Difference between revisions of "Highfall"
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The Alfar Empire encountered many variations of what they term "Beastfolk" during its reign. Many theories have been put out to explain the origin of these strange hybrids. Some say that they are obsolete building blocks in some grand process, and others that they were the result of long-forgotten magic. When the Thule expeditionary force first encountered the Netherborne, they were taken aback by what they saw. These savages defied the Beastfolk classification. They were unlike anything that Alfar forces had encountered before. | The Alfar Empire encountered many variations of what they term "Beastfolk" during its reign. Many theories have been put out to explain the origin of these strange hybrids. Some say that they are obsolete building blocks in some grand process, and others that they were the result of long-forgotten magic. When the Thule expeditionary force first encountered the Netherborne, they were taken aback by what they saw. These savages defied the Beastfolk classification. They were unlike anything that Alfar forces had encountered before. | ||
| − | Their | + | Like the bulk of Beastfolk the Netherborne have humanoid, bipedal forms. They can range from porcelain to ebony in tone but their wide-set, beady eyes are always red and bloodshot in color. Their skulls are sharply elongated to accommodate a gaping maul bristling with stiletto-like teeth; a sight made all the worse by their habit of grinning in anticipation of even the most meager of rewards. There are no real features to their smooth heads other than the teeth and eyes so its not uncommon for Netherborne to practice self-mutiliation in order to make themselves stand out. They exhibit a slight hump on their backs due to their large heads. |
| + | |||
| + | Their bodies are remarkably similar to the Alfar's own. They are long-limbed and tall, but where as the Alfar are typically compact, the Netherborne typically pack on muscle. Beyond this they have no hair on their bodies which gives their skin a smooth, sleek texture. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Surprisingly the Netherborne can subsist entirely on mana due to their etheric metabolism. The expedition members who originally encountered the Netherborne refused to accept this as fact. They had seen Netherborne soldiers devouring the wounded of both sides. A popular theory is that the Netherborne simply like the taste of meat. The truth though is that they believe that by consuming their wounded fellows, they allow those who cannot fight anymore to continue onward. Eating the enemy wounded, however, is just considered a tasty treat for those fortunate Netherborne who manage to disarm their foes. | ||
It is not uncommon for Beastfolk to use beast calvary. The Netherborne are no different in this regard. What set seems them apart, however, is that the Netherborne clearly share blood with their mounts. They regard them as brothers and sisters as opposed to simple servants. They even go so far as to worship the larger, intelligent beasts as gods. The blasphemy inherent in this repulsed the leaders of the Alfar's expedition but it made sick sense on the battlefield. Arguments on divinity are a moot point when one side has the power to make meteors rain down from the sky and extinguish the very breath from a man's body with a look. | It is not uncommon for Beastfolk to use beast calvary. The Netherborne are no different in this regard. What set seems them apart, however, is that the Netherborne clearly share blood with their mounts. They regard them as brothers and sisters as opposed to simple servants. They even go so far as to worship the larger, intelligent beasts as gods. The blasphemy inherent in this repulsed the leaders of the Alfar's expedition but it made sick sense on the battlefield. Arguments on divinity are a moot point when one side has the power to make meteors rain down from the sky and extinguish the very breath from a man's body with a look. | ||
| − | Initial skirmishes between the Alfar and the Netherborne were inconclusive, blood affairs but the two sides learned valuable lessons about one another. The Alfar learned that their expansion into Thule was not as easy as they would have initially hoped, and as a result, sent out orders to bring in better prepared men that undoubtedly would have crushed the Netherborne. The timing was unfortunate, however, as when the call finally was able to gain some momentum and support, the Emperor was killed and the empire was plunged headfirst into chaos. For the Netherborne it was a chance for them to look beyond their meager territories for the first time and beginning of thoughts of expansion. | + | Initial skirmishes between the Alfar and the Netherborne were inconclusive, blood affairs but the two sides learned valuable lessons about one another. The Alfar learned that their expansion into Thule was not as easy as they would have initially hoped, and as a result, sent out orders to bring in better prepared men that undoubtedly would have crushed the Netherborne. The timing was unfortunate, however, as when the call finally was able to gain some momentum and support, the Emperor was killed and the empire was plunged headfirst into chaos. For the Netherborne it was a chance for them to look beyond their meager territories for the first time and the beginning of thoughts of expansion. |
The unseen repercussions of this would change the Netherborne forever... | The unseen repercussions of this would change the Netherborne forever... | ||
Revision as of 12:25, 4 October 2009
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The Netherborne
- Netherborne - 20 Points
- Nightmare Fuel
- Etheric Metabolism
- Resistance
The Alfar Empire encountered many variations of what they term "Beastfolk" during its reign. Many theories have been put out to explain the origin of these strange hybrids. Some say that they are obsolete building blocks in some grand process, and others that they were the result of long-forgotten magic. When the Thule expeditionary force first encountered the Netherborne, they were taken aback by what they saw. These savages defied the Beastfolk classification. They were unlike anything that Alfar forces had encountered before.
Like the bulk of Beastfolk the Netherborne have humanoid, bipedal forms. They can range from porcelain to ebony in tone but their wide-set, beady eyes are always red and bloodshot in color. Their skulls are sharply elongated to accommodate a gaping maul bristling with stiletto-like teeth; a sight made all the worse by their habit of grinning in anticipation of even the most meager of rewards. There are no real features to their smooth heads other than the teeth and eyes so its not uncommon for Netherborne to practice self-mutiliation in order to make themselves stand out. They exhibit a slight hump on their backs due to their large heads.
Their bodies are remarkably similar to the Alfar's own. They are long-limbed and tall, but where as the Alfar are typically compact, the Netherborne typically pack on muscle. Beyond this they have no hair on their bodies which gives their skin a smooth, sleek texture.
Surprisingly the Netherborne can subsist entirely on mana due to their etheric metabolism. The expedition members who originally encountered the Netherborne refused to accept this as fact. They had seen Netherborne soldiers devouring the wounded of both sides. A popular theory is that the Netherborne simply like the taste of meat. The truth though is that they believe that by consuming their wounded fellows, they allow those who cannot fight anymore to continue onward. Eating the enemy wounded, however, is just considered a tasty treat for those fortunate Netherborne who manage to disarm their foes.
It is not uncommon for Beastfolk to use beast calvary. The Netherborne are no different in this regard. What set seems them apart, however, is that the Netherborne clearly share blood with their mounts. They regard them as brothers and sisters as opposed to simple servants. They even go so far as to worship the larger, intelligent beasts as gods. The blasphemy inherent in this repulsed the leaders of the Alfar's expedition but it made sick sense on the battlefield. Arguments on divinity are a moot point when one side has the power to make meteors rain down from the sky and extinguish the very breath from a man's body with a look.
Initial skirmishes between the Alfar and the Netherborne were inconclusive, blood affairs but the two sides learned valuable lessons about one another. The Alfar learned that their expansion into Thule was not as easy as they would have initially hoped, and as a result, sent out orders to bring in better prepared men that undoubtedly would have crushed the Netherborne. The timing was unfortunate, however, as when the call finally was able to gain some momentum and support, the Emperor was killed and the empire was plunged headfirst into chaos. For the Netherborne it was a chance for them to look beyond their meager territories for the first time and the beginning of thoughts of expansion.
The unseen repercussions of this would change the Netherborne forever...
Government
Highfall is a theocratic nation that places all power in the hands of the large, intelligent beasts which they worship. In the past there were a wide number of these god-beasts. They divided up Highfall and its people as they saw fit. They only really came together when there was an outside threat otherwise they were constantly locked in competition with one another. Now though Tyrant-Brother Settesea maintains absolute control thanks to his brutal devouring of his fellows. The Netherborne hang onto his every word and do their best to fulfill his every whim with utmost dedication. Because he can't be everywhere at once, however, the various settlements and domains have begun to rapidly take on more and more characteristics of a federation rather than a solid whole. If they were to ever lose Settasea, and the current trends continue, no one doubts that Highfall would splinter into a number of independent territories within a generation or two.
Geography
- Underhaven (Highfall) connected to Wilds (1)
- Underdark Lightfield (1) connected to Wilds (2)
- Underdark Lightfield (2) connected to Wilds (3)
- Terraced Hills (1)
- Terraced Hills (2)
- Terraced Hills (3)
The domains of Highfall occupy the south-west corner of Thule. They predominantly lie between the jagged coastline and snow-capped mountains like the bulk of the "civilized" territories in Thule due to the bounty that the wild forests and fertile hills routinely provide.
Military
- Tyrant-Brother Settasea (Legendary Giant Archmage Creature)
- Settesea's Choir x 3 (30 Rare Giant Creatures)
- Settesea's Disciples w/ Underswarm Mounts x 7 (700 Mage Nights w/ Rare Calvary Mounts)
- Underswarm Arrowborne x 8 (800 Archers)
- Underswarm Spearborne x 5 (500 Spearmen)
- Underswarm Axeborne x 5 (500 Axemen)
- Upkeep: 1151/1095 Mana
Highfall has used a swarm principle for countless generations in battle; when the home is threatened, everyone and everything goes out to combat the threat. They travel in mobs centered around the larger beasts, and when the enemy is sighted, attack until their numbers are exhausted or their foes are exterminated. Tyrant-Brother Settasea has tried to introduce innovation but the military is large stuck in its old ways and a stubborn reliance on obsolete messengers isn't helping things.