The County of Bergental

The de Bellême family are the stewards of the County of Bergental - an outpost of the Kingdom of Ashland in the Duchy of Fioralba. Our lands are best described thusly:

"On the western border of fair Fioralba, Bergental is truly a sight worth seeing. The sweeping mountain ranges; the pristine forests and streams; the sharp, crisp air - all flow together to create a stunning mélange for the senses. With this beauty also comes responsibility. We take our duties to the Crown seriously - serving to welcome and protect those who come to our lands to do business, and ensuring that those who would do our people harm never get the chance."

Purpose:

Bergental is based on two guiding principles - commerce and defense. To that end, we are the ideal home for those who are hard working, industrious and willing to fight to keep what is theirs.

Our mountain setting grants us access to a bounty of natural resources, including forage, minerals and limited agricultural products. Guilds interested in harvesting these resources and crafting finished products will be welcomed with open arms. Bergental sits astride the main route between our Aranolt neighbors and Ashland; traders' profit margins should be vast indeed.

We are also part of the Kingdom's first line of defense. As such, swordsmen, cavalry, archers and other warriors will find Bergental to be a very rewarding posting. The Kingdom depends on commerce to thrive, and commerce depends on the roads staying open. Whether it is escorting trade caravans, guarding the walls, manning checkpoints, or going on longer range patrols, a keen blade and a sharp eye will always be in demand.

Quick Facts:

Biome: Alpine Tundra

Industry: Mining, Livestock, Various Crafting Disciplines

Military: Baronial Garrison, Border Forts

Official Religion: None - Benevolent Orders Welcome, Cults Illegal

Ruling Body: Council

Government Structure:

The Council will oversee the day-to-day running of all aspects of the County. With the exception of the Count/Countess as the Council Chairs, the remaining Council positions are as follows:

Councillor of Arms: Oversees the training, equipping and deployment of the County's armed forces under the guidance of the local Barons.

Councillor of Logistics: Beancounter in Chief, ensures the County has the materials it needs, and is the liason with Ducal and Kingdom logistics officers to ensure that resources flow smoothly.

Councillor of Artifice: Manages the local crafters and resource gatherers. Works closely with Councillor of Logistics to make sure our production chains are solid.

The Council is a meritocracy. The positions will be filled by County members in good standing who have demonstrated a knack for the role. Major decisions that are not time-sensitive will be put to a County-wide vote, day-to-day and urgent decisions will be made by the Council. However, this being a feudal society, remember that the Count and/or Countess have the final say if a decision must be made immediately.

Code of Conduct:

1. Most basic rule: Don't be a jerk. Follow this, and you will have no issues in Bergental.

2. We are not and never will be the aggressor. If someone else wants to start a fight, we will happily finish it. But we will not bully, harrass, threaten or engage in acts of piracy against other Kingdoms unless otherwise ordered by our own Ducal/Kingdom leadership.

3. We will only accept members age 25 or older, mature 21+ on a case-by-case basis. We are a group of working adults who want to play to have fun, not have to worry about teenage angst-driven drama. Only middle-aged angst is permitted.

4. Respect in chat/voice. We are all adults, so swearing is perfectly fine. However, if a person feels uncomfortable or is offended by a particular term, please respect that and don't use it. "Raped" as a synonym for "pwnd" is a good example of a term that probably won't fly with mixed company. See rule 1.

5. Roleplay is not a must, but have at it if you want to. OOC is the norm, however.

6. Remember that this is a game, and we're here to have a good time. Why so serious?

How to Apply:

You may post here, send me a PM on the forums, or send me a message on Discord, username Trug#3650. You may also join our Discord to ask any questions or apply for membership, link here.

What Does the Coat of Arms Signify?

From top to bottom, left to right:

• The crown signifies my rank as a Count.
• The brick coronet signifies our Hrothi fortifications
• The carpenter's square represents my profession as an architect
• The canis rabbits are significant to my family story
• The portcullis signifies our role as defenders of Fioralba
• Colors - Gold and Black for Ashland, Crimson and Black for Bergental
• The motto should be translated as "It Shall Be Done"

For those interested in a bit of County lore, my work-in-progress backstory is posted here.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you in Bergental!