The Tale of Asthos

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-BACKGROUND, SETTING, STATE OF AFFAIRS-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
In the year 1242, humans settled the wildlife-rich continent of Asthos, settling small villages where they lived peacefully for hundreds of years. In 1507, once Asthos became more populated, 7 states were formed to organize the people, each underneath a newly elected king; Gathos, Vryllex, Feir, Yttewer, Cardessel, Drakona, and Asthosias.

Over hundreds of years and dozens of wars, the year is 1804, and it is a time of peace. However, between political unrest, common monster attacks, and an uprising in crimes and riots, war looms over Asthos like a dark storm cloud. People are forming their own groups to prepare for a political and military wildfire across the land, binding allegiances, and taking rule into their own hand.

Gathos, rooted deep in the Darkpitch Mountains, has always had severe political fragmentation due to the frequent monster sightings and the difficult terrain. As such, the people of Gathos are warriors, marauders, and bandits, who rarely settle down for long. Loosely ruled under the King Cherin, known as the Cruel Lord of Ice by many, the country is constantly under watch from its neighbours who prepare to defend themselves from the grizzled tribes of Gathos.

Vryllex is on the northern peninsula of Asthos, and is a small bustling merchant country under rule of the people. Considered the safest and finest of the countries in Asthos, Vryllex has been suffering multiple attacks from pirates and bandits.

Under control of the kind King Harald, Feir lies at the southernmost region of Asthos, and is considered a desolate, though very hospitable, desert country with little to offer but homes for the wanderers and vagabonds. There are many myths of bountiful tombs of long dead kings, however.

Yttewer lies just east of Gathos, and north of Feir, underneath the Queen Samandra, considered the most beautiful in the continent. Yttewer consists of endless plains and hills, and is the source of much of Asthos’ food supply with the multiple farms.

Also east of Gathos, and north of Yttewer, Cardessel is a forested country with many natural resources. Considered the most beautiful country in Asthos, the multiple lakes, rivers, and waterfalls give home to many unique forms of Asthonian life. Cardessel is lead by Prince Robin, who has an unwritten contract with Samandra that if Gathos lashes out against them, they will work together to conquer and divide the offending country.

Taking up the majority of the east of Asthos is the mountainous Drakona, not so large due to population or power, but because of the inhospitable mountains and the high population of ferocious dragons. Living in total solitude high in the mountains, it is claimed that Emperor Vladimir rules the land, though no one knows if he lives or not, nor does anyone care to find out.

Laying in the center of Asthos is the capital, Asthosias, controlled by King James. The center of Asthos both politically and geographically, and its castles stretch far and wide. Still considered the least corrupt of all the countries, it is also not as advanced as some others. King James considers himself the sole protector of the continent, and has yet to pick an heir for when he dies.

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