STILL EDITING!!!!!!
The Story of...
Knight ...
Empire...
and the
Betrayal....
Version 2.0
The Continent of Este was divided into many nation and fought many years for the supremacy over the land. But there was a king who united all nation into One Empire, under his flag. The Aaron de Lancaster the 8th king of Lancaster Kingdom, after the unification war, He renamed his Kingdom to Empire, The Empire of Lancaster.
Imperial Calender -year 597
13th Emperor, William the Gentle (William de Lancaster) has suddenly passed away. Whole nation mourn the death of the Great Emperor, and same time wonder: āBut how?ā But for all those who try to investigate his death was Assassinated or disappeared.....No one got even close to the truth, and they all accompanied their beloved Emperor
William the Gentle has only one prince, who was age of 14, too young to rule the Empire yet. Thus his stepmother, Sylvia de Lancaster has claimed the throne as Empress Regent. No people of Empire liked her. She never cared about people nor the Empire. She care only for the Extravagant Party and her luxurious life. The Dark age of Empire hath come with the reign of Seres the Tyrant
3 years later, 17 years old prince has discovered awful truth. The Truth of his Father's death....
It was HER! Seres de Lancaster, Empress herself murdered her husband and claim that blood-wet throne!
Young Prince has finally seeing the truth, the Throne is rightfully his. Empress must be overthrown for the name and honor of the Empire, and for the greater good of the people. Prince start to gather the most trusted and influential men all over the Empire, secretly, and quietly as he can. They call themselves the Redeemers. They've gathered to restore the throne to the rightful heir and redeem the Empire. The Revolution!
Meanwhile...Empress felt something was going on behind the scene. She ordered her Royal Guard , the 'Order of the Lancaster Monarch' to find out the traitor and eradicate them completely.... However...The traitors were too within even to the her most trusted bodyguards...
So...Ladies and Gentlemen of fellow Order?
Here is your choice to make:
Find out the traitor and bring peace to the Empire....
Leave the Empire the way it is now....
Or join the prince and restore his rightful throne....
how ever....if you get discovered. you will not escape the grip of the death
But most of all...
Do not trust anyone
It is a one big Masquerade of Empire
Masquerade of Empress
Masquerade of Knights and Betrayer
Masquerade of Sword and Betrayal
Wear your masks and never let it go
Let your mask down....
The party ends
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The Masquerade:
Sword and Betrayal.
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Before we Start: Cheers to these historic figures and event that inspired me
Marie-Antoinette
Ivan the Terrible and his Oprichniks
Empress Wu Ze Tian of China
Oliver Cromwell and his Ironsides
Cesare Borgia
French Revolutions
English Civil War
About the Empire of Lancaster
The Empire of Lancaster is an Empire established 600years ago, and named after the first king Lancaster the First. (Henry de Lancaster) The precursor of the 8th king and the First Emperor, the Aaron de Lancaster, who unified the entire continent of Este. Before they were unified, there was many ethnic groups existed in this continent, however, they are now all live as the Lancasterians and their loyal peoples of Emperor. Empire left the former kingdoms' Capital cities standing, in order to maintain the public order.
Notable NPCs
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Seres de Lancaster:
Age: 36
height: 167cm
14th Empress of the Empire of Lancaster. Concubine of the 13th Emperor: William de Lancaster.
Because Prince was too young, she has claimed the throne as Empress Regent, but now, she is the Empress. She is very beautiful despite her age, but she is cruel, and extravagant. (Think of Marie-Antoinette of France). Because Prince Edward is not her son, she loathes him to the core.
She is paranoid of possible rebellions and thus has used forced to keep the population of the Empire in order, resulting with the āreplacementā of several lords that were highly respected by the people. She also fears that the loyalty of the ordinary army itself would change and fired several high ranked generals, leaving several regiments to be leaderless and slowly scatters with time (some going home, others forming new āIrregularā regiments).
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Edward de Lancaster
Age: 20
height: 165cm
Prince and true heir of the William de Lancaster. Son of Charlotte de Lancaster the Wife of William.
He leads his secret organization call Redeemer in order to reclaim his rightful throne.
Young of age, he is highly intelligent, due to the large resources he can use. He has the loyalty of the general āminorā nobles and āIrregularā regiments.
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Isaac de Campbell (Ludwig Schwarzhelm?)
Age: 32 (Iāll suppose he is really experienced then)
height: 183cm
Marquis of Estevan, The most trusted man of Edward de Lancaster. Marquis of Capital city and has his estate somewhere near the Cordelia. He is Edward's advisor and personal bodyguard. He is brilliant sharpshooter, and capable swordsman
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Cesare Valentino von Orpenbach
Age: 30
height: 190cm
Duke of Estevan, Grandmaster of the 'Order of the Lancaster Monarch' aka Royal Knights of Lancaster, and Former Seneschal of the Knights of Retribution. He is Charismatics Leader with Great Ambition. (Just like Cesare Borgia). However he is not satisfied with the Empress reign, but for his own safety and power, he obeys the Empress without a question. So he is seemingly loyal, but no one knows what he is really thinking. He is very experienced fighter, and winner of last Imperial fencing classics too. He and Gabriel have known each other since they were boy, so does the Rachel. He met Oscar when he entered the Order, and they competed for the seat of Grandmaster, and he won.
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Gabriel von Rosencroitz
Age: 28
height: 180cm
Marquis of Cordelia, Seneschals, the Knights of Retribution's sector-chief. Prideful, but slightly simple-headed in some aspect. He is bit impulsive compare to other Seneschals, but as a sector-chief, he is capable of controlling his own emotion, and think logically. But when somebody picks on his bone, he will start punching and kicking. Well it is true that he acts somewhat immature compare to his age, and especially when he is in front of Cesare, he acts like 10years old kid. Acting like as if he is Cesare's younger brother. He often laugh at set pranks time to time, but at the public he is very ridged....well at least he tries to. He think he is taking care of Rachel, cuz he is the older brother of Rachal, but It is the Rachel who takes care of him....sadly.
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Rachel Quarter Everhart
Age: 25
height: 168cm
Marquis of Ecclesia, Seneschals, the Knights of Salvation's sector-chief. Only female among the Master-Rank. She is younger than Gabriel, but more matured mentally. At least she behaves like a proper lady....She is the one who takes care of Gabriel. She is gentle and well mannered, but she is bit sarcastic and turn cold shoulders to people times to time. Really hard to be friendly but when you get to know her better she will be quite personal.
Oh by the way she was married. but her husband died during the war with other nation.
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Oscar van Kessel
Age: 30
height: 185cm
Marquis of Pyrence, Seneschals, the Knights of Purification's sector-chief. among the order, he is the most cunning and cruel bastard of all. He is in bad relationship with....pretty much everyone....Even with the Grandmaster, because he wanted the seat of Grandmaster....and he especially hates Gabriel who constantly sets up prank on with which always fails.
āOh Grandmaster? Why the hell did you promoted that buffoon(Gabriel) as a Seneschals?ā
That is what he always complain. His fencing skill is almost compare to the Grandmaster Cesare.
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Cassio Rhiadne
age: 27
Height: 192cm
Redeemer and the Knight of Retribution. the first Variangian Knight in Royal Knight of Lancaster. Right-hand-man of Gabriel, and in fact, he is pretty well trusted among the Order. He is very broad and thick, however, he is one of most agile fighter among the order.
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Rhinhard Apellazze
age: 24
Height: 178cm
Redeemer and the Knight of Purification. Son of Renown Baron Family of Estevan and Entire family is the member of Redeemer. Oscar do feel suspicious about him, so he sent him away to Curiel.
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Estelle Billette Everhart
age: 22
Height: 165cm
Knight of Salvation. Right-hand-man of Rachael. She was peasant born, but she earned the name of Everhart after she got chosen as the Rachaels bodyguard She always sticks to Rachael Close by. He is member of redeemer but she told nothing about it to her master Rachael. Since she is peasant born, most of mean members of order treats her like a...peasant.
AB
Anderson della Telcorm
Age:38
Height: 178cm
Count of Sienna, former knight of Sagely Order of Lord Sienna's Sword Brethrens. Now the Knight of Salvation. The Eldest member in Knights of Salvation. Very experienced in both Combat and tactics. He is now the advisor of Grandmaster Cesare
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Gawain de Edelberts
age: 36
Height: 180cm
Knights of Retribution. Former Knights of Order of Bronze Spur, and Infantry Commander of the Empire. Now the Eldest member in Knights of Retribution. He is not a Redeemer, but he is very unpleasant of queens reign. He is quartermaster, whose in charge of arments, food and drink supplies of order. Also he is capable commander to.
Important Physical Landscape
of Este
Mt. Spearheads: The Largest Mountain range in the most northern legion
Desert of Ash: The Desert that isolates the Variangians with other parts of the continent. there is lot's of volcanoes, thus the desert is actually plentyful of Ashes
Mt. Vulcan: Mountain in Northern East. Active with Volcanoes
Island Mortis: Island of Dead in North east. This is where Infamous Criminal get locked up for rest of their lives. Escape, thus far, have always proven a failure and the fools that have tried have always been killed.
It is said that the infamous leader of the Black and White Gang managed, as the only one, to break out of this fortress; but none knows for sure.
Lake of Cordelia: Largest lake in the continent
Mt. Iris: Mountain Range starts from Lake of Cordelia and stretched down to south
Red-Branch Forest: Forest of the red-branched woods.
Jamie Island: Located in South east. Well known Vacation place too.
List of Important Cities
Variangia: Where the Variangians lives. Variangians are tall and sturdy people with brown skin and fiery red eyes who are brave and fierce fighter. But they are very hostile toward the Empire of Lancaster, thus the Empress has ordered the building of a fort in order to keep the Variangians in check.
Ecclesia: Center of Faith and religion. This is Holy City where it has a grand cathedral of the One God. Due to lot's of priest, this city is well-known for herbology, having the best medical attention, the most zealous people, and around the city there are harmless flagellants that row the land, trying to spread the faith of god.
Turmania: Largest Desert city, and known for having the largest variety of mercenaries
Cordelia: City right next Lake of Cordelia....obviously. It's beautiful and quiet city. Plus, it is very famous vacation spot for the nobles, and artists for inspiration.
Estevan: The victorious Crown: The Capital City of the Empire. In the Center there is a Cyrielle Palace. There are many dukedom nearby.
Pyrence: City located east of Estevan. City of Art and Music, and very famous for it's parade and Orchestras, and many other Art-related festivals
Sienna: Located in West. City of Literature, and Education. Sienna has the 'Academy of Leia' which is the best education facility in the Este.
Vandorhal: Mining City beneath the Mt. Iris. There is lot's of mines and lot's of Gems and valuable metals are being mined here, people there are most often hit by Gold Fever every second year, resulting in a massive expansion in the mines (though they arenāt always safe)
Copen: The city at the center of wide field. City of Agriculture. Famous for good wheat and diary products.
Naviel: The Largest Port City. ship-building is its specialty
Curiel: Port city and Fishing is its specialty
What's Outside the Continent?
The Orleans Kingdom (France)
Right across the southern ocean, there is another continent known as Terra-Grande. The Orleans Kingdom is only known Kingdom to people of Este. Major ethnic groups are people known as the Merovingian. This is their Kingdom, so far known to be the strongest in the Terra-Grande. Lancaster and Orleans were at war during the last century, and now it is settled as draw. Since then, Orleans didn't attacked Lancaster, not because they are forgiver, but because they are in war with another kingdom they are bordered to. Which mean, Lancaster doesn't really~ have to worry about the enemy.
The Variangia Magna (Scandinavia)
The Greater Continent where people believe the Variangian came from. It is really far from Este, (Estimated 800km away from Este). This land is dead frozen. Summer's short, Winter's long. Blizzard is horribly strong and often. Probably only Variangians are capable of living in this dreaded land.
About the
Social Hierarchy
Royal Family
Direct, Collateral Line, or Relatives of Emperor who reaches to Second Cousins. Not everyone is in power, but they are respected.
Nobles
The one in the Power and they are like 1-2% of the populations
Duke and Marquis receive their title only by the Emperor.
Rest of them can be earned by the Dukes and Marquis or Sometimes Count
Duke: Highest and the Rarest of all noble. They are power next to the Emperor. They all have their dukedom/estate, mostly near the Estevan. and they always participates and lead the Noble Council
Marquis: Second in command they are the one who does the Dukes job.
Count: Third in command and bit common
Viscount: forth in command.
Baron: The most common and the lowest in the noble. Some of them are not even a real noble-born, because the Middle-Class can buy the Title by money. Sons of Average Noble, or Talented Knight can earn their title of Baron easily too.
They all wants to have higher power. by becoming a viscount or count
Knight: Not noble......Well maybe sort of, but they don't known any land, but belongs to the service of the higher nobles. Those who are in service of Monarch are the Royal Knights of the Empire. They seeks to advance to higher hierachy
Middle-Class
20% of populations are Middle Class and they are Merchants, Lower Government Officials or Educated people. slightly above the Commoners but there is nothing special privilege. However they have higher chance becoming a noble.
Commoner
Like 78% of the Population. Rarely they became a Knight or Middle Class and then become a Noble. They make up the majority of the working space, and the military.
Slave
They don't count as citizens. Usually they are criminals. They are responsible for doing dirty jobs, that Commoner avoids. They are even Below the Servants and Maids of the noble. And rarely Scene to the people for they are not allow to leave their working place. Mostly they are treated as if they are animal.
About the
The Order of Lancaster Monarch
aka
The Royal Knights of the Lancaster
Royal Knights of the Empire was first founded by the order of the 6th Emperor; Vincent de Lancaster, who wishes to have his own royal guardian of Knights. And Currently lead by the 8th Grandmaster Cesare Valentino von Orpenbach, who were elected by the 13th emperor William de Britannia.
However, during the 14th and current Empress Seres de Lancaster the Tyrant, their dignity has distorted as an the Queens playthings, or Queens war-hounds. Still, the Royal Knights is very historically storied. And an Idol and Envy of all Knights in the Empire.
They are divided into three minor sector. Knights of Retribution consists of the Fighters, Knights of Salvation consists of the Support and medic units, Knights of Purification consists of the Secret Police. Three Seneschal, the Sector-chief lead their assigned sector under the command of their Grandmaster.
Under the Duke Cesare von Orpenbach, Marquis Gabriel von Rosenrowitz lead the Knights of the Retribution. Marquises Rachel le Everhart leads the Knights of Salvation, and Oscar von Kessel leads the Knights of Purification.
Order Hierarchy
Grandmaster: The Head = Da big boss
Seneschals: Captains = The Sector chiefs
Elder Knight: Advisor/Veterans= Knights of age 30 or above
Exalted Knights: Veterans = Knight at the age 25 or above
Brother Knight: Green = Knight at the age of 18 or above
Esquire: Trainee - Knight at the Age of 18 or bellow
The Sectors of the Order
The Order (Knights) of Retribution
āWe demand Retributionā
Seneschal: Gabriel Von Rosencrowitz
Uniform Code: Red and Black Gold trim
Symbol: Two Sword and the Lightning
They are the Swords and Shield of The Empire.
Your task is to fight and kill the enemies of Empire in the name of Queen.
Usually you will be responsible of guarding the palace, vanquishing the rebel.
You will be the most active among the Order, and probably toughest fighter and most skilled Swordsmen in the order. You will have variety of choice in weapons too. You probably should be courageous, honorable, and Chivalric. But it's a suggestion, this is masquerade, and more cunning you are, the better it is.
The Order (Knights) of Salvation
āGive life, and receive life.ā (just so it sound more like ākarmaā)
Seneschal: Rachel Everhart (the āvonā thing is nice, but donāt make too much of a deal of it.)
Uniform Code: White and Gold with black trim (Is āBlackā the national color since you use it so much?)
Symbol: A golden grail with wings
They are the Healers, Support units of the Order
Your task is to....taking care of your fellow knights, and give a support.
You will probably feel boring doing this jobs, but hey, you can be active as well. You don't have to stay back and play with your palm-palm. I suggest you to take range weapons (Musket is a good choice) or some specialize weapons that will probably coming handy in certain situation, using your imagination will really help. and Secondly, you probably should be Gentle, Caring, and Warm-hearted. But it's a suggestion, this is masquerade, and more cunning you are, the better it is.
Order (Knights) of Purification
āTo enforce and enslaveā
Seneschal: Oscar van Kessel (Cāmon!)
Uniform Code: Blue and Black Gold trime
Symbol: An eye and two rapiers crossing below the eye
They are the Eyes and Night-watch of the Empire
Your task is basically a Secret Police and Inquisitor of the Empire, finding out the traitors with in the Empire and eliminating them. You can only wield light weapons, and no Armor of any sort. But you will not fight in the front line, instead your job involves ambush, chase, and assassination. You will be really active in the shadow of the Operation. I suggest you to be cunning, cruel as possible and having fun killing!
Order Facilities
- Headquarter: Consists of Hospital, Cafeteria, Office of the Master and Seneschals, Archives(Require Master 'and' one Seneschal's approval to enter) , Library 9am-6pm
Dormitory: Bathroom. Storeroom, Bedrooms, Study, Cafe.
Training Ground:
Stable: Under responsibility of Knights of Retribution, but require Masters or Seneschal's approval to ride the horse
Greenhouse: Under responsibility of Knights of Salvation. Herbs are grown here, some female knights visits here to grow their plants
About the Redeemers
After the mysterious death of 13th emperor the William de Lancaster, The Empire has fallen into the Age of Darkness due to the tyrannic reign of 14th Empress, Seres de Lancaster. The Empire is grew weaker, and weaker, and life of the people has been fallen in to ruins. And the Prince Edward de Lancaster, with help of his most trusted man: Isaac de Campbell, created the Redeemer.
Redeemers, They are the secret society among the nobles and Knights in the Empire who opposes the tyrant Empress, Seres de Lancaster. They believe her reign must be put on the end, and erect the Prince Edward as New Emperor. This is act of treason, thus they choose their member with great caution. If they get caught, they will meet the peril. Some of very influential nobles and men has joined in this secret organization, and Some of the Royal Knights is the member too.
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Some Background Info about Este:
Education: Education is bit open compare to the Middle age, but it is still limited to some
Commoners.
Transport: Horse and Chariots for noble and there is lots of paved road, and some highways are built near the Capitals. Massive Carrage are used as public transport, and commoner pays it to the local lords.
Time line: Between the Late Middle age and Industrial revolutions. and clothing styles are bit mixed with our current time. such as Mini skirts are available.
Faith: It is pretty much united into Ecclesia's faith the Mighty god of Heaven: The One
Some minor faiths are allowed and still worshiped, but most of them are banned and by worshiping it, you will be burned at the stake.
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Other Order within the Empire
These are notable Chivalric Order within the Empire. However, you will not going to play as them, but you can refer them in the story, or perhaps they might show up as the story goes on. Some might help you, or some might not.
Exemplary order of Paragon Knights of Ecclesia
Symbol: Wing and the elaborated cross Iron Cross
Templar order of Ecclesia. Military order that is comparably strong as the Royal Knights of the Lancaster. They are well organized and they are in charge of defending the City and sometime they spread out across the Empire and burns heretics Consists of 500knights and 2000 Order soldiers
Templar Order of Saint Agnes
Symbol:
Templar order of Ecclesia. They are medics who wanders around the Empire and give medical care. Curing the disease spreaded by the heretics. especially by the cult of The Crow Consists of 50knights and 100 order soldiers
Sagely Order of Lord Sienna's Sword Brethrens
Symbol: Book and the Sword
Knightly order of Duke of Sienna. Consists of 300knights and 700 order soldiers
Imperial Order of Bronze Spur
Symbol: Bronze Spur with a combat boots
Knightly order who is in charge of defending the Estevan's outer wall. Infamous for their brutality, and in rivalry with the Order of Lancaster Monarch. consists of 500knights and 3000 order soldiers
Company of Black swan
Symbol: Black Swan...obviously.
Fraternity Order among the young nobles. In battle, they are useless as garbage, they just gather around and share their influence when they need to promote to upper society. numbers are unknown.
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The Honor Code of the Order
Code 1: Royal Knight Exists for the Security of the Empire. Thus, this shall be our primary concern above all. For those who harms and disgrace the Empire, Monarchy, or the Order shall be punished severely. Unless Good reason is presented.
Code 2: Followed by the Code 1, The Order must be forever loyal to the Empire, and Monarchy. Anyone who dare try to overthrow, or rebel against the Monarchy, or commits any sort of treason, will be punished by Death. For does who joined the attempt or who willingly ignore and didn't report the attempt will be considered as treason, will be punished by Death as well.
Code 3: All the authority of Order is in the Emperor, the Imperial Majesty, and Grandmaster is given the same authority of the Emperor himself. Thus the Order of the Grandmaster is absolute, and no one shall disobey his order. Maximum punishment for Disobedience is an Exile.
Code 4: Unnecessary Murder or Violence is banned, unless it is for the safety of Empire, Monarchy, and the honor of Order and yours.
Code 5: You must follow the Chivalry. Remember that all your words and behaviors are related directly to the honor of the Empire, Monarchy and the Order. If you failed to follow it, you will be exiled by authority of the Grandmaster or the Seneschal
Code 6: And all those who breaks these codes, will be punished accordingly.
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About Death:
Well, If you die as the stoy goes on by battle, lost the duel, or executed by Empress or Grandmaster,
Then you will have to wait until the Chapter is over, then we will collect new members and you will be the first in the line. Or, you can create your Esquire, and your original character dies, your esquire will replace him/her
