Orvea is a kingdom that formerly resembles the geography of Iceland. The area was full of mountainous regions with heavy snowfall in the winters. Multiple glaciers surrounded the waters on the norther half of the country while the lower was low lands with lush forests and many villages. The kingdom capital, Culon, was in a fairly low land area of the kingdom in the west. The kingdom thrived on mining and other goods from the land. Areas all over the country, primarily in the mountainous regions, were full of mines digging for precious minerals and gems to export to other countries for both building and weaponry. Large communities sprung up surrounding those areas and the kingdom was successful for most of its existence. However, the peoples were always wary, for the kingdom was founded on deep, magical roots whose powers were lost to time and therefore feared. As time past, the fears grew less and was all forgotten. This, however, would be the kingdom's downfall.
One day, fifteen years ago, in an old, ancient mine long abandoned was rediscovered by a group of miners. The workers discovered a material they had never laid eyes on. A silver ore inlaid with purple crystals. The material was so unique and had never been seen in their lifetimes. It was as if they could feel the very ancient power simply radiating from the crystals. The king was informed at once and a large mission was set to excavate all of the ore that they could. These ore and crystals were used to craft armor and weaponry, making it soon discovered that it held some unique property to add a mystical, ancient power to the armor and weapons. They seemed to increase in strength and resistance when fighting. Soon it was standard issue for the military and the soldiers. Once the real power was discovered, soldiers even began to ingest the material in the hopes of getting stronger. They gained an ethereal power that was unmatched in today's world. It was incredibly addicting and once started it was difficult, if not impossible, to wean themselves off of the crystals. The power was too great and little by little consumed their very beings. The crystals were found to be toxic and poisoned the bodies of those who ingested it or had long term exposure to the materials in armor and weapons. It poisoned the soldiers in the royal army to the point of insanity. It was as if it was a drug, making them crave more and more for power. Unable to stop, the soldiers very minds were soon consumed and they went to war. The army was split into two factions - those ingesting the crystals, now called Sindarin which means poison, and those who either never took it or stopped before they were in its control. The king knew the risks and aimed to now destroy all of the Sindarin left in existence. However, the former Commander of the army was so full of lust for power and was the leader of the resistance. War raged on for seven years, destroying the entire country. Most of the inhabitants were killed either from each other, knights, or wildfires. Few small towns remain - those not still burning. The country is barren - the king and the remains of the 'clean' soldiers murdered. Forces dwindled into minuscule numbers in the end until none were left. It is unknown what happened to the former commander - some say he is dead, other say he is completely full of rage and lust for power to be king or even worse - gain the powers of the ancients. No one came to the country's rescue - they basically secluded themselves to protect the mines from falling into other hands.
One day, fifteen years ago, in an old, ancient mine long abandoned was rediscovered by a group of miners. The workers discovered a material they had never laid eyes on. A silver ore inlaid with purple crystals. The material was so unique and had never been seen in their lifetimes. It was as if they could feel the very ancient power simply radiating from the crystals. The king was informed at once and a large mission was set to excavate all of the ore that they could. These ore and crystals were used to craft armor and weaponry, making it soon discovered that it held some unique property to add a mystical, ancient power to the armor and weapons. They seemed to increase in strength and resistance when fighting. Soon it was standard issue for the military and the soldiers. Once the real power was discovered, soldiers even began to ingest the material in the hopes of getting stronger. They gained an ethereal power that was unmatched in today's world. It was incredibly addicting and once started it was difficult, if not impossible, to wean themselves off of the crystals. The power was too great and little by little consumed their very beings. The crystals were found to be toxic and poisoned the bodies of those who ingested it or had long term exposure to the materials in armor and weapons. It poisoned the soldiers in the royal army to the point of insanity. It was as if it was a drug, making them crave more and more for power. Unable to stop, the soldiers very minds were soon consumed and they went to war. The army was split into two factions - those ingesting the crystals, now called Sindarin which means poison, and those who either never took it or stopped before they were in its control. The king knew the risks and aimed to now destroy all of the Sindarin left in existence. However, the former Commander of the army was so full of lust for power and was the leader of the resistance. War raged on for seven years, destroying the entire country. Most of the inhabitants were killed either from each other, knights, or wildfires. Few small towns remain - those not still burning. The country is barren - the king and the remains of the 'clean' soldiers murdered. Forces dwindled into minuscule numbers in the end until none were left. It is unknown what happened to the former commander - some say he is dead, other say he is completely full of rage and lust for power to be king or even worse - gain the powers of the ancients. No one came to the country's rescue - they basically secluded themselves to protect the mines from falling into other hands.
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In the three years that followed, the inhabitants who survived took refuge in other kingdoms in the area. A few loyalists still remain building back their lives. They formed small communities in the few cities that were not completely destroyed. They try to rebuild their families, lives, cities, and pride. What remains of the rebellion who followed the former army Commander formed their own cultist group and had families of their own, breeding hatred for those who strive to take away the power of the ancient magic. These rebels still follow their evil lord, proclaiming that he is still alive and if not, will rise again to take his place among the greats of the country and restore the age of old. The citizens of Orvea not only fear that they will one day rise again but also other troubles as well. Bandits live in the areas as well as dragons and the barren countryside. The rebellion members have some form of control over the bandits in the country. They cause trouble with the citizens by pillaging their homes and cities, burning their fields, tainting water supplies, and even killing traveling members. The people still live in fear after the war and are in constant need of the remaining knights of the empire to patrol for their safety. However, as of late, the rebels and bandits that once were out of control recently have become less and less of a problem. Is this a good sign or a sign of a new rebellion?
Before the war began, the few magic users in the country were accepted as members of society. After the war, the people became fearful of magic - since the Commander used mages for his evil deeds. They have long forgotten the good in the power given to some of its people because it has been used for evil. Those who could now use magic were ostracized and forced to form their own communities. The magic users, given the name Elevara, left the big cities to form their own. Their good names were ruined by the evil use of magic and they would work hard to prove to the world that it was not entirely bad. The Elevara created their own society to train new users of magic to use their power for good. They are, however, not entirely welcome with the remaining members of the country.
Hope still lives on, however, in the lives of the king's loyal soldiers who still remain. They rally behind a former knight, a new young leader, who wishes to restore glory to the land. He has the potential to raise the kingdom from the ashes - if fate will allow it. The kingdom awaits a new power to take control and bring prosperity back to the lands.
Before the war began, the few magic users in the country were accepted as members of society. After the war, the people became fearful of magic - since the Commander used mages for his evil deeds. They have long forgotten the good in the power given to some of its people because it has been used for evil. Those who could now use magic were ostracized and forced to form their own communities. The magic users, given the name Elevara, left the big cities to form their own. Their good names were ruined by the evil use of magic and they would work hard to prove to the world that it was not entirely bad. The Elevara created their own society to train new users of magic to use their power for good. They are, however, not entirely welcome with the remaining members of the country.
Hope still lives on, however, in the lives of the king's loyal soldiers who still remain. They rally behind a former knight, a new young leader, who wishes to restore glory to the land. He has the potential to raise the kingdom from the ashes - if fate will allow it. The kingdom awaits a new power to take control and bring prosperity back to the lands.