Norvos

Founded as a theocracy, Norvos is ruled by the Bearded Priests, who worship a god so secret that its name is only known to initiates. To enforce their rule, the Bearded Priests buy the unwanted boys of Norvosi families and turn them into a holy guard. This holy guard fanatically defends their Bearded Priest masters and lives by the three words they swear: “Serve, Obey, Protect.” Each of these warriors is branded with the sign of the axe to remind them to keep their axes sharp.

The economy of Norvos consists of subsistence farming, the mining of copper, tin, and iron, and the production of cloth and tapestries. While richer than Lorath, Norvos can be considered poor. Unlike other Free Cities, Norvos does not produce specialty goods, limiting its value as a trade destination.

Although considering the Black Goat of Qohor a demon, both cities will ally themselves against aggression from Volantis, who they both despise and see as a direct threat to their security. Norvos is currently engaged in a war with the Dothraki, primarily due to a Khal not being pleased with the presents the Bearded Priests of Qohor presented him.

Religion

The name of the deity that the Bearded Priests worship is a secret, only revealed to initiates. It is forbidden to even write the name down, except as a series of initials. As a result, “the Bearded Priests of Norvos” is used to refer to both the organisation and the religion they follow.

Location

Norvos borders Lorath to the north-west, Qohor to the east, shares a small border with Volantis, and is at war with the Dothraki to the north-east.

Rulers

High Magister Quarro

Vassals

• Magister Daario Valer

• Magister Moreo Hortyr

• Magister Denyo Notarys

• Magister Taeron Goniar

• Magister Valtigar

Fiefs

Towns:

Norvos

Castles:

Celraenos, My Sar

Villages:

Golden Fields, Noyne, Sarath, Aeryvon

Troop Tree

The culture of Norvos is based around warrior priests; their main troops are the monks of the Bearded Priests. They do not bear shields, making them weak against ranged fire, but they make for excellent spearmen and crossbowmen down the line. Alternatively, recruits of Norvos can go down the line for a more generic troop.

Strengths

• One of the best shock troops in the game.

Weaknesses

• Crossbowmen have horrendously low armour.
• Lower-tier infantry and cavalry units use low armour.
• Low horse armour.

Unique, Location-Based Troops

Norvos Holy Champions

• Norvos Holy Champions can be recruited from the NPC High Bearded Priest if governing Norvos directly. The Temple of the Bearded Priests is north of Norvos.
• Norvos Holy Champions are one of the most elite shock units in the game. Effective shock force, particularly against cavalry.

Recruiting Units from Norvos

Norvos units can be recruited from villages regardless of player status unless they are hostile to Norvos. Additional ways to recruit Norvos units are to rescue them from enemy lords’ parties, find them in taverns, or rescue them from enemy garrisons.