celtic levies at this point or mercanaries or private armies of landowners or what?

[Lucius Malfoy]

I wish to be some kind of military commander, Im not sure what I want to do with the heritage or branch of service or how they fit into Ebrauc's military
Come ot speak of it, how is Ebrauc's military organized, is there still roman units, or partially romanized levies, celtic levies at this point or mercanaries or private armies of landowners or what?

We have romanized units that are recruited from the Roman population. Legions left with everything really. I will be posting up a unit list in a few moments so you can see what we got going so far, Ace.

I do know that we will be using a levy system since this will be a proto-feudalism, except there will be parts derived from the Roman Empire's structure.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Updated

[Pinkerton]

Wait,

Is this Coel Hen Old King Cole who had a merry old soul?

[Lucius Malfoy]

Wait,

Is this Coel Hen Old King Cole who had a merry old soul?

Well...the setting would take place during the reign of his great-great grandson Eliffer Gosgorddfawr (or Eliffer of the Great Army). Coel Hen ruled between c.350-c.420. So this takes place 59 years after his death.

However, we changed up the story that Eliffer dies heirless and now its time to elect a new High Lord in his place. The Kingship will be vacant for now, but can be achieved through very good roleplay and backstory stuff on the part of the High Lord.

I am getting all my information from this site: http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/index.html
Specifically: http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/bios/index.html

[Ace_General]

Hmmm I think I would like to play the son of a Roman officer that went native and had the unit turn to something like the Theme system of the byzantines

Check that, I'm thinking of my characters father being a fairly high Auxilia officer that takes over an abandoned border fort and marries a pictish noblewomen and has a semi independent thing going on with a mixed force of pictish light infantry, partially romaniized medium infantry at this point, and british levies

[Lucius Malfoy]

Hmmm I think I would like to play the son of a Roman officer that went native and had the unit turn to something like the Theme system of the byzantines

Or you could be descended from a Roman officer who remained in Britain after the legions left and served under Coel Hen. After that, your family continued to dedicate military services to his family. The theme system isn't established till the 600s in the Byzantine Empire, so it wouldn't make sense.

[Ace_General]

I just refered to the theme system in a very general sense to denote something of a semi feudal semi professional force

[Lucius Malfoy]

I just refered to the theme system in a very general sense to denote something of a semi feudal semi professional force

Eh, it still doesn't really make sense. Theme system is not only a form of military tenure, but also an administrative district based off the provincial reforms done by Diocletian and Constantine. A commander of a theme was also its governor who wielded both military and civil power within the theme. His soldiers tended the farms while not at war, but the land wasn't under their control nor the governor's. It was owned directly by the state. Doesn't even seem remotely feudal.

And btw, we aren't even close to the Picts, nor would we have access to their troops. Nor does anyone have any love for the Picts. Ebrauc is separated from Hadrians Wall and the Pictish lands by another Kingdom, Rheged. Its borders extend over the Wall and into Lothian.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Yr.Hen.Ogledd.550.650.Koch.jp
Note where Eburacum is located compared to the Hadrian Wall. They are not even close.

So please stick with the troops that are listed above and nothing else. And you wouldn't be semi-independent either, everyone is in one group and Ebrauc remains united due to the long reigns of good Kings in the past.
So please be reasonable in terms of your backstory. I don't mind creativity, but it would be a lot easier on me and the mods to have things conformed to the rules.

[Adamat]

In.