The Kingdom of Bordevar is a feudal one, bound together by the bonds between people, both mighty and meek. The nation is criss-crossed with fealty descending from the ultimate power from the crown and not further complicated by the presence of The Concord.
Bordevarian player groups are deeply involved in the social hierarchy of the realm, acting as places of protection, pride and place. What colours you wear and the Heraldry on your shield mean far more than the blood in your veins and even more than the coin in your pocket. You are a part of something bigger. You are a part of a legacy and a glorious endeavour.
When you are creating a Bordevarian player group, your first thought should be where it sits in the overall social hierarchy. Is your group open only to nobles? Only Knights? Perhaps it is only for commoners? If that is the case, what happens if one of your members begins to undertake their virtues? It is the recommendation from The Concord team that your group be open to the concept of members obtaining their Valours or Virtues since that journey is key to the Bordevarian experience, but by the same token creativity can grow with restriction. What is important is that you think about it ahead of time as it will help you be better prepared and will help you guide your plans.
Consider how Bordevarian hospitality will be displayed in your group. The key aspect is that of the daily meal. Taking the time to have a private meal with your group, taking the time to relax, debrief and plan your next steps is not only great for having a healthy event, but the meal table is such an intimate place for interpersonal roleplay such as accusations, declarations and confessions. As a group, pick a meal during the day that you will make an important one for the group and stick to it. While dinner is a fine choice, consider unusual options. If your group likes to have a few drinks at night, then perhaps brunch is the go. If you’re a busy team always rushing from meeting to meeting, then perhaps the 11pm nightcap is the go.
More so than other realms, Heraldry and colours are immensely important in Bordevar as who you represent is of the utmost importance. Look for strong, clear colours and consider colour theory when you do so. Consider what form your sigil might take on a costume. It is far easier to have something complex on a shield, but far harder on a badge or sword pommel. Clear and strong is the best guide. Concord also uses a fantasy-cool attitude when it comes to Heraldry. While historic heraldry had plenty of rules and meanings, these are not necessarily the same in our world. It is also a good idea to check out the Bordevar Look and Feel page to make sure you are on point (no metallic trim unless you’re a noble house!)
Bands in Bordevar
See Bordevar Noble House and Bordevarian Knightly Order
One of the main Band type in Bordevar is a Noble House which, contrary to its name, is not only for Nobles! Noble Houses form the basis of Bordevars feudal system, with landed Nobles ruling over territory on behalf of Dukes who control duchies on the behalf of the Crown. Being a noble in a Noble House is to have the full political experience, to feel the weight of destiny on your shoulders and to grow a dynasty of power and glory known throughout the world. To be a Banner Knight in a Noble House is to stand shoulder to shoulder with comrades, to know that when those colours stand on the field, they do not falter. To know that you are a champion of a legacy. For commonfolk it is to be a part of a powerful House, to put your efforts towards an institution that will reward you and protect you, while allowing you to grow. There are many fantasy stories and staples hidden in the Noble House, let alone the ways in which the world of Concord might reach out to steer you into strange tales.
Alongside Noble Houses you will also find Knightly Orders. These martial fraternities champion the role of Knight as a servant of the realm. Steeped in the bloody history of Drummond, Knightly Orders are dedicated to their service to the Realm and thier Knightly Valours.
Outside of Noble Houses and Knightly Orders there are plenty of other valid Band Concepts. Commoner Bands taking the field as Mercenaries, as a Merchant Compact or as a cabal of mages. Perhaps even commoners attempting to raise a fallen noble house by taking their own route to Virtue.
What is notably out of place in Bordevar is bands dedicated to political power or change that aren’t Noble Houses. The route to power within the Kingless Kingdom is through nobility and title. If you seek revolution, Lerona Mere may be your Realm of choice.
To create a band you must submit your group concept through the Group Submission form, found Here.
Sects in Bordevar
The faith of Bordevar is, as all things, interpreted through the lens of power.
Many nobles favour the Spheres of Panoply and Stallia. The concepts of power and knowledge being images of the virtues of Wealth and Intelligence. To grow in these ways is to retain virtue and grow your house in the process. Sects made up predominantly by nobles are places of confession, of personal mentorship and secrets. Nobles come to their priests to secure their defences in respite and to consider new routes to power.
For the Commonfolk, the Spheres of Lumos and Cervitas hold sway. It is through hope and group effort that the Realm of Bordevar has been raised up. It is the hope towards valour and virtue that has seen many commonfolk raised to power. Commoner sects tend to be places of celebration, of festivals and of providing the most good and protection to the most people.
But for the whole Realm it is the Sphere of Arcadian that is preeminent. The ethos of the champion and the pursuit of bettering yourself and seeking your true value rings true for all Bordevarians. Sects, even those not of Arcadian, should prepare themselves to give guidance towards growth and improvement. Priests themselves should embody this by being the best they can be in all things and acknowledging how and why we fail.