Campaign 11.0 - Devblog 2: Factions & Rules

[Jurek 135]

NRP's 11th Campaign is just around the corner so we want to share another portion of news with you.

 

The rules are almost finalized and should only see minor changes in the next few weeks. You can read them here: click!

Sieges have been re-introduced and will be played when a faction attacks enemy major city. New additions include roads and railways that allow for faster movement, and an attrition mechanic that triggers when an army is cut off from supplies.

 

 

The Campaign features 3 factions: allied Ithenia and Borgondouse, and Barenburgh. Here is a lore background for each faction:

 

Kingdom of Borgondouse

Spoiler

Borgondouse is a small, fiercely isolationist realm on the Arnean mainland. Its people speak a distinct local dialect known as the ‘Langue de Borgond’ and possess a traditional culture centered around family, honor, and a strict social hierarchy. In stark contrast to their picturesque vineyards, which produce some of Arnea's finest red and white wines, Borgondouse politics are deeply Machiavellian, driven by dynastic feuds and corruption. Though technically part of the old Holy Empire, they have always viewed themselves as uniquely Borgond and are highly prone to revolt against imperial control.

 

The Second Great Poitréan Invasion was a disaster for Borgondouse. Forced to act as a staging ground for the Nurod Pact, their lands were trampled by foreign armies. However, following Felderburg's crushing defeat and subsequent withdrawal, Borgondouse has miraculously emerged fully independent once again. Queen-Regent Marguerite de Castéon now rules from Chalon. Unfortunately, their newfound freedom is under immediate threat. Before the vineyards can even recover, the massive armies of Barenburgh have crossed the border to subjugate them. Borgondouse is now fighting a desperate war of survival, relying on their determined resistance and a timely alliance with Ithenia to repel the imperial giant.

 

Kingdom of Ithenia

Spoiler

Situated geographically adjacent to Barenburgh, Varnice, and Poitrés, Ithenia is a land renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and striking coastlines. Yet, beneath this picturesque facade, it has long been a major player in the constant conflicts of the southern and central Arnean states. While historically dealing with border threats from heavily militarized neighbors, Ithenia has maintained its strength through careful political maneuvering and a hardened military capable of matching the great powers of the region.

 

The geopolitical landscape has shifted violently. With Poitrés and Breytona unifying into a massive new Confederacy to the east, Ithenia can no longer afford to sit idle. When Barenburgh marched on the weakened Borgondouse, the Ithenian leadership saw both a terrifying threat and a golden opportunity. If Barenburgh absorbs Borgondouse, the Empire will become too powerful to contain. Thus, Ithenia has formally allied with the Borgondouse crown. Under the guise of "protecting the sovereignty of their neighbors," Ithenian armies march to war. In reality, Ithenia’s goals are highly pragmatic: they intend to bleed the Barenburgh war machine dry and use the chaos to expand their own borders northward.

 

Empire of Barenburgh

Spoiler

Barenburgh is one of the premier southern states of the old Holy Arnean Empire. Historically, they have been noted for their incessant conflict with their neighbors and their frequent border skirmishes with the Republic of Varnice. When the northern states formed the Nurod Pact and cut off trade, Barenburgh suffered heavily from the loss of manufactured goods, forcing them to band together with Garland, Valkow, and Borgondouse in the past to secure their economic survival. They are a lumbering, absolutist powerhouse that believes it is their right to unify and rule the remnants of the old Empire.

 

The Emperor of Barenburgh sees the aftermath of the Second Great Poitréan Invasion as a divine gift. The northern armies of Felderburg have been humiliated and driven out, leaving the unruly and resource-rich lands of Borgondouse completely exposed. Viewing Borgondouse not as a sovereign state, but as a rebellious province that rightfully belongs under southern imperial control, Barenburgh has launched a massive subjugation campaign. However, what the Emperor expected to be a swift and brutal occupation has turned into a logistical nightmare. Stretched supply lines, Borgondouse stubborn defence, and the sudden, opportunistic intervention of the Ithenian military have forced Barenburgh into a grinding, multi-front war to secure their dominance.