[shat-erd king-dums]
1. Overview
The Shattered Kingdoms are a fractured collection of once-unified realms in Eastern Siar’Morrin. During the Age of Darkness (AoD), as the Biranian Empire collapsed, the kingdoms first splintered, each region turning inward to survive the chaos of that era. While New Birania later sought to reunify the region during the Age of Mortals, these efforts ultimately culminated in the Schism Wars, which dashed any hopes of reunification. Today, the kingdoms remain divided, each vying for dominance, survival, or isolation. Despite their shared history, they are often at odds, with internal strife and external manipulation shaping their volatile political landscape.
2. Geography
The Shattered Kingdoms span a diverse landscape that has significantly influenced their fragmented political state. At the center of this region lies the vast Lake Serenith, so large it resembles a sea, shaping much of the local climate and ecosystem. This massive body of water is a critical natural resource, providing water and fish that sustain many of the surrounding kingdoms.
Beyond Lake Serenith, the geography varies from rugged mountainous areas to dense forests and fertile plains. This varied terrain not only offers natural wealth but also presents strategic challenges. These geographical features contribute to the region’s natural defenses and exacerbate the isolation of different kingdoms, complicating efforts towards unity and making each kingdom’s survival heavily dependent on its ability to adapt to its immediate environment.
3. History
The Shattered Kingdoms trace their fragmentation to the Age of Darkness when the collapse of the Biranian Empire left Eastern Siar’Morrin in chaos. As the empire disintegrated, regions that were once united became isolated, with local leaders taking control to preserve their people. During the Age of Mortals, New Birania attempted to reunify these lands, rekindling old alliances and imposing order. However, the Schism Wars, ignited by Mesokini’s ambitions, tore the region apart once again. While some kingdoms emerged stronger, others were left weakened or irreparably damaged, ensuring that the dream of a unified Siar’Morrin would remain unrealized.
4. Political Structure
The political landscape of the Shattered Kingdoms is characterized by its lack of central authority. Each kingdom operates under its governance, led by rulers who wield power through a combination of military strength, political cunning, and, occasionally, popular support. This decentralised structure fuels ongoing conflicts and power struggles as each kingdom vies for dominance or survival within the chaotic region.
5. Economy
The economies of the Shattered Kingdoms are as varied as their political landscapes. Some kingdoms thrive on agriculture facilitated by fertile lands, while others leverage strategic locations for trade or mining resources. The constant state of warfare and shifting control, however, often hampers economic development, leading to instability and reliance on militaristic endeavours to sustain power.
6. Culture and Society
In the Shattered Kingdoms, the culture is a reflection of the region’s fragmented political state. Each kingdom has developed its distinct identity, though many still hold onto traditions from the days of the Biranian empire. Amidst the strife, there is a persistent reverence for the old gods, particularly in the kingdom of Pistos, which stands as a beacon of hope and traditional values in a region overshadowed by conflict.
7. Military
The military is a central aspect of society in the Shattered Kingdoms, with each kingdom maintaining its armed forces. Military prowess is often the primary measure of a kingdom’s strength and the personal power of its leaders. Regular skirmishes and larger conflicts are common as kingdoms assert dominance or defend their territories.
Two kingdoms, Avatolika and Vasae, have been notably increasing their military capabilities. The active military buildup in both kingdoms has led many to speculate about an impending all-out war between them, as each seeks to assert control over strategic resources and trade routes.
This focus on militarization reflects the broader regional dynamics where strength and the ability to project military power are crucial for survival and influence. With the ongoing arms race between Avatolika and Vasae, the entire region watches cautiously, aware that the balance of power could shift dramatically, leading to widespread implications for all the Shattered Kingdoms.
8. Notable Locations
Kingdoms
- Orestia: Positioned at the southern edge of the Shattered Kingdoms, Orestia clings to its identity as separate from the chaos of its neighbours. Once a vital trade hub, it now struggles with economic decline and internal divisions over its future alliances, balancing its survival between New Birania and Mesokini.
- Mesokini: The most powerful and influential of the Shattered Kingdoms, Mesokini is a hub of wealth, secrecy, and political intrigue. Strategically positioned between the Mesoramus and Protoramus Ranges, it continues to influence its neighbours while maintaining a façade of balance and strength.
- Avatolika: A modest but resilient kingdom on the eastern edge of Lake Serenith, Avatolika thrives on community and survival, balancing a precarious existence with territorial disputes and economic hardships. Its people are hardened by conflict and united by their determination to protect their land and culture.
- Pistos: Small yet formidable, Pistos is a kingdom of faith and tradition. Its people are deeply religious and dedicated to their land, valuing peace but prepared for war, with a military force renowned for its discipline and effectiveness.
- Vasae: A thriving marshland kingdom along Lake Serenith, Vasae is a center of trade, luxury, and naval power. Despite its wealth, it faces growing pressures from piracy, territorial disputes, and the influx of refugees from Doulas, testing its resilience and leadership.
- Mesoyi: Quiet and removed from the turmoil of the Shattered Kingdoms, Mesoyi thrives on a life of simplicity and routine. Nestled against the Ridgeback Mountains, its people value freedom and community, enduring the hardships of their isolated lifestyle with a resilience born from peace and self-reliance.
- Neodoulas: Ruthless and opportunistic, Neodoulas thrives on forced labor and its lucrative trade with Fort Logos. Its wealth and military strength come at the expense of its neighbours, solidifying its place as both a feared and envied power in the region.
- Doulas: A kingdom on the brink of collapse, Doulas struggles to recover from the betrayal and separation of Neodoulas. Plagued by raids, resource scarcity, and internal division, its survival hangs by a thread as its people cling to the hope of rebuilding.
- Rarus: Enigmatic and isolated, Rarus has shut itself off from the world since the Schism Wars. With patrolled borders and a veil of secrecy, little is known about its current state, fueling endless speculation about what lies within.
Geographic locations
9. Significant Characters
- Damian Tyarch Kordis: Dominarch of Neodoulas, Damian is known for his ruthless efficiency and cunning, securing Neodoulas’ economic and military prowess through controversial yet effective policies.
- Fionn Domhail: Charismatic and pragmatic, Fionn is the de facto leader of Avatolika, known for his towering presence and his ability to maintain power through shrewd leadership and decisive actions.
- Galla Ipato: King Galla is a strategic and politically savvy leader who has guided Vasae through numerous challenges, turning adversities into opportunities to fortify his kingdom’s position.
- Louis De Januris: Once a symbol of hope, King Louis now embodies the decline of Doulas, an aged ruler whose apathy has seen his kingdom crumble around him.
- Lothar Evrard: Ailing monarch of Orestia, Lothar’s reign has been marked by indecision and illness, leaving his kingdom in a state of stagnation and uncertainty.
- Malcard Terra: Co-ruler of Pistos, Malcard is known for his strategic mind and calculated decisions, ensuring the kingdom’s stability and prosperity through a pragmatic and methodical approach.
- Seraphina Terra: Beloved for her diplomatic skills and spiritual depth, Seraphina co-leads Pistos, endearing herself to the people with her warmth and frequent engagement in community affairs.
10. Current Issues and Future Prospects
The Shattered Kingdoms are currently mired in a cycle of conflict and political fragmentation that presents ongoing challenges. The increasing militarization of key kingdoms such as Avatolika and Vasae has heightened tensions across the region, with many observers fearing that the rivalry could escalate into a full-scale war. This potential conflict threatens not only the stability of the two kingdoms but also the safety and economic wellbeing of neighboring realms caught in the crossfire.
Amidst this volatile backdrop, the kingdom of Pistos emerges as a beacon of hope. Under the leadership of King Altus, Pistos has been actively working to broker peace and promote unity among the fractured kingdoms. The kingdom’s dedication to the old ways and the gods of old positions it as a moral and spiritual leader, striving to weave together the disparate threads of the Shattered Kingdoms into a cohesive tapestry. However, these efforts are continually undermined by the dark forces that benefit from the ongoing strife and chaos. Spies and warmongers work in the shadows to foil any attempts at peace, perpetuating the cycle of violence that has long plagued the region.
Looking ahead, the future of the Shattered Kingdoms hangs in a delicate balance. The outcome of Pistos’ peace efforts, the potential clash between Avatolika and Vasae, and the ability of the kingdoms to confront their internal and external challenges will determine the fate of the region. If Pistos can successfully navigate the political landscape and forge lasting alliances, there may be hope for a unified and stable future. However, if the kingdoms cannot overcome their rivalries and the specter of war becomes reality, the Shattered Kingdoms may face further fragmentation and hardship, possibly dissolving any remnants of their once-great empire.