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| Thread: ICTC: Stronghold of the North |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 4 5 6 · NEXT» |
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 05, 2006 10:58 PM |
bonus applied. |
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ICTC:STRONGHOLD OF THE NORTH
Stronghold of North is my way of seeing barbarians and also their development as faction.
FACTION NAME: STRONGHOLD OF THE NORTH
QUOTE: "HARD AS A ROCK, POWERFUL AS BLIZZARD AND UNSTOPPABLE AS AVALANCHE."
AKA: BARBARIANS, NORTHMEN
ASSOCIATED COLORS: ICELY BLUE, SNOW WHITE AND BROWN-BLACK.Icely blue and snow white represent northmen's homeland and their enviroment while black represents rocks and cliffs(objects of great spiritual and religious importance for them).
WORSHIP: They don't worship any dragon god,but they do respect Sylath(Dragon of Air).Instead they worship mystical and very powerful beigns which resemble human form but in great size.
CORE PHILOSOPHY: "There are three paths that you must follow, lad.First, follow the way of Might, as for it will make you strong and capable of protecting your family.Second, follow the way of Respect, as if you don't respect anything, nothing will respect you.And thirdly, you must follow the way of Honor, as in life honor is everything.Follow these ways lad and you will do well.
Kingdom/Country: There is no one united kingdom, as the whole North is divided into clans.But there are places and regions which are sacred and cannot be divided as they belong to all.Some of the Northmen's clans are: Frost Hammer, Rune Rock, Blizzard Blade, Stone Hail, Polar Fist, Brothers of Wolves, Mountain warders, Cliff Mark and so o.There are also several centaur tribes, which are relatively big.The most known of those tribes are: Ice Spear and Cold Arrow.
Capital:There is no official capital as there is no one kingdom,but only place that can be considered as capital is: Danur, The First Stronghold of North, which is the biggest city in North and also eternal neutral zone for warring and not warring clans.It is also center of trade and religion.
Key simbols: An Avalanche, shards of Blizzard one shield and weapons of north on the other shield(weapons are axe, spear and hammer).
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a181/Oakwarrior/RldragonSymbol2.jpg
Magic: Appears mostly as runes but there are some that also use magic in different ways.
Hero types: Battle Leader and Runemaster.
Battle leader:Battle leaders are the best warriors and the wisest leaders the Northmen can offer.They also employ various skill and abilities in tactics and war.
Runemaster:The ones who were the most skilled of Frost Sages are given the chance to master the magic of winter, earth and fire.As Runemaster employs both earth, winter and fire in creating runes he can be very useful and neccecery hero to every army.
Racial skills:
Battle Leader amage Flayer-basic:adds +1 damage to every creature in his rank;advanced-adds +2;expert-adds +3.
Subskills:Attack Master-basic:adds +1 attack and speed;advanced:adds +2 attack and speed;expert:adds +3 attack and speed.
Defend Master-basic:adds +1 defence and resistence;advanced:adds +2 defence and resistence;expert:adds +3 defence and resistence.
Runemaster:Winter magic:basic-ability to cast level 1 and 2 frost magic;advanced-ability to cast level 3 and 4 frost magic;expert-ability to cast level 5 frost magic.Subskills:
Stone magic:basic-ability to cast level 1 and 2 earth magic;advanced-ability to cast level 3 and 4 earth magic;expert-ability to cast level 5 earth magic.
Fire magic:basic:ability to cast level 1 and 2 fire magic;advanced-ability to cast level 3 and 4 fire magic;expert-ability to cast level 5 fire magic.
Geography:Northmen live on a great island, a continent which is far to the north from the northern shore of mainland of Ashan(main continent).The island is commonly called by it's inhabitans "The North".North has artic climate with very cold winds.It's shore is very rocky and has plenty of cliffs.Steppes and few existing dales are the only fertile land.Luckily there is many of Steppes.There is also great number of thick forests.There are also many mountains and hills.Hills are mostly located in south of "North" while mountains are located in the northern part of the continent.There are several rivers, but a great number of lakes.Winter is cold and long, while summers are short and have only 7 days.Summers are if not warm, than, as warm as "The North" can be.Those days are celebrated as "Life festival" or how they call them more commonly "Summer festival".
Buildings:Longhouse-place where tribal warriors train
themselves and where you can recruit them.
Longhouse of North-place where you recruit Warriors of North.
Centaur stable-place where you can persuade centaurs to join you.
Centaur training grounds-place where you can recruit Frost Centaur archers.
Den-place where you can train snow wolfs.
Den of Claws-place where you can train Fenrirs.
War Hall-place where you train bersekers.
Veteran Hall-place where you recruit war chiefs.
Altar of Wotan-place where you can summon Valkyries.
Altar of Wotan the Ligthbringer-place where you summon Valkyries Dawnrunners.
Artic Nest-place where you train Artic Eagles.
Zephyr Nest-place where you train Zephyrs.
Behemonth cave-place where you train Behemoths.
Behemonth crystal cave-place where you train Ancient Behemonths.
Common buildings:
tavern
fort
citadel
castle
marketplace
silo-+1 wood +1 ore
blacksmith:first aid tent
magic guild level 1
magic guild level 2
magic guild level 3
magic guild level 4
village hall
town hall
city hall
capitol
Grailefender:Great statue of Northman with shields in his hands.It gives + 5000 gold, + 50 % creature growth in town and + 5 Defence when attacked.
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Creatures that represent Stronghold of the North on the battlefield are:
-1-Tribal Warrior;upgrade-Warrior of the North
Description:Stout,brave and fearless warriors of the Tribes;they implement bravery,strenght and endurance to defeat their foes.They are standard soldiers of any Northern army.Best of the Tribal Warriors are given title of "Warrior of the North" and also given a gift of weapon training thus becoming much more dangerous than their brethren.Warriors of the North have special ability that allows them to block one strike in a battle and diminish damage from that strike to 25%.
Special abilities:Tribal warrior:can reduce damage taken from enemie's hit once per combat.It reduces to 50%
Warrior of the North:Same ability as Tribal warrior,just reduces damage to 25% once per combat.
-2-Frost Centaur;upgrade-Centaur frost archer
Desc.:Centaurs originally came from the south but they quickly adapted to cold climate.Some of them were so good in adapting that they received faster movement over ice terrain and also a ability to capture the "spirit of frost" and imbue their weapons with it.Those centaurs were called Frost archers as they were also known to imbue this same "spirit" in their arrows.Centaurs are also divided into tribes or clans.They look like this:Their horse part grew thick white fur,whilst their human part developed blue skin.
Abilities:Centaur-charge.
Centaur frost archer-charge,ranged,can freeze their opponents with their shot.Chances for this are:33%
-3-Snow Wolf;upgrade-Fenrir
Description: Snow wolf are natives of this same North.They were seen by humans(that is barbarians)when humans first arrived in North.There were several bitter attacks during cold and long winter made by these wolves but soon after the humans began to prepare for retaliation and retaliated hard against wolves,ice wolves were defeated.After that wolves were slowly tamed and now represent loyal,strong and quick guards and war animals.Snow wolves travel and live in packs.They look like white, very big wolves who also have some of their body covered with black color.They attack both with their claws and teeth which enables them ability to strike twice.Amongs snow wolves there were always some of their kind which were bigger than others and more deadly,stronger in one word.Those were leaders of packs.Their names were Fenrir.Their name comes from humans who named them by giant,powerful wolf Fenrir,war animal of Northmen's gods.Fenrir has an ability to call some of his kind into battle.For every 4 Fenrirs in stack, one snow wolf appears.That ability is called:Call of the Wild (Blood).
Abilities:Ice wolf-strikes twice
Fenrir-strikes twice,every 4 Fenrirs summon one Snow wolf.
-4-Berseker;upgrade-Warchief
Desc.:Bersekers are human warriors who are so fierce and powerful in battle that they even drawed attention of Valkyiers,mystical beigns native to North.Bersekers also posses great skill in axe-fight and axe-throwing which served them well in battle.Bersekers have ability to throw axe once in every battle.When in war bersekers wear always two axes.
Bersekers which represented the greatest abilty in weapons,which prove themselves to be strong,enduran and also to posses resourcefulness and ability to lead others(leadership) are given by their clans the title of "Warchief" or less common "War Leader".Their title lasts only during war.In times of peace they are again just bersekers.Warchief has a powerful array of weapon arsenal which consist of:axe,hammer,mace and a rune sword.Warchief's special ability is called:"Battle Clash".Battle Clash is special attack with whom Battlechiefs attack their ability by running over the battlefield,charching on opponent and often killing it with one mighty blow.Weapons used for that attack are mace and hammer.Battlechiefs still kept their ability to throw axe as they could when they were bersekers.
Abilities:Bersekers have unlimited retalitation.
Warchief-has unlimited retalitation,"Battle Clash" and
can cast bloodlust on allied units.
-5-Valkyrie;upgrade-Valkyrie Lightrunner
Valkyres are mystical beigns which are native to North.They look as astonishing beautiful young women.They serve supreme northern beign called Wotan(Odin).They first appeared to humans while "Second Barbarian War" when they offered the best fighters an increased power on battlefield if they agree to serve Wotan in the afterlife as his soldiers.They tempted them with promises of place with eternal feastings and pleasures for greatest warriors.They called it "Valhalla".Tempted by these things northern warriors agreed to serve Wotan in the afterlife and also to worship him during their short lives.Since then Valkyries have often aided humans.In battle Valkuries wear light armor,a helm and powerful arsenal of weapons.That arsenal consisted of six arrows,two throwing spears and a lance.Valkyries have three abilities:to throw spears two times upon a battle;one throwen spear slows and deals extra damage to target.To emporew nearby allied troops with "Call of Valhalla" and finaly to inflict added damage to their opponents with charge.Valkyries Lightrunners are older,more experianced Valkyries.They have same abilities as their younger relatives but can also cast magic in shape of runes(a special gift from Odin for faithful service)and have increased speed,damage and number of shots with spear and arrows.They have three more arrows and one spear,which along with golden helm simbolizes their high and respected rank.Valkyries and Valkyries Lightrunner ride a winged horse.
Abilities:Valkyries-ranged,"Call of Valhalla",spearthrowing,charge,"float".
Valkyries Lightrunner-ranged,"Call of Valhalla",spearthrowing,charge and spellcasting(runes),"float".
-6-Artic Eagle;upgrade-Zephyr
Description: Artic eagles are great birds which live in the Bluewind mountains.They have pure white color
on the whole body.They are very quick creatures,as they travel at the same speed as the wind.Artic eagles have also proved that they are formidable fighters and also posses one powerful ability:they can create a blizzard whenever they wish.At first humans hunted them because of their beautiful white fur.That was big mistake.Entire armies were slautghered by these powerful birds.Long before in the past,one army of Northmen was facing it's defeat when one young men,witnessing the massacre of his brethren didn't took his spear and with all might he was left didn't hit the Patriarch of the Artic eagles,killing him.Artic eagles,impressed by this act of might,surrendered and bowed to that same young man and told him that he is their leader.Since then proud artic eagles have agreed to serve the armies of North in exchange for promise that they won't be hunted and that they would be threated with respect.Several centries after that one group of Artic eagles traveled to the most northern part of the "North" in search for food.There they encountered something strange and mystical.They encountered the "Wind of Polar Gods".That wind was rumoured to have ancient and mystical powers trapped within.It was also said that the "Wind of Polar Gods" will increase might of the creature that sees it.And the rumour was true.When the artic eagles returned they had gotten new powers and abilities.They changed.They didn't had blue color anymore.They had blue color, such blue color that it reminded every eyewitness on color of stormy wind.Those artic eagles got another names: Zephyrs.They were bigger, more dangerous and quicker than any other of their kind.They had also increased their strength so much that they could even hurl boulders.They have gotten their new names by terrible and strong northern wind that can hurl boulders.They have gotten their names by that wind,the Zephyr.And finaly,Zephyrs have special breath attack called:"Frost wind".
Abilities:Ice eagle-blizzard casting.
Zephyrs:Blizzard,Boulder hurling,"frost wind".
-7-Behemonth;upgrade-Ancient Behemonth
Description: Behemonth is enourmes snow beast that lives in a cave.It has long and sharp claws and teeth that can chew almost everything,except rock.There is a saying in North that tells:"If you want to kill yourself with honor,enter the behemonth's cave.Behemonth has infamous and terrible rumours about him.Because of this,if any creatures see him it will start to run because of fear.Ancient behemonth is a gigantic creature which has far greater size than his kind.Such behemonts are usually patriarchs in behemonth's sociaty.Behemonths were finaly tamed when humans with the help of Valkyries created a powerful artifact,which is known only as "Winterheart".With it humans were able to persuade behemoths in becoming their allies,insuring them that it will only make behemoths safer and less hungry.Behemonts,who were often hungry agreed,and thus the most fearful creatures of North were took into the Army of North.
Abilities:Behemonth-fear,reduces defense to 40 %.
Ancient Behemonth-fear,reduces defense to 20%,cold magic resistence 75%.
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Possible allies(optional units for training):
-level6-Mammoth rider;upgrade-Greater Mammoth rider
Description:later
-level5-Snowbeast;upgrade-Yeti
Description:later
-level4-Frost sage;upgrade-Artic Mage
Description:later
-level3-Glacier rider;upgrade-Glacier raider
Description:later
---------------------- HISTORY(LONG)----------------------
3 YSD:Skirmishes start between Bryan Falcon and remaining independent lords.Independent lords, defeated by Falcon's forces,are hiding in their castles.In danger to lose hold of his last possible worshipers Sylath intervenes and stops the Falcon's invasion.Knowing that his brother, Elrath, will soon attack, Sylath starts to persuade humans to travel north across great "Sea of Storms" for which was rumoured to have no end.It was there he believed, where they would be able to hide."Sea of Storms" held it's name because of numerous and giant storms on that sea.Sylath promised to lead them across "Sea of Storms" and to protect them of those storms on one condition.They were obligated to build him a shrine where they would every year, for one entire day, worship him.Humans, who hated Falcon passionetly and didn't want to obey him and became his servants, agreed.Because they weren't very religius humans promised that they will "honor" him rather that "worship" him and that they won't change their minds.Sylath, having no time for bargaining, agreed and led them across the "Sea of Storms".When the long voyage was near it's end, human refugees noticed that
storms were rapidly vanishing and when they asked Sylath why was it so, he smiled and said:"Our destination is near, we entered the "Nordic Sea".And Sylath was right.In two days they landed on icy shore.
Watching them Sylath only said:"My part of deal is done, now you part of the deal must be done."After saying that he dissapeared in flash of arcane magic.He was never seen again.Humans, honoring their part almost immedietly built shrine on the top of the cliff by the sea.After that they started to move north, in search of good place to build their colony upon.
3 YSD to 39 YSD: The humans refugees trouble, as they make for themselves new homes.It is time of migrating, as many humans decide to leave the first colony.They search for new places, where they could build new colonies, where they could discover riches and wealth.But, soon, they understand that there is no such thing as wealth in the cold, unforgiving, North.It is first time that they start to change their beliefs.They start to leave the way of knigths.Old lords have all gone now.Some dead and some missing.Refugees meet in Danur, the first colony.It is decided amongst commoners that from now on, there would be no lords.To confirm those decisions, the human refugees name themselves: "The Northmen".That event signalized birth of a new people that will shake the very foundations of the world order.
40 YSD to 42 YSD: New colonies are built.Northmen thrive.On the first "Summer Festival" ever to be held, Northmen gathered to celebrate their new life and to decide what to do next.After many hours of debating, Northmen decide to divide themselves into clans.As the Northmen originaly came from 19 castles, it was decided that 19 clans should be created.It is also decided that people from every original human city should choose the name of their clan and place where they will leave.
43 YSD to 72 YSD: Northmen's clans divide between themselves all the known land of "North".They also adjust to cold climate.Clans prosper and increase their territory.It is time of peace and prosperity.
72 YSD to 78 YSD: Northmen meet increacingly large packs of Snow wolves.The next year, Snow wolves slaugther a whole village of clan "Stone Hail".Northmen are enraged.They swear that they will have their revenge.
78 YSD to 86 YSD, "War of the Mark": The war between wolves and Northmen begins.Whole packs of snow wolves are killed.Among Northmen, the greatest losses have clans "Frost Hammer" and "Rune Rock".The war ends after ten bloody years of war and cold winter.From 48 original packs of Snow wolves, only few packs survive.The remaining packs are enslaved by Northmen and made pets.And because of that, every Nortmen man, woman and child are taugth "wolf training".
86 YSD to 168 YSD: Those times are peaceful and good for Northmen.The whole southern part of "North" is settled.
197 YSD: It is the first year since the "Departure", that artists exist amongst Northmen.
212 YSD: Development of artists.Birth of Selikar.Group of Northmen that are gifted in magic travel to Northern mountains.
224 YSD: Selikar joins the exploration of lakes around Danur.First longships ever to be built are sent into exploration of Northern Sea.No news of "magical" Northmen.
228 YSD: Selikar accidently discoveres silver in the Western mountains.Longships return from their firsrt voyage and inform the clan chiefs of large islands to the south.Still no news of "magical" Northmen.
331 YSD: Selikar convinces the clans to mine silver.He tells them of fertile steppes to North which he discovered on his last trip."Magical" Northmen return, bearing news of powerful beigns in the north.They also show their acquaried powers in magic, which were given by those beigns.From that day, the "magical" Northmen are called the "Frost Sages" and their leaders, the "Artic Mages".
332 YSD: Selikar, thirsty for discoveries, takes several men and sails off with his ship.Destination: the continent of Dragons(main continent).He was never saw again, and every trace of him is lost.Longships return with tales of islands rich with copper ore, wood and fish.
344 YSD to 369 YSD: More silver ore is found.Every clan, now has a several silver mines of it's own.One ore of gold is also discovered.So are also bronze and copper.This time is called: "Era of Mining".
383 YSD: Craftsmen and artists work in silver and bronze.First great sculptures and objects are made.
441 YSD: The times of peace ends, as drums of war play upon the winds."Frost Hammers" have raided the silver mines of the "Polar Fists".Hungry for revenge, the Polar Fists attack and kill the chief of Frost Hammers.This is the beginning of the "First Barbarian war".
442 YSD to 470 YSD "First Barbarian war": Other tribes are drawn into war.Battle cries are all around the land.Entire colonies are killed in rage.After years of war, the land is desolated.There are corpses everywhere but war still continues.Finaly when it seems that tribes will themselves the Frost sages intervene.Until then they were neutral, but seeing that their countrymen will destroy themselves they call the all clan chiefs on meeting.Wisadar, the current "Artic Mage",calms the chiefs and shows them what evil they have done to their people and their land.The chiefs, realizing the evil they've done, and teared with grief are full of regret and sadness.They prepare to commit suicide.But, Wisadar talks them off from that.He tells them that there is a way to insure that nothing like that would ever happen again.He tells them about the ways, or more precisely of first three ways.Those ways are: Way of Honor, Way of Respect and Way of Warrior.Wisadar tells them that the war has started exactly, because of lack of respect between clans.He also tells them that war was so devastating, because there was no limitations.And finaly, he tells them that tribesmen have become murderers and that they are warriors no more.Then Wisadar told them that the Ways will insure that Northmen return to rigth path.Way of Honor will be from now on the law of the "North" and will insure that justice reigns the land.Way of Respect will insure that every man, woman or child gets respect or disrespect for his actions and doings.And Way of Warrior will insure that tribesmen became true warriors again, and stop beign just murderers.Clan Chiefs agreed.They then went back to their clansmen to inform them that war is over and to tell them of ways.
471 YSD: Northmen are delighted with news and agree to follow the ways.
472 YSD to 645 YSD: It is peaceful and prosperous times.Life is better.The lands of the tribes is increased.Technology approves.Craftsmen and artists create great works of beaty.Masons create giant stone bridges, formidable strongholds and large cities.Woodsmen chop the forests and from finest wood, create fearsome longships.This age is called the "Age of Rebuilding" by frost sages, but also "The Golden Age" by tribesmen.
646 YSD to 767 YSD: Longships explore the whole Northern Sea and sailors return with amazing riches and even more amazing tales.The tribesmen explore the greatest part of the continent.This age is simply called "The Age of Exploration" by all.
768 YSD: Centaurs first appearence.Northmen gladly give them the land north of them in exchange for alliance and military aid.
792 YSD to 799 YSD "The Second Barbarian war": The drums of war are heard yet again as a ambitious clan chief of Cliff Mark declared war to Mountain Warders.War raged for 6years when rest of the clans took sides.But war was near it's end as only 4 clans joined the Cliff Mark, and the others joined the Mountain Warders.It wasn't long before Rulax, the ambitious clan chief, was defeated and his allies forced to surrender.Frost sages watched the whole war as neutral side and when war was over,they intervened.They intervened to insure that the defeated clans won't be destroyed or enslaved.Frost Sages argued with victorius clans for long time until they grudginly agreed that all clans should have their old teritories and rigths.
780 YSD: Valkyries apppear.They offer the greatest warriors a chance to be warriors of Wotan after their death.Tempted by promises of glory and Valhalla, warriors agree.But, Frost Sages have one their proposal as well.They offer to worship Wotan if Valkyries agree to figth along Northmen agains their common enemies.Valkyries agree.
782 YSD to 792 YSD: Emissaries arive from several other supreme beigns.Northmen agree to worship them all if they enhance their skills and empower the clans.The supreme beigns agree.Those supreme beigns were called: Donnar, Freyr, Tyr, Loki and Heimdall.
819 YSD: In Danur, new temples and markets are built.Great pieces of architecture and art are appearing in Danur.Palaces appear.And as a final symbol of greatness, a great and formidable stronghold.That stronghold was empowered by greatest sages and most powerful Valkyries, so that it would became impossible to qounquer.When Frost Sages declare that they would settle in Danur, Dabur becames untouchable.It is decided by all the clans that from now on, Danur is neutral zone and that anyone can seek protecction in it's land.Danur, already main center in trade, becomes also main centre of justice and religion.
820 YSD to 868 YSD: Called by all a "Silver Age".It is a time of prosperity and era of new discoviries.There are few skirmishes beetween clans, but nothing that would threaten peace of "North".
869 YSD to 881 YSD "War of Blizzard Talon": Explorers accidently discover the nests of Artic Eagles.When the explorers returned with stories of beautiful artic eagles, many Northmen wanted to make them his pet or at least acquare their beatiful feathers.But that was big mistake.In addition of beign beatiful, Artic Eagles were some of most deadly creatures on world.Soon, entire armies of Nortmen and Centaurs were slaughered.Before ayone noticed, it weren't Northmen who were attacking anymore, it were artic Eagles!They destroyed entire towns, even two strongholds.Seeing that they are badly overpowered, Northmen called help from Frost Sages and Valkyries.They agreed to help.Now, evenly matched, Northmen started to push Artic Eagles back to mountains.They were finaly defeated when a young "Blizzard Blade" attacked and killed a most powerful and also a leader of Artic Eagles.Artic Eagles, disheartened by loss of their leader and impressed by courage and skill of young "Blizzard Blade", pledged themselves to him and declared him their new leader.It took several months for Orlor, as it was the young Blizard Blade's name, to convince Artic Eagles to join the Northmen.
882 YSD to 919 YSD: Northmen and their strongholds prosper.New crafts appear.Music starts to play an increasing role in Northmen's way of life.Few skirmishes happen.
920 YSD: While searching for silver in mountain caves, explorers find lairs of Behemonths.The whole group is killed and eaten except few survivers.They escape and tell tales everywhere they can about dreaded beasts that are impossible to kill.Northmen, are more and more intriuged by these tales.More explorer groups are sent to see if those those tales are true.After several weeks, only few explorers return.They confirm the stories.Warned by survivers, that these beasts are the most powerful creatures that they ever met.Soon entire armies of tribesmen are sent to enslave these majestic beasts.Alas, the more armies Northmen send, the more are dead and only handful of warriors return.Understanding that sending more armies will only bring more deathes to their countrymen, chiefs pray to gods and asked them to help them.Only Freyr answers.He tells the chiefs that he will help them subdue the behemonts, if they promise to build him a new and magnificent temple.Chiefs agree.He then presents them with Horn of Winter.He tells them to blew the horn and that the Valkyries will appear.He tells chiefs to offer Valkyries an exchange.Chiefs will give them "Horn of Winter" and Valkyries would give them "Winterheart", a misterius artifact that will help humans in pesuading behemonths to join them.Chiefs follow his instructions and everything happens as he told it would.Then, finaly, Northmen succeeded in completing their ranks, by convincing Behemonths to join them.After the first Behemonth joined them, Northmen built a magnificent temple in centre of Danur, dedicated to Freyr.
921 YSD to 968 YSD: Craft, art, music and trade develops.Cities appear and grow.New longships are built, bigger and more deadly.There are increasing skirmishes beetween tribes.
969 YSD: Clans grow restless.They start to prepare for war.Seeing this, Frost Sages, proclaim all over the continent that the newly elected Artic Mage, Svelun, wants to adress the clans.Northmen gather in Danur.There are thousands of them.Finaly, the thousands of Northmen appear in large field in front of Danur's gates.There Artic Mage proclaims that the time for revenge has come.He tells them, that it is time to put aside their differences and unite.It is that Falcon and his descedents feel the fury of the Northmen.It is time to show them how much they were wrong to try to enslave the Northmen.After that speech, nothing was ceirtain except one thing:Northmen go to war!Several months passed.After few thougths the entire army of "North" including Behemonths, Valkyries and Artic Eagles join the Northmen.Now, the assembling of army of "North" is completed.Hearing this, Artic Mage sends short messages to all clans.The messages were:"The Army of North is ready.The longships are ready.Gods are with us.It is time for WAR!
-----------HISTORY STORIES-----------
-DEPARTURE,part one:Messanger's letter.-
It was year 3 YSD when it began.It was autumn,a beatuful one,with leaves still on trees and grain starting to be collected by peasents.Whole city was busy when messenger from south arrived.Phil,apprentice of leatherworker,listened as messenger,young and handsome noble demanded to see the duke."I bear message from Bryan Falcon,the King of all humans,and I demand to speak with his lordship Nostran".Guard captain,by name of Rotan,answered sternly,"I don't care from whom do you bear message.You won't be granted entrance as long as you are arrogant like this,boy!"Phil liked Rotan.He always helped him when he was in troubles.Messenger's face reddened and he started to growl from anger.Then messanger took his knife and tried to stabb Rotan.Rotan easily took and holded messanger's hand while he(Rotam) was taking his knife.After he took young nobleman's knife Rotan said two words:"Letter NOW".Phil sensed danger.Rotan speaked like that only when he was very angry.Nobleman, suddenly looked white as ghost.He appearently wasn't that stupid not to sense trouble."Here you go, brute"."Brute,ey,well this is what you'll get for that",and Rotan punched young nobleman in face.After that he scarred his horse.Horse,now wild from fear started to run towards the entrance and back from when messanger first came.Rotan,still keeping stern look on his face with an adittion in form of mean smile,spotted Phil."You!Go back to work before I told Master Koled,did you heard me"!?Phill now scared himself quickly said:"Yes,sir" and started to work.Phil knew that if he wants to remain unhurt he should listen to Rotan.He was in bad mood and it isn't smart to be the one who will anger even more Rotan.
*Fifteen minutes later in Grand Hall of castle*
"My lord,we have a problem"......
Here you go,the second part of history,enjoy.
-DEPARTURE-part two:Gathering.-
"What problem Rotan?",asked about 40 years old Duke."My
Lord, Falcon has succeeed to set himself as king-said Rotan, "He also proclaimed himself king of ALL humans"."That bastard,that...."Nostran's sentence was finished with a growl on which would even dire wolf be proud of."Wait nephew",said high figure as it entered hall,"wait, to tell you something.You must calm down and think about this with cool head.Anger will only make you mistake. "Golan,uncle of Nostran, was known as careful and somewhat cold person.Nothing could anger him or so was said. "Bryan Falcon couldn't proclaimed himself king if he didn't had enough support amongs other lords. "Nostran almost barked: "You mean unwilling suport,don't you uncle?" "Both willing and unwilling support Nostran" said Golan in normal voice.Then after several moments of silence said quickly: Nostran,you must send emmisaries to all lords for whom we now that are against Falcon or at least that they don't want to be ruled by anyone." "But uncle..." started to reply Nostran, "No buts, YOU must send them messangers, YOU must tell them that we have to gather somewhere".Nostran, now, noticingly calmed down only said: "Good,but the meeting must be held here".His uncle only nodded.Nostran,suddenly filled with energy, said:"Then so be it.Rotam, send one of your guards to Master horseman, and you go find marschal Wallace and tell him to prepare his best horse riders.They are to be ready in hour." Rotam hurriedly nodded and started to run.Nostran then sat down in chair and quietly asked his uncle: "So uncle, what plan have you thought up in your old cunning head?".....
-DEPARTURE-part three:Meeting.-
It was sunny day as leaders of various cities and lands.Every one of the leaders was different.But all of them had two same things.First, they were humans.And second they were those independent humans who didn't liked Falcon and promised that they will not allow to be ruled by him and his heirs as long as they lived.They were all sitting by very large dining table,But they were not eating.They came hear for things far more important than temporary hunger.They all kept silent for long time,listening to high figure that sat on head of the table.They listened as the high figure, Nostran, finished his explanation and thoughts about the situation."So, honorable lords, I suggest that we should unite and attack and defeat Falcon before he has the chance to grow more powerful".As he finished murmur began, but suddenly one leader, an old one, said:"You speak brave words Nostran but are you aware that that kind of war could make our wealth diminish and some of our peasents and warriors be killed?"."OF COURSE I AM AWARE YOU........... *coughs* forgive me dear allies and friends, it is just that I am very worried.Yes, Lord Gastronomes, I am aware that it could cost us much money and it is also possible that some of us will day and not only peasents.But I ask YOU isn't freedom worth it?Freedom to do as we want and not to be ordered like some pets of that arrogant bastard Falcon, I ask you isn't it worth it? "Murmur arised as they heard his words.Many of them were not ready to be ruled by someone but they ceirtanly didn't wanted to go to war because of that.And even more of them didn't like the option of killing themselves.And so the debate started.
Meanwhile.....
A invisible creature watched as some humans yelled, screamed from anger and even figthed with their fists.Petty humans, always squabbling.But he would end that.He needed them.And they were perfect chance to spoil his brother's plan to make them his worshipers.Since birth of humans, every dragon god knew that humans were his servants and worshipers to be.And indeed they maked good worshipers.But, his brother Elrath planned to change that.Elrath gave Bryan Falcon aid in form of his servants, the angels and archangels.But his word will be the last and not Elrath's.And he had a perfect plan.He made himself visible and came close to humans so that they can see him.When they did saw him, they immedietly stopped their foolish behavior and laid down on their knees."Well"-thought Sylath as he watched humans-"It is at least a start."
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Ways:There are three ways:Way of Honor, Way of Respect and the Way of Warrior.Way of Honor is a law of the Northmen.He shows rigth and wrong.If you disobey the way of Honor, you have to reeded yourself with your suffering or more frequently, by making a mence(redeption) in form of material and spiritual goods.But there are crimes that can be only atoned by death.Those are:killing a innocent child, raping, breaking a vow which was sweared, slaughtering armless people that don't pose a threat, and finaly, enslaving of Northman.There are more of the death debts but these are the most known.On the other hand, if you commit small thievery, you only need to repay your debt with small bonus in goods, or if you are poor, to promise your assistence to him in every you can.
Way of Respect is rather simple.If someone is older than you, you show him needed respect.If someone is wiser or better in something than you just show respect.But you show specific sign of respect for every dominion.If someone is wiser than you, you knuckle your forehead to him.If someone is better warrior than you, you offer your weapon to him.There are specific events when you offer your respect.There are many dominions in which you can offer your respect, but here are mentioned only needed several.
Way of Warrior is thison't kill unarmed man, woman or child.Don't rape woman.Don't harm children if it could be avoided.Don't enslave Northman.Follow the orders, disobey only if there is great importance of disobeying.Protect and aid your allies.Show your better the needed respect.
Honor code:See "Way of Honor".
Religion:Northmen worship powerful beigns which are strong as any Dragon God except Dragons of Order and Chaos.These beigns are:Wotan, god of magic, wisdom, wit and learning;Donnar, god of thunder and strength;Freyr, god of fertility and one of great wisdom, warrior skill and magic;Tyr, god of war and justice;Loki. god of fire and the tricster and Heimdall, the god guardian.All of these six gods have their temples in Danur.
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STRATEGY: Might of Northern armies is mostly in offence.Every creature of that army is relatively quick,that is, not one of their creature is slow(except behemonth) while some of it's creatures are one of the fastest in world(zephyrs,valkyries,centaurs).Northern armies are able sometimes to set up a good defencee but, for that to be done, you have to be a good tactician.Magic is very undeveloped since only a few of Barbarians along with some special beasts can cast spells and create magical runes.SotN(Stronghold of the North) has access to magic caster unit later in the game.It also has a lack of flying units in earlier stages of the game but, that is at least partially mended, because of swift centaurs and even swifter valkyries.SotN has lack of HP powerhouse early in town-development BUT: SAY HELLO TO BEHEMONTH!He will insure that none of your enemies is left when you have him in your armies!
STRATEGY GUIDE FOR STANDARD SOTN'S UNITS:
Tribal warrior-Warrior of the North:They are strtong level 1 unit.Their week growth is about averege.Their abilities, strength and number is apprecieted in early stages of the game, but, in later stages, you get large number of bersekers who will be then your "horde" unit.But, they can prove really dangerous in later stages if you have enough amounts of them.With great numbers and their special ability of added damage, they can take out most of powerful creatures, including level 7 units.But, all in all I would suggest to you to use them mostly as guards of Centaurs.
Rest of the unit's strategies... later.
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Blitzkrieg_Boy
Adventuring Hero
The Lone Keeper
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posted January 06, 2006 12:48 PM |
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Hmm... Here is one of the town I enjoy reading. A lot of work have been done and paid off. To be fair, some names such as Warrior of the North should be changed because they are far too long. a wise suggestion would be Frost Knight. To highlight the barbaric tone of your town, words such as Khan and Steppe should be used more regularly. Good work never the less.
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 06, 2006 01:58 PM |
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 06, 2006 02:26 PM |
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Oh and Blitz I will see if the change of name is needed as name "Warrior of North" on Russian has only two words:"Ratnik Severa" or something close to that.
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Blitzkrieg_Boy
Adventuring Hero
The Lone Keeper
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posted January 07, 2006 02:49 AM |
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Thats good! Anyway, the town have a lot of promise. It should be a crossbreed between Goldern Horde and Frost Sorcery. I am saying this because I feel you should have a centrally planned dwelling list.
Here is an example, you may feel free to adopt any creature Ideas you like:
Frost Warchief
Azrure Golem
Blizzard Sorcerer
White Raider
Snowfall Cavalary
Etc.
Also, your history (If there will be one) Must be one which will connect to all your creature dwellings. Have fun planning your town!
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 07, 2006 03:14 AM |
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Hm Blitzctieg if you haven't noticed it I have already created army list.Of course there could be some changes but it is pretty much it.It will of course have history which will also decribe how were some creatures recruited in the Army of North.For example,there will be described the taming of wolves and so on.About creatures you suggested I originally planned to create four optional creature dwellings in which you could train special allies.
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gwyndolium
Known Hero
Ancient citizen
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posted January 07, 2006 12:06 PM |
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Get's me into the atmosphere of the barbarians in the mountains in act 5 of Diablo II LOD.. Very nice indeed. Let them see barabarians can use magic 
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 07, 2006 12:15 PM |
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I glad that it feels that way.I wanted to create ambient of Northern Barbarians who can,well at least a little,use magic.
ONE QUESTION FOR ALL:WHAT DO YOU THINK WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE IT?AND WHAT DO YOU THINK OF GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF NORTHMEN?
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gwyndolium
Known Hero
Ancient citizen
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posted January 07, 2006 01:13 PM |
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I don't really like the beserker idea.. It always was no fun unit to play with.. Though the ideas after it are fine..
And I think you can better to the roc - thunder bird and if you choose the artic eagle, then make the upgrade sometime artic as well.. Blizzard eagle or something, artic to thunder aint logic.
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 07, 2006 02:00 PM |
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listen to this:berseker will stay.It just has to.But,instead of roc-thunderbird;it will be artic eagle-polar (giant) eagle.Also can you tell me what do you think of possible allies(read the end of the first post)
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Cheshire_Cat
Tavern Dweller
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posted January 08, 2006 12:19 AM |
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Strong town idea, looks thought out so far. Units seem nicely created, and I am eager to see how the balance works once the highest tier units are explained.
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 08, 2006 12:33 AM |
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Thanks and do you have some suggestions?
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 08, 2006 02:57 AM |
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I ask one favor drom the mods.Can you rename my topic's name so it can be:Stronghold of the North and NOT Strong of the North.
Please do so,it is important to me.
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Valeriy
Mage of the Land
Naughty, Naughty Valeriy
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posted January 08, 2006 03:40 AM |
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Thread renamed as requested 
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You can wait for others to do it, but if they don't know how, you'll wait forever.
Be an example of what you want to see on HC and in the world.
http://www.heroesofmightandmagic.com
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orbvius
Adventuring Hero
Oblivious
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posted January 08, 2006 12:06 PM |
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I love this town. Icy chilling and yet reminds me of the old stronghold town from heroes 3.
Here are some of my opinions:
Maybe you can consider upgrading your valkyrie to a lvl 6 creature (ability to summon -4-Berseker;upgrade-Warchief OR War Leader), which makes it similar to the mythology.
I dont really like the idea of centuar, prefer to go with dwarves.
Ice wolf do not sound very appealing to me, maybe artic wolf or snow wolf sounds better imo.
Hope to see your entry in the 9 selected ones.
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gwyndolium
Known Hero
Ancient citizen
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posted January 08, 2006 12:26 PM |
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Quote:
I love this town. Icy chilling and yet reminds me of the old stronghold town from heroes 3.
Here are some of my opinions:
Maybe you can consider upgrading your valkyrie to a lvl 6 creature (ability to summon -4-Berseker;upgrade-Warchief OR War Leader), which makes it similar to the mythology.
I dont really like the idea of centuar, prefer to go with dwarves.
Ice wolf do not sound very appealing to me, maybe artic wolf or snow wolf sounds better imo.
Hope to see your entry in the 9 selected ones.
What about a polar dog (husky) that chances into an artic/ice wolf? ;p
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orbvius
Adventuring Hero
Oblivious
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posted January 08, 2006 01:07 PM |
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Quote:
Quote:
I love this town. Icy chilling and yet reminds me of the old stronghold town from heroes 3.
Here are some of my opinions:
Maybe you can consider upgrading your valkyrie to a lvl 6 creature (ability to summon -4-Berseker;upgrade-Warchief OR War Leader), which makes it similar to the mythology.
I dont really like the idea of centuar, prefer to go with dwarves.
Ice wolf do not sound very appealing to me, maybe artic wolf or snow wolf sounds better imo.
Hope to see your entry in the 9 selected ones.
What about a polar dog (husky) that chances into an artic/ice wolf? ;p
Sounds good. Lets wait for threadstarter's comment.
It seems harder to think of what evolves to what somehow (or is it just me).
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 08, 2006 04:30 PM |
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Thanks for suggestion.Oh and orbvius,what 9 selected ones?I am not sure about what niner are you talking.Oh and I will switch the psoitions of Valkyrie and Artic Eagle.Bout changing the name of wolf I am not sure about that.It won't be dog or husky iw will remain wolf.About renaming ice wolf with snow wolf I will think about it.Artic wolf can't be as I already have artic(!!!) eagle.
And orbvius,centaur stays
-Edit:I've just realized that I can't switch valkyrie and artic eagle as artic eagle is way more powerful.Read descriptions.Orbvius,if you wonder why I haven't made more powerful Valkyrie I will tell you that I made Valkyries according(more or less) to mythology.
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gwyndolium
Known Hero
Ancient citizen
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posted January 08, 2006 04:56 PM |
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Centaur is ok.. But the upgrade name isn't that nice. Long and kinda, normal.
What about.. Centaur defender/ centaur marschal (or how to write it anyway)/ centaur captain.. Damn less to think of.
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~I came down from heavens, to bestow the people under me, with hope and knowledge~
-The angel of judgement, Gwyndolium.
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rldragon
Known Hero
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posted January 08, 2006 04:58 PM |
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What about frost captain instead of frost archer?
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