In the year of our Lord, 1000: pilgrims returning from the believed second coming rumored to take place in town of Odul, the place where St. Aiya first received her visions, began to return to their respective city-states. What awaited them was more of the same: overcrowding, disputes over land usage, and the ever-present force of the Vayan Catholic Church, which was still searching for a concrete identity after splitting form the Roman Catholic Church half a century ago. The return of such pilgrims caused tensions to mount in the city-states, many of which were looking to expand. While it was dangerous for one city state to attack another in a league, it was more feasible to attack a non-leagued city. Therefore, to be an unaffiliated city-state at this time was a dangerous position, and to those city-states which were eager to join a league, such matters took time, as the Pope had to approve, and riders were easily spotted by those who wanted to influence a city-state’s selection of a particular league.
Still, an influx of pilgrims returning meant an increase in monks and peasant workers, but also meant an increase to soldiers. Depending on the city-state, the majority of Vekaiyun armies wore light armor and were heavily dependent on speed rather than brute strength. It is this reason most Vekaiyun armies were well used to ambush attacks, choosing to skip the formal parlay typical for most battles, and why most had a sizable cavalry division. There was little chivalry in war; the most celebrated qualities were the often ornate and sometimes unnecessarily dangerous tactics used in battle. To the Vekaiyuns, a good general is one that outsmarts his enemy in a stupendous fashion of intellect and gives his glory to God after the battle won.
Vekaiyun soldiers typically wore leather armor with semi-plated jackets, plated skirts often going below the knee, pants, boots, forearm guards hammered out in an ornate fashion, semi-plated gloves, and a mask made of wood and (rarely) some type of metal. The most important feature of their armor was the mask, as it protected the face and ears during attacks, hid speech patterns, and intimidated opponents, often painted with grotesquely large eyes and demonic expressions. Prayers and holy symbols were often painted on the inside of the device; soldiers with cash would have the symbols written by monks in addition to their lovers. Overall, the armor was light, but again, the vulpine form of war was to be quick and maneuverable in war. In other words, suits of armor were very rare. Generally, Vekaiyuns relied heavily on horseback, speed, archers, and the ability to plan prior to battle. Infantry was regarded as honorable, honorable because Vekaiyun armor was no match against a suit of armor. Though, swords were constructed well, and long staffs with long, sharp blades proved effective at thinning lines and allowing the infantry to run through the lines.
Nevertheless, with all the background information put to light, I guess I can start the RP. Feel free to post, join in, whatever.