Post by marcus on Dec 12, 2012 1:02:51 GMT -5
(Not sure if this is the place to post this, but what the heck.)
A Brief History
The Realm of Vulpsia is located in the far North, on the coast, east of the Broadstream. It is not a large realm, but has a long history dating back to before the foundation of Redwall Abbey. It was founded by the ancient fox tribe, Ambro, lead by Vulpas Maximus, first High King. Legend says that he had a vision of the sun guiding a flock of birds to the area that would become known as Vulpsia.
Once the tribe arrived they were quick to expand and assimilate other, smaller fox tribes in the area under their red banner. Most joined willingly, but one tribe, equal in strength, know as the Longshanks refused. A long and bloody campaign began, lasting some 50 years. It only ended when Vulpas offered his son and heir, Gaius to be wed to Fafni, Crown Princess and heir to the Longshank tribe.
With the two bloodlines secured and the four fox tribes united in the north, Vuplsia rose to become a strong military force, under rule of one Fox King or Rex Vulpium. The realm knew over a thousand years peace. But then Civil War was brought on by August Caspus coveting the throne of his older brother and Emperor, Marcus Caspus. Through a mixture of intimidation, bribery, and foreign mercenaries August managed to all but wipe out the remaining Legions loyal to Marcus, sending his brother and nephew Lucius into exile.
Government
Vuplsia is an Autocratic/Feudal society. The head of State and the military is the Rex Vulpium. Underneath him are four Fox Lords, or Dominorum. They are in charge of managing the four regions that make up Vuplsia, which consist of Lorania, Taul, Calbern, and Kirum. They answer and pay tribute directly to the Rex Vulpium and act as his advisers.
While other species may hold lesser positions in government only foxes of royal blood may hold the title of Dominorum or Rex. The kingdom is made up mostly of foxes, but there have been other species which make there homes in the realm. While considered lesser, they receive most of the same rights as foxes (slaves excluded.) Indeed, it is not uncommon to see a mouse or ferret of good standings at attendance in the Curia Regia (Royal Court).
Military
The military of Vulpsia is officialy called The Million and One, since it is made up of over a million Legions. These legions, while in the past were used for conquest, are now used to solely defend the realm, especially from hordes attempting to cross over from the Land of Ice and Snow. It's law that only foxes may join(although in times of Totalis Bellum other species may serve as militia.) Every first born of every family must serve for at least ten years by the time they turn 18.
The ranks are as follows.
Rex Vulpium:King and General Maximus. Supreme Commander.
Generals: Each region is given one general who answers to the General Maximus.
Corporal: Each legion has one Corporal, who answers to the lesser Generals.
The military is quite advanced,sporting plated armor and pikes, which are the popular weapon of choice, along with short swords among the common soldier.
Religion
The official Religion among the Hierarchy is the Cult of Adustio. The high Priest of Adustio is whomever happens to be reigning King and it is his duty to make monthly sacrifices to please the fox God.
Adustio is believed to have been the creator of all foxes, and it is believed that the sun is his ever watchful eye. Sacrifices to Adustio are more common in the long, winter months, when the sun is less visible.
This time of the year is called 'Adustio's Sleep' and the spring is called 'The Awakening'. It is also believed that all former rulers of Vulpsia become demi-gods when they die, joining Adustio as part of a pantheon of former kings. It is not uncommon for many to have a 'King Father', which is something of a patron saint that can be prayed to, in order to try and sway Adustio's will.
March of the Million and One:
(Video created byThingsSomeStuff. Music by Elliot Goldenthal for the score of TITUS.)
A Brief History
The Realm of Vulpsia is located in the far North, on the coast, east of the Broadstream. It is not a large realm, but has a long history dating back to before the foundation of Redwall Abbey. It was founded by the ancient fox tribe, Ambro, lead by Vulpas Maximus, first High King. Legend says that he had a vision of the sun guiding a flock of birds to the area that would become known as Vulpsia.
Once the tribe arrived they were quick to expand and assimilate other, smaller fox tribes in the area under their red banner. Most joined willingly, but one tribe, equal in strength, know as the Longshanks refused. A long and bloody campaign began, lasting some 50 years. It only ended when Vulpas offered his son and heir, Gaius to be wed to Fafni, Crown Princess and heir to the Longshank tribe.
With the two bloodlines secured and the four fox tribes united in the north, Vuplsia rose to become a strong military force, under rule of one Fox King or Rex Vulpium. The realm knew over a thousand years peace. But then Civil War was brought on by August Caspus coveting the throne of his older brother and Emperor, Marcus Caspus. Through a mixture of intimidation, bribery, and foreign mercenaries August managed to all but wipe out the remaining Legions loyal to Marcus, sending his brother and nephew Lucius into exile.
Government
Vuplsia is an Autocratic/Feudal society. The head of State and the military is the Rex Vulpium. Underneath him are four Fox Lords, or Dominorum. They are in charge of managing the four regions that make up Vuplsia, which consist of Lorania, Taul, Calbern, and Kirum. They answer and pay tribute directly to the Rex Vulpium and act as his advisers.
While other species may hold lesser positions in government only foxes of royal blood may hold the title of Dominorum or Rex. The kingdom is made up mostly of foxes, but there have been other species which make there homes in the realm. While considered lesser, they receive most of the same rights as foxes (slaves excluded.) Indeed, it is not uncommon to see a mouse or ferret of good standings at attendance in the Curia Regia (Royal Court).
Military
The military of Vulpsia is officialy called The Million and One, since it is made up of over a million Legions. These legions, while in the past were used for conquest, are now used to solely defend the realm, especially from hordes attempting to cross over from the Land of Ice and Snow. It's law that only foxes may join(although in times of Totalis Bellum other species may serve as militia.) Every first born of every family must serve for at least ten years by the time they turn 18.
The ranks are as follows.
Rex Vulpium:King and General Maximus. Supreme Commander.
Generals: Each region is given one general who answers to the General Maximus.
Corporal: Each legion has one Corporal, who answers to the lesser Generals.
The military is quite advanced,sporting plated armor and pikes, which are the popular weapon of choice, along with short swords among the common soldier.
Religion
The official Religion among the Hierarchy is the Cult of Adustio. The high Priest of Adustio is whomever happens to be reigning King and it is his duty to make monthly sacrifices to please the fox God.
Adustio is believed to have been the creator of all foxes, and it is believed that the sun is his ever watchful eye. Sacrifices to Adustio are more common in the long, winter months, when the sun is less visible.
This time of the year is called 'Adustio's Sleep' and the spring is called 'The Awakening'. It is also believed that all former rulers of Vulpsia become demi-gods when they die, joining Adustio as part of a pantheon of former kings. It is not uncommon for many to have a 'King Father', which is something of a patron saint that can be prayed to, in order to try and sway Adustio's will.
March of the Million and One:
(Video created byThingsSomeStuff. Music by Elliot Goldenthal for the score of TITUS.)