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The day after Zora died, a palpable shift rippled through the air of Avalia. A dead human had been delivered to King Zanithel's court, triggering a tightening of reigns.
In a chilling declaration to his subjects, King Zanithel proclaimed the arrival of humans as a dire threat to Avalia. With a flick of his finger, tendrils of darkness ensnared the corpse, lifting it for all to see. Through a cast sphere, King Zanithel broadcasted his message, branding humans as terrorists and offering rewards for their capture or demise. The kingdom was put on high alert, with authorities tasked to eliminate the perceived threat at any cost.
The next twenty four hours were marked by a reign of terror characterized by public floggings, stringent curfews, and invasive searches. Those suspected of rebellion faced swift and brutal public executions, casting a dark shadow over the land.
Amidst chants of "ALL HAIL KING ZANITHEL," the once vibrant kingdom of Avalia now stood on the precipice of darkness, its future veiled in uncertainty.
- Zora is dead
- Public floggings, whippings, arrests, and executions are more prevalent.
- Increased guards in large cities.
- Humans are considered national terrorists and have bounties on them.
- Enstille and Malachi are called to work closely with Vaeril upon rising tensions
- Zion and Jun are relocated to the pirate ship with Tanithil, Amisra, Arlen, Sirena, and Ismael.
- A replacement water human has been summoned to join Aurora and Barrock named Vasco.
- After leaving to assist Mari and Thraash, Scathael's village is attacked. He no longer has anything to return to.
- Extermination of known rebel settlements and groups has begun.
- Propaganda has been showing up for and against humans in many of the larger cities.
Illuminata - Verneus Talven: Verneus Talven is a dark elf who puts the pompousness of light elves to shame. It's not known whether he does this to spite them or if he truly believes he's the greatest of Halastra’s children. He mostly allows other elves to do his dirty work in instilling order and discipline to Illuminata. On the surface, Illuminata is not so different than before the war, except for when Verneus demands something on a whim. Sometimes he raises taxes to ensure a new building can be quickly raised or an old one torn down, parades and observances to remind the citizens of the outcome of the war. Though he is extremely vain, Verneus is no fool. He desires those beneath him to nearly worship the ground he walks on but if given this, he only uses his elevated position for further manipulation and even humiliation. The life of Illuminata nobles is that of a viscous political game while the commoners suffer from the very real societal aftermath. Banning of books, removal of historical monuments, and deterioration of combat-focused light-elven practices.
Warden Verneus Talven was given his position due to his perseverance in the war, specifically in strategizing against the Illuminata Kingdom. It’s rumored that he never had to raise a weapon during the war yet was awarded every merit that came from the campaign against the light elves. He maintains an overconfident demeanor except when he is reminded or made known of any of his failures, even those that may have been out of his control.
Aquaria - Garl Snagnazog: Garl, an orc who attained his orc Rite of Dominance by shamelessly eating a surviving member of the Aquarian Kingdom royal family rumored to be sparking talks of rebellion. It was this very act that made him the most suitable for the second appointment of Aquaria’s Warden. Garl governs Aquaria just like an orc chieftain would, rewarding displays of dominance over others while caring little for those exuding any form of weakness. He laughs at the failures of his foes and allies alike considering these shows of vulnerability. To secure his place of power, he constantly plays the strong against the weak, creating an environment where bullying those beneath you secures your status.
Being so far from other settlements allows Garl to abuse his power much more often. He frequently deals in the black market due to the rare demihumans residing in his area of control. It is rumored that mermaids that refuse his advances vanish while those that accept become members of his secret collection of concubines.
Warden Garl Snagnzog is the warden entrusted by King Kyros Zanithel to govern the Avalians of the underwater settlement of Aquaria. He is widely known as the second person to bear the title of Warden of Aquaria since King Zanithel’s initial decision to only entrust dark elves with the responsibility of governing over the cities that were substantially resistant during the war. This was changed with the need for more oversight and those who could endure the environments of those they governed.
River Bloom - Theron Vesairus: Of all the wardens, Theron Vesairus appears to have the most to prove. He acquired the position after the previous warden failed to manage a rebellion led by River Kingdom's royal family and has the least time served as a warden.
Theron had been a complete stranger to River Bloom until the day he was tasked with extinguishing the rebel threat. Theron assisted Zalthraxis in committing chemical warfare against the rebels, and was personally responsible for killing defiant members of the royal family and ensuring enough young fairies were available for Zalthraxis' later experiments. It was through this successful operation that Theron was appointed, replacing the previous warden who was deemed unfit by King Zanithel.
Theron keeps the people in his city busy. Where one might see large families of fairies, Theron just sees a vast work force to exploit. Ever on edge, Theron always tries to know everything happening in River Bloom. He has enlisted fairies capable in zoolinguism and flight have the opportunity to be employed as members of the information gathering unit known as “The Hive.” To him, knowledge was both power and security. He could blackmail those he wasn't fond of or see threats coming a mile away. This however also makes him come across as paranoid, especially when he discovers something new or random.
Ironhold - Nistara Bryith: Nistara, a dark elf who embraces pride in her position as a warden of Ironhold. Every day of her governance reminds her that her people were the ones who impregnated the dwarven kingdom. A feat deemed impossible was challenged. Though General Zarras Malaggar was the dark elf who led the charge, it was Nistara’s bold tactic of stoking the aggression of a powerful creature to break through Ironhold’s defenses. It is common for dwarves to refer to the day the dark elves entered the city as “The Bryith’s Breach” or “The Bitch’s Breach” with either being openly understood by the citizens of Ironhold. Nistara’s governance over the people of Ironhold is calculated by influencing Ironhold’s once-stable economy. The clever warden sees that the prices of alcoholic beverages are typically much lower, seemingly as reparations for the gruff and bearded race’s defeat. All the while she increases the punishment of crimes while giving those on trial the option to servants of labor to reduce or outright remove their sentencing. Most choose the latter, working harder for much in any industry suffering, usually working for the many steel mills turned into breweries or the supervised shipping of goods.
Though Nistara doesn’t appear to be the most approachable of the Wardens, the elf is more open to speaking to the common person. She is intrigued by the new and different and doesn’t starkly look down on other races. Instead, she sees the skills and uses of every type of person and believes she understands her king’s reasons for sparing so many of them. Using the strengths of others to empower herself seems to be her way of living as she continues to use many enslaved warforged in the Ironhold mines due to their lack of need for sustenance.
Roshmi City - Ravus Solsta: The Warden of Roshmi City is the esteemed Ravus Solsta. He joins the likes of his peers who earned their position through actions performed during the war under the leadership of Verneus Talven. If the latter crafted the strategies, it was Ravus who ensured they were performed to fruition. What separates him from most other wardens are his reputation for being prodigious with dark magic and his unrivaled tenacity. He combats his enemies with a heavy hand, caring little for collateral damage until the dust has completely settled.
When he was given word that he would be appointed to warden. He requested he not be assigned to Illuminata as he would rather not be faced with sight of those who survived by killing so many of his kin on the battlefield. He is disgusted by light elves and the sight of light magic and will charge someone of any crime he sees fit if he catches sight of it. Ravus governs Roshmi with a gentle hand, ensuring the city maintains its productivity while shaping the city to look less and less like a city built by demihumans.
He often concerns himself with the affairs of Avian City, North Pass, and the Winter Fairy settlement date to the limited dark elf presence. It is said that the dark elves that operate in those territories are of his envoy rather than of the wardens that govern those areas.
Fort Keyrel - Kol Varanasi Kol Varanasi is one of King Zanithel’s most trusted subordinates and served as a general that rivaled Zarra Malaggar in his efforts in his skirmishes against his enemies. Even so, Kol’s strength is nearly dwarfed by his ability to motivate his subordinates to fight for their kingdom. Kol sought to retire after the war but was requested to govern Fort Kyros and supervise the training of new Avalian Army recruits to ensure their military remained capable.
Kol is normally an elf of a few blunt words, but when impassioned, he can move a crowd to crush the foes in their path. He has a deep pride for his people and never thought he’d see the day when his people succeeded in taking everything that was owed to them. Unlike some other wardens, Kol is ever loyal to King Zanithel, having known him for centuries.
Avian City - Gerun Myraxia: Gerun Mryaxia is the Warden of Roshmi City and is not a stranger to knowing what it looks like to lead, since his father helped govern Roshmi. Despite Roshmi Kingdom being the first to be attacked and conquered, the kingdom suffered the least compared to any others due to its reluctant surrender. Many believe the tale of Roshmi’s king and governing body surrendering in an unfair duel against a Malthemoor army general. Some say it was General Malaggar or Varanasi, while others claim it may have been Zanithel or one of his heirs. In truth, Ravus meticulously assassinated several of them including his father in cold blood until the only choice was to surrender. Gerun had heard whispers of King Zanithel’s desire to simply see the kingdom kneel as quickly as possible but knew his father and others would wish to fight off the dark elven army until the end. Ravus simply ensured both things happened sooner rather than later.
Gerun thought he would be given Roshmi but instead, he now governs Avian City. He maintains a firm and steady grasp on the small settlement, only asserting King Zanithel’s strict laws as he is ordered to. At the same time, Gerun does not take insubordination or disorder in his city lightly. He does not shy away from making public examples out of lawbreakers and rebels. It is said that he is openly against the black market trade yet he seems to profit from it more than other wardens due to the Roshmi being the most popular location for such trade. He takes advantage of this under Warden Ravus’ nose. At times, Gerun is almost fearful he may be replaced due to him only coming into power through treason. He is not sure if the King truly trusts him, and makes sure to show a good face when he can.
Myriamor - Nero Vizla: A stern elf who is not happy with being “trapped” in Myriamor. In Nero’s bitterness, he believes he deserves whatever he desires as long as it doesn't jeopardize his position. If he doesn't like your face? Get ready for a beating from the guards for behavior or even cosmetic adjustment. If he's bored? Open the arena and force prisoners, slaves, or anyone trying to pay off a debt to fight.
Nero is cut above other wardens when it comes to how far he will take punishments and how little he cares for others. His only saving grace is his willingness to provide considerably higher rewards for bounty turn-ins of living targets. If only it stopped there. Creatures and criminals captured often end up in a large structure known as “The Trophy Room.” It is here where captives are put on display like animals in a zoo. The Trophy Room does require an entrance fee to simply view the cells and exhibits. Those who arrive with heavier pockets can further interact with the captives. Of course, different things come at a different price. “Whether you believe it to be a prison, brothel, slave camp, or zoo! Here, The Trophy Room has something for you!”
Port Vanarosa and the Southern Sea - Thessia Luumis: Thessia Luumis governs Port Vanarosa and the Southern Sea but many citizens question how she does this. She rarely makes public appearances and when she does, she appears as if she's leaving or returning to go on some sort of venture. Her perceived absence is a reason why known pirates and other manner of rogues are bold enough to strut around in the open.
The idea of some leader of thugs taking charge of the place seems easy, yet those with such ambitions are found dead the morning after even hinting at the idea. Those visiting Thessia’s Mansion will find that it's possibly one of the few places with formal guards. Most won't ever find her here but if they're lucky, they'll find vast rare treasures decorating the rooms and halls. The thought of theft is tempting but nearly every citizen of Port Vanarosa knows Thessia's unspoken guidance. That crime is not weighed by its action but in the retaliation one may face. Other wardens speak poorly of Thessia’s governance, but there is a slight upside to it. Port Vanarosa may have the highest crime rate but there are few that would ever consider persisting a rebellion, for that would be a crime deserving retaliation from not just her blade in the night, but an entire kingdom.
North Pass and Winter Fairy Settlement - Brom Alberon: Brom like Gerun and Garl had to prove his worth to become a non-dark-elf warden. Brom had been one of the first demihumans to volunteer to assist Malthemoor’s forces in securing Avalia’s northern lands. Quelling resistances by both vocalizing the futility of the attempt and aggressively combating threats that refused to back down.
Brom Alberon believes he made the best decision for the betterment of Avalia, claiming that helping to end the war as swiftly as possible spared more lives and has helped to unite the previously divided kingdoms. To him, the ends justifies the means and even now he copes with any less than positive decrees by convincing himself and others that it will help improve Avalia in the long run. He does feel bad for what the winter fairies had to endure but he also just sees it as a necessary evil and assumes their kind are failing to fall in line with the order of the kingdom.
General Zarra Malaggar - Zarra Malaggar absolutely reveres King Zanithel as if he were a god made flesh. She shares and spouts his ideals more often than he does himself. Zarra being the king's most devoted is not what singles her out from the rest of her kind. Her martial prowess places her far above her peers. That combined with her intolerance for excuses and granting mercy.
Before the war has begun, Zarra has aligned herself with King Zanithel so deeply that she betrayed her own kingdom, now known as Fort Keyrel, maimed her grandson, and slaughtered the royal family she had served for many decades. Her grandson was able to escape with that royal family’s only survivor. Most would find themselves unable to follow through with even murdering children but Zarra is only pained by her failure in leaving two of her enemies alive. Even after a century with no realized repercussions from the events of that night, Zarra still desires to finish what she had started to remove such a stain from her reputation.
Zarra is not a warden and is currently assigned to eliminating any hint of rebellion wherever she feels she is needed.
