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[centre][i]Ainmire & Twinklemoon[/i][/centre]

[i]Ancient Evils of the past can easily be forgotten. The Demon King had once been such evil, believed a relic of times long past, reduced to a story told over in hundreds of ways. And so the story of his original demise remained as the name Grado became more associated with the country and its misfortune than the hero of old. However, the telling of his resurrection was nothing so stale or forgotten. Not all of a century had passed since the time when the Twins of Renais had risen up to defeat him with their allies in the Darkling Woods. While few there were even some who could still remember those days and there were many who could trace their heritage back to the great heroes. [/i]

Magvel, 871 the world has seen a great many changes since the last days of Heroes. After the Demon King’s banishment the continent was immersed into a period of rebuilding. That which was destroyed was now to be rebuilt. There was much turmoil and tragedy lurked often, however, many of those who took succession proved themselves to be excellent rulers and for a while there was a time of great growth and prosperity. Come the next generation though and things began to change drastically, revolts and rebellions arose. Now the continent has been divided in nine different ruling powers…

[i]In the west there is the [b]Great Kingdom of Renais[/b], known for being the birthplace of the Hero-Twins. After [b]King Edmurre’s[/b] passing less than a year ago, his son, [b]Eldys[/b], has inherited the title.

In the northwest there is the [b]Kingdom of Frelia[/b], long noted for its close alliances with Renais. It is currently under the rule of [b]King Irvarse[/b] and his Queen, [b]Lady Mersa[/b].

To the far northeast lies the [b]Theocracy of Rausten[/b], currently under the watch of the Divine [b]King Vilareth[/b]. Rausten shares close ties with both Renais and Frelia leading to a strong alliance between the three.

Between Rausten, Frelia, and Renais lies the [b]Lesser-Kingdom of Carcino[/b] which since destroying its Republic ways has taken to serving the greater nations in order to make sure its boundaries are safe. In the North it governed by [b]Lord Rottek[/b] while [b]Lord Adrian[/b] runs the South. 

In the Great Desert lands lies the [b]Kingdom of Jehanna[/b], known for the mercenaries it creates. After an overthrow of the previous line it is ruled by the [b]Warrior King Avdlan[/b].

To the south of Jehanna lies the remaining namesake of the once Great Empire of [b]Grado[/b], now nothing but a small kingdom. [b]King Aefon[/b] is the current lord of its lands. 

Another Kingdom Formed in the aftermath of Grado’s misfortune is the Kingdom of [b]Irea[/b]. It borders Renais, Jehanna, Grado, Hiactance, and the Free City, placing it in a rather unpleasant location should things turn sour. Currently the country is by [b]King Reginald[/b], the Just.

Along the continents southern coast is the [b]Kingdom of Hiactance[/b], ruled by [b]King Vendrick[/b] a good man who in recent times has become much too fearful and paranoid, losing sight of things which are important.

And finally, in the southeast there is the large [b]City-State of Taizel[/b] now much more commonly referred to simply as [b]‘The Free City.’[/b] It is ruled by [b]Lord Hector[/b] and his three councilmen. A notable port for trade by sea. [/i]

…All of these powers sat in an uncomfortable peace. Many are still dealt with their own issues and were not yet ready to engage in any sort of foreign war, inside revolts and complaints hindered them enough. Nevertheless, there are those who are well enough on their feet to expand, and with the death of Renais’ previous King, there was someone with enough ambition to take advantage of the current state of things.