Situated in the heartlands of Auzera, the verdant fields of Arilaand served as the cradle of humanity over the Eras. Ruled over by a succession of Human Kingdoms from the capital of Adwick, Arilaand is coveted for its rich farmlands and forests. King Aleus leads the humans of Arilaand and oversees the various noble Houses of humanity.
History[]
Early History[]
The Kingdom of Arilaand Is an older Kingdom. It has been around since the Second Era, and withstood many tests of time. Arilaand was once a major seat of power within Auzera, its trade reaching both shores, and its people diverse. But after the Third Era, when the alliances of Men, Dwarves, and Elves were forsaken, trade routes were abandoned, economies fell, and each faction blamed the other for this tragedy. Arilaand was hit the hardest due to being in the center of the landmass, and has been in decline ever since.
In its founding in the Second Era, the Kingdom of Arilaand was incredibly powerful. It was a seat of power respected by both dwarf and elf alike, and its power exponentially more than it is now. Airlaand, led by the then-King Haerig, conquered part of what is now known as Eshma Thalas, and part of Vurnfalduhr, bringing to an end the War of the Red Mountain, A genocidal conflict that took place in the early years of its life.
War of the Red Mountain[]
This war began when a dispute took place between the humans and their dwarven counterparts over borders of the mountain range. The humans, disregarding this, continued to open more mines, and delve into the territory of the Dwarves, seeking to expand cheaply, by using easy to reach ore deposits, rather than have it caravaned from far off.
The dwarves, having no choice, declared war to protect their home, and clashed with Arilaand. Envoys from Vurnfalduhr convinced the elven kingdom that should mankind succeed, they would come for the trees and animals of Eshama Thalas next. Elves, by nature, are unforgiving towards those that would destroy their home, and this riled them to war.
As part of an end to this conflict, King Haerig released conquered ground at the anger of his vassals, back to the elves and dwarves. He made them swear an oath of allegiance so that if his bloodline should ever need allies, they would be honor-bound to march to Arilaand’s aid.
Before this could be consolidated, however, King Haerig and his family were betrayed and butchered by the dissenting nobles at a celebration feast to commemorate this newfound peace. This made the barely constructed treaty null and void, and both elves and dwarves alike withdrew, offering no help to Arilaand as it tore itself apart in a civil war between the nobles fighting for King Haerig’s throne.
By the end of the Third Era, Arilaand was already a shadow of its former self, the power struggles and inner turmoil bringing the once great nation to its knees. By the time King Aleus ascended the throne, Arilaand was in a downward spiral.
Present Day[]
The current ruler of Arilaand is King Gavus. Thrust into the role after the sudden death of his father, King Aelus Harwin, Gavus must learn how to rule quickly as ratmen and remnants of the imperial army swarm his lands.
If Arilaand was in decline previously, she is now on death's door. The vast majority of her army lay dead in the wake of the imperial spearhead invasion. Many of the kingdom’s strongholds to the east were overrun and are suspected to still be in imperial control including Oakenbrook and Ambershire, two important lynch pins of the defense effort.
Even the capitol itself, Adwick lay in ruins. Weeks of an imperial siege saw the once proud city brought low by cannon and trebuchet fire and its garrison all but completely slaughtered. When things seemed at an all time low the final days of this siege saw the arrival of a new threat. Creatures from the deep tunneled up through the ground of Adwick itself to attack its populous. Ratmen poured through the streets causing yet another crushing blow to the already crippled city. Most of the commoners were slaughtered almost instantly and those who survived quickly formed caravans to make a desperate dash for the Gradia border in an attempt to escape this seemingly endless tide of vermin.
Reports are few and far between but it is largely assumed the east of Arriland lies dead and empty. The west is assumed to have fared a little better purely thanks to its distance to these crushing blows but even still Arilaand currently slowly bleeds to death. Now is time to see if her reputation for resilience and the heart of her people is enough to save her.
Locations[]
The Keeps and Castles of Arilaand are conventional, usually with the poor living outside against the walls, and the wealthier commoners within its walls. Each province attempts to continue the old ways of self-sufficiency, but due to the lack of trade, much needed supplies, both for hunting and farming, are incredibly hard to come by, or forge. What little they can get to repair their tools, and weapons, they buy at exorbitant prices from the dwarves, who take advantage of their plight. Even the capital, where the King himself resides, has witnessed this decay.
Castle Leydford[]
Primary setting of the Fractured Thrones RP Season 1, see Castle Leydford.
Castle Adwick[]
Primary setting of the Fractured Thrones RP Seasoin 2, see Adwick
Houses[]
Major Houses of Arilaand[]
- House Warranus
- House Foucaut
- House Godefray
- House Serell
- House Harwin
- House Holton
These Houses are the families that make up the nobility in Arilaand. Each head of the families that are lords have been awarded estates, and govern from their castles. House Harwin being the royal family, and House Godefray being the second most powerful. The other families act as vassals, providing their ruler with men, leves, and supplies.
Even these families have begun to feel the effects of the failing economy, and are struggling to maintain order. Unfortunately, even the elves to the south are uncaring, and refuse all treaties and attempts to communicate. It is clear to them that humans must suffer the messes they make themselves. As for the people of Arilaand however, once the Empire invades, They will have nowhere to flee. It will be annexation, or death.
There are also Minor Houses of Eastern Arilaand that surround Castle Leydford.
Geography[]
Arilaand shares a border with the Theozzian Empire, who eyes it with desire. It is a fear of King Aleus that should the Empire ever invade, there will be no withstanding them. He looks to his neighbor, The Kingdom of Haeloth, attempting to treat with them. But so far, to no avail.
To the south are the elves of Eshma Thalas, and they do not welcome men within their forests. They will find no help there. If King Aleus and his people are to survive the Fourth Age, then it would seem some drastic changes...and luck...must be made.
Religion[]
The people of Arilaand worship Miithrax of the Blue Flame, God of perseverance, and survival. He is the patron of the people of Arilaand, a people who have survived so much, for so long. He is thought of as a symbol of courage, and strength, and the ability to survive even the worst conditions. Miithrax of the Blue Flame is called upon by the hungry, the cold, and the war-torn, often, and loudly. It is said that he helps those who help themselves, but can also cast a caring eye to those who struggle against impossible odds. This is unproven, but widely believed, thanks to the many churches of the Blue Flame.
Military[]
The military of Arilaand is feudal by nature. Each vassal lord has his own troops and levees from his lands that he is supposed to provide to his King when commanded. The King himself has personal troops for his own protection, that serve him and only his family.
These troops wear basic chainmail and leather, with tunics to show their House colors. They have basic armaments expected of such a military, but their gear is outdated, and old. Armors are loose, weapons are rusty, and training is lax. Truly, it is a Kingdom in decline.
Map[]
