Sunday 7 March 2021

Tsoldiers of Tsymric

Returning to the project of a magic-Enlightenment setting, as started here, with reference to the Majestic Vision. The same emphasis is on interesting and characterful equipment lists, plentiful in their alternatives to Light Armour. So then, let us away to....

Tsymric: easterly Tsymric, vast Tsymric, wealthy Tsymric, cold Tsymric, Royal Tsymric, primitive Tsymric. 

Of the Diverse Realms and Kingdoms subscribing to the Majestic Vision, this is the most distant. They have little knowledge of classical Latonic, and even their alphabet makes use of several obsolete letters. But still Tsymric is counted fortunate among the nations, new in its wealth and strength. In the last century under King Filip IV, the principalities of the east were knit together under one ruler - by his personal union, by sacred pacts, by force of arms - that all Tsymric might prosper and rejoice.

But how many in this wide arc of lands consider themselves truly Tsymrikane? Perhaps Tompordy, under Filip IV to see the city of Tompord rise to preeminence as capital. Perhaps the old heartland of Hentzay and its acres of rich farmland. Certainly the western shores of Mszhinksy where westward-gazing Caspianstadt rises from the delta. 

This could not be said of those who dwell in the lakes and pine forests of northerly Suecomark. Neither does Choroff, clasped by the warm shadow of the southern mountains. Still less so the dense forests and  chilly, fragrant, ankle-lacerating garrigue plains of Myrchonog, whose people speak a dialect obscure even by Tsymrikane standards. 

Still, the several courts and assemblies of these lands are combined in the King's Joint Chancellery. So known is the Joint Chancellery that it is increasingly referred to in everyday speech as the Jointe. Tsymrikane political slang refers to both supporters and officials of the Chancellery as Jointers or Joiners. (A specialist woodworker can, of course, become a Joiner joiner). But the old Grandees and Dukes look poorly on the ebbing of their power, even as the Academicians of the Royal Schools begin to pen treatises on the benefits of autocracy.

And beyond Myrchonog? The mountains there were once the wall of the east. Utterly impassable - at least for men in any number. But then magesight and blasting powder carved a road through the rock, sending explorers and soldiers through, to subjugate the Terrace-Cities of the native Qacenoit and to send mine-shafts deep into the mountains. Gold and silver goes back to Tompord via the swift rivers of Myrchonog; newly minted Governors return, hungry for advancement and reward. 

Transmontane Tsymric has seen the toppling of the temples of the Crag-God and Chamois-God and great wealth for some in Tsymric, being the envy of those who hear of it. But those who speak so know little of the challenges of governance faced in this new land or the shame and struggles of those who live there.

Among other things, however, Tobacco has come over the mountains, and is being grown in Choroff plantations. 

***

How does the below intersect with a similar set of equipment lists from Datravia? Well, both Tsymric and the Prizelands have their ports. Even if some of the below are set up as having some characteristics as being particularly relevant to their homeland, a wide mix of the below is hopefully possible in Datresse or Caspianstadt.

***

Thank you, Wikipedia.
  1. Royal Dimarchi /// Musket, Bardiche, Military Greatcoat (with cartridge-pouches), Optional: [Long beard, Willingness to interfere in dynastic struggles], 
  2. Overseer of the Faithful /// Wide-brimmed hat, travelling vestments, Pectoral icon, Brace pistols and four blessed silver bullets, Extensive remit.
  3. Tobacconist /// Selection of clay pipes, Delicate scales, Thin knives, Caddy (many compartments), Lightly enchanted fire-striker.
  4. Alpine Expeditionary /// Close-fitting thick, warm clothing (as Leather), Iron-shod alpenstock (can double as gun-rest), 50' rope, Iron spikes, Carbine, Falchion.
  5. River boatman /// Canvas jack (resists water), 50' rope, Hauling harness, Block and tackle, Jackknife, Fisherman's priest, Resigned expression. 
  6. Transmontane Native Scout /// Spear, Bolas, Quilted Armour (Warm and breathable), Bone crampons, Medicinal herbs, Concealed idol.
  7. Hidalgo /// Small-sword, Badge of obscure knightly order, Bottle of fortified wine, Gilt breastplate and bracers, Chose one: [Trimmed beard, Razor and Shaving basin] [Small mirror and Brief mantilla]
  8. Myrchonog Plainsman /// Tough, knee-length boots, Billhook, Sled, Windbreak,  Bundle of fragrant plants.
  9. Engineering Student /// Sturdy apron, Hammer, Yardstick, Plumb-line, Spirit level, Dividers, Callipers, Book of tables, Pocket watch.
  10. Mage Prospector /// Thaumic touchstone (can Detect Magic, can't detect Curses/Types of Magic), Dowsing wand, Mapping gear, Stout boots, Auger. 

Tsymric is something like a blend of 16th Century Spain and 17th century Russia. 

I dimly recall one of the Young Kingdoms in Moorcock's Elric books being named Tsymric. That's not an inspiration.

1 comment:

  1. Incidentally, if any reader of this blog has a good title for a game of a magical Enlightenment, I should be glad indeed to hear it.

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