Post by Wargamer on Feb 2, 2005 15:59:04 GMT -5
Aureushiem, meaning "Gold City", is the personification of one man's dream. That man is Thomas Hawk, and that dream is to be the greatest Mercenary in the Old World.
Of Hawk, much is said, though how much is truth no-one but Hawk knows for sure. Suffice to say that Aureushiem tells a visitor everything they could ever want to know about the owner.
Built on the coast just south of Evad, Aureushiem is at the same time an Empire province, an Evadian protectorate, and a seperate state in its own right. This came about by various methods; conning, exploitation and bribery the main ones.
Most of the land falls into one of two regions: first was the land belonging to the Hawk family, who owned a villa in the area. The second is the "Protected land" that belongs to the Watchpoint Castle, know rebuild and renamed "The Hawk's Nest". The city has thrived as a place of commerce, technological development, and of course, killing for money. It has more Mercenaries within its walls (or at least, working for those within) than any other city, save perhaps regions of Tilea.
The City itself is well guarded. As well as the numerous Mercenaries, the oceans are patrolled by the fleets of Jaycen Blake, a wild-hearted captain with some of the best ships in the ocean, and Tal'set, an Elven Corsair whose mastery of naval combat are second to none.
If these ships are not enough, the Dock is overlooked by the City Wall, which bristles with cannon and trebuchet. These same weapons also guard the land route, and in times of battle, Bowmen, crossbowmen and handgunners can expand the already impressive firepower.
Should the city be breeched, the real trouble begins. Hawk has in his possession at least four Evadian Iron Golems. These towering beasts, each a head taller than the largest Ogre, are powered by arcane magics, and can decimate entire regiments. As well as these, the "Gatemen", a regiment of expertly-equipped Ogres, are ready to protect the entrances to the city, and the Aureushiem State Troops, the renowned "Golden State Guard" can bolster the numbers. Hawk's own elite unit, the Hellbringers, can help turn the tide, as each man can sport weapons and armour that most Generals only dream of. If all else fails, it is said that a Vampire dwells within the walls of the city; an unkillable beast that acts as a personal bodyguard to Hawk. If such a creature exists, no-one has ever seen it and lived to tell the tale...
Thus far, no army has ever taken Aureushiem, though one or two have come close. For any who succeeded, the reward would be great, for The Hawk's Nest contains the legendary treasure hall knowns as The Vault.
This chamber contains the riches of Hawk's career. Gold Coin from every nation is piled high, overshadowing weapon racks, armour stands, and cases containing precious items of wealth and power. Everything from Lustrian Daggers to Khemrian Chariots can be found here. It is rumoured that Hawk even has a Runefang, though no-one has ever confirmed such a rumour.
The City has its own Magic Guild, and its Engineers rival those of the Empire, for many are Dwarven in origin. One of the greatest creations in recent years is the Gatling Gun; a rapid-fire warmachine that can decimate entire platoons. Every day countless Engineers strive to perfect new technologies and innoventions, and work is already underway on the "Gatling Rifle"; a weapon that makes the Empire Handgun look like a child's toy.
Of Hawk, much is said, though how much is truth no-one but Hawk knows for sure. Suffice to say that Aureushiem tells a visitor everything they could ever want to know about the owner.
Built on the coast just south of Evad, Aureushiem is at the same time an Empire province, an Evadian protectorate, and a seperate state in its own right. This came about by various methods; conning, exploitation and bribery the main ones.
Most of the land falls into one of two regions: first was the land belonging to the Hawk family, who owned a villa in the area. The second is the "Protected land" that belongs to the Watchpoint Castle, know rebuild and renamed "The Hawk's Nest". The city has thrived as a place of commerce, technological development, and of course, killing for money. It has more Mercenaries within its walls (or at least, working for those within) than any other city, save perhaps regions of Tilea.
The City itself is well guarded. As well as the numerous Mercenaries, the oceans are patrolled by the fleets of Jaycen Blake, a wild-hearted captain with some of the best ships in the ocean, and Tal'set, an Elven Corsair whose mastery of naval combat are second to none.
If these ships are not enough, the Dock is overlooked by the City Wall, which bristles with cannon and trebuchet. These same weapons also guard the land route, and in times of battle, Bowmen, crossbowmen and handgunners can expand the already impressive firepower.
Should the city be breeched, the real trouble begins. Hawk has in his possession at least four Evadian Iron Golems. These towering beasts, each a head taller than the largest Ogre, are powered by arcane magics, and can decimate entire regiments. As well as these, the "Gatemen", a regiment of expertly-equipped Ogres, are ready to protect the entrances to the city, and the Aureushiem State Troops, the renowned "Golden State Guard" can bolster the numbers. Hawk's own elite unit, the Hellbringers, can help turn the tide, as each man can sport weapons and armour that most Generals only dream of. If all else fails, it is said that a Vampire dwells within the walls of the city; an unkillable beast that acts as a personal bodyguard to Hawk. If such a creature exists, no-one has ever seen it and lived to tell the tale...
Thus far, no army has ever taken Aureushiem, though one or two have come close. For any who succeeded, the reward would be great, for The Hawk's Nest contains the legendary treasure hall knowns as The Vault.
This chamber contains the riches of Hawk's career. Gold Coin from every nation is piled high, overshadowing weapon racks, armour stands, and cases containing precious items of wealth and power. Everything from Lustrian Daggers to Khemrian Chariots can be found here. It is rumoured that Hawk even has a Runefang, though no-one has ever confirmed such a rumour.
The City has its own Magic Guild, and its Engineers rival those of the Empire, for many are Dwarven in origin. One of the greatest creations in recent years is the Gatling Gun; a rapid-fire warmachine that can decimate entire platoons. Every day countless Engineers strive to perfect new technologies and innoventions, and work is already underway on the "Gatling Rifle"; a weapon that makes the Empire Handgun look like a child's toy.
