Pherae
Jun 12, 2017 2:04:39 GMT -6
Post by Nayru Al-Saiduq on Jun 12, 2017 2:04:39 GMT -6
Overview
Ostia's one time closest ally and now a power without a purpose. Previously closely allied with Ostia and well known for their elite paladins and snipers in particular, Pherae was a strong contender for second place in Lycia's power structure and their relationship with Ostia made them arguably the ONLY true contender for second place. However, the attacks from Bern and the loss of Ostia struck hard - the marquess went into mourning and the power structure fragmented to a degree as different factions of the court strove to gain power.
The court is currently split into several main groups: isolationists argue that Pherae doesn't need to deal with Lycia's crap, that it's a strong enough economy and military on its own that they don't need to play those silly games. Secessionists take it one step further, arguing that Pherae would be better off seceding entirely and perhaps cultivating an alliance with the rejuvenated and more peaceful Bern in order to avoid future tragedies. The war hawks argue that Pherae's legendary military and secondary leadership role in Lycia make them best qualified as the new leaders of the free world, and push for interventions in Caelin in particular or an attempt to rally Lycia against Etruria. The ongoing cultural battle between Laus and Santaruz also has the court divided, and the marquess has proven ineffectual at quelling the debate as the leaders of each party grew in power during his failure to lead.
Economically Pherae is quite strong, having recovered well from the Bern war and having massive farmlands and their one port city does good trade. Overall it is simply one of the more stable and peaceful territories in Lycia, relatively safe from many of the major issues striking other marches.
Military
Pheraen military doctrines have always emphasized devastating and independent action in small battlegroups rather than full on armies, often as support for Ostian formations; they are nigh legendary for their paladins and snipers in particular. They're the army that has most of the aces, but relatively little of the rank and file, both a strength and a weakness.
The steadfast dedication of Rayl has been a stabilizing force that helped keep Pherae from going too soft, but as a whole Pherae hasn't suffered too horribly from either bandit or monster threats and the lack of action has dulled Pherae's edge nonetheless - they are a sleeping giant somewhat riding on the coattails of their past success who do not realize how much they have fallen. The military is still strong but many are inexperienced outside of the elite knights due to lack of major monster/bandit attacks, though banditry spilling out of Caelin and (formerly) Tania do offer them some training at least.
Relationships
Ostia's one time closest ally and now a power without a purpose. Previously closely allied with Ostia and well known for their elite paladins and snipers in particular, Pherae was a strong contender for second place in Lycia's power structure and their relationship with Ostia made them arguably the ONLY true contender for second place. However, the attacks from Bern and the loss of Ostia struck hard - the marquess went into mourning and the power structure fragmented to a degree as different factions of the court strove to gain power.
The court is currently split into several main groups: isolationists argue that Pherae doesn't need to deal with Lycia's crap, that it's a strong enough economy and military on its own that they don't need to play those silly games. Secessionists take it one step further, arguing that Pherae would be better off seceding entirely and perhaps cultivating an alliance with the rejuvenated and more peaceful Bern in order to avoid future tragedies. The war hawks argue that Pherae's legendary military and secondary leadership role in Lycia make them best qualified as the new leaders of the free world, and push for interventions in Caelin in particular or an attempt to rally Lycia against Etruria. The ongoing cultural battle between Laus and Santaruz also has the court divided, and the marquess has proven ineffectual at quelling the debate as the leaders of each party grew in power during his failure to lead.
Economically Pherae is quite strong, having recovered well from the Bern war and having massive farmlands and their one port city does good trade. Overall it is simply one of the more stable and peaceful territories in Lycia, relatively safe from many of the major issues striking other marches.
Military
Pheraen military doctrines have always emphasized devastating and independent action in small battlegroups rather than full on armies, often as support for Ostian formations; they are nigh legendary for their paladins and snipers in particular. They're the army that has most of the aces, but relatively little of the rank and file, both a strength and a weakness.
The steadfast dedication of Rayl has been a stabilizing force that helped keep Pherae from going too soft, but as a whole Pherae hasn't suffered too horribly from either bandit or monster threats and the lack of action has dulled Pherae's edge nonetheless - they are a sleeping giant somewhat riding on the coattails of their past success who do not realize how much they have fallen. The military is still strong but many are inexperienced outside of the elite knights due to lack of major monster/bandit attacks, though banditry spilling out of Caelin and (formerly) Tania do offer them some training at least.
Relationships
- Pherae and Santaruz have always had a relatively close friendship, with both marches prioritizing chivalry and knightly ideals and viewing themselves as part of a strong, united, and free Lycian league. That relationship continues today, though Santaruz isn't enthusiastic about Pherae's lack of aid in regards to Laus. Still, both territories are good friends and trade heavily between each other, occasionally train together, and if one was invaded the other would ride to their aid.
- Pherae and Laus have always gotten along about as well as cats and dogs, and that has only worsened recently with Laus's growing influence. Some of the war hawks in Pherae's court call for an invasion of Laus, though thankfully that group is fairly small - albeit growing. Given their ties to Santaruz, Pherae is generally in an adversarial position to Laus, but hasn't committed to anything just yet.
- Enjoys generally friendly relations and some trade with Tania, though the latter is further into Araphen's circle of dominance so relations have cooled somewhat in recent years. Still perfectly cordial, they are not enemies, just not as close as they used to be.