The Kingdom of Straangard!
Land of Crystal Spires, Sanctuary to All
History:
The Kingdom of Straangard is a relatively new holding that has seen explosive growth over the last few decades. What started originally as the City of Straan and a few outlying villages has exploded into a metropolis spanning miles of territory that stretched all the way from coast to coast of the peninsula. With mountains guarding the edges of the Kingdom and forests stretching from the Southern Kingdoms borders all the way to the sands of the Northern Sea, the City started as a midway between the coast and the more inhabited southern regions. Ruled by a series of Nobles and their families, the city was founded under the principles of free trade as well as lifestyle and quickly became a safe haven for outcasts and those too worldweary to yearn for a mundane life. Shortly after the cities establishment, mining operations began in unison with the opening of the first Wizards' School on this side of the continent. With the discovery of vast networks of crystals that had formed the mountains that kept the kingdom safe from invasions by sea, thousands flocked to the growing utopia. Free thought had been encouraged since the cities inception, and through a harmonious approach to the land as well as its people it was not long before the city grew into a Kingdom. With the Noble families stretched over the land, it was decided a king should be elected to unite the noble families and the commoners alike under a unified banner; and thus the Kingdom of Straangard was born.
The land was well kept by its inhabitants, farms grew food plentifully while industry augmented by magics influence expanded to allow every citizen an equal measure of happiness throughout the land. Everyone had equal and essentially free access to education, medicine, land and services; allowing the populace to focus on finer things rather than worry about lifes' necessities. Art became popular, as did music and the Theatre; and as ever the pursuit of magical knowledge was encouraged to those who showed aptitude to it. While life within the kingdom was idyllic, it was not without its hardships as neighboring kingdoms coveted the bounty of this new land. Under the banner of the King, the noble houses funded the creation of armies that all swore allegiance to the kingdom; protecting it from invasions as well as enforcing civility amongst the holding. Decades passed, and still the Kingdoms' influence grew throughout the continent. It was the unquestioned pinnacle of magical might, as well as technological and economical strength that fostered through its encouragement of free thought and sanctioned practice. Would be wizards would find the kingdom ideal for learning their craft, whereas the common farmer would find the safety of the land ideal for setting roots for a family to last generations.
Along with its growth came its citizens' desire to see the world at large and bring its cultures to this land with which to expand, and so would the various Mages' Guilds begin opening portals to far away lands, some of which remain open to this day..
Notable Citizens:
Vincente - The King of Straangard, this young noble has ascended through the ranks of noble society to ascend to the rank of King of this bright new land. A good man, he rules strongly but fairly upon his citizens. He's also got quite the sense of humor about him..
Dvinn - The strongest magic user in the entire Kingdom, every work of art you see among the sprawling lands wrought by magical hands were crafted either by him or under his supervision. Any aspiring Mage who seeks to gain the teachings of this land must seek the Archmage before being allowed admittance to the schools. He is the creator and keeper of the Insignias needed to access the portals leading to this far away land. No one can use the portals without one of these insignias, and only himself and a traveling minstrel ever come far enough to the Park to give them out.
Cabaret - The wandering Minstrel, and the only native born to Straangard who seeks adventure beyond its borders. One often finds him handing out quests and stories to those who seek the Taverns of this land for their respite. He is sometimes seen within the Nexus Park, and he is the second source of attaining the needed Insignia to cross through the portals into Straangard.
Daxos - The Commander-General of the Grand Army, 'he' is second only to Vincente when it comes to tactical training and overall prowess. A quiet man, 'he' rarely speaks to outsiders. Should one seek this one out, you will find 'him' near the barracks or within the Bearded Turtle Tavern.
Saerina - A mysterious Drow Asassin who is sometimes spotted moving through the city, not much is known about her other than she is the only resident Dark Elf who lives within the land. She rarely speaks to newcomers, and oftentimes is engaged in a mission she hardly deigns to speak about..
Vaelindragosa - Mistress of the North, and Keeper of Crystals; she has been integral in the founding and completion of this grand land. She resides within the mountain ranges to the North, and is not fond of uninvited guests. If one seeks her, you must seek the proper channels; or risk being considered extremely rude..
Notable Citizens - Quest Related
Sigrette - The ravenous Sharkess, she has taken residence somewhere within Straangard. Adventurers would be wise to learn what they can from quest givers (( Dvinn, Cabaret, or Vincente )) before trying to find her. She is quite adept at being extremely difficult to find until such conditions are met.
Yammi - The largest slime noted within the region, this bubbling pink mass has taken a liking to abducting thugs and miscreants seeking nefarious things within the City. Pickpockets, Rogues, and Thieves be warned; those storm drains you see upon every street may hide something a lot bigger than rain..
OOC Notes:
The best way to approach Straangard is an interactive Alternate list, enabling You as a character to wander through a much wider Kingdom to seek those you would like to meet. Along the way, you could find anything from a quaint little village to relax to horrible monsters rising up from the depths to devour you whole. It all depends on how you play your character, how secretive they are, or how open. Characters are encouraged to grow here in a Logged/Planned system that could spin you into new heights of power; or find that trinket you've always wanted. Even if that trinket is in fact a living being..
Notable Adventurers
Gallent - The first to take a step through the portal and into the wider realm of Straangard. He has agreed to help the locals with dealing with the monsters running rampant over the Valley-wide Kingdom.
Draconus - What began as a camping trip has turned into something much bigger, and far more adventurous than simply roasting marshmallows!
MimzeeKirlia - Having not yet reached her own potential and only recently unlocking her Worldstriding power, she stumbled across the raw Mana leylines of Straangard quite by accident.
Ziana_Rivasier - While hiking through the mountains, she was approached by Dvinn who enlisted her help in dealing with the threat of war that looms upon the horizon..
Viridis - Having found Straangard through his travels, the Ice-mage seeks to expand his repetoire and increase his power by plying his skills within the Kingdom. Opprounity awaits those with the will to seek it!
Menyra - Descending from the Heavens and into the Capital, she caused quite a stir amongst the populace who'd thought a Divine Being had come to help them in their plight.
(WIP)
Still to go:
Advancements
-Academics
-Industry
-Economy
-Military
Regions
Laws
Mr. Bluesky_Alts