MAGNUVIAN EMPIRE HISTORY:
Magnuvia began its colonization a century prior under King Stephanus (great-grandfather to Asteria and Stephan). After unsustainably harvesting magic from Magnuvia's once plentiful forests, Magnuvia began its expansion into Flumensia. Flumensia's magical resources sustained Magnuvia for a decade before Magnuvia moved southward to colonize Landiani. The Landiani had been fighting off invaders for the past decade during Magnuvia's colonization of Flumensia, but their defenses finally fell, and the country was colonized. Only a year later, Magnuvia began its colonization of the mountainous country of Kilneu. Magnuvia warred with the country for five years, but eventually Kilneu also fell to Magnuvia's command. Magnuvia has begun to expand southward and northward to other countries in order to harvest more magic. Magnuvia is currently colonizing countries to the north of Kilneu.
Recently, the Magnuvian Empire was thrown into chaos after the assassination of their recent ruler, King Ruben. His son, Stephan, was crowned the recent king of Magnuvia, and as a result of the assassination, he ordered the destruction and pillaging of Tetoa, Landiani's capital. Additionally, as consequence, no servants or soldiers from colonized nations of the empire are allowed to serve in Magewell. King Stephan continues to support Magnuvia's plans to expand northward while also directing resources to find the killers responsible for the king's assassination.
MAGIC SYSTEM:
The world is comprised of magic deposits. In Magnuvia, these magic deposits were once stored in the country's dense forests. Flumensia's magic deposits are stored in its bountiful lakes and rivers, Landiani's sea and jungle caves hold its magic, and finally, the Kilneu Mountains are the main source of magic for Kilneu. Each country utilizes this magic in different ways, the majority of which is to live in harmony with the land and to improve the livelihoods of its people. No one is born with magic, but many can learn how to utilize magic with proper training and practice through ingestion. In Magnuvia, King Stephan is much more trained with magic compared to his sister, Asteria.
COUNTRIES/CITIES:
MAGNUVIA EMPIRE
Centrally located, Magnuvia is the colonizer of its three surrounding nations (Landiani, Flumensia, and Kilneu), and also Tabafaga to the south. Magnuvia is currently trying to expand its colonization to the countries northward of Kilneu. Magnuvia was once a country abundant with great forests that had ample magic deposits, but around a century ago, the Magnuvians began harvesting too much magic in order to industrialize their nation. This depletion of magic led the Magnuvians to create greater weapons and improve the effectiveness of their military, and they began their colonization of surrounding nations in order to harvest more magic. A few spare magic deposits remain in Magnuvia, most of which are heavily protected by the king. The largest expanse of magic is located in a protected forest near the eastern border of Flumensia. The country's capital is Magewell, where the royal family resides. The country is run by a monarchy, with King Stephan serving as the current ruler.
Magewell
Located in the northern region of Magnuvia, Magewell is the nation's capital and where the royal family resides. It is the largest city in Magnuvia and is primarily comprised of servants, soldiers, and high-ranking civilians. The Guildriden Gulf lies to the north of Magewell, with a port that can transport soldiers and civilians by boat to Kilneu, Gracesard Isle, or Flumensia.
Arkford:
The second-largest city in Magnuvia is Arkford, located in the south near Landiani's border. The second largest military base also exists in this city.
Esterpool:
Esterpool is a small rural settlement, once a private country townhouse for the royal family. Recently, it housed Princess Asteria, but now the estate remains empty with Asteria's relocation to Magewell following her father's assassination. Esterpool is one of the few remaining natural areas of Magnuvia. Remnants of the forest remain and natural grasslands that once made up the country still exist there. The largest supply of Magnuvian agriculture is also grown in Esterpool.
Okchester:
Okchester is a town located in western Magnuvia, near the Kilneu border. The town is frequented by soldiers and other travelers between Kilneu and Magnuvia.
Reilach:
Reilach is a town in eastern Magnuvia, situated near the Flumensian border. The town is frequented by soldiers and travelers coming between Magnuvia and Flumensia.
LANDIANI:
The country of Landiani is located south of Magnuvia and was the second country to be overtaken by Magnuvia in their century-long colonization. Landiani is characterized by its lush rainforests and serene bays and beaches. The capital of Landiani is Tetoa, an oceanside settlement, where the majority of the population lives. Landiani is mainly known for its fishing lifestyle, although the jungle also provides a vast amount of resources not found anywhere else in the Magnuvian empire. The country is known most notably for its sea caves, where magic deposits may be mined. These magic deposits originally were mined to keep the ocean and jungle abundant and healthy with resources and were used to improve the craftsmanship of the Landiani people, but since being taken over by the Magnuvians, the biodiversity of the country is slowly fading. A hidden cave still full of magic called the Landiani Caves exists deep in the Landiani jungle where only ancestors of the original royal family knows of its existence. Since its colonization a century ago, the Landiani have lost most of their language and culture, and few speak the ancient language save for some of the elderly. There is no official ruling system in Landiani; rather, each town has a chief. Arihi was the former chief of Tetoa, but now she has been replaced by a half Magnuvian/half Landiani chief chosen specifically by King Stephan to keep order.
Tetoa:
Tetoa is the largest settlement in Landiani and where the majority of the population resides. Tetoa is a fishing town surrounded on both sides by the Tetoa Bay and Pettea Bay. An abundance of sea caves exist adjacent to the town. The ancestors of the original royal family reside in this town. The Magnuvian's primary military base in Landiani exists in Tetoa, and the majority of cave mining in Landiani occurs here.
Kolopulu:
Kolopulu is a smaller fishing settlement located east of Tetoa. The town has a large number of sea caves and is one of the largest magic mining towns in Landiani.
Rorola:
Rorola is a small settlement to the east of Kolopulu, located near the ocean but buried further inside the Landiani Jungle. It is a popular traveling town for those coming from the country of Flumensia to the east. Fetia and Kiana's paternal aunt resides in Rorola.
Satavau:
Satavau is the second largest settlement in Landiani, located in the southwest of the country. The jungle is most dense around these parts, but there are a plethora of sea caves to mine. Satavau is a fishing town, although they are not as prosperous in sea trade as Tetoa.
Otakoro:
Otakoro is a coastal town in Landiani located south of the Kilneu border. It is a popular traveling town for those coming from Kilneu. No sea caves exist in Otakoro, so the town is characterized by its coastal cliffs and dense rainforest.
Landiani Jungle:
The Landiani Jungle is a rainforest that makes up nearly the entirety of the country. Flora and fauna are diverse here, although biodiversity has begun to fade since magic extraction and Magnuvian colonization. Some areas of the forest are extremely dense, making it difficult for someone not raised in Landiani to navigate.
Landiani Caves:
The Landiani Caves are located deep within the Landiani Jungle and are surrounded by dense forest on all sides. Only the ancestors of the royal family know of its exact location, although rumors often circulate among the Landiani people about its existence. It is one of the only caves of the region remaining that has nearly all its magic intact. Descendents from the royal family are entrusted with the protection of this natural wonder.
Tetoa Bay:
Tetoa Bay is one of the two bays located near the settlement of Tetoa. The bay is characterized by crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and a plethora of fish and other marine life. Recently marine life has begun to subside due to heavy extraction of magic from the sea caves surrounding the bay.
Pettea Bay:
Pettea Bay is a smaller bay located near Tetoa Bay and the town of Tetoa. Like Tetoa Bay, the beaches and waters are said to be tranquil and beautiful, and the people make their living off fishing.
Rorola Gulf:
Rorola Gulf is the largest gulf in Landiani that connects to Landiani, Flumensia, and Tabafaga's borders.
FLUMENSIA:
Flumensia was the first country to fall under Magnuvia's rule a century ago given its identical language and similar geography and culture of Magnuvia. The country is characterized by its many lakes, rivers, and grasslands. It lies to the east of Magnuvia, near the Athanian Ocean. The country has three Great Lakes - Winderson Lake, Cantersard Lake, and Kensington Lake. A port exists near the Guildriden Gulf for those coming to and from Gracesard Island. The population of Flumensia is more spread out and smaller compared to other nations in the area. The magic deposits are stored within the lakes and rivers of this country. Flumensia originally used this magic to enhance their agriculture.
Fehrbridge:
Fehrbridge is the largest settlement in Flumensia located in the northern region of the country. It is the nation's only port and receives incoming travelers from Kilneu and Magnuvia. Ships leaving from Fehrbridge regularly make stops in Magewell, Gracesard Isle, and Nauja. The nation's largest Magnuvian military base is also located in this city.
Aldenvale:
Aldenvale is a settlement located in the northeastern region of Flumensia near Winderson Lake. The town is a short travel distance from the country's only city, Fehrbridge. Aldenvale offers tranquil views of both Winderson Lake and the sea cliffs adjacent to the Athanian Ocean.
Kilkwood:
Kilkwood is a town located south of Flumensia's largest lake, Cantersard Lake. The town is a short distance form the Magnuvian border and is flanked by both the Flumensia and Kensington River. Travelers are frequent in this region.
Olnfield:
Olnfield is a town in the eastern region of Flumensia, located a short distance from Kensington Lake, the nation's second largest lake. The town is agricultural, with the majority of Flumensia's agriculture occurring north of the town.
Torville:
Torville is a town located in the southern region of Flumensia. The town is within a day's journey of the Landiani, Magnuvian, and Tabafaga's borders, and is a short distance from the Athanian Ocean. Travelers from Landiani frequent this region.
Gracesard Isle:
Gracesard Isle is an island located northwest of Flumensia's mainland. The island was once a prominent settlement of the country but since Magnuvian colonization, it exists solely as a port city for those traveling between Kilneu and hosts the largest Magnuvian prison.
Winderson Lake:
Winderson Lake is the smallest lake located in Flumensia. It is situated in the northeastern region of Flumensia and is connected to the Aldenvale and Winderson Rivers. Fehrbridge and Aldenvale are within close proximity to the lake.
Cantersard Lake:
Cantersard Lake is the largest lake in Flumensia and serves as a natural border between Magnuvia and Flumensia. The lake is located in the northwestern region of the country and is connected to the Magewell and Cantersard Rivers. The town of Kilkwood is the closest settlement in proximity to the lake.
Kensington Lake:
Kensington Lake is the second largest lake in Flumensia and the southernmost. It is connected to the Olnfield River. Both Olnfield and Torville are within close proximity to the lake.
KILNEU:
Kilneu is a mountainous country located west of Magnuvia. It was one of the last countries to be colonized by Magnuvia due to its harsh terrain and hazardous winter conditions. The country is characterized by grasslands to the south, dense forest ranging from the west to northeast, and mountains in the northern region of the country. Kilneu's magic deposits are stored in its mountainside, which makes them difficult to access. For this reason, more magic is intact in Kilneu compared to surrounding nations, although Magnuvia is continuing to produce advanced technology to dig into the mountainside to harvest magic. Kilneu's magic allows the biodiversity of Kilneu to thrive and helps its population survive in harsh winter conditions. The population of Kilneu lives across the country in its forests and mountainous regions in small settlements. A small port city called Nauja is located in the eastern region of the country. Kilneu has the smallest population of any country in the Magnuvian Empire but is one of the largest in size overall. Kilneu's residents are mainly bilingual, but their language is expected to fade in a few decades due to the effects of Magnuvian colonization.
Poallu:
Poallu is a large Kilneu settlement located in the southern region of the country in the grasslands. The town is near both the Landiani and Magnuvian border. The largest Magnuvian military base is located here.
Sura:
Sura is a traveling town for those trekking into the Kilneu mountains. It is located in the dense Kilneu Forest at the mountain range's base.
Nauja:
Nauja is Kilneu's only port located in the southeastern region of the country. This port was established during Magnuvian colonization and is the most efficient way those coming from Kilneu can travel to Flumensia. The port is adjacent to the Guildriden Gulf and is surrounded by the dense forests of Kilneu.
Kilaun:
Kilaun is the largest and most accessible settlement in the Kilneu Summit, with a small military base located nearby. The town is characterized by harsh winter conditions and a dense winter forest. The town can be accessed through the Kilaun pass at the base of the mountain.
Olikpok:
Olikpok is a Kilneu settlement tucked away in the Kilneu Mountains. Winter conditions are worser in this region of the mountains compared to the west.
Nuniq:
Nuniq is one of the northernmost regions of Kilneu. Military presence is almost nonexistent in this region given the extremely harsh winter conditions. A small population of Kilneu people reside here. Travel is extremely difficult between Nuniq and other regions of the country, making this town nearly inaccessible. Military presence is increasing as the Magnuvians look to expand into the countries north of Kilneu.
Kilneu Mountains:
The Kilneu Mountains are the only mountain range in the Magnuvian Empire. They are only accessible through the Sura and Kilaun mountain passes, which can only be accessed at certain times of the year. Magic is stored deeply inside these mountains, but excavating magic is a dangerous task that has led to recent rockslides and avalanches as the Magnuvian Empire attempts to harvest the magic in the mountainside.
Kilneu Summit:
The Kilneu Summit is a vast snowy tundra located in the Kilneu Mountains. Conditions are harsh here, with limited flora and fauna. Kilaun and Olikpok are two settlements located in the forested regions bordering the summit.
Sura Mountain Pass:
The Sura Mountain pass is located near the settlement of Sura at the base of the Kilneu Mountains. The pass is only accessible in the summer and fall. Conditions are treacherous in any other season.
CHARACTERS
Fetia: Fetia is a 22-year-old Landiani native, with brown skin, long dark hair that has been compared to the night sky, and brown eyes. She stands at a short stature and has been told her appearance is similar to that of her deceased father, Maleko. Fetia recently served as one of Princess Asteria's maids, but now she is hiding out in Satavau, along with the rest of her family.
Princess Asteria of Magnuvia: Asteria is the 25-year-old Princess of Magnuvia. She is 6-7 inches taller than Fetia and has pale skin, blonde hair so light it has been described as starlight, and blue eyes. Though the oldest in her family, her right to the throne was stripped away when she was 17. Recently, her exile in Esterpool has ended following the assassination of her father. She now resides in Magewell, offering political advising to her newly-crowned brother.
Kiana: Kiana is a 19-year-old Landiani native. She is a few inches taller than Fetia and slightly slimmer, with dark brown shoulder-length hair. Kiana recently served in Magewell as a soldier in disguise, but following the assassination, she is hiding out in Satavau with the rest of her family.
Arihi: Mother to both Fetia and Kiana and widow of deceased husband, Maleko. She is in her 50s and was the most recent chief of Tetoa until her title was stripped following the assassination and Tetoa's pillaging. Now, Arihi hides out in Satavau, along with her daughters, and continues to plot for a way to end the Magnuvian Empire.
Kesuk: 35 year old Kilneu native residing in Kilaun with his dog, Siku. Kesuk makes a living as a hunter and successfully evaded the Magnuvian draft due to an injury at the time the Magnuvians were recruiting.
Lagi: 21 years old, engaged to Palila. He recently was drafted as a Magnuvian soldier and serves up north, helping Magnuvia expand its colonization in Kilneu.
Vasa: One of the handsomest villagers in Tetoa who has an eye for Fetia. He is 23 years old. He was recently drafted into the Magnuvian army following the assassination and now serves alongside Lagi up in Kilneu.
Arabelle Riley: Arabelle is a former maid to Princess Asteria and hails from Fehrbridge in Flumensia. Following the assassination, she decided to give up her position as a maid and return home to Fehrbridge.
Alba Kaur: Alba is a 60 year old Magnuvian woman and has served as Asteria's maid since she was a child. Since the assassination, Alba has reclaimed her role as Asteria's maid and serves the princess in Magewell.
King Stephan of Magnuvia: Prince Stephan is 20 years old and the current kingof Magnuvia. He is tall and pale with brown hair and blue eyes. Though the youngest of his parents, he was first in line for the throne after Asteria's right was stripped. King Stephan is named in honor of his great-grandfather, King Stephanus, who began Magnuvian colonization a century prior.
Palila: Childhood friend of Fetia and Kiana. She is 22, the same age as Fetia, and is engaged to her childhood friend, Lagi.
Nikora: Maleko's living sister and Fetia and Kiana's aunt. She resides in Rorola with her husband, Taito, daughter, Lani, and son, Noa.
Maria Morgan: Maria is an 18-year-old servant to Princess Asteria. She moved with the princess to Magewell and continues to serve her there after the assassination attempt.
Christopher: A half Magnuvian/half Landiani servant who works in Magewell. Due to passing as fully Magnuvian, he has been able to continue his role in Magewell without suspicion. Arihi intends to use him to get into the castle.
King Ruben of Magnuvia: King Ruben was the most recent ruler of Magnuvia and was recently assassinated by Arihi, Kiana, and Taika.
Taika: Arihi's former political advisor, recently deceased during the assassination of King Ruben.
Zofia Carter: Former maid to Princess Asteria, recently deceased. She was stabbed to death by Arihi after overhearing Arihi and Fetia's plans to assassinate the royal family.
Maleko: Fetia's deceased father. He died fourteen years ago after being drafted in the Magnuvian army during the conquest to capture the country of Tabafaga. While his death was ruled as combat-related, Arihi suspects his death was intentional given her ancestry and political status.
Queen Adriana of Magnuvia: Asteria and Stephan's deceased mother and Ruben's deceased wife. Adriana died shortly after Stephan's birth from an illness. Her appearance was very similar to Asteria. She was described as being a kind ruler by all.
Elena Mills: Asteria's close childhood friend, similar in age to the princess. She has dark, curly hair and is roughly the same age as Asteria. The two no longer maintain much contact with each other after a falling out.
Aroha: Arihi's deceased mother and Fetia and Kiana's grandmother. Killed during a protest against Magnuvian forces.
Enoha and Ku: Arihi's deceased brothers and Fetia and Kiana's uncles. Younger in age than Arihi. They were also killed while serving in the Magnuvian army.