#eryndral

kaelen is a rising power in the council of petals, florenvale’s governing body and one of eryndral’s most influential political circles. born to house veylen, a minor noble family famed for cultivating rare medicinal and magical flora, kaelen, a spring elf, embodies the refinement and ambition prized by his kingdom. while his younger brother silas rejected tradition and fell into scandal, kaelen embraced it, mastering the art of diplomacy and quiet manipulation to secure his family’s place in florenvale’s hierarchy.

kaelen grew up under the watchful eye of a strict father and a distant mother, whose attention was consumed by magical research. where silas was restless and rebellious, kaelen thrived in the rigid structure of court life. he became the model heir, charming, polished, and sharp enough to navigate the tangled web of alliances and rivalries that define florenviale’s nobility.

when silas’s smuggling of rare toxins came to light, kaelen tried to protect his brother, urging him to abandon his illicit dealings before the scandal consumed him. silas refused. when their father demanded punishment, kaelen pleaded for leniency, but his efforts failed. silas was disowned and exiled from florenviale, leaving kaelen to inherit the full weight of the family legacy and the shadow of his brother’s betrayal.

as one of the youngest councilors ever appointed, kaelen is admired for his eloquence and strategic mind. he wields charm and obligation like weapons, cultivating allies and pruning rivals with equal precision. his influence spreads quietly through florenvale’s court, where even the faintest rumor of his disapproval is enough to sway decisions. unlike silas, kaelen sees no honor in chaos; he believes in order, control, and shaping the kingdom to bloom in his image.

though he rarely speaks of silas, kaelen cannot help but watch the thorn syndicate’s rise from afar. does his brother’s power in nexus threaten the balance he works so carefully to maintain, or is it a distant echo of a past he cannot quite let go?

link: [j.ai ]

purists

the purists are a hardline movement that believes each kingdom’s culture, magic, and species must remain “untainted” by outsiders. they oppose inter-kingdom trade, mixed communities, and the sharing of magical practices. in their eyes, cross-cultural influence weakens traditions and invites chaos.

base of power: strong in florenvale and frostgrave.

methods: propaganda, sabotage, and occasional violence against perceived “corruptors.”

goal: preserve the “purity” of each kingdom’s magic and culture.

abolitionists

abolitionists seek to dismantle the rigid hierarchies and power structures of eryndral, including noble houses, guild monopolies, and military stratocracies. they call for equality across species and classes, envisioning a world where all people can move freely between kingdoms.

base of power: small cells in nexus, duskmire, and emberreach.

methods: protests, underground publishing, infiltration of guilds and councils.

goal: tear down institutional power and build egalitarian systems.

thorn syndicate

the thorn syndicate, led by silas veylen, is the largest and most organized criminal network in eryndral. based in nexus, it controls smuggling routes, black markets, and information brokering. while primarily profit-driven, the syndicate has the power to influence politics by cutting off trade or exposing secrets.

base of power: nexus (with agents in all kingdoms).

methods: espionage, bribery, assassinations, and trade manipulation.

goal: maintain control of the underworld and expand influence quietly.

iron flame

the iron flame is a militant order of fire mages and warriors from emberreach who believe in expansion through strength. they see emberreach’s chaotic meritocracy as weak and seek to establish a permanent martial empire.

base of power: emberreach, with footholds in border regions.

methods: military raids, recruitment drives, and magical weapon development.

goal: unify emberreach under a single eternal ruler and expand its territory.

wardens of balance

a secretive group of druids, scholars, and mages from all kingdoms who seek to maintain the magical equilibrium of eryndral. they view both political ambition and excessive magic use as threats to the land’s natural cycles.

base of power: hidden sanctuaries in florenvale and duskmire.

methods: mediation, magical sabotage of destabilizing forces, and preservation of ancient knowledge.

goal: prevent any one kingdom, faction, or magical school from dominating the others.

silver oath

the silver oath is a coalition of mercenary companies and knightly orders in frostgrave. while officially hired for protection and trade escorting, they often act as kingmakers in border disputes, selling their swords to the highest bidder.

base of power: frostgrave’s glacial directorate.

methods: military contracts, duels of honor, covert alliances.

nexus is a massive trade city where all cultures collide. there is no single ruler. instead, the council of guilds manages commerce while syndicates, smugglers, and spies shape its underworld. ordinary citizens live and work in peace, but power struggles hide beneath the surface. magical academies from every kingdom maintain outposts here, making nexus a center for trade and knowledge.

geography

nexus is built on the tail of frostgrave where four major trade routes meet. the city is surrounded by gently sloping fields, merchant camps, and outlying villages that feed its ever-growing population. four rivers converge at its center before flowing outward to the kingdoms.

the city itself is divided into districts that reflect its chaotic mix of cultures, from elegant embassy quarters to cramped backstreets alive with merchants and thieves alike.

major landmarks:

grand exchange: the largest trade market in eryndral, a maze of stalls and guild halls.

highspire gates: four massive gates facing each kingdom, each styled in their architectural traditions.

the veil quarter: a shadowy district ruled by syndicates and information brokers.

government

nexus is governed by the council of guilds, a loose coalition of merchant leaders, artisans, and trade unions. there is no single ruler; decisions are made through negotiation, bribery, and influence. in practice, criminal organizations often hold as much power as official guilds.

society and culture

life in nexus is fast-paced and unpredictable. it’s a melting pot of customs, cuisines, and magical practices from all corners of eryndral. wealth and poverty sit side by side, noble merchants in their walled estates, street performers entertaining crowds, and pickpockets working the markets.

for many, nexus represents opportunity. for others, it’s a dangerous labyrinth where fortunes rise and fall overnight.

species of nexus

every major species from eryndral is represented in nexus, along with rare travelers and exiles.

common residents: humans, spring elves, autumn goblins, winter dragonkin.

rare species: nymphs, salamanders, and frost spirits.

notable populations: mixed-kingdom families, magical scholars, and mercenary companies.

economy

nexus is eryndral’s heart of commerce. goods flow in from every kingdom: florenvale’s enchanted plants, emberreach’s gems and spices, duskmire’s preservation charms, frostgrave’s crystals and mercenaries. black markets thrive in the veil quarter, dealing in contraband, information, and forbidden magic.

magic

nexus is a hub for magical exchange. academies from each kingdom maintain outposts here, and many independent mages come to trade knowledge or experiment with hybrid spells. protective wards are woven into the city’s architecture, but illegal enchantments flourish in the shadows.

tensions

rival syndicates fight for control of the veil quarter.

the council of guilds struggles to maintain neutrality as kingdoms push for influence.

magical experiments sometimes spiral out of control in the city’s arcane districts.

characters

silas veylen [j.ai]: spring elf crime lord and head of the thorn syndicate, nexus’s most powerful underworld network. ruthless yet refined, he decides who lives, who dies, and who might earn a place in his world.

frostgrave (winter kingdom) is a harsh region of snowfields, icy peaks, and underground cities warmed by geothermal vents. loyalty and discipline are valued here above all else. frostgrave is ruled by a hereditary monarchy, with power passed down through generations of kings and queens said to be chosen by ancient frost spirits. frost magic dominates daily life, used for survival and combat. the kingdom exports rare crystals, enchanted weapons, and elite mercenary forces.

geography

frostgrave is dominated by tundras, mountain ranges, and icy rivers . the surface is sparse and treacherous, with most settlements built underground where warmth and resources are easier to sustain.

government

frostgrave is ruled by the glacial throne, a line of monarchs tracing their lineage back to the first frostborne king. succession is hereditary, but royal heirs are expected to prove their worth through grueling trials of endurance and leadership before ascending. the monarchy is supported by a court of nobles who oversee territories and act as advisors, though rivalries between these houses are common.

while the monarch’s word is law, wise rulers delegate authority to seasoned generals and guild leaders to maintain the kingdom’s survival in its unforgiving climate.

society and culture

life in frostgrave revolves around discipline, loyalty, and survival. hospitality is sacred, betraying a guest is considered an unforgivable crime. communities are tight-knit, and every member is expected to contribute to the group’s survival. festivals center on endurance, honoring ancestors, and celebrating rare victories over the unforgiving environment.

outsiders are welcomed cautiously but are often expected to prove their worth before earning trust.

species of frostgrave

winter dragonkin: frost-blooded beings who thrive in icy climates and excel in frost magic.

frost spirits: ethereal beings tied to snowstorms and glaciers, rarely seen up close.

dwarves: hardy miners and smiths dwelling deep within the frosty caverns.

spring elves and autumn goblins are rare visitors, typically merchants or emissaries.

economy

frostgrave’s economy focuses on mining rare crystals, forging enchanted weapons, and training elite mercenary companies hired across eryndral. craftspeople are highly valued for their ability to work with froststeel and other rare materials. the kingdom also exports preserved foods and medicinal herbs cultivated in underground gardens.

magic

frost magic dominates here, used to manipulate ice, snow, and wind. geomancy is also practiced in subterranean cities, helping stabilize caverns and channel geothermal energy for warmth.

tensions

clashes with emberreach over control of mountain passes.

disputes within the directorate over expanding trade routes through nexus.

tension between surface-dwellers and underground communities over resources.

duskmire (autumn kingdom) is a land of forests, valleys, and ancient ruins. its people value memory, tradition, and resilience. the amber assembly, a council of elders and scholars, governs slowly but effectively. decay and restoration magic are common here, used for both preservation and destruction. duskmire exports preservation charms, medicines, and crops across the world.

geography

duskmire is covered in dense, forests where leaves never fully fall. misty hills roll into marshlands and ancient ivy-covered ruins. rivers and small lakes dot the land, feeding its fertile soil and supporting crops. the air often smells of wet earth and smoke from hearth fires.

government

duskmire is governed by the amber assembly, a council of elders, scholars, and mages who decide laws and mediate disputes. decisions are made slowly and deliberately, valuing long-term stability over quick fixes. though power is spread out, families with old bloodlines and large land holdings wield quiet influence.

there is no single ruler; instead, the assembly acts as the collective voice of duskmire’s people.

society and culture

duskmire values self-reliance, memory, and tradition. storytelling and preservation of history are sacred duties, and most families keep detailed ancestral records. festivals revolve around harvests, ancestor worship, and the balance of life and death.

outsiders often find duskmire insular, as its people are cautious of strangers and slow to trust. however, once bonds are formed, they are deeply loyal and protective.

species of duskmire

goblins: small but clever beings skilled in alchemy and preservation magic.

humans: farmers, traders, and mages scattered through the forests.

dryads: tree spirits tied to ancient groves.

visiting elves or dragonkin are uncommon and often regarded with polite wariness.

economy

duskmire’s economy is built on preservation charms, hardy crops, apothecaries, and long-lasting foods. it supplies other kingdoms with medicinal concoctions and enchanted goods designed to withstand time. skilled woodworkers and stonemasons also craft durable tools and art pieces for trade.

magic

decay and restoration magic dominate duskmire. these arts are used to heal, preserve, or break down materials as needed. memory magic is also significant, tied to rituals that honor ancestors and protect cultural knowledge.

tensions

slow-moving assembly decisions frustrate younger generations.

disputes over border resources with emberreach and frostgrave.

tension between traditionalists and innovators pushing for trade expansion.

emberreach (summer kingdom) is the land of volcanoes, mountains, deserts and coastlines. citizens here value ambition and personal glory. the high chancellor is chosen every seven years in the solar trials, a contest of skill and influence. fire and light magic power the kingdom’s industries, and its economy thrives on spices, gems, machinery and metalwork.

geography

emberreach stretches across sun-soaked plains and fertile valleys, rising into jagged volcanic ranges like the ashen mountains. the southern coast opens to the azure sea, lined with bustling port cities that feed the kingdom’s trade-driven economy. while much of the interior is dry and hot, river-fed farmlands and enchanted irrigation keep key regions fertile.

government

emberreach is ruled by a high chancellor, chosen every seven years in the solar trials, a kingdom-wide contest of skill, intellect, and charisma. candidates may be warlords, guildmasters, merchants, or scholars, making it possible for anyone with ambition to rise to power. this system encourages innovation but also breeds chaos and rivalries.

the high chancellor’s authority is strong but never absolute, as powerful guilds and noble houses often act as decision makers behind the scenes.

society and culture

life in emberreach revolves around achievement. its people value strength, wit, and the ability to make an impact, whether in trade, battle, or art. duels of honor and competitions are common, and even everyday conversations can feel like sparring matches.

despite the competitive nature of its culture, there’s also a strong sense of community within guilds, warrior bands, and trade families. festivals celebrating fire, sun, and harvest draw massive crowds to the cities.

species of emberreach

humans: known strong presence in both trade and politics, less so for magic but a few human mages do exist in this region.

dragonkin (fire-blooded): naturally resistant to heat and fire magic, often seen as warriors or smiths.

salamanders: elemental beings tied to flame, rare and usually bound to volcanic regions.

traveling elves and goblins are common in port cities but less frequent inland.

economy

emberreach thrives on trade. it exports spices, gemstones, enchanted metals, and masterwork weapons. its artisans are renowned for creating jewelry and armor imbued with fire enchantments. coastal cities are hubs of commerce, with merchant fleets traveling across the sea to nexus and beyond.

magic

fire and light magic dominate emberreach, used in agriculture, industry, and combat. skilled mages manipulate flame for forging, crafting, or large-scale destruction. sun magic, less common but highly prized, focuses on purification and illumination, making its wielders both revered and feared.

tensions

rival guilds and noble houses often clash during solar trial years.

border skirmishes with duskmire over resource-rich valleys.

environmental concerns over volcanic mining and magical deforestation.

florenvale:

kaelen veylen [j.ai]: spring elf noble and rising power in florenvian politics, kaelen wields charm and strategy like weapons. refined yet cunning, he shapes allies, silences rivals, and decides who might flourish, or be pruned, from his garden.

silas is the feared leader of the thorn syndicate, the largest and most powerful criminal organization in nexus. born to a minor noble house in florenvale, silas, a spring elf, was disowned for smuggling rare flora and toxins to underground markets, a betrayal that forced him to flee his homeland. In nexus, he used charm, intelligence, and ruthless strategy to unite rival gangs under his banner, transforming a chaotic underworld into a disciplined, sprawling empire of smugglers, assassins, and information brokers. known as “The Thorn”, silas controls the flow of contraband and secrets across eryndral, wielding more influence than some kings.

silas was born into house veylen, a minor noble family in florenvale known for cultivating rare medicinal and magical plants. his father was strict and deeply invested in the family’s reputation at court, while his mother was distant, more focused on her own magical research than her children. silas always felt like an outsider in his own home, overshadowed by his elder brother, kaelen.

kaelen thrived in the council of petals, playing the political games silas despised. he was charming in a safe, polished way, and their father adored him for it. silas, in contrast, was sharper around the edges, too curious, too bold, and unwilling to bow to tradition. as children, they were close enough, but as they grew older, kaelen became the model heir while silas turned restless and resentful.

silas started small, diverting a few shipments of rare herbs and toxins to buyers in duskmire and emberreach. at first, it was about the thrill of outsmarting the council, but it quickly became lucrative. kaelen discovered his brother’s dealings and gave him a chance to stop, but silas refused. when house veylen found out, kaelen pushed for leniency, but their father disowned silas anyway, calling him a traitor to their bloodline. silas left florenvale with nothing but a handful of loyal followers and a deep grudge.

in nexus, he started as a broker for smugglers, using his knowledge of rare plants and poisons to carve a niche in the black market. while others relied on brute force, silas built his network with strategy and charm. he brokered alliances between rival gangs, eliminated key threats quietly, and absorbed smaller groups into his growing operation. within two decades, he transformed nexus’s chaotic underworld into a single unified organization, the thorn syndicate.

he keeps a network of spies, smugglers, and assassins that stretches into all four kingdoms. unlike many crime lords, silas doesn’t rule with raw violence. he prefers quiet power: favors, debts, and secrets that make people easier to control than any blade.

despite his success, silas hasn’t spoken to kaelen in decades. he sometimes hears rumors of his brother’s rising status in florenvale and wonders, does kaelen see him as a shameful stain on the family, or as a threat lurking in nexus’s shadows? silas isn’t sure which answer he prefers.

link: [j.ai]