Charting the Unknown: The Kingdoms That Rose from Ruin

An Overview of a Fractured Realm & What History Tells Us About the Future of the Six Kingdoms

"The kingdoms have stood for centuries, each bearing the scars of Ter Ävæ’s fall. Bound by uneasy truces, fragile trade agreements, and an ever-present hunger for power, they remain divided—each a shadow of what once was."

— Eldrin, Lirien. Echoes of Empire: A Political History of the Fractured Realm. Astralis Scriptorium, 17462.

According to historians, the collapse of Ter Ävæ was not a single moment of destruction but a slow unraveling of unity, ambition, and betrayal. Five centuries ago, the once-mighty empire fractured into six independent kingdoms—Westmoore, Verena, Al Ýnth, Calanthe, Deveraux, and Nerezza—each ruled by the advisors who once stood beside the last fae king, Alrekur XII. Whether these rulers were opportunists or visionaries remains a subject of debate, but their legacies shaped the continent that endures today.

While the precise details of Ter Ävæ’s final days remain obscured by time, remnants of its influence linger across the fractured realm. The six kingdoms, though distinct in culture and governance, cannot fully escape the echoes of their shared past. Trade, diplomacy, and old grudges weave an intricate web that binds them together even as ambition threatens to tear them apart once more.

A Realm Divided

Recovered texts from the early years of the kingdom’s founding describe a land struggling to redefine itself in the wake of Ter Ävæ’s fall. Borders were drawn in blood and conquest, treaties forged and broken in equal measure. Over the centuries, each kingdom developed its own traditions, strengths, and vulnerabilities.

Westmoore: The Breadbasket of the Realm

Situated amidst rolling hills and fertile farmland, Westmoore has long been the realm’s primary source of grain and sustenance. Its royal lineage, descended from King Kallik Westmoore, carries a unique connection to the land—earth magic that ensures bountiful harvests and fertile soil. But prosperity comes at a cost; Westmoore’s dependence on timber from Verena and Deveraux has long shaped its political maneuverings.

Verena: The Mountain Kingdom

To the north, nestled within the imposing Vergglas Mountains, lies Verena. The kingdom’s origins trace back to Queen Juleth Veren, a warrior sovereign who carved her domain from stone and steel. Scholars note that Verenians possess a long history of resilience, their shapeshifting abilities making them formidable opponents in battle. Yet their highland fortresses lack arable land, forcing them to rely on trade with Westmoore for grain—a reliance that has bound the two nations in a long-standing, if sometimes uneasy, alliance.

Al Ýnth: The Gilded Dunes

The desert kingdom of Al Ýnth, founded by King Sulien Al Ýnth, remains a beacon of knowledge and neutrality. Ancient accounts suggest that Al Ýnth was once home to a vast network of scholars and alchemists who safeguarded lost knowledge from Ter Ävæ’s golden age. Its rulers wield healing magic, a gift that has ensured their people’s survival amidst the shifting sands. Unlike the more warlike kingdoms, Al Ýnth thrives through trade, maintaining careful relations with all—Westmoore for grain, Deveraux for maritime goods, and even Nerezza, despite the latter’s dark reputation.

Calanthe: The Forested Kingdom

Calanthe’s origins are steeped in secrecy and survival. Founded by King Horatius Calanthe, a ruler known for his foresight, the kingdom’s dense forests serve as both refuge and defense. Those who dwell within its mist-laden woodlands are known for their mental gifts—visions of the future, communication with animals, and the ability to perceive thoughts. Scholars speculate that these abilities are remnants of the ancient fae bloodline, though little concrete evidence remains. Calanthe’s forests supply much of the realm’s timber, but its alliance with Deveraux is one of necessity rather than trust.

Deveraux: The Seafarers of the South

Queen Revna Deverauxcy’s kingdom rose not from conquest but from cunning diplomacy. Situated along the coast, Deveraux has long dominated trade routes, its fleets carrying goods across the realm. The royal family’s connection to wind and air magic allows them to command the winds and sooth the storms at sea, making them both invaluable and dangerous allies. Yet, the sea is an unpredictable master, and Deveraux’s reliance on maritime trade leaves it vulnerable to shifting alliances and external threats.

Nerezza: The Shadow Kingdom

No kingdom is as feared—or as isolated—as Nerezza. Founded by King Warrick Nerezzine, a figure shrouded in secrecy, Nerezza’s reputation has been tainted by whispers of dark magic and treachery. Unlike the other kingdoms, which severed their ties to the fae after Ter Ävæ’s fall, Nerezza remains steeped in ancient traditions. Its rulers wield shadow magic, and its people celebrate old fae festivals long abandoned elsewhere. While Nerezza’s power is undeniable, its refusal to aid in past wars has made it a pariah among its neighbors.

The Precarious Balance of Power

Despite their divisions, the six kingdoms remain bound by necessity. Trade agreements keep their economies alive, and fragile alliances prevent outright war. Yet, history has proven that peace in the fractured realm is always temporary.

Some scholars argue that the cycle of division and conflict is inevitable. Others believe that the ancient remnants of Ter Ävæ’s magic still linger, waiting for the right moment to tip the balance once more. What is certain, however, is that the six kingdoms exist in a delicate state—one that could either sustain them for generations to come or unravel with the same chaos that once shattered the empire before them.

What Remains Unknown

The true nature of Ter Ävæ’s fall is still a matter of debate. Some recovered texts hint at a greater force at play, a betrayal deeper than the ambitions of its ruling advisors. Others suggest that the fae themselves may not have been as unified as once believed. The ruins scattered across the continent—abandoned cities, lost libraries, and forgotten fortresses—may still hold the answers.

For now, the six kingdoms stand, their fates intertwined. But history is rarely static, and as the past has shown, power is never permanent.