Darkmoor

The Nation of Darkmoor is the current ruling nation of the Royalist Alliance and the home of the Lord-Elect. They were one of the original groups of resistance against the Tarvalan Empire. It is clear in the Royalist ranks that Darkmoor are relied upon for their skills of negotiation and diplomacy, as well as their invaluable spy networks and espionage abilities.

Homeland
Darkmoor's location is rather fortuitous, being very central to the alliance and allowing for safe passage for much of the trade to Kadimus. However, being positioned between Drazin and Dagafall has proven to be very troublesome at times, often with tense stand­offs over borders. However, Darkmoor’s spy network mixed with their unique military capability and alliances have kept their enemies at bay so far. Sentinels are posted around the borders and communicate any threats far before they become a serious problem. Lord-Elect Mattias Ambrius would rather solve a problem before it becomes one.

Darkmoor has many small townships, bartering hubs and roadside inns but also has several large towns, Fennec, Blanford, Corsac and Ruppell. These are all dwarved by the Stronghold City of Vixia which holds the seat of the Lord-Elect and is the home of all of the nobility. It is also a trading hub and the command post for all divisions of the Darkmoor military. Vixia is practical, it's town is set up in a circular pattern with numerous dead ends. This allows easy travel for the locals and yet creates a maze-like construction for invaders. It has 3 circular walled tiers around the Citadel itself. The city itself was one of the reasons that Darkmoor felt comfortable in fronting resistance to the Imperial forces, they feel invulnerable while inside.

Sigil
Three Guardant Foxes above a Quill crossed Blade.

The Three Guardant Foxes represent the 3 divisions of Darkmoor's defence. The Sentinel Division, The Royal Warden Division and the Diplomacy Division.

The quill crossed blade represents the morality of Darkmoor as a country. Whilst they wont shy away from a fight, they will always look at other options first. Negotiation and observation are the greatest weapons in Darkmoor’s eyes.

Races in Darkmoor
Race is irrelevant to Darkmoorians. All that is relevant is the ability to do the task in front of you. Racism isn't practical.

Full Overview
Currently holding the throne, Lord-Elect Mattias Ambrius has been leading this family toward greatness. He has established their bloodlines, solidified alliances and brokered deals across much of the east, with strong allies such as Lansreach, Camdoria, Haverly, and Queten. These allies rely on Darkmoor’s political power as well as their skills at espionage and negotiation. It goes both ways however as Darkmoor has no traditional armies, farmland or overfull coffers of their own instead relying on their allies.

The Throne has helped Darkmoor significantly; although not all countries within the Alliance agree with Darkmoor, they respect the position of the Lord-Elect. Since Mattias has taken control, there has been steady growth in military strength, economy and a feeling of safety within the Royalist countries. Darkmoor is known as a strong negotiator and deal-broker, able to tempt even the most modest of lords.

Culture
Darkmoor started as a simple hunter and gather society although this is now only clear through their use of native fox pelts and their skills with hunting instruments such as bows. These days Darkmoor thrives through diplomatic agreements and trade. They still hunt and trade meat, pelts and lumber from their abundant forests but they have no traditional farmlands for either crops or livestock, instead relying on trading for these supplies with their allies.

Darkmoorians are known for being shrewd merchants and cunning but fair diplomats. They prize practicality and pragmatism beyond all else. They will never ask for more than what they are owed but it would be unwise to try to trick any of them out of a single copper crown.

All of this has led to Darkmoor having a reputation that is somewhat underhanded or sly although they think this is unjust. They are a noble and proud people. They love their home. They defend their allies. They own what is theirs. Noone is going to tell them otherwise, not even the Tarvalan Empire.

Notable People
Lord-Elect Mattias Ambrius (Lord Proven of Darkmoor and Lord-Elect of the Royalist Alliance)

Lady Cyndell Ambrius (Wife of Mattias)

Kastile Ambrius (Brother of Mattias, 3rd Heir)

Jacob Ambrius (Eldest Son of Mattias, 1st Heir)

Lyndal Ambrius (Daughter of Mattias)

Nathanial Ambrius (Youngest Son of Mattias, 2nd Heir)

Tivor Emericus, The Dark Fox (Court Nobleman, Secret Commander of the Darkmoor Sentinel Division)

Alvaro Liberati (Captain of the Darkmoor Sentinel Division)

Sentinel Division
The military prowess of Darkmoor is not conventional as they have no large army. They instead specialise in elite highly mobile squads that are feared well beyond their own borders. These troops are collectively known as the Sentinel Division.

The Sentinel Division is made up primarily of rangers, rogues and other fast-moving troops although they will take any person whose skills will benefit them, including knights and mages. Every squad of sentinels has a different set of unique individuals and a unique skillset. Some squads specialise in spycraft and assassination, some specialise in holding bridges and landmarks against much larger forces, other more wide ranging strike forces can resemble small squads of rag-tag adventurers. One thing they all have in common is that they are capable, talented and deadly. Squads rarely exceed 10 members, allowing them to move faster and react to threats before they have a chance to build up a defence. Whilst they aren’t a large force, they are often found backing up the more traditional forces of other royalist nations such as Camdoria or Lansreach.

As the military arm of the Lord-Elect himself, they primarily work as peacekeepers and enforcers of Royalist Alliance law and justice. They also act as eyes and ears for the Lord-Elect, operating throughout the lands of Markoth; reporting back on the activities of the Imperial forces as well as less scrupulous members of the Royalist Alliance. Regardless of their often humble and practical appearance, the Sentinel Division have a strict code of conduct.


 * “We will protect the people and lands of Darkmoor.”
 * “We will always follow our Lord-Elects instruction.”
 * “We will always complete our mission through any means necessary”

Given the unorthodox nature of their military, it should be no surprise that their leadership is also unorthodox. Every group of sentinels has a squad leader but they all trust and rely on each other’s skill to complete their mission. The Sentinel Division itself is led by The Dark Fox. He acts as the direct advisor of the Lord-Elect, both as a military commander and spy master. A shrewd but fair commander, little is known about him especially outside the borders of Darkmoor.

Royal Warden Division
The Royal Warden Division is not an offensive force but rather the personal bodyguards of the Ambrius family. Unless the Lord-Elect is on the battlefield, the Royal Warden Division is rarely seen outside of Vixia.

Unlike the Scout Division, this division is comprised solely of knights specialising in anti-assassination and shield defence tactics. They are always heavily armoured with large kite shields bearing the Darkmoor crest. This change of military type and battle tactics are always a surprise for the unprepared that think the Ambrius family as to be trifled with.

The Royal Wardens are the smallest Division and are often picked from the ranks of the Scout Division by the Lord-Elects closest military advisors. There are only ever 13 Darkmoor Royal Wardens, a formation of 12 and the Head Warden who is Mattias Ambrius' personal bodyguard. If a Warden retires or dies then his position is highly contested.

Diplomatic Division
The Diplomatic Division is the least talked about and yet most important part of Darkmoor's defensive line. It is made up of minor nobility trained in the art of negotiation, the more observant of the magically adept due to their ability to think of the bigger picture.

Darkmoor values reason and negotiation above all else. Why fight, lose resources and have loyal Darkmoorians die when you can negotiate for peace. It's more practical to use contracts and leverage to force your enemies to support the war efforts of the Royalist Alliance. That being said, sometimes non-combat negotiations don't work.

There have been occasions in the long war when Imperial forces have been happy to surrendering to their Royalist counterparts but a vengeful commanding officer wants to continue with useless violence that won't lead to any tangible gain. In these circumstances, the Diplomatic Division may have a meeting with that commanding officer to try to work out a peace agreement. Funnily enough if that peace negotiation fails, that vengeful commanding officer often meets with a convenient accidental death shortly after.

Guardians of Asha
The Guardians of Asha are worshippers and defenders of Asha, the Lady of Mercy. She is a member of the Court of the Four and was once worshipped throughout the land as the giver and taker of life. The Imperial religion of Tarvala and the Nine has lessened her following but she still commands a great amount of respect especially throughout the Royalist kingdoms.

In 330AT, after the assassination of the Tarvala, followers of the court of the four were targeted by a vigilante group loyal to Tarvala. They wished to stamp out the worshippers for their perceived input into the death of their religious leader. They destroyed the Temple of Asha in Arlessa and attempted to eliminate her most loyal followers. Her followers however proved not to be such an easy target. Although used to practicing in the safety of their temple, the battle that ensued battle-hardened them. This humble group of priests and priestesses ended up being a formidable force for the vigilantes to deal with. As they escaped the country, their powers of seemingly unlimited healing and endless resurrection allowed them to escape by working together; although in far lesser numbers than when they started. Less than 20 followers ended up crossing the border into safer territory.

During their escape across the border, the priests and priestesses of Asha ran across a group of rangers from Darkmoor Scout Division. They were taken into the protection of the rangers and escorted back to Vixia, the capital city, to meet with the Royal family.

After a long discussion and negotiation, a deal was struck. The followers of Asha would be allowed to reside in Darkmoor permanently. They would also be allowed to erect a temple near one of the largest lakes to allow their continuing worship to the Lady of Mercy in peace. However, if Darkmoor is ever in need they are expected to fight for their new country just like it’s other inhabitants.

These priests and priestesses are now known as the Guardians of Asha. A fierce and graceful sect of warrior priests who will never allow themselves to be waylaid from their homeland ever again.

House Lagranzo of Lansreach
Lansreach and Darkmoor work closely together ruling the Alliance, with Lansreach funding many of the crown's activities and ventures. House Lagranzo often comes to Darkmoor seeking advice and assistance in turn. The Crown requires funds to function and Lansreach are able to assist them.

House Kalevala of Camdoria
Camdoria is an ally which Darkmoor use to garner support during times of conflict or election. Camdoria are always able to assist in bringing a reluctant or distant member to the table for negotiations.

House Marco of Haverly
Haverly work closely with Darkmoor on delivering food and supplies to the alliance. Darkmoor often send caravan guards or armoured convoys for large supply runs to the capital. When Haverly is in danger, Darkmoor are sure to come to their aid.

House Echold of Queten
Queten has a strong relationship with Darkmoor, sending supplies to Lansreach who keep their coffers full, as well as being a strong road block to many weaker members of the alliance.

House Elesnata of Drazin
Seen as plotters and schemers in the eyes of Darkmoor, however the alliance requires them to work closely with each to provide a strong army should the empire strike. they need Drazin on side should Haverly be invaded or Queten fall.

House Edmund of Dagafall
...

House Tarro of Emeralton
Emeralton is seen as a traitor to their cause and is not trusted by Darkmoor, however, having the traitor on their side is still helping the war effort.

The Tarvalan Empire
Darkmoor is a founding member of the Royalist Alliance. Sworn enemy of the Tarvalan Empire, without question or mercy.

NEUTRAL
Theron, Vorcos, The Raga Clans, Mastil Grove, Kirisaka, Andevin and Hardem Plains.

Battlefield Behaviour
The behaviour of the Darkmoorian military depends on their speciality. Due to their low numbers they attach themselves to larger allied forces as shock troopers in a battlefield situation.

They can also act as infiltration squads, assassination squads or heavy armour squads depending on the needs at the time. Funnily enough the perfect Darkmoor squad for any situation tends to be in the right place at the right time, almost as though their commanders knew what was coming ahead of time.

Appearance
Darkmoorians are practical above all else. Due to their nature of specialising in different skills and being accepting of different groups and backgrounds, their garb often differs in design. That being said, they have one thing in common, they all have purpose and they are as practical as those that wear them.

Even the most lowly Darkmoor citizens often dress in shades of black and grey with brown leather as to blend into their surroundings.

The Royal Family and nobility wears shades of blue velvet edged in lush fox fur although this is always cut in a way to allow maximum movement.

The military mix these rules. They tend to wear shades of black and grey as a base with patches of blue and white to identify themselves to each other and their allies on the battlefield. Senior sentinels and officers wear fox pelts or patches of fox fur as a reminder of their role.

History of Darkmoor
...

Darkmoor Mentions
Camdorian assault on The Hallow Fields

The Bloody Conflict Over Fendor

__INDEX__ __NONEWSECTIONLINK__