Deleted
The Duchy of Bion
Jun 16, 2020 9:43:54 GMT -5
edited on Jun 16, 2020 10:30:32 GMT -5 by Deleted
Post by Deleted on Jun 16, 2020 9:43:54 GMT -5
(Putting this here for notes, lest it be forgotten~)
Inspiration
Geography: Scotland, Switzerland.
History: The medieval Kingdom of France and various strong duchy under it (sometimes stronger than the Kingdom itself!), especially The Duchy of Normandy and The Duchy of Burgundy.
Culture: Swiss Cantons, Flanders.
The Crimson Knights: Winged Hussars, Paladins
The Duchy of Bion
Geography and Economy
Located in the foothills of The Hylian mountains, the bustling Duchy of Bion is a duchy nominally under vassalage to The Kingdom of Hyrule. Because it lies on the other side of the mountains, the way to Hyrule Castle is by either circling the mountains or cutting through it. Even the closest settlement to it, Kakariko Village, is not easy to reach. By virtue of its location it is rather isolated from Hylian affairs, although their relationship are very good.
Comprising of Highlands and Lowlands area, The Duchy of Bion has a temperate climate, although winter can be quite brutal especially in the Highland. The Highlands comprises of a few shorter mountains around Snowpeak Mountain, bordering on Goron Territory. It is mountainous with rather poor soil but has numerous bodies of freshwater, including one particular North Lake famous for its beautiful scenery. The Lowlands comprises of gently sloping hills and valleys all the way to the flatlands near the sea. Its fertile soil is excellent for agriculture, and the major trading ports of the Duchy lies in this area. In recent decades, discoveries of iron and gem mines in the Highlands and the completion of The Bion Canal which greatly boosted the irrigation systems of the Lowlands have led The Duchy to a high level of prosperity.
History
Historically The Duchy was separated into many warring tribes. Overtime they coalesced into Highland Tribes and Lowland Tribes, which warred constantly. It wasn't until the marriage union of the leaders of both tribes, mediated by a King of Hyrule around 2000 years ago, did The Duchy in its present state was formed. From the very beginning, The Duchy of Bion was one of the earliest Duchy to support the Kingdom of Hyrule. Its army played important parts in the many wars of the early days of The Kingdom of Hyrule, birthing legends and their contemporaries' admirations. Although it was not spared from many upheavals of Hyrule since then, its relatively remote location managed to keep it safe from total destruction, even when Kakariko Village nearby was razed to the ground.
It should be noted that many brave men and women of The Duchy of Bion volunteered as members of The Knight Order of Snowpeak which brought Ganondorf's rule to an end. Their descendants would later form an order of their own, the famous Crimson Order.
Due to its decades of warfare, inhospitable terrain, and generally rough culture, the people of the Duchy of Bion are noticeably fierce and warlike, their men stalwart and their women brave and independent. For centuries the people of Bion have plied their service as mercenaries on foreign lands, bringing wealth and much needed resources from afar to the region. In time this mercenary tradition becomes very honored, to the extent that the Duke himself has to serve as a mercenary before being eligible to be crowned. The whole army of the duchy is essentially one large mercenary group -even their knights- willing and state-sanctioned to lend their services to the highest bidder. In recent years, though, most mercenaries from the Duchy are organized as The Free Company, renowned for their swordsmanship and pike formation and their loyal service once a contract has been agreed, to the bitter end if necessary.
While historically they values mobility, it was during the last Twili-Hylian War that the people of The Duchy of Bion learned the importance of heavy armors. Against the ferocious Shadow Beasts, fast movements were far less useful than the ability to stand ground and fight. It was from this experience that a regiment, the precursor of the now acclaimed The Ironhearts, were recruited and trained.
Culture
Because of its proxmity to Goron, Sheikah of Kakariko, and their extensive trading and mercenary expeditions, the society is very egalitarian. While The Duke of Bion and his heirs are Hylian from the very beginning, it isn't rare to see a general or a minister from Rito or Goron or other races, benefiting from the firm system of merit rather than birth inherent in the duchy. There are even rare instances of non-hylian race who have served in the highest post in The Duchy of Bion for generations and are even treated like nobility. Nowadays, it is even hard to state statistically that Hylian comprises the majority of the duchy, so cosmopolitan has it become.
Located in the foothills of The Hylian mountains, the bustling Duchy of Bion is a duchy nominally under vassalage to The Kingdom of Hyrule. Because it lies on the other side of the mountains, the way to Hyrule Castle is by either circling the mountains or cutting through it. Even the closest settlement to it, Kakariko Village, is not easy to reach. By virtue of its location it is rather isolated from Hylian affairs, although their relationship are very good.
Comprising of Highlands and Lowlands area, The Duchy of Bion has a temperate climate, although winter can be quite brutal especially in the Highland. The Highlands comprises of a few shorter mountains around Snowpeak Mountain, bordering on Goron Territory. It is mountainous with rather poor soil but has numerous bodies of freshwater, including one particular North Lake famous for its beautiful scenery. The Lowlands comprises of gently sloping hills and valleys all the way to the flatlands near the sea. Its fertile soil is excellent for agriculture, and the major trading ports of the Duchy lies in this area. In recent decades, discoveries of iron and gem mines in the Highlands and the completion of The Bion Canal which greatly boosted the irrigation systems of the Lowlands have led The Duchy to a high level of prosperity.
History
Historically The Duchy was separated into many warring tribes. Overtime they coalesced into Highland Tribes and Lowland Tribes, which warred constantly. It wasn't until the marriage union of the leaders of both tribes, mediated by a King of Hyrule around 2000 years ago, did The Duchy in its present state was formed. From the very beginning, The Duchy of Bion was one of the earliest Duchy to support the Kingdom of Hyrule. Its army played important parts in the many wars of the early days of The Kingdom of Hyrule, birthing legends and their contemporaries' admirations. Although it was not spared from many upheavals of Hyrule since then, its relatively remote location managed to keep it safe from total destruction, even when Kakariko Village nearby was razed to the ground.
It should be noted that many brave men and women of The Duchy of Bion volunteered as members of The Knight Order of Snowpeak which brought Ganondorf's rule to an end. Their descendants would later form an order of their own, the famous Crimson Order.
Due to its decades of warfare, inhospitable terrain, and generally rough culture, the people of the Duchy of Bion are noticeably fierce and warlike, their men stalwart and their women brave and independent. For centuries the people of Bion have plied their service as mercenaries on foreign lands, bringing wealth and much needed resources from afar to the region. In time this mercenary tradition becomes very honored, to the extent that the Duke himself has to serve as a mercenary before being eligible to be crowned. The whole army of the duchy is essentially one large mercenary group -even their knights- willing and state-sanctioned to lend their services to the highest bidder. In recent years, though, most mercenaries from the Duchy are organized as The Free Company, renowned for their swordsmanship and pike formation and their loyal service once a contract has been agreed, to the bitter end if necessary.
While historically they values mobility, it was during the last Twili-Hylian War that the people of The Duchy of Bion learned the importance of heavy armors. Against the ferocious Shadow Beasts, fast movements were far less useful than the ability to stand ground and fight. It was from this experience that a regiment, the precursor of the now acclaimed The Ironhearts, were recruited and trained.
Culture
Because of its proxmity to Goron, Sheikah of Kakariko, and their extensive trading and mercenary expeditions, the society is very egalitarian. While The Duke of Bion and his heirs are Hylian from the very beginning, it isn't rare to see a general or a minister from Rito or Goron or other races, benefiting from the firm system of merit rather than birth inherent in the duchy. There are even rare instances of non-hylian race who have served in the highest post in The Duchy of Bion for generations and are even treated like nobility. Nowadays, it is even hard to state statistically that Hylian comprises the majority of the duchy, so cosmopolitan has it become.
Interesting Positions
Government
The Duchess of Bion
Currently held by Hylian, 16 years old.
The Duchess of Bion. They are by law required to lead the Army of Bion if such army is raised. They have to spend a few years in military service before being eligible to rule.
The Prime Minister
Any race, Any age.
Currently held by Hylian, 16 years old.
The Duchess of Bion. They are by law required to lead the Army of Bion if such army is raised. They have to spend a few years in military service before being eligible to rule.
The Prime Minister
Any race, Any age.
The Prime Minister of Bion, the highest authority after the Duke. Nominally chosen every five years, although the selection pool is somewhat limited. Like the Duchess they travel often.
Council of Eleven
Any race, Any age.
The highest-ranking ministers of Bion overseeing day-to-day affairs, comprising of ten ministers of specialized roles and the Prime Minister. They reserve the right to demote a Prime Minister deemed incompetent, although their relationship is generally excellent.
Various other Dukedom roles are also available. Including Cupbearer, Almoner, and Master of The Hunt.
Military
Commander of The Crimson Order
Any race, Any age
Swift, spirited, and deadly, The Crimson Order knights are among the best in the land. They are well-known for their ferocious charge and efficient hit-and run atop specially-bred horses. Their crimson-colored cape is their mark.
Commander of The Ironhearts
Any race, Any age
As immovable as the mountains and as unstoppable as an avalanche, The Ironhearts wear heavy armors in battle. They are well-known of always being able to hold their line no matter what comes. Their armors are lined red and black.
Commander of The Free Company
Any race, Any age
Master swordsmen and expert pikemen who lived by their blades, they are the part of Bion Army most often seen engaging in foreign wars. They have a very close-knit bond, and wear a white-striped crimson insignia somewhere.
Commander of The Shadowguards
Gerudo, Any age
The newest unit in the army. It was born out of The Duchess' admiration of The Gerudo's wall-cimbing skills and general nimbleness during the last war, which prompted a recruitment effort. They wear crimson clothes, but still have no strong identity yet.
Council of Eleven
Any race, Any age.
The highest-ranking ministers of Bion overseeing day-to-day affairs, comprising of ten ministers of specialized roles and the Prime Minister. They reserve the right to demote a Prime Minister deemed incompetent, although their relationship is generally excellent.
Various other Dukedom roles are also available. Including Cupbearer, Almoner, and Master of The Hunt.
Military
By the Duchy's very nature, nearly all of its army are available as mercenaries. This means that military leaders are often away on travels doing their own businesses with their army, free from The Duchy's restraints. Sometimes, smaller units of the army or even individual members sets off and have adventures of their own. The sole exception is when The Army of Bion is raised, where they have to travel and be subordinate to The Duchess, such as during the last Siege of Hyrule.
With a total strength of around 6.000, The Duchy of Bion's army is one of the strongest and most capable in The Kingdom of Hyrule. Within the army, three regiments are especially well-known.
With a total strength of around 6.000, The Duchy of Bion's army is one of the strongest and most capable in The Kingdom of Hyrule. Within the army, three regiments are especially well-known.
Commander of The Crimson Order
Any race, Any age
Swift, spirited, and deadly, The Crimson Order knights are among the best in the land. They are well-known for their ferocious charge and efficient hit-and run atop specially-bred horses. Their crimson-colored cape is their mark.
Commander of The Ironhearts
Any race, Any age
As immovable as the mountains and as unstoppable as an avalanche, The Ironhearts wear heavy armors in battle. They are well-known of always being able to hold their line no matter what comes. Their armors are lined red and black.
Commander of The Free Company
Any race, Any age
Master swordsmen and expert pikemen who lived by their blades, they are the part of Bion Army most often seen engaging in foreign wars. They have a very close-knit bond, and wear a white-striped crimson insignia somewhere.
Commander of The Shadowguards
Gerudo, Any age
The newest unit in the army. It was born out of The Duchess' admiration of The Gerudo's wall-cimbing skills and general nimbleness during the last war, which prompted a recruitment effort. They wear crimson clothes, but still have no strong identity yet.
Inspiration
Geography: Scotland, Switzerland.
History: The medieval Kingdom of France and various strong duchy under it (sometimes stronger than the Kingdom itself!), especially The Duchy of Normandy and The Duchy of Burgundy.
Culture: Swiss Cantons, Flanders.
The Crimson Knights: Winged Hussars, Paladins
The Ironhearts: Fire Emblem Generals
The Free Company: Swiss Pikemen, Landsknecths, Condottieri
The Free Company: Swiss Pikemen, Landsknecths, Condottieri