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History
House Arkanin of Murias is a County under their lieges and cousins, House Arkanin of Wayston. Much like their cousins, Arkanin of Murias is a Mountain County, giving it an extremely defensible position along with a large supply of metals, jewels, and the like that come from the mines. Though they are often considered to be separated from the world, earning them a peace and quiet, they are very 'in the know' as it were of world events. They are known for their powerful martial might, and outstanding wealth. They remained Neutral during the First Succession War, and only for a little bit of the Second before they rose their banners. They are the home of the Legendary Sentinels of Murias, heavy spear infantry that are arguably among the best in all the land, and are fully acclimated to the rough, yet beautiful, mountainous regions.
Unlike a vast majority of the houses of today, who got their start out of the remnants of the Vir Sidus Empire, the Arkanins of Murias are a bit of a different story, hailing from ancient barbarian hordes who would pillage and plunder their way across the entirety of the West. The Garail hordes were one, nigh unstoppable group of warriors, cunning and swift, savoring the meal to come…until they did something no one really expected: They turned to the Worship of the One after dismissing their beliefs in the Many. Not unlike their Wayston cousins, they eventually settled in the Mountains, splitting into two tribes that would become the Wayston and Murias of today.
They were led by one Viktor Arkanin, a warrior among warriors who helped to truly define what it was to be in that tribe. Always on the defensive, for he knew that they would likely have enemies, and the mountains were an extremely favorable position to make their home. Not only that, but the hidden wealth of the mountains was soon discovered, and mines were put into heavy use…quickly elevating Murias to become an incredibly wealthy house, despite their slightly isolationist-appearing ways.
With each year, with each decade, their power grew. Their military came to be feared and highly respected, and not a single soul could take the title of 'warrior' away from any member of the House. However…it was at this time that the more..official titles came to be. Joining with their Wayston cousins, they became a County under their more logical and cunning rule. But, they were more like equals due to their shared capital and combined-at-the-hip nature. Thus was the manner of things for centuries.
Then came the 30 Years War. Murias was steadfast in it's defense of the border as Aequor and Galenthia entered a full scale war. While they were a part of a few major battles, their main concern was defending that line with everything that the had. They succeeded, and eventually? The war came to an end when High Priest Alejander called for peace in 1851, with many…especially Murias, being more than ready to lay down their arms from this cruel war and sue for peace as well.
War lasts too long and Peace doesn't last long enough, it seems as the First Succession War soon embroiled Galenthia in a multitude of conflicts. Though much to the dismay of Murias, Wayston had made the decision to remain neutral. Despite their multiple attempts to change their stance on the matter, Arkanin would remain as such until the war's end, but that didn't stop more than one Murian from heading south to join the battles in favor of whoever they thought was right. However, their defense of the northern border was absolute and unwavering, like smashing tides against hard stone, they defended their own. They did fight minor skirmishes with any army unfortunate enough to try and march towards their territory, but it wasn't anything decisive, major, or noteworthy. With the emergence of the new Queen, the Succession War -finally- came to an end….and they were rewarded for their neutrality! as the leader of their Wayston cousins was selected as a candidate to become Archduchess of the region.
Then the war for Succession became again, as the SECOND Succession war began. they kept to their neutrality once more….until eventually the arguments won in Murias's favor, and Arkanin sided with the Royalists, sending their powerful military to aid them. After that war's end? quiet….too quiet. While Murias was -still- a very martial county, they had no desire to conquer, instead living peacefully. Speaking softly, but carrying a very big stick in the process.
Then…the fires of war burned anew. Brighter than ever for the Murians and Waystons alike. In 1866, a vicious border war emerged between the Arkanins of Wayston and the d'Armaz that began over the treacherous incident of the daughter of the late Archduchess attempted to poison d'Armaz Viscount, Adriono d'Armaz. The war was intense, as d'Armaz did the unthinkable: they managed to get past the initial defense and into the Valley due to their excessive hiring of mercenaries. However, with every major loss, the Arkanins struck back with major successes and wins of their own, and eventually? the war died down and ended with a Peace treaty. between the Arkanins and the d'Armaz Houses.
Almost immediately after, the War of the West began, in which Rikton and Kentaire made war against….well, everyone. Joining in the combined effort of the other Galenthian houses, the Murians fought back against the two Houses and they eventually claimed victory. Of course, when it rains, it pours, and the vicious and calculating Qatunax came. Managing to deal a heavy blow to the Murians…the loss of their largest territory in the House of Rogers. While they eventually pushed the Qatunax back, the House fell to the leadership of Viscount Cervantes Arkanin, a veteran of the War of the West, the border war with d'Armaz, and the present war with the Qatunax after the death of his father, he leads with a benevolent hand, which will become firm if need be.
Let us all pray that he leads well…
Overview
- Cover
- Culture
- Lands and Holdings
- Vassals
- Military
- Economy
- Legends
- Reputation and Rumors
- Current Members
- Quirks
- Recent Events
- Famous Battle Cries
Religion:Much like their cousins in Wayston, Murias shares a devout faith in the One. They believe that even after their ancestors have gone, they still remain in spirit to watch over their descendants. A very convicted community and a united one at that.
Inheritance:The eldest male child of the bloodline will inherit. The second son may have a barony if there is no second son from the Ducal house. If no son is born, then the eldest daughter will inherit the County.
Nobles: Now….this is where Wayston and Murias greatly differ. Unlike Wayston, Murias keeps to their extremely martial practices. Martial training begins as young as twelve years of age. As shrewd in politics as their cousins, Murias is certainly nothing to scoff at in the courts or on the battlefields.
Also, due to their more religious nature, Nobles -are- allowed to devout themselves to the faith. But alas, they risk losing their titles and inheritance if they do so, as per the vows they must take. Alas, there is no restriction on it. In terms of prayers, ceremonies, and rituals? They are kept extremely private, especially in the sense of ancestorial prayers.
Commoners: The commoners of Murias are hardened, hardy, and warrior-like. While there's not too much room for softness, as it were, their people are wise and compassionate, never willing to turn away a starving stranger to hear of the distant lands or just out of kindness in general. In profession, miners are likely the most common aside from jewelers, blacksmiths, and lumbers. Military service in the County banner is highly approved of, and most of the population trains itself to be at least ready for the levy. This is one of the reasons why Murias has such a powerful Militia. Everyone there knows how to fight and fight very good.
Much like the nobles who rule them, the commoners also practice a form of ancestor worship in bondage with the One Faith. It's not uncommon for those to leave 'gifts' for those who have passed on. Much like their Wayston cousins, at the end of October, a grand celebration is held for they believe it is the day that the spirits of their ancestors return from the afterlife to walk among them. Gifts are exchanged between others and it's quite the gracious holiday.
Warriors: Above all, the people of Murias hold martial ability above all else. It's not status or profession that will earn respect. How well can you handle your weapon of choice? Are you able to defend your household should Murias find itself under siege? It is a warrior culture. Public sparring is a common sight, and fathers are often seen teaching their children how to fight as young as eight years of age. It's also a reason why physically speaking, the people of Murias are outstanding and known for physical strength. Also, they are very protective and prideful of their home. Should it come under attack, like bees to defend their queen, the citizens of Murias will not hesitate to take up arms. Because of this, Murias has a much higher than normal amount of militia and levies.
Fashion:Generally speaking, Murias has kept with the more modern noble fashion while also retaining some bits and pieces of their barbarian heritage. It's very trendy to be wearing robes with wolf fur around the neck for example. Fur cloaks are common, along with wearing leather armor along with the clothing choices. Very woodsy, but also keeping with the times.
Dining: Despite the mentality of Murias, they are actually extremely well-mannered and polite when eating. However, they have a habit of eating fast. No one knows exactly where it came from…maybe it's from the adage of 'you never know when you're going to die or when someone is going to try and steal your food'. Alas, most likely a practice that's somehow survive since their more wild days.
Murias: Murias is a moderately sized city sitting at the mouth of a fertile vale filled with olive and fig orchards. A major intersection of roads can be found here, making for ready trade routes to Four Corners, Firen, and Griffon Point. The City itself is walled and well-fortified, and of course the well-known Cathedral of Saint Sandoval is located in the City's center, arguably the greatest spiritual center in Galenthia (Only the Cathedral of Firen could contest the notion). The seat of House Arkanin, Bellmoore, stands on a hillside just beyond the City. Murias has thriving markets as well, serving as a major trade center. Murias is held jointly by the Duchy of Wayston and the County of Murias.
Bellmoore: The seat of Arkanin Power that has survived for generations and will undoubtedly survive for countless more, this moderately-sized but very well-fortified castle overlooks the city of Murias from a nearby hillside. It has been besieged several times over its' long history, and never fallen. Rumors speak of caves within the mountain it rests upon that provide the Arkanins with both a source of fresh water and an escape route should the worst happen, but these have never been verified outside of the house.
Avenches: This important town was once held by House Brexos, until a rebellion in early 1874. As a part of its reintegration, the town was taken under the County administration itself, while Brexos was compensated with extra tax revenues.
Valley of St Sandoval: The south of the County of Murias boasts the Valley of St Sandoval, a highly fertile and well watered plain sheltered by mountains on both north and south. It is the agricultural heartland of the County, and along with the lands of the Charing provides Wayston's horses. Houses Brexos, Anders and Lee are all based here, and are collectively called the Valley Lords, alongside Houses Teser and Verynn, though these latterly two are actually vassals of House Daltre in the Duchy of Tarris. Valley houses are very close to each other; some might say to the detriment of their relations with their lieges.
Army of Murias
Casualties taken on 10 Mai 1874 in Hellsmouth, subtracted from numbers.
Sentinels of Murias
The legendary Elite Heavy Spearmen of Murias. Tall shields that range between the neck and thigh rests in the left hand and a spear of varying length in the right (vice versa, depending on handedness). They are very well armored. Breastplates, Pauldrons, and Greaves, and a Helmet with usually a fur cloak around the shoulders. Like the legendary warriors one would imagine to come and defend them. While they are excellent with the spear, They are the masters of the Phalanx (pike) and Schiltron (spear) formations, and when they enter such a formation? They are incredibly difficult to overcome.
Wolves of Murias
The Archers of Murias. It's said that ever since their barbarian days, one group has always mastered the bow, becoming like wolves as they mark their prey, their arrows flying true. They normally wield bows of any variety depending on the individual, and they are easily marked by furs around their armor with a wolf skin on the head.
Professional Soldiers
300 Sentinels of Murias (Heavy spearmen)
100 Men at Arms
150 Wolves of Murias (Archer skirmishers)
100 Lancers
50 Halberdiers
TOTAL: 700
Militia
250 Scouts
200 Men-at-Arms
200 Archers
100 Raider Cavalry
200 Light Spearmen
400 Galenthian spearmen
250 Peltasts
TOTAL: 1,500
Levies
400 archers.
500 Axemen
450 Skirmishers
500 light spearmen
250 Slingers
TOTAL: 2,000
Grand Total
4,200 men.
750 Archers (Wolves of Murias included)
300 Sentinels of Murias
250 Slingers
450 Skirmishers
250 Peltasts
100 Lancers
500 Axemen
400 Galenthian Spearmen
700 Light Spearmen
200 Men-At-Arms
House Arkanin of Murias is very…very..VERY wealthy. The mountainous regions allowing for especially good mining to be done, where a great majority of their wealth comes from. The rest? Comes from the trade of their goods to and between their vassals. The main exports are silver, steel, and Opal. While Murias also holds many trade centers and serve as a foothold for the Guild to apply their craft.
For agriculture, Rice, Sheep, and Grain are always in high demand, and as such, the vassals are always willing to give. The only difficulty is getting those goods to the river for trade, leading the way there to be vulnerable to bandit raids and the like. However, the great bulk of their wealth comes from mining and goats, cattles in the more highland regions.
Bloodline of Legend
It is said that the Arkanin's of Murias hail from a legendary bloodline of Barbarian heroes, one in particular whose physical strength was clearly blessed by the gods, as none could overpower them. Tales of killing 100 men with the jawbone of a cow, wrestling a lion and killing it with his bare hands, and fighting armies of men single-handedly. The Arkanins of Murias of today, pay tribute to that bloodline. They are warriors, and many are willing to devote themselves to martial excellence. (real world equivalent is the Biblical figure, Samson. Book of Judges.) While this legend is dismissed by many, it is held in close regard by a few yet, and the legend lives on even to this day. It'd certainly explain why Murians are so physically strong and martially capable.
The 300
In the early days of Murias, they were threatened with war by another county, which was forced upon them. They forced them into one of the Mountain's narrow corrodores, only 300 in number, against about 4,000 warriors. While Arkanin gathered it's strength from it's allies, these 300 soldiers held the line for 5 days, until they were eventually overwhelmed by a hidden route to the east. flanked, they were killed to the last man when they refused to surrender and leave Arkanin without protection, and they fought to the bitter end. When their shields cracked and spears waned? they used their hands and teeth, their helmets. They came to be known as the Sentinels, and their memory is honored by the elite unit of today. This is also the reason as to why there is always 300 Sentinels of Murias at any given time.
Bloodthirsty
Perhaps more of a new trend lately, but due to Murias's willingness to show up to fight if they are challenged, it has eanred them being called 'bloodthirsty' and 'savages' sometimes. Though they are called the former FAR more commonly than the latter. While this is the furthest thing from the truth, it's a little eerie when they greet death threats with an almost excited smile.
Inbred
A trait Arkanins of Muria share with their Wayston cousins. They rarely ever marry out of the family due to thinking others are too strange or too inferior to their standard ways. That's not to say that Murians -don't- marry out, it's just a popular activity for them to marry in.
Cervantes Arkanin - The current Viscount of Arkanin of Murias. Through his marriage to Lillian, he also holds the rank and title of Signore Bordeaux.
Lillian Bordeaux - Wife to Cervantes, and thus the current Viscountess. She is also the Signora of the Rikton House Bordeaux.
Assumed Quirks
Devout: Arkanins even of Murias are very religiously devoted to the One Faith. Fervent in prayer and practice.
Warriors: Everyone in Murias knows how to fight and fight well. They are assumed to never shy away from a fight and actually consider it as a form of the highest practice of attaining personal glory. Bold and daring they be.
Tight-Knit: Arkanins rarely marry out and prefer to remain insular, often marrying in rather than marrying out.
Justified Quirks
Talented Spearmen: the core martial practice of the Murians is the way of the spear. Masters with the weapon, Arkanin's are naturally talented and greatly proficient with the use of spears and pikes.
Strong-Willed: Arkanins of Murias are brave and hardy, rarely, if ever, backing down from any kind of threat or confrontation. They are not ones to show fear in the face of an enemy, nor do they back down just because someone's stick is bigger than someone else's stick. If you want a fight, they will give it to you.
Natural Leaders: A great place for battle commanders and other types of natural leaders to stem from. Arkanin's never like to be sitting on the sidelines, and if someone isn't being a good leader in their eyes? They would happily step up to the position as needed.
Many of House Arkanin's battle cries are originated from their old barbaric language.
'Du Bekar!' - Charge/to arms!
'Geshud! Etar! Anil/Unil Nokor!' - For Home, King/Queen, and The Glorious Dead!
'Baruk Nazad!' - The Dawn will come!
'Molon Labe!' - Having come, take (often used in defiance)