Kingdom of Mordred (Mor-Dred)
"King Arthur, understand this: what we sign today is but a mere piece of paper, a temporary lull in the storm. This so-called....peace is nothing more than a preparation for the inevitable. When the time comes, I will march my armies to your gates and set ruin upon your nation. There is no such thing as true peace—only the calm before the battle. Prepare yourself, boy, for your kingdom will fall." -King Mordred, to King Arthur during the peace treaty signing after the Vermillion-Mordred War.The Kingdom of Mordred, also known as the "Land of Black," the "Morr Country," and "Bloody-Lane," is a powerful and influential nation on the continent of Rodinia. This new nation has quickly risen to command affairs in the region, its influence felt far and wide.
For over six thousand years, the Kingdom of Astaroth ruled and dominated these lands. A nation of warmongers and zealots, Astaroth was known for its fervent religiosity, martial prowess, and expansive conquests. However, following the Black Rebellion, Astaroth's long reign came to a violent end. The kingdom was replaced like the countless nations before it, and the one to rise and take its place was a general from the Astaroth Army.
King Mordred "the Black", as he is now known, reformed the kingdom in his own image. The new nation was renamed after him, its capital city rebranded with his name, and its faith and military restructured to reflect his vision. The thousands of years of Astaroth's influence were swiftly undone and replaced with Mordred's new order. Though the nation retained its warlike nature and zeal, these traits were now harnessed in the service of their new king.
While most new nations take several decades to establish themselves, the Kingdom of Mordred achieved stability and dominance in less than a decade. King Mordred's charismatic and authoritative leadership ensured that all his subjects swore loyalty to him, forsaking their old faiths and traditions. The military was reformed into a disciplined and formidable force, and the nation’s fervor was redirected towards the singular goal of serving their king.
The Kingdom of Mordred, with its aggressive and ambitious stance, is now a looming threat to its neighbors. Although there is a fragile peace in the region, it is widely believed that it is only a matter of time before a single spark ignites the flames of war. Mordredians, eager for conflict and conquest, are poised to follow their king into battle at a moment's notice.
King Mordred has created a nation centered entirely around his persona, holding absolute authority over all aspects of life within his realm. His word is law, and his decrees are followed without question. This centralized power has made the Kingdom of Mordred a formidable and cohesive force, ready to impose its will on the region and beyond.
In this new era, the Land of Black stands as a unrivaled war machine, under the power of one man's vision and the unwavering loyalty of his followers. The legacy of Astaroth may have ended, but the spirit of conquest and domination lives on in the Kingdom of Mordred, waiting for the moment to strike and reshape the world in its image.
Structure
The Kingdom of Mordred's structure is a highly centralized and authoritarian hierarchy, reflecting the absolute power and control of King Mordred.
At the center is King Mordred himself. His word is law, and no one can or will oppose his will. He is the absolute authority, and his influence permeates every aspect of the kingdom.
Beneath King Mordred are the Knights of Morr, a prestigious and elite knightly order. These knights undergo brutal and rigorous training to serve their king with unparalleled zeal and fervor. Among these knights, nine exceptional warriors stand out as the highest echelon, known as the Knights of Mordred. Hand-selected by Mordred, these nine knights are his enforcers, diplomats, slayers, and executors of his will. They are the most powerful individuals in the kingdom, second only to Mordred himself. The Knights of Mordred command the elite order of the thousands of knights, ensuring the king's absolute dominance on the battlefield and within the realm.
Following the martial hierarchy is the Church of Morr. Morr- God of Blood, battle, and all things associated blood, is the deity of the kingdom's new faith. The Church of Morr holds the third highest authority in the land and plays a crucial role in maintaining King Mordred's power. They are the leaders of propaganda, tirelessly working to convert the populace to the new faith and reinforce the king's rule. The church's influence extends throughout the kingdom, shaping the beliefs and actions of the Mordredians and ensuring their unwavering loyalty to King Mordred.
At the center is King Mordred himself. His word is law, and no one can or will oppose his will. He is the absolute authority, and his influence permeates every aspect of the kingdom.
Beneath King Mordred are the Knights of Morr, a prestigious and elite knightly order. These knights undergo brutal and rigorous training to serve their king with unparalleled zeal and fervor. Among these knights, nine exceptional warriors stand out as the highest echelon, known as the Knights of Mordred. Hand-selected by Mordred, these nine knights are his enforcers, diplomats, slayers, and executors of his will. They are the most powerful individuals in the kingdom, second only to Mordred himself. The Knights of Mordred command the elite order of the thousands of knights, ensuring the king's absolute dominance on the battlefield and within the realm.
Following the martial hierarchy is the Church of Morr. Morr- God of Blood, battle, and all things associated blood, is the deity of the kingdom's new faith. The Church of Morr holds the third highest authority in the land and plays a crucial role in maintaining King Mordred's power. They are the leaders of propaganda, tirelessly working to convert the populace to the new faith and reinforce the king's rule. The church's influence extends throughout the kingdom, shaping the beliefs and actions of the Mordredians and ensuring their unwavering loyalty to King Mordred.
Culture
Key Aspects of Mordredian Culture:
Militarism and Discipline:
The people of Mordred are highly militaristic, with a strong emphasis on discipline and order. From a young age, citizens are trained in combat and military tactics, ensuring that the kingdom is always prepared for war. The Knights of Morr exemplify this culture, serving as role models for the populace. Military parades, drills, and war games are common public spectacles, reinforcing the kingdom’s readiness for conflict and the glory of serving in the military.Zealous Devotion to Morr:
The Church of Morr wields significant influence, instilling a deep devotion to Morr, the God of Blood and Battle. Religious ceremonies and rituals are a central part of daily life, often involving symbolic displays of strength and endurance. The populace sees war and bloodshed as sacred acts, a form of worship to Morr. This belief system fuels their willingness to engage in and endure the hardships of war.Propaganda and Loyalty:
Propaganda is a key tool used by the state and the Church to maintain control and loyalty. The people are constantly reminded of their king’s divine right to rule and the righteousness of their cause. Statues, murals, and public artworks glorify King Mordred and the Knights of Morr, serving as constant reminders of their power and the kingdom’s might.Art and Architecture:
While the art of Astaroth was focused on divine and angelic themes, Mordredian art is more brutal and realistic, often depicting scenes of battle, sacrifice, and the glory of dying in combat. Architecture in Mordred is functional and imposing, with fortresses and castles dominating the landscape. These structures are designed to inspire awe and fear, reinforcing the power of the state.Superiority and Isolationism:
The people of Mordred have a strong sense of superiority, believing themselves to be the chosen ones of Morr. This manifests in a cultural arrogance and disdain for outsiders, non-believers and especially non-Humans. There is a strong sense of national pride and identity, with cultural practices and traditions focused on reinforcing the uniqueness and supremacy of Mordredian society.Rites of Passage:
Rites of passage in Mordred often involve tests of strength, endurance, and loyalty. Young men and women must prove themselves in combat or through acts of devotion to Morr to be considered full members of society. These rites serve to reinforce the militaristic and zealous nature of Mordredian culture, ensuring that each generation is as committed to the kingdom’s ideals as the last.Public Agenda
The Kingdom of Mordred, under the absolute rule of King Mordred, harbors a deep-seated disdain for non-humans, making their entry and existence within the nation fraught with peril and discrimination. Non-humans face exorbitant costs, frequent attacks, and general hostility, deterring all but the most determined or desperate from entering the country. Meanwhile, Mordred is aggressively eyeing its neighbors, eager for conquest. The kingdom's foreign policy is explicitly designed to incite wars, with Mordred actively interfering in the affairs of other nations to spark conflict and create opportunities for expansion. The relentless focus on militaristic dominance and xenophobia underscores their public agenda, making clear their intentions to reshape the region through bloodshed and conquest.
Assets
The Kingdom of Mordred, despite its isolationist policies, is strategically rich in resources. The Obsidian Ridge Mountains, with their extensive network of mines and quarries, provide a wealth of metals and gemstones essential for both military and economic purposes. The kingdom also benefits from large, fertile agricultural lands and major rivers, which support the population and sustain its formidable war machine. The integration of magic into their armies represents a significant strategic development, enhancing their military capabilities. Mordred's population, motivated by a blend of fear, propaganda, and religious zeal, remains deeply loyal, fueling the kingdom's aggressive ambitions and ensuring a constant influx of recruits for its military endeavors.
History
The Shadow War(14992-14993AC)
Following the defeat of the Kingdom of Astaroth, it's lands during the civil war had been taken by foreign powers, King Mordred quickly moved in to secure what lands he could back into the nations hands. These battles were small but important to maintain borders in anyway possible. The war lasted but a few months.
The Vermillion-Mordred War(14994-15000AC)
The Vermillion-Mordred War, also known as the "Black-Red War," was a fierce and strategic conflict born out of the tumultuous period following the Black Rebellion. The war began when King Mordred of Mordred, seething from the loss of the wealthy territory of Gondar to The Kingdom of Vermilla, sought to reclaim his lost lands and assert dominance.In 14993 AC, Mordred launched a meticulous preparation campaign, transforming his war economy despite the recent civil strife. The catalyst for the war occurred on the first day of the new year, when Agamemnon Vermillion of Vermilla was found murdered on his birthday, with the words "MORE RED!"—a battle cry of Mordred’s soldiers—engraved at the crime scene. The assassination was carried out by Mordred’s top assassin, an act that sent shockwaves through the Kingdom of Vermilla.
Agamemnon’s death left Vermilla under the rule of his inexperienced 16-year-old son. With the suspicion of Mordred’s involvement and driven by a desire for vengeance, Vermilla declared war on Mordred. Despite the initial uncertainties, King Mordred's strategic acumen and deep knowledge of Vermillian tactics, derived from his previous engagements during the Lunatic War, allowed him to manipulate the conflict to his advantage. He anticipated their aggressive response and used it to his benefit.
The war dragged on for six long years, marked by brutal battles and significant losses on both sides. Mordred’s forces generally emerged victorious in most engagements, but they struggled to deliver a decisive blow that would end the conflict. The heavy toll of war led both sides to seek a resolution, resulting in the Treaty of Gondar.
The treaty established The Republic of Gondar as a buffer state between Mordred and Vermilla, creating a tense peace and leaving both nations with lingering grievances.
Foreign Relations
Although a new nation, Mordred has inherited it's sour foreign relations from the Kingdom of Astaroth, for there is little difference in their foreign policy. Mordred borders several nations and all hate Mordred just as they did with their predecessor nation.
MORE RED!
Founding Date
14992
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Land of Black, Morr Country, Bloody Lane
Predecessor Organization
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Leader
Leader Title
Founders
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Currency
Ducats
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments